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DCI Daley #2
The Last Witness
James Machie was a man with a genius for violence, his criminal empire spreading beyond Glasgow into the UK and mainland Europe. Fortunately, James Machie is dead, assassinated in the back of a prison ambulance following his trial and conviction.
But now, five years later, he is apparently back from the grave, set on avenging himself on those who brought him down. Top of his list is his previous associate, Frank MacDougall, who unbeknownst to D.C.I. Jim Daley, is living under protection on his lochside patch, the small Scottish town of Kinloch. Daley knows that, having been the key to Machie’s conviction, his old friend and colleague D.S. Scott is almost as big a target. And nothing, not even death, has ever stood in James Machie’s way.
But now, five years later, he is apparently back from the grave, set on avenging himself on those who brought him down. Top of his list is his previous associate, Frank MacDougall, who unbeknownst to D.C.I. Jim Daley, is living under protection on his lochside patch, the small Scottish town of Kinloch. Daley knows that, having been the key to Machie’s conviction, his old friend and colleague D.S. Scott is almost as big a target. And nothing, not even death, has ever stood in James Machie’s way.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2014
233 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
About the author
Denzil Meyrick
37 books529 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 220 reviews
April 21, 2018
I listened to this on audio, because it was narrated by the wonderful David Monteath, and I had loved listening to him read Dark Suits and Sad Songs. So we return to Kinloch for a shocker of a story. 5 years previously, notorious crime lord James Machie had been shot dead in a prison van ambush, along with others. To everyone's consternation, there is now video of a resurrected James Machie in Australia brutally killing a man who had testified against him, as well as his wife. Fear ripples through the police when a member of Frank MacDougall's family is killed, assumed to be Machie as evidence emerges of his return to Scotland by helicopter, and him being responsible for another death. Anyone involved in securing the conviction of James Machie has good reason to be afraid and this includes DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott. Frank, another criminal gang leader, has been under the witness protection programme ever since giving evidence against Machie, now he and his entire family are in danger as Machie goes on the rampage, with the police struggling to find any leads that can help them locate him. How has James Machie come back to the land of the living? This is a blood drenched story of revenge and betrayal, whilst Daley's personal life begins to fall apart and he begins to harbour suspicions of the obnoxious Superintendent John Donald. A wonderfully entertaining addition to this brilliant series which I recommend highly.
December 24, 2016
The book begins with a couple of vignettes guaranteed to get your attention.
In the first, legendary Glasgow gangster James Machie is being transported back to prison from hospital when the ambulance is….erm….intercepted. Suffice to say he won’t have to worry about serving out those 5 life sentences.
The second takes place 5 years later in Melbourne. Gerald used to run with the Machie clan. After giving evidence at Machie’s trial, he & his wife got new identities & were whisked away to Australia. You’d think that would be far enough. You’d be wrong. The attack itself is brutal but when the killer’s face is caught on CCTV, jaws drop in police stations right across Scotland.
For Kinloch DCI Jim Daley, it qualifies as a full-on WTF moment. Five years ago he & colleague DS Brian Scott were largely responsible for the case that finally put away much of the notorious Machie clan. It was a stressful & dangerous time. Many of the cops received death threats & Brian was shot.
When Jim was transferred to Kinloch by Superintendent John Donald (a total git, BTW, but I digress….) he saw it as a chance to slow down, relax & spend more time with his wife. It’s good to have a dream, Jim. But the reality is the killing didn’t end in Melbourne. Family members of Machie’s old goon squad begin to drop like flies. It seems someone is getting revenge on those who helped put Machie away.
Jim & Brian are grateful to be far from Glasgow until Supt. Donald comes clean. One of the biggest rats was Frank MacDougall & he & his family disappeared into witness protection after the trial. In fact they’ve been stashed on a farm outside Kinloch for the last 5 years.
This is the first I’ve read from this author & I really enjoyed it. There are several sub-plots running along side the main story line which revolves around “just how dead is he” James Machie. Office politics, a bent insider, old mobsters who would sell their mother & Jim’s personal life all contribute to a thorny, fast paced story. Characters range from the enigmatic to the colourful. Brian in particular was a bit of a challenge. Dialogue is written to reflect the vernacular of where he grew up & his accent could mince haggis.
Much is cleared up by the end but there are a few loose threads that will have major repercussions for several characters in the future. This is actually book #2 in the series after Whisky From Small Glasses & I look forward to getting my hands on the next one to see how it plays out.
In the first, legendary Glasgow gangster James Machie is being transported back to prison from hospital when the ambulance is….erm….intercepted. Suffice to say he won’t have to worry about serving out those 5 life sentences.
The second takes place 5 years later in Melbourne. Gerald used to run with the Machie clan. After giving evidence at Machie’s trial, he & his wife got new identities & were whisked away to Australia. You’d think that would be far enough. You’d be wrong. The attack itself is brutal but when the killer’s face is caught on CCTV, jaws drop in police stations right across Scotland.
For Kinloch DCI Jim Daley, it qualifies as a full-on WTF moment. Five years ago he & colleague DS Brian Scott were largely responsible for the case that finally put away much of the notorious Machie clan. It was a stressful & dangerous time. Many of the cops received death threats & Brian was shot.
When Jim was transferred to Kinloch by Superintendent John Donald (a total git, BTW, but I digress….) he saw it as a chance to slow down, relax & spend more time with his wife. It’s good to have a dream, Jim. But the reality is the killing didn’t end in Melbourne. Family members of Machie’s old goon squad begin to drop like flies. It seems someone is getting revenge on those who helped put Machie away.
Jim & Brian are grateful to be far from Glasgow until Supt. Donald comes clean. One of the biggest rats was Frank MacDougall & he & his family disappeared into witness protection after the trial. In fact they’ve been stashed on a farm outside Kinloch for the last 5 years.
This is the first I’ve read from this author & I really enjoyed it. There are several sub-plots running along side the main story line which revolves around “just how dead is he” James Machie. Office politics, a bent insider, old mobsters who would sell their mother & Jim’s personal life all contribute to a thorny, fast paced story. Characters range from the enigmatic to the colourful. Brian in particular was a bit of a challenge. Dialogue is written to reflect the vernacular of where he grew up & his accent could mince haggis.
Much is cleared up by the end but there are a few loose threads that will have major repercussions for several characters in the future. This is actually book #2 in the series after Whisky From Small Glasses & I look forward to getting my hands on the next one to see how it plays out.
May 21, 2025
The Last Witness by Denzil Meyrick is the second in the series based on the fictional Scottish town of Kinloch. They are police procedurals and feature DCI Jim Daley and his longstanding colleague and mate DS Scott.
If there was any doubt, this second book underlines the ability of the author.
Always gritty and engrossing the writing quickly brings you into the story and maintains your interest throughout. Perhaps he lets us down more gently as the book closes purely to allow the reader to breathe and prepare for the next instalment. Some may find this a commercial ploy and argue a book should standalone but unless one produces an epilogue longer than the actual story the plot extensions need to run on. Book 3 is already published, so the wait isn’t a long one and the quality of this series means anyone who enjoys this novel will already be searching out this author anyway. That said, spoiler alert at the end of The Last Witness you will have as many questions as you have answers and to satisfy the need for completeness will want to continue with these characters’ journeys.
The Last Witness is essentially a novel about revenge. Glasgow gangland boss James Machie was betrayed by his partners in crime and paid the ultimate price following his arrest he was mercilessly despatched in a prison convey. The current team know the details well enough they were in court before he met his demise and heard his threats to settle scores with them and his former associates.
The main two villains who gave evidence against him are placed into the witness protection scheme and for a long time their new lives go on unchecked. When a crime is committed on the other side of the world it has repercussions for Daley and his team, and his boss Donald prepares them for the unthinkable when CCTV seems to reveal a ghost from the past.
The quiet secluded life of this tranquil community is about to shattered as the crimes of Glasgow seem closer to Kinloch than the more traditional pursuits of smuggling and tax avoidance. Daley who is still trying to fit in himself has more unsettling news to process and his personal story plunges into darkness and suspicion.
If only he learns to trust Hamish an enigmatic character who seems to discern most things but speaks in riddles.
A great story, full of dark humour and serious violence. All bound together by expansive writing and authentic dialectal dialogue, which takes time to master, but only adds to one’s enjoyment of this wonderful book.
If there was any doubt, this second book underlines the ability of the author.
Always gritty and engrossing the writing quickly brings you into the story and maintains your interest throughout. Perhaps he lets us down more gently as the book closes purely to allow the reader to breathe and prepare for the next instalment. Some may find this a commercial ploy and argue a book should standalone but unless one produces an epilogue longer than the actual story the plot extensions need to run on. Book 3 is already published, so the wait isn’t a long one and the quality of this series means anyone who enjoys this novel will already be searching out this author anyway. That said, spoiler alert at the end of The Last Witness you will have as many questions as you have answers and to satisfy the need for completeness will want to continue with these characters’ journeys.
The Last Witness is essentially a novel about revenge. Glasgow gangland boss James Machie was betrayed by his partners in crime and paid the ultimate price following his arrest he was mercilessly despatched in a prison convey. The current team know the details well enough they were in court before he met his demise and heard his threats to settle scores with them and his former associates.
The main two villains who gave evidence against him are placed into the witness protection scheme and for a long time their new lives go on unchecked. When a crime is committed on the other side of the world it has repercussions for Daley and his team, and his boss Donald prepares them for the unthinkable when CCTV seems to reveal a ghost from the past.
The quiet secluded life of this tranquil community is about to shattered as the crimes of Glasgow seem closer to Kinloch than the more traditional pursuits of smuggling and tax avoidance. Daley who is still trying to fit in himself has more unsettling news to process and his personal story plunges into darkness and suspicion.
If only he learns to trust Hamish an enigmatic character who seems to discern most things but speaks in riddles.
A great story, full of dark humour and serious violence. All bound together by expansive writing and authentic dialectal dialogue, which takes time to master, but only adds to one’s enjoyment of this wonderful book.
June 8, 2024
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: SEVERE, VERY GRAPHIC ACTS of VIOLENCE
It seems that a Glasgow mob boss may have returned from the dead to exact his revenge on those who brought him and his empire down and sent him to prison. The gangster, James Machie, is a nasty specimen of humanity...but was eventually done in by a combination of good old fashion police work and associates who were more than willing to turn evidence in exchange for being placed in the Scottish equivalent of witness protection. When those informers begin turning up as corpses, DCI Jim Daley, whose young partner also had a hand in the case, is confronted with evidence that the person he believed long dead is still alive and kicking.
The race is now on to find this resurrected bad guy before he can start to cross off every name on his "folks I want to kill" list. This would be much more believable if the plot here hadn't kept falling over itself. We kept getting explanations of events after the fact, with those explanations often being unclear. The graphic violence, which I was not opposed to in itself, started before I had even read 12 pages...and it is severe with all capital letters, which I was also not necessarily opposed to, but it will diffidently bother a lot of readers, and it goes on way, way too long, without anyone trying to stop it. Perhaps the police had reason to be extra cautious since part of that violence was when a young police officer sees his partner’s head blown apart...BEFORE he actually died. There were also several pages of a man being macheted to death then his bound-and-gagged wife being shown the corpse before her own head is blasted to smithereens. I won't go on any longer... I think everyone gets the picture.
I was totally surprised by how graphic these events were and how long they went on, taking up so much of the book. This hasn't happened in any of the other books I have read by this author. It only served to ruin what could have been a good story.
It seems that a Glasgow mob boss may have returned from the dead to exact his revenge on those who brought him and his empire down and sent him to prison. The gangster, James Machie, is a nasty specimen of humanity...but was eventually done in by a combination of good old fashion police work and associates who were more than willing to turn evidence in exchange for being placed in the Scottish equivalent of witness protection. When those informers begin turning up as corpses, DCI Jim Daley, whose young partner also had a hand in the case, is confronted with evidence that the person he believed long dead is still alive and kicking.
The race is now on to find this resurrected bad guy before he can start to cross off every name on his "folks I want to kill" list. This would be much more believable if the plot here hadn't kept falling over itself. We kept getting explanations of events after the fact, with those explanations often being unclear. The graphic violence, which I was not opposed to in itself, started before I had even read 12 pages...and it is severe with all capital letters, which I was also not necessarily opposed to, but it will diffidently bother a lot of readers, and it goes on way, way too long, without anyone trying to stop it. Perhaps the police had reason to be extra cautious since part of that violence was when a young police officer sees his partner’s head blown apart...BEFORE he actually died. There were also several pages of a man being macheted to death then his bound-and-gagged wife being shown the corpse before her own head is blasted to smithereens. I won't go on any longer... I think everyone gets the picture.
I was totally surprised by how graphic these events were and how long they went on, taking up so much of the book. This hasn't happened in any of the other books I have read by this author. It only served to ruin what could have been a good story.
January 1, 2016
I received this from Edelweiss and W. W. Norton publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I love Tartan noir, so my review may be somewhat biased. I really, really, really liked this one!
A great sophomore effort from Mr. Meyrick, with fantastic development of the characters. A direct sequel to Whisky From Small Glasses, the plot was easy to follow and the subsequent plot twists were simply outstanding.
Meyrick's writing reminds me a lot of early Stuart MacBride in the Logan McRae series. Great stuff!
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I love Tartan noir, so my review may be somewhat biased. I really, really, really liked this one!
A great sophomore effort from Mr. Meyrick, with fantastic development of the characters. A direct sequel to Whisky From Small Glasses, the plot was easy to follow and the subsequent plot twists were simply outstanding.
Meyrick's writing reminds me a lot of early Stuart MacBride in the Logan McRae series. Great stuff!
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 5, 2014
Utterly brilliant second outing from this author. I was totally hooked from the opening (and explosive) prologue and first chapters, and struggled thereafter to put the book down. The pace is fast, the plot twists were superb, and the characters are so easily believable. I hd eagerly awaited the release of this book and, I am pleased to say, I was not disappointed. The only downside is, I'm now eagerly awaiting his third book!
September 7, 2019
SO. I wanted to like this series. So badly. Some of the characters are quite good (Brian Scott)...and I gotta say, I do like the titles...but there was always something just a little off. It took reading this entire book for me to figure it out.
THE FEMALE CHARACTERS. They're hideously sexist. There are no "women with agency" or "strong women" here. Take Liz - she's around to have sex with Jim. Then there's Sarah - who evidently is "smart and beautiful and sexy" and ultimately enjoyed be raped. Add in Betty who's useless (dementia) and the old aunt (forget her name) who's a victim of really terrible (in my opinion unnecessary) violence. And finally, the only woman who seems to be there to do actual work DC Dunn - then Daley decides she's pretty cute by the end of the novel (spoiler for the next book: when it opens they've been screwing for seven months and when Daley breaks it off to go back to his wife, she goes psycho wine drinking, glass throwing bitch).
So we have the battered woman, the she-liked-it victim, the sexy innocent, the crazy girlfriend, and the sluttly wife. The male characters are better developed, but the women in this book made me sick. I read the next one (ok, skimmed) just because I wanted to see the baby and the relationship. Mysteries aren't good enough to keep me reading either.
THE FEMALE CHARACTERS. They're hideously sexist. There are no "women with agency" or "strong women" here. Take Liz - she's around to have sex with Jim. Then there's Sarah - who evidently is "smart and beautiful and sexy" and ultimately enjoyed be raped. Add in Betty who's useless (dementia) and the old aunt (forget her name) who's a victim of really terrible (in my opinion unnecessary) violence. And finally, the only woman who seems to be there to do actual work DC Dunn - then Daley decides she's pretty cute by the end of the novel (spoiler for the next book: when it opens they've been screwing for seven months and when Daley breaks it off to go back to his wife, she goes psycho wine drinking, glass throwing bitch).
So we have the battered woman, the she-liked-it victim, the sexy innocent, the crazy girlfriend, and the sluttly wife. The male characters are better developed, but the women in this book made me sick. I read the next one (ok, skimmed) just because I wanted to see the baby and the relationship. Mysteries aren't good enough to keep me reading either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2014
I loved this book. The last half of the book was fast paced and I read it so quickly so I could find out what happened. I love Daley and Brian Scott and I can't wait to read the third instalment. I especially enjoyed the Scottish dialect because I was able to read it in the accent intended which was an extra treat. I have Dalintober Moon ready to read until Dark Suits and Sad Songs comes out ;)
January 12, 2016
Denzil Meyrick’s The Last Witness (2015) introduces Detective Chief Inspector Jim Daley of Glasgow’s police. Years earlier Daley, aided by inside informants, had been a central figure in breaking up a powerful crime family—the Machie gang led by Godfather James (“JayMac”) Machie. The turncoats went into witness protection but now they are turning up extremely dead, neither police custody nor witness protection able to protect them. And there are sightings of a ghost: Daley had watched JayMac’s body cremated years earlier following his assassination, but it appears that JayMac is back from the dead. And JayMac is mad!
Much of the story is told in that lovely Scottish brogue that pleases the ear and offends the eye. Be prepared for dialogue like
The avenger is remarkably capable: he kills a couple in Australia and is working his way through the family of Frank McDougall, JayMac’s former lieutenant. Daley knows that he and his family are on the hit list, so he has a very personal reason to try to put the toothpaste back in the tube. He and his sidekick—the fumbling Brian Scott—an acquaintance of JayMac’s since Scott’s youth in a Glasgow gang—are on the job tracking down the avenger as he does his thing: mutilating McDougall’s elderly aunt and killing his children, blowing up Daley’s car and house, killing a policeman.
Yet, we wonder, isn’t this a bit too pat? The arisen JayMac seems happy to leave DNA and photographs to identify himself. Is he bragging about his resurrection, or is it perhaps a setup to divert attention from the real murderer and their personal motives? Well, we just have to read on to find out.
The story was decent but the strong dialect—and lots of it—was an impediment for me even though it added verisimilitude. Perhaps if I had more Scotch in me…
Three stars.
Much of the story is told in that lovely Scottish brogue that pleases the ear and offends the eye. Be prepared for dialogue like
Aye, that’s as may be. The fermers have a wile struggle tae make ends meet, these days, especially the wans wi’ the wee mixed ferms. Every bugger an’ his freens are efter their wee bit money. I’m no’ tryin’ tae influence ye, mind—jeest letting you know.Even a world champion speed reader will feel those speed bumps.
The avenger is remarkably capable: he kills a couple in Australia and is working his way through the family of Frank McDougall, JayMac’s former lieutenant. Daley knows that he and his family are on the hit list, so he has a very personal reason to try to put the toothpaste back in the tube. He and his sidekick—the fumbling Brian Scott—an acquaintance of JayMac’s since Scott’s youth in a Glasgow gang—are on the job tracking down the avenger as he does his thing: mutilating McDougall’s elderly aunt and killing his children, blowing up Daley’s car and house, killing a policeman.
Yet, we wonder, isn’t this a bit too pat? The arisen JayMac seems happy to leave DNA and photographs to identify himself. Is he bragging about his resurrection, or is it perhaps a setup to divert attention from the real murderer and their personal motives? Well, we just have to read on to find out.
The story was decent but the strong dialect—and lots of it—was an impediment for me even though it added verisimilitude. Perhaps if I had more Scotch in me…
Three stars.
March 1, 2015
When I read "Whiskey in Small Glasses" by Denzil Meyrick I was instantly captured by this author's style. The characters were likeable and real. So when I finished it I wondered how Denzil was going to match this and would I see the realism in the characters again. I was more than pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book as not only did we see some of the same characters...the storyline had me shouting in the night...waking my neighbours with screams of "oh no!" and "oh my god!". I can usually tell within the first few chapters whether or not a book is worth reading and once again, Mr Meyrick impressed me instantly. The story reintroduces us to Jim Daley and the trials and tribulations of a small Scottish Village Kinloch. I now want to go there!! I also loved the writing style of incorporating the accents within the story...and found myself instantly within the pages as if I was a part of the story myself! Words fail me as this book was amazing. I was sad when it ended but pleased at the same time because I think we are going to be lucky enough to join Daley and Scott in another gripping crime in Kinloch again! Well done Denzil. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know. Thank you for the pleasure of reading this book. I want to describe each and every chapter but that wouldn't be fair to those who haven't read it yet. It's not just a book...it is an experience and a journey that I am looking forward to being a part of again!
March 5, 2021
There's a lot of story going on in The Last Witness. The action and suspense begin in the first pages and don't let go until the end. There are the main plot and enough subplots to keep even the most jaded reader fully involved.
March 18, 2021
I’d like to say a few things about this book. I don’t feel qualified somehow. It was good, original and atmospheric. I enjoyed it.
March 25, 2021
Ach! I was disappointed by the second installment of this series having enjoyed the first Daley novel.
There was some character progression in this book which I enjoyed. The on going saga of Jim and Liz kept me entertained and I liked seeing a more of Scott and his past in this novel. It is the interesting combination of rough upbringing that could have seen him land on either side of the tracks that interests me.
How Jim has made DCI I will never know. How he didn't click what was happening to Liz I will never fathom. Love is blind but holy moly, he seems to be completely oblivious to anything Liz related but to a point where he is just coming across as ridiculously stupid not just cutely naive.
Linked to this is the fact that there was legitimately NO police investigation in this book, it dulled my enjoyment of the series.
In the first book there were murders and the police spoke to people and a loose investigation occurred. But in this book Daley and Scott just sighed and whined about the Return of the JayMac and drank in their office or the pub or any other place they could.
It just felt like they were drinking to have banter and to make fat jokes about Daley but it felt quite forced and I didn't laugh once, whereas in the first book the humor was a bit more naturally occurring in events.
The main plot was set up early on and had impact and drew me in but then it fizzled out. None of the satellite characters to that main plot were likable and because the bulk of the plot was just three middle aged men getting pissed instead of investigating the big events there was just nothing maintaining my interest.
The drinking / banter sessions were interrupted by high octane, blood bath events where people died or got shot at and blown up and all that Tom Cruise stuff, but instead of investigating again Daley and Co went and had another drink or stood about complaining about it all.
I just felt disappointed with this book, the plot should have been thrilling but was too diluted by non-events and that made the big events seem like a dramatic parody. Though I want to know more about both Daley and Scott, I'm not sure if I would go in for the next book because I don't want to wade through bad plots just for the characters.
There was some character progression in this book which I enjoyed. The on going saga of Jim and Liz kept me entertained and I liked seeing a more of Scott and his past in this novel. It is the interesting combination of rough upbringing that could have seen him land on either side of the tracks that interests me.
How Jim has made DCI I will never know. How he didn't click what was happening to Liz I will never fathom. Love is blind but holy moly, he seems to be completely oblivious to anything Liz related but to a point where he is just coming across as ridiculously stupid not just cutely naive.
Linked to this is the fact that there was legitimately NO police investigation in this book, it dulled my enjoyment of the series.
In the first book there were murders and the police spoke to people and a loose investigation occurred. But in this book Daley and Scott just sighed and whined about the Return of the JayMac and drank in their office or the pub or any other place they could.
It just felt like they were drinking to have banter and to make fat jokes about Daley but it felt quite forced and I didn't laugh once, whereas in the first book the humor was a bit more naturally occurring in events.
The main plot was set up early on and had impact and drew me in but then it fizzled out. None of the satellite characters to that main plot were likable and because the bulk of the plot was just three middle aged men getting pissed instead of investigating the big events there was just nothing maintaining my interest.
The drinking / banter sessions were interrupted by high octane, blood bath events where people died or got shot at and blown up and all that Tom Cruise stuff, but instead of investigating again Daley and Co went and had another drink or stood about complaining about it all.
I just felt disappointed with this book, the plot should have been thrilling but was too diluted by non-events and that made the big events seem like a dramatic parody. Though I want to know more about both Daley and Scott, I'm not sure if I would go in for the next book because I don't want to wade through bad plots just for the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2016
The Last Witness by Denzil Meyrick is the second book in his Detective Daley series. Now, I haven't read the first book, but didn't feel lost at all in The Last Witness. (although the first one sounds cracking good) The Last Witness is the first book in the series to be published in North America.
The series is set in Scotland. James Machie was a criminal kingpin in Glasgow. Five years ago he was assinated in the back of a transport vehicle. Then how in the world is on camera today killing those who testified against him? His former right hand man Frank MacDougall, has been in the witness protection program for the last five years. Jim Daley is stunned to find out that Frank has been living on his patch for the entire time. And that he now responsible for the safety of Frank and his family.
I liked Jim as a character, but I have to say that my favourite is his Sergeant, Brian Scott. His irreverent attitude is great fun and the perfect foil against their Superintendent, John Scott. (who's a piece of work) Daley plays peacemaker between the two.
Meyrick's dialogue is written as it would be spoken - Scottish brogue and all. I found it easy after a few pages, but some may not. There's also a fair amount of swearing and lots of drinking. Again, it fits the tone of the book, the characters and the setting. But some may be offended.
Meyrick has penned an imaginative plot, filled it with lots of action and created characters I would revisit again. He also has a dark sense of humour that mixes well with the noir feeling of The Last Witness.
Meyrick is writing what he knows, in settings, characters and plotting. "Denzil Meyrick was educated in Argyll, then after studying politics, joined the Strathclyde Police, serving in Glasgow. After being injured and developing back problems, he now works as a freelance journalist in both print and on radio. Denzil lives in Scotland." His prose absolutely have the ring of authenticity and accuracy.
And although the ending tied up things nicely, there's one or two questions about Daley's personal life that will hopefully be answered in the next book - one I'll be reading. Fans of Stuart MacBride would enjoy Meyrick's writing.
The series is set in Scotland. James Machie was a criminal kingpin in Glasgow. Five years ago he was assinated in the back of a transport vehicle. Then how in the world is on camera today killing those who testified against him? His former right hand man Frank MacDougall, has been in the witness protection program for the last five years. Jim Daley is stunned to find out that Frank has been living on his patch for the entire time. And that he now responsible for the safety of Frank and his family.
I liked Jim as a character, but I have to say that my favourite is his Sergeant, Brian Scott. His irreverent attitude is great fun and the perfect foil against their Superintendent, John Scott. (who's a piece of work) Daley plays peacemaker between the two.
Meyrick's dialogue is written as it would be spoken - Scottish brogue and all. I found it easy after a few pages, but some may not. There's also a fair amount of swearing and lots of drinking. Again, it fits the tone of the book, the characters and the setting. But some may be offended.
Meyrick has penned an imaginative plot, filled it with lots of action and created characters I would revisit again. He also has a dark sense of humour that mixes well with the noir feeling of The Last Witness.
Meyrick is writing what he knows, in settings, characters and plotting. "Denzil Meyrick was educated in Argyll, then after studying politics, joined the Strathclyde Police, serving in Glasgow. After being injured and developing back problems, he now works as a freelance journalist in both print and on radio. Denzil lives in Scotland." His prose absolutely have the ring of authenticity and accuracy.
And although the ending tied up things nicely, there's one or two questions about Daley's personal life that will hopefully be answered in the next book - one I'll be reading. Fans of Stuart MacBride would enjoy Meyrick's writing.
June 30, 2015
Well, this is fast paced and has plenty of action in it. However, I did not enjoy it at all. The dialect is so intrusive and often incomprehensible. I found myself skipping the dialogue. The sudden introduction of his wife's apparent infidelity seems out of character and draws my attention to the very poor portrayal of the women characters. As the story progressed I found myself not believing any of it. Finally there are several unresolved threads at the end of the book. I enjoyed his short story but won't be reading any more by this author.
February 18, 2022
This is the second book I've read by this author (the first being Whisky from Small Glasses). His portrayal of women is appalling in both books. There is no substance to any of his female characters. However, the nail in the coffin for me is his casual description of a woman experiencing physical pleasure whilst being raped. I actually re-read the passage assuming I hadn't read it correctly the first time. I won't be continuing with this series.
August 23, 2021
DCI Jim Daley has his hand full of both personal life problem and the investigation. The characters are likable with each with their own background that surely will gradually reveal or weave into new plots. The case was about revenge, there were twist after twist (mini twist, though) but a bit skeptical to me. Overall The Last Witness is an enjoyable read.
July 19, 2014
DS Brian Scott and DCI Jim Daley arrested notorious gangster, James Machie, five years ago and on the way to prison he was killed. How is it possible that JayMac is back and planning his revenge on the people who put him away. And where does that leave Scott and Daley?
This is apparently the second novel in the Daley series and now that I have read it, I definitely intend to go back and read the first one - always the sign of an enjoyable book! It did not really detract from the story not having read it, but I would like to know the full story of JayMac's arrest and so on as I did find the relationships between the criminals interesting.
Even though I have obviously missed some background story, I found the characters of Scott, Daley and Donald very real and extremely rounded and I quickly felt sympathy for the policemen caught up in this awful situation. I have to declare now that I really don't like speech which is written phonetically and it is a sign that I enjoyed this book that I almost managed to forget about that aspect. I also found the relationhship between Scott and the criminals he had grown up with very believable and clearly very difficult - Meyrick is clearly an excellent observer of human nature and this comes across very clearly in the novel.
All in all, I really enjoyed "The Last Witness" and would highly recommend it as an easy, but interesting read. I had a small issue with the explanation of JayMac's amazing "return", but the rest of it was down to earth and very believable. I shall go and put "Whiskey From Small Glasses" on my wishlist straightaway.
This is apparently the second novel in the Daley series and now that I have read it, I definitely intend to go back and read the first one - always the sign of an enjoyable book! It did not really detract from the story not having read it, but I would like to know the full story of JayMac's arrest and so on as I did find the relationships between the criminals interesting.
Even though I have obviously missed some background story, I found the characters of Scott, Daley and Donald very real and extremely rounded and I quickly felt sympathy for the policemen caught up in this awful situation. I have to declare now that I really don't like speech which is written phonetically and it is a sign that I enjoyed this book that I almost managed to forget about that aspect. I also found the relationhship between Scott and the criminals he had grown up with very believable and clearly very difficult - Meyrick is clearly an excellent observer of human nature and this comes across very clearly in the novel.
All in all, I really enjoyed "The Last Witness" and would highly recommend it as an easy, but interesting read. I had a small issue with the explanation of JayMac's amazing "return", but the rest of it was down to earth and very believable. I shall go and put "Whiskey From Small Glasses" on my wishlist straightaway.
September 14, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this series - Whiskey From Small Glasses. It was a satisfying but not very pacy read. This though was pretty full on from the get go.
A double homicide in Australia gets the attention of the Kinloch police because an image from that scene shows a dead man. Glasgow gangland boss James Machie was finally captured five years ago after some of his crew gave evidence against him in exchange for immunity. But during transport the van he is travelling is attacked and the guards and Machie are gunned down. The end. But wait...
Pretty soon Machie is back in Scotland. It seems he is killing everyone who betrayed him and he's making sure they know its him. DCI Jim Daley and bagman DS Scott can't work out how he cheated death but are pretty bloody concerned because they were involved with the original arrest. Also, the remaining witness against Machie is in witness protection, in hiding, but no one is convinced he is safe.
The sense of menace is quite palpable as the ruthless Machie continues his quest for vengeance taking no prisoners. Can Daley and Scott stop him, or will they too fall victim to this bloody rampage. These characters are well portrayed and its easy to get invested in them. This could turn into a damn fine series.
A double homicide in Australia gets the attention of the Kinloch police because an image from that scene shows a dead man. Glasgow gangland boss James Machie was finally captured five years ago after some of his crew gave evidence against him in exchange for immunity. But during transport the van he is travelling is attacked and the guards and Machie are gunned down. The end. But wait...
Pretty soon Machie is back in Scotland. It seems he is killing everyone who betrayed him and he's making sure they know its him. DCI Jim Daley and bagman DS Scott can't work out how he cheated death but are pretty bloody concerned because they were involved with the original arrest. Also, the remaining witness against Machie is in witness protection, in hiding, but no one is convinced he is safe.
The sense of menace is quite palpable as the ruthless Machie continues his quest for vengeance taking no prisoners. Can Daley and Scott stop him, or will they too fall victim to this bloody rampage. These characters are well portrayed and its easy to get invested in them. This could turn into a damn fine series.
October 22, 2018
I'll include some spoilers because as much as I liked this book, there was one part that angered me.
Great book overall. It was surprising to see the cops that were so full of bravado in the first book absolutely shaken in this book. A couple instances of a murder from a first-person perspective (that of the victim) were pretty chilling to read. That said, the "secret twin" plot device is pretty lazy. Denzil Meyrick is such a talented writer that the use of this plot device seems particularly egregious. Meyrick includes an almost uncomfortable amount of realism in this book - one character comments on the feeling of his eyebrows singeing as he runs through a fire, a cop being stalked worries that the sound of pissing himself is going to give away his hiding place, and a machete murder is written from the victim's perspective. To go from that to a soap opera level plot device like a secret twin or a coma fantasy is just insulting to the readers and to Meyrick's reputation.
I'm going to keep reading Meyrick's books because I'm invested in the characters and love how he fleshes out the small town. But I certainly hope he doesn't stoop to such lows in a third act again.
Great book overall. It was surprising to see the cops that were so full of bravado in the first book absolutely shaken in this book. A couple instances of a murder from a first-person perspective (that of the victim) were pretty chilling to read. That said, the "secret twin" plot device is pretty lazy. Denzil Meyrick is such a talented writer that the use of this plot device seems particularly egregious. Meyrick includes an almost uncomfortable amount of realism in this book - one character comments on the feeling of his eyebrows singeing as he runs through a fire, a cop being stalked worries that the sound of pissing himself is going to give away his hiding place, and a machete murder is written from the victim's perspective. To go from that to a soap opera level plot device like a secret twin or a coma fantasy is just insulting to the readers and to Meyrick's reputation.
I'm going to keep reading Meyrick's books because I'm invested in the characters and love how he fleshes out the small town. But I certainly hope he doesn't stoop to such lows in a third act again.
April 4, 2015
Another outstanding book, a real page turner. Also finished with the next book in mind .I look forward to that coming out.
January 31, 2020
I've enjoyed other books in this series but I got a bit bogged down in this one, and just got really confused about the plot.
December 9, 2018
Time taken to read - in and out over 3 days
Pages - 320
Publisher - Polygon
Source - Waterstones
Blurb from Goodreads
James Machie was a man with a genius for violence, his criminal empire spreading beyond Glasgow into the UK and mainland Europe. Fortunately, James Machie is dead, assassinated in the back of a prison ambulance following his trial and conviction.
But now, five years later, he is apparently back from the grave, set on avenging himself on those who brought him down. Top of his list is his previous associate, Frank MacDougall, who unbeknownst to D.C.I. Jim Daley, is living under protection on his lochside patch, the small Scottish town of Kinloch. Daley knows that, having been the key to Machie’s conviction, his old friend and colleague D.S. Scott is almost as big a target. And nothing, not even death, has ever stood in James Machie’s way.
My Review
James Machie was one of the most brutal criminals Daley and Scott had to deal with before he was killed. Now it seems the impossible has happened, Machie is back, he is on a killing mission and has no problems hiding it. The police are freaked out, the people that betrayed him know he is coming for them but how do you defend yourself against a ghost?
A brutal killing opens the book, a few years later someone in witness protection/relocation is horrifically killed. The killer happy to show his face has the cops confused, weirded out and knowing it can't be him, can it? The hunt is on for the killer, the police have to move quickly before the killer gets to his targets. He is taunting them and the chase is on, who will die next and how is the killer back from the dead?
I do enjoy Meyricks writing, the characters are great and love or hate them you want to know what is coming next. As well as the killer and threat to the officers lives we have the politics within the police ranks and Daley's personal life and woes. Sometimes when you have the personal aspect as well as the crimes it can be frustrating or dull, not so with Daley. I always want to know what is coming next for him, he is such a decent guy and you are always rooting for the team. The book as with the first one has some Scottish humour in the way the team/locals interact which I love, it is true to life in the way small communities are with their own and if you don't laugh it will minimally draw a smile from you. I have all the other books to read and cannot wait to see what is coming next 4.5/5 for me this time.
Pages - 320
Publisher - Polygon
Source - Waterstones
Blurb from Goodreads
James Machie was a man with a genius for violence, his criminal empire spreading beyond Glasgow into the UK and mainland Europe. Fortunately, James Machie is dead, assassinated in the back of a prison ambulance following his trial and conviction.
But now, five years later, he is apparently back from the grave, set on avenging himself on those who brought him down. Top of his list is his previous associate, Frank MacDougall, who unbeknownst to D.C.I. Jim Daley, is living under protection on his lochside patch, the small Scottish town of Kinloch. Daley knows that, having been the key to Machie’s conviction, his old friend and colleague D.S. Scott is almost as big a target. And nothing, not even death, has ever stood in James Machie’s way.
My Review
James Machie was one of the most brutal criminals Daley and Scott had to deal with before he was killed. Now it seems the impossible has happened, Machie is back, he is on a killing mission and has no problems hiding it. The police are freaked out, the people that betrayed him know he is coming for them but how do you defend yourself against a ghost?
A brutal killing opens the book, a few years later someone in witness protection/relocation is horrifically killed. The killer happy to show his face has the cops confused, weirded out and knowing it can't be him, can it? The hunt is on for the killer, the police have to move quickly before the killer gets to his targets. He is taunting them and the chase is on, who will die next and how is the killer back from the dead?
I do enjoy Meyricks writing, the characters are great and love or hate them you want to know what is coming next. As well as the killer and threat to the officers lives we have the politics within the police ranks and Daley's personal life and woes. Sometimes when you have the personal aspect as well as the crimes it can be frustrating or dull, not so with Daley. I always want to know what is coming next for him, he is such a decent guy and you are always rooting for the team. The book as with the first one has some Scottish humour in the way the team/locals interact which I love, it is true to life in the way small communities are with their own and if you don't laugh it will minimally draw a smile from you. I have all the other books to read and cannot wait to see what is coming next 4.5/5 for me this time.
November 23, 2021
The Last Witness by Denzil Meyrick
This is the second outing for DCI Daley and DS Scott and, for me, this was every bit as enjoyable as the first.
I love a police/crime drama, and the fact this is written with plenty of attention to the Scot’s dialect made it a far more enjoyable read. It’s important that we not simply keep regional dialects alive, but recognise them as acceptable forms of English, spoken daily by an entire population. Denzil Meyrick does this perfectly, and my inner voice was able to read his tales exactly as if I were reading out loud.
This is another story set in and around the fictional town of Kinloch, with a colourful cast of characters and a couple of great twists, as Daley gets to grips with smugglers, gangsters, dead men walking, a bomb going off and the perils of a calorie controlled diet. As with the previous outing there was also quite a few laughs, usually inspired by the wonderful DS Scott; a man who would surely be a nightmare in reality, but makes for really entertaining reading.
I was delighted to learn that DCI Daley is to make the transition from page to telly-box, and will be diving head first into book number three… just as soon as ah kin get ma hauns oan it.
This is the second outing for DCI Daley and DS Scott and, for me, this was every bit as enjoyable as the first.
I love a police/crime drama, and the fact this is written with plenty of attention to the Scot’s dialect made it a far more enjoyable read. It’s important that we not simply keep regional dialects alive, but recognise them as acceptable forms of English, spoken daily by an entire population. Denzil Meyrick does this perfectly, and my inner voice was able to read his tales exactly as if I were reading out loud.
This is another story set in and around the fictional town of Kinloch, with a colourful cast of characters and a couple of great twists, as Daley gets to grips with smugglers, gangsters, dead men walking, a bomb going off and the perils of a calorie controlled diet. As with the previous outing there was also quite a few laughs, usually inspired by the wonderful DS Scott; a man who would surely be a nightmare in reality, but makes for really entertaining reading.
I was delighted to learn that DCI Daley is to make the transition from page to telly-box, and will be diving head first into book number three… just as soon as ah kin get ma hauns oan it.
October 23, 2018
The Last Witness by Denzil Meyrick - Good
The second in the series featuring DCI Jim Daley and his team. Since their first outing, Daley is now permanently located in Kinloch with a support team there plus the occasional visit from those based in Glasgow. Life has settled down for him and his wife and they are enjoying their new location. Of course, things are about to change.
Earlier in his career he was involved in breaking up a major crime syndicate and jailing the gang leader....except he never made it to jail, shot in an ambush before he could get there. The witnesses were all given new names and lives but now someone is picking them off and it appears he is back from the dead and Daley and his team are on his hitlist along with 'the last witness' who just happens to have been relocated to Kinloch.
Time for the team to get on the case.
Great page turner. Perfect for my holiday read.
The second in the series featuring DCI Jim Daley and his team. Since their first outing, Daley is now permanently located in Kinloch with a support team there plus the occasional visit from those based in Glasgow. Life has settled down for him and his wife and they are enjoying their new location. Of course, things are about to change.
Earlier in his career he was involved in breaking up a major crime syndicate and jailing the gang leader....except he never made it to jail, shot in an ambush before he could get there. The witnesses were all given new names and lives but now someone is picking them off and it appears he is back from the dead and Daley and his team are on his hitlist along with 'the last witness' who just happens to have been relocated to Kinloch.
Time for the team to get on the case.
Great page turner. Perfect for my holiday read.
December 11, 2018
There's something about the accents of some narrators that just make things so easy to listen to and David Monteath is doing a terrific job with the DCI Jim Daley series. There's enough wry, dry humour here, alongside some reasonably gritty plot lines to keep the reader engaged, although the series does have a hefty dose of the personal as well if you're a fan of that sort of thing. Daley has a complicated sort of a lovelife with a wife he doesn't exactly trust, a new position in a small Scottish town (introduced in book 1 in the series: Whisky From Small Glasses and a surprisingly active Scottish gangster population surrounding him.
Another one of those quintessentially Scottish sounding audible books - perfect for listening to over an extended period of time.
Another one of those quintessentially Scottish sounding audible books - perfect for listening to over an extended period of time.
July 18, 2018
This was just as compelling as book 1 in the series. I chose the audible version as I knew my reading time would be limited but also as I knew that David Monteath’s narration would be perfect. Daley and Scott are back in Kinloch for an investigation. There is an awful lot going on in this book and I did find myself a bit confused at times as there seemed to be a huge cast of characters. Ultimately I have been left wanting more so lucky for me that I have book 3 ready to go.
September 4, 2023
In the last couple of years, I have really gotten in to Scottish noir fiction.
I love the vivid descriptions of the scenery, so although there is death, corruption and criminals ahoy, I would say the books don't put people off visiting our beautiful country.
I await the next book in the series with great expectations.
I love the vivid descriptions of the scenery, so although there is death, corruption and criminals ahoy, I would say the books don't put people off visiting our beautiful country.
I await the next book in the series with great expectations.
February 12, 2023
I am increasingly feeling that all senior police officers and clergymen are corrupt.
I did enjoy this book but yet again struggled with the Scottish brogue - makes for hard reading. Will definitely need to read book 3 ( or see if I can find it on audio) as that must surely expose Mr Big within the police service?!
I did enjoy this book but yet again struggled with the Scottish brogue - makes for hard reading. Will definitely need to read book 3 ( or see if I can find it on audio) as that must surely expose Mr Big within the police service?!
April 10, 2025
I found this to be acceptable, but not interesting enough to bother reading the other books in the series. I thought the whole story was a bit flat and uninspiring, without being bad though.
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