DCI Jim Daley is sent from the city to investigate a murder after the body of a woman is washed up on an idyllic beach on the West Coast of Scotland. Far away from urban resources, he finds himself a stranger in a close-knit community.

Love, betrayal, fear and death stalk the small town, as Daley investigates a case that becomes more deadly than he could possibly imagine, in this compelling novel infused with intrigue and dark humour.

I should probably begin my review by confessing that I am not usually a crime fiction reader. However, this book was recommended to me by a friend and I have to say, it did not disappoint.

Whisky From Small Glasses is undoubtedly an entertaining read. The story centres around a small west of Scotland rural community in Kinloch, where a brutal murder has taken place. Glasgow detective DCI Daley and his team are sent in to investigate, but as the investigation spirals and more murders occur, Daley uncovers secrets, corruption and criminality which threaten him and those he loves. For me, the plot is the strongest aspect of this novel, engaging the reader from the very  first page, and progressing at a relentless pace through the various twists and turns of the unfolding crimes and police investigation.

The characters are interesting and for the most-part are well-drawn; the protagonist DCI Daley is likable and realistic, and is supported by a cast of interesting and varied individuals – his rough and ready sidekick DS Scott is particularly notable. There are a couple of characters who seem unjustifiably two-dimensional, considering their key role in the story. Daley’s wife Liz, for example, barely manages to transcend the ‘tarty wife’ stereotype which is a shame – I felt that there is more to Liz and would have liked her story to have been better explored.

Overall, however, this is a great read which I would recommend to lovers of crime fiction, as well as those who, like me, are newer to the genre. Four stars.

Available at: Amazon