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DCI Harry McNeil #14
All or Nothing
Practice makes perfect. Even in death.
DCI Harry McNeil is back at the helm, joined by his old friend, DI Frank Miller. He is juggling his private life with being a single father, running a new Major Investigation Team, and spending time with a woman who may or may not become more than just friends.
Edinburgh at New Year is a time for celebration, fun, and for one person, murder.
The festivities leading up to Hogmanay are tinged with fear as Harry's team gets a shout when the murdered body of a woman is found floating in the Water of Leith near the docks.
A vicious killer has left his mark and Harry's new team is put to the test.
But with time running out, the killer is going to be knocking on Harry McNeil's door, in more ways than one...
DCI Harry McNeil is back at the helm, joined by his old friend, DI Frank Miller. He is juggling his private life with being a single father, running a new Major Investigation Team, and spending time with a woman who may or may not become more than just friends.
Edinburgh at New Year is a time for celebration, fun, and for one person, murder.
The festivities leading up to Hogmanay are tinged with fear as Harry's team gets a shout when the murdered body of a woman is found floating in the Water of Leith near the docks.
A vicious killer has left his mark and Harry's new team is put to the test.
But with time running out, the killer is going to be knocking on Harry McNeil's door, in more ways than one...
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2022
316 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 8, 2022
Excellent !!!
Wow! I can not believe I've just read the 14th book in this fabulous series. When I think back to the earlier books in the serious I seem to remember them being a little more sombre, not quite as much light hearted banter. The last few for me have had a lighter touch, not the crimes NO but the humour amongst the team. Cracking story completely did not see the end coming. While I wait for book 15, hopefully not too long to wait, I have downloaded 'Final Warning' the ex DSup Calvin Stewart book 1 which I know I'll enjoy cos his character and foul mouth crease me up. Thank you John for bringing some fun into your books. BP Sheffield.
Wow! I can not believe I've just read the 14th book in this fabulous series. When I think back to the earlier books in the serious I seem to remember them being a little more sombre, not quite as much light hearted banter. The last few for me have had a lighter touch, not the crimes NO but the humour amongst the team. Cracking story completely did not see the end coming. While I wait for book 15, hopefully not too long to wait, I have downloaded 'Final Warning' the ex DSup Calvin Stewart book 1 which I know I'll enjoy cos his character and foul mouth crease me up. Thank you John for bringing some fun into your books. BP Sheffield.
March 25, 2023
It’s Christmas and DCI Harry McNeil is spending the festive season with his infant daughter, Grace, and his new “slightly more than a friend” female companion, Morgan. Just as Harry decides to go with the flow and welcome Morgan more firmly into his life, work intrudes with a particularly vicious killing that falls into the hands of his team. Can Harry juggle his many responsibilities in amongst all the craziness of the Christmas season?
This is quite a thicker book than many of the preceding Harry McNeil mysteries and I was really excited to find there were a number of solid plotlines all woven very well together. Add in Harry appears to be moving forward in his private life as well and there is quite a bit going on in this Scottish police procedural mystery/suspense novel.
Speaking personally, I do feel it’s a little too soon for Harry to be getting entangled in another woman and what appears will become yet another serious relationship for him. It’s only been about seven months since the very surprising death of his wife and ex-working-partner, Alex, and with a fairly small baby daughter (also only seven months old) and two other previously serious romantic relationships behind him a part of me strongly thought this would be a good time for Harry to focus on Grace, his work and getting the non-romantic aspects of his life on solid ground. So I found it hard to get on board with the blossoming relationship with the psychiatrist and felt this aspect to Harry’s life was a little shoe-horned into the story. I especially thought this considering his sister-in-law is living in his house as a mostly full-time career for baby Grace while Harry is off solving crimes at work. It all just didn’t really come together for me, and I didn’t feel a good connection to Morgan’s character, either.
That said – I was really impressed with the multi-layered nature of the murder mystery side of the plot. There is what appears to be an accidental death of a hiker falling off a bridge in Glasgow and body of a murdered woman floating near the docks in Edinburgh – so Harry and his team more than have their hands full as they try to uncover what’s going on and what plans the vicious killer has. I found this aspect of the two plotlines and how the Glasgow and Edinburgh teams worked solidly together was exceptionally well written and had the comfortable, familiar banter that I’ve come to expect from a Harry McNeil book. All the regular characters that a reader wants from the previous novels are present and while the banter and interactions might seem a bit much for readers who are newer to the series, I personally loved it.
Readers looking for a rambunctious romp of a Scottish police procedural mystery should find this a really good read and I thought this was a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyable.
This is quite a thicker book than many of the preceding Harry McNeil mysteries and I was really excited to find there were a number of solid plotlines all woven very well together. Add in Harry appears to be moving forward in his private life as well and there is quite a bit going on in this Scottish police procedural mystery/suspense novel.
Speaking personally, I do feel it’s a little too soon for Harry to be getting entangled in another woman and what appears will become yet another serious relationship for him. It’s only been about seven months since the very surprising death of his wife and ex-working-partner, Alex, and with a fairly small baby daughter (also only seven months old) and two other previously serious romantic relationships behind him a part of me strongly thought this would be a good time for Harry to focus on Grace, his work and getting the non-romantic aspects of his life on solid ground. So I found it hard to get on board with the blossoming relationship with the psychiatrist and felt this aspect to Harry’s life was a little shoe-horned into the story. I especially thought this considering his sister-in-law is living in his house as a mostly full-time career for baby Grace while Harry is off solving crimes at work. It all just didn’t really come together for me, and I didn’t feel a good connection to Morgan’s character, either.
That said – I was really impressed with the multi-layered nature of the murder mystery side of the plot. There is what appears to be an accidental death of a hiker falling off a bridge in Glasgow and body of a murdered woman floating near the docks in Edinburgh – so Harry and his team more than have their hands full as they try to uncover what’s going on and what plans the vicious killer has. I found this aspect of the two plotlines and how the Glasgow and Edinburgh teams worked solidly together was exceptionally well written and had the comfortable, familiar banter that I’ve come to expect from a Harry McNeil book. All the regular characters that a reader wants from the previous novels are present and while the banter and interactions might seem a bit much for readers who are newer to the series, I personally loved it.
Readers looking for a rambunctious romp of a Scottish police procedural mystery should find this a really good read and I thought this was a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyable.
July 19, 2022
SPOILERS
Last book (Dead & Buried) Carson combined all my favorite characters from the DCI McNeil and DI Miller series and boy was it a cracker of thriller. Well, he does it again in this book, I'm so glad that this team up seems to be the new normal. But at the same time when I say "he does it again", he killed off another favorite character: RIP Andy Watt 😭. Note to Carson: STOP IT🙂. All that aside it was another emotional roller coaster of a thriller, I'm excited to see what the next book will hold.
Last book (Dead & Buried) Carson combined all my favorite characters from the DCI McNeil and DI Miller series and boy was it a cracker of thriller. Well, he does it again in this book, I'm so glad that this team up seems to be the new normal. But at the same time when I say "he does it again", he killed off another favorite character: RIP Andy Watt 😭. Note to Carson: STOP IT🙂. All that aside it was another emotional roller coaster of a thriller, I'm excited to see what the next book will hold.
August 6, 2022
The Harry McNeil series is one that I am thoroughly invested in and always look forward to hearing about his next case, however I just felt that this book didn’t hit as well as previous ones had. I think this is due to the multiple storylines that ran throughout adding many twists a long the way and while they seemingly all came together at the end it just felt like a few twists too many compared to the rest of the series.
I still enjoyed the read and always love seeing the Edinburgh and Glasgow teams working together! Excited to see what’s in store next for Harry McNeil!
3.75 / 5 ⭐️
I still enjoyed the read and always love seeing the Edinburgh and Glasgow teams working together! Excited to see what’s in store next for Harry McNeil!
3.75 / 5 ⭐️
September 19, 2025
great series
Only one flaw too much cursing, in real life police have to watch their language as well as how they react and treat the offenders. Years ago they could curse and be nasty, no longer is that allowed, even in the military Drill instructors are no longer allowed name calling or cursing to recruits. Its a thing of the past, heck it is considered assault-if you even touch someone lightly against their will! Please update your books, the offenders can be nasty and mouthy but not the police.
Only one flaw too much cursing, in real life police have to watch their language as well as how they react and treat the offenders. Years ago they could curse and be nasty, no longer is that allowed, even in the military Drill instructors are no longer allowed name calling or cursing to recruits. Its a thing of the past, heck it is considered assault-if you even touch someone lightly against their will! Please update your books, the offenders can be nasty and mouthy but not the police.
July 19, 2022
All of the old favorites are still there. Its been too long waiting for
Waiting for another book from Carson and I hope well be seeing McNeil again soon.
Loved the book but I read it in one day and I was pleased.
I suggest reading the harry McNeil books in order just so you can keep all of the characters straight.
Very very funny banter and lots of laughs along the way.
Waiting for another book from Carson and I hope well be seeing McNeil again soon.
Loved the book but I read it in one day and I was pleased.
I suggest reading the harry McNeil books in order just so you can keep all of the characters straight.
Very very funny banter and lots of laughs along the way.
July 25, 2022
Another excellent addition
Two of my favourite detectives, not forgetting Dunbar and Evans working together, what's not to like. Love the interaction between them all, great banter and a good story but sad that one character was killed. My only criticism is that I found the reason behind the crime not altogether credible but it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
Two of my favourite detectives, not forgetting Dunbar and Evans working together, what's not to like. Love the interaction between them all, great banter and a good story but sad that one character was killed. My only criticism is that I found the reason behind the crime not altogether credible but it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
Read
April 13, 2023Another great story
The stories in the Harry McNeil series just keep getting better and better and this the fourteenth was as superb. The usual good strong characters and a story line that flowed from start to finish and an ending that I did not see coming. Looking forward to reading more.
The stories in the Harry McNeil series just keep getting better and better and this the fourteenth was as superb. The usual good strong characters and a story line that flowed from start to finish and an ending that I did not see coming. Looking forward to reading more.
January 9, 2024
Deception and jealousy fill the pages
people are dying, fear of what could happen or is happening bring together again the two Scotland police forces. Together they find unseen forces at work and they must find the individuals involved before more people die. Another great book in the series.
people are dying, fear of what could happen or is happening bring together again the two Scotland police forces. Together they find unseen forces at work and they must find the individuals involved before more people die. Another great book in the series.
December 31, 2025
Well Harry is getting closer to Morgan. And that's nice. Stewart is retiring, going to miss him, he brings fun and lots of cussing. A woman is found with her face smashed to pulp, a girl is missing and there are many suspects to sift through. More death close to Harry. But the Glasgow team is on hand to help and the new MIT team Harry heads is meshing.
July 17, 2022
Even better than normal! That's tough to beat!
I love that Harry and his team are now partnered with Frank Miller and his team. It just makes sense. Great storyline, great sub plot, and anywhere Calvin is its humor at its best! Already waiting for the next one!
I love that Harry and his team are now partnered with Frank Miller and his team. It just makes sense. Great storyline, great sub plot, and anywhere Calvin is its humor at its best! Already waiting for the next one!
July 17, 2022
Great Book!!
It’s all I can do to not put spoilers but here goes. This book was fantastic! I laughed and cried. I am so very happy that Frank Miller is now part of McNeil’s team. John Carson, I think this was the best one yet!! But no more heart-breakers!
It’s all I can do to not put spoilers but here goes. This book was fantastic! I laughed and cried. I am so very happy that Frank Miller is now part of McNeil’s team. John Carson, I think this was the best one yet!! But no more heart-breakers!
July 17, 2022
ANOTHER PAGE TURNER
I've read every book in this series and each and every one is an absolute better. Fantastic story-lines and characters, even super-foul mouthed DSup Stewart.
The patter is brilliant and the one-liners just too funny.
Can't wait for next one.
I've read every book in this series and each and every one is an absolute better. Fantastic story-lines and characters, even super-foul mouthed DSup Stewart.
The patter is brilliant and the one-liners just too funny.
Can't wait for next one.
August 1, 2022
Love the boys from glasgow
I love frank and harry, but my heart belongs to those crazy boys from Glasgow. I love men that can make me laugh. Skellet is priceless. Looking forward to MANY MORE books featuring all of them.
I love frank and harry, but my heart belongs to those crazy boys from Glasgow. I love men that can make me laugh. Skellet is priceless. Looking forward to MANY MORE books featuring all of them.
August 8, 2022
Another great tale
So enjoyed the humour running through this great story/great characters to be absorbed in reading. Plenty of twists and turns in the storyline. Can't wait for the new book in September.
So enjoyed the humour running through this great story/great characters to be absorbed in reading. Plenty of twists and turns in the storyline. Can't wait for the new book in September.
August 16, 2022
Fourteen is one too many
Between the repeated jibes and insults, which are really over the top, and the loose goosey plot lines, this book was hard to finish. His earlier wrk had more form and substance. Time to retire DCI Harry McNeill.
Between the repeated jibes and insults, which are really over the top, and the loose goosey plot lines, this book was hard to finish. His earlier wrk had more form and substance. Time to retire DCI Harry McNeill.
July 16, 2022
A Great Read
Fantastic-a great addition to the series! I can’t wait to catch up with these characters again in the next one.
Fantastic-a great addition to the series! I can’t wait to catch up with these characters again in the next one.
July 16, 2022
Great series
Great series. Love the characters. Always full of action and humour. Interesting information about Scotland. Recommend to anyone who reads detective fiction.
Great series. Love the characters. Always full of action and humour. Interesting information about Scotland. Recommend to anyone who reads detective fiction.
July 26, 2022
All or nothing
Another great McNeil story just as usual from start to finish keeps you on your toes but sad about watt though but great read all the way through
Another great McNeil story just as usual from start to finish keeps you on your toes but sad about watt though but great read all the way through
July 27, 2022
Way too much cursing and unnecessary verbal bashing of others for my taste. Made the story very jerky and not fun to read. DNF
July 31, 2022
Awesome
I absolutely love this series! The characters in the book make me laugh and the story was great! I hope there is another Harry McNeil !
I absolutely love this series! The characters in the book make me laugh and the story was great! I hope there is another Harry McNeil !
July 31, 2022
Confused
I still have no real idea as to who the real killer was, the actually reason for the murders. A very convoluted story line
I still have no real idea as to who the real killer was, the actually reason for the murders. A very convoluted story line
August 1, 2022
Wow!
So very glad Harry is back. The last book broke my heart and I was so stoked when Mr Carson announced this new book! So much fun to be back with Miller’s gang and Harry :)
So very glad Harry is back. The last book broke my heart and I was so stoked when Mr Carson announced this new book! So much fun to be back with Miller’s gang and Harry :)
August 23, 2022
Absolutely brilliant series
May 17, 2023
This one wasn't quite as confusing as previous story lines. There are many plots and subplots and they do tie together pretty well. I don't think I like the Morgan character.
March 4, 2024
Consistently brilliant.
I'm still feeling lucky as I still have seven books in
the series to read. Then I may start on the Frank Miller series.
I'm still feeling lucky as I still have seven books in
the series to read. Then I may start on the Frank Miller series.
October 4, 2024
So disappointed. This would be a better series if they took out all the swearing. Feels like they are just padding the story. Adds nothing to the plot.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews