DCI Jim Daley is sent from the city to investigate a murder after the body of a woman is washed up on an idyllic beach on the west coast of Scotland. Far away from urban resources, he finds himself a stranger in a close-knit community. Love, betrayal, fear and death stalk the small town as Daley investigates a case that becomes more deadly than he could possibly imagine, in this compelling novel … compelling novel infused with intrigue and dark humour.
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The first in a terrific series, this police procedural is set on the south-west coast of Scotland and certainly qualifies as tartan noir. The crimes are bloody but the relationship between the two main characters is very strong and well-portrayed, and if occasionally you want to shake them (for different reasons) that’s just because they feel very real.
A solid mystery set on a small island. Gripping ending.
Investigating the murder of in the seaside town of Kinloch residents, DCI Daley and DS Scott work well together. It was funny how news traveled fast in this small town. Enjoyable read.
This was very predictable.
Fast moving book and fun characters. I’ll read more of his books.
Great series…..great read
Not particularly interesting mystery.
hard to read, Scottish accents tough to understand.
Great Scottish noir!
Denzil Meyrick joins Peter May in creating deeply atmospheric and exceedingly well-written mysteries set on the West Coast of Scotland.
I really like this series. Fascinating locale and characters are engaging, flawed and brilliant at the same time. Absorbing mystery.
Great start to the DID Daley series. Unpredictable twists and turns. Endearing characters carrying their own dark secrets. Loved the dialect and the atmosohere! Thanks, Denzil Meyrick
Interesting look at life in a remote part of Scotland complete with local dialect.
Murders in the outskirts of western Scotland. Highly descriptive scenery and good fleshing-out of characters. Kept me guessing until the end. With a neat surprise that has me looking forward to reading the next in this series.
The setting was interesting. The main character not the usual debonaire detective you see in most British mysteries, but appealing none the less.
This police procedural was very compelling and readable, initially. As the book proceeded, however, the pacing of the main storyline slowed so much that I had to force myself to keep reading. After I stopped then went back to it twice hoping the pace would pick up, I regretfully abandoned it with 35% of the book unread.
This is the 1st novel I’ve read by this Author. I really liked it. I pronounced a lot of the Scottish dialect as I read. I never did this before because it slows me down, but it grabbed me. The plot is great because it doesn’t reveal too much too quickly. Relationships are realistic; the one between the protaganist and his wife and the one between him and his boss. The development of character of the husband and wife helps to keep the uncertaincy building. I was locked in. It’s also a wonderful coverage of Scotland; a sort of visitors guide of the cultural life and the justice System. A great read.
Great handling of Scottish dialect in print. It really added to the atmosphere of Scottish coastal town.
Great book i loved everything about it. The characters and story are excellent. Highly recommend!
I enjoyed the atmosphere created by the author of the small, dying village on the Scottish coast. The main character was interesting and I cared about him and his personal and professional life. The villain was telegraphed a,couple of chapters before he caught on… But it was suspenseful for most of the book I would read more by this author.