A Toast to the Old Stones: A Tale from Kinloch

Kinloch Tales #2

by Denzil Meyrick

It's 1968, and the fishermen of Kinloch are preparing to celebrate the old New Year on the twelfth of January. The annual pilgrimage to the Auld Stones is a tradition that goes back beyond memory, and young Hamish, first mate on the Girl Maggie, is chuffed that he’s been invited to this exclusive gathering – usually reserved for the most senior members of Kinloch's fishing community.

Meanwhile, it appears that the new owners of the Firdale Hotel are intent upon turning their customers teetotal, such is the exorbitant price they are charging for whisky. Wily skipper Sandy Hoynes comes up with a plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they can afford through his connections with a local still-man.

But when the Revenue are tipped off, it looks as though Hoynes and Hamish’s mercy mission might run aground. Can the power of the Auld Stones come to their rescue, and is the reappearance of a face from Hoynes' past a sign for good or ill?

Genres: Audiobook, Historical, Scotland

Audiobook

About the author

Denzil 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.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second short story by Denzil Meyrick featuring the Kinloch community, in particular the old reprobate skipper Sandy Hoynes with his boat, the Girl Maggie and his first mate, Hamish, familiar to those who have the read any of the DCI Jim Daley series. I listened to this on audio, 4 hours and 17 minutes long, narrated wonderfully by David Monteith. It is 1968 and the owners of the Firdale Hotel seem determined to test people with their astonishingly high prices for whisky, a problem the cunning Sandy is intending to resolve by providing the spirit at lower cost with his connections. However, the revenue man has been tipped off, determined to catch the wily Sandy carrying out his latest mission. The fisherman of Kinloch are preparing to celebrate the old New Year with the annual longstanding pilgrimage to the Auld Stones, celebrated with the men telling stories, and to his joy, Hamish has been invited too. This is terrific storytelling with its folklore and elements of the supernatural, the existence of the thin places that provide a much needed helping hand, even save lives, and which can serve to challenge perceptions and even horrify. All in all a great listen and a story which will appeal to existing fans of the author and those who love a good yarn.

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently enjoyed Denzil Meyrick’s first book in the “A Tale of Kinloch” series ”A Large Measure of Snow”, I was overjoyed to learn he had a second novel out “A TOAST TO THE OLD STONES” set a few weeks after the Girl Maggie’s first ill fated story at sea. With the same offbeat and fabulously funny Scottish characters and Meyrick’s traditional satire and dark humour, this novella is a must for cosy historical adventure fiction readers, especially Scottish themed ones.

- It's 1968 and the fishermen of Kinloch are preparing to celebrate the old New Year on the twelfth of January. The annual pilgrimage to the Auld Stones is a tradition that goes back beyond memory and young Hamish, first mate on the Girl Maggie, is chuffed that he’s been invited to this exclusive gathering, usually reserved for the most senior members of Kinloch's fishing community. Meanwhile, it appears that the new owners of the Firdale Hotel are intent upon turning their customers teetotal, such is the exorbitant price they are charging for whisky. Wily skipper Sandy Hoynes comes up with a plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they can afford through his connections with a local still-man. However, when the Revenue are tipped off, it looks as though Hoynes and Hamish’s mercy mission might run aground. Can the power of the Auld Stones come to their rescue and is the reappearance of a face from Hoynes' past a sign for good or ill? —

I smile, giggle and laugh all the way through these books, they are so endearing and I truly adore the old school humour. Young Hamish is a real hoot and his camaraderie with his Skipper Sandy Hoynes is a friendship not to be missed.
These novella’s are easy to read - even with the heavy Scottish dialect and you’re immediately transported to the atmospheric coast in a fishing boat, totally lost in time as soon as you start reading. The fact that this story is set in the late 1960’s make the simplicity of it so much
more fulfilling and along with a superb storyline involving long dead Vikings, “A Toast to the Old Stones” is an excellently written story by a talented author who can turn his hand to many genres. I’m hoping for a third book in this series and highly recommend them for an entertaining, lighthearted and fun read.

#AToastToTheOldStones - 5 stars

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one made me LOL.

Also, the most common collective noun for kangaroos is a 'mob'.

All you need is Free love...

[Lavins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

These stories are nice, but not as good as the DCI Daley series.

[Debbie Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Beautifully written with a brilliant cast of characters that often made me laugh out loud. Loved the subtle mix of real and other worldliness. Evokes images of the Scottish islands of a time past. Definitely worth a read.

[Alan Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unexpected delight!! I have read one of Denzil Meyrick's crime stories, and while good it is only distinguished from others in the "tartan crime noir" by the excessive body count and the eagerness for hideous blood curdling methods of demise. This was something else entirely. I haven't laughed aloud as much for a long while. The humour is deeply embedded in the tale and the language and banter of the main characters. In Sandy and Hamish, Meyrick has created an enduring comic pair. I want to read more!!

[Bexar Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

[Lesley Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story of old tales and how past and present link together - if you believe these things. It was a nice way of meeting Hamish (from DCI Daley series) as a young man and some of what came later was clarified here. It was funny and a great escape for a short while from the very different times nowadays. That things had started to change was clear from the setting in time and the conversations. Characterisation was great!

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, for me, is the perfect Christmas present. A trip back in time to wonderful Kinloch, A Toast to the Old Stones is warm, full of humour and has all the fantastic characterisation that makes the Kinloch series so special. The novellas have carved out their own space, allowing the reader to travel back in time and meet characters who appear in the DCI Daley books, but these characters are young and naïve and learning their trade as the fishermen they are to become.

Rich and redolent of the sea, Meyrick creates a warm and wonderfully atmospheric scenario where his characters delight and entertain. This Kinloch is full on storytelling mode, where the folk tales of the past blend with the couthy characters of today to create a special warmth.

Here we are in 1968 and young Hamish is much taken with that new band, The Beatles. Neither his mother nor Skipper Sandy Hoynes can really understand it and they worry about Hamish’s proclivities. It’s not long since the events detailed in A Large Measure of Snow but it’s clear that the Girl Maggie and her crew have suffered no long lasting effects. Young Hamish is first mate and this year he is feeling very chuffed indeed to have been invited along for the very first time to celebrate the Old New Year with the established fishermen of Kinloch. It’s a singular honour, though of course he has no way of knowing it’s all part of Sandy Hoynes devilish plan….

Meyrick combines traditional storytelling including local myths and legends with a 1960’s capricious escapade that made me chuckle all the way through. This is most distinctly cosy crime; crimes in which loss of dignity is the biggest outcome, but it’s also storytelling that treats its subjects with respect. There’s something about the old traditions that fastens itself to these stories and makes you want to believe. That West Coast charm; the beautiful geographic location and history that speaks to what has gone before tells you that rites and traditions should have their rightful place in contemporary Kinloch.

Verdict: Meyrick conjures all this and more in a tale that is both heart-warming and entertaining and just perfect for reading on a cold winter’s night while you’re tucked up warm. As I said, a perfect Christmas present, this is a beautifully presented story in a fabulously attractive package.

[Eileen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had everything! Sense of place and nature. The sounds of the sea and land come together in this new adventure for Hamish. It addresses all those human emotions we don't want to talk about but try to muddle through. Past & present are united in a wonderful warm harmonious dialogue. I want to be in that place especially with our ancestral ghosts . Wonderful!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tales From Kinloch novellas may be, at 150 pages, pretty quick reads, but boy do they leave their mark. Containing all of the trade mark humour that you might expect from Denzil Meyrick, albeit a little less dark in tone the the DCI Daley series, they also have the essence of some of the best folk tales, of the kind of tall tales that you might expect to hear Hamish recounting beside the bar in the County. But this is not just Hamish's story - this is more about his skipper and mentor, Sandy Hoynes, and their adventures aboard their fishing boat, the Girl Maggie.

A Toast To The Old Stones is set just a few weeks after the ill fated trip that Hoynes and Hamish took when they tried to battle the elements to bring supplies to the good folk of Kinloch. It appears both have recovered from their strange adventure, although there are parts of that tale that many of their peers will not let lie, possibly because Hoynes is renowned for bend the truth as far as a fishing rod. In this caper, Hamish is invited for the very first time, to take a special trip to honour the memory of their forefathers and early settlers of the region, an annual tradition which will turn into an eventful and truly memorable trip.

What I love about these novellas is that they are so rich in imagery and steeped in the history of the town, and of the region, in terms of the shared heritage with the vikings of yore. The early chapters of this book really set us up as readers for what will follow, establishing the history of the stones, but also of Sandy Hoynes and showing us a little of his childhood and the passing down of knowledge and experience from generation to generation. The language is almost lyrical at times, so beautiful and evocative, that it really drew me into the story. It is one of those tales that conjures images of Kinloch of years past, part legend, part misadventure, the kind I'd expect to read curled up beside a warm fire on a cold winter's eve.

There are moments of tranquility, a kind of otherworldliness, that pepper the story, but these are bolstered by the humour and banter that occurs between the fishermen and keeps the tale fresh. Add into the story a kind of cat and mouse game between Hoynes and the Revenue Collector who is hot on his heels and you have a story which is guaranteed to entertain.

I am loving this series, and loving getting to see another side to Kinloch, its residents and its history. Funny, beautiful, and memorable - most definitely recommended.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - in and out as able over 4 days

Pages - 160

Publisher - Polygon

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

It's 1968, and the fishermen of Kinloch are preparing to celebrate the old New Year on the twelfth of January. The annual pilgrimage to the Auld Stones is a tradition that goes back beyond memory, and young Hamish, first mate on the Girl Maggie, is chuffed that he’s been invited to this exclusive gathering – usually reserved for the most senior members of Kinloch's fishing community.

Meanwhile, it appears that the new owners of the Firdale Hotel are intent upon turning their customers teetotal, such is the exorbitant price they are charging for whisky. Wily skipper Sandy Hoynes comes up with a plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they can afford through his connections with a local still-man.

But when the Revenue are tipped off, it looks as though Hoynes and Hamish’s mercy mission might run aground. Can the power of the Auld Stones come to their rescue, and is the reappearance of a face from Hoynes' past a sign for good or ill?




My Review

It is the 1960's, location is Kinloch, Scotland, the fishermen are preparing to celebrate and keep old traditions. To be invited along with the fishermen on such a "quest" is an honour not bestowed to many. Add into that a wee sneaky additional "mission" getting some bootleg whiskey into the hands of the locals whilst trying to avoid the authorities!

I loved reading about young Hamish, after reading the Daley series and we get wee bits of Hamish I am always wanting more, his back story, he is an interesting character. We get a bit more of that in this book. A book that looks at traditions, the livelihood of the locals, the perils of the sea (and trying to get some booze sneaked across the waters). Old stories/ghosts/history of the people/traditions - Scottish dialect, it was just a nice break from reality across the waters and time.

I hadn't realised this was book two so have just bought and downloaded the first "A Large Measure of Snow". You can absolutely read this as a standalone as I have, I love Hamish and his "gift" so reading about him as a youngster, his mentor/people and why Kinloch is a special wee place. As we have come to expect and know from Meyrick we also have a few chuckles along the way and being a bit spooked, it was just a perfect blend I thought! Looking forward to reading book one and hopefully we may see a third? 4.5/5 for us this time.

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I was looking for something different- and this one certainly fitted that bill. It struck me as possibly a cross between 'Whisky Galore' and 'Last of the Summer Wine'.

I suppose that this book tells me that there doesnt have to be a murder mystery for there to be a good story. It also taught me that a good yarn can come out of the most innocuous beginnings. Could anything be more innocuous than the group of older village fishermen taking their annual weekend trip at the Auld New Year, to pay their homage to a couple of prehistoric stones - over several bottles of a certain Scottish brew.

But there was much more to the story than that. Not only was there touches of the supernatural, and what interest did the Customs House at Glasgow have in the trip and was there something strange about that large gull circling the boat at the end?

Add to all that the humour that always surrounds a group of old men when they get together over a few glasses ( and I should know) and the result is a most enjoyable read.

I know that the author has written many books and I think he is going to be another added to my list.

[Audiothing · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of the DCI Dayley series I really looked forward to listening to this and was not disappointed.
This tale takes us back to 1968, to when Hamish was a lad and working as first mate on "The girl Maggie", Hamish feels mightily honoured to be invited to join the annual trip to the Auld Stones, a tradition whose origin is steeped in the mists of time.
However, all does not go quite as expected .......
As usual, Denzil Meyrick's fine writing style and great storytelling abilities combine to give us another wonderful tale from Kinloch.
Our enjoyment of these books is, as ever, enhanced by the skilled narration of David Monteith who never puts a foot - or word - wrong.
That I spent a precious credit on this book of only four hours 16 minutes length speaks volumes!

[William Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab

This was a great Read. A second novella featuring Sandy Hoynes skipper of the Girl Maggie. The humour and banter between the crew of fishermen is a treat to behold. You can feel the flow of the story as it sucks you in and holds you enthralled as to the outcomes of what the crew get up too. Rich in imagery and historical in the link with the vikings this is writing of the highest quality. Uplifting leaving you wanting more.

[Ross Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fabulously well written. For a short story, it creates a real sense of place and understanding of the seafaring community and characters in manner of Neil Munro’s Parahandy. Whisky drinking rascals, communicating in broad Scots and vividly evoking an old way of life just beyond our grasp.

This book should have had 5 stars, but it really didn’t need the supernatural element. A simple story of friendship, tradition, folklore and smuggling from the excise man was more than enough.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"The thin places."
A tale of whiskey and the supernatural as skipper Sandy Hoynes and a group of fishermen including first timer Hamish head out on the 12th Jan, 1968, to give tribute to the Old Couple, two sornes. Mysterious events occur.
Perfectly narrated bY David Monteith whose Scottish accent t is both gently musical and easy to understand. Delightful, humerous and beautifully wrtitten.
Download for free with the Audible Plus programme.
Recommended.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1968 and Hamish has been invited to toast in the Old New Year at the Auld Stones with the other fishermen. As usual Sandy Hoynes has a side scam going on and ropes Hamish into it. The only problem is that someone has anonymously informed the revenue men and they are hot on their tail.
But it's old New Year and strange things happen then. Will Sandy get away with it again? Who are the in the strange boat with the burning fires?
A nice read.

[Heather Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was another fun tale from Kinloch. I really like these shorter back stories involving Hamish and various hilarious goings on and trouble that he forever lands in. Scrapes that he narrowly misses disaster on, whilst there being a bit of folklore involved, and of course whisky. Good fun and not too demanding

[Mary Arkless · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cosy, wee yarn about the Kintyre coast, fishermen, the Vikings, whisky smuggling, Her Majesty’s Revenue, standing stones, and close encounters with the otherwordly. The two main characters are a lovable rascal of a fishing boat’s captain and his young, much put upon first mate/apprentice.

Borrowed from the library.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely short story ( 144 pages ) featuring the characters from Kinloch who feature in Denzil Meyrick's DCI Daley series. As usual some of the residents are getting up to no good and as usual there is lots of whisky involved.
A real tonic. The tales from Kinloch always make me smile.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A toast to the old stones by Denzil Meyrick is a fascinating short story. A tale from Kinloch told by the fishermen and the farmers. Gloriously entertaining and full of humour and dark tales.
Highly recommended

[David Cox]

Another 5star. Mr Meyrick is a master story teller, an intriguing tale with a great mix of characters and a thread of humour. All his books are worth 5 stars. More please asap. I thank you for giving me hours of pleasure.

[John Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times charming and genuinely funny, this is a sweet little read but it comes off a bit lightweight and undercooked. The plot was a bit too thin for my preferences. The biggest strength was probably the dialogue, which felt authentic and peculiarly Scottish. Passable but I wasn't bowled over.

[C K Dundas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story full of humour I have now read all his books and can't wait for the next ,such great characters so easy to
Relate to and as I was brought up in Islay myself it reminds me of people and places that I know

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamish and Sandy are back for another escapade- this time involving a customs officer trying to track them down, ancient stones and ghosts of the past. Humorous, light hearted but with feeling and reverence to times gone by and customs …a great winter’s evening treat

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it but I don't feel inclined to read any more by this author

[Barbara A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fair tale

Just couldn’t put this book down. A good twist to the tale did not see that coming. Now to sleep.

[John Swift · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. Obviously very different from the other books by the author. Like the one-liners and banter among the characters!

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great audio book.