Denzil Meyrick tells Caroline Lindsay about the inspirations behind his books Author Interview

Although Denzil Meyrick had been writing in one way or another for years, it was when he became ill back in 2010 with crippling arthritis that he finally had time to write the book he’d always aspired to. It became Whisky from Small Glasses, his first novel introducing DCI Daley.

“I suspect if Daley could live his life over again the police force would be his last choice of career,” Denzil smiles.

“Like many middle-aged people, I think he longs for the old days, feeling life was better. And, like everyone else, he has his own personal issues that impact on his life and work.”

Denzil’s latest Daley book, A Breath on Dying Embers, was published last month.

“The book is a distillation of what’s happening in the world at the moment,” says Denzil. “It features terrorism, old and new, and addresses the vexed question of Brexit – all viewed through the prism of Daley’s world in Kinloch, with its drama and dark humour.”

Denzil can find inspiration everywhere and anywhere, from current events, to a sentence he reads in a newspaper.

“Kintyre remains the true force behind the books, its scenery and the warmth and humour of the people,” he reveals.

“But like most authors of fiction, I make it up!”

Take a peek at Denzil’s bookshelves and you’ll find an eclectic mix of books by Proust, Jane Austen, Thackeray, Robert Graves, Iain Banks, Patrick O’Brian, “and my old mentor, Scottish author Angus MacVicar – the list goes on and on,” says Denzil.

“I think we have some of the very best crime writers in the world in Scotland at the moment. I’m not a literary snob; a good book is a good book, regardless of genre.”

Recently longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize, he says: “To be amongst great writers like Ian Rankin and Val McDermid is a privilege. Look out too for Douglas Skelton and Neil Broadfoot – it’s great to share this with my friends.”

Writing, like reading, takes Denzil to another place.

“It’s great to sit down and be master of your own little universe,” he says. “I write at home laptop on my knee, most days and usually reach my goals. That’s about the only part of my life that I can say this about.

“Writing is a lonely, solo profession, so it’s lovely to step away from the keyboard and re-enter the real world from time to time by meeting readers at book events.”

Not surprisingly, when Denzil’s not working you’ll find him tuning out in front of a good drama, or a book.

“Travelling and experiencing our beautiful world is good for the soul and broadens the mind,” he adds. “To immerse oneself in a new culture is refreshing.

“I enjoy a moderate dram or too as well and I’m a big cricket, rugby and football fan.

“It’s a privilege to make a living doing what you love. I’m grateful every day how things have worked out. But you can’t be complacent. Any writer is only as good as his or her last book.”

A Breath on Dying Embers, the new DCI Daley mystery by Denzil Meyrick is published this month by Polygon, £8.99, paperback.