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Terms of Restitution
GANGLAND BOSS ZANDER FINN DISAPPEARED AFTER THE BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS SON.
He fled to London, seeking salvation by walking away from his money, his career and his legacy. But when his old second-in-command Malky Maloney tracks him down, Finn knows he must return. Both his real family and his crime family face an existential threat from Albanian mobsters hellbent on taking control of the Scottish underworld and the forces of law and order determined to inflict their own retribution.
Finn’s fight for survival is a rollercoaster ride of brutality, misplaced loyalties and the utterly unexpected. The road to redemption is perilous – and paved with blood.
Terms of Restitution is an urban gangland thriller packed with visceral crime, dysfunctional families and dark humour.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2021
44 people are currently reading
228 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 66 reviews
December 8, 2021
Even if gangland thrillers are not your choice of genre, I think you just might change your mind with Denzil Meyrick's superb standalone Scottish Sopranos, set primarily in Paisley and Glasgow. Whilst there is what might be the expected blood and gore, a skyrocketing body count in the gangland turf wars, interwoven are the trademark Meyrick comic touches and wit that infuse his DCI Jim Daley and DI Brian Scott Kinloch series, not to mention his stellar characterisations. Crime kingpin Zander Finn is no stranger to violence and brutality, his abusive crime boss father, Willie, was murdered, but he is bought to his knees when his son, Danny, is one of six men gunned down in a dead man's Paisley pub. It has him disappearing to London, assumed to be dead, trying to find some sense of peace, working and living modestly in Brixton.
However, the past refuses to lie dead and buried, as 2 years later, his childhood friend and second in command, Malky Maloney persuades him to return to Scotland, his family and friends are facing grave dangers from the Albanians taking over the drugs trade, making one stop to see Zander's son, Robbie, at a military hospital. Whilst Zander's marriage to Senga has to all intents and purposes been over for quite some time, it has not stopped her from taking over in his absence, and implementing an alliance with his old crime rival, Joe Mannion, and who she is involved with on a personal level. The Mannions are further entrenched within Zander's family, his daughter, Sandra, is in a relationship with Joe's son, Kevin, and pregnant with his child. With criminal proceeds at an all time low, Zander, despite his misgivings, once again takes over as the crime boss, to disentangle his criminal enterprise from the Mannions, suspecting them of killing Danny, taking on the Albanians, only to find himself caught up in a bloodbath that could cost him everything and everyone that matters to him.
The complexities of Zander's character, his ruthlessness, his all consuming love for his children, particularly the troubled and fragile Gillian, a man that often tries to do good and respects other people, like Father Giordano, will have you rooting for him. Even the police officer tasked with bringing him down, DCI Amelia Langley, of Police Scotland's Organised Crime Unit, has a soft spot for him, although it will not stop her from doing her job. This is a crime read with a plethora of surprising twists and turns, double dealing galore, where despite crime gangs being a man's world, there are some incredibly strong women, like Zander's mother, the wily Maggie, with her signature dish of chips, eggs and beans, and a rather shady ambitious Italian woman. Fans of Denzil Meyrick will love this, and I would strongly urge even those who have never encountered him before to read this, you will not regret it. Highly recommended.
However, the past refuses to lie dead and buried, as 2 years later, his childhood friend and second in command, Malky Maloney persuades him to return to Scotland, his family and friends are facing grave dangers from the Albanians taking over the drugs trade, making one stop to see Zander's son, Robbie, at a military hospital. Whilst Zander's marriage to Senga has to all intents and purposes been over for quite some time, it has not stopped her from taking over in his absence, and implementing an alliance with his old crime rival, Joe Mannion, and who she is involved with on a personal level. The Mannions are further entrenched within Zander's family, his daughter, Sandra, is in a relationship with Joe's son, Kevin, and pregnant with his child. With criminal proceeds at an all time low, Zander, despite his misgivings, once again takes over as the crime boss, to disentangle his criminal enterprise from the Mannions, suspecting them of killing Danny, taking on the Albanians, only to find himself caught up in a bloodbath that could cost him everything and everyone that matters to him.
The complexities of Zander's character, his ruthlessness, his all consuming love for his children, particularly the troubled and fragile Gillian, a man that often tries to do good and respects other people, like Father Giordano, will have you rooting for him. Even the police officer tasked with bringing him down, DCI Amelia Langley, of Police Scotland's Organised Crime Unit, has a soft spot for him, although it will not stop her from doing her job. This is a crime read with a plethora of surprising twists and turns, double dealing galore, where despite crime gangs being a man's world, there are some incredibly strong women, like Zander's mother, the wily Maggie, with her signature dish of chips, eggs and beans, and a rather shady ambitious Italian woman. Fans of Denzil Meyrick will love this, and I would strongly urge even those who have never encountered him before to read this, you will not regret it. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2021
Denzil Meyrick is the best selling author of his very popular and successful Kinloch series featuring DCI Jim Dale. “Terms of Restitution” is his latest novel, a complete departure from his Scottish police procedurals and is a modern gangland thriller set in the underworld of Scottish city Paisley and the insalubrious streets of London.
Filled with double crossings and brutal attacks, the author has produced a first class thriller that is as much character driven as its content of action and violence.
Gangland boss Zander Finn ‘disappears’ after the brutal murder of his son in a Paisley pub. When his old second-in-command Malky Maloney tracks him down in London to inform him that his real and crime family are in danger from Albanian mobsters, he’s forced to return and is determined to take control again of the Scottish underworld.
From the most powerful to the even lesser cast character, the author humanises each one and gives them a narrative that perfectly befits their personality, incorporating dark and funny humour working in ideal contrast to the seriousness of the story. Even Paisley itself felt like a character, it was so darkly atmospheric.
As a side story we are privy to Father Giordano, a lifelong friend of Zander and his story that leads him to his calling. I found this part very interesting and enjoyed reading his involvement in the denouement. Maggie, Zander’s mother and familial matriarch was a superb addition to the cast, with her funny comments and constant offerings of ‘egg, chips and beans’. She was an enigma and a character I took to immediately. DCI Amelia Langley is the officer in charge throughout and I was surprised by her unexpected connection to Zander.
Although light hearted in its narrative, it doesn’t detract from the seriousness of the story involving drugs and competing underworld gangs, hitting home just how much goes unnoticed to the general public regarding drug smuggling.
With stylish undertones of ‘Gangs of London’ and ‘The Sopranos’ but with intelligent dark humour, I totally enjoyed “Terms of Restitution” as a stand-alone and I’d happily read more should this become a series. Job well done Denzil!
Filled with double crossings and brutal attacks, the author has produced a first class thriller that is as much character driven as its content of action and violence.
Gangland boss Zander Finn ‘disappears’ after the brutal murder of his son in a Paisley pub. When his old second-in-command Malky Maloney tracks him down in London to inform him that his real and crime family are in danger from Albanian mobsters, he’s forced to return and is determined to take control again of the Scottish underworld.
From the most powerful to the even lesser cast character, the author humanises each one and gives them a narrative that perfectly befits their personality, incorporating dark and funny humour working in ideal contrast to the seriousness of the story. Even Paisley itself felt like a character, it was so darkly atmospheric.
As a side story we are privy to Father Giordano, a lifelong friend of Zander and his story that leads him to his calling. I found this part very interesting and enjoyed reading his involvement in the denouement. Maggie, Zander’s mother and familial matriarch was a superb addition to the cast, with her funny comments and constant offerings of ‘egg, chips and beans’. She was an enigma and a character I took to immediately. DCI Amelia Langley is the officer in charge throughout and I was surprised by her unexpected connection to Zander.
Although light hearted in its narrative, it doesn’t detract from the seriousness of the story involving drugs and competing underworld gangs, hitting home just how much goes unnoticed to the general public regarding drug smuggling.
With stylish undertones of ‘Gangs of London’ and ‘The Sopranos’ but with intelligent dark humour, I totally enjoyed “Terms of Restitution” as a stand-alone and I’d happily read more should this become a series. Job well done Denzil!
August 30, 2021
Terms of Restitution is something of a departure from Denzil Meyrick’s Kinloch series. For starters it is a deal more brutal and the language that accompanies the violence is appropriately course for a meaty story that deals with gangland wars, murder and retribution.
The book is centred on Zander Finn, a Paisley gangster boss who has built an empire from the ground up. But the vultures are circling. Joe Mannion, boss of a Glasgow based gang operation is looking to expand his territory and up against both of them is a new crew, an Albanian gang prepared to go to war in order to control the territories they are targeting.
In the midst of this violent, turbulent time, Zander Finn’s son is brutally murdered in a Paisley pub and Zander, unable to bear his grief at the loss of his only son, vanishes. This book focuses on what happens when Zander is persuaded to return home after his friend and right hand man, Malky Maloney tracks him down and persuades him to return home.
Denzil Meyrick’s book is strong on character and dialogue and there are many moments of laughter. His richly drawn cast leap from the page and immediately grasp your attention. There’s so much double dealing and violence that my head spun as I tried to work out who was going to remain standing.
I loved the dynastic sense in his gangster plot which could set things up well for a long running series! I really hope there will be more of Zander Finn and his family. Because I ate this one up. All the elements you love in a thrilling gangland novel are there. Tension, violence, and cracking dialogue are all tied up in one duplicitous bow with a fantastic helping of gritty humour and characters you can really relate to.
What Meyrick does really well is the shading of his characters. These are not cardboard cut outs, but fully fleshed three dimensional characters who have emotions and family lives with all the concomitant ups and downs. This makes Zander Finn a violent thug, but also a loving father, a good friend and someone you’d want in your corner in difficult times. It is these contrasts that make for a riveting, tense and thrilling read as Meyrick explores the dark side of human nature.
It’s not all about the men either. Terms of Restitution is as much about the women and my goodness what strength they have! From Zander’s wife, Senga who takes over the family business when he disappears to Maggie Finn, the redoubtable leopard skin clad matriarch with an extensive haute cuisine repertoire as long as it comprises egg, chips and beans. Even the police are led by women and DCI Amelia Langley has an interesting relationship with both her boss and with Zander Finn.
Readers of Meyrick’s work will know that he has no compunction about changing things up and just as you come to know and like a character, it’s more than possible that that’s the one who will get brutally chopped down in a welter of blood and gore.
Meyrick has been quoted as saying that he set out to write a Scottish Sopranos and all I can say is that he has succeeded in spades.
Verdict. I loved this. It’s addictive, beautifully constructed and a wild and sometimes surprising ride through a gangland that is both believable and utterly gripping. Fans of Meyrick’s work are going to love this as long as they don’t go in expecting a bloodless journey. A must read. It’s billed as a stand-alone thriller, but please tell me there will be more!
The book is centred on Zander Finn, a Paisley gangster boss who has built an empire from the ground up. But the vultures are circling. Joe Mannion, boss of a Glasgow based gang operation is looking to expand his territory and up against both of them is a new crew, an Albanian gang prepared to go to war in order to control the territories they are targeting.
In the midst of this violent, turbulent time, Zander Finn’s son is brutally murdered in a Paisley pub and Zander, unable to bear his grief at the loss of his only son, vanishes. This book focuses on what happens when Zander is persuaded to return home after his friend and right hand man, Malky Maloney tracks him down and persuades him to return home.
Denzil Meyrick’s book is strong on character and dialogue and there are many moments of laughter. His richly drawn cast leap from the page and immediately grasp your attention. There’s so much double dealing and violence that my head spun as I tried to work out who was going to remain standing.
I loved the dynastic sense in his gangster plot which could set things up well for a long running series! I really hope there will be more of Zander Finn and his family. Because I ate this one up. All the elements you love in a thrilling gangland novel are there. Tension, violence, and cracking dialogue are all tied up in one duplicitous bow with a fantastic helping of gritty humour and characters you can really relate to.
What Meyrick does really well is the shading of his characters. These are not cardboard cut outs, but fully fleshed three dimensional characters who have emotions and family lives with all the concomitant ups and downs. This makes Zander Finn a violent thug, but also a loving father, a good friend and someone you’d want in your corner in difficult times. It is these contrasts that make for a riveting, tense and thrilling read as Meyrick explores the dark side of human nature.
It’s not all about the men either. Terms of Restitution is as much about the women and my goodness what strength they have! From Zander’s wife, Senga who takes over the family business when he disappears to Maggie Finn, the redoubtable leopard skin clad matriarch with an extensive haute cuisine repertoire as long as it comprises egg, chips and beans. Even the police are led by women and DCI Amelia Langley has an interesting relationship with both her boss and with Zander Finn.
Readers of Meyrick’s work will know that he has no compunction about changing things up and just as you come to know and like a character, it’s more than possible that that’s the one who will get brutally chopped down in a welter of blood and gore.
Meyrick has been quoted as saying that he set out to write a Scottish Sopranos and all I can say is that he has succeeded in spades.
Verdict. I loved this. It’s addictive, beautifully constructed and a wild and sometimes surprising ride through a gangland that is both believable and utterly gripping. Fans of Meyrick’s work are going to love this as long as they don’t go in expecting a bloodless journey. A must read. It’s billed as a stand-alone thriller, but please tell me there will be more!
September 11, 2021
Denzil Meyrick is the best selling author of his very popular and successful Kinloch series featuring DCI Jim Dale. “Terms of Restitution” is his latest novel, a complete departure from his Scottish police procedurals and is a modern gangland thriller set in the underworld of Scottish city Paisley and the insalubrious streets of London.
Filled with double crossings and brutal attacks, the author has produced a first class thriller that is as much character driven as its content of action and violence.
Gangland boss Zander Finn ‘disappears’ after the savage murder of his son in a Paisley pub. When his old second-in-command Malky Maloney tracks him down in London to inform him that his real and crime family are in danger from Albanian mobsters, he’s forced to return and is determined to take control again of the Scottish underworld.
From the most powerful to the even lesser cast character, the author humanises each one and gives them a narrative that perfectly befits their personality, incorporating dark and funny humour working in ideal contrast to the seriousness of the story. Even Paisley itself felt like a character, it was so darkly atmospheric.
As a side story we are privy to Father Giordano, a lifelong friend of Zander and his story that leads him to his calling. I found this part very interesting and enjoyed reading his involvement in the denouement. Maggie, Zander’s mother and familial matriarch was a superb addition to the cast, with her funny comments and constant offerings of ‘egg, chips and beans’. She was an enigma and a character I took to immediately. DCI Amelia Langley is the officer in charge throughout and I was surprised by her unexpected connection to Zander.
Although light hearted in its narrative, it doesn’t detract from the seriousness of the story involving drugs and competing underworld gangs, hitting home just how much goes unnoticed to the general public regarding drug smuggling.
With stylish undertones of ‘Gangs of London’ and ‘The Sopranos’ but with intelligent dark humour, I totally enjoyed “Terms of Restitution” as a stand-alone and I’d happily read more should this become a series. Job well done Denzil!
Filled with double crossings and brutal attacks, the author has produced a first class thriller that is as much character driven as its content of action and violence.
Gangland boss Zander Finn ‘disappears’ after the savage murder of his son in a Paisley pub. When his old second-in-command Malky Maloney tracks him down in London to inform him that his real and crime family are in danger from Albanian mobsters, he’s forced to return and is determined to take control again of the Scottish underworld.
From the most powerful to the even lesser cast character, the author humanises each one and gives them a narrative that perfectly befits their personality, incorporating dark and funny humour working in ideal contrast to the seriousness of the story. Even Paisley itself felt like a character, it was so darkly atmospheric.
As a side story we are privy to Father Giordano, a lifelong friend of Zander and his story that leads him to his calling. I found this part very interesting and enjoyed reading his involvement in the denouement. Maggie, Zander’s mother and familial matriarch was a superb addition to the cast, with her funny comments and constant offerings of ‘egg, chips and beans’. She was an enigma and a character I took to immediately. DCI Amelia Langley is the officer in charge throughout and I was surprised by her unexpected connection to Zander.
Although light hearted in its narrative, it doesn’t detract from the seriousness of the story involving drugs and competing underworld gangs, hitting home just how much goes unnoticed to the general public regarding drug smuggling.
With stylish undertones of ‘Gangs of London’ and ‘The Sopranos’ but with intelligent dark humour, I totally enjoyed “Terms of Restitution” as a stand-alone and I’d happily read more should this become a series. Job well done Denzil!
September 23, 2021
It is beyond doubt that Denzil Meyrick is great writer. He creates and develops his characters very well. I do not usually finish books that are as morally ambivalent as this book. Or one that have lines like "love is Love" and scattered mentions of climate catastrophe. Thankfully few in this case. He paints his characters well using the setting to aid in the painting of his plot and characters. I am not sure how I feel about painting a gangster and others in ways where you feel sympathy for them. A very well plotted book although I did guess the end denouement during the reading.
August 15, 2021
I'm just going to say it. I loved this book. A mixture of thrills, twisted revenge, turf wars and good old humour, it is packed with the kind of brilliant storytelling you would expect from the author and a bunch of characters that I was more than happy to spend time with, even if they did operate in dubious circles and most definitely on the wrong side of the law. Right from the start I felt a strange kind of affinity for Zander Finn, a man who contains far more emotional depth than his role as the head of a leading crime syndicate would suggest. The book opens in quite shocking style, but that is nothing compared to the radical change that the scenes inspire in Finn, at least in the very short term. Abandoning everything he has known in favour of a simpler life, his good intentions cannot last forever, but it's certainly a very changed man who returns to Scotland and that only adds to the uncertainty of what is yet to come.
This is tale of a classic turf war. Rival Scottish factions would be bad enough, but add in the growing threat of upcoming Albanian gangs and the scene is set for some violence of the most dramatic kind. It's not unnecessarily graphic, but it is certainly memorable and the messages that are sent from one outfit to the other will leave a lasting impression. This is not pistols at dawn - they are far more inventive than that - and even the most senior of Finn's crew are not safe. There is that constant tension, that undercurrent of threat, that the author is so adept at creating on the page, that kept me turning the page long into the night. There is an authenticity to the violence, as well as a kind of theatrical element to it which only emphasises the brutality and also the danger that all of the them are in. It makes for a very compelling read.
But it's not just the moments of action and revenge which drew me into this book. Denzil Meyrick has a real knack for creating characters that you care about and infusing them with a traits which make them far more human than their lot in life would suggest. Zander Finn is a family man, it is the loss of a child which drives him away from Paisley and the ongoing violence, and the threat to his extended family that draws him back. You can sense the reluctance in him, feel the lethargy and the weariness when it comes to tackling some of the tougher decisions that need to be made, but can never underestimate the steel within. He is a really conflicted character, but one I really liked and hoped to see come good or, at the very least, survive the book. And then there is his extended family who help to reveal Finn's more human and compassionate side. His mother, Maggie, was a brilliant character, infusing a lot of the humour in the book with her strange obsession with egg, chips and beans. She's a formidable character, quite wily, and very likeable. She certainly made me chuckle.
The author really brings the criminal underworld to life, with memorable and diverse characters who will get under your skin, not always in a good way. In a life where money talks but violence shouts louder, you should expect the unexpected. Don't trust a soul - it appears there really is no honour among thieves - and prepare to be thrilled, shocked, engrossed and amused in equal measure. The ending gave me a feeling of satisfaction, even if certain elements were a little ... unexpected. Gritty, tense, and full of both edge of the seat and witty moments, it's another absolutely cracking read from an author whose work I really have come to love.
This is tale of a classic turf war. Rival Scottish factions would be bad enough, but add in the growing threat of upcoming Albanian gangs and the scene is set for some violence of the most dramatic kind. It's not unnecessarily graphic, but it is certainly memorable and the messages that are sent from one outfit to the other will leave a lasting impression. This is not pistols at dawn - they are far more inventive than that - and even the most senior of Finn's crew are not safe. There is that constant tension, that undercurrent of threat, that the author is so adept at creating on the page, that kept me turning the page long into the night. There is an authenticity to the violence, as well as a kind of theatrical element to it which only emphasises the brutality and also the danger that all of the them are in. It makes for a very compelling read.
But it's not just the moments of action and revenge which drew me into this book. Denzil Meyrick has a real knack for creating characters that you care about and infusing them with a traits which make them far more human than their lot in life would suggest. Zander Finn is a family man, it is the loss of a child which drives him away from Paisley and the ongoing violence, and the threat to his extended family that draws him back. You can sense the reluctance in him, feel the lethargy and the weariness when it comes to tackling some of the tougher decisions that need to be made, but can never underestimate the steel within. He is a really conflicted character, but one I really liked and hoped to see come good or, at the very least, survive the book. And then there is his extended family who help to reveal Finn's more human and compassionate side. His mother, Maggie, was a brilliant character, infusing a lot of the humour in the book with her strange obsession with egg, chips and beans. She's a formidable character, quite wily, and very likeable. She certainly made me chuckle.
The author really brings the criminal underworld to life, with memorable and diverse characters who will get under your skin, not always in a good way. In a life where money talks but violence shouts louder, you should expect the unexpected. Don't trust a soul - it appears there really is no honour among thieves - and prepare to be thrilled, shocked, engrossed and amused in equal measure. The ending gave me a feeling of satisfaction, even if certain elements were a little ... unexpected. Gritty, tense, and full of both edge of the seat and witty moments, it's another absolutely cracking read from an author whose work I really have come to love.
May 21, 2022
This book restored my faith in gangster novels! A standalone novel, and departure from the author's DCI Daley series, it is well written and plotted, and I loved that there was some humour along the way. The characters are vivid, and there are some who evoke sympathy, unexpectedly. The narrator deserves praise also, he read well, and expertly made each character easily recognisable.
March 15, 2022
Gangland thrillers are not my favourite genre, but as this was written by Denzil Meyrick, better known for the DCI Daley series, I was keen to give it a go. The action mostly takes place in Glasgow and Paisley where the Finn and Mannion families are engaged in a vicious turf war. Add in some ruthless Albanians and no one is safe. Two years previously, after the brutal murder of his son Danny, Zander Finn had disappeared and no one knew where he was, or so he thought. Now his old friend, Malky Maloney, has turned up to convince him to return home as his family is in danger.
One of the strengths of this book is the cast of strong, well-developed characters, including several impressive females. Zander’s mother, Maggie, just jumps off the page and her obsession with cooking eggs, chips and beans provides a bit of light relief in the midst of all the violence. Zander Finn is a complex character, ruthless when he needs to be, but he is not all bad and will do anything to protect the people he loves. He is so well written that I found myself on his side, hoping that he would emerge victorious despite the things he had done.
Terms of Restitution has a strong sense of place with Paisley and Glasgow almost characters in their own right. The level of violence is what you would expect in a novel depicting the criminal underworld of a city. Everyone is double-crossing each other, no one can be trusted and the reader is kept guessing right to the end about what is really going on, or at least I was.
Terms of Restitution is a tense and gripping thriller featuring convincing characters, believable dialogue, just enough humour to offset the violence, and a striking cover. I thoroughly enjoyed it and, despite being described as a standalone, I feel there is the possibility of more to come. Thanks to Polygon for a digital copy that I review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
One of the strengths of this book is the cast of strong, well-developed characters, including several impressive females. Zander’s mother, Maggie, just jumps off the page and her obsession with cooking eggs, chips and beans provides a bit of light relief in the midst of all the violence. Zander Finn is a complex character, ruthless when he needs to be, but he is not all bad and will do anything to protect the people he loves. He is so well written that I found myself on his side, hoping that he would emerge victorious despite the things he had done.
Terms of Restitution has a strong sense of place with Paisley and Glasgow almost characters in their own right. The level of violence is what you would expect in a novel depicting the criminal underworld of a city. Everyone is double-crossing each other, no one can be trusted and the reader is kept guessing right to the end about what is really going on, or at least I was.
Terms of Restitution is a tense and gripping thriller featuring convincing characters, believable dialogue, just enough humour to offset the violence, and a striking cover. I thoroughly enjoyed it and, despite being described as a standalone, I feel there is the possibility of more to come. Thanks to Polygon for a digital copy that I review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
October 3, 2021
Denzil's DCI Daley series is one of my must-read series. I pre-order every book. So I was excited to see that he had written this standalone, though not as happy to see that it was a gangland thriller as this is a genre I doin't usually enjoy. However, I needn't have worried because this book is every bit as good as the Daley series.
This book is a first class thriller (a Scottish Sopranos?) with strong characterisation. This one is set in Paisley, so not quite as picturesque as Kinloch (Campbeltown). It's much more gritty and brutal but there are still moments of humour.
Angus King gives a brilliant performance and his perfect narration makes this a standout sudiobook.
This book is a first class thriller (a Scottish Sopranos?) with strong characterisation. This one is set in Paisley, so not quite as picturesque as Kinloch (Campbeltown). It's much more gritty and brutal but there are still moments of humour.
Angus King gives a brilliant performance and his perfect narration makes this a standout sudiobook.
March 1, 2023
2 stars
This one didn't work out for me at all. It is far too long and quite frankly boring. Bad guys killing bad guys. I'm failing to see the issue.
This one didn't work out for me at all. It is far too long and quite frankly boring. Bad guys killing bad guys. I'm failing to see the issue.
August 19, 2022
When Zander returns from London deep in his mind he still mourns the death of his son however something is calling him back home to Paisley . A man who transports and looks after his patients he hates to give it up but makes his way up the road. Since he has been gone his estranged wife has been looking after ‘business’ but obviously not making a great job of that. The gates of bell are about to open and Zander is blamed for most of it but what’s going on, who is pulling the strings? I guessed the big boss early on. Can you ? You won’t want to put it down
September 20, 2021
Although a Denzil Meyrick DCI Daley superfan, I began this book with some trepidation. Gangland thrillers are not my go-to genre, but because Denzil was the author, I knew I wanted to read it.
I needn’t have worried. I was hooked from the outset. I was entirely drawn in by the compelling story telling, made up of multi-layered characters who seem to burst fully formed from the page. Of course, the book contains a myriad of brutal murders and lots of explicit violence as is to be expected, but there’s also lots of loyalty, compassion, pathos and humour spilling from every page.
Billed as a stand alone, I personally think there’s a lot more mileage to be had from Zander Finn and his family. They’re terrific characters and deserve a further outing!
I listened to this as an audiobook and Angus King, the narrator, is superb.
If I could give this book ten stars I would!
I needn’t have worried. I was hooked from the outset. I was entirely drawn in by the compelling story telling, made up of multi-layered characters who seem to burst fully formed from the page. Of course, the book contains a myriad of brutal murders and lots of explicit violence as is to be expected, but there’s also lots of loyalty, compassion, pathos and humour spilling from every page.
Billed as a stand alone, I personally think there’s a lot more mileage to be had from Zander Finn and his family. They’re terrific characters and deserve a further outing!
I listened to this as an audiobook and Angus King, the narrator, is superb.
If I could give this book ten stars I would!
March 2, 2023
Cat shit.
September 17, 2021
The master aurhor
Superb...thrilling......glasgow..paisley...exciting story. From start to finish...harsh at times...held my attention...Denzil never holds back..just another masterpiece of exitement.....true to the last...fabulous
Superb...thrilling......glasgow..paisley...exciting story. From start to finish...harsh at times...held my attention...Denzil never holds back..just another masterpiece of exitement.....true to the last...fabulous
September 9, 2021
First Class
Well worth reading, kept in suspense till the very end. Very different to Denzil’s other books.Hopefully we will see more like Terms of Restitution in the not too distant future
Well worth reading, kept in suspense till the very end. Very different to Denzil’s other books.Hopefully we will see more like Terms of Restitution in the not too distant future
September 10, 2021
Wow! This is my reaction to Denzil Meyrick’s latest book ‘Terms of Restitution’ This takes us into the dark world of criminal gangs who are fighting a turf war. There are two Scottish branches, one headed by Zander Finn and the other by Joe Mannion, however there are Albanian gangsters muscling in on the action. It’s brutal as you would expect from people who exact their own form of revenge and punishment and who have no compunction in carrying out such deeds. Zander Finn is encouraged to return home after an absence of years following the gunning down of his son Danny. He knows in his heart he will be returning to a life of crime. Despite this, he is a character that I had an odd sympathy for and I found myself rooting for him at times! The characters are all believable and so well defined. I particularly like Finn’s mother Maggie with her colourful language and fondness for egg, chips, and beans. Then there is There are so many twists and turns in this fast-paced story that it had me holding my breath at times. Brilliant plotting, great setting and the colloquial language is spot on! Crime writing at its best, it’s another winner.
June 9, 2024
This standalone action-packed crime thriller is a true masterpiece from this, in my view, incredible author.
Storytelling is brilliant, the storyline superbly structured and executed, and all characters come vividly to life in this tale about love of real family love, rival gangster families, loyalty, betrayal and assassinations.
"Terms of Restitution" is about Alexander "Zander" Finn, who after the assassination of his son, Danny, in Paisley two years ago, manages to go to London to hide, work, and live in peace from the ganglands of his enemies.
After two years he's being found and lured by his second-in-command, Malky Maloney, to come back to Paisley to pick up the reigns and take control of his criminal emporium once more.
Zander Finn will end up in a rollercoaster ride when his close and immediate associates are assassinated and his real family are threatened to be killed, and all this due to a gangland leader from Glasgow, Joe Mannion and some dirty cops, and in between them are the Albanians who are also trying to get a criminal foothold in Scotland.
Another occurrence will be of the Italian mafioso with a underboss called, Geneva, and who will make their presence felt by taking control not only over Joe Mannion's emporium, but also taking care of the Albanians, and in the background ruling the Italian mob as a "Godfather" is the real big boss, with tentacles far and wide, even within the Finn family as you will notice in the end.
What is to follow is an explosive crime thriller that will keep you spellbound from start to finish, a tale that will entertain us with surprising and decisive twists towards a plot where family will reign supreme, and all these captivating elements are making this book altogether an absolute must read.
Highly recommended, for this is a sublime crime novel in every sense of the word, and that's why I like to call this thriller: "A Tremendous Fast & Furious Terms"!
Storytelling is brilliant, the storyline superbly structured and executed, and all characters come vividly to life in this tale about love of real family love, rival gangster families, loyalty, betrayal and assassinations.
"Terms of Restitution" is about Alexander "Zander" Finn, who after the assassination of his son, Danny, in Paisley two years ago, manages to go to London to hide, work, and live in peace from the ganglands of his enemies.
After two years he's being found and lured by his second-in-command, Malky Maloney, to come back to Paisley to pick up the reigns and take control of his criminal emporium once more.
Zander Finn will end up in a rollercoaster ride when his close and immediate associates are assassinated and his real family are threatened to be killed, and all this due to a gangland leader from Glasgow, Joe Mannion and some dirty cops, and in between them are the Albanians who are also trying to get a criminal foothold in Scotland.
Another occurrence will be of the Italian mafioso with a underboss called, Geneva, and who will make their presence felt by taking control not only over Joe Mannion's emporium, but also taking care of the Albanians, and in the background ruling the Italian mob as a "Godfather" is the real big boss, with tentacles far and wide, even within the Finn family as you will notice in the end.
What is to follow is an explosive crime thriller that will keep you spellbound from start to finish, a tale that will entertain us with surprising and decisive twists towards a plot where family will reign supreme, and all these captivating elements are making this book altogether an absolute must read.
Highly recommended, for this is a sublime crime novel in every sense of the word, and that's why I like to call this thriller: "A Tremendous Fast & Furious Terms"!
July 11, 2023
Old Gangsters Never Retire
This story has a bit of an identity crisis. It's mostly suspense, as the small town of Paisley, Scotland finds itself in the throws of a gang war. But this suspense has the distinct air of a soap opera as the wife sleeps with her husband's enemy, the daughter is pregnant with the son of an enemy, and wait... the cop did what with WHO? Then there's the purely frivolous, ridiculous side of this story, with the matriarch being a foul-mouthed old woman who will attack anyone and everyone with her barbed tongue, and Armenians are running amok through the city.
Confused? Yeah. Get used to that. A lot is going on in this fanciful story. Truthfully, if I were a screenwriter, I'd turn this into a pure comedy about aging gangsters. Maybe Sean Connery would be willing to play the lead...
There's a lot of karmic irony happening to this motley crew of thugs, thieves, deceivers, murderers, and family. There are also a lot of hidden agendas, but isn't that the nature of the gangland lifestyle? I'll admit, if I didn't stay right on it, it was easy to lose the storyline for a bit. There is a multitude of ancillary characters, as well as a few last-minute WTH characters just when you thought you had a clue. None of these characters run very deep, but that's okay. This would be an epic piece if the author had sought to build backstories for all these wise guys. If you're the type of reader who likes to latch on to a hero in the story, well... good luck. They're all bad; just in varying degrees. So you may find a couple of sort-of-heroes.
Suspense fans who enjoy a genre-bending style, want more action than character-building, and appreciate quirky foul-mouthed personalities will find plenty to like here.
This story has a bit of an identity crisis. It's mostly suspense, as the small town of Paisley, Scotland finds itself in the throws of a gang war. But this suspense has the distinct air of a soap opera as the wife sleeps with her husband's enemy, the daughter is pregnant with the son of an enemy, and wait... the cop did what with WHO? Then there's the purely frivolous, ridiculous side of this story, with the matriarch being a foul-mouthed old woman who will attack anyone and everyone with her barbed tongue, and Armenians are running amok through the city.
Confused? Yeah. Get used to that. A lot is going on in this fanciful story. Truthfully, if I were a screenwriter, I'd turn this into a pure comedy about aging gangsters. Maybe Sean Connery would be willing to play the lead...
There's a lot of karmic irony happening to this motley crew of thugs, thieves, deceivers, murderers, and family. There are also a lot of hidden agendas, but isn't that the nature of the gangland lifestyle? I'll admit, if I didn't stay right on it, it was easy to lose the storyline for a bit. There is a multitude of ancillary characters, as well as a few last-minute WTH characters just when you thought you had a clue. None of these characters run very deep, but that's okay. This would be an epic piece if the author had sought to build backstories for all these wise guys. If you're the type of reader who likes to latch on to a hero in the story, well... good luck. They're all bad; just in varying degrees. So you may find a couple of sort-of-heroes.
Suspense fans who enjoy a genre-bending style, want more action than character-building, and appreciate quirky foul-mouthed personalities will find plenty to like here.
February 16, 2023
A move away from Kinloch and Inspector Jim Daley. This novel is set in Paisley and Glasgow and is a thriller following gangland rivalries in Paisley and Glasgow and then the Albanians move in. After his son Danny is gunned down with six others in a Paisley pub, gangland boss Zander Finn moves to London taking advice from his family priest Father Giordano and lives a quiet modest life until his former second in command persuades him to return north. Things have changed, Zander's wife Sandra has been running the 'business' at the same time in a relationship with Joe Mannion, the Glasgow boss. The Albanians have moved in and Zander suspects them of murdering his son. All this time the perpetrators of the crimes are being sought by DCI Amelia Langley who is being pushed by her boss.
This book contains very detailed descriptions of violence, the language used is the vernacular, lots of swearing and local words. Zander's character is complex. There is no doubt he is ruthless but he has a softer side, love for his family, respect for the priest, even the DCI haas a soft spot for him. Lots of twists and turns, the gory details are compensated by the humour, particularly from Zander's Mum Maggie. A page turner.
This book contains very detailed descriptions of violence, the language used is the vernacular, lots of swearing and local words. Zander's character is complex. There is no doubt he is ruthless but he has a softer side, love for his family, respect for the priest, even the DCI haas a soft spot for him. Lots of twists and turns, the gory details are compensated by the humour, particularly from Zander's Mum Maggie. A page turner.
September 27, 2021
When you have become close and invested in familiar characters, as with DCI Daley and his sidekick, Scott, in Denzil Meyrick's brilliant series, there are always some nerves when new people are introduced. I'm also not a huge fan of gangland books, so approached Terms of Restitution with trepidation. Within a few chapters I was hooked and ended up listening to the entire 10 hours and 29 minutes in one session! (In fact, I was sitting in the car outside the venue for a friend's wedding whilst my beleaguered husband was telling me how late we were and I was insisting there were only 5 minutes left). Angus King, a voice performer I've heard on many audio books, turned in his usual wonderful and nuanced performance. He's always worth listening to even if he's merely reading out the phone book. However, Terms of Restitution is way, way more than the phone book. You are presented with a multi-layered tale full of rich characters, pithy dialogue and plenty of wit and warmth. I feel I should applaud Mr Meyrick for taking a risk on a new genre and characters and giving us such a special gift of a book.
January 30, 2022
Terms of Restitution wasn't what I expected it to be, and with that in mind I don't think I'm part of the target audience. There are no subtleties to be found here; nothing happens that isn't telegraphed in advance. Character development is in short supply; in fact there isn't much time for it with the POV jumping about like a flea on speed. Having said all that, this isn't the type of novel that suffers for it. It's a fast-paced, action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled roller coaster ride through organised crime in Paisley, Scotland. If you like your fiction with no punches pulled, this may well be the novel for you.
July 26, 2025
I have read many books of Denzil Meyrick already, whenever i am in Scotland, I will pick up one of his books that I haven’t bought yet, although that will stop now that he has sadly passed. Especially the DCI Daley series are my favorite. This one is a stand alone story and in my opinion the best of all the Denzil Meyrick books I have read so far. Many surprising turns in the story that keep you turning pages. Denzil shares a very fascinating look into the Gangster world and life in this part of Glasgow of which he shows to know a lot. Right until the end the story keeps you wondering where it is leading you, with a philosophical touch here and there that actually is working.
October 11, 2021
Terms of restitution by Denzil Meyrick is a fabulous stand alone book about Glasgow and its gangster families. I read and also listened to the Audible narration by Angus King, which enhanced the storytelling of the book with the superb narration. The characters were outstanding, my favourite though was Maggie, the mother, grandmother and great grandmother, whose one liners made me crease up with laughter.
I enjoyed reading this book, enhanced with the audible narration, the humour, the grit, the murders, the gangsters. It all made an interesting and enjoyable story.
Highly recommended
I enjoyed reading this book, enhanced with the audible narration, the humour, the grit, the murders, the gangsters. It all made an interesting and enjoyable story.
Highly recommended
October 28, 2025
This author was recommended to me so off to the library I went and Terms of Restitution was the only one they had. Set in Glasgow and Paisley it was a raw read, featuring the ganglands , so there was a lot of killing and the language took some getting used to .
I like a good detective series but did not warm to the characters in this book but maybe the earlier series might appeal more .
I had hoped a book from Scotland would set me on fire but I have to say not this one. I did finish it and enjoyed the subtle twists and turns but somehow I was left feeling a bit flat
I like a good detective series but did not warm to the characters in this book but maybe the earlier series might appeal more .
I had hoped a book from Scotland would set me on fire but I have to say not this one. I did finish it and enjoyed the subtle twists and turns but somehow I was left feeling a bit flat
April 21, 2023
I really liked the DCI Daley books, and didnt realise this wasn't one until I started reading it.
Very entertaining tale of gangster rivalry and activity. It kept moving at a good pace and it also keeps you guessing to the end as to who is really in charge, and who isn't. Lots of twists to the plot and some great characters, particularly Maggie, the chain smoking leopard-print shoe wearing, sweaty mother of the boss!
Enjoyable, light read
Very entertaining tale of gangster rivalry and activity. It kept moving at a good pace and it also keeps you guessing to the end as to who is really in charge, and who isn't. Lots of twists to the plot and some great characters, particularly Maggie, the chain smoking leopard-print shoe wearing, sweaty mother of the boss!
Enjoyable, light read
April 27, 2023
A cracking read
There is no overstatement when this book is called “fast paced, brutal and brilliant.” Denzil paints a tough portrait of Paisley and Scotland’s central belt’s gangster life. The characters, men and women, are compelling. Suffused with wry humour, underpinned with a cynical fatalism, ultra-violence pervades the plot. What writer Callum Dalziel does for Greenock, Denzil does for Paisley and Glasgow. An island on Loch Lomond? Well, there’s that too!
There is no overstatement when this book is called “fast paced, brutal and brilliant.” Denzil paints a tough portrait of Paisley and Scotland’s central belt’s gangster life. The characters, men and women, are compelling. Suffused with wry humour, underpinned with a cynical fatalism, ultra-violence pervades the plot. What writer Callum Dalziel does for Greenock, Denzil does for Paisley and Glasgow. An island on Loch Lomond? Well, there’s that too!
March 31, 2024
His son brutally murdered, crime boss Zander Finn walks away from it all and rebuilds his life in London, to do good. But when a face from the past finds him and summons him back to Glasgow, his blood and crime family faces immediate danger. To save lives, blood will be shed and the damage to Finn might just be too much.
A stand alone story from Denzil Meyrick, Zander is a likeable criminal and you want him to win. A great read.
A stand alone story from Denzil Meyrick, Zander is a likeable criminal and you want him to win. A great read.
November 21, 2021
What a great read! Stand alone novel set in Paisley Glasgow & London. Always enjoy reading a book where I know lots of the places mentioned. Living in Paisley & working in Glasgow in the past I knew lots of the places mentioned. The characters & story line were well written. Have read all of Denzil's previous books & this is a welcome addition.
December 2, 2021
Perhaps I was missing Jim Daley, or maybe it was the absence of a character to find worthy of much sympathy amongst the mobsters, thugs and general pedlars of misery in this tale of gangland life but, eventually a degree of redemption emerges so that I feel ready to award a rating based not solely on the standard of writing I have come to expect from this author.
May 6, 2022
Good story from Scotland. I enjoyed the change of scenery, because not many books (i read) is based there and I love Scotland. But except the location it just felt like a story I already knew. Even the final twist was kind of expected, which is a shame. Again, it was a good story, but nothing i would remember for a long time.
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