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Frank Grasby Mysteries #1
Murder at Holly House
A village of secrets
It's December 1952, and a dead stranger has been found lodged up the chimney of Holly House in the remote town of Elderby. Is he a simple thief, or a would-be killer? Either way, he wasn't on anyone's Christmas wish list.
A mystery that can't be solved
Inspector Frank Grasby is ordered to investigate. The victim of some unfortunate misunderstandings, he hopes this case will help clear his name. But as is often the way for Grasby, things most certainly don't go according to plan.
A Christmas to remember
Soon blizzards hit the North York Moors, cutting off the village from help, and the local doctor's husband is found murdered. Grasby begins to realise that everyone in Elderby is hiding something - and if he can't uncover the truth soon, the whole country will pay a dreadful price...
It's December 1952, and a dead stranger has been found lodged up the chimney of Holly House in the remote town of Elderby. Is he a simple thief, or a would-be killer? Either way, he wasn't on anyone's Christmas wish list.
A mystery that can't be solved
Inspector Frank Grasby is ordered to investigate. The victim of some unfortunate misunderstandings, he hopes this case will help clear his name. But as is often the way for Grasby, things most certainly don't go according to plan.
A Christmas to remember
Soon blizzards hit the North York Moors, cutting off the village from help, and the local doctor's husband is found murdered. Grasby begins to realise that everyone in Elderby is hiding something - and if he can't uncover the truth soon, the whole country will pay a dreadful price...
432 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2023
2588 people are currently reading
18083 people want to read
About the author
Denzil Meyrick
37 books545 followersDenzil 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,373 reviews
December 6, 2023
Festive mystery of 2023 #1 was not actually a festive mystery.
There's holly on the front cover. And the colour scheme is red, green, gold. And the word 'snow' is in the byline. And there's a guy stuck up a chimney, and the word Santa in the blurb.
I was about halfway through by the time I realised I wasn't reading a festive mystery at all. There was nothing Christmassy about proceedings at all. A spot of false advertising methinks.
Meyrick does, however, create a great character in Frank Grasby. He's lively, sardonic, a bit of a prat, and an amusing narrator from start to finish. He has the kind of weary observational humour that I enjoy, and this made the whole book an enjoyable experience.
Which is a good job because the mystery wasn't all that great. I tend to lose interest fast when Intelligence interferes with a murder plot. As soon as the higher-ups start throwing their weight around, I get easily bored.
Sadly, despite a delightfully bouncy narrative, the story veered off into bargain-bin James Bond territory and, while it wasn't bad, I lost interest toward the end.
I'm not even sure I could tell you who was on what side or even how many sides there were by the end, which doesn't bode well.
Still, I found Grasby genuinely funny and not many books make me laugh out loud, so I'm gonna say it was worth it.
There's holly on the front cover. And the colour scheme is red, green, gold. And the word 'snow' is in the byline. And there's a guy stuck up a chimney, and the word Santa in the blurb.
I was about halfway through by the time I realised I wasn't reading a festive mystery at all. There was nothing Christmassy about proceedings at all. A spot of false advertising methinks.
Meyrick does, however, create a great character in Frank Grasby. He's lively, sardonic, a bit of a prat, and an amusing narrator from start to finish. He has the kind of weary observational humour that I enjoy, and this made the whole book an enjoyable experience.
Which is a good job because the mystery wasn't all that great. I tend to lose interest fast when Intelligence interferes with a murder plot. As soon as the higher-ups start throwing their weight around, I get easily bored.
Sadly, despite a delightfully bouncy narrative, the story veered off into bargain-bin James Bond territory and, while it wasn't bad, I lost interest toward the end.
I'm not even sure I could tell you who was on what side or even how many sides there were by the end, which doesn't bode well.
Still, I found Grasby genuinely funny and not many books make me laugh out loud, so I'm gonna say it was worth it.
October 6, 2023
It’s December 1952, and after a bit of a mixup at Ardmere House whilst arresting a groom, some confusion over a stable door resulting in 20 escaping fine thoroughbred horses (seven still missing, follow the progress in the Yorkshire Post), DI Frank Grasby is “punished“ by being dispatched to Elderby on the North York Moors. At least it isn’t Hull and he comforts himself with the fact it’s only a secondment from York CID. He hopes. He’s not long arrived after an arduous journey in a recalcitrant car when a call comes in from Holly House. There’s an intruder at the home of Lord Damnish. Frank’s heart is well and truly sinking until American intern. Miss Daisy Dean (a.k.a. Deedee ) appears. Things are suddenly looking up, that is until they discover the body up the chimney at Holly House. Frank ends up busier than he ever imagines.
This is a lively and engaging read as Frank is our narrator for most of it and he is witty and amusing. He is an immensely likeable central protagonist, though perhaps a tad unfortunate and unwary if those bashes on the bonce are anything to go by. He’s maybe a bit slow on the uptake too, especially in sussing out what afoot in not so sleepy Elderby. I absolutely love the back and forth dialogue between him and his vicar father who gives a whole new meaning to the word curmudgeonly. Deedee is very likeable too and there are some very good cameo snapshots of other police officers, both in York and Elderby as well as the inhabitants of the area. His landlady Mrs Gaunt and her bird deserve a special mention as this gives some scope for great images.
There are some excellent descriptions of the location, which comes to life, though I do know it well! The author captures the spirit of the postwar times not just in attitudes but in the “rum coves“ that show “jolly bad form“ thus giving it an old school feel which I really like. You feel as if you have been transported back to the early 1950s.
Now, if you are expecting a cozy mystery to a degree you are certainly right as there is certainly some dirty deeds and shenanigans going on. Things however, get darker and murkier as there is a conspiracy element which perhaps Frank might’ve clued into sooner as for a small place there sure are a number of Americans present! There are plenty of twists and turns as strange happenings get stranger and Frank ends up with way more than meat and two veg on his plate. So, there are plenty of ingredients to keep your reading on as let’s chuck in a potential romance, an abundance of humour, quirkiness and a bit of chaos. Okay, maybe a lot of chaos.
I love the authors DCI Daly series set in Kintyre, Scotland, so was keen to read this and it doesn’t disappoint though it’s fair to say it’s a distinct departure from those mystery thrillers. It’s easy to read, highly entertaining, is evocative of the times and is told with a twinkle in the authors eye as at times I’m pleased to say it does stray into excellent bonkers territory. This would make a really good Christmas purchase/read with accompanying snow.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld, for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is a lively and engaging read as Frank is our narrator for most of it and he is witty and amusing. He is an immensely likeable central protagonist, though perhaps a tad unfortunate and unwary if those bashes on the bonce are anything to go by. He’s maybe a bit slow on the uptake too, especially in sussing out what afoot in not so sleepy Elderby. I absolutely love the back and forth dialogue between him and his vicar father who gives a whole new meaning to the word curmudgeonly. Deedee is very likeable too and there are some very good cameo snapshots of other police officers, both in York and Elderby as well as the inhabitants of the area. His landlady Mrs Gaunt and her bird deserve a special mention as this gives some scope for great images.
There are some excellent descriptions of the location, which comes to life, though I do know it well! The author captures the spirit of the postwar times not just in attitudes but in the “rum coves“ that show “jolly bad form“ thus giving it an old school feel which I really like. You feel as if you have been transported back to the early 1950s.
Now, if you are expecting a cozy mystery to a degree you are certainly right as there is certainly some dirty deeds and shenanigans going on. Things however, get darker and murkier as there is a conspiracy element which perhaps Frank might’ve clued into sooner as for a small place there sure are a number of Americans present! There are plenty of twists and turns as strange happenings get stranger and Frank ends up with way more than meat and two veg on his plate. So, there are plenty of ingredients to keep your reading on as let’s chuck in a potential romance, an abundance of humour, quirkiness and a bit of chaos. Okay, maybe a lot of chaos.
I love the authors DCI Daly series set in Kintyre, Scotland, so was keen to read this and it doesn’t disappoint though it’s fair to say it’s a distinct departure from those mystery thrillers. It’s easy to read, highly entertaining, is evocative of the times and is told with a twinkle in the authors eye as at times I’m pleased to say it does stray into excellent bonkers territory. This would make a really good Christmas purchase/read with accompanying snow.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld, for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
1 ⭐️
╰► 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!
₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭
╰┈➤ genuinely, what was this shit? i was bored the whole time and that ending…. my god that was bad and confusing. i was only interested in it about 15% percent into the book and that was at the 70% mark. i really don’t recommend this book at all. like AT ALL. 😭😭😭
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨
╰┈➤i’m not gonna lie, i didn’t like a single character. none of them were interesting (just like this book). there were also too many characters to keep up with in my opinion and… i don’t know, they just felt sort of irrelevant.
°•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•
❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･pre-read ʚɞ
i went to barnes and noble today and got this because it sounded interesting. i wanted another christmas book so…why not get a christmas murder mystery?
╰► 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!
₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭
╰┈➤ genuinely, what was this shit? i was bored the whole time and that ending…. my god that was bad and confusing. i was only interested in it about 15% percent into the book and that was at the 70% mark. i really don’t recommend this book at all. like AT ALL. 😭😭😭
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨
╰┈➤i’m not gonna lie, i didn’t like a single character. none of them were interesting (just like this book). there were also too many characters to keep up with in my opinion and… i don’t know, they just felt sort of irrelevant.
°•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•° °•. ★ .•
❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･pre-read ʚɞ
i went to barnes and noble today and got this because it sounded interesting. i wanted another christmas book so…why not get a christmas murder mystery?
December 25, 2025
Being familiar with the "DCI Daley" series from this remarkable author, I've now come across this delightful book which is part one of a new series featuring the "Memoirs of Inspector Frank Grasby".
The author's storytelling, who's been a former police officer himself, is excellent not only in police matters but in a general sense too, all characters come vividly to life in this story of intrigue and conspiracy, and the story is filled with dark humour, especially between father and son, against the bleak background of days of dark dealings and secrecy after WWII.
The book starts and ends with important notes from the author of this memoir, being Inspector Frank Grasby, and it will explain the functioning of this tale as wells as certain people who featured in this tale of conspiracy and murder.
The story itself is set in December 1952, with the Cold War raging between East and West, and with spies everywhere, and in this environment Inspector Frank Grasby is sent to investigate a death in Elderby, in the North York Moors at a place called Holly House.
This man is found dead in a chimney at Holly House, and while Inspector Frank Grasby is investigating this case other strange happenings will occur, and in the meantime people who Inspector Grasby seems to trust can turn into enemies and visa versa, until a load of dubious activity will set an explosive action into motion in an attempt to catch certain enemies of England, and whenever possible but the lid on it as well to avoid public outcry.
What is to follow as a whole is an intriguing and entertaining crime/spy mystery thriller set in North Yorkshire, with a great storyline, filled with secrets and undercover work, towards an explosive successful end, all of which is wonderfully executed by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is a very compelling start of this new series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "An Enthralling Conspiracy Start"!
The author's storytelling, who's been a former police officer himself, is excellent not only in police matters but in a general sense too, all characters come vividly to life in this story of intrigue and conspiracy, and the story is filled with dark humour, especially between father and son, against the bleak background of days of dark dealings and secrecy after WWII.
The book starts and ends with important notes from the author of this memoir, being Inspector Frank Grasby, and it will explain the functioning of this tale as wells as certain people who featured in this tale of conspiracy and murder.
The story itself is set in December 1952, with the Cold War raging between East and West, and with spies everywhere, and in this environment Inspector Frank Grasby is sent to investigate a death in Elderby, in the North York Moors at a place called Holly House.
This man is found dead in a chimney at Holly House, and while Inspector Frank Grasby is investigating this case other strange happenings will occur, and in the meantime people who Inspector Grasby seems to trust can turn into enemies and visa versa, until a load of dubious activity will set an explosive action into motion in an attempt to catch certain enemies of England, and whenever possible but the lid on it as well to avoid public outcry.
What is to follow as a whole is an intriguing and entertaining crime/spy mystery thriller set in North Yorkshire, with a great storyline, filled with secrets and undercover work, towards an explosive successful end, all of which is wonderfully executed by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is a very compelling start of this new series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "An Enthralling Conspiracy Start"!
December 27, 2024
Wordy, dull, say I. Really disliked the ‘think I’ ‘methinks’ style.
December 24, 2023
I did not have a clue what was happening throughout most of this book. I love a crime novel normally but this missed the mark for me unfortunately.
December 7, 2024
Not for me, say I.
January 3, 2024
I’m in two minds about this one.
Some sections of the book were very readable and pacy, the narrative compelling and I wanted to know what happened. Other sections felt long and less interesting, and I struggled with motivation to finish.
I think some of the challenge for me lies with the main character - I think the author is trying to step away from the usual hero stereotypes; which is no bad thing. However, at times he comes across as quite unlikeable - not necessarily a deal breaker in general, but perhaps not the path for a murder mystery main character to take as the reader ought to be on the side of the investigator.
It reads as though this is the start of a series, so I will probably give the next one a go and see if there is any growth in the main character.
Some sections of the book were very readable and pacy, the narrative compelling and I wanted to know what happened. Other sections felt long and less interesting, and I struggled with motivation to finish.
I think some of the challenge for me lies with the main character - I think the author is trying to step away from the usual hero stereotypes; which is no bad thing. However, at times he comes across as quite unlikeable - not necessarily a deal breaker in general, but perhaps not the path for a murder mystery main character to take as the reader ought to be on the side of the investigator.
It reads as though this is the start of a series, so I will probably give the next one a go and see if there is any growth in the main character.
December 26, 2025
My Quick Takes:
- 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 murder mystery
- Language 🤐 mild
- Spice ❤️🔥 none
- Content 🤔 on page death/murder, antipathy toward the church/religion
Did not feel like a Christmas mystery, but I was so surprised by the dry humor and quick wit of the main character that I ended up enjoying it.
I can definitely see how those that enjoy Agatha Christie would like this book. That’s the comparison that got me to impulse buy this book for $5 from the B&N cafe 😅. It had a great main character that felt a bit reminiscent of Christie’s Hastings from her Poirot novels, but actually able to deduce with his “little grey cells”.
Additionally, I liked the historical fiction pull that comes from the plot being set shortly after WW2. The main character served in the war so he pulled on old war stories, and it was a fresh memory for all the characters as the novel is set in 1949.
The main character’s father is a retired vicar and they both have interesting and differing views on the Church of England and faith in general. I didn’t bother me enough to take much away from the plot, but if you are a sensitive reader to faith being put in a negative light I would steer clear of this one.
I read the physical copy of this book *gasp* I don’t remember the last time I read a physical book cover to cover, I usually do a combo of physical and audio or kindle these days. The length is right at 400 pages which felt a little long at times.
This is the first in the series and the main character is super endearing and had some great one liners, not sure yet if I’ll want to pick up book 2 or not yet, time will tell.
- 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 murder mystery
- Language 🤐 mild
- Spice ❤️🔥 none
- Content 🤔 on page death/murder, antipathy toward the church/religion
Did not feel like a Christmas mystery, but I was so surprised by the dry humor and quick wit of the main character that I ended up enjoying it.
I can definitely see how those that enjoy Agatha Christie would like this book. That’s the comparison that got me to impulse buy this book for $5 from the B&N cafe 😅. It had a great main character that felt a bit reminiscent of Christie’s Hastings from her Poirot novels, but actually able to deduce with his “little grey cells”.
Additionally, I liked the historical fiction pull that comes from the plot being set shortly after WW2. The main character served in the war so he pulled on old war stories, and it was a fresh memory for all the characters as the novel is set in 1949.
The main character’s father is a retired vicar and they both have interesting and differing views on the Church of England and faith in general. I didn’t bother me enough to take much away from the plot, but if you are a sensitive reader to faith being put in a negative light I would steer clear of this one.
I read the physical copy of this book *gasp* I don’t remember the last time I read a physical book cover to cover, I usually do a combo of physical and audio or kindle these days. The length is right at 400 pages which felt a little long at times.
This is the first in the series and the main character is super endearing and had some great one liners, not sure yet if I’ll want to pick up book 2 or not yet, time will tell.
December 15, 2025
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Murder at Holly House is the first book in a two-book Christmas series by Denzil Meyrick, and I have read these backwards. I read the second book, The Christmas Stocking Murders last year and have been wanting to read the first book Murder at Holly House all year, so when u saw it on netgalley, I just had to get it.
This book is another hilarious, festive romp of a read set in the UK in Yorkshire during 1952. Frank Grasby has been sent to the small remote town of Elderby after getting in hot water over a mishap with some escaped horses. Determined to prove himself and get back to his usual job as a police inspector, he is hot on the case when a murder unfolds. But Grasby has the tendency to put his foot in things and ends up at the centre of a much bigger case than he could have bargained for. Not knowing who he can trust or what to believe, he must crack the case and save the day and his reputation if he can make it through in one piece.
This was another fun and entertaining read and this series would make such a good series of movies! I was so sad to read that the author passed away earlier this year. His books and talent as an author will most definitely be missed.
Murder at Holly House is the first book in a two-book Christmas series by Denzil Meyrick, and I have read these backwards. I read the second book, The Christmas Stocking Murders last year and have been wanting to read the first book Murder at Holly House all year, so when u saw it on netgalley, I just had to get it.
This book is another hilarious, festive romp of a read set in the UK in Yorkshire during 1952. Frank Grasby has been sent to the small remote town of Elderby after getting in hot water over a mishap with some escaped horses. Determined to prove himself and get back to his usual job as a police inspector, he is hot on the case when a murder unfolds. But Grasby has the tendency to put his foot in things and ends up at the centre of a much bigger case than he could have bargained for. Not knowing who he can trust or what to believe, he must crack the case and save the day and his reputation if he can make it through in one piece.
This was another fun and entertaining read and this series would make such a good series of movies! I was so sad to read that the author passed away earlier this year. His books and talent as an author will most definitely be missed.
December 24, 2024
3.5 stars - Not sure this was super Christmasy, but an effective historical who dunnit with an interesting framing device
November 28, 2025
Methinks this could be 250 page shorter. Get rid of the social commentary about literally everyone and the political rant. I could do with some but if it’s 75% that and 25% of actual plot? No. Frank literally said he doesn’t care about the case and it shows. So why should I? “At this point I’m looking round for something sharp with which to cut my wrists.” Frank’s quote describe how I feel reading this book.
November 22, 2023
Looking at the overall ratings for Murder at Holly House, i realised that I was an outlier in my feelings about the book. There's a solid reason why Holly House gets a three star rating only from me, and that is because I felt somewhat cheated by the direction the book decided to take.
Going by its description, it's blurb, and it's general marketing, I was looking forward to reading a proper golden era inspired mystery, complete with a manot house, a small village and some Christmas snow. The book did begin that way as well, but after the fifty percent mark, it sort of changes trajectory and went into (spoiler alert!) the realm of spies and international scandal and whatnot, thus making me feel cheated. The setting of the book is somewhere in the 1960s, but the time felt like I was reading a book set in the 1930-40s and the casual references to things like phones etc were the only reminders that this was set in a later time period.
Going by its description, it's blurb, and it's general marketing, I was looking forward to reading a proper golden era inspired mystery, complete with a manot house, a small village and some Christmas snow. The book did begin that way as well, but after the fifty percent mark, it sort of changes trajectory and went into (spoiler alert!) the realm of spies and international scandal and whatnot, thus making me feel cheated. The setting of the book is somewhere in the 1960s, but the time felt like I was reading a book set in the 1930-40s and the casual references to things like phones etc were the only reminders that this was set in a later time period.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Well I read this book in one day and I’d like to say it’s because I couldn’t put it down it was so good but in actual fact it became a read of skimming after page 300. I just couldn’t stand one more full sentence of “Say I” one more time. I thought this was going to be a Christmas murder book, something a little who done it, a Christmas mystery but ot was more a spy book that had you in tales. I felt it was far too complex for what it needed to be and very wordy.
What did I enjoy - the beginning was actually good, I liked the character building of the main character frank. The book had potential.
What didn’t I enjoy - well I’m British and even I say this book is far too British. No one I’ve ever met speaks like this. I absolutely got so annoyed at the amount of “say I” I came across. It started to give me the ick.
Overall, not what I expected. Felt like it was over complicated for no reason. It felt very much like words where put in there to sound good rather than actually giving body to the book. It was abit messy, and the twists didn’t really twist for me. I wouldn’t recommend this book personally. It had potential, good characters and good settings but it just fell abit flat for me, in my opinion.
2 ⭐️⭐️
What did I enjoy - the beginning was actually good, I liked the character building of the main character frank. The book had potential.
What didn’t I enjoy - well I’m British and even I say this book is far too British. No one I’ve ever met speaks like this. I absolutely got so annoyed at the amount of “say I” I came across. It started to give me the ick.
Overall, not what I expected. Felt like it was over complicated for no reason. It felt very much like words where put in there to sound good rather than actually giving body to the book. It was abit messy, and the twists didn’t really twist for me. I wouldn’t recommend this book personally. It had potential, good characters and good settings but it just fell abit flat for me, in my opinion.
2 ⭐️⭐️
December 29, 2025
While set during Christmas time, this isn’t really a holiday whodunnit. In fact it’s not much of a whodunnit at all as the plot feels very convoluted and the resolution felt wrapped up in confusion and obfuscation. Frank Grant did too much navel-gazing for my liking and there were far too many characters to keep track of and this nearly 400 page novel could have been improved greatly by shaving off a hundred or so pages.
That being said, it kept me turning the pages and was a light read for the hazy and lazy post-Christmas days.
That being said, it kept me turning the pages and was a light read for the hazy and lazy post-Christmas days.
November 30, 2023
This was rather very good!
December 14, 2025
This was not a good book. I was hoping for a British whodunnit set at Christmas time. Instead it’s a weirdly convoluted tale of international conspiracy, no Christmas feel and almost none of it takes place at the Holly House mentioned in the title. The characters are bland and unlikeable. The plot is hard to follow. Don’t let the cover fool you.
November 15, 2023
I read this in one day stopping only for comfort breaks and tea! I’ve read all the Daley books so know that it will be a good story. Without giving too much away, a policeman is ‘exiled’ to the wilds of Yorkshire to a village not unlike Brigadoon. He soon becomes embroiled in a situation he never expected. The year is 1952 - so the reader needs to remember that the war is over only a short time, that many were still distrustful of strangers, everyone knew their place in the structure of society and there is no technology. Everything is done ‘old school’. Trust no one is the theme here. I loved the comments which referred to what may or may not happen in the future. ( Particularly, the comment about all the world’s knowledge will be available on a screen!) I really hope there will be more stories from Frank Grasby et Al. Thank you NetGalley for a prepublication ebook.
December 1, 2025
This was B&N $5 Cafe deal book. I didn’t have high expectations but I had so much fun reading it! Will be looking to get the second book.
December 12, 2025
I signed up for a murder mystery, not a spy thriller. It was fine, though. I did end up liking the characters by the end, but there was just too much going on all the time, felt very scattered. And again, this is not a whodunnit, despite the title. I hope the next one is more of a mystery than this one was.
December 8, 2025
Audiobook/Book Review 🌲🔪🔍🎧📖
thank you so much partner @poisonedpenpress @sourcebooks.audio for the gifted copy and audiobook!
Murder at Holly House
by Denzil Meyrick
Narrated by Tom Turner
out now!
A village of secrets.
Yorkshire, 1952. Christmas is fast approaching when a dead stranger is found lodged up the chimney of Holly House in the snow-covered village of Elderby. Is he a simple thief, or a would-be killer?
A mystery that can’t be solved.
Inspector Frank Grasby is ordered to investigate. But as is often the way for him, things don’t go according to plan.
A Christmas to remember.
When the local doctor’s husband is murdered, Grasby begins to realize that everyone in Elderby is hiding something.
And if he can’t uncover the truth soon, the whole country will pay a dreadful price...
🔍 My thoughts:
This was a fast and entertaining mystery! It ended up being 100% audiobook listen for me. Tom Turner delivered a great narration and kept my attention all the way through. I really liked Frank Grasby and a character and thought he was a hoot. I would say it was a decent story that landed right in the middle for me. With that said, I went into it expecting a Christmassy whodunnit but there wasn’t much that I could say made this a festive read in my opinion. Still a quick enjoyable read that’s you could always add to your list to meet your yearly reading goal!
Happy reading 📖🎧🌲🔍🔪
thank you so much partner @poisonedpenpress @sourcebooks.audio for the gifted copy and audiobook!
Murder at Holly House
by Denzil Meyrick
Narrated by Tom Turner
out now!
A village of secrets.
Yorkshire, 1952. Christmas is fast approaching when a dead stranger is found lodged up the chimney of Holly House in the snow-covered village of Elderby. Is he a simple thief, or a would-be killer?
A mystery that can’t be solved.
Inspector Frank Grasby is ordered to investigate. But as is often the way for him, things don’t go according to plan.
A Christmas to remember.
When the local doctor’s husband is murdered, Grasby begins to realize that everyone in Elderby is hiding something.
And if he can’t uncover the truth soon, the whole country will pay a dreadful price...
🔍 My thoughts:
This was a fast and entertaining mystery! It ended up being 100% audiobook listen for me. Tom Turner delivered a great narration and kept my attention all the way through. I really liked Frank Grasby and a character and thought he was a hoot. I would say it was a decent story that landed right in the middle for me. With that said, I went into it expecting a Christmassy whodunnit but there wasn’t much that I could say made this a festive read in my opinion. Still a quick enjoyable read that’s you could always add to your list to meet your yearly reading goal!
Happy reading 📖🎧🌲🔍🔪
October 3, 2023
DNF I got to about 40% and gave up, I don't really do cosy crime however this will work for the Richard Osman reader.
This post WWII cosy murder mystery makes the ideal read for December. Inspector Frank Grasby is sent from York to a small North Yorkshire village to solve some break-ins, however he soon finds himself investigating a murder or two. If you like you murder mysteries packed with entertaining characters, a bit of tongue in cheek humour and a couple of twists and turns then this is for you.
This post WWII cosy murder mystery makes the ideal read for December. Inspector Frank Grasby is sent from York to a small North Yorkshire village to solve some break-ins, however he soon finds himself investigating a murder or two. If you like you murder mysteries packed with entertaining characters, a bit of tongue in cheek humour and a couple of twists and turns then this is for you.
Want to read
October 14, 2024Absolutely adore these covers 😍
January 3, 2025
Frank Grasby is an idiot, but he knows he is. It was a little hard to keep up with all the characters changing sides, but it was an enjoyable read.
November 24, 2025
This was awful. Now I know why it was only $5.
January 3, 2026
This started out pretty boring and I was honestly debating a DNF but i’m glad I stuck it out! The ending was super action packed and had a pretty good resolution. It wasn’t the best book ever but they can’t all be 5 stars ladies
November 12, 2024
3.5 stars
December 12, 2023
Thank you to @librofm and @prhaudio for an ALC of Murder at Holly House by Denzil Meyrick, which comes out December 26th in the U.S. I am a big Alfred Hitchcock fan, and this book truly reminded me of a Hitchcock movie. Not like Psycho, but one of the super fun ones like The 39 Steps or North by Northwest where the hapless hero faces non-stop adventure and doesn’t know whom to trust.
The narrative voice is entertaining and humorous. Our detective doesn’t hesitate to self-deprecate and share his feelings about anybody. He isn’t the best detective in the world, but he sure is fun to read about. He goes to the small but mysterious village of Elderby thinking he’s going to investigate thefts, and he ends up embroiled in murders and much more.
Although a 2023 release, the book has an old-fashioned style to it and the writing was excellent. Despite the madcap quality, there are also moments of seriousness as our hero contemplates life in post-WWII England. I would definitely read more by this author and especially more starring this bumbling yet insightful sleuth.
The narrative voice is entertaining and humorous. Our detective doesn’t hesitate to self-deprecate and share his feelings about anybody. He isn’t the best detective in the world, but he sure is fun to read about. He goes to the small but mysterious village of Elderby thinking he’s going to investigate thefts, and he ends up embroiled in murders and much more.
Although a 2023 release, the book has an old-fashioned style to it and the writing was excellent. Despite the madcap quality, there are also moments of seriousness as our hero contemplates life in post-WWII England. I would definitely read more by this author and especially more starring this bumbling yet insightful sleuth.
January 15, 2024
okay this one is an interesting one because I did NOT really like it at first, I felt very mehh. And I actively didn't like the protagonists personality so I wasn't feeling super hopeful for the book, but I decided to read on just a little bit further to get a better idea of what was going on and I am glad I did. This is a silly, campy, slightly annoying murder mystery that gets out of hand and goes in some wacky directions.
Since I didn't really care for the characters or really what was going on, it was pretty easy for me to sit back relax and just have a good time. Ended up being pretty fun.
Read for this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJBCh...
Since I didn't really care for the characters or really what was going on, it was pretty easy for me to sit back relax and just have a good time. Ended up being pretty fun.
Read for this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJBCh...
October 9, 2023
Sometimes it's best to get away from your normal haunts for a while, and in Inspector Frank Grasby's case, this is definitely a good idea! After an unfortunate incident at a local stable yard, Frank finds himself reassigned from the hustle and bustle of York to the quiet, dull, and isolated village of Elderby. With only a spate of farm burglaries to investigate, he isn't expecting very much in terms of excitement until he finds a dead body in a chimney at the home of the local Lord of the Manor!
When a second body is discovered, York seems a very long way away, and, as the weather closes in, Frank Grasby finds himself in the crossfire of someone who would rather he didn't discover whodunnit! Not knowing who to trust leaves Frank at a disadvantage, but no one could have prepared him for what he is reluctantly about to become a part of or the sacrifice he might have to make.
Frank Grasby isn't your everyday hero, but author Denzil Meyrick makes him likeable if a little delusional about some of his abilities! There are a lot of characters involved here but that is the only negative in what is an intriguing and fast moving storyline and although the action happens just before Christmas, 1952, this isn't a festive mystery it just happens to be set in December. Written as part of Grasby's memoirs, the reader is privy to all his internal musings, some of which are laugh out loud, funny whilst others explain a great deal about his priorities and opinions.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is extremely well written and I enjoyed it very much.
When a second body is discovered, York seems a very long way away, and, as the weather closes in, Frank Grasby finds himself in the crossfire of someone who would rather he didn't discover whodunnit! Not knowing who to trust leaves Frank at a disadvantage, but no one could have prepared him for what he is reluctantly about to become a part of or the sacrifice he might have to make.
Frank Grasby isn't your everyday hero, but author Denzil Meyrick makes him likeable if a little delusional about some of his abilities! There are a lot of characters involved here but that is the only negative in what is an intriguing and fast moving storyline and although the action happens just before Christmas, 1952, this isn't a festive mystery it just happens to be set in December. Written as part of Grasby's memoirs, the reader is privy to all his internal musings, some of which are laugh out loud, funny whilst others explain a great deal about his priorities and opinions.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is extremely well written and I enjoyed it very much.
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