Last Orders

WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 1996 The classic edition of one of the 20th Century's finest novels Four men once close to Jack Dodds, a London butcher, meet to carry out his peculiar last wish: to have his ashes scattered into the sea at Margate. For reasons best known to herself, Jack’s widow,Amy, declines to join them . . . On the surface a simple tale of an increasingly bizarre day’s outing, this Booker-prize winning, internationally acclaimed novel is a resonant and classic explorationof the complexity and courage of ordinary lives. Intensely local but overwhelmingly universal, faithful to the fleeting rhythms and accidental eloquence of everyday speech but also to the timeless truths of life and death, it succeeds in being comic and heartstopping, affectionate and wise, and in conferring on its stumbling, disappointed characters an enduring decency, dignity and depth. ‘A surpassing testament to Swift’s vibrant and powerful gifts’ The Times ‘A triumph . . . a story about the most fundamental things of all’ Evening Standard

WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 1996 The classic edition of one of the 20th Century's finest novels Four men once close to Jack Dodds, a London butcher, meet to carry out his peculiar last wish: to have his ashes scattered into the sea at Margate. For reasons best known to herself, Jack’s widow, Amy, declines to join them . . . On the surface a simple tale of an increasingly bizarre day’s outing, this Booker-prize winning, internationally acclaimed novel is a resonant and classic exploration of the complexity and courage of ordinary lives. Intensely local but overwhelmingly universal, faithful to the fleeting rhythms and accidental eloquence of everyday speech but also to the timeless truths of life and death, it succeeds in being comic and heartstopping, affectionate and wise, and in conferring on its stumbling, disappointed characters an enduring decency, dignity and depth. ‘A surpassing testament to Swift’s vibrant and powerful gifts’ The Times ‘A triumph . . . a story about the most fundamental things of all’ Evening Standard

Death is life's final certainty, yet few of us are truly prepared for it - or even want to talk about it. We avoid the topic, hoping it will somehow sort itself out. However, when the inevitable comes, the burden often falls on those we love most. In Last Orders, celebrant Kathie Shearer - who has helped hundreds of families navigate their farewells - offers personal anecdotes, practical guidance and gentle wisdom to help you take charge of your final chapter. Drawing from her own experience of loss - including the sudden deaths of her father and her husband, renowned golfer Bob Shearer - she understands the emotional and logistical turmoil that can follow an unplanned departure. This is not a grim manual; it's a compassionate, clear-eyed guide to getting your affairs in order - delivered with warmth, wit and just the right amount of irreverence. Kathie's goal is simple: to make this an amusing and thought-provoking read that inspires action. Facing the end doesn't have to be bleak - it can be one of the most loving and fulfilling things you do for those you leave behind.

DCI Jim Daley is charged with murder - and everyone saw him do it - in the gripping final thriller in the series, from the bestselling author Denzil Meyrick. In the middle of the night in Kinloch, the phone rings… Detective Sergeant Brian Scott answers. It’s a message from his old friend and partner, DCI Jim Daley, which chills him to the bone: ‘She’s dead, Brian. I couldn’t take it anymore – I killed her! You have to help.’ Daley has been arrested for murder, and everyone saw him do it. The police have all the evidence they need to put him behind bars for life, but Scott still believes he’s innocent. Is someone trying to frame him? The search for answers takes Daley and Scott on a dark journey into their past, putting the people closest to them in immediate danger. And as the heartbreak takes its toll, Scott begins to wonder if this might be the end of the road. Is it time to call last orders? ***Praise for Denzil Meyrick*** ‘In high demand across the globe’ Daily Mail ‘You’ll have a blast with these’ Ian Rankin ‘One of Scotland’s finest writers in any genre’ SWH ‘It’s a fun book. One to make you smile’ Stuart MacBride ‘Spellbinding … one of the UK’s most loved crime writers’ Sunday Post ***Praise for the DCI Daley Series*** 'Irresistible' ***** Reader Review 'I defy you not to read this series and want to go visit Campbeltown' ***** Reader Review 'Twisted and compelling' ***** Reader Review 'Not only wildly entertaining but also very thought provoking' ***** Reader Review 'I’m a huge fan of Denzil Meyrick’s D.C.I. Daley series and this was the best yet' ***** Reader Review 'Exactly my kind of series - police thriller, good humour, brilliantly memorable characters' ***** Reader Review

DCI Jim Daley is charged with murder - and everyone saw him do it - in the gripping final thriller in the series, from the bestselling author Denzil Meyrick. In the middle of the night in Kinloch, the phone rings… Detective Sergeant Brian Scott answers. It’s a message from his old friend and partner, DCI Jim Daley, which chills him to the bone: ‘She’s dead, Brian. I couldn’t take it anymore – I killed her! You have to help.’ Daley has been arrested for murder, and everyone saw him do it. The police have all the evidence they need to put him behind bars for life, but Scott still believes he’s innocent. Is someone trying to frame him? The search for answers takes Daley and Scott on a dark journey into their past, putting the people closest to them in immediate danger. And as the heartbreak takes its toll, Scott begins to wonder if this might be the end of the road. Is it time to call last orders? ***Praise for Denzil Meyrick*** ‘In high demand across the globe’ Daily Mail ‘You’ll have a blast with these’ Ian Rankin ‘One of Scotland’s finest writers in any genre’ SWH ‘It’s a fun book. One to make you smile’ Stuart MacBride ‘Spellbinding … one of the UK’s most loved crime writers’ Sunday Post ***Praise for the DCI Daley Series*** 'Irresistible' ***** Reader Review 'I defy you not to read this series and want to go visit Campbeltown' ***** Reader Review 'Twisted and compelling' ***** Reader Review 'Not only wildly entertaining but also very thought provoking' ***** Reader Review 'I’m a huge fan of Denzil Meyrick’s D.C.I. Daley series and this was the best yet' ***** Reader Review 'Exactly my kind of series - police thriller, good humour, brilliantly memorable characters' ***** Reader Review

Death is life's final certainty, yet few of us are truly prepared for it - or even want to talk about it. We avoid the topic, hoping it will somehow sort itself out. However, when the inevitable comes, the burden often falls on those we love most. In Last Orders , celebrant Kathie Shearer - who has helped hundreds of families navigate their farewells - offers personal anecdotes, practical guidance and gentle wisdom to help you take charge of your final chapter. Drawing from her own experience of loss - including the sudden deaths of her father and her husband, renowned golfer Bob Shearer - she understands the emotional and logistical turmoil that can follow an unplanned departure. This is not a grim manual; it's a compassionate, clear-eyed guide to getting your affairs in order - delivered with warmth, wit and just the right amount of irreverence. Kathie's goal is simple: to make this an amusing and thought-provoking read that inspires action. Facing the end doesn't have to be bleak - it can be one of the most loving and fulfilling things you do for those you leave behind.