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DCI Daley #3
Dark Suits and Sad Songs
The third installment in the bestselling DCI Daley series, packed with accurate police procedure and gritty, dark humour. The best of Scottish crime.
When a senior Edinburgh civil servant spectacularly takes his own life in Kinloch harbour, DCI Jim Daley comes face to face with the murky world of politics. To add to his woes, two local drug dealers lie dead, ritually assassinated. It's clear that dark forces are at work in the town. With his boss under investigation, his marriage hanging on by a thread, and his sidekick DS Scott wrestling with his own demons, Daley's world is in meltdown. When strange lights appear in the sky over Kinloch, it becomes clear that the townsfolk are not the only people at risk. The fate of nations is at stake. Jim Daley must face his worst fears as tragedy strikes. This is not just about a successful investigation, it's about survival.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2015
187 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Denzil Meyrick
46 books472 followersDenzil Meyrick was a Scottish bestselling novelist. Prior to that, he served as a police officer with Strathclyde Police then a manager with Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown, Argyll. Since 2012 Denzil Meyrick had worked as a writer of Scottish crime fiction novels. He was also an executive director of media production company Houses of Steel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 17, 2018
I have been wanting to read this series, and I have pitched in at the third featuring DCI Jim Daley set in Kinloch, which has numerous references to the other books but I still found worked well as a standalone. I listened to it on audio, ably and wonderfully narrated by David Monteath. Daley's personal life is a complex mess, he is separated from his wife, Liz, believing her baby is the product of an affair and is having an affair with a colleague, which he has tried to keep secret, but it is small place and rumours abound. It all begins with the spectacular suicide of a senior civil servant, and followed by the brutal and gruesome murders of two men involved in the drug trade. And that is just the beginning of further deaths in a story of a global conspiracy involving the murky world of Scottish politicians, the dark arts of a political fixer, Serbian assassins and the covert presence of the American security services. If all that is not enough, the locals are seeing lights at night and there is talk of aliens everywhere.
DS Brian Scott, having been shot in the past, is suffering psychological trauma compounded with his desperate need for alcohol to get him through the day. He returns as Daley's deputy, but is not finding it easy at all. Daley and Scott, two old school cops, find themselves out of their depth with the newly reorganised police service, wondering if there is any room for them in it. As the investigation progresses, the police team is riven with conflict despite having the pressures to find 12 year old Alice who has been abducted. To top it all, Daley's boss is being investigated for corruption. I particularly liked the character of Hamish, a local fisherman, proving to be an invaluable help to the police. This was a gritty and humorous read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst aspects of the plot felt a little too far fetched, it was otherwise a well written novel which easily captured my interest. A great series. Highly recommended!
DS Brian Scott, having been shot in the past, is suffering psychological trauma compounded with his desperate need for alcohol to get him through the day. He returns as Daley's deputy, but is not finding it easy at all. Daley and Scott, two old school cops, find themselves out of their depth with the newly reorganised police service, wondering if there is any room for them in it. As the investigation progresses, the police team is riven with conflict despite having the pressures to find 12 year old Alice who has been abducted. To top it all, Daley's boss is being investigated for corruption. I particularly liked the character of Hamish, a local fisherman, proving to be an invaluable help to the police. This was a gritty and humorous read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst aspects of the plot felt a little too far fetched, it was otherwise a well written novel which easily captured my interest. A great series. Highly recommended!
May 6, 2023
My first audiobook. A different experience compared with reading a book, but enjoyable enough. Numerous new characters in the series (or was that my imagination) meant that in the early part of the story I wanted to flick back to remember who’s who and who did what. Good luck with that.
Plenty of action but the storyline was a bit convoluted for my liking. However the dark humour made me laugh. Plenty of dour Scottishness to keep me happy.
Plenty of action but the storyline was a bit convoluted for my liking. However the dark humour made me laugh. Plenty of dour Scottishness to keep me happy.
March 18, 2016
4 stars
Another exciting, fast-moving novel in the DCI Daley series from Denzil Meyrick, this time dealing with Eastern European drug cartels, interoffice politics, and corrupt police officials.
The plot is satisfyingly convoluted, starting with the gruesome suicide of a civil servant, moves swiftly on to the death of a tortured man which hints at Eastern European organized crime, another murder, and a boating accident. The novel has two main points of view: DCI Jim Daley, who covers the police investigation, and Gary Wilson, a corrupt media fixer for the Scottish government.
This novel is very well constructed, seamlessly merging all the plot lines into a satisfactory conclusion. Meyrick's jaundiced view of politicians and the political process is reflective of what the public thinks happens behind the closed doors of politicians' offices. The characters are maturing nicely with each new volume, but the real gem is Daley's sidekick, Brian Scott. He provides a perfect foil to Daley’s ultra-seriousness. His actions and reactions had me laughing in several scenes, and yet he’s a tragic figure, as well, as he comes to terms with the psychological effects of his shooting.
My one criticism is the flashback scenes to Bosnia and Chechnya, which were not handled well. I like the fact that the author is trying something different, though, and his effort does provide some depth to the characters.
Dark Suits and Sad Songs is a great read with an action-packed plot, sympathetic characters, and a good dose of humor.
Another exciting, fast-moving novel in the DCI Daley series from Denzil Meyrick, this time dealing with Eastern European drug cartels, interoffice politics, and corrupt police officials.
The plot is satisfyingly convoluted, starting with the gruesome suicide of a civil servant, moves swiftly on to the death of a tortured man which hints at Eastern European organized crime, another murder, and a boating accident. The novel has two main points of view: DCI Jim Daley, who covers the police investigation, and Gary Wilson, a corrupt media fixer for the Scottish government.
This novel is very well constructed, seamlessly merging all the plot lines into a satisfactory conclusion. Meyrick's jaundiced view of politicians and the political process is reflective of what the public thinks happens behind the closed doors of politicians' offices. The characters are maturing nicely with each new volume, but the real gem is Daley's sidekick, Brian Scott. He provides a perfect foil to Daley’s ultra-seriousness. His actions and reactions had me laughing in several scenes, and yet he’s a tragic figure, as well, as he comes to terms with the psychological effects of his shooting.
My one criticism is the flashback scenes to Bosnia and Chechnya, which were not handled well. I like the fact that the author is trying something different, though, and his effort does provide some depth to the characters.
Dark Suits and Sad Songs is a great read with an action-packed plot, sympathetic characters, and a good dose of humor.
July 1, 2020
took while for this book to get going but enjoyed once it took off tale of spooks and corruption in west scotland
August 26, 2019
I've been listening to the audio versions of the DCI Jim Daley series, of which this, DARK SUITS AND SAD SONGS is the 3rd outing. At this point I'd be loathe to recommend readers step into this series just anywhere as the back story to these characters, their personal trials, tribulations, affairs, rocky marriages, solid marriages, friendships, drinking problems, and the physical and psychological fall out from earlier cases, all combine to form a big part of your connection with them, and this place. Particularly with this novel, as the lead up to Daley's own boss being investigated, and the mess that he's making of his personal life are hefty elements in a story that has wider ramifications.
Part of the pleasure in listening to these novels is undoubtedly the narrator of them - David Monteath seems to have a real flair for understating the dry, sometimes quite acerbic wit. The friendships and working partnerships are a big part of these novels, although the personal aspects are probably the major focus in a way. How Daley works through the maze of his personal mess is reflected in the way he works through the maze that his professional life is increasingly trapped in. Mind you, you have to wonder at points if he's just johnny-on-the-spot or has a minor superpower in upheaval generation. At the heart of these novels, there is an ensemble cast at work, and there's heaps of intrigue and skullduggery on all sides. I've never read one of this series - so far I've tackled them all as audible books, which does mean that my listening time has been somewhat more erratic than if I was reading. It's been very easy to keep up with who is who and where we are at in the story progression though, and all in all, I'm really still very much enjoying the DCI Daley series for what it is - a police procedural set in semi-rural Scotland, with a strong focus on the personal lives of the characters.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Part of the pleasure in listening to these novels is undoubtedly the narrator of them - David Monteath seems to have a real flair for understating the dry, sometimes quite acerbic wit. The friendships and working partnerships are a big part of these novels, although the personal aspects are probably the major focus in a way. How Daley works through the maze of his personal mess is reflected in the way he works through the maze that his professional life is increasingly trapped in. Mind you, you have to wonder at points if he's just johnny-on-the-spot or has a minor superpower in upheaval generation. At the heart of these novels, there is an ensemble cast at work, and there's heaps of intrigue and skullduggery on all sides. I've never read one of this series - so far I've tackled them all as audible books, which does mean that my listening time has been somewhat more erratic than if I was reading. It's been very easy to keep up with who is who and where we are at in the story progression though, and all in all, I'm really still very much enjoying the DCI Daley series for what it is - a police procedural set in semi-rural Scotland, with a strong focus on the personal lives of the characters.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
October 27, 2022
2.5 stars. I might try to read the next in the series, just to find out about the baby, but unfortunately I found this novel too dark for my taste in leisure reading.
Gruesome murders, ruthless east European murderers, national corruption and... a CIA agent with some unbelievable hush hush military activity happening right under DCI Daley's nose!
All a bit too much for me. And you're right, Claude, the wife is back and just as annoying as before!
Gruesome murders, ruthless east European murderers, national corruption and... a CIA agent with some unbelievable hush hush military activity happening right under DCI Daley's nose!
All a bit too much for me. And you're right, Claude, the wife is back and just as annoying as before!
November 28, 2019
A mystery series that’s completely new to me. It’s a classic detective novel, set in Kinloch, Scotland, in the present days. I liked the protagonist, DS Daley who has a very complicated personal life, he has started an intimate relationship with a much younger police officer, Mary Dunn , while deciding the future of his marriage with Liz, who recently had a child, Daley suspect being the product of an affair. If this is not enough, his boss is currently under investigation for corruption and his buddy, DS Scott, who is returning in service after suffering a shot wound, is an alcoholic.
The complex story is dark and gritty, involves a gruesome suicide, a couple of brutal murders, a boat collision, the kidnapping of a young girl, the appearance of strange lights in the sky at night, the hunt for an international hired killer and a political conspiracy that threatens national security. The story progresses at a brisk pace with a number of suspenseful moments.
It’s usually recommended to commence a series from the beginning, the one I chose is book three of “DCI Daley” collection (I picked it on a whim for the unusual title and the brooding cover) and it’s not a good place to start. The usual difficulties of getting to know the many characters identities, relationships, and quirks are increased by the frequent and sudden change of scenes of the narration and also by the use of Scottish lingo, which is a challenge for me.
Luckily I found the audio version, read by David Monteath, which has a suave tone of voice and does a splendid job with the Scotch/Gaelic dialect, and it made a great difference in my reading experience. If I can find the audio version I will go back to the beginning, with the first book in the series.
The complex story is dark and gritty, involves a gruesome suicide, a couple of brutal murders, a boat collision, the kidnapping of a young girl, the appearance of strange lights in the sky at night, the hunt for an international hired killer and a political conspiracy that threatens national security. The story progresses at a brisk pace with a number of suspenseful moments.
It’s usually recommended to commence a series from the beginning, the one I chose is book three of “DCI Daley” collection (I picked it on a whim for the unusual title and the brooding cover) and it’s not a good place to start. The usual difficulties of getting to know the many characters identities, relationships, and quirks are increased by the frequent and sudden change of scenes of the narration and also by the use of Scottish lingo, which is a challenge for me.
Luckily I found the audio version, read by David Monteath, which has a suave tone of voice and does a splendid job with the Scotch/Gaelic dialect, and it made a great difference in my reading experience. If I can find the audio version I will go back to the beginning, with the first book in the series.
July 25, 2018
Opening with a spectacular suicide the third book in the DCI Daley series kicks off with a bang! Daley wakes up with a hangover from hell and it is clear that his marriage to Liz is well and truly on the rocks. But is Liz quite ready to give up on her marriage and is Daley sure that he is making the right decision? Added to his personal troubles, life in Kinloch is definitely not for staying quiet, abduction, death, assassins, strange lights in the sky and politics all conspire to ensure that this policeman's lot is not a happy lot that's for sure!
Denzil Meyrick's twisted imagination never fails to shock me, his methods of death are ingenious as well as eyewatering at times! No simple shootings or beatings for the local drug dealers of Kinloch rather we have methods favoured by the Mafia and Columbia's drug cartels! Is it wrong to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this!
DS Brian Scott returns to Kinloch on light duties following his shooting in the last novel. He is clearly suffering from trauma after the incident and his dependence on alcohol has a major impact on his confidence and indeed his fitness to work. The author provided a brilliantly realistic picture of a man suffering from PTSD but determined not to let his colleagues down. Despite his trauma, Brian's dark gallows humour is not to be beaten and some of his one-liners are brilliant, that real Scottish dry sense of humour is a staple part of this series and the author does it perfectly!
Set in the period where the Scottish Police force had transformed to a single national force it highlighted the very real sense of unease amongst the force about the changes to the system and what it meant for policing in Scotland. New faces and directives were introduced and not everyone was happy to see these changes enforced. With Daley's boss, Superintendent John Donald under investigation there was a real sense of uneasiness weaving its way through the pages and that fantastic feeling of being a reader who is left feeling unsure of just who they can trust! The addition of politics and corruption was a brilliant twist to the plot bringing in a whole new level of plotting and intrigue to keep you guessing.
My heart was racing reading this book, the pace and tension was breakneck speed. Not only in terms of plot but also in relation to characters and their relationships. Enough twists and turns all the way through with a few surprises that I didn't see coming at all. I feel completely emotionally involved in this series now, the characters have found a special place in my heart. Fantastic atmosphere created by the sense of place instilled by the author and I quite easily found myself in the bar of the County Hotel and in the streets of Kinloch as I read. I defy you not to read this series and want to go visit Campbeltown and to fully expect to see the characters walking down the street or to sit at the bar with Brian and Jim at the end of a hard shift.
Dark Suits and Sad Songs was dynamite, thrilling, fast-paced and a definite winner for me!
Denzil Meyrick's twisted imagination never fails to shock me, his methods of death are ingenious as well as eyewatering at times! No simple shootings or beatings for the local drug dealers of Kinloch rather we have methods favoured by the Mafia and Columbia's drug cartels! Is it wrong to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this!
DS Brian Scott returns to Kinloch on light duties following his shooting in the last novel. He is clearly suffering from trauma after the incident and his dependence on alcohol has a major impact on his confidence and indeed his fitness to work. The author provided a brilliantly realistic picture of a man suffering from PTSD but determined not to let his colleagues down. Despite his trauma, Brian's dark gallows humour is not to be beaten and some of his one-liners are brilliant, that real Scottish dry sense of humour is a staple part of this series and the author does it perfectly!
Set in the period where the Scottish Police force had transformed to a single national force it highlighted the very real sense of unease amongst the force about the changes to the system and what it meant for policing in Scotland. New faces and directives were introduced and not everyone was happy to see these changes enforced. With Daley's boss, Superintendent John Donald under investigation there was a real sense of uneasiness weaving its way through the pages and that fantastic feeling of being a reader who is left feeling unsure of just who they can trust! The addition of politics and corruption was a brilliant twist to the plot bringing in a whole new level of plotting and intrigue to keep you guessing.
My heart was racing reading this book, the pace and tension was breakneck speed. Not only in terms of plot but also in relation to characters and their relationships. Enough twists and turns all the way through with a few surprises that I didn't see coming at all. I feel completely emotionally involved in this series now, the characters have found a special place in my heart. Fantastic atmosphere created by the sense of place instilled by the author and I quite easily found myself in the bar of the County Hotel and in the streets of Kinloch as I read. I defy you not to read this series and want to go visit Campbeltown and to fully expect to see the characters walking down the street or to sit at the bar with Brian and Jim at the end of a hard shift.
Dark Suits and Sad Songs was dynamite, thrilling, fast-paced and a definite winner for me!
July 27, 2019
The first DCI Daley I read, Whisky In Small Glasses, I felt was a little long, but I said at the time that I looked forward to future Denzil Meyrick books. This one didn't disappoint – once I was able to put down all the other stuff I have to read, I actually raced through it. Dark Suits And Sad Songs belts along really well, with lots of plot twists and turns, and if at one point I lost track of what was going on in the high echelons of Scottish politics, I think I was probably meant to.
In fact I think Meyrick just might be about to step into the major league of Scottish crime writers. I'd certainly go to see him at, say, the Edinburgh Book Festival. He doesn't quite have the effortless panache of Ian Rankin – give him a chance – but this is definitely up there with someone like Quintin Jardine. The characters are less important in this story than the plot, but there's plenty of that so it was fine. I'm not quite sure about the use of the broad Scots dialogue for some of the characters, especially Scott and Mannion, but that's just a matter of taste. Together with the fact that I felt I'd like to know more about Daley, it's also the reason why I only gave this four stars. But future books will offer plenty of opportunity to develop Daley and his family.
Someone ought to think about filming these books. They'd work.
In fact I think Meyrick just might be about to step into the major league of Scottish crime writers. I'd certainly go to see him at, say, the Edinburgh Book Festival. He doesn't quite have the effortless panache of Ian Rankin – give him a chance – but this is definitely up there with someone like Quintin Jardine. The characters are less important in this story than the plot, but there's plenty of that so it was fine. I'm not quite sure about the use of the broad Scots dialogue for some of the characters, especially Scott and Mannion, but that's just a matter of taste. Together with the fact that I felt I'd like to know more about Daley, it's also the reason why I only gave this four stars. But future books will offer plenty of opportunity to develop Daley and his family.
Someone ought to think about filming these books. They'd work.
December 28, 2021
Contains Spoilers
So much of this book is just plain ridiculous, spies, Russian annexing of Scotland, kidnapping, assassination and stupid personal life problems too.
This series is promoted as a detective thriller series, I think the author is trying to cross over into political thriller too, and failing.
Yes fine have the drug importing and all that that involves, but seriously lights in the sky? Mysterious CIA men?
And could we not get rid of the wife all together, she's incredibly annoying.
So much of this book is just plain ridiculous, spies, Russian annexing of Scotland, kidnapping, assassination and stupid personal life problems too.
This series is promoted as a detective thriller series, I think the author is trying to cross over into political thriller too, and failing.
Yes fine have the drug importing and all that that involves, but seriously lights in the sky? Mysterious CIA men?
And could we not get rid of the wife all together, she's incredibly annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2018
Another fantastic read, full of twists and turns, however, please Mr Meyrick, can we get rid of the awful, manipulative Mrs Daley, she brings nothing to the story except annoyance! Love, love all the other characters..
May 3, 2021
Having read this series from its first title, I feel this one has had the strongest plotting and story-telling of the first three. I'm comfortable giving it 4.5 stars, but 5 stars is pushing it for me.
DCI Jim Daley is one heck of a policeman who needs all the skills and experience of his years as a policeman to weather the professional storm in Dark Suits and Sad Songs. From a spectacularly gruesome suicide to two murders, attempted murder and a kidnapping, Daley and company have all they can handle.
It doesn't help that Daley's Detective Sargent Brian Scott is battling rampant alcoholism after recovering physically from being shot during a previous investigation. Daley is able to keep his head in the game most of the time, but
DCI Jim Daley is one heck of a policeman who needs all the skills and experience of his years as a policeman to weather the professional storm in Dark Suits and Sad Songs. From a spectacularly gruesome suicide to two murders, attempted murder and a kidnapping, Daley and company have all they can handle.
It doesn't help that Daley's Detective Sargent Brian Scott is battling rampant alcoholism after recovering physically from being shot during a previous investigation. Daley is able to keep his head in the game most of the time, but
May 14, 2019
A good read of the gritty, darkly humorous sort I enjoy & there's certainly a lot going on here with things moving at a quick pace.
Daley is sort of flawed character I like & the Scottish coastal setting is beautifully portrayed but what with all the corruption & political intrigue I found it a little hard to keep track of what was going on at times.
I think I would have benefitted from not leaving it three years between this & book 2, the continuity might have helped certainly with recalling the back history between characters. Book 4 is sat waiting to be read, aiming to read it this year..... 😊
Daley is sort of flawed character I like & the Scottish coastal setting is beautifully portrayed but what with all the corruption & political intrigue I found it a little hard to keep track of what was going on at times.
I think I would have benefitted from not leaving it three years between this & book 2, the continuity might have helped certainly with recalling the back history between characters. Book 4 is sat waiting to be read, aiming to read it this year..... 😊
April 9, 2019
After the first two in the series, this one was a disappointment. The story was interesting but culminated in what felt like a hurried and not well thought out conclusion. Everything was sort of just resolved at the end without a lot of structure. I also was disappointed that Meyrick used the trite formula of young attractive cop falling madly in love with waaaaay older colleague. It just didn’t ring true and after awhile it felt sappy. It felt like the book was trying too hard to be dark and noir. On the plus side, the Scottish setting was lovely and lovingly portrayed.
January 3, 2016
High body count and fast-paced without a doubt, but a bit too frenetic for me - rendered much of it less than believable. I'd like to see more space given to deeper emotion and reactions and maybe a bit less action.
March 21, 2018
Still trying to work out whether I like this series or not. Interesting mix of politics and policing. Set in beautiful Scotland on the west coast. Quite violent and often very sad.
October 28, 2019
5*
Firstly the narrator. David Monteath is superlative in the audiobook and feel that Denzil Meyrick had brought to life a fantastic series.
Firstly the narrator. David Monteath is superlative in the audiobook and feel that Denzil Meyrick had brought to life a fantastic series.
June 7, 2020
Dark Suits and Sad Songs by Denzil Meyrick - Good
How can there be so much violent crime in such a lovely Scottish backwater?!
A return for DCI Jim Daley and the small town of Kinloch. There is the suicide of a high ranking Civil Servant, drug dealing, lights in the sky, corruption in the police force and in the Scottish Government and we also continue the trials and tribulations of Daley's marriage and the struggle with alcohol of DS Scott following his shooting in the previous book.
A quick pacey read.
How can there be so much violent crime in such a lovely Scottish backwater?!
A return for DCI Jim Daley and the small town of Kinloch. There is the suicide of a high ranking Civil Servant, drug dealing, lights in the sky, corruption in the police force and in the Scottish Government and we also continue the trials and tribulations of Daley's marriage and the struggle with alcohol of DS Scott following his shooting in the previous book.
A quick pacey read.
October 9, 2020
The third in the DCI Daley series set on the West Coast of Scotland, well written, and like the previous two in the series, well read by David Monteath. The dry humour fills the story, the use of colourful language may not be to everyone's taste but it adds realism to the story, and then there is Hamish. More political intrigue in this one in line with the current situation north of the border.
August 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy this series. It's that beautiful feeling when the characters are becoming your friends. You live with them and suffer with them and you want to see them through everything and be happy, despite it all.
I really love Brian's sense of humour. So so sarcastic!! A real delight.
I really love Brian's sense of humour. So so sarcastic!! A real delight.
September 15, 2021
Life in Kinloch is never straightforward, even more so when a prominent civil servant decides to kill himself. DCI Daley is on the case but faces battles on many fronts and with so much corruption and underhanded tactics around can he come through?
The third book in the DCI Daley series and the repercussions from book two continue to reverberate here. Daley’s life is really at a turning point and the corruption continues. Almost a thread of Line of Duty going on as well.
The third book in the DCI Daley series and the repercussions from book two continue to reverberate here. Daley’s life is really at a turning point and the corruption continues. Almost a thread of Line of Duty going on as well.
December 6, 2023
I'm growing very fond of D I Daley, lots of twists and turns and close calls.
July 11, 2023
Rather convoluted but still enjoyable. I listen to this with my partner on shared car journeys hence it’s a bit slow and that may affect my understanding - nonetheless I do think the political part of the plot was extremely complicated. Daley’s personal life continues to be depressingly complex. We will listen to more in the series but I hope the next instalment is more straightforward.
October 23, 2020
The best of people can be lured by money but while there are people who fight against corruption wherever it is. Good will triumph
October 27, 2022
Not bad, but I probably should have started with book 1...
May 9, 2023
Enjoyable but the plot was complicated and I’m not sure I completely understood all the nuances. It ends with Daley determined to resign and start a different career but as I see there’s a 4th book he obviously changes his mind. I will read the next one.
August 1, 2018
This starts with a bang and the action doesn’t let up. I do find it a challenge to imagine all this happening in a place like Kinloch but it makes a welcome change from a city setting. Daley’s personal life looms large in these books and will in part be why I read more of the series. Again I went for the audio book and the narration was a joy.
November 22, 2018
I have been wanting to read Dark Suits and Sad Songs for a while so when the price dropped I snapped it up and was up all night reading it in one sitting. The plot is satisfyingly convoluted starting with the gruesome suicide of a civil servant, moves swiftly on to the death of a tortured man which hints at organised crime of the Eastern European variety, another murder and a boating accident. The novel has two main points of view - Jim Daley who covers the police investigation and Gary Wilson, a rather shady media fixer for the Scottish government - with some flashbacks to the hit men's sad past.
This is a very well put together novel which seamlessly merges all the disparate plot lines into a satisfactory conclusion and a rather scary view of what could happen to an independent Scotland. I thought Mr Meyrick's jaundiced view of politicians and the political process was, if not spot on, very reflective of what the public thinks goes on. The characters are maturing nicely, although I don't think the novel would be half as good without Brian Scott who is an inspired creation - so very West Coast of Scotland and who had me laughing out loud on several occasions (thank goodness I was reading alone) at his reaction to events and yet he cuts a sad figure at other times as he comes to terms with the psychological effects of his shooting.
If I have one minor criticism of the novel I think the flashback scenes to Bosnia and Chechnya were well intentioned but not very well handled and a bit superfluous - Val McDermid does it much better in Skeleton Road - but I like the fact that Mr Meyrick is trying something different and a bit of social commentary is always good in a novel as it fleshes out characters and/or the setting and can be very informative.
To sum up I think think Dark Suits And Sad Songs is a great read with a good, action packed plot to keep you turning the pages, sympathetic characters and a good dose of humour and I heartily recommend it.
Originally posted on Amazon.co.uk 13/8/15
This is a very well put together novel which seamlessly merges all the disparate plot lines into a satisfactory conclusion and a rather scary view of what could happen to an independent Scotland. I thought Mr Meyrick's jaundiced view of politicians and the political process was, if not spot on, very reflective of what the public thinks goes on. The characters are maturing nicely, although I don't think the novel would be half as good without Brian Scott who is an inspired creation - so very West Coast of Scotland and who had me laughing out loud on several occasions (thank goodness I was reading alone) at his reaction to events and yet he cuts a sad figure at other times as he comes to terms with the psychological effects of his shooting.
If I have one minor criticism of the novel I think the flashback scenes to Bosnia and Chechnya were well intentioned but not very well handled and a bit superfluous - Val McDermid does it much better in Skeleton Road - but I like the fact that Mr Meyrick is trying something different and a bit of social commentary is always good in a novel as it fleshes out characters and/or the setting and can be very informative.
To sum up I think think Dark Suits And Sad Songs is a great read with a good, action packed plot to keep you turning the pages, sympathetic characters and a good dose of humour and I heartily recommend it.
Originally posted on Amazon.co.uk 13/8/15
January 30, 2020
Another great book in the DCI Daley series and this time Jim is investigating some gruesome deaths, and strange lights in the sky. His personal life is also very complicated, and his sidekick, DS Brian Scott, is recovering from a gunshot wound with the help of copious amounts of whisky!
I loved everything about the book. The story is fast paced andheld my interest to the end, the setting is fantastic and the characters are now like old friends (apart from Jim’s wife, who I still hate!). I feel like I know the village of Kinloch, and can totally imagine popping into the County Hotel for a drink with the locals.
The book was narrated once again by David Monteith, who brought the book to life perfectly.
I loved everything about the book. The story is fast paced andheld my interest to the end, the setting is fantastic and the characters are now like old friends (apart from Jim’s wife, who I still hate!). I feel like I know the village of Kinloch, and can totally imagine popping into the County Hotel for a drink with the locals.
The book was narrated once again by David Monteith, who brought the book to life perfectly.
September 17, 2018
Dark Suits and Sad Songs is the third in the DCI Daley series. It continues on with the theme of Eastern European mafia but in a refreshingly sensitive way (as in the bad guys have, in their own way, reason for being bad guys). There’s also a gruesome suicide, some gruesome murders, police and political corruption and the possibility of aliens. I liked this but not quite as much as I liked book 2.
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