A Toast to the Old Stones
A Tale from Kinloch
It’s 1968, and the fishermen of Kinloch are preparing to celebrate the old New Year on the twelfth of January. The annual pilgrimage to the Auld Stones is a tradition that goes back beyond memory, and young Hamish, first mate on the Girl Maggie, is chuffed that he’s been invited to this exclusive gathering – usually reserved for the most senior members of Kinloch’s fishing community.
Meanwhile, it appears that the new owners of the Firdale Hotel are intent upon turning their customers teetotal, such is the exorbitant price they are charging for whisky. Wily skipper Sandy Hoynes comes up with a plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they can afford through his connections with a local still-man.
But when the Revenue are tipped off, it looks as though Hoynes and Hamish’s mercy mission might run aground. Can the power of the Auld Stones come to their rescue, and is the reappearance of a face from Hoynes’ past a sign for good or ill?
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Publisher: Polygon
Published: 4 November 2021
ISBN: 9781846975943
eBook ISBN: 9781788854726
Formats: Hardback / Audio /eBook
Reviews
'Delves into a bygone era of superstitions and whisky-smuggling shenanigans. A superb page turner packed with humour'
– The Herald, 50 Best Books
‘Denzil Meyrick sure knows how to conjure details of character and place that keep readers invested in knowing what happens next, and those skills are very much on display in this atmospheric tale, alongside the author’s trademark humour’
– LoveReading.co.uk
'This heartwarming and seasonal tale is a joy. An open fire, a deep armchair and a peaty dram are all that is required for the perfect afternoon to overcome a dreich day'
Journal of the Law Society of Edinburgh
'It’s atmospheric, it’s witty, and has a touch of Whisky Galore about it'
– Scottish Field, FOUR star review
‘Superb, feel good, laugh out loud… just wonderful’
– Waterstones Horsham
'Funny, beautiful, and capturing the spirit of the seafaring community of Kinloch, it is most definitely recommended’ – JenMedBookReviews
– JenMedBookReviews
‘What I love about these novellas is that they are so rich in imagery and steeped in the history of the town, and of the region, in terms of the shared heritage with the vikings of yore… There are moments of tranquility, a kind of otherworldliness, that pepper the story, but these are bolstered by the humour and banter that occurs between the fishermen and keeps the tale fresh. Add into the story a kind of cat and mouse game between Hoynes and the Revenue Collector who is hot on his heels and you have a story which is guaranteed to entertain… most definitley recommended’
– Amazon 5 Star review
'I absolutely loved this charming story, brilliantly narrated by David Monteath. This is the 2nd one I’ve listened to and I look forward to the next tale from Kinloch' FIVE STARS
– Audible 5 Star review for audio book
“A Toast to the Old Stones” is an excellently written story by a talented author who can turn his hand to many genres. [I] highly recommend them for an entertaining, lighthearted and fun read’
– Amazon 5 Star review
