Tributes paid to Argyll crime writer Denzil Meyrick, who has died aged 59

Denzil Meyrick, who was born in Glasgow on November 28, 1965 and brought up in Campbeltown, became one of Scotland’s biggest-selling crime writers, and spent a varied career as a police officer, a freelance journalist, and in the management of a distillery in Campbeltown. 

His main series of novels are 11 books of the Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jim Daley crime thrillers, set in the fictitious town of ’Kinloch’, which is modelled on Campbeltown. He also drew from experience during his 20s when he saw service with Strathclyde Police.

Meyrick, who passed away on February 14, was "one of the finest Scottish crime writers of his generation", said Scottish publisher Birlinn. 

A spokesperson told us: "Denzil was known for the skill with which he pinned to the page the reality of life on the streets of Glasgow along with the issues of the small rural communities of Scotland, a talent which caught the attention of a wide reading public across the UK and well beyond.

"With his characteristic humour, unwavering determination and his dry personality Denzil was west of Scotland through and through, and he created unforgettable detective and criminal characters.

"He brought the DCI Daley novels to the Scottish publisher Birlinn Ltd in 2014 and published 11 books in that series alone before moving new work to Transworld.

"Denzil – along with his characters – will always be remembered as a friend to the Birlinn team. He was a one-off. We were lucky to know him and our thoughts go out to his wife, Fiona."

In a statement this morning, Transworld announced: "Bell Lomax Moreton and Transworld are devasted to share the news that Denzil Meyrick, bestselling author, has passed away, peacefully at home in Loch Lomond."

"He was most recently published by Transworld and is the author of over 20 novels, including Waterstones Thriller of the Month pick Murder at Holly House and The Christmas Stocking Murders, featuring the classic detective, Frank Grasby, and the atmospheric, award-winning crime series, set in the fictional Scottish town of Kinloch, staring DCI Jim Daley and his sidekick DS Brian Scott."

Jo Bell, his literary agent, added: "Denzil was a character like no other, a true storyteller, wonderful husband to Fiona, and friend to so many. Denzil, we will miss you."

Finn Cotton, Editorial Director at Transworld, said: "I had the honour of working with Denzil on four of his most recent books. It was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable editorial partnerships of my career.

"I will miss him enormously, as a colleague but also as a friend. Everyone at Transworld loved working with him and we feel incredibly proud to have published him."