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DCI Harry McNeil #15
Never Go Home
You can’t run forever…
When a body is discovered on a carousel at the fair in The Meadows in Edinburgh, it brings back memories for DCI Harry McNeil. He had history with the man, having arrested him many years ago.
The victim was a high-flying politician, destined for great things, but did his secrets catch up with him? Or were the death threats he’d received not taken seriously enough?
Harry and his team hunt for a killer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, putting themselves in the firing line of a madman with an agenda. But it’s Harry himself who is going to have his life changed forever. If he lives long enough…
When a body is discovered on a carousel at the fair in The Meadows in Edinburgh, it brings back memories for DCI Harry McNeil. He had history with the man, having arrested him many years ago.
The victim was a high-flying politician, destined for great things, but did his secrets catch up with him? Or were the death threats he’d received not taken seriously enough?
Harry and his team hunt for a killer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, putting themselves in the firing line of a madman with an agenda. But it’s Harry himself who is going to have his life changed forever. If he lives long enough…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2022
About the author
John Carson
102 books182 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 32 reviews
May 14, 2023
Never Go Home is book 15 in the DCI Harry McNeil Series by John Carson. When DCI Harry McNeil caught a case of the death of a local politician. At first, they did not realise why the politician died until h the new Detective Supertintant Calvin Stewart outlined the case he caught in Glasgow. The readers of Never Go Home will continue to follow DCI Harry McNeil to discover what happens.
I enjoyed the way John Carson included the twist at the end of this book, ensuring that I will read this series from the beginning. Never Go Home is the first book I have read in this series and the first book by John Carson. I did engage with this book from the start, and I had trouble putting the book down. I love John Carson's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other. Never Go Home is well-written and researched by John Carson. I like John Carson's description of the settings of Never Go Home, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Never Go Home will understand the problems of starting a small business. Also, the readers of Never Go Home will realise the consequences of jealousy and revenge on everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed the way John Carson included the twist at the end of this book, ensuring that I will read this series from the beginning. Never Go Home is the first book I have read in this series and the first book by John Carson. I did engage with this book from the start, and I had trouble putting the book down. I love John Carson's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other. Never Go Home is well-written and researched by John Carson. I like John Carson's description of the settings of Never Go Home, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Never Go Home will understand the problems of starting a small business. Also, the readers of Never Go Home will realise the consequences of jealousy and revenge on everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
December 24, 2022
I always start books in this series and am always so disappointed about 25% in because of the constant blue language. I'm not a prude but if the editor took out 70% of the Scottish curse words the books would be a good 30-40% shorter. Who needs this kind of filler? Not me. Oh, and the crimes are increasingly gruesome as the series goes on. Don't need that in my brain either.
May 28, 2023
When a body is discovered at an Edinburgh fairgrounds on the carousel DCI Harry McNeil and his team are called in to investigate. The victim was a politician, but Harry knows the victim from having arrested him many, many years earlier. Can Harry and his team uncover what the madman’s killing spree is really all about and stop him before Harry’s own life is in peril?
I’ve been enjoying this series for quite some time and feel readers who have also been following along should find this book an excellent addition. There is now quite a large cast of supporting characters – both in Harry’s Edinburgh police team as well as the Glasgow team. I love all the different characters and the small bits each of them adds to the varied facets of the story – but I do feel readers who are new to this series might find it a bit harder to keep everyone in mind and understand the many different threads and currents running under the surface. While I don’t feel readers will have to have necessarily read each of the previous books in the series, having a good working knowledge of the many characters and various ties between them would definitely help in a full and better understanding of this novel and the plots within it.
I enjoyed the longer length to this novel as well. With two or three main plotlines all interweaving it gave the book a deeper complexity than I feel many of the earlier books held. I can absolutely feel that the author has grown in his storytelling skills along the way and this book really showcases that well to my mind. I also like how the plot didn’t feel one dimensional to me – linking in with various characters and situations from the past and how those ramifications were brought forward into the present day.
Readers who like a large cast of characters, multiple plotlines on the go and having a larger story arc interlocking in a single book should feel the Scottish police procedural book really has a lot to offer. I personally really enjoyed it and am eager for the next installment. An interesting and well-paced murder mystery novel that held my attention well and is definitely a series worth picking up.
I’ve been enjoying this series for quite some time and feel readers who have also been following along should find this book an excellent addition. There is now quite a large cast of supporting characters – both in Harry’s Edinburgh police team as well as the Glasgow team. I love all the different characters and the small bits each of them adds to the varied facets of the story – but I do feel readers who are new to this series might find it a bit harder to keep everyone in mind and understand the many different threads and currents running under the surface. While I don’t feel readers will have to have necessarily read each of the previous books in the series, having a good working knowledge of the many characters and various ties between them would definitely help in a full and better understanding of this novel and the plots within it.
I enjoyed the longer length to this novel as well. With two or three main plotlines all interweaving it gave the book a deeper complexity than I feel many of the earlier books held. I can absolutely feel that the author has grown in his storytelling skills along the way and this book really showcases that well to my mind. I also like how the plot didn’t feel one dimensional to me – linking in with various characters and situations from the past and how those ramifications were brought forward into the present day.
Readers who like a large cast of characters, multiple plotlines on the go and having a larger story arc interlocking in a single book should feel the Scottish police procedural book really has a lot to offer. I personally really enjoyed it and am eager for the next installment. An interesting and well-paced murder mystery novel that held my attention well and is definitely a series worth picking up.
December 9, 2022
What an amazing book!
First off, this book has 360 some odd pages to it. I am used to John Carson's books being on average 175. So this was double the fun! It was also written with Mr Carson's usual, intensity, originality, thriller, nd some major humor going on! But it seems wherever Calvin goes, there are some big laughs, put him with Charlie Skellit, and you have a comedy show. But the thing that got to me the most, was the ending. Never in a hundred years did I expect that! And now I have to wait for some extremely long time (2 months I think) to get the answers? That's just cruel and unusual punishment! I do have to say, this one just might be my favorite in the series (pretty sure) but that's a tough call because they're all fantastic!
First off, this book has 360 some odd pages to it. I am used to John Carson's books being on average 175. So this was double the fun! It was also written with Mr Carson's usual, intensity, originality, thriller, nd some major humor going on! But it seems wherever Calvin goes, there are some big laughs, put him with Charlie Skellit, and you have a comedy show. But the thing that got to me the most, was the ending. Never in a hundred years did I expect that! And now I have to wait for some extremely long time (2 months I think) to get the answers? That's just cruel and unusual punishment! I do have to say, this one just might be my favorite in the series (pretty sure) but that's a tough call because they're all fantastic!
November 20, 2022
Excellent but complicated.
I wouldn't even attempt to read this book unless you have read all the books in the series prior to this one. I actually feel like I need to read book 14 again to refresh my memory as there is quite a lot of what happened in book 14 referred to in this one. There is one he'll of a shock at the end which I presume will be explained in the next book. Gripping and hard to put down.
I wouldn't even attempt to read this book unless you have read all the books in the series prior to this one. I actually feel like I need to read book 14 again to refresh my memory as there is quite a lot of what happened in book 14 referred to in this one. There is one he'll of a shock at the end which I presume will be explained in the next book. Gripping and hard to put down.
November 27, 2022
4.5/5⭐: Another good one for this series. The cursing (as usual) was a bit much but otherwise I laughed out loud a lot. I saw the part with Morgan coming a mile away, she was suspicious to begin with, especially after the last book. The identity of Stacey Mitchell though was a complete shock, in my opinion not a good one never was a fan of hers to begin with and was glad when she was gone. Hopefully with the reveal of her being back the next book will be as good as this one.
July 4, 2023
Language
I have read almost all of your books. I really enjoy your plots since I seldom figure out whodunit before the end BUT the bathroom humor and the 50 ways to kick ass are really starting to grate on me. Most of the time it is simply gratuitous and offensive. I know police officers since my son works for the state police and I believe your constant use of foul language to be over the top and unnecessary.
I have read almost all of your books. I really enjoy your plots since I seldom figure out whodunit before the end BUT the bathroom humor and the 50 ways to kick ass are really starting to grate on me. Most of the time it is simply gratuitous and offensive. I know police officers since my son works for the state police and I believe your constant use of foul language to be over the top and unnecessary.
January 4, 2024
I have tried to read this twice. It’s is extremely frustrating to read.
There are so many parallel threads running concurrently, countless pointless characters, some jumping back and forwards in time and pages and pages dedicated to pointless scenes that have no bearing on the outcome of the story.
I made it to about 30% the second time I gave up.
If you’re a fan of easy reading fiction that lets you just slip into holiday mode while sipping a cocktail, avoid this at all costs.
There are so many parallel threads running concurrently, countless pointless characters, some jumping back and forwards in time and pages and pages dedicated to pointless scenes that have no bearing on the outcome of the story.
I made it to about 30% the second time I gave up.
If you’re a fan of easy reading fiction that lets you just slip into holiday mode while sipping a cocktail, avoid this at all costs.
November 23, 2022
Never Go Home
Omg John Carson what a cliff hanger. Never in a million years was I expecting that. I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens. I'm not going to write anymore because it would so spoil the ending for anyone who reads it, but I am so saying to everyone please read this series what a roller coaster it has been.
Omg John Carson what a cliff hanger. Never in a million years was I expecting that. I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens. I'm not going to write anymore because it would so spoil the ending for anyone who reads it, but I am so saying to everyone please read this series what a roller coaster it has been.
November 22, 2022
Always good writing
The is Scottish humor throughout. However the storyline has gone over the top with professionals who become murderers, patients who do not die, and so many murders that it must skew the stats for the UK. I used to enjoy the series.
The is Scottish humor throughout. However the storyline has gone over the top with professionals who become murderers, patients who do not die, and so many murders that it must skew the stats for the UK. I used to enjoy the series.
November 23, 2022
Couldn't give it my usual 5 stars I'm afraid due to getting to complicated as to many of favourite characters now floating around from other series. Great auther though and shock ending will ensure the next book in will be read.
December 15, 2022
Once again a brilliant storyline from John Carson.. But not as much humour and banter between
McNeill and Robbie Evans. Nonetheless a most enjoyable book. Ready for the next one now. And
I’m intrigued as to how Kate is going to appear.
McNeill and Robbie Evans. Nonetheless a most enjoyable book. Ready for the next one now. And
I’m intrigued as to how Kate is going to appear.
December 17, 2022
Fab
Another fantastic book couldn't put it down lots of twits. Again the places and characters come to life taking you right there as you read. Some laugh out loud moments. As well thanks for another great read 📚
Another fantastic book couldn't put it down lots of twits. Again the places and characters come to life taking you right there as you read. Some laugh out loud moments. As well thanks for another great read 📚
January 17, 2023
amazing author
I have read all of the Harry McNeil series and can’t wait for the next one to be released. It has taken me a long time to find an author that has kept me gripped this many books in
I have read all of the Harry McNeil series and can’t wait for the next one to be released. It has taken me a long time to find an author that has kept me gripped this many books in
March 4, 2023
Another good story
Another good story in the DCI Harry McNeil series with all the usual characters. Well crafted plot that had you guessing in a number of ways.Looking forward to reading more.
Another good story in the DCI Harry McNeil series with all the usual characters. Well crafted plot that had you guessing in a number of ways.Looking forward to reading more.
April 29, 2023
He read all of his books
I can't believe I'm saying this but I was confused throughout most of this book because there was just too many stories and characters happening all at once.
I can't believe I'm saying this but I was confused throughout most of this book because there was just too many stories and characters happening all at once.
May 17, 2023
The Stacey Miller revalation feels like it is a result of the anger generated with the death of Alex many books ago. I did think the addition of Ewan Gallager as a reoccuring character who isn't a policeman was pretty well done.
December 18, 2025
Too convoluted, too many characters, storyline goes up cul-de-sacs and back so many times you get confused.
Too many sub plots to keep track off. Got the stage I was just flicking past some of the pages as I just got bored.
Not sure I’ll keep going with this series…
Too many sub plots to keep track off. Got the stage I was just flicking past some of the pages as I just got bored.
Not sure I’ll keep going with this series…
November 17, 2022
Always good
I love this series. They are great. I can't wait for the next one to home out. I hate waiting
I love this series. They are great. I can't wait for the next one to home out. I hate waiting
November 18, 2022
Good story
The now and then was a bit confusing. But overall it's a good book. I read it in one evening.
The now and then was a bit confusing. But overall it's a good book. I read it in one evening.
November 21, 2022
Wicked!
I’m loving Frank and Harry working together, along with the rest of the gang. Really good plot to enjoy on a winter’s eve.
I’m loving Frank and Harry working together, along with the rest of the gang. Really good plot to enjoy on a winter’s eve.
November 25, 2022
Loved it!!!
Oh my goodness! John Carson has outdone himself with this one. I love this team of detectives. They had an incredibly tough case this time. With their usual hard work and humor they worked their way through it. And that ending! I didn’t see that coming!
Oh my goodness! John Carson has outdone himself with this one. I love this team of detectives. They had an incredibly tough case this time. With their usual hard work and humor they worked their way through it. And that ending! I didn’t see that coming!
November 24, 2022
Never go home
Absolutely fantastic story to finish the series.and to bring Alex back at the end superb can't praise it enough loves it
Absolutely fantastic story to finish the series.and to bring Alex back at the end superb can't praise it enough loves it
November 27, 2022
Ending Amazing
Ending was amazing! Totally unprepared for it! Love this series, it really tells it like it is in Police Scotland, or should I say Polis?
Ending was amazing! Totally unprepared for it! Love this series, it really tells it like it is in Police Scotland, or should I say Polis?
December 5, 2022
Never fails to please. Cannot wait to see what happens next.
December 26, 2022
great book
Harry and the characters in this series makes you want to read the book in one night! I can’t wait to see if there is another !
Harry and the characters in this series makes you want to read the book in one night! I can’t wait to see if there is another !
January 12, 2023
Enthralling story, bring many of the Glasgow and Edinburgh detectives back together. Fascinating ending which leaves me waiting to read the next book
January 29, 2023
A confusing but good story. I just prefer linear time novels.
January 11, 2024
Filled with so much suspense
Couldn’t put the book down, there is a lot going on but you can’t help yourself to keep on reading. A steller performance
Couldn’t put the book down, there is a lot going on but you can’t help yourself to keep on reading. A steller performance
July 25, 2025
great book as usual,,great finish
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews