Denzil Meyrick Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start

If you are looking to dive into the atmospheric, rain-slicked streets of Denzil Meyrick’s fictional Scotland, the best way to experience his books is by following the original publication order. While Meyrick wrote prequels and novellas that take place earlier in his characters' lives, starting with his debut novel ensures you experience the growth of his cast, the evolution of the fictional town of Kinloch, and the naturally unfolding personal dynamics exactly as the author intended.

For the definitive entry point, you should pick up Whisky from Small Glasses (2012). This book launches the bestselling DCI Jim Daley series, introducing the gritty tone, dark Scottish humor, and complex police procedurals that made Meyrick a leading name in Tartan Noir.

The Core DCI Daley Series in Publication Order

The DCI Daley series is the cornerstone of Denzil Meyrick’s legacy. It follows Detective Chief Inspector Jim Daley, a Glasgow cop relocated to the remote, tight-knit coastal town of Kinloch (heavily inspired by Meyrick's own upbringing in Campbeltown). Alongside his loyal, hard-drinking, and frequently troublesome sidekick DS Brian Scott, Daley tackles gruesome murders, local feuds, and international crime syndicates.

Here is the complete publication order of the DCI Daley novels, novellas, and short story collections:

1. Whisky from Small Glasses (2012) – The debut novel where DCI Jim Daley is sent to Kinloch to investigate the body of a woman found on a local beach.
2. The Last Witness (2014) – A tense thriller involving a retired Glasgow gangster under witness protection in Kinloch whose past comes calling.
3. Dalintober Moon (2014) – A atmospheric DCI Daley novella (often numbered as Book 1.5) dealing with a body found in a whisky cask, uncovering a century-old feud.
4. Dark Suits and Sad Songs (2015) – A deeper dive into Glasgow’s corrupt political underbelly that spills over into the quiet life of Kinloch.
5. Two One Three (2015) – A prequel novella (often numbered as Book 0.5) set in 1986 Glasgow, showing a young Jim Daley on his very first CID case alongside Brian Scott.
6. The Rat Stone Serenade (2016) – A gothic-infused mystery set during a freezing December, focusing on the wealthy, secretive residents of the local castle.
7. Empty Nets and Promises (2016) – A historical Kinloch novella set in 1968, following the comedic misadventures of the local fishing crew.
8. Single End (2016) – A short story set in the Kinloch universe.
9. One Last Dram Before Midnight (2017) – A collection that compiles the novellas Dalintober Moon, Two One Three, and Empty Nets and Promises along with other short stories.
10. Well of the Winds (2017) – Daley investigates the mystery of a missing plane during a brutal storm, bringing wartime secrets to the surface.
11. The Relentless Tide (2018) – When historical bones are discovered on an archaeological dig, Daley has to solve a cold case that turns hot.
12. A Breath on Dying Embers (2019) – Set aboard a luxury cruise ship anchored in Kinloch’s harbor, Daley must untangle a web of modern high-finance crime and old grudges.
13. Jeremiah's Bell (2020) – A dark investigation into a series of murders linked to a local family’s deep, troubling history.
14. For Any Other Truth (2021) – A light aircraft crash on a nearby hillside pulls Daley into a complex web of smuggling and international intrigue.
15. The Death of Remembrance (2022) – A dual-timeline novel that connects a current murder case with a 1980s Glasgow police investigation, revealing secrets Daley hoped were buried forever.
16. No Sweet Sorrow (2023) – Daley is forced to confront a brutal criminal network while dealing with major changes within the local constabulary.
17. Last Orders for the Condemned (2025) – The final entry in the main series, wrapping up long-running character arcs and delivering a high-stakes investigation.

Understanding the Timeline: Chronological Caveats

While the publication order works best, readers who want to follow the chronological storyline of Jim Daley’s life and the history of Kinloch should be aware of a few chronological anomalies. These are mostly shorter works that function as prequels or flashbacks:

• Two One Three (1986): Chronologically, this prequel novella is the earliest point in the Daley and Scott partnership. However, it is highly recommended that you read it after Dark Suits and Sad Songs. The prequel relies on your familiarity with the characters to deliver its nostalgic, emotional punch.
• Empty Nets and Promises (1968): This novella is set decades before Jim Daley ever arrives in Kinloch. It focuses on the comedic exploits of local characters like Hamish and the crew of the Girl Maggie. It is a lighthearted spin-off that provides historical flavor to the town rather than direct plot points for the main crime series.
• The Death of Remembrance: This novel splits its narrative between the modern day and the 1980s, functioning both as a sequel to the previous books and a deep-dive origin story for Daley and Scott's early days in Glasgow.

For ease of reading, instead of hunting down individual ebook releases for the early novellas, you can simply read One Last Dram Before Midnight after finishing the fourth novel, Dark Suits and Sad Songs.

Tales from Kinloch: The Comedic Spin-Offs

If you love the setting of Kinloch but want a break from the gruesome murders and dark police investigations, Meyrick wrote a dedicated spin-off series titled Tales from Kinloch. These books are nostalgic, humorous novellas that capture the quirky spirit of the town's local residents, particularly the fishing boat crew led by skipper Sandy Hoynes.

These should be read in publication order:

1. A Large Measure of Snow (2020)
2. A Toast to the Old Stones (2021)
3. Ghosts in the Gloaming (2022)

While they are set in the same universe as the DCI Daley books, they feature a completely different comedic tone and can be read at any point as lighthearted companions to the main series.

Frank Grasby Mysteries: Yorkshire in the 1950s

In addition to his Scottish crime fiction, Denzil Meyrick created a delightful historical mystery series set in 1950s Yorkshire. The protagonist is Inspector Frank Grasby, a somewhat bumbling yet endearing detective who has been reassigned to a quiet rural station, only to find himself surrounded by eccentric suspects and bizarre murders. This series is completely independent of the DCI Daley universe.

The Frank Grasby books should be read in order:

1. Murder at Holly House (2023)
2. The Christmas Stocking Murders (2024)

The Standalone Thrillers

Meyrick also wrote two standalone crime novels. These are excellent options for readers who want to experience his sharp writing and grit without committing to a multi-book series:

• Terms of Restitution (2021) – A gritty gangland thriller set in Paisley. It tells the story of an exiled gangland boss who is forced to return to his old turf to protect his family.
• The Estate (2024) – A modern, suspenseful thriller that moves away from traditional police procedurals, focusing on a high-stakes situation on a remote estate.

What to Know Before You Start

Denzil Meyrick’s background as a former officer with the Strathclyde Police in the 1980s heavily informs the DCI Daley series. His portrayal of police work is grounded and authentic, but it is balanced by a distinct brand of dark humor and a deep affection for the coastal communities of Scotland's west coast. The dialogue often features authentic West Coast Scottish dialect, which adds immensely to the rich sense of place.

For fans looking forward to seeing Jim Daley on screen, a television adaptation was announced in late 2021 with Rory McCann (famous for playing the Hound in Game of Thrones) cast in the lead role. Although a pilot was filmed, the project's status has remained quiet following the author's sad passing in February 2025. Nevertheless, Meyrick’s rich library of books remains a high-water mark for modern Tartan Noir, offering a perfect blend of procedural authenticity, high-stakes mystery, and unforgettable characters.