Last Orders

DCI Daley #12

by Denzil Meyrick

DCI Jim Daley returns in the gripping new thriller from the bestselling author Denzil Meyrick.

In Kinloch, Hamish is having bad dreams - so bad, he won’t leave the house. In the middle of the night, Brian Scott hears his phone buzz on the nightstand. It’s a message from Jim Daley, his old friend, which chills him to the bone.

‘She’s dead, Brian. I couldn’t take it anymore – I killed her! You have to help.’

When the body of a woman is discovered, Daley is arrested for murder. Scott believes he’s innocent, so who is trying to frame him? The search for answers will lead Jim and Brian on a dark journey into their past, putting them – and the people closest to them – in immediate danger.

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Audiobook, Scotland, Fiction

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

About the author

Denzil Meyrick was a Scottish bestselling novelist. Prior to that, he served as a police officer with Strathclyde Police then a manager with Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown, Argyll. Since 2012 Denzil Meyrick had worked as a writer of Scottish crime fiction novels. He was also an executive director of media production company Houses of Steel.

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps it all starts with a police car chasing a Beamer in Glasgow in February 19 97. It doesn’t end well for the driver of the BMW. In the present day, DCI Jim daily and DI Brian Scott stand by a graveside in Kinloch, Kintyre, possibly it’s a doom laden harbinger of things to come. Daley and his wife Liz are polar opposite and as a result haven’t enjoyed the easiest of relationships. Liz sure isn’t happy at the moment as Jim has a promotion and Dumbarton beckons and she doesn’t want to go there. However, that’s possibly the least of her worries, the tip of the iceberg. To cheer her up, Daley takes her for a weekend break in London and at 2 am Brian gets a phone call from Jim. “She’s dead, Brian” and then he says he killed her. The line goes dead. However, bad things are between them, Brian just knows Jim wouldn’t kill Liz, so what on earth is going on? Unfortunately, it’s going to get a whole lot worse and it’s not looking good for Daley as it seems he has a vengeful target on his back.

I came across this series a few years ago and I loved it straight away although I think I still have a couple of more recent ones to catch up on. However, it makes no difference to reading this cracking addition to a brilliant series. I really like the inhabitants of Kinloch and the atmosphere the author creates here is superb and it’s an unsettling one. Hamish sets it from the start with his strong sense of foreboding. He’s one of the most colourful characters in the series and he’s not wrong to have fears. Jim Daley and Brian Scott are amongst the strongest central protagonists in this genre and the banter is exceptional. Daley’s fuse is a short one as one character will testify (three cheers) and Brian can be hilarious but he’s a true mate. He’s certainly responsible for shining a light amongst the darkness and relieving tension with some of what comes out of his mouth. The author, as ever, doing a great job with Scottish vernacular especially with Brian. I love the blend of action thriller with humour which is Denzil Meyrick’s trademark.

This is a very immersive, perplexing mystery with several strands to the plot which keeps me engaged throughout. It’s told at a good pace, the writing is lively, the dynamics are good if not fascinating and there’s an abundance of tension which is heart stopping at times. I gasp in shock on occasion. Who are these brutal, scary, persistent enemies with a very long reach? It does start to play out as I suspect BUT the overall outcome I do not foresee, so well played!

This novel certainly takes the reader on a journey as alongside the tragic and sad there’s loyalty, belief and bravery. Some scenes are very exciting and movie action worthy (I believe a TV series is in the pipeline- about time!) and if this is Denzil Meyrick’s last book, then it’s a great legacy.

The author sadly died in February 2025 and is a big loss to crime fiction as well as his family.

I knew I’d love this and wasn’t disappointed. If you haven’t read this series I highly recommend it but it’s perfectly possible to read this as a standalone but why miss out??!!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Transworld for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last decade the DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott series have gripped the world of crime fiction ; Last Orders is the 12th in the series and is sadly published after the death of Denzil Meyrick.

This is an absolute corker of a read- a rollercoaster that grabs you from the first chapter and doesn't let you go until the last page. In this final story, DCI Daley finds himself accused of murder - Who can we believe? Is everything straight forward? This wouldn't be a Kinloch story without the twists and turns; like a game of snakes and ladders - the closer to the truth the further it slips away.

As ever, the wisdom of Hamish prevails and DS Scott's malapropisms shine light within a tough story - the expected Denzil Meyrick humour has always been a delight.

It would be a shame to give any hints/spoilers of plot because if you've read the series ( and do read them in order for best impact) then this finale is excellent. I guarantee that this is a page turner- I couldn't put it down for two days.

This is police/crime writing at its best - yes, suspend belief - and dive into a brilliant story that will have you hooked!!

What a legacy Denzil Meyrick has left- this series should be considered a classic of this period - tightly plotted, stylish, humorous and wonderful tribute to the west coast of Scotland.

Thank you Denzil Meyrick

[Miriam Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very last in the DCI Daley books. What can I say? I'm going to miss Jim Daley and his sidekick Brian Scott and, of course, Hamish, too.
This series of books must be my favourite and saddend to hear of the death of the author earlier this year. RIP Denzil Meyrick.

[Lavins · Rating 5 out of 5]

100.000.000.000.000.000 stars or more

I will miss you tremendously Denzil Meyrick. I will miss Brian Scott and I will miss DCI Daley.

This review is so emotional for me. I've absolutely loved this series. It made me laugh out loud so many times. I love the characters. Denzil Meyrick is...... was..... such an extraordinary writer. You would feel that you are right there in the mist of everything part of the gang. You'd feel that the characters became your friends you were rooting for them. You wanted to know what is happening as a reader you got invested emotionally. Or at least I did.

And I found out just before I start reading this book that Denzil Meyrick passed away in February 2025 making this his final book in this series. And as his editor pointed out at the end of the audiobook, he probably had an inkling that his end is not far away because the book is more on the dark side full of remorse regrets goodbyes, painful separations.

Was this a good book ? absolutely!!! I took my time reading it because I just didn't wanna say goodbye to all the characters, my friends.

This is and will always continue to be one of the best book series I've ever read, and I will continue to recommend it to everyone.

If you didn't read the series, start from the beginning, you will thank me for it.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to this book was such a bittersweet experience after the death of Denzil Meyrick earlier this year. But it was fantastic to spend a little more time with Daley, Scott, Hamish and the inhabitants of Kinloch.

The story is fantastic, and a fitting end to a superb series which has given me so much pleasure.  It grabbed me right from the start and didn't loosen it's hold until the very end.  The plotting is tight and there are lots of twists and turns. I'm really going to miss these characters. I think a reread may be on the cards. RIP Denzil and thank you!

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, wonderful book to end a superb series from an author who will be sadly missed. Jim Daley has been promoted and is about to move from Kinloch back to the city but his wife is not happy. They go on a trip to London in an attempt for Jim to persuade her to accompany him. While there the unthinkable happens and Jim is in serious trouble. Brian Scott flies to the rescue but even he might not be able to help his old friend this time. I am heartbroken that there is going to be no more Jim Daley. It has been a great series and I think this has been the best book yet. The characters are as fresh as they were on page one of book one and feel like old friends. The plot of this book was fantastic. So tense with so many twists and turns I feel dizzy. Denzil has certainly finished the series with a bang not a whimper. A superb author who will be greatly missed by many many people. I recommend all his books and am truly envious of those who are new to the series. Enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Daley is heading back to the mainland and a new job, but to smooth over his wife’s concerns they head off to London. And when Daley rings Brian Scott that he’s killed her and cctv footage shows it happening, it seems Daley’s days are numbered. But ever faithful Brian has doubts, but time is not on his side in more ways than one.

The last ever Daley and Scott novel after the sad death of Denzil Meyrick and they go out with a big bang. I wonder whether Denzil knew his days were coming to a close, as this book deals with grief and loss. I will miss this series, Denzil created special characters and community and I’ve loved being part of it after reading all of the books.

[Bexar Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Peter Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series I have loved, starting it after only a couple of books had been published, and this was to be the last offering. I must confess to shedding the odd tear too. There is a poignancy but mainly it is so wonderfully warm and funny, what a perfect way to sign off. No melancholy or sadness, just a feeling of contentment.

Jim Daley has accepted a promotion that will take him away from Kinloch, much to the chagrin of his contrarian wife Liz, who has just settled into life there. Jim agrees to a short trip away to her favourite place London, one with a touch of the make or break about it, for the sake of their marriage. Old Hamish has had bad dreams, he’s getting premonitions, bad omens and tries to persuade Daley not to go as no good will come of it.
It turns out Hamish is not the fool some make him out to be. Liz has been murdered, and Jim is the only suspect, with compelling evidence, and has been arrested. As readers of the series will attest, theirs has never been a smooth relationship, with Liz being flighty in the past, he she finally pushed Jim too far once too often.

Jim is known as ‘big man’ he can handle danger but introducing legal jeopardy the author cleverly puts him in the one position he cannot fight back. This also sidelines him for much of the story allowing some of the regular characters more time in the limelight. It falls to soon to be DI, DS Brian Scott the man who Jim has stood by so many times, through thick and thin (but mainly the latter) to fight his corner.

The plot revolves around did Jim murder Liz or has he been ‘fitted up’ with the evidence suggesting no other suspects. If it is the latter then Scott must discredit the evidence, something that he will need help with. Scott knows one senior officer in the Met; he went to school with him and training college before their careers went on different trajectories. He helps and back in Kinloch a new officer proves most useful, but all the time unseen forces appear to be at work. Here some great mistrust and paranoia is introduced by the author, so not only is Brian off his patch with no real jurisdiction, but he also doesn’t know who he can trust. It then becomes high risk with some real excitement and danger.

Back in Kinloch there is some unnatural interest in Jim jnr. who is being looked after by Brian’s long suffering wife Ella. Ella and Hamish end up forming the most unlikely of alliances to keep the young lad safe. This diversion away from the main action is simply brilliant. They have their own share of jeopardy to contend with, without physical strength on their side, which they manage with some aplomb and much hilarity. Giving these two characters so much space is perhaps the best bit of the novel, their interactions as a bickering odd couple gradually become mutual respect and understanding. This process is so funny; the dialogue is wonderful and how the community pitch in with help brings shades of the great Ealing Comedies of the past. Underneath it all they have much in common, care and compassion for those around them.

In London it comes to a frantic finale that is both thrilling and well thought out. It all leads back to events from the past which are foreshadowed, but not in the reader might have expected. To get there, expect chases, gun shots, brief explosions of violence and a nice little trap being laid.

It tugs at the heartstrings but ultimately it is an absolute joy.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, as send offs go, this one is perhaps a rather fitting way to round out the exploits of DCI Jim Daley and newly promoted DI Brian Scott. In some ways, it really does feel as though Denzil Meyrick has brought the series full circle, with many parallels to be drawn between this latest offering and the first ever book, Whiskey From Small Glasses. Yes, the characters are all much older, moulded by everything that has gone before, and there is plenty of melancholic reminiscing, from Daley in particular, that will prompt readers to recall the many brilliant books that we have been treated to over the years. But this is slightly different too, for, as much as this is a DCI Daley novel, much of the story is based around events happening to Daley, and it is on the broad shoulders of Brian Scott, that his fate is set to rest.

I really enjoyed this book. For fans of the series it has all of the hallmarks of a classic Daley and Scott thriller. The wonderful characters of Kinloch are all, mostly, back, and the mystery, threat and tension are all there in abundance. Denzil Meyrick has taken an all too prevalent plague of modern life, and built a murderous case of injustice around it, wrapping it in intrigue and polishing the whole thing off with a healthy coating of misdirection. There are some new characters to get to grips with, but both of the key players, both Senior Officers in London of all places, but it was easy to take to both of them even if one of them might not have been all they initially seemed. Denzil Meyrick had a real knack for creating believable personalities in his writing, and this book is no different. There are also plenty of people to take objection to, the most notable of whom I won't mention for fear of potential spoilers. I think you'll know when you meet them.

This is a murder investigation and, yes, as you can see from the blurb, Daley is prime suspect. Not the first time he has found himself in a precarious position, but there is every reason to feel that this time might be different, such is the ever growing tension the author has built into his narrative. There is definitely a feeling of the case being personal, and certain scenes which play out throughout the book, including a somewhat shocking turn of events quite early on in the action, definitely point Brian in that direction when trying to help his friend out. But Mr Meyrick never liked making things easy for his protagonists and there are many moments when it is hard to see how the book can result in a positive conclusion.

The balance of plot and character was perfect as always, and for fans of the old rascal, there is plenty of Hamish in this book too. His foresight proves as devastatingly accurate as always, but he has a surprising role to play in everything that comes to pass. I can't help but love him as a character, perhaps one of those I will miss the most. And Brian's long suffering wife, Ella, finds herself pushed to the limit too. I love the strength of the relationship between Ella and Scott, and that banter between them makes up for the more downbeat scenes between Scott and Daley. There is good reason for that, but plenty of Scott's malapropisms to keep the smiles coming.

I will miss this series, but always have the joys of being able to go back to book one and start over. I can heartily recommend both the books and the audio versions, so if you've tried one, why not tuck into the other? Either way, you won't regret a journey or two to Kinloch. Denzil Meyrick painted such a brilliant and vivid picture of this community and its unforgettable residents that picking up each book feels a touch like going home. A poignant and fitting goodbye to characters I will truly miss.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a follower of this author and someone who ranks Daley and Scott as a brilliant pair of police officers. I have enjoyed sharing their journey and this is a fitting conclusion to their stories and encompasses all that readers find so real in their relationship.

Set in a quite beautiful and idyllic area of Scotland these tales are authentic, filled with real personalities, littered with remarkable and memorable characters. A wonderful sense of place and community, brought home to me here through the passages that involve Hamish.

A dark tale of revenge and corruption. Perhaps showing how a career can be seen as a path of least resistance, turning a blind eye to bad apples and muddling through to your pension.

While Jim Daley is away in London something terrible happens and quickly he is arrested and framed for murder. Brian Scott is “given scope” to go to the try and help his friend. But someone high up in the Met seems to be pulling the strings of the wider police force. They want Daley to suffer and no-ones likes a ‘dirty cop’. But even Scott’s involvement isn’t welcomed and indirectly brings a threat back to Kinloch and those dear to him and Daley.

The action set pieces are tense and a threat seems to hang over each chapter as the locations and focus shift between Daley, Scott and their extended family. The thrills continue to the very end with no clear resolution to where the danger lies, who can be trusted.

The book embraces loss, grief and one’s mortality. The narrative probes the decisions we take in the cause of career, the stresses of work and the integrity we bring to the job and in our relationships. Above all it is about character; the value of friendship and where trust is placed and rewarded. The wisdom of Hamish lives long after the final page as will be the reader’s appreciation for this accomplished and now sadly missed author.

A fitting finale in this series. A true valedictory and lasting tribute to a fine teller of tales, a much loved writer.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in this most wonderful series featuring DCI Jim Daley, and that makes me insanely sad. It ends with the heartbreaking death of the author earlier this year so, there will be no more. But I am so glad that we had one last spin of the wheel... And it's a doozy...
We start with Hamish having bad dreams, and we all know his dreams are usually prophetic but these are really scaring him, so much so that he fears even leaving his house.
Actually we start with a bit of foreshadowing and a case from Daley's past, as well as Liz being a bit of a proverbial to him, especially miffed about his promotion, and them having to move. But he is trying his best (as always) and so takes her on a short break down to London. And that's where the trouble starts as back in Kinloch, Brian gets a 2am phone call from Jim stating that he has killed Liz. Obviously Brian doesn't believe it but understand that things are about to get a whole lot worse for them all if he is to help his best friend.
And that's all I am saying about the story as, if you have been with the series from the start, you will have already got your mitts on, and started this book the second you could and have no real need to hear me bang on about how freaking good it is. It feels awkward saying this, but I do feel he left the very best for last and has brought the series to a good endpoint. That said, I'm really going to miss all the wonderful characters I have met and it really feels horrible (and selfish) saying this, knowing that this really is the end.
But there is always a series re-read - or in my case, as I have the majority on Audible already - a re-listen. Which is what I am going to do. Denzil Meyrick may have left us but boy does he leave a great legacy behind...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Nicola Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, this marks the end of a fantastic series following Denzil's passing. However, this book delivers a fast-paced plot packed with twists and turns in every chapter. Right from the start, Denzil grabs our attention by hinting at a character's possible death, setting the tone for the story. While it begins in the familiar Kinloch setting, events quickly shift to London, where tragedy unfolds. In the dead of night, Brian Scott is jolted awake by his buzzing phone. It's a chilling message from his old friend Jim Daley: ‘She’s dead, Brian. I couldn’t take it anymore – I killed her! You have to help.’ When a woman’s body is discovered, the nightmare escalates as Daley is arrested for murder. Convinced of his innocence, Scott sets out to uncover who is framing him. Their search for the truth takes Jim and Brian on a dark journey into their past, placing them and their loved ones in grave danger.

As with any good thriller, there are plenty of red herrings and untrustworthy characters, but Brian Scott’s humour provides a much-needed balance to the otherwise dark narrative. While it’s heartbreaking that this series has come to an end, the quality of the writing ensures it concludes on a high note. If you haven’t read this series yet, you’re in for a treat. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy.

[John MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Last Orders’, by Denzil Meyrick, concludes the highly entertaining D.C.I. Jim Daley series. This twelfth book feels particularly poignant and apt in its storyline as sadly the bestselling Scottish author died earlier this year,prior to this planned publication.
It feels due to these circumstances a real privilege to once more enter the company of Daley,Brian, Elsa and Hamish,as the latest investigation gets underway into a case that completely blurs personal and professional lines.
Due to the characteristic dry sense of humour and beautifully depicted descriptions of Kinloch and the world beyond it has been a pure delight to be immersed in these outstanding novels.
This is superbly plotted storytelling that takes the reader on an emotional journey,as the main characters try to make sense of a complex case, which poses threats on different fronts.
A truly fitting way for the series from a remarkable writer to end this way.

Thank you so very much to Denzil Meyrick, NetGalley, and Random House UK,Transworld, for an Advance Readers Copy.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Orders is the final story in the DCI Daley series, and it is bittersweet as it is also the last book written by the wonderful Denzil Meyrick, who passed away earlier this year. However, it is a superb story to end on.

The title Last Orders is also quite fitting. As DCI Daley and his wife, Liz, head to London for a couple of days, where Jim plans to persuade her to leave Kinloch for the bright lights of the city and a promotion.

But while in London, Jim's efforts at persuasion do not go as planned, and he finds himself in serious trouble. In response, his friend and colleague, DS Brian Scott, flies in to help.

And what follows is a rollercoaster ride, filled with tension, twists, humour and great characters and I was hooked throughout.

And with Last Orders, DCI Jim Daley goes out with a bang and will be remembered as a great Scottish detective for a long time to come.

I would happily recommend Last Orders to everyone.

My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Last Orders. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so upset that this series has ended as I loved Kinloch and all of it's inhabitants.
Having read every single one, I think the last book is great. It does sum up the characters lives, has a 'leave you guessing' plot and thankfully does not leave you on a cliffhanger.

This one had me shedding a tear, gritting my teeth and of course laughing out loud. It shows a lot more of my favourite character, Brian Scott, in action, as well as quite a bit of Ella as well. We see a different and more vulnerable side to Daley in the last book, which rounds out the character nicely.

If you are fond of tech in your books this has it in spades, as well as good old policing and fantastic community spirit. Hamish plays his part well and I am thankful that he was kept in the series until the end.

I first listened to this series as I am in love with the narrating of David Monteith. He reads the series beautifully and has made me a hard fast fan of Denzil Meyrick.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are changing in Kinloch. Jim has been promoted and is set to move to a job on the mainland and Brian will be moving into his old role. Liz, Jim's wife, is not happy as usual. To pacify her Jim is taking her to London so she can do some shopping and enjoy city life for a few days. When Hamish tells him that he has had a premonition that something bad will happen in London, he doesn't tell Liz, not wishing to upset her and they go anyway. Liz, however, has other reasons for wanting to be in London.
When Brian gets a phone call in the dead of the night from Jim saying that he has killed Liz, all hell is let loose and he heads down to the smoke to try and make sense of things.
Not knowing who to trust, even his old schoolfriend, Brian has to keep his wits about him and hope that Jim will be proved innocent.
A page turner with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
I loved it.

[Rich B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave up on this series a few books back. The earlier books were fun, but it seemed to have lost its way. Came back to this out of curiousity to see how it all wrapped up as there will be no more after this due to the author’s sad passing.

Overall, it was passable but no more than that. It closed the series off more or less, but there are some obvious issues with the story. It has a good set of colourful central characters and a decent set of events and actions, but the plotting is often confusing and certain actions make no real sense.

There is also a lot of irrelevant detail and dialogue that distracts from the actual action. Wish it had had a tighter edit.

The final big reveal lacks a wow factor and while not the worst, the whole book lacks the sparkle that earlier books in the series had.

An OK but not great read, I’m sorry to say.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book for DCI Jim Daley and DI Brian Scott as Denzil sadly passed away earlier this year. It was lovely to catch up with Jim, Liz, James Junior, Brian, Ella and Hamish. Jim has been promoted so he is leaving Kinloch leaving Brian in charge. Jim's wife, Liz is not happy with his promotion and move away from the small town. Jim and Liz head off to London, where Jim hopes Liz will enjoy herself eating and drinking with some shopping thrown in. However, it all goes pear shaped when Liz is killed. What happens next is Brian goes to London to help his friend. I could not put the down as I was so engrossed in the book. It's filled with suspense, taut, tense moments, which led me down an extraordinary rollercoaster of a read! Denzil was a true storyteller!

[Lena Deans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very saddened to hear of the loss of Denzel. My thoughts are with his family.

I thoroughly enjoyed this last instalment of the DCI Daley stories. It kept me hooked from start to finish. I think I had it read in 4 days. The story line was full of twists and turns and I honestly didn’t work out who dunnit. I had to wait till the very last chapters so well done Denzel. I have read all the books in this series and the other offshoots and feel l knew all the characters and their little ways, really well. I’ll be sorry to not hear how Jim, Ben, Ella, James Jr. and Hamish carry on with their lives but I can imagine they will continue as a close knit happy community.
Thank you Denzel. Your books brought me so much joy.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Daley is about to leave Kinloch to take up another post, with Brian Scott taking over from him. Liz Daley is not too happy about the move, so to try and win her over Jim has organised a trip to London, and that is where everything starts to go wrong. Whether you have read all the previous books in the series, in order or not, this book stands out and can be read as a stand alone. I have dipped in and out of these books, so sometimes read not in order, it doesn’t stop the enjoyment.
Well written as usual and full of unexpected twists and turns, thrilling to the end.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

[Jackie Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting ending to a wonderful series, a book that starts and ends with a funeral. It's quite a serious and depressing (at times) case but I liked the presence of some standard police work that saved the day. There were plenty of opportunities to wonder who was on Daley's side and who was not - really quite scary and dark at times. There was one point where I was really quite downcast when I thought bullying and intimidation was going to win out but the good folk of Kinlock came to the rescue. I did wonder, when my Kindle reported 15 minutes to go, how they were going to finish the story off believably but it was managed, very cleverly.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Orders- an apt and fitting tribute to Denzil Meyrick and DCI Jim Daley. It's a book that I raced through but at the same time I did not want it to end. A fast paced and exciting police/crime thriller that dishes up a roller coaster of emotions as the tension mounts. I have read and enjoyed every book in this series and will definitely miss the characters (who at times feel like old friends) the banter and storylines. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early read. Thank you Denzil for sharing your talent with us ☓

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early access to this wonderful book. Thank you and heartfelt gratitude to Denzil Meyrick for sharing his remarkable talent with us. Last Orders is a fitting and poignant conclusion to Denzil Meyrick’s series featuring DCI Jim Daley, I didn't want it to end as I poured through the pages. It is fast paced, gripping and suspenseful, hooking you in from the outset. Meyrick perfectly describes the colourful characters and settings bringing so much emotion to the read. I was taken on a real journey from beginning to end.

[Sharon C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saddened to learn of the death of the author and so the end of this phenomenal series. This is a wonderful final book, the first half I wasn’t so sure about the plot but I laughed, and laughed, along with Hamish and Brian. I was completely caught up with the twists and turns of the story after that. In the end loyalty and the goodness of the main characters shone through and I guess good triumphed over evil. The narration is incredible throughout the series and I would happily start at book 1 again.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Orders by Denzil Meyrick is the final episode of the DCI Daley series because of the death of the author, Denzil Meyrick. From the first book in the series, Whiskey in Small Glasses to this last book, appropriately named Last Orders, the series has been excellent. The main characters DCI Jim Daley and DI Brian Scott, alongside Hamish have given readers enormous pleasure over the years, with the chilling and thrilling storylines.
It was with sadness to read the last in the series but also a privilege to have been fortunate to read all of the author’s books. Thank you.

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of Meyrick’s books I’ve read, but I’ll definitely go back and read the series from the start, as this was a good plot, fairly fast pacing, and likeable characters. No one is perfect, they have their flaws, but that makes them human. And you do second guess lots of people for who is trying to set him up… I didn’t guess it this time (I also misjudged some other characters!).

I think this will suit fans of the series but also be appreciated by newbies like me 👍🏻

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Karen Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Random House UK for the arc of last orders
The book is about crime thriller and last book we see of DCI Jim Daley I loved I couldn’t put it down it gripped me from the get go, it was fast paced lots of twist and turns I didn’t want it to end 5 stars another great book of Denzil

Also I’m so sad as end of book I found the author Denzil Meyrick has passed away a couple of months ago i started reading his books last year loved them all

[bookworm_becca87 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Orders
Firstly I’d like to say that it’s an honour to have been provided an ARC for this book which has been published posthumously following Denzil Meyricks passing earlier this year.

Denzil was at the top of the crime procedural writing game and this book is no exception. His insight into the mind of a detective is brilliant and the setting is so atmospheric. This is a fitting end to this series.

A very poignant goodbye

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the DCI Daley series that I have read but it is a good standalone. The story is fast paced ,a gripping mystery with several strands to the plot .Set in Scotland and London the characters are engaging and the ending was very surprising. Sadly this is the last in the series as Denzil MeyRick died earlier this year but I would say this book is a fitting end for what must have been an excellent series. Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.