A second novel featuring Inspector Frank Grasby and his superior Arthur Juggers. The two of them are sent from York to the small seaside village of Uthley Bay on the east coast to investigate the murder of a local man. Juggers intimates to Grasby that this is not going to be a straightforward case as there have been strange “goings-on” in the village. Indeed the investigation becomes more dangerous for the pair of them after meeting some of the quirky villagers and they find themselves trying to escape from several awkward situations. Not only does Grasby have to worry that Juggers’ plans will put themselves in peril but he also has to suffer his condescending father’s comments when he and his girlfriend are found to be staying in the same hotel as Grasby and Juggers over the Christmas period.
The story is told with Meyrick’s great humour and his characters are larger than life. This is a very enjoyable, funny but thrilling novel which doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Thank you to the publishers for the ARC.

Set in the 1950's, this is a strange but very entertaining Christmas read! I like Inspector Grasby, he makes me laugh and there is a lot going on. It has charm, humour and mystery all wrapped up in an engaging read which is perfect for the festive season. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy! This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

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I really enjoyed this book, it has a good paced plot and is written in a cleverly humorous manner. Set in a fictional North Yorkshire coastal village, with snow falling heavily, phone lines down, what can possibly go wrong as Crosby and his superior officer, Juggers, are sent there onChristmas Eve to investigate a murder? It would make a very funny Seasonal movie. This is the second book in a series, (I hope there are more to follow), but could be read as a stand alone volume.

I wasn’t sure it would be possible for Frank to get into as much of a mess again, but I should have trusted Denzil Meyrick to deliver. If there is mischief about, he is sure to bring it to our attention, and in what style. Humour, mystery and a whole lot of unexpected romance and subterfuge make The Christmas Stocking Murders the perfect Christmas crime caper, and have cemented Frank Grasby as one of my favourite Detectives. He may not always be in tune with what is going on around him, but he gives it a damned good try.

In this latest festive offering, Denzil Meyrick transports us, and more importantly, Frank, to Uthley Bay, a small North Yorkshire coastal village, which may be lacking in the industry and scale of Hull ,or the holiday charm of Whitby, but certainly makes up for it in murder count. That's not the only thing that is going to cause Frank trouble in this particular adventure, as his travel partner is his boss, Superintendent Juggers, and, much to Frank's disgust, Uthley Bay is also the intended holiday destination for his father, Reverend Cyril Grasby and his unexpected paramour. With a village full of suspicious characters, a seemingly strange obsession with fine hosiery, and a worsening storm isolating the whole community, it will take all of Frank's wits to defeat the killers, or killers. And I loved it.

As you can probably expect, in a book by Denzil Meyrick, the story is packed with larger than life characters, both loveable and maddening, and so much humour that I found myself chuckling along with a regular rhythm. Frank is such a brilliant character, so utterly out of his depth in nearly every circumstance, and yet with a surprisingly accurate instinct that is undeniable, he is your archetypal bungling hero. It is so good to be back in his company. The animosity between him and his father is the source of a good amount of his humour, and the back and forth between him and Juggers is also a delight. Juggers is so not cut out for fieldwork anymore, and there are many scenes where his size, and lack of dexterity, are cause for hilarity. Denzil Meyrick has portrayed them all perfectly, and add in the odd bunch of villagers, a myriad of personality types, all hiding their own secrets, and there is a whole plethora of intrigue and mystery to hold out attention.

The author really does a great job of recreating a small Yorkshire community, giving an essence of what you might expect village life to be like at the timing of the story - post war, whilst rationing is still in full flow. Setting is really key here, and he uses the coastal location, and the remote setting, along with a carefully timed snow storm, to add the the atmospheric feeling of the investigation. There are so many layers to what is going on, suspicion easily cast from character to character, and a good use of sleight of hand to misdirect and turn attention away from the truth of what is happening. I loved it all, and while I may have guessed part of the misdirection, there was no way of seeing the full scale of what was happening, and even if I thought I knew, Denzil Meyrick threw in another surprise of two to keep me on my feet.

This is a wonderful slice of crime fiction, somewhere between cosy crime and historic fiction. Frank Grasby has more of an air of the Captain Hastings about his personality, but with the occasional flash of Hercule Poirot. But with a frisson of romance in the air, and a haplessness that is utterly endearing, this is a series that I hope continues for a long time to come. Definitely recommended.

I already owned the first book in the series - Murder at Holly House - when I was sent a copy of the sequel for the book tour, and so I had to quickly read the first book and ended up absolutely loving it. And so I very quickly read this one too, with high hopes. Were they met?

I do think it's ideal to read the first book first to get the full effect, but I think you could still get enjoyment from just reading this one, but you will miss out on some of the in-jokes and references. It's such a fun mystery series that doesn't feel heavy, even though it doesn't hide away from difficult themes, particularly that of the after effects of WW2.

Frank is a loveable main character. He's a bit odd, foolish, hapless, accident prone; he's good at his job and wants to do well, but he always seems to be overlooked or ignored. Which is also the case in his family life. But he's such a natural character that even though I am not a male police officer in Yorkshire in the 1950s, I can identify with him and want to go on this journey with him.

Frank's superior Juggers gets a bigger role in this book and oh I can't stand him. He's well written and it's great characterisation, but he's such a rude, bossy, slimy man and I wish we didn't have to have too much of him - although he is important to the story.

There are lots of other characters, some we met in the first book and some new - police criminals, victims, friends, colleagues, strangers - and they're all rather good and there isn't a waste one. But for me, Frank is front and centre and is one of the best creations in the genre I've read.

It's interesting because it's written in the first person, which I very rarely read, which means I was unused to the style. It's also meant to be a memoir of sorts, based on reports of the investigations etc. and so there are other bits here and there - newspaper clippings for example - which makes it exciting.

Denzil has created such an atmospheric story; such a sense of space and time in Yorkshire in the 50s, it's spot on And by setting it just after the war, it gives him the opportunity to use these sort of nostalgic parts (for better and for worse) which gives the characters an added layer.

It has a Christmas setting which makes it perfect for an autumn/winter read, but it is suitable for all year round, as it's not a Christmas book as such, it just so happens to be set around that time.

There are a lot of cosy crime novels around and I've read most of them, but this one has a little difference. It's hard to really explain why, so I hope you'll get to read it and figure out what I mean, but it just has this edge, maybe because I normally read modern cosy crimes rather than historical? It's cosy crime but involves serious crime, and I think Denzil has managed to balance that to appeal to fans of both genres.

It's got a mixture of cosy crime, crime, historical, humour, festive, nostalgia - a bit of everything to appeal to all readers.

It's fast paced but not too quick, slow enough to gain the information and know the characters without it dragging. It's busy without being overwhelming, funny without being comedic. He's got everything just right and I sure hope it's going to be a longer series.

I think I preferred the first one. That's not a negative on this one, but I think that first one was so original that it stood out, whereas this one obviously had something to compare it to. But it's a very original, exciting series.

Denzil Meyrick returns us to the 1950s in this comic, fun and entertaining, atmospheric festive post WW2 Britain historical novel, and featuring the hapless Inspector Frank Grasby looking back on this period. Not keen to spend Christmas with his Reverend father and Hetty, he is more than cheered when his boss, Superintendent Arthur Juggers, sends him to the remote village of Uttley's Bay, where a strange murder has been committed. A dead fisherman has been discovered strangled, a stocking wrapped around his neck, the only snag being that Juggers is accompanying him there too. Frank has to endure a hair raising journey to the location with the mad Superintendent driving, convinced he is about to die.

The timing of their arrival is fortunate, as the weather turns and there are snow blizzards, but Frank soon begins to get a bad feeling when Juggers heads towards a fisherman, making a pointless effort in being undercover, Ogden Barclay immediately makes them out to be cops. He is even more shocked when they come to their lodgings, The Trout Hotel, and sees the close quarters accommodation and what is in Jugger's heavy trunk. Frank is a delight and Jaggers is ridiculously funny, with plenty of slapstick humour, in this madcap narrative. The locals are being unhelpful, there are stockings on the beach, chaos, crime, murder, and so much more as the Reverend and Hetty appear.

Meyrick is wonderful in picking his choice of location with his rich descriptions, and in providing the background and the culture of the time. Additionally, he is great as lets his imagination run riot in the creation of his wide cast of characters, with a Juggers dragging Frank into nightmarish dangers. The likeable Frank tries to figure out what is going on in spite of Juggers and the obstacles that lay in his path, whilst looking forward to what policing in the future might look like. There is charm, red herrings, and oodles of laughs in this engaging historical festive murder mystery that I have no doubt will appeal to many readers looking for their Chrismas combined with murder read, . Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Another cosy murder story set in 1953 in Yorkshire and starring Frank Grasby and Juggers .It is Christmas ,snow is falling and a body has been found in the remote village of Uthley Bay ,so Grasby and his boss Juggers set off to investigate it but find themselves involved in smuggling and so much more .The characters are so much fun and the book has a 1950's feel to it with the language of the time .Second book in the series I look forward to a third .Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC.

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 !