A Toast to the Old Stones: A Tale from Kinloch by Denzil Meyrick

A Toast to the Old Stones: A Tale from Kinloch by Denzil Meyrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out as able over 4 days

Pages - 160

Publisher - Polygon

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

It's 1968, and the fishermen of Kinloch are preparing to celebrate the old New Year on the twelfth of January. The annual pilgrimage to the Auld Stones is a tradition that goes back beyond memory, and young Hamish, first mate on the Girl Maggie, is chuffed that he’s been invited to this exclusive gathering – usually reserved for the most senior members of Kinloch's fishing community.

Meanwhile, it appears that the new owners of the Firdale Hotel are intent upon turning their customers teetotal, such is the exorbitant price they are charging for whisky. Wily skipper Sandy Hoynes comes up with a plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they can afford through his connections with a local still-man.

But when the Revenue are tipped off, it looks as though Hoynes and Hamish’s mercy mission might run aground. Can the power of the Auld Stones come to their rescue, and is the reappearance of a face from Hoynes' past a sign for good or ill?




My Review

It is the 1960's, location is Kinloch, Scotland, the fishermen are preparing to celebrate and keep old traditions. To be invited along with the fishermen on such a "quest" is an honour not bestowed to many. Add into that a wee sneaky additional "mission" getting some bootleg whiskey into the hands of the locals whilst trying to avoid the authorities!

I loved reading about young Hamish, after reading the Daley series and we get wee bits of Hamish I am always wanting more, his back story, he is an interesting character. We get a bit more of that in this book. A book that looks at traditions, the livelihood of the locals, the perils of the sea (and trying to get some booze sneaked across the waters). Old stories/ghosts/history of the people/traditions - Scottish dialect, it was just a nice break from reality across the waters and time.

I hadn't realised this was book two so have just bought and downloaded the first "A Large Measure of Snow". You can absolutely read this as a standalone as I have, I love Hamish and his "gift" so reading about him as a youngster, his mentor/people and why Kinloch is a special wee place. As we have come to expect and know from Meyrick we also have a few chuckles along the way and being a bit spooked, it was just a perfect blend I thought! Looking forward to reading book one and hopefully we may see a third? 4.5/5 for us this time.

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Whisky from Small Glasses by Denzil Meyrick

Whisky from Small Glasses by Denzil Meyrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 368

Publisher - Polygon

Source - Waterstones

Blurb from Goodreads

When the body of a young woman is washed up on an idyllic beach on the west coast of Scotland, D.C.I. Jim Daley is despatched from Glasgow to lead the investigation. Far from home, and his troubled marriage, it seems that Daley’s biggest obstacle will be managing the difficult local police chief; but when the prime suspect is gruesomely murdered, the inquiry begins to stall. As the body count rises, Daley uncovers a network of secrets and corruption in the close-knit community of Kinloch, thrusting him and his loved ones into the centre of a case more deadly than he had ever imagined. The first novel in the D.C.I. Daley Thriller series, Whisky from Small Glasses is a truly compelling crime novel, shot through with dark humour and menace.


My Review

When the body of a young woman is discovered in the small town of Kinloch, DCI Daley is dispatched to investigate. Whilst Daley tries to deal with police politics, large egos, his personal life and a killer at large things are heating up.

So, we have a murder, team dynamics those established with Daley and those in Kinloch who are adverse to city cops stepping on toes. We follow the investigation, the boundaries breached and set by Daley, grieving families and breaking through small town ranks.

This isn't a gore fest crime, it is a lot on police procedural with Scottish banter, swearing, secrets, good old fashioned police work and family dramas thrown in for fabulous effect. The wife I didn't like to start with, Daley I really took to quickly as with members of his team. He is a good cop who just wants to do his job and be happy. The locals were a mixed bag, predictions, helpfulness, standoffish, wanting to make sure Daley is fed, it is a wee town (barring the murder) you would want to go visit.

For me a fantastic opening to the series, yes there is a murder and investigation but it is a strong builder for who the characters are. I look forward to more of Daley and his team, 4/5 for me this time. I have the whole series on my tbrm so I am looking forward to catching up with what is in store for the team next.

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