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DCI Daley #6
The Relentless Tide
‘Absorbing . . . no run-of-the-mill tartan noir’ - The Times ‘You’ll have a blast with these’ - Ian Rankin ‘A top talent, and one to be cherished' - Quintin Jardine ‘Spellbinding . . . one of the UK’s most loved crime writers’ - The Sunday Post ‘A compelling lead . . . satisfyingly twisted plot’ - Publishers Weekly ‘Touches of dark humour, multi-layered and compelling’ - Daily Record ‘Striking characters and shifting plots vibrate with energy’ - The Library Journal ‘Daley is a character complete with depths, currents and sudden changes of the Atlantic ocean that crashes against Kinloch’s harbour walls. The remote peninsula and the claustrophobic nature of small-town life are perfectly painted.’ - Scotland on Sunday ‘If you like Rankin, MacBride and Oswald, you’ll love Meyrick’ - The Sunday Mail ‘Energetic, wry, and full of jolts' - Waterstones ‘The right amount of authenticity . . . gritty writing . . . most memorable’ - The Herald ‘All three books have a strong sense of place, of city cops trying to fit in to a small, tightly knit rural environment’ - Russell Leadbetter, Evening Times ‘Meyrick has the ability to give even the least important person in the plot character and the skill to tell a good tale’ - Scots Magazine ‘Following in the tradition of great Scottish crime writers, Denzil Meyrick has turned out a cracking, tenacious thriller of a read. If you favour the authentic and credible, you are in safe hands’ - Lovereading ‘DCI Daley is shaping up to be the West Coast’s answer to Edinburgh’s Rebus’- Scottish Home and Country ‘Well crafted and engrossing . . . Meyrick is well into his rhythm’ - Journal of the Law Society of Scotland When Professor Francombe and her team of archaeologists find the remains of three women on a remote Kintyre hillside – a site rumoured to have been the base of Viking warlord Somerled – their delight soon turns to horror when they realise the women tragically met their end little more than two decades ago. It soon becomes clear that these are the three missing victims of the ‘Midweek Murderer’, a serial killer who was at work in Glasgow in the early 1990s. DCI Jim Daley now has the chance to put things right – to confront a nightmare from his past and solve a crime he failed to as a young detective. However, when Police Scotland’s Cold Case Unit arrive, they bring yet more ghosts to Kinloch. A tale of death, betrayal, Viking treasure and revenge set in the thin places where past, present and future collide.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2018
164 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Denzil Meyrick
37 books527 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 119 reviews
October 17, 2018
A killer hook of an opening with that prologue. I tasted the salt of the sea and felt the pain of the child as I read it. Effortlessly switching between the present day and the early 1990s The Relentless Tide provides a fascinating insight into the lives of a much younger Daley and his sidekick Brian Scott. It helps us see the experiences that shaped both men into who they have become. We can see how they have grown and developed over the series and how relationships and incidents have affected them. With some appearances from previous characters, this served to cement my dislike for some of them, John Donald being one of my most despised characters of the series to the delightful Hamish, who along with Brian Scott, is one of my favourite characters of the series.
Denzil Meyrick pulls you right into the heart of his books with his atmospheric narrative. It's impossible to read this series without finding yourself transported to the location and into the heads of the characters. His in-depth portrayal of the characters means I have a very firm view of how I see them and indeed hear them in my head. It is the strength of the characters created that engages me in the plot of a novel and Denzil Meyrick has got this skill down to a fine art. Brian Scott remains my favourite character; his sense of humour and dry sarcasm has me in stitches and the relationship between him and Daley is spot on. There were a few new faces to get to know, some of whom set my teeth on edge right away and others that were a little enigmatic. I'm saying nothing about them and will let you discover for yourself!
Obviously, the plot is important here too and my main focus on this review has been the characters! But without believable characters, a plot will never have that dynamic, that oomph that the reader seeks out. Without giving any spoilers, the plot is dynamite, it marries up the past and present as an archaeological dig unearths the bodies of three women who clearly have not been underground since the time of Vikings. And this is where Denzil Meyrick absolutely nails this plot, he combines the flashbacks to the 1990s and a serial killer in Glasgow to present day Kinloch. This is made all the more interesting when one of Daley's colleagues from the past, retired detective Bobby Spiers, is called in to assist, it soon becomes apparent that a shared history doesn't always mean a fond reunion. Daley's ex-wife pops up in this book and I know that I should be more understanding of her but she really grinds my gears! We also get to see a little more of Brian Scott's wife Ella as she considers a move to Kinloch and her arrival may ruffle a few feathers. Once again Denzil Meyrick pulls the wool over the readers' eyes and he certainly kept me guessing all the way up to the very end! Other readers have commented that this is the best in the series so far and do you know what...I one hundred percent agree!
There was only one thing wrong about this book and that is the months I'm going to have to wait for the next one!
Denzil Meyrick pulls you right into the heart of his books with his atmospheric narrative. It's impossible to read this series without finding yourself transported to the location and into the heads of the characters. His in-depth portrayal of the characters means I have a very firm view of how I see them and indeed hear them in my head. It is the strength of the characters created that engages me in the plot of a novel and Denzil Meyrick has got this skill down to a fine art. Brian Scott remains my favourite character; his sense of humour and dry sarcasm has me in stitches and the relationship between him and Daley is spot on. There were a few new faces to get to know, some of whom set my teeth on edge right away and others that were a little enigmatic. I'm saying nothing about them and will let you discover for yourself!
Obviously, the plot is important here too and my main focus on this review has been the characters! But without believable characters, a plot will never have that dynamic, that oomph that the reader seeks out. Without giving any spoilers, the plot is dynamite, it marries up the past and present as an archaeological dig unearths the bodies of three women who clearly have not been underground since the time of Vikings. And this is where Denzil Meyrick absolutely nails this plot, he combines the flashbacks to the 1990s and a serial killer in Glasgow to present day Kinloch. This is made all the more interesting when one of Daley's colleagues from the past, retired detective Bobby Spiers, is called in to assist, it soon becomes apparent that a shared history doesn't always mean a fond reunion. Daley's ex-wife pops up in this book and I know that I should be more understanding of her but she really grinds my gears! We also get to see a little more of Brian Scott's wife Ella as she considers a move to Kinloch and her arrival may ruffle a few feathers. Once again Denzil Meyrick pulls the wool over the readers' eyes and he certainly kept me guessing all the way up to the very end! Other readers have commented that this is the best in the series so far and do you know what...I one hundred percent agree!
There was only one thing wrong about this book and that is the months I'm going to have to wait for the next one!
June 13, 2019
Loved it!
With the exception of Rat Stone Serenade (I thought that was ok but not the best) I have loved all this series. DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott are brilliant characters. Their banter had me laughing out loud. Scott is hilarious- his turns of phrase and malapropisms are priceless and into the bargain he’s honest and resilient as is Daley. This story flows seamlessly from 1994 with The Midweek Murders to Kinloch in the present day where several story strands come together and are resolved. This had all the elements of a great detective story in an atmospheric setting with well crafted characters. Kintyre where the books are set is a lovely part of Scotland too. If you’ve not read any of the Jim Daley detective series they are well worth checking out as they are really well written.
With the exception of Rat Stone Serenade (I thought that was ok but not the best) I have loved all this series. DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott are brilliant characters. Their banter had me laughing out loud. Scott is hilarious- his turns of phrase and malapropisms are priceless and into the bargain he’s honest and resilient as is Daley. This story flows seamlessly from 1994 with The Midweek Murders to Kinloch in the present day where several story strands come together and are resolved. This had all the elements of a great detective story in an atmospheric setting with well crafted characters. Kintyre where the books are set is a lovely part of Scotland too. If you’ve not read any of the Jim Daley detective series they are well worth checking out as they are really well written.
July 16, 2020
“Ach, aye, ‘twas no’ the bonnie book I’d hoped fer.”
Too stereotyped and far too lengthy at 500 pages, even for this lover of murder mysteries set in Scotland and/or Ireland. I thought perhaps I’d find another Stuart MacBride, but this didn’t ever approach that level of writing.
Overuse of Scottish brogue and tropes— I half expected to encounter kilts and bagpipes any moment— along with the obligatory ruddy-faced, alcohol loving and “crooked coppers,” really held this one back. And that’s unfortunate, because there were the makings of a pretty good story and plot here. A keen editor who might have put the brakes on some of the unnecessary length and hollow characters would have made quite a difference.
Several plot twists saved this from a lower rating, but barely. Other reviews obviously disagree, but as for me, I think I’ll pass on any others in this series.
Too stereotyped and far too lengthy at 500 pages, even for this lover of murder mysteries set in Scotland and/or Ireland. I thought perhaps I’d find another Stuart MacBride, but this didn’t ever approach that level of writing.
Overuse of Scottish brogue and tropes— I half expected to encounter kilts and bagpipes any moment— along with the obligatory ruddy-faced, alcohol loving and “crooked coppers,” really held this one back. And that’s unfortunate, because there were the makings of a pretty good story and plot here. A keen editor who might have put the brakes on some of the unnecessary length and hollow characters would have made quite a difference.
Several plot twists saved this from a lower rating, but barely. Other reviews obviously disagree, but as for me, I think I’ll pass on any others in this series.
January 2, 2019
A strong book in the DCI Daley series - bodies found in Kintyre track back to an unsolved serial killer of 1994 in which Daley was controversially involved. A little slow to get going but great pace after the first 100 pages. I will look forward to the next one.
September 19, 2018
I’ve been so looking forward to the latest Daley and I wasn’t disappointed. It lived up to all my expectations. Gripping from the start the book moves seamlessly between past (1994) and the present. It gives us some of DCI Daley’s back story and how events then are impacting on a current case. When the remains of three women are uncovered during an archaeological dig the case is to be handled by Bobby Speirs, a retired detective. as a ‘cold case’ He and DCI Daley are known to one another from years back.
There are several strands very cleverly woven through the novel. Daley faces a huge challenge ably assisted by DS Scott. I love the character development and of course his wonderful ‘patter’ which adds a touch of black humour and realism to the story. I actually didn’t want this book to end although I did want comeuppance for the villains. There were some surprises there too. It was a most satisfactory ending. All in all another brilliant book in this series. I shall just have to go back to the beginning and read them again.
There are several strands very cleverly woven through the novel. Daley faces a huge challenge ably assisted by DS Scott. I love the character development and of course his wonderful ‘patter’ which adds a touch of black humour and realism to the story. I actually didn’t want this book to end although I did want comeuppance for the villains. There were some surprises there too. It was a most satisfactory ending. All in all another brilliant book in this series. I shall just have to go back to the beginning and read them again.
September 9, 2018
A fantastic addition to the Daley series, I’ve waited with baited breath for this to be published and I certainly wasn’t disappointed!
The story itself flicks back and forth between the early 90s and present day which could be offputting but it’s done in such a way that it doesn’t ‘jar’ nor disrupt the flow.
The writing as usual is sublime, characters are fully formed and the plot is solid. The series is up there with the greats of Scottish noir and I can’t wait for the next instalment!
5 stars!!
The story itself flicks back and forth between the early 90s and present day which could be offputting but it’s done in such a way that it doesn’t ‘jar’ nor disrupt the flow.
The writing as usual is sublime, characters are fully formed and the plot is solid. The series is up there with the greats of Scottish noir and I can’t wait for the next instalment!
5 stars!!
October 11, 2019
Another great book in this series. The back and forth between the two timelines it's a bit disconcerting and confusing and the ending is a bit hairy. I think I enjoy most the dynamic between the characters, their personal life, the dry humour.
July 28, 2022
If the last instalment of the DCI Daley saga was the first subpar volume, then ‘The Relentless Tide’ ups the quality control and everything is back on track, God is in his heaven and all is right with the world. Well, except in Kinloch, of course, where Daley and the magnificently sweary DS Scott have ghosts from the past, murder and mayhem in the present and the settlement of old scores to contend with. But this particular reader wouldn’t have it any other way.
June 20, 2024
A massive power outage meant that I was able to read for several hours. I found this a better story than the last one, Daley was more involved although still very glum and he really does need to sort his physical and personal life out. The Scottish dialect does not make for easy reading which is another advantage of being able to read for a couple of hours- you settle in to it.
Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
May 15, 2022
Bodies of women turn up in an archaeological site, but these relate to women who went missing over two decades ago. This is personal for Jim Daley, because he was involved in the original investigation that had links to the murder of his friend and mentor. This is the chance to turn the nightmare of the past into putting things right, but demons from that case emerge.
A bit of a slow start but I really enjoyed this in the end, it’s a great series.
A bit of a slow start but I really enjoyed this in the end, it’s a great series.
October 15, 2020
Great! Nice twists and turns!
September 14, 2025
An archaeological dig turns up three bodies, unfortunately not related to the Viking period being studied, indeed more closely related in time to a case in the young DCI Daley's time. A chance to solve and old mystery and find justice for his old mentor presents itself. A solid contribution to the series, highly recommend.
May 23, 2022
A fantastic read!
June 30, 2020
Really enjoyed this book.
January 19, 2019
This is my third outing into the world of DCI Jim Daley and his side-kick DS Scott in the Kintyre setting and the more I read, the more I want to read. As usual this is a complex story with not a single mystery to solve but many different strands and sub-plots. And as usual Brian Scott provides nice touches of comic relief. In fact, without him, I think the books would have a much bleaker character. I've not been reading this series in order which hasn't been too much of an issue but there are references in this book to events that have obviously occurred in a previous book.
November 9, 2018
I am a huge fan of this author and this series. The story jumps between the present day and the 1990's but flows very well. DCI Daley is investigating a serial killer which takes him back to his early days in the police. Denzil writes beautifully about Kintyre and the character development is also very good, with great plotlines weaving together and keeping the reader interested and guessing until the end. This is a solid crime novel which I would recommend to lovers of the genre.
June 15, 2020
The Relentless Tide is one of the few continuing series of novels where I care about the characters and feel at home in the world that Denzil Meyrick has built. I look forward to reading each new book partly because I want to escape into their world, no matter what the story.
This novel is also a welcome return to form from Meyrick. While I enjoyed Well of the Winds and The Rat Stone Serenade, I felt they were a bit slow. Also, I may be in the minority here; I never felt that Daley's storyline with DC Mary Dunn ever added anything. I appreciate that the author wants to flesh out Daley so that he is more than just a police officer. His relationship with his wife was a useful way of doing that. Still, the relationship with Dunn just felt like a storyline that the author decided wasn't going anywhere, so just ended it in the fastest way he could.
I would add this though - it doesn't always have to be murder. It wouldn't hurt for one or two of the story's to be something else. I know he has touched on international smuggling (which is a great idea given the placement of Kinloch), but it is starting to fall slightly into the Midsummer trap, there can't be THIS many murders in one small Scottish port town.
Why has DC Scott become an idiot? I know he was always supposed to be the street cop to DCI Daley's more academic approach. But in parts of this book, he has become an idiot, seemingly not knowing the correct usage of any word over three syllables, being floored by a peanut in his eye.
Professor Francombe is a welcome addition and an extra enjoyable character. I have been thinking for a while that this series needed a forensics officer/anthropologist bringing in from time to time. While Francombe isn't that she does offer a little taste of that world.
As always, Hamish is the best secondary character.
This has been an issue with all of the Dailey series to me; the story is slow. It feels like it is about 20% longer than it needed to be.
The use of back and forth on the timescale doesn't quite work for me. It is not visible enough for it not to be confusing for a few sentences each time that it happens. It's a technique that Meyrick has used before, mostly in The Well of the Winds. It didn't quite work smoothly there either.
It is the second book in a row where Meriyck uses a police investigation from the past as the background thread to a current book. It feels like he came up with two ideas for one book, couldn't pick which one he liked, so decided to do both.
This novel is also a welcome return to form from Meyrick. While I enjoyed Well of the Winds and The Rat Stone Serenade, I felt they were a bit slow. Also, I may be in the minority here; I never felt that Daley's storyline with DC Mary Dunn ever added anything. I appreciate that the author wants to flesh out Daley so that he is more than just a police officer. His relationship with his wife was a useful way of doing that. Still, the relationship with Dunn just felt like a storyline that the author decided wasn't going anywhere, so just ended it in the fastest way he could.
I would add this though - it doesn't always have to be murder. It wouldn't hurt for one or two of the story's to be something else. I know he has touched on international smuggling (which is a great idea given the placement of Kinloch), but it is starting to fall slightly into the Midsummer trap, there can't be THIS many murders in one small Scottish port town.
Why has DC Scott become an idiot? I know he was always supposed to be the street cop to DCI Daley's more academic approach. But in parts of this book, he has become an idiot, seemingly not knowing the correct usage of any word over three syllables, being floored by a peanut in his eye.
Professor Francombe is a welcome addition and an extra enjoyable character. I have been thinking for a while that this series needed a forensics officer/anthropologist bringing in from time to time. While Francombe isn't that she does offer a little taste of that world.
As always, Hamish is the best secondary character.
This has been an issue with all of the Dailey series to me; the story is slow. It feels like it is about 20% longer than it needed to be.
The use of back and forth on the timescale doesn't quite work for me. It is not visible enough for it not to be confusing for a few sentences each time that it happens. It's a technique that Meyrick has used before, mostly in The Well of the Winds. It didn't quite work smoothly there either.
It is the second book in a row where Meriyck uses a police investigation from the past as the background thread to a current book. It feels like he came up with two ideas for one book, couldn't pick which one he liked, so decided to do both.
September 27, 2018
Loved this book. I read all Denzil's DCI Daley books back-to-back last year, so it was a long wait for this one to be published, but it was worth it. As usual Denzil's writing keeps his reader involved - it made me not want to put it down and when I got to the last 100+ pages, I couldn't stop and just had to keep reading until I reached the end.
I really enjoyed the fact that it took us back to Daley's early days in the force and the corruption he struggled to deal with and how events back then (1990s) shaped the man he is today and I loved how it all came together in the end, not without its surprising twist! I really appreciate and enjoy a book that make me really think and want to work out what is going to happen and I love it when I'm about two-thirds through the book before it starts to come together and Denzil is a master at writing like this!
Roll on the next one!!! Can't wait!
I really enjoyed the fact that it took us back to Daley's early days in the force and the corruption he struggled to deal with and how events back then (1990s) shaped the man he is today and I loved how it all came together in the end, not without its surprising twist! I really appreciate and enjoy a book that make me really think and want to work out what is going to happen and I love it when I'm about two-thirds through the book before it starts to come together and Denzil is a master at writing like this!
Roll on the next one!!! Can't wait!
June 12, 2021
Scots blather
The use of Scots dialect made for complicated but entertaining reading. Better listened to.
Switching between past and present circumstances signalled by headings was reminiscent of the film Sliding Doors. Two alternative scenarios. However the stories became too entangled and bizarre. There is a constant thread of police corruption that for serial murders just doesnt ring true.
The relationship between boss/colleague has been done so many times by so many authors. There is nothing new being brought to the table in these characters : drink, marital issues, aging best buddy. Culled from other sources it reads as a pastiche. The vaddies were immediately visible in theur physical description of Finished the book becausr blatant characterisation so no surprises. There were loose ends which i was intrigued to see how they were tied up. Wont be purchasing any more.
The use of Scots dialect made for complicated but entertaining reading. Better listened to.
Switching between past and present circumstances signalled by headings was reminiscent of the film Sliding Doors. Two alternative scenarios. However the stories became too entangled and bizarre. There is a constant thread of police corruption that for serial murders just doesnt ring true.
The relationship between boss/colleague has been done so many times by so many authors. There is nothing new being brought to the table in these characters : drink, marital issues, aging best buddy. Culled from other sources it reads as a pastiche. The vaddies were immediately visible in theur physical description of Finished the book becausr blatant characterisation so no surprises. There were loose ends which i was intrigued to see how they were tied up. Wont be purchasing any more.
November 15, 2019
Right up there without of the best detective thrillers I've read. No obsession with gory crime scene detail which, for me, is a real bonus. A moving memorial of unsolved murders in the acknowledgements too.
February 27, 2024
This brilliant Scottish crime novel is the 6th volume of the incredible "DCI Daley" series.
At the end of the book you'll notice Author's Notes with some very inspirational and interesting facts concerning this story, while at the beginning there's an all saying phrase by William Faulkner.
Storytelling is amazing, all characters involved come superbly to life within this thriller, and the storyline is structured and executed in a most accomplished fashion.
In this book we'll see DCI Jim Daley, based in Kinloch, a fictional town based on the real existing Campbeltown on the Isle of Kintyre, travelling back and forth from events that happened in 1994 and the present tragic find of three buried bodies on a remote Kintyre hillside by Professor Francombe and her team of archaeologists.
These bodies will eventually lead DCI Jim Daley and his friend DS Brian Scott back in time to the murders of young women in the 1990s, called the Midweek Murders, and the killing of Daley's mentor and friend at that time, the retired DCI Ian Burns.
Ghosts from the past will come into action at this graveside in the form DCI Duncan Chisholm, now head of the SOCO Unit, while from police Scotland's Cold Case Unit will arrive a certain Bobby Speirs, both old colleagues in Glasgow in the 1990s, when Jim Daley was being thwarted in his findings by a conspiracy of police officers, with the devious John Donald at the head of these corrupt officers and who was later on eliminated in this series, in an attempt to cover up lethal crimes committed against innocent women.
What is to follow is a tremendous thriller, where events from 1994 and now will blend perfectly into a superb intertwined story, in which Ghost and corruption from the past and present will be dealt with by DCI Daley and DS Scott in a most determined manner, in order to reveal the perpetrators of all the murders, innocent women and DCI Burns, committed back in 1994.
Highly recommended, for this is the very best addition so far in this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Top-Notch Relentless Thriller"!
At the end of the book you'll notice Author's Notes with some very inspirational and interesting facts concerning this story, while at the beginning there's an all saying phrase by William Faulkner.
Storytelling is amazing, all characters involved come superbly to life within this thriller, and the storyline is structured and executed in a most accomplished fashion.
In this book we'll see DCI Jim Daley, based in Kinloch, a fictional town based on the real existing Campbeltown on the Isle of Kintyre, travelling back and forth from events that happened in 1994 and the present tragic find of three buried bodies on a remote Kintyre hillside by Professor Francombe and her team of archaeologists.
These bodies will eventually lead DCI Jim Daley and his friend DS Brian Scott back in time to the murders of young women in the 1990s, called the Midweek Murders, and the killing of Daley's mentor and friend at that time, the retired DCI Ian Burns.
Ghosts from the past will come into action at this graveside in the form DCI Duncan Chisholm, now head of the SOCO Unit, while from police Scotland's Cold Case Unit will arrive a certain Bobby Speirs, both old colleagues in Glasgow in the 1990s, when Jim Daley was being thwarted in his findings by a conspiracy of police officers, with the devious John Donald at the head of these corrupt officers and who was later on eliminated in this series, in an attempt to cover up lethal crimes committed against innocent women.
What is to follow is a tremendous thriller, where events from 1994 and now will blend perfectly into a superb intertwined story, in which Ghost and corruption from the past and present will be dealt with by DCI Daley and DS Scott in a most determined manner, in order to reveal the perpetrators of all the murders, innocent women and DCI Burns, committed back in 1994.
Highly recommended, for this is the very best addition so far in this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Top-Notch Relentless Thriller"!
October 9, 2018
Pull up a pew and pour yerself a wee dram
Come down to the County Hotel, make yourself comfortable, pour yourself a wee dram and immerse yourself in the wonderful Kinloch and the adventures of its inhabitants. They are all back, Hamish and the crowd, Jim Daley, the newly abstinent Brian Scott and the wonderful Kinloch itself brought to us by the smooth, golden tones of David Monteath. I've come to realise over the past years that there are an awful lot of very good audiobooks out there but every so often an author creates a sense of place, story and people and combines with a perfect narrator that takes it to another, higher level. It doesn't happen often but I would say after six books Meyrick has definitely achieved that. Like a fine whiskey it has depth, flavour and a little fire!
The only worry I had with previous books was just how outlandish the stories were but this one is relatively, and relatively is very much the operative word, down to earth. A classic mystery steeped again in both the ancient and modern influences. Daley's colourful past is still very much alive as an old case and some old adversaries return to haunt him. The story is split between near current day and two decades ago and works extremely well though you do have to concentrate to keep up as so many of the characters appear in both.
It's a very finely judged story and with the quite lovely Kinross and its oft-times surly, oft-times jovial inhabitants and those excellent characters this is a real joy. I suspect I could almost listen to a soap opera set there. You could read this as a standalone though with this series it would be a shame not to have enjoyed the full genesis of the setting and people so I'd definitely say start at the beginning, it's worth the time and the whiskey.
Come down to the County Hotel, make yourself comfortable, pour yourself a wee dram and immerse yourself in the wonderful Kinloch and the adventures of its inhabitants. They are all back, Hamish and the crowd, Jim Daley, the newly abstinent Brian Scott and the wonderful Kinloch itself brought to us by the smooth, golden tones of David Monteath. I've come to realise over the past years that there are an awful lot of very good audiobooks out there but every so often an author creates a sense of place, story and people and combines with a perfect narrator that takes it to another, higher level. It doesn't happen often but I would say after six books Meyrick has definitely achieved that. Like a fine whiskey it has depth, flavour and a little fire!
The only worry I had with previous books was just how outlandish the stories were but this one is relatively, and relatively is very much the operative word, down to earth. A classic mystery steeped again in both the ancient and modern influences. Daley's colourful past is still very much alive as an old case and some old adversaries return to haunt him. The story is split between near current day and two decades ago and works extremely well though you do have to concentrate to keep up as so many of the characters appear in both.
It's a very finely judged story and with the quite lovely Kinross and its oft-times surly, oft-times jovial inhabitants and those excellent characters this is a real joy. I suspect I could almost listen to a soap opera set there. You could read this as a standalone though with this series it would be a shame not to have enjoyed the full genesis of the setting and people so I'd definitely say start at the beginning, it's worth the time and the whiskey.
October 7, 2018
In the latest book in the DCI Daley series, Jim Daley and Brian Scott are thrown back in time to a previous serial murder case. The 'Grab o Grannie' case took place in the early 1990s with no solution to the murders. Now an archaeological team has found the bodies of the last three missing woman buried on a hill above Kintyre.
The book switches back and forth between now and the earlier time period, but melds the two storylines seamlessly. The contrasts (and similarities) between young Jimmy and DCI Jim are interesting, especially if you've read the rest of this wonderful series. Jim's had a rough go in the last few books though Brian seems to be doing quite well. A lot of the other characters show up, including Hamish who has words of wisdom for Jim's toddler son, and they're always fun. Even some of the 'villains' from previous books show up; I didn't think I could dislike John Donald anymore than I already did, but he manages to overcome that hurdle here.
Mr. Meyrick's writing is wonderful, whether describing the Kintyre peninsula or in the dialogue of the various characters. Here's Hamish describing the frailties of man: 'They don’t feel pain the way us poor men dae. That’s a scientific fact, Mr Daley. They’ve no’ got the same number o’ nerves in the body – same as the ribs thing. If they could feel the full force o’ a summer cauld, by Jove, they’d no’ be calling it man-flu, or whootever it is they’re saying. Quite simple: where there’s nae sense, there’s nae feeling, and that’s a fact.’
The mystery is solid; actually, there's several different crimes, both in the earlier time period and now, but the plotlines weave together seamlessly to a cohesive whole that is ultimately satisfying to the reader. Now I must wait for the next Daley book.
The book switches back and forth between now and the earlier time period, but melds the two storylines seamlessly. The contrasts (and similarities) between young Jimmy and DCI Jim are interesting, especially if you've read the rest of this wonderful series. Jim's had a rough go in the last few books though Brian seems to be doing quite well. A lot of the other characters show up, including Hamish who has words of wisdom for Jim's toddler son, and they're always fun. Even some of the 'villains' from previous books show up; I didn't think I could dislike John Donald anymore than I already did, but he manages to overcome that hurdle here.
Mr. Meyrick's writing is wonderful, whether describing the Kintyre peninsula or in the dialogue of the various characters. Here's Hamish describing the frailties of man: 'They don’t feel pain the way us poor men dae. That’s a scientific fact, Mr Daley. They’ve no’ got the same number o’ nerves in the body – same as the ribs thing. If they could feel the full force o’ a summer cauld, by Jove, they’d no’ be calling it man-flu, or whootever it is they’re saying. Quite simple: where there’s nae sense, there’s nae feeling, and that’s a fact.’
The mystery is solid; actually, there's several different crimes, both in the earlier time period and now, but the plotlines weave together seamlessly to a cohesive whole that is ultimately satisfying to the reader. Now I must wait for the next Daley book.
November 19, 2021
I don’t like to knock writers unnecessarily. I couldn’t write an engaging book myself so is it fair to give a bad review? I did enjoy the story and finished it quickly. I like the setting and to a certain extent the characters. To en extent.
Any writer’s work expresses their attitudes and preoccupations and Daley whom we are meant to like (the Big Man always spoken of admiringly) often irritates me intensely. A shrewd policeman, a DCI, and yet the scenario with his manipulative cheating wife which dragged on boringly through the first books, did not strike me as totally believable. Then total cliché, a young woman, his junior at work, and he have a love affair. Hmm. Right. Middle aged male wish fulfilment there? And he treats her badly. In this book, he has no fatherly feelings at all. His wife tries to phone him constantly (haven’t they all heard of texts? ) a clunky plots device and never once does he think of phoning her to find out if his sone is ok. Even when his son arrives, a female writer would have detailed the agonised worrying about his son being taken care of. No, Daley happily ignores the needs of his young child. Daley is violent, selfish and egotistical. His reactions to being verbally attacked or not getting his own way are violent and immature but they are never criticised by the author. Nor does Daley himself spend much time agonising over behaving like an arse. Myrick doesn’t do women well and they tend to be cursorily and stereotypically dealt with.
So, there is much to like but also a lot to irritate.
Any writer’s work expresses their attitudes and preoccupations and Daley whom we are meant to like (the Big Man always spoken of admiringly) often irritates me intensely. A shrewd policeman, a DCI, and yet the scenario with his manipulative cheating wife which dragged on boringly through the first books, did not strike me as totally believable. Then total cliché, a young woman, his junior at work, and he have a love affair. Hmm. Right. Middle aged male wish fulfilment there? And he treats her badly. In this book, he has no fatherly feelings at all. His wife tries to phone him constantly (haven’t they all heard of texts? ) a clunky plots device and never once does he think of phoning her to find out if his sone is ok. Even when his son arrives, a female writer would have detailed the agonised worrying about his son being taken care of. No, Daley happily ignores the needs of his young child. Daley is violent, selfish and egotistical. His reactions to being verbally attacked or not getting his own way are violent and immature but they are never criticised by the author. Nor does Daley himself spend much time agonising over behaving like an arse. Myrick doesn’t do women well and they tend to be cursorily and stereotypically dealt with.
So, there is much to like but also a lot to irritate.
February 27, 2020
I genuinely don't believe that anyone could fail to love this series. DCI Daley, with his loyal and lovable sidekick, Scott, are a joy. The characters are so believable and by this book, the sixth in the series, it's as if I'm getting together with old friends. Alongside Mr Meyrick's exquisite characterisation, we have yet another taut and cleverly woven plot. Every book's crime is so different but they are all compelling and totally absorbing. The various other characters, both returning and new, are all brilliantly drawn. It's impossible to decide whether the books are driven by the intricacies of the characters or the details of the crimes because the entire package is so sublime, both elements are executed so perfectly. David Monteath turns in another stellar performance in his narration. This is a series that I'd love to see on either the small or big screen. I love every minute of every book, and listening to it on Audible is an enormous gift from Denzil Meyrick, tied with a big, bright bow. I highly recommend you invest in all of Mr Meyrick's writing straight away - you can always thank me later.
June 15, 2025
I love the Denzil Meyrick series of DCI Daley but I must admit, this one I liked the least. The swinging back and forward of the timelines was distracting and jarred for me.I felt like I was on a pendulum, back and forwards. This was also the case with DCI Daley as we went back in time. He lost his temper and he's going to lose his job. No, someone on high promotes him to the Serious Crime Squad. Oops he's in trouble again, now he's back to being a bobby on the beat. Now he's been promoted again. Backwards and forwards.
I think the timeline process made the book unnecessarily complicated. You had to keep adjusting to remember who the characters were in that time frame. Having said that, I believe that Brian Scott is one of the best characters ever!! His Scottish accent is just enough to hear him speak and when he gets the wrong word, I find myself laughing out loud which rarely happens. He's great and so is his wife, Ella.
I think the timeline process made the book unnecessarily complicated. You had to keep adjusting to remember who the characters were in that time frame. Having said that, I believe that Brian Scott is one of the best characters ever!! His Scottish accent is just enough to hear him speak and when he gets the wrong word, I find myself laughing out loud which rarely happens. He's great and so is his wife, Ella.
August 3, 2019
This book is, in my opinion, Meyrick's best yet. A wonderfully doubled mystery in both the present and the distant past reveals a solution that even the most dedicated of Christie fans will not expect. I don't know when I've been more taken aback at the final revelation in a detective story.
Apart from the main plot, eminently relatable characters colour the book with this series' trademark domestic feeling. If one were talking to other readers of this series, it could stimulate the kind of gossip that people get into with soap operas. Will Jim and Liz get back together? This seems the burning question of the day, but there are others - how will Ella take to Kinloch? What role will Symington play in our Jim's personal life, if any? And will our Jim take his growing weight problem in hand? Stay tuned... I, for one, can't wait for the next book.
Apart from the main plot, eminently relatable characters colour the book with this series' trademark domestic feeling. If one were talking to other readers of this series, it could stimulate the kind of gossip that people get into with soap operas. Will Jim and Liz get back together? This seems the burning question of the day, but there are others - how will Ella take to Kinloch? What role will Symington play in our Jim's personal life, if any? And will our Jim take his growing weight problem in hand? Stay tuned... I, for one, can't wait for the next book.
June 30, 2025
This series continues to move forward at a pace. In this book it goes back and forwards to DCI Daley when he was first a policeman and to present day with crimes of the past appearing in the here and now.
Fast passed read very well developed and keeps you turning the pages. good procedural policing, great characters in and out of the police team. Close knit small community and wonderful landscape.
The story also shows the human side of the police team and the trials and difficulties they have to face in their day to day work but also what memories, deeds done to them, and having to keep quiet and hold in their anger, despair, or heartbreak. To still function and catch the bad people.
If you like James Oswald, Stuart MacBride and the Grim up north series this series will be right up your street. Highly recommend.
Fast passed read very well developed and keeps you turning the pages. good procedural policing, great characters in and out of the police team. Close knit small community and wonderful landscape.
The story also shows the human side of the police team and the trials and difficulties they have to face in their day to day work but also what memories, deeds done to them, and having to keep quiet and hold in their anger, despair, or heartbreak. To still function and catch the bad people.
If you like James Oswald, Stuart MacBride and the Grim up north series this series will be right up your street. Highly recommend.
November 28, 2018
Thought this was excellent. A Scottish police procedural (note-some people may find some of the dialect hard to follow) with DCI Jim Daley dealing with a case in the present which seems linked to a case and events from 1994. The story flits back and forth in time quite effortlessly and makes a particularly compelling read, in my opinion.
An archaeological team has unearthed bodies initially thought to be very old but on closer inspection found to be quite recent and this sets things very much in motion. I loved everything about this book and, of its type, it is one of the best I have read for a long time. Don't think I have read much if anything by this author before but will aim to change that very shortly!
An archaeological team has unearthed bodies initially thought to be very old but on closer inspection found to be quite recent and this sets things very much in motion. I loved everything about this book and, of its type, it is one of the best I have read for a long time. Don't think I have read much if anything by this author before but will aim to change that very shortly!
September 29, 2020
A cold case takes us back in time to when Daley was a DC assigned to the Mid-week Murders. We got a full taste of Daley’s temper that we hadn’t really seen that often since coming to Kinloch but it was on full display this time showing us how exactly he hasn’t risen in the ranks as much as he should have. Hamish comes to stay for a little while and Daley is also left with James Junior on his doorstep after he consistently ignores Liz’s phone calls. The babysitting done by Hamish is the best.
With things from his personal life weighing him down not to mention the blasts from the past in the form of old work colleagues and multiple cases that seemed to be connected, Daley is feeling slightly stressed as he struggles bring these puzzles to their conclusion.
With things from his personal life weighing him down not to mention the blasts from the past in the form of old work colleagues and multiple cases that seemed to be connected, Daley is feeling slightly stressed as he struggles bring these puzzles to their conclusion.
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