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Calvin Stewart #2
Hard Case
Calvin Stewart has just retired from Police Scotland, but far from ready to sit in front of the fire with his slippers on. He has joined the small private investigation firm, run by a former colleague, Michael "Muckle" McInsh. Along with his friend, Finbar O'Toole.
Fresh off a case tracking down a runaway bride, they get a job to go north. A woman's husband disappeared almost a year ago while on a golfing holiday with some friends.
Now, the body of a man has just been pulled out of the water. This man had identification on him. Just not his own. It belongs to the missing man.
The woman wants answers. Where is her husband? And why did this man have his identification on him?
Calvin and Finbar are sent to investigate after the police investigation stalls. But this might be a bigger job than even they can handle. But Calvin Stewart has dealt with many killers in his career, but maybe not one quite as dangerous as this one...
Fresh off a case tracking down a runaway bride, they get a job to go north. A woman's husband disappeared almost a year ago while on a golfing holiday with some friends.
Now, the body of a man has just been pulled out of the water. This man had identification on him. Just not his own. It belongs to the missing man.
The woman wants answers. Where is her husband? And why did this man have his identification on him?
Calvin and Finbar are sent to investigate after the police investigation stalls. But this might be a bigger job than even they can handle. But Calvin Stewart has dealt with many killers in his career, but maybe not one quite as dangerous as this one...
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2022
152 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
John Carson
104 books167 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 29, 2023
Calvin Stewart might have retired from the police force, but he and his friend Finbar O’Toole are happily keeping busy working for a mutual friend in his Private Investigations firm. Calvin and Finbar find themselves working to find the missing husband of their client even though he’s been off the radar almost a year. Another man has been found drowned – but with the missing husband’s possessions on his corpse. For a seemingly simple missing person’s case, things get complicated fast and Calvin and Finbar need to untangle the web before they get stuck in it.
Readers who have experienced John Carson before should have a general understanding of the sort of story this is. There is plenty of banter, memorable and engaging characters and – as with anything related to Calvin Stewart – a ton of bawdy but well-meaning humour and a plethora of words that would singe your grandma’s ears off. That said, you can also expect a fast moving and well woven plotline, more than a few interesting twists and turns and a warm-hearted, good natured, romping adventure. This book is all that and more.
While there are a number of cameos from various Scottish Police friends and associates, this book does focus front and center on Calvin and Finbar. They each have quite a lot of experience behind them and are settling into their new careers with vigor and ease. I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets of other characters – mainly from the DCI Harry McNeil series, but some of Carson’s other series’ as well – but this book really does mostly focus on Calvin and Finbar and the sleuthing team they are becoming together. I enjoyed their character and personal growth – both as a team and as individuals.
Readers looking for an enjoyable – albeit sweary – Scottish murder mystery should feel this really fits the bill. While Calvin isn’t a policeman anymore, decades of his training and previous experience lie here – as do his many connections and his overall outlook on solving the puzzle – so while this technically isn’t a police mystery it is a very close cousin of it. I actually liked the blending of PI work and police procedure – I feel Carson has written this in a highly believable, very organic kind of manner that makes it interesting but different; strongly believable and – with the banter and characters he is so well known for – thoroughly enjoyable.
This is the sort of story where you should get comfortable, grab a drink or three and settle in with for a fun and cozy weekend. I very much hope there will be more books in this series forthcoming. Highly recommended.
Readers who have experienced John Carson before should have a general understanding of the sort of story this is. There is plenty of banter, memorable and engaging characters and – as with anything related to Calvin Stewart – a ton of bawdy but well-meaning humour and a plethora of words that would singe your grandma’s ears off. That said, you can also expect a fast moving and well woven plotline, more than a few interesting twists and turns and a warm-hearted, good natured, romping adventure. This book is all that and more.
While there are a number of cameos from various Scottish Police friends and associates, this book does focus front and center on Calvin and Finbar. They each have quite a lot of experience behind them and are settling into their new careers with vigor and ease. I thoroughly enjoyed the snippets of other characters – mainly from the DCI Harry McNeil series, but some of Carson’s other series’ as well – but this book really does mostly focus on Calvin and Finbar and the sleuthing team they are becoming together. I enjoyed their character and personal growth – both as a team and as individuals.
Readers looking for an enjoyable – albeit sweary – Scottish murder mystery should feel this really fits the bill. While Calvin isn’t a policeman anymore, decades of his training and previous experience lie here – as do his many connections and his overall outlook on solving the puzzle – so while this technically isn’t a police mystery it is a very close cousin of it. I actually liked the blending of PI work and police procedure – I feel Carson has written this in a highly believable, very organic kind of manner that makes it interesting but different; strongly believable and – with the banter and characters he is so well known for – thoroughly enjoyable.
This is the sort of story where you should get comfortable, grab a drink or three and settle in with for a fun and cozy weekend. I very much hope there will be more books in this series forthcoming. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2022
Another Great Book!!
Calvin Stewart is a mouthy loud mouth. But he sure stars in a great book! John Carson is one of the best authors around. It was nice to see some of his original characters put in an appearance. If you like fast paced thrillers, this is the author for you! I highly recommend this book. Beth
Calvin Stewart is a mouthy loud mouth. But he sure stars in a great book! John Carson is one of the best authors around. It was nice to see some of his original characters put in an appearance. If you like fast paced thrillers, this is the author for you! I highly recommend this book. Beth
October 3, 2022
I usually love John Carsons books. But this one didn't seem to be up to par with his other series. It seemed to be a little rushed ibguess. Though all in all it was a good book, just not what I'm used to from this author.
January 6, 2023
Scottish murder mystery
After the first few chapters I realised how funny the characters were and thoroughly I was enjoying the story. Couldn't stop laughing. Really enjoyed the storyline. Want more.
After the first few chapters I realised how funny the characters were and thoroughly I was enjoying the story. Couldn't stop laughing. Really enjoyed the storyline. Want more.
October 11, 2023
Funny loud mouthed ex police Scotland officer sets out on a career as a PI with his former colleague Finbar. The relationship between them is great, bouncing off one another, the story is fast paced and the usual standard I would expect from this author.
September 18, 2022
Great story
Great story but the best is the dialogue, it literally has me laughing out loud. Can't wait for the next one!
Great story but the best is the dialogue, it literally has me laughing out loud. Can't wait for the next one!
September 19, 2022
This book was a funny and good read until the ending. The ending was kinda convoluted where the rest of the book was simple. I'd definitely read a 3rd book for this series though.
October 1, 2022
Brilliant read.
Really enjoyed this book found the characters very realistic great storyline and banter, funny. loved it highly recommend to everyone .
Really enjoyed this book found the characters very realistic great storyline and banter, funny. loved it highly recommend to everyone .
October 13, 2022
One complaint
Too many characters … hard to keep them straight… banter is good …If the F word irritates you don’t read it.
Too many characters … hard to keep them straight… banter is good …If the F word irritates you don’t read it.
December 29, 2022
Another good story
Another good story by John Carson featuring all the usual characters although some are no longer official. Very interesting ending.
Another good story by John Carson featuring all the usual characters although some are no longer official. Very interesting ending.
October 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Short but very funny and packed with action. This series is brilliant. John's done a great job! Stewart and Finbar are perfect partners! I highly recommend!
November 11, 2025
Fun fun fun fun
Every page is a new opportunity to get s few new nasty lines to use on your pals who you like to tease.
Every page is a new opportunity to get s few new nasty lines to use on your pals who you like to tease.
March 13, 2024
Exciting and a thrill bound book from start to finish
Just love Calvin Stewart and the rest of the gang. Revenge fills the pages of this book. I read it in less than a day, it left you wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Just love Calvin Stewart and the rest of the gang. Revenge fills the pages of this book. I read it in less than a day, it left you wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews