It's 1953 and once again, DI Frank Grasby is sent off to a remote location in terrible winter weather to solve a crime. In the latest instalment, he is forced to spend Christmas with Superintendent Juggers investigating a suspicious death in the remote village of Uthley Bay. A fisherman has been found dead on the beach, with a stocking wound tight round his throat. This is the start of a catalogue of capers, scrapes and downright comedic moments. Grasby is holed up in a strange hotel with a host of grotesque villagers who refuse to explain what is going on. Frank's father the Reverend Grasby arrives with his quirky paramour Hetty Gaunt which adds to the slapstick humour. The weather worsens and Juggers continues to drag Frank in to a variety of dangerous situations, putting his life at risk. Despite all this, Frank manages to solve the riddle of what has happened and enjoy Christmas.

This was such a fun read as Frank is such a hapless character and yet still manages to work out who is the murderer. Juggers doesn't listen and constantly misunderstands what Frank has said leading to some hilarious exchanges. In fact, there are so many hilarious moments that this is more of a comedy murder mystery and would be a perfect read for the festive period. Denzil has managed to portray the cold war period in an engaging and humorous way, by giving us a taste of what life was like in a remote community in the 1950's. I hope Frank gets another adventure in the future as parts of this book had me chuckling. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an arc in exchange for a review.

Denzil Meyrick is at it again with another delightful romp starring Inspector Frank Grasby.

Grasby is such a good character, funny, endearing and unfortunate in the way that he sometimes bumbles his way through. Certainly not a hero who does no wrong but a definitely human character who finds himself coming through the most extraordinary of circumstances and adventures.

I like the way Frank narrates his own story. Under the guise of reading back his own journal/memoirs he tells his story with wit and an insight (Believe me Dear Gentle Reader) that if this were a film or TV show would be breaking the fourth wall!

The other characters are fun, Juggers is a mystery to me and most certainly tortures poor Grasby with his willingly negative ideas about what he is up to. As for Grasby's father and his companion... I'm glad this wasn't a visual medium!

A great book to read if you are fond of a Christmas tale, misunderstandings leading to hilarity, and some challenging puzzles for your Grey matter. It even features a mention of Ms Christie's own beloved character, Mr Parrot! ;)

Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Denzil Meyrick for an opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

The 2nd Frank Grasby book is everything as good as the first and I thoroughly enjoyed this caper set back in the 50s with quite genius creations in Inspector Frank Grasby and his overbearing boss Arthur Juggers,

As they set out to solve a mystery deep into the Christmas season, they find themselves snowed into a small Yorkshire town and in danger from quite unexpected sources.

Funny, quirky and a mystery that whilst not particularly taxing, is gently and expertly crafted into much more as Denzil Meyrick lets free his fun and creative side with Grasby.

There’s lot to enjoy about this burgeoning new series and I very much hope we are if for a long series as I think Meyrick, Grasby and Juggers have absolutely miles of stories to be told.

I received a free copy of, The Christmas Stocking Murders by, Denzil Meyrick from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its Christmas 1953, in Uthley Bay, and their has been a murder, and nobody is saying a word. People are not always what they seem, and you do not always know who to trust, This was a nice mystery.

Another Christmas cracker from Denzil Meyrick. I have to say I prefer the Scottish series of books with Jim and Brian as lead characters, but this series, set in Yorkshire, is equally well written and filled with humour.

They’re set in the 1950s and there’s a real sense of a slower and different life. The scenario borders on the preposterous with hosiery being central to the theme and deaths in the tale. But somehow it works. It’s relaxing, the characters and locations are well depicted and there’s sufficient tension to keep the readers interest. It’s a gentle murder mystery that won’t frighten the socks off those with a nervous disposition, but will entertain.

Inspector Frank Gradsby returns in a fantastic novel, from the bestselling author Denzil Meyrick. The countdown to Christmas, 1953 is the setting for this often funny tale of mystery and murder.
Grasby and his boss Juggers investigate a murder in the remote village of Uthley's Bay. A fisherman has been found dead on the beach, with a stocking wound on his neck.

Thousands of pairs of stockings are discovered washed up by the tide. There is no opportunity for reinforcements as a blizzard cuts off Grasby, Juggers, and the local community. A basic murder case grows arms and legs when the local innkeeper is also murdered and our dynamic duo find themselves out of their depth.
A wonderful page-turner that had me hooked from the opening paragraph. And that's a fact!

I could see this novel being adapted for TV as a Christmas staple featuring the top actors of the day.

Grasby is back and it’s a Christmas corker!

I always read these books in a Yorkshire accent in my head! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this little Christmas pudding!

Fast paced story, humorous with a sprinkle of tinsel intertwined! Love the characters, old and new. This series has a special place in my bookish heart.

I won’t go into details - others have - I will just clearly say, Jingle my bells and read this book!!!

The Christmas Stocking Murders by Denzil Meyrick is the second book in the Inspector Grasby series. This particular story takes place over Christmas in Uthley Bay and concerns smuggling and gangs and greed. Inspector Gasby and his superior, Juggers have to bumble their way through blizzards and smugglers to get to the mystery of who has been smuggling stockings into the country and selling them for profit.
At a time after the ending of the Second World War, it seems very dated and another world.
Recommended

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance review copy of The Christmas Stocking Murders.

I've now read all of Denzil Meyricks novels ( with the exception of The Estate which I'm saving for hols) and in my eyes he can do no wrong.

That said this latest venture, the sequel to Murder at Holly House are probably my least favourite of his works including the stand alone.

It is difficult to breakdown why. The writing as always is excellent, the humour sometimes dark ( which I like), sometimes more comedic which didn't work for me. I also didn't find the writing style didn't flow as well for me, almost a bit too thought out.

The description of Yorkshire in the 50's is quite fascinating with a look well below the surface of the post war life which at times makes for a rather bleak time for those who were anticipating a Merry Christmas.

I've rated this as a 4 stars purely because I don't think Frank and I will ever have the same relationship as I do with Jim & Brian.

Delicious..
The second outing in the Frank Grasby Mystery series and a real Christmas mystery for Grasby and Juggers - and a Christmas joy for the reader. It is 1953, Grasby and Juggers find themselves investigating a murder in the remote Uthley’s Bay. With a local fisherman very dead indeed, hundreds of stockings washing ashore and a blizzard afoot, the duo have enough to be going on with - but the pair are soon further astounded to encounter yet another murder. With the whole village as silent suspects, stockings aplenty and sinister strangers lurking, will the detecting duo ever get to the bottom of this puzzling conundrum? This is a real delight, hugely entertaining with a frothy festive plot populated by an eclectic and eccentric cast of well crafted characters in a well imagined backdrop and a narrative heavily laced with a dry, wry wit. Delicious.

The author has done it again. A wonderfully readable Christmas murder mystery that anyone can read. These are the only books you need to read when the weather is miserable and you want a good old harmless fun novel to kill a few hours, leading up to the big day. I am waiting patiently for next year's outing. A darn good read.

Hot on the heels of last year's Murder at Holly House comes the return of inspector Frank Grasby and his boss Juggers

This festive tale takes them to the Yorkshire coastline where a body has been found on a beach - strangled by a pair of stockings and when more packs of stockings appear on the beach more mayhem ensues as the duo try to determine what is happening in this sleepy backwater village during the Christmas period where nobody is who they seem

Grasby and Juggers take up residence in the local hotel where a pensioners' seasonal group arrive for yuletide fun including Frank's father and his lady friend Hetty.

Denzil Meyrick's wry humour comes to the fore through the musings of Frank-commenting about the future of policing and society ; this is really a fun festive treat -ultimately it feels like an Ealing comedy.

Fun, festive, and full of wonderful word-play; the Grasby and Juggers relationship is brilliant.

A great gift for a Christmas read - escape from the turkey, pudding and enjoy this crime romp

Favourite line (well among many ) : damn thing blew out the gusset of my slacks !

I was really pleased to receive an E-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.


This is the second installment for Inspector Frank Grasby. Grasby is a reluctant police officer who has fallen into his position In the wake of the second world war rather than by design who has once again been all too happy to accept an assignment to avoid having to spend Christmas with his horrible father, but this time he has to spend it with his equally horrible superior Juggers.

Although this is a comedy, the shadow of the war sits across the narrative and somewhat provides an explanation for a lot of the darker aspects in this book. The horrors and hardships are laid out in such a matter of fact way and the lack of hyperbole makes it even more horrific. It's for this reason the book can't be described as cosy so if you're looking for something festive and uplifting, keep looking.

This book is fast paced and full of action meaning I was reluctant to put it down and I finished it within a couple of days. I also enjoyed the unusual first person narrative.

This being the second book, it's important to have read the first book, there are quite a few things that you would have missed out on having not read it.

Overall I really enjoyed it and I was pleased that the ending set up the third instalment ready for next Christmas.

Call me mad but I couldn't wait till Christmas to read this

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Thank you for the opportunity to review

Inspector Frank Grasby #2

It all starts just before Christmas in 1953 with a visit to Superintendent Juggers office. The pugnacious Juggers sends Frank to investigate the murder of a man found dead on Uthley Bay on the Yorkshire Coast; he’s been strangled with half a pair of stockings. That’s just for starters, especially as Frank discovers he has Juggers himself for company.

I love the tone that Denzil Meyrick strikes with these novels and Frank is lively and entertaining central protagonist, as he prevaricates and mulls things over! He’s funny,, witty, sarcastic and blooming good company. Juggers is hilarious although he won’t think he is and he could star in his own show.

This is a very atmospheric read, with the setting on the Yorkshire coast, the awful winter weather and its inevitable seaside North Sea chill utilised so effectively in the plot. Add in the locals who are all colourfully described but with an air of uncertainty over who to trust as our intrepid pair enter cold and choppy waters.

The plot meanders in a most engaging and compelling way into several very unexpected areas with plenty of chuckles along the way. Murder, mayhem and oodles of skulduggery, stockings and way more but you’ll have to discover that for yourself!

Some scenes make my eyes boggle (Reverend Grasby and Hetty Gaunt 🤐) and more than a couple worthy of pantomime season starring yours truly, the inimitable Juggers. Kudos to the author for the imagination!

As in the previous book, the context of the early 50’s is excellent with references to what’s gone before, tongue in cheek comments about the future as well as people, songs and events of the time period. The language used at this time and the Yorkshire parlance is spot on.

It’s maybe a tad on the long side but it’s undeniably great fun. What more can you ask for? It’s a ripping yarn, not just for Christmas.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK , Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Sorry this one wasn’t for me. The voice of this first person narrator just didn’t appeal. I’m sure others will enjoy it though.

Welcome back Frank! He is a lovable character who likes to let us know the how and why of everything he does. We are back in the ‘50s ( Frank is rereading his memoirs/diaries) and reliving the case of the stockings murders. The fact that it happens at Christmas allows the weather to play a huge part in the background of the story. This story has everything: organised crime, murder, snow, sex, accidents at sea, marriage proposals. All of which work together to produce a delightful narrative. I love Frank’s comments on what was happening, his predictions of the future. Juggers (his boss) is just as shambolic as the last escapade; taking credit for the efforts of others ( usually Frank), messing up. I particularly liked the exploding trousers and the old word for tobacco ( hadn’t heard that in a long time).
Thank you Denzil for another engaging, funny and entertaining read. Thank you also to Transworld for an ARC ebook.

‘The Christmas Stocking Murders’, which is the second book in the Inspector Frank Grasby mystery series, opens with a new festive case for Grasby accompanied by his senior officer Superintendent Juggers.Set in the remote Yorkshire village of Uthley’s Bay in 1953, they try to make sense of a case involving a fisherman’s murder and then the discovery of hundreds of pairs of stockings found lying on a shore.
This is an intriguing fast moving yarn,told with wit,which is spun in a captivating quirky manner that draws the reader in.The pace of the narrative fairly rattles along making it hard to put down.The central characters with their imperfect foibles make the story all that more interesting as they try to unravel who the culprits are.
A cracker of a tale,no matter what season it is read in.