No Sweet Sorrow

DCI Daley #11

by Denzil Meyrick

A potent new drug has hit the streets of Kinloch, and DCI Daley and Scott are struggling to catch the notorious gang behind this evil trade.
After a party of Oxford students arrives in town for a camping trip before a Himalayan expedition, one of the group seeks out an illegal high and is violently assaulted. However, these students are well connected, and this brings further unexpected problems for Daley. Ultimately, he and Scott will discover crimes as disturbing in nature as anything they have ever confronted.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Fiction, Scotland, Humor

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2023

About the author

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

Reviews

[Judefire33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I could not let No Sweet Sorrow sit on my bookshelf for long! So I was straight into the Scottish town of Kinloch and DCI Daley’s latest adventure.

It cannot be an easy task to write a series of books but keep each one fresh and more exciting than the last. Denzil Meyrick manages to do this with ease, and with each Daley novel I read I am amazed at Denzil Meyrick’s talented writing, the excellent plots and the backstories that run hand in hand.

So onto the book, No Sweet Sorrow is as always a gripping police procedural, and this time we find a group of Oxford University students arrive in Kinloch hoping to get some camping experience in the Scottish Mountains before they head to the Himalayas. Unfortunately, when one of the group is violently assaulted in what appears a drug deal gone wrong, DCI Jim Daley and the magnificent DS Brian Scott are pulled into a demanding case.

You know me, I’m not going to give any of the plots away, but I will say this. Denzil Meyrick and Stuart MacBride are the ONLY authors that can write authentic, Scottish crime novels with that twist of dark humour thrown in. The cast of characters is pretty much the same with Jim Daley's wife Liz and young son James, the old fisherman Hamish and more. What I totally love about this series is the relationship between DCI Daley and DS Scott, it’s born of friendship but can sometimes be turbulent, but ultimately they are two coppers coppers of the old days trying to uphold the law and stand up for the victims in today's politically driven policing.

I will never find a better character than DS Brian Scott in a novel, he is such a legend and reminds me so much of an ex Sargent I used to work with, but above all, Denzil Meyrick manages to make him a bumbling buffoon on one level but a bright, intelligent, fearless cop on another! No Sweet Sorrow had me laughing hard out loud at some of his mismatched sayings, and Brian and boats do NOT go together (you need to read the other books to appreciate this) and this had me in absolute stitches!

I flew through No Sweet Sorrow, it’s a such good novel, written in a police procedural style but with humour and emotion thrown into the mix. I’m always left bereft when I’ve finished the latest DCI Daley book, it seems so long to wait for the next!

So my rating, well it has to be a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read, gripping, topical, funny and thrilling. Bravo Mr Meyrick, may you write faster so I can read book number 12 soon!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love this series but I have one complaint. These books are deceptively quick to read. So addictive that 400 pages just disappear in the blink of an eye and I am left with that post read hangover and the sad knowledge that I will have to wait some time for what comes next. It's not all bad news though as that hangover comes as a byproduct of the euphoria of knowing you've just devoured and absolutely cracking read and spent time in the company of some of the most entertaining characters in modern crime fiction. Fans can rejoice - Daley is his usual straight self, although rendered even more grumpy by an unrelenting bad back, and Scott is on top form with the humour and malapropisms. Just as well really as they're going to need something to see them through this latest dark and complex case.

Am I the only person who reads 'Oxford Students' in a blurb and immediately feels the one eyebrow arching? Now, there have been some very notable, and not remotely knobbish alumni emerging from the hallowed halls of Oxbridge over the years but, thrown into a literary setting, there is a certain expectation that at least one of the characters will be of the kind you would gladly see walk off the a short pier in Kinloch harbour. In fairness to Denzil Meyrick, he hasn't gone down the archetypal idiot route entirely, even if there are traits to some of the students that leave a lot to be desired. Although what can you say about a group of students who are in Scotland in winter to help prepare themselves for a trip to Everest and yet still manage to find themselves in trouble with suspected drug related issues? As to how deep these troubles run and what it has to do with the increasingly dire drug problem that is blighting Kinloch remains to be seen.

I really like the way in which Denzil Meyrick has led readers into this latest story. It creates a sense of suspense, or mystery, leaving me with more questions than there are immediate answers for, making me wonder just how it fits into the ensuing story. And this is a book which is rich in misdirection, and throughout which there is a kind of enduring menace, the root cause of which is not really clear. Just when you think you have handle on what is happening, the author throws the perfect curveball, putting readers, and our intrepid investigators, Daley and Scott, off their stride. Add in a less than support ACC, internal problems within the Kinloch team, and a troubled Hamish whose senses tell him there is something dark on the horizon and you just know we're in for a heck of a case.

As much as the mystery in this book really kept me enthralled, it is the characters and the setting which keep me coming back to the books time and time again. The author uses the locale of the Kintyre peninsula to perfect effect, a landscape which is both stark and remote to those who don't know it, and comfortingly familiar and close to those who are part of the community, especially those around Kinloch. Hamish's love for the town and the ways he helps reveal its secrets, can give it a whimsical, almost mystical feel, whilst the reality that is seen and policed by Daley and Scott keeps us all rooted in the everyday. It is nice seeing Ella feature more in the story, even though we know the reason for her presence in the county is built upon one of the series greatest tragedies. But that ebb and flow of the narrative, taking readers between a serious and gritty investigation, and the comedic and light hearted banter, and occasional conflict, between good friends, never fails to bring a smile to my face. It's the reason why the book disappeared in a single sitting, even if it did mean me foregoing a teeny bit of sleep. Totally worth it.

If you love this series then this is another clear winner. Heartily recommended for readers who want some authentic, gritty yet witty, top notch Scottish Noir, as fresh now as it ever has been.

[Karen O'brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

June would not be June without the release of the next DCI Daley novel by Denzil Meyrick. Always pre ordered in our house, it's the only book my husband and I read simultaneously. There's always plenty for us to discuss.
Book number 11 finds Jim and Brian with another puzzling case to investigate. Murder, kidnap, assault. How do all of these crimes interlink? Add pressure from the ACC and personal issues raising their heads, it's all go for the boys.
From the publication of "Whisky from Small Glasses" Denzil's become a master storyteller. His tales have become more complex, the development of the characters intriguing and leaves you wanting more at the end of every book.
I was born and bred in Campbeltown, the real life Kintyre. Denzil really portrays the characters as I remember the locals: honourable, wise and partial to a drop of whisky or two!
On a final note, I can confirm that turning in the centre of the "dual carriageway" which does indeed runs through town takes more than a little practise. As for a right turn from Long Road (Longrow) in to Main Street? Well, you take your life in your hands!
I'm really looking forward to the TV adaptation of the novels but even more so, looking forward to a return for the boys next year. Brilliant read!

[Lavins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Another great instalment in this series. I absolutely love Brian and his witty humour. It makes this book series 10 times better.
The whole atmosphere was a bit too dark and gloomy from start to finish and I didn't particularly enjoy that.
The final was surprising and it did catch me off guard and for that i think it deserve 4 stars.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s end this great crime / detective series with five stars.
So much enjoyment over the 11 books - fast action plots and a dynamic due of Daley and Scott that have been unique- full of drama and humour
Thank you Denzil Meyrick - your legacy will last and last

[David Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantl as have all of these DCI Daley books. Great story, characters, and mix in some humour and you have a winner. Only problem- I have to wait for the next one.

[Zala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Scott is still one of my favourite people but I don't like Daley as much as I did. I still love the humour but I'm not a fan of the increasing melancholy bits. As for the story, if it were executed just a little bit more in detail, I would have given the book 5 stars, no hesitation. But motives could have used some more fleshing out as could the personalities of certain characters, something the author can do very well if his previous books in the series are anything to judge by.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daley and Scott face a drug crisis in Kinloch, they also have to deal with a party of Oxford University students who have links with very senior people. As Daley investigates, things become very murky and senior people within Police Scotland show an interest. What feathers has Daley ruffled now?

Another cracking Daley novel.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 11th instalment of Jim Daley and Brian Scott gallivanting about Kinloch. This one keeps pace well and has the usual gritty crime mixed with the humour of our favourite old fisherman, Hamish. In this story we have a group of students from Oxford going missing in the mountains, whilst other people are mysteriously turning up dead in Kinloch. Jim is still struggling with his wife, seeming to be in a middle-aged funk. Brian on the other hand is on the up having given up the drink.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from the start having discovered it when a family member gave me a copy of Whisky From Small Glasses by Denzil Meyrick I then discovered the brilliant David Monteath who reads this series on Audible. There is definitely a golden age of Scottish crime fiction unfolding!

[Lucy Whelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First DCI Daley book I’ve read. Bit of a disappointment after so many great reviews. It must just be me, but the ‘witty’ dialogue all felt a bit flat… and ultimately the storyline was implausible in the extreme

[Fiona Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story, as always from Denzil Meyrick! Please hurry up with the next instalment. Don’t think I can wait too long before delving into Kinloch life again! Brilliant story and laugh out loud comedy from Brian and Jim. Thank you - loving your work Denzil!

[Alia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent as usual and in fact, it’s one of the best Daley & Scott novels in my opinion. I just loved it and thanks Denzil!

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest enthralling offering in Denzil Meyrick's Scottish crime series featuring the determined DCI Jim Daley and the marvellous DS Brian Scott. Christmas is coming, but there is a bleakness, menace and darkness that has descended on Kinloch that a grieving, ageing Hamish can tangibly feel, so strong that it has him considering the unthinkable, leaving the close knit small coastal community and beautiful place he has been an integral part of all his life. Daley has more than his share of problems, his back is giving him excruciating pain that has him relying on opoid painkillers with their danger of addiction and Kinloch is undergoing some chilling changes, young people are not frequenting pubs, instead turning to drugs and the consequent dangers to their lives. The increase in the brutal drug trade is a headache, all efforts to address it have resulted in failure so far, despite the intel received.

Desk Sergeant Alasdair Shaw's marriage is in trouble, leaving him in a state of despair, with Jim aware he needs support. A group of Oxford students arrive with the intention of preparing for climbing Everest by hiking and camping locally in the bitter freezing cold and snowy weather. What follows are drug deals gone wrong, serious incidents that include murder, delivery of gruesome parcels, the cutting of fingers, assault, kidnap and missing students. This in turn leads to the arrival of worryingly powerful and privileged parents, Werner Brandt with his large, luxurious superyacht and Teddy Farringdon. As if all that was not enough, Daley has to contend with the overly ambitious and ruthless ACC Cunningham, a nasty piece of work, who makes every effort to undermine him and Scott, trying to ensure they take no part in the investigations.

This was such an absorbing, atmospheric and engaging crime read that I had real trouble putting down at all, Meyrick once again delivers on his trademark blend of horrific crime with the relief of hilarious comic touches and banter. This is a gripping read of how the sins of the past refuse to stay buried, the abuse of power, revenge and a conclusion in which you cannot fault Daley's decisions, given the scenario he faces, particularly as it delivers a measure of justice that had previously been out of reach. This is one of my favourite crime series, the author remains at the top of his game, and if you have never encountered this fabulous series, I strongly urge you to give it a try, this will particularly appeal to those who love the darkest of festive crime read. Highly recommended.

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fabulous crime novel is the 11th volume of the amazing "DCI Daley" series by the author Denzil Meyrick.

At the beginning of the book you'll find a short meaningful poem by Robert Frost.

Storytelling is top-notch, all characters come vividly to life in this tale about murder, deception, corruption and revenge, while the atmosphere and surroundings of Kintyre are also wonderfully described and pictured by the author.

In this case DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott will get to investigate a few cases of murder and a kidnapping but before they are ready to solve these, all the cases are taken over by ACC Cunningham and his side-kick DCI Birkenshaw, in an attempt to thwart Daley and Scott and further their own careers.

It starts off with a party of Oxford students, who has come down to the Kintyre peninsula for a mountaineering expedition, when one of them is seriously assaulted and later on another is kidnapped, both sons of important people, all in order to lure two important people to that place.

The result of these two cases will be that two formidable fathers, Werner Brandt and Teddy Farringdon, will arrive in Kintyre and so play into the hands of an ingenious and devious person seeking for revenge and death.

What is to follow is an intriguing and gripping crime novel, where past cruelties will play a significant part in these recent events, and where DCI Daley and DS Scott after being taken off all cases by ACC Cunningham, can only watch things go from bad to worse until the very deadly end, and by following these orders they will save their careers.

Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this marvellous series, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Glorious Sweet Revenge"!

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oxford University students descend on Kinloch to gain camping experience for an upcoming Himalayan expedition, but soon one is viciously attacked then another is kidnapped. The two students come from powerful, wealthy families and their odious fathers make matters worse by trying to interfere in the investigations—talk about the sins of the fathers being visited upon the sons! It soon becomes clear to DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott that they are being pushed out of the cases when their ambitious superior from Glasgow starts calling the shots and appointing a favourite toady to manage things. Meanwhile, Jim is battling a bad back which leads him down the slippery slope of opioid dependency.

As usual, there’s a lot going on in this busy police procedural and it takes a long time to start to see any patterns or get explanations. In many ways this is an strong indictment on bad fathers and police corruption, I like to think there are just a few bad apples, but Denzil Meyrick often paints a very bleak picture and does so again here. It’s classic Noir territory, gripping but not an uplifting or satisfying read. Luckily, the townsfolk and Brian supply some light humour. 🎧 Scottish voice actor David Monteath gives another strong performance on the audio.

[Jackie Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong tale from Denzil Meyrick although I wish everything didn't have to be so bleak. What is clever is how writers with established characters and settings can tackle society problems like addiction to painkillers. Revenge is afoot in this book and there is something quite satisfying about the outcome, even if the reader doesn't really believe in an eye for an eye. I did get to the end and find that there seem to be some loose ends. A woman commits a murder and then is picked up in the SUV - who was driving that? I don't know but it doesn't seem too important. I enjoyed the book.

[Annie Weatherly-Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another corker of a book from Mr Meyrick. Love these two main characters, DCI Daley and his sidekick DS Scott. Marvellous combo who tackle crimes in unusual ways against the tide of the "Suits" attempting to get too the top of tree.

Can't forget the unusual and marvellous Hamish, who seems to have the miracle of "second sight" and a lot of old wisdom.

lots of twists and turns and not always what one thinks is going to happen. Clever and brilliant.

Apart from Michael Connelly's Bosch, I am truly in love with Scottish writers and there are a lot of them now. Marvellous writing with so much wit and humour even during the very black times.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up on holiday as I liked the look of the story - not realising it was #11 in a lengthy series. Nevertheless, it was fairly easy to read as a stand-alone and I absolutely loved the relationship between DCI Daley and his DS sidekick, which often had me laughing out loud. Complex storyline combined with competent plotting and fluid writing made this a very easy read despite some noir parts to the plot. One area I felt wasn’t well managed was Daley’s relationship with his wife - I can only assume this has been covered in some of the earlier books but ………. Definitely an author I will try again.

[Heather Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gets 4 stars from me. A very good tale of intrigue, and better written with less of Brian Scotts ineptitude, making him more believable. Several excellent twists of story, although a couple of the story lines rather fizzled out with an unconvincing conclusion, almost as if they were wound up quickly to finish the book off.
However, DCI Daley and DS Scott prove once more that they are more than a match for both the criminal underworld and their superiors.
Thoroughly enjoyable despite a few flaws, and I found that I couldn't put it down.
am looking forward to more in due course

[MR MD LITTLEMORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another belter

With David Monteath’s superb narration, Daley finds himself embroiled in local and international intrigue. Denzil’s characters are so well delineated that they become like old friends. The plot is terrific, and it is amazing that Meyrick can make such events quite believable in the small community in Kinloch, fictional and geographically pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle. Only complaint is that the Kindle and Audible versions are not whisper synced, I guess because the chapter numbers are ‘out’ in the Audible version.

[Sandra McCourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh goodness me. Another book from Meyrick that will have you scared to put the book down. There is a drug induced death on the island and there are lots of visitors out of season. The visitors bring their own problems and tragedies. Then come others who have more money than sense. Fasten your seatbelts as this is a rollercoaster. New blood is brought in to do the job that the locals can’t do? That’s like a kick in the teeth to our favourite DI. If you like the series your gonna like this one too

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Sweet Sorrow by Denzil Meyrick is book 11 in the DCI Daley thriller series and each one is a masterclass in storytelling. Kinloch seems more like a real place the more of the series you read.
The characters and the humour are what makes the series so successful and so compelling to read.
I look forward to reading the next in the series, it’s like looking up old friends to see what they have been up to.
Highly recommended

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamish is one of the most enjoyable characters in this fantastic series of books and I love that not only can he see Annie, he hears her now too.
Ella, Brian's wife has fair shown her mettle and humour.
Daley and Scott do go against their superior again, but show him to be the incompetent ass that he is.
Kinloch does seem to attract trouble and it is in the form of two heads of business whose sons are involved in a university trip.
Revenge does indeed seem to be a dish best served cold.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was ride that ended suddenly.
A very good story with lots of complications and twist and turns worthy of Le Carre. I was going to give up when to looked like Daley was headed down yet another rathole. But as usual sticking with it led to an explanation which I saw unfolding. And a very satisfactory ending.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series but for this book I can only give 4 stars as for me Daley and Scott felt a bit flat which is a shame as they both normally shine; though I always found Scott funny previously some of his barbs are for me getting a bit old. But regardless still looking forward to the next in the series.

[Michael Bellamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable Kinloch adventure. I really enjoy Denzil's writing style, going from gruesome murder, police corruption to outright humour. love the banter between Brian and hid boss (Jim)
The scene he painted in my mind of Brian and Jim's argument following Brian falling of the RIB boat had me in tears of laughter. Looking forward to Book 12

[ann campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another belter , thank you Denzil Meyrick

I just love this author and the books that he seems to effortlessly bring out. I get so caught up with the characters that I feel like asking them round for dinner as I'm so wrapped up in their lives they seem soooo real.
Thanks again Denzil, don't ever stop. Ann 😉

[David Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

No sweet sorrow

Denial back to his best the smell of Scotland in all the pages I can taste the Whiskey every time they have a wee dram. Love the characters in this series of books please don't stop writing these books.

[David Borthwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better, simply outstanding. Although the main character. DCI Daley, is a bit moody and a stickler for the rules his sidekick, Brian Scott, isn't so reluctant to bend the rules a little bit to get a result. The humour in the books comes from Brian Scott's Malapropisms'.

[Kevin Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the series.

No Sweet Sorrow is book number 11 in the Dci Daley series, and is a great read, full of the usual banter and dark humour that make these books such a great read. This is a great addition to the series and comes very highly recommended.