All or None by Clive Fleury
Murder, Memory, and Justice in Sydney
Clive Fleury’s All or None is the latest installment in the Detective Ryan Mystery series, weaving together a contemporary murder investigation with shadows from the past. The novel opens with a tragic van accident during a protest in Sydney, an event that reverberates two decades later when Detective Ramesh Ryan, newly assigned to the Homicide Squad, is called to investigate the suspicious death of a wealthy man found in a secluded cabin. Connections emerge between the present crime and long-buried secrets, drawing him into a dangerous interplay of political corruption, organized crime, and personal stakes. The narrative alternates between the immediate procedural and the lingering trauma of the earlier tragedy, maintaining tension across dual timelines.
The novel explores themes of justice, corruption, and the legacy of violence. At its core, it questions the resilience of individuals and families against systemic forces—developers, political powerbrokers, and organized criminals—who manipulate both the land and the law for their own gain. Loyalty and betrayal thread through the story, not only in the criminal underworld but also in Ryan’s personal relationships, as he navigates duty to his family, his cultural identity, and the demands of a career in homicide. Environmental activism, introduced in the opening protest sequence, underscores broader concerns about power versus community survival.
Detective Ramesh Ryan is a compelling protagonist, layered with both professional skill and personal vulnerability. His dedication to justice is tempered by his strained relationship with his mother and his own outsider status within the Homicide Squad. Supporting characters such as Detective Zoe Yang bring fresh perspective, highlighting gender and cultural tensions in a traditionally insular police unit. Fleury also sketches the antagonists with unsettling realism: developers and mob figures whose ambitions are as mundane as they are ruthless. Sydney, with its contrasting landscapes—from gritty cityscapes to serene national parks—serves as a vivid backdrop, amplifying both danger and intrigue.
The story is engaging, shifting smoothly between character-driven scenes and procedural momentum. Early chapters establish emotional stakes through Ryan’s personal life, then quickly escalate into tense crime scene investigations. The pacing benefits from the interplay of high-tension set pieces—such as forensic discoveries and confrontations with obstructive officials—balanced against moments of introspection. While some domestic subplots slightly slow the narrative, they ultimately deepen Ryan’s humanity and prevent the book from becoming a purely plot-driven thriller.
Fleury writes in a clear, cinematic style that favors dialogue and action over lengthy exposition. His attention to procedural detail lends authenticity, while moments of dry humor and cultural observation give the prose texture. The frequent shifts in perspective—from Ryan to suspects, victims, and even unseen observers—create suspense, though at times these transitions can feel abrupt. The use of colloquial Australian settings and idioms grounds the narrative firmly in place.
The greatest strength of All or None lies in its blend of procedural realism with larger thematic depth. Fleury succeeds in making Detective Ryan both relatable and admirable, a man navigating the challenges of modern policing and personal identity. The integration of social issues—environmental protest, corruption, and cultural diversity—elevates the book above a standard whodunit.
All or None is a well-executed crime novel that balances suspense with character development. Its strengths outweigh minor weaknesses in pacing and structural transitions. Readers of contemporary detective fiction, particularly fans of series such as Ian Rankin’s Rebus or Michael Connelly’s Bosch, will find much to admire in Fleury’s work. The book succeeds in delivering both a satisfying mystery and a thoughtful meditation on justice in a world where personal histories and systemic corruption collide.
It is recommended for readers who appreciate procedurals with social resonance as well as page-turning momentum.
Voluntary review of a free advance review copy.
—N3UR4L Reviews
