This is the last book for DCI Jim Daley and DI Brian Scott as Denzil sadly passed away earlier this year. It was lovely to catch up with Jim, Liz, James Junior, Brian, Ella and Hamish. Jim has been promoted so he is leaving Kinloch leaving Brian in charge. Jim's wife, Liz is not happy with his promotion and move away from the small town. Jim and Liz head off to London, where Jim hopes Liz will enjoy herself eating and drinking with some shopping thrown in. However, it all goes pear shaped when Liz is killed. What happens next is Brian goes to London to help his friend. I could not put the down as I was so engrossed in the book. It's filled with suspense, taut, tense moments, which led me down an extraordinary rollercoaster of a read! Denzil was a true storyteller!

This is the last book in the late, great author Denzil Meyrick’s Jim Daley series of detective or police procedural novels. It is also the first of these books that I have read, and I can vouch that it is a perfect stand-alone read. That said, I shall probably read the rest of the series over time.

The plot is very fast-moving, and the characterisation excellent, with few stereotypes and some very engaging personalities. The author has managed to evoke the contrasting characteristics of small-town Scotland and London to great effect. An excellent read!

‘Last Orders’, by Denzil Meyrick, concludes the highly entertaining D.C.I. Jim Daley series. This twelfth book feels particularly poignant and apt in its storyline as sadly the bestselling Scottish author died earlier this year,prior to this planned publication.
It feels due to these circumstances a real privilege to once more enter the company of Daley,Brian, Elsa and Hamish,as the latest investigation gets underway into a case that completely blurs personal and professional lines.
Due to the characteristic dry sense of humour and beautifully depicted descriptions of Kinloch and the world beyond it has been a pure delight to be immersed in these outstanding novels.
This is superbly plotted storytelling that takes the reader on an emotional journey,as the main characters try to make sense of a complex case, which poses threats on different fronts.
A truly fitting way for the series from a remarkable writer to end this way.

Thank you so very much to Denzil Meyrick, NetGalley, and Random House UK,Transworld, for an Advance Readers Copy.

I love Denzil Mayrick books and this one doesn't disappoint. A really gripping drama which lands D I Jim Daley in the tightest spot yet and uncovers corruption within the force. The story moves between Scotland and London as he battles to fight crime suffering tragedy along the way.
Cannot wait for the next one

DCI Daley is about to leave Kinloch to take up another post, with Brian Scott taking over from him. Liz Daley is not too happy about the move, so to try and win her over Jim has organised a trip to London, and that is where everything starts to go wrong. Whether you have read all the previous books in the series, in order or not, this book stands out and can be read as a stand alone. I have dipped in and out of these books, so sometimes read not in order, it doesn’t stop the enjoyment.
Well written as usual and full of unexpected twists and turns, thrilling to the end.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

As always I devoured this latest instalment in the lives of Jim, Brian and Co, whilst at the same time not wanting to finish it.

This is the twelfth in the DCI Daley series and whilst it can be read as a standalone I strongly reccomend you read the first eleven. I'm also hugely envious of those of you still to discover the series for yourselves.

There is the usual mix of emergency service black humour, Scott's language foibles, Hamish's premonitions and emotional pulls on the heart. This time made even more poignant by the far too early death of Denzyl - may you RIP.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which was very much appreciated.

This is the final book in the series and I enjoyed it so much, tainted with sadness of course because the author has recently died but I'll be buying the series to catch up on the wonderful relationship the two detectives had, fabulous story with many twists and turns

Well, as send offs go, this one is perhaps a rather fitting way to round out the exploits of DCI Jim Daley and newly promoted DI Brian Scott. In some ways, it really does feel as though Denzil Meyrick has brought the series full circle, with many parallels to be drawn between this latest offering and the first ever book, Whiskey From Small Glasses. Yes, the characters are all much older, moulded by everything that has gone before, and there is plenty of melancholic reminiscing, from Daley in particular, that will prompt readers to recall the many brilliant books that we have been treated to over the years. But this is slightly different too, for, as much as this is a DCI Daley novel, much of the story is based around events happening to Daley, and it is on the broad shoulders of Brian Scott, that his fate is set to rest.

I really enjoyed this book. For fans of the series it has all of the hallmarks of a classic Daley and Scott thriller. The wonderful characters of Kinloch are all, mostly, back, and the mystery, threat and tension are all there in abundance. Denzil Meyrick has taken an all too prevalent plague of modern life, and built a murderous case of injustice around it, wrapping it in intrigue and polishing the whole thing off with a healthy coating of misdirection. There are some new characters to get to grips with, but both of the key players, both Senior Officers in London of all places, but it was easy to take to both of them even if one of them might not have been all they initially seemed. Denzil Meyrick had a real knack for creating believable personalities in his writing, and this book is no different. There are also plenty of people to take objection to, the most notable of whom I won't mention for fear of potential spoilers. I think you'll know when you meet them.

This is a murder investigation and, yes, as you can see from the blurb, Daley is prime suspect. Not the first time he has found himself in a precarious position, but there is every reason to feel that this time might be different, such is the ever growing tension the author has built into his narrative. There is definitely a feeling of the case being personal, and certain scenes which play out throughout the book, including a somewhat shocking turn of events quite early on in the action, definitely point Brian in that direction when trying to help his friend out. But Mr Meyrick never liked making things easy for his protagonists and there are many moments when it is hard to see how the book can result in a positive conclusion.

The balance of plot and character was perfect as always, and for fans of the old rascal, there is plenty of Hamish in this book too. His foresight proves as devastatingly accurate as always, but he has a surprising role to play in everything that comes to pass. I can't help but love him as a character, perhaps one of those I will miss the most. And Brian's long suffering wife, Ella, finds herself pushed to the limit too. I love the strength of the relationship between Ella and Scott, and that banter between them makes up for the more downbeat scenes between Scott and Daley. There is good reason for that, but plenty of Scott's malapropisms to keep the smiles coming.

I will miss this series, but always have the joys of being able to go back to book one and start over. I can heartily recommend both the books and the audio versions, so if you've tried one, why not tuck into the other? Either way, you won't regret a journey or two to Kinloch. Denzil Meyrick painted such a brilliant and vivid picture of this community and its unforgettable residents that picking up each book feels a touch like going home. A poignant and fitting goodbye to characters I will truly miss.

Everything Denzil Meyrick did well is here in spades as this final book in his DCI Daley series firmly confirms that Meyrick was a master of his craft.

Sadly published posthumously, thee final book is another fast paced, action packed thriller full of Meyrick's trademarks.

A book read with both enjoyment yet laced with sadness as Denzil Meyrick was a friendly, approachable and welcoming chap who always took time to interact with his many fans on social media.

A firm favourite of mine and a series thats been enjoyed by a great many over the past decade. A big loss to crime writing and much more. A fitting end

As always another great read in the DCI Daley series from Denzil, the last I believe which makes me sad, I’ve enjoyed every single one of them right from the beginning, and this was no exception. Extremely well written, great characters , brilliant storytelling and immensely enjoyable.

Last Orders- an apt and fitting tribute to Denzil Meyrick and DCI Jim Daley. It's a book that I raced through but at the same time I did not want it to end. A fast paced and exciting police/crime thriller that dishes up a roller coaster of emotions as the tension mounts. I have read and enjoyed every book in this series and will definitely miss the characters (who at times feel just like old friends) the banter and storylines. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early read. Thank you Denzil for sharing your talent with us ☓

This is defiantly a page turner I didn’t want to end! I have not read all the books in the series but BOOM this kept me hooked. It’s bitter sweet - the last in the series and the last from Denzil. I feel honoured to have been able to have early access.

What a story to end on! I shall miss Denzil’s books. This one is a cracker from start to finish. So many twists and turns, who to believe and who to trust. Lovely interaction with the Met police too - I am sure they think the ‘polis’ in Scotland are numpties! Fast paced, great dialogue, precious characters we have come to know and love. Loved it!

Thanks to Transworld and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Ach, it’s with some sadness I’m reviewing this latest in the Daley series from Denzil Meyrick, that grand author having died only very recently and now resting in Campbeltown, his very own beloved Kinloch. And what a belter of a book this one is. The Daley series has only improved with age and this is a roller coaster of an adventure which has a very bleak undertone and leaves an uncertain future for Daley, his family and even Scott.

Everyone should know by now that ignoring Hamish premonitions of awful events is not wise and his efforts to stop Jim Daley and his wife Liz from a weekend away in London fall on deaf ears. Jim and Liz’s marriage is under strain again as despite initially being supportive, Liz now no longer wants to leave Kinloch and go back to ‘civilisation’ as Jim gets promoted. That promotion also means a promotion for Brian Scott, taking over Daleys role in Kinloch. Brian and his formidable wife Ella are looking after wee James while his parents go for a romantic weekend away.

Liz however, has a dark secret. Once again she has been indiscreet and this time the man is out for money. She’s genuinely regretful and desperate to get this nasty character out of her life, so she goes to meet him and pay him off, she hopes, once and for all. It is, of course, a disaster. Things very quickly take an even darker turn and while she’s away, Jim finds that evidence of her infidelity. Waking up the next morning with a bad head and an even worse memory, Daley finds himself in a host of very serious trouble. Police Scotland and the Meet are both on his tail and Brian Scott decides to take some leave to find out what has happened as he can’t believe Daley is guilty of anything terrible.

The Met, of course, is known for its bad apples and very quickly neither Scott nor Daley know who they can trust, with Liz the victim of a terrible crime and Ella and young James being stalked in Kinloch, it looks like Daley is on the other end of a revenge feud. There are more bodies than usual in this outing and it’s particularly brutal with friends and allies being discarded while friends and allies also look decidedly suspect!

It’s a fast paced, tense and edgy thriller with real underlying sadness and a sense of despair but of course also has the touches of humour that we have come to expect. Last Orders as a title has that sense of premonition about it and if this is to be Meyrick’s last Daley novel, it’s certainly a tour de force.

Great read. Pulls you in from the beginning and teases you through the pages as to who are the good guys and who are not. I hadn’t read any of Meyrick’s books but I will look out for them now. Well thought out and written. Loved it!

Jim Daley is leaving Kinloch to take up his new role as Head of Divisional CID and Liz is not happy.

Jim decides to take her to London to pour oil on troubled waters.

Before the week is out, Liz is brutally murdered and Daley is the prime and only suspect captured on CCTV.

Brian Scott heads to London to help clear the Big Man's name and soon finds he can't trust old friends or new.

A fast-paced finale to the Kinloch series. 4*

Last Orders is the last in the DCI Daley series - and it goes out with a bang, a fast-paced thriller with less time than usual in Kinloch and instead largely playing out in London. Taking the main characters out of their usual haunts can be a risk, and circumstances mean Daley is sidelined for rather a lot of the book, but it all comes together for a tense “trust nobody” tale of corruption. Is it all entirely realistic? Not really.. but I think when you’ve spent time with the characters over the years that’s less important and we get to spend time with Brian Scott as he tries to fix things.

I think I’d have preferred the book bumpf to say a little less as we’re nearly a third of the way in before we get to events described there - but I’m no marketing expert!


Sadly this is Meyrick’s last Daley book following his death earlier this year; I wasn’t aware of this and was a bit surprised by the abruptly downbeat ending. Life in Kinloch goes on; Meyrick and his characters will be missed

Over the last decade the the DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott series have gripped the world of crime fiction ; Last Orders is the 12th in the series and is sadly published after the death of Denzil Meyrick.

This is an absolute corker of a read- a rollercoaster that grabs you from the first chapter and doesn't let you go until the last page. In this final story, DCI Daley finds himself accused of murder - Who can we believe? Is everything straight forward? This wouldn't be a Kinloch story without the twists and turns; like a game of snakes and ladders - the closer to the truth the further it slips away.

As ever, the wisdom of Hamish prevails and DS Scott's malapropisms shine light within a tough story - the expected Denzil Meyrick humour has always been a delight.

It would be a shame to give any hints/spoilers of plot because if you've read the series ( and do read them in order for best impact) then this finale is excellent. I guarantee that this is a page turner- I couldn't put it down for two days.

This is police/crime writing at its best - yes, suspend belief - and dive into a brilliant story that will have you hooked!!

What a legacy Denzil Meyrick has left- this series should be considered a classic of this period - tightly plotted, stylish, humorous and wonderful tribute to the west coast of Scotland.

Thank you Denzil Meyrick

I was super engrossed reading this book, what a page turner, read in one night…it was unputdownable.With twists and turns , your imagination simply runs away with you as you live each breathtaking moment.Having to endure the pain filled moments of the characters in the fast moving scenarios leading up to the heartstopping finale and the best line of all,from a dying Glaswegian made me laugh out loud, Last orders is a must read for everyone, Meyricks fans are rewarded with wonderful tense compulsive chapters which has you racing to the end, so highly recommended.

Perhaps it all starts with a police car chasing a Beamer in Glasgow in February 19 97. It doesn’t end well for the driver of the BMW. In the present day, DCI Jim daily and DI Brian Scott stand by a graveside in Kinloch, Kintyre, possibly it’s a doom laden harbinger of things to come. Daley and his wife Liz are polar opposite and as a result haven’t enjoyed the easiest of relationships. Liz sure isn’t happy at the moment as Jim has a promotion and Dumbarton beckons and she doesn’t want to go there. However, that’s possibly the least of her worries, the tip of the iceberg. To cheer her up, Daley takes her for a weekend break in London and at 2 am Brian gets a phone call from Jim. “She’s dead, Brian” and then he says he killed her. The line goes dead. However, bad things are between them, Brian just knows Jim wouldn’t kill Liz, so what on earth is going on? Unfortunately, it’s going to get a whole lot worse and it’s not looking good for Daley as it seems he has a vengeful target on his back.

I came across this series a few years ago and I loved it straight away although I think I still have a couple of more recent ones to catch up on. However, it makes no difference to reading this cracking addition to a brilliant series. I really like the inhabitants of Kinloch and the atmosphere the author creates here is superb and it’s an unsettling one. Hamish sets it from the start with his strong sense of foreboding. He’s one of the most colourful characters in the series and he’s not wrong to have fears. Jim Daley and Brian Scott are amongst the strongest central protagonists in this genre and the banter is exceptional. Daley’s fuse is a short one as one character will testify (three cheers) and Brian can be hilarious but he’s a true mate. He’s certainly responsible for shining a light amongst the darkness and relieving tension with some of what comes out of his mouth. The author, as ever, doing a great job with Scottish vernacular especially with Brian. I love the blend of action thriller with humour which is Denzil Meyrick’s trademark.

This is a very immersive, perplexing mystery with several strands to the plot which keeps me engaged throughout. It’s told at a good pace, the writing is lively, the dynamics are good if not fascinating and there’s an abundance of tension which is heart stopping at times. I gasp in shock on occasion. Who are these brutal, scary, persistent enemies with a very long reach? It does start to play out as I suspect BUT the overall outcome I do not foresee, so well played!

This novel certainly takes the reader on a journey as alongside the tragic and sad there’s loyalty, belief and bravery. Some scenes are very exciting and movie action worthy (I believe a TV series is in the pipeline- about time!) and if this is Denzil Meyrick’s last book, then it’s a great legacy.

The author sadly died in February 2025 and is a big loss to crime fiction as well as his family.

I knew I’d love this and wasn’t disappointed. If you haven’t read this series I highly recommend it but it’s perfectly possible to read this as a standalone but why miss out??!!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Transworld for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.