Interview with Clive Fleury, Author of All Or None

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write All Or None?

“All or None” is the second Detective Ryan Mystery. In the book, Detective Ramesh Ryan returns to Sydney, where he joins the Homicide Squad, aka the Glamor Squad. However, his investigation into a mysterious death in a hut in the National Park couldn’t have come at a worse time for the super sleuth. As the bodies pile up and bombs go off, Ryan discovers that his mother is hiding a troubling secret, and he is further side-tracked by a new romance with an old college flame. Having written the first book, Off Season, and receiving enthusiastic reader reaction, I knew that a Detective Ryan Mystery Series definitely had ‘legs’. Ryan’s investigations and the setting—Sydney, Australia— undoubtedly gave me the potential for more entertaining and exciting stories… Hence, this second book, “All or None”, has more novels about Detective Ryan to follow.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of All Or None, what would they be?

Detective Ryan loves his work, but worries about his lack of a social life and is always on the hunt for someone to share his life with. However, the detective is terrible at choosing the ‘right’ woman, so things never go well. The old song by Eric Carmen, ‘All by Myself,’ expresses Ryan’s deepest fears. Detective Ryan’s police partner, Detective Zoe Yang, has similar relationship problems. After moving from the Central Coast to Sydney, she split from her long-time girlfriend, Louise Porter. But this split may not be permanent, and their relationship is still very much ‘a work in progress’. I have chosen Sombr’s ‘Back to Friends’ as Zoe’s theme song to highlight the detective’s ambivalence. Pietro Guffini, aka The Owl, is the head of one of Australia’s largest crime syndicates. Although a brutal, violent, and cunning psychopath, I would like to believe that somewhere in his dark soul, he has regrets about the life he has chosen. So, when there is no one around, I can see him humming along to ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ sung by the late Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Ryan’s mother, Mumta, is a force to be reckoned with. Although some may feel she smothers her son, she believes what she does is necessary and is carried out with the best intentions. I have chosen the modern Indian classic ‘Meri Maa,’ sung by Jubin Nautiyal, as Mumta’s song, as it focuses on the motherly strength of comfort and support Mumta believes she provides to her son.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love reading thrillers and good whodunits. This should surprise no one, as they are the genres incorporated into the Detective Ryan mysteries, too.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I don’t generally like to read novels while I’m writing; it’s too distracting. However, when I finish ‘Never Enough’, the third Detective Ryan mystery I am currently writing, I’m keen to find time to read The Maid (Nita Prose), Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone (Benjamin Stevenson), and maybe a novel by Freida McFadden I haven’t read yet.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Whodunnits tend to be plot-heavy, and I’m always fighting to write more character-based chapters. My favorites are scenes between Ramesh and his mother Mumta. Here, I can examine ‘life themes’ through light-hearted banter.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have no particular quirky writing habits and can write more or less anywhere, with one rider. I need complete silence while I work. Unfortunately, because I live in the inner city, this is often hard to find.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Those advertising geniuses who work for Nike came up with the motto that I live by: Just Do it.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Not so much to remember, but feel — That the book was entertaining, humorous, and all around enjoyable.

Clive Fleury is the author of the new book All Or None

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