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Calvin Stewart #1
Final Warning
A detective on his way out. A pathologist already out the door. And a killer up for the challenge.
Detective Superintendent Calvin Stewart is on his final warning after messing up a crime scene in Glasgow. He's never been one for desk duty and he's not going to start now.
Finbar O'Toole is a pathologist and is at the crime scene where Stewart disgraces himself. There's no love lost between the two men.
A violent incident takes place and Finbar steps in to save Stewart, and then the two men get talking.
A bond is formed as they set about tracking down a killer who's been amongst them all this time - and nobody is even aware.
Finding roadblocks at every turn, they put their own lives on the line as they search for the truth and hunt down a killer who won't let anybody stand in their way. Not even them.
The first book in an off shoot from the DCI Harry McNeil series, Final Warning brings together two enemies to form a formidable bond.
Warning - contains strong language suitable ONLY for a mature audience
Detective Superintendent Calvin Stewart is on his final warning after messing up a crime scene in Glasgow. He's never been one for desk duty and he's not going to start now.
Finbar O'Toole is a pathologist and is at the crime scene where Stewart disgraces himself. There's no love lost between the two men.
A violent incident takes place and Finbar steps in to save Stewart, and then the two men get talking.
A bond is formed as they set about tracking down a killer who's been amongst them all this time - and nobody is even aware.
Finding roadblocks at every turn, they put their own lives on the line as they search for the truth and hunt down a killer who won't let anybody stand in their way. Not even them.
The first book in an off shoot from the DCI Harry McNeil series, Final Warning brings together two enemies to form a formidable bond.
Warning - contains strong language suitable ONLY for a mature audience
- GenresMystery
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
231 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
John Carson
99 books166 followersJohn Carson is the author of the DI Frank Miller detective series. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there most of his life. In 2006, he emigrated to New York State with his American wife and two daughters. They now live in a small town in the Hudson Valley where his wife was brought up, with a German Shepherd, a Beagle mix and four cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 29, 2022
Oh what a tangled web we weave. John Carson is one of the authors I go to when I want the murder mystery to have a hefty side of hilarious banter. Love the characters that populate all his books and you never know who will make a guest appearance. Calvin Stewart finally gets his own story and the addition of Finbar was brilliant. Young women are dying of heart attacks and no one believes Finbar when he claims they were murdered, except Stewart. What follows is a tense and intriguing storyline as their own lives are threatened and they are not sure who they can trust. Recommend all the books written by Carson.
March 30, 2022
Great read
I had just finished JD Kirk’s second Bob Hoon book when a reviewer wished that Hoon and Stewart could pair up. To my delight, I downloaded Final Warning and read it in a day! It’s a fun read, Calvin and Finbar are a hoot! Hoping, hoping, hoping this will become a series!
I had just finished JD Kirk’s second Bob Hoon book when a reviewer wished that Hoon and Stewart could pair up. To my delight, I downloaded Final Warning and read it in a day! It’s a fun read, Calvin and Finbar are a hoot! Hoping, hoping, hoping this will become a series!
March 5, 2022
A very very entertaining book, I laughed out loud with the humour, but it's cleverly combined with good characters and a strong storyline. I enjoyed the banter with familiar friends.
It is a great start to the new series and I look forward the next one.
The only thing that would be better is if John would collaborate with Kirk to put Hoon with Stewart as this would be explosive!!!!!!
It is a great start to the new series and I look forward the next one.
The only thing that would be better is if John would collaborate with Kirk to put Hoon with Stewart as this would be explosive!!!!!!
November 11, 2022
Detective Superintendent Calvin Stewart has always been a man to walk his own path. When he’s put on desk duty – possibly for good – he has no intention of being forced to toe the line at this stage of his life. There’s no love lost between Stewart and local pathologist Finbar O’Toole but after an altercation at the pub the two men find themselves reluctantly talking and finding some common ground. Then when Finbar admits he strongly believes what was assumed to be a natural death due to a heart attack is the latest in a series of murders Calvin and Finbar team up to do what they both do best – find answers and hope for justice.
This is the first book in a new spin-off series for Carson and I really enjoyed it. Readers should be aware there is plenty of banter between the characters – and a lot of it is bawdy and not necessarily PC. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed Calvin Stewart’s character in the Harry McNeil series and am pretty excited to see him have his own series hopefully starting up now. I wouldn’t quite say Stewart is an anti-hero, but I don’t feel he will suit every reader’s tastes. He absolutely walks his own path and has no problems being rude – and crude – when he feels it warranted. He’s not your average hero and I can see why he’s somewhat of a polarizing character. Speaking personally, I enjoy him and find this a great read, but I can understand that this won’t be to everyone’s tastes.
As this is the first book in the series there’s a bit of set-up at the start of the book, properly introducing Calvin’s character and the team he works with, and the events that lead to him being desk-bound etc. I felt the pace moved along at a decent clip, but there is more banter than police work for much of this stage and while I completely understand how the situation needs to be explained this start to the book isn’t heavily involved in the eventual mystery and police procedure. Once Finbar and Calvin begin to talk and the mystery around the women’s death is divulged things move much more quickly and a lot more of the investigation work begins. And I definitely feel this is where Calvin – and Finbar – both shine.
Readers who enjoy Carson’s other novels should find this one similar enough in tone that they will enjoy picking this up as well. I personally am a big fan and am eager for the release of the second novel. Readers who are new to Carson’s work should find this a fun, fairly light and definitely blokey book full of banter and shenanigans. There is plenty of mystery and police procedure in it, but enough light and heart that readers should find it a fun and easy book to read with enough characters and interest to keep the pages eagerly turning. A fun book I absolutely enjoyed.
This is the first book in a new spin-off series for Carson and I really enjoyed it. Readers should be aware there is plenty of banter between the characters – and a lot of it is bawdy and not necessarily PC. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed Calvin Stewart’s character in the Harry McNeil series and am pretty excited to see him have his own series hopefully starting up now. I wouldn’t quite say Stewart is an anti-hero, but I don’t feel he will suit every reader’s tastes. He absolutely walks his own path and has no problems being rude – and crude – when he feels it warranted. He’s not your average hero and I can see why he’s somewhat of a polarizing character. Speaking personally, I enjoy him and find this a great read, but I can understand that this won’t be to everyone’s tastes.
As this is the first book in the series there’s a bit of set-up at the start of the book, properly introducing Calvin’s character and the team he works with, and the events that lead to him being desk-bound etc. I felt the pace moved along at a decent clip, but there is more banter than police work for much of this stage and while I completely understand how the situation needs to be explained this start to the book isn’t heavily involved in the eventual mystery and police procedure. Once Finbar and Calvin begin to talk and the mystery around the women’s death is divulged things move much more quickly and a lot more of the investigation work begins. And I definitely feel this is where Calvin – and Finbar – both shine.
Readers who enjoy Carson’s other novels should find this one similar enough in tone that they will enjoy picking this up as well. I personally am a big fan and am eager for the release of the second novel. Readers who are new to Carson’s work should find this a fun, fairly light and definitely blokey book full of banter and shenanigans. There is plenty of mystery and police procedure in it, but enough light and heart that readers should find it a fun and easy book to read with enough characters and interest to keep the pages eagerly turning. A fun book I absolutely enjoyed.
May 4, 2022
Excellent!
I just finished the new DCI Harry McNeil, which was terrific. DSupt Calvin Stewart has a part in that one so I was eager to his own first book! Many of the usual great characters are involved, as well as new cast members, but Stewart is completely his loud mouthed, politically incorrect self. Good mystery, involving police corruption. The problem is separating the innocent from the guilty and determining whom to trust and whom to avoid. Great, scary short police procedural!
I just finished the new DCI Harry McNeil, which was terrific. DSupt Calvin Stewart has a part in that one so I was eager to his own first book! Many of the usual great characters are involved, as well as new cast members, but Stewart is completely his loud mouthed, politically incorrect self. Good mystery, involving police corruption. The problem is separating the innocent from the guilty and determining whom to trust and whom to avoid. Great, scary short police procedural!
August 7, 2022
Terrific characters and a fast-paced read. The only thing I really don't like is when, at the end of a book, the story is wrapped up with a narrative explanation by one of the characters. Like here, I'm pointing a gun at you, and now let me explain the whole story in a nutshell.
That said, I'm on to the next John Carson book because other than being disappointed at the way the ending was "explained", it was a really good romp of a read that had me laughing out loud. Calvin Stewart is priceless!
That said, I'm on to the next John Carson book because other than being disappointed at the way the ending was "explained", it was a really good romp of a read that had me laughing out loud. Calvin Stewart is priceless!
February 28, 2022
I love John Carson's writing!!!
I started this book late this morning, and I'm done with it already in the early afternoon! This book has everything I enjoy!. A police procedural, humor (boy did I laugh), the twists and turns, characters you just have to love, and the unknown suspect! The only thing bad about this book is that I have to wait for the next one!
I started this book late this morning, and I'm done with it already in the early afternoon! This book has everything I enjoy!. A police procedural, humor (boy did I laugh), the twists and turns, characters you just have to love, and the unknown suspect! The only thing bad about this book is that I have to wait for the next one!
May 6, 2022
Another cracker
I just love these characters, although the main character is Desup Calvin Stewart, some of the regulars from his other series feature, including Dunbar and Evans. The banter is hilarious and a good story to boot. Loved the pairing of Finbar and Stewart, they make a great double act.
I just love these characters, although the main character is Desup Calvin Stewart, some of the regulars from his other series feature, including Dunbar and Evans. The banter is hilarious and a good story to boot. Loved the pairing of Finbar and Stewart, they make a great double act.
July 27, 2022
Really enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book. It was kind of short but the pace was fast. The friendship between Calvin and Finbar was interesting as they started off hating the sight of each other but friendship quickly grew. Yes, Calvin is a foul mouthed individual but if you can get past that, he is surely entertaining. Looking forward to the next instalment. Bravo John.
I enjoyed this book. It was kind of short but the pace was fast. The friendship between Calvin and Finbar was interesting as they started off hating the sight of each other but friendship quickly grew. Yes, Calvin is a foul mouthed individual but if you can get past that, he is surely entertaining. Looking forward to the next instalment. Bravo John.
March 1, 2022
Grew on me!
First couple of chapters I couldn’t get on with it, but decided to persevere and I’m glad I did. Fairly simple plot, I like Finbar, and will look forward to a second book in this series.
First couple of chapters I couldn’t get on with it, but decided to persevere and I’m glad I did. Fairly simple plot, I like Finbar, and will look forward to a second book in this series.
Read
March 3, 2022Another great read
Calvin and Finbar mesh well together. There are many laugh out loud moments intertwined in a well written plot. John Carson is a must read for those who enjoy murder stories with a twist. Well deserved my 5🌟 review..
Calvin and Finbar mesh well together. There are many laugh out loud moments intertwined in a well written plot. John Carson is a must read for those who enjoy murder stories with a twist. Well deserved my 5🌟 review..
March 13, 2022
Title caught my eye
Title caught my eye thoroughly enjoyed reading this book /the main character was so enjoyable/ rough and ready and funny
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Title caught my eye thoroughly enjoyed reading this book /the main character was so enjoyable/ rough and ready and funny
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May 1, 2022
John Carson
First I have read of John Carson’s books. The character Calvin Stewart, larger than life funny and realistic at the same time. A cop like that used to exist in lots of stations before Police Scotland came along.
Enjoyed it a lot will look for others in the series
First I have read of John Carson’s books. The character Calvin Stewart, larger than life funny and realistic at the same time. A cop like that used to exist in lots of stations before Police Scotland came along.
Enjoyed it a lot will look for others in the series
June 18, 2022
an intelligent read
The last book I started was a step up from YP. This repartee (yes, I just used that word) was witty, a tad baudy & had me laughing out loud. As another plus, it wasn’t drawn out. It ended well. I look forward to reading more of this author.
The last book I started was a step up from YP. This repartee (yes, I just used that word) was witty, a tad baudy & had me laughing out loud. As another plus, it wasn’t drawn out. It ended well. I look forward to reading more of this author.
June 23, 2022
Just brilliant! May of been short but plenty of action! Had me gripped from start to finish! Alongside laughing! I've had this book for a while and I only just read it! Reminds me of other writers spin offs! I highly recommend this book!
October 14, 2022
Entertaining
Good plot with a couple of splendid twists. Enjoyed the characters. The writing has a light touch without sliding into farce or whimsy. Always a bit disconcerted when a cop at this rank is actively investigating. But then, he is a maverick!!!
Good plot with a couple of splendid twists. Enjoyed the characters. The writing has a light touch without sliding into farce or whimsy. Always a bit disconcerted when a cop at this rank is actively investigating. But then, he is a maverick!!!
March 8, 2023
Another Excellent Story
Another Excellent Story by John Carson featuring Calvin Stewart. A great bunch of characters that have some weird and wonderful traits as well as choice language. A storyline that flowed and was easy to read. Looking forward to reading more by John.
Another Excellent Story by John Carson featuring Calvin Stewart. A great bunch of characters that have some weird and wonderful traits as well as choice language. A storyline that flowed and was easy to read. Looking forward to reading more by John.
February 20, 2024
Great new series!
this the first book in a new series which is a spin-off of Harry McNeil series. It was exciting and engaging throughout the book. Looking forward to the next one.
this the first book in a new series which is a spin-off of Harry McNeil series. It was exciting and engaging throughout the book. Looking forward to the next one.
February 28, 2022
Fantastic
Another great read from the brilliant John Carson. If you're a far of the Harry McNeil or Frank Miller series, you'll enjoy this.
Look forward to the next one!
Another great read from the brilliant John Carson. If you're a far of the Harry McNeil or Frank Miller series, you'll enjoy this.
Look forward to the next one!
March 6, 2022
Fantastic story hilarious in places language little blue in certain parts but really added to the book .J al Carson always on my author list , Already started the next in the series .
March 6, 2022
Crackin
Very funny but gripping right to the end. Can't wait for the next book. Get writing Mr Carson. Stay safe
Very funny but gripping right to the end. Can't wait for the next book. Get writing Mr Carson. Stay safe
March 17, 2022
Love this author, his books are not only interesting but also have you laughing at times. Have read all by John Carson and all are great reads.
March 21, 2022
Brilliant! I loved this book, hurry up with no 2. But, if you don't like bad language, don't read it!
April 5, 2022
Calvin Stewart is worth a look
Very good until the ending. That came together too quickly. Characters are enjoyably quirky. Plot is a bit thin, but tied together well.
Very good until the ending. That came together too quickly. Characters are enjoyably quirky. Plot is a bit thin, but tied together well.
April 11, 2022
A Work Of Art - Brilliant
Policing in the UK as you've never known it before, with plenty of action and violence.
Well written and a very good read.
Policing in the UK as you've never known it before, with plenty of action and violence.
Well written and a very good read.
April 21, 2022
I enjoyed this book but it was a little too short. I'd definitely read a 2nd Stewart book, but I'd rather a DCI Dunbar/DS Evans series instead.
July 25, 2022
Brilliant
September 16, 2022
Couldn’t read this. Foul language and attitude overload. Not for me.
September 21, 2022
Pure enjoyment
Great read, a real page turner I loved the storyline and character's. I would highly recommend this book to everyone .?
Great read, a real page turner I loved the storyline and character's. I would highly recommend this book to everyone .?
Read
October 11, 2022A whole boatload of Scottish swearing but you can skip over all that and the story's pretty good and short.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews