Sadly, this marks the end of a fantastic series following Denzil's passing. However, this book delivers a fast-paced plot packed with twists and turns in every chapter. Right from the start, Denzil grabs our attention by hinting at a character's possible death, setting the tone for the story. While it begins in the familiar Kinloch setting, events quickly shift to London, where tragedy unfolds. In the dead of night, Brian Scott is jolted awake by his buzzing phone. It's a chilling message from his old friend Jim Daley: ‘She’s dead, Brian. I couldn’t take it anymore – I killed her! You have to help.’ When a woman’s body is discovered, the nightmare escalates as Daley is arrested for murder. Convinced of his innocence, Scott sets out to uncover who is framing him. Their search for the truth takes Jim and Brian on a dark journey into their past, placing them and their loved ones in grave danger.

As with any good thriller, there are plenty of red herrings and untrustworthy characters, but Brian Scott’s humour provides a much-needed balance to the otherwise dark narrative. While it’s heartbreaking that this series has come to an end, the quality of the writing ensures it concludes on a high note. If you haven’t read this series yet, you’re in for a treat. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy.

This is a series I have loved, starting it after only a couple of books had been published, and this was to be the last offering. I must confess to shedding the odd tear too. There is a poignancy but mainly it is so wonderfully warm and funny, what a perfect way to sign off. No melancholy or sadness, just a feeling of contentment.

Jim Daley has accepted a promotion that will take him away from Kinloch, much to the chagrin of his contrarian wife Liz, who has just settled into life there. Jim agrees to a short trip away to her favourite place London, one with a touch of the make or break about it, for the sake of their marriage. Old Hamish has had bad dreams, he’s getting premonitions, bad omens and tries to persuade Daley not to go as no good will come of it.
It turns out Hamish is not the fool some make him out to be. Liz has been murdered, and Jim is the only suspect, with compelling evidence, and has been arrested. As readers of the series will attest, theirs has never been a smooth relationship, with Liz being flighty in the past, he she finally pushed Jim too far once too often.

Jim is known as ‘big man’ he can handle danger but introducing legal jeopardy the author cleverly puts him in the one position he cannot fight back. This also sidelines him for much of the story allowing some of the regular characters more time in the limelight. It falls to soon to be DI, DS Brian Scott the man who Jim has stood by so many times, through thick and thin (but mainly the latter) to fight his corner.

The plot revolves around did Jim murder Liz or has he been ‘fitted up’ with the evidence suggesting no other suspects. If it is the latter then Scott must discredit the evidence, something that he will need help with. Scott knows one senior officer in the Met; he went to school with him and training college before their careers went on different trajectories. He helps and back in Kinloch a new officer proves most useful, but all the time unseen forces appear to be at work. Here some great mistrust and paranoia is introduced by the author, so not only is Brian off his patch with no real jurisdiction, but he also doesn’t know who he can trust. It then becomes high risk with some real excitement and danger.

Back in Kinloch there is some unnatural interest in Jim jnr. who is being looked after by Brian’s long suffering wife Ella. Ella and Hamish end up forming the most unlikely of alliances to keep the young lad safe. This diversion away from the main action is simply brilliant. They have their own share of jeopardy to contend with, without physical strength on their side, which they manage with some aplomb and much hilarity. Giving these two characters so much space is perhaps the best bit of the novel, their interactions as a bickering odd couple gradually become mutual respect and understanding. This process is so funny; the dialogue is wonderful and how the community pitch in with help brings shades of the great Ealing Comedies of the past. Underneath it all they have much in common, care and compassion for those around them.

In London it comes to a frantic finale that is both thrilling and well thought out. It all leads back to events from the past which are foreshadowed, but not in the reader might have expected. To get there, expect chases, gun shots, brief explosions of violence and a nice little trap being laid.

It tugs at the heartstrings but ultimately it is an absolute joy.

I would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for access to a copy in exchange for a fair review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early access to this wonderful book. Thank you and heartfelt gratitude to Denzil Meyrick for sharing his remarkable talent with us. Last Orders is a fitting and poignant conclusion to Denzil Meyrick’s series featuring DCI Jim Daley, I didn't want it to end as I poured through the pages. It is fast paced, gripping and suspenseful, hooking you in from the outset. Meyrick perfectly describes the colourful characters and settings bringing so much emotion to the read. I was taken on a real journey from beginning to end.

This I believe is the final book in the series. I have read another book by this author which I did enjoy very much.

I would say that although it’s part of a series, it does stand alone although knowing background relationships is always useful, it really doesn’t hamper the story.

I really enjoyed this book, it’s very dark and has a lot of plot going for it, with a lot of surprises…

My thanks to Netgalley and Transworld, Penguin Random House for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

It was with a heavy heart that I began reading this one, following the recent death of Denzil Meyrick.

In this twelfth book in the DCI Daley series, the characters push on with their lives; investigating crime and dealing with whatever comes their way. The author's trademark humour abounds - he made me laugh, he made me cry and this is and absolute belter of a read, quite possibly the very best of the series.

Denzil Meyrick's writing talent is such a loss, but I also had the good luck to chat with him on social media one day and he was a thoroughly nice man. He will be missed, and not just for his books. A clear five star novel, and very highly recommended, as is this whole series.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

Last Orders is the final story in the DCI Daley series, and it is bittersweet as it is also the last book written by the wonderful Denzil Meyrick, who passed away earlier this year. However, it is a superb story to end on.

The title Last Orders is also quite fitting. As DCI Daley and his wife, Liz, head to London for a couple of days, where Jim plans to persuade her to leave Kinloch for the bright lights of the city and a promotion.

But while in London, Jim's efforts at persuasion do not go as planned, and he finds himself in serious trouble. In response, his friend and colleague, DS Brian Scott, flies in to help.

And what follows is a rollercoaster ride, filled with tension, twists, humour and great characters and I was hooked throughout.

And with Last Orders, DCI Jim Daley goes out with a bang and will be remembered as a great Scottish detective for a long time to come.

I would happily recommend Last Orders to everyone.

This is the final book in this most wonderful series featuring DCI Jim Daley, and that makes me insanely sad. It ends with the heartbreaking death of the author earlier this year so, there will be no more. But I am so glad that we had one last spin of the wheel... And it's a doozy...
We start with Hamish having bad dreams, and we all know his dreams are usually prophetic but these are really scaring him, so much so that he fears even leaving his house.
Actually we start with a bit of foreshadowing and a case from Daley's past, as well as Liz being a bit of a proverbial to him, especially miffed about his promotion, and them having to move. But he is trying his best (as always) and so takes her on a short break down to London. And that's where the trouble starts as back in Kinloch, Brian gets a 2am phone call from Jim stating that he has killed Liz. Obviously Brian doesn't believe it but understand that things are about to get a whole lot worse for them all if he is to help his best friend.
And that's all I am saying about the story as, if you have been with the series from the start, you will have already got your mitts on, and started this book the second you could and have no real need to hear me bang on about how freaking good it is. It feels awkward saying this, but I do feel he left the very best for last and has brought the series to a good endpoint. That said, I'm really going to miss all the wonderful characters I have met and it really feels horrible (and selfish) saying this, knowing that this really is the end.
But there is always a series re-read - or in my case, as I have the majority on Audible already - a re-listen. Which is what I am going to do. Denzil Meyrick may have left us but boy does he leave a great legacy behind...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

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!