4+
Sebastian Pallander CEO of hedge fund Pallander Glossop expires dramatically mid TV interview in Davos, Switzerland. His will makes for interesting reading as the five siblings and his wife Elizabeth find that, although a sum of money wings it’s way into their accounts, they expected way more, after all Papa was a multibillionaire. Especially hard-hit is his eldest daughter, Tabitha, the company CFO, who expects to be CEO, but instead is demoted. What is going on? The youngest son Jean-Luc decides to strike a blow, but not for the reasons you might think and it doesn’t go quite to plan to the horror of his family. Entering into the fraught scene is DI Cara Salt of the Succession, Inheritance and Executory branch of Glasgow’s Serious Crime Squad and the latest recruit to the team, DS Abernathy Blackstock. The latter is quite a surprise to Cara and there’s way more to Blackstock than meets the eye, and the same is true of the Pallander case.

I’ve enjoyed reading Denzil Meyrick’s books for several years now and this is another cracker of a read in what I hope will be a new series. It’s a well thought out, fast paced, ever changing plot that is immersive and makes for compelling reading. The case seems to expand by the minute and becomes increasingly sinister with several characters having much to fear. There’s a game afoot with no rules and no holds barred. It’s an exciting, tense and suspenseful mystery, combined with a high octane thriller resulting in a multiple twisty rollercoaster of a ride which dramatically derails for some. It gets twistier by the day, I thoroughly enjoy the financial shenanigans, which do have a measure of believability about them, considering what we already know about the world of finance. There’s huge greed here, deception which is off the charts and gut punching betrayal as a massive conspiracy begins to reveal itself.

It’s a riveting read with a shocker of an ending, delivering surprise after surprise.

The cast of starring characters are very well portrayed with Cara at the centre, a very able carrier of heavy baggage.

Highly entertaining, and one I can recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld for the much appreciated arc return for an honest review.43 s19 comments Natalie all_books_great_and_small 2,434 122

I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.

The Estate is a twisty edge of your seat police thriller set in Scotland and is the first book by Denzil Meyrick I've had the pleasure of reading and won't be the last!
We follow DI Salt and her new partner DS Blackstock as they investigate and try to protect a wealthy family from being picked off one by one.
Sebastian Pallander, a multi-billionaire, drops dead live on air during a TV broadcast, leaving his family torn apart in more than one way after the reading of his will. When one of his children turns up murdered in strange circumstances and another is kidnapped and a third persued by thugs, DI Salt and DS Blackstock race against the clock to protect the family at all costs. Everyone falls under suspicion, and even fellow police officers and departments can not be trusted as corruption rots throughout its core.
This was such a twisty, thought-provoking read that I found myself captivated and gripped by, and I flew through this book in 2 days. I can't wait to read through this authors backlist of books and hope to read more of DI Salt in the future.9 s Grace J Reviewerlady1,940 92

A gripping read from an author on my must-not-miss list!

The Pallander family are used to luxury - after all, Sebastian Pallander was ultra-rich and, with his death, they are all looking forward to a huge slice of the pie; so it comes as quite a shock to be left what is, in their eyes, paltry amounts. What was he thinking? Where did it all go? And is their any trust left between them?

This is a cracking thriller and one which kept me absolutely riveted from the moment I began reading. As the story began to unfold I found myself really invested in the characters - liking each at one point then detesting them the next. What was going on? The only way to find out was to keep reading and, believe me, that was no hardship. Completely enthralling and utterly beguiling, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Denzil Meyrick never fails to meet my expectations and with this one he far exceeded them. A superbly crafted novel and completely worth all five glowing stars.2 s Jen1,427 62

Well, I don't know if the intention is for this to be a stand alone but I have to say that I really did the character of Cara Salt, and loved this book. I mean, Salt will probably need a transfer from her current role - heading up the Succession, Inheritance and Executory Department - as I'm not sure how many inheritance based investigations Denzil Meyrick might be able to dream up, but given the extent of this particular case, and how dark and twisted it turns out to be, perhaps inheritance law is more than a little bit twisted afterall.

Called in to investigate when the son of a prominent finance expert and personality is killed in an explosion, it's very hard to see how it could possibly fall to DI Cara Salt and her new DS, Abernethy Blackstock, and the SIE to find out if there was any fowl play. But given that family patriarch, Sebastian Pallander, has just predeceased his son, and that the victim was one of a number of siblings to inherit, it's one of those situations that raises all manner of questions. Would someone kill for the victim's seemingly meagre inheritance, or is something far darker in play? All as not as expected in the Pallander empire, and it seems Pallander senior may have made some very powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to claim the family fortune ...

This book really did hit the spot. It's a mixture of tension, action, and good old fashioned Denzil Meyrick humour. From the admittedly one sided banter between Salt and Blackstock - somewhat ironically nicknamed Abs by Salt - to the antagonistic chemistry between Salt and her former colleague, Sorley, for every moment of intensity and threat - and there are many of those to be found - there is a scene to make you chuckle or smile too. There is a constant sense of threat that bubbles along beneath the surface and it often seems as though Salt is really out of her depth. There is a reason for her being sidelined to the SIE, something that is slowly revealed, and is the cause of the tension between her and Sorley. They make a really good pairing, and although Sorley is a former officer, it's one I'd be really keen to see again. As for Salt and Blackstock - well let's just say that they are chalk and cheese, although Blackstock has hidden depths that go much deeper than his part time hobby as a twitcher.

With gangs, corruption and misdirection galore, and a very clear threat against the Pallander family, it remains to be seen whether or not Salt and Blackstock have what it takes to protect them. With a remote setting that just adds to the risk, the isolation and the feeling that literally anything can happen, and the odd unexpected murder along the way, the book really hooked me in. I just love Denzil Meyrick's ability to create and authentic setting, multi-faceted characters who both amuse and infuriate, and a pulsing tension that is balanced by a rich vein of dark humour. Definitely a must read for fans of the author or for new readers who love a bit of Scottish Noir. Definitely recommended.2024-challenge 2024- 5-star-reads ...more2 s Stephen Richard605 9

There is no denying that Denzil Meyrick has established himself as one of the leading writers of the crime thriller genre. The DCI Daley and Scott series is the perfect blend of gripping dramas, police procedural and wry humour.

The Estate introduces new lead protagonist- DI Cara Salt- haunted by an action from the past and a father who expected more from her. Finding herself sidelined into the Succession, Inheritance and Executory department, she feels lost and trapped in mundanity that is until the death of mega rich billionaire Sebastian Pallander live on TV
.
His death leaves his privileged family in turmoil as their inheritance is far from expected; this tragedy is followed by the violent death of one of his children a few weeks later- all is not what it seems. Are the rest of the family in danger?

DI Salt is partnered with DS Abernathy Blackstock- a man also from a privileged past- and the interplay between the two characters brings to light Denzil Metric's skill for bring together two very differing personalities intertwining humour and a dig at the 'chosen wealthy few. and class divides ' The duo are asked to investigate /protect the family.

Thus ensues chain of events- tense and dramatic and leaving the reader with the questions as to who can be trusted ... who is deceiving who...? A good balance of thriller action and police procedural

This is a fast paced novel- yes, there may be a sense of suspending belief- but in the world we live in nowadays with megalomaniac billionaires and oligarchs nothing feels to far from the truth. The Netflix/BBC series can be envisaged

This can be read as a standalone story (unless DI Salt should make a welcome return in the future) and is also a great way to be introduced to the legion of readers much-enjoyed Meyrick's Kinloch series.2 s Anne Fox569 7

I’ve read most of Denzil’s books so I knew this would be good. The story revolves around a wealthy family in crisis after a huge change in circumstances. All the characters have baggage that impinges on their decisions. The action moves between Perthshire, London and Europe and includes references to Covid, the war in Ukraine and the rise of foreign investment in the UK. Cara Salt is a DI in a quiet police department who is tasked with looking into the Pallender family’s current problems. I predicted the ending fairly early on but it just encouraged me to keep reading to see if I was right. It’s definitely a ‘just one more chapter’ book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Transworld publishers for a prepublication ebook.1 Moravian1297120

The Estate I would say, was more three and three quarter stars, so I've been generous and rounded it up to four, because although I started out rather enjoying it, it definitely took something of an unfortunate dip about half way through.
I’ve, since revised my four star decision and knocked one off, as I feel the book’s cons far out way the pros.

Predominantly set in Scotland, rural Perthshire, to be precise, the tale does start off however, with our main protagonist, DI Cara Salt, safely ensconced in her boring position within Police Scotland, the Succession, Inheritance and Executory Department (SIE), in her boring office in Hope Street, Glasgow, above a newsagents, where the description of it's location was very reminiscent of Mick Herron's descriptions of Slough House, above a Chinese takeaway, at the beginning of his brilliant Slow Horses series of spy novels. Whether this was intentional or not, I'm not one hundred percent sure, but it was close enough for me to say that it seemed more than ly and my hat was duly doffed.

When the SIE squad are asked to investigate the financial misdeeds of hedge fund CEO, Sebastian Pallander, the story proceeds along very nicely indeed, with an excellent pace and a strong female lead. There’s also some well worn but witty nevertheless, exchanges of banter between the afore mentioned DI Cara Salt and her new DS, Abernethy Blackstock, whom has just been recalled from retirement, incorporating the rivalry that exists between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Unfortunately though, about half way through, the book is suddenly reduced to nothing more than cat and mouse chases, with all that tedious scenario’s usual mix of the highly improbable abilities of the pursuers to know exactly where the pursued are, in this case, and at one point, in a field, through a wood and up a tree!? And gunfire on the highways and byways, that seems to go completely unreported in a country where guns are illegal! To rub salt into the already improbable wounds, the fact that the author has chosen Russia to once again be the baddies of the piece! Jeezo! Come up with something a bit more original, PLEASE!
The author also decides to take the strong female lead and for some bizarre reason, opts to turn DI Cara Salt into a dough eyed, love struck teenager, besotted with her ex boyfriend, whom she has managed to contrive into the situation and has shoehorned into her investigation!
We're also introduced, a little further on, to a very complicated financial scam, some kind of insurance fraud and Ponzi scheme, involving loans that amounted to the theft of billions of pounds of Pallander Glossop investor’s money and which was so elaborate and convoluted, it was well beyond my comprehension, but thankfully it didn't seem to impact the basic premise of the story in the end.

There was also, for me, rather a large amount of predictability. By the time we had all the plot twists unravelled and the big reveals of the finale opened up, I'd pretty much guessed everything that happened and it all pretty much felt a bit of a damp squib.
For example, right from the get go, I’d guessed that Sebastian Pallander wasn’t really dead, I’d guessed DS Blackstock wasn’t at all who he was cracked up to be and was completely nefarious in intent, I’d guessed Silas Pallander’s PA, Anna was in on his kidnapping, oldest trick in the book that one and I’d guessed that the Russians would inevitably kill Sebastian and Anna, probably with radioactive poison, and hey! Guess what? I was proved correct on every score!

There was also a prevailing ambiance of moralistic preachiness running through the latter part of this book, espousing the egregious myth that, ”money can’t buy you everything!” However, there is one vital flaw in this way of thinking, it is complete and utter bollocks! I’d say the dysfunctional, seemingly unhappy lot of most of the Pallander children, was just down to the unhealthy relationships they had with their sociopathic and narcissistic father, rather than any indictment of their financially pampered and over privileged upbringing. At the end of the day, having money may not bring one happiness, but it would certainly help and it would at least give one the choices that poverty most surely denies.

What started out as a very promising and entertaining tartan noir, ended with a "meh" of predictability and the clichéd air of uniformity, and the overriding message of this work, that somehow, being in the super rich, one percent, has you at a disadvantage in life, is patently nonsense!
A pity really, as now, I will not be going out of my way to read any more Denzil Meyrick novels.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full reviewcall-the-cops conspiracy russia ...more Mary Picken866 38

Great characters and terrific storylines is what Denzil Meyrick is best known for. And in D.I. Cara Salt, he has found an absolute corker of a character.

D.I. Salt was on the up in Glasgow’s Serious Crime Squad until she, somewhat unfortunately, shot a fellow officer. That had regrettable repercussions on both her career and her personal life. Now she sits in a small office in a tenement above a shop where she is Head of the Succession, Inheritance, and Executory department of said Serious Crime Squad. It’s pretty much a stolid, paper based job that keeps her out of trouble.

Sebastian Pallander is founder and CEO of Pallander Glossop, a well established hedge fund with some very elite clients. He has a castle in the Highlands where his wife Elizabeth lives, having raised 5 children in her family’s seat. Sebastien is in Davos for the World Economic Summit, being interviewed for the TV programme, Money Matters, but takes ill and dies mid-interview.

In a reminder of Succession, Sebastian’s grown children are seriously at odds with each other. The eldest, Silas, is a weak and mewling pup, while his sister, Tabitha has the brains and the balls in the family. Tabitha is expecting great things from the will; her father was grooming her to take over as CEO.

But his will comes as a huge and unwelcome shock to his family. They expected millions but received only a fraction of that while Tabitha’s expectations are shattered when she finds that her father has handed the company’s reins over to his Executive in charge of the Swiss arm of Pallander Glossop. It’s a slap in the face for Tabitha.

Then one of the Pallander twins is killed at the site of a wind farm. Jean-Luc was an eco-activist and not always a big fan of his father’s investment portfolio. Coming hot on the heels of Pallander Sr.’s death, Cara and her new DS, Abernethy Blackstock (whom, much to his consternation she decides to call ‘Abs’) are asked to take a look at the Pallander family and the set-up of the will.

Given that the family haven’t actually inherited all that much, it’s hard to see what motive they might have for being involved in Jean-Luc’s death, which appears to have been self-inflicted ; the supposition being that the bomb he was planting went off prematurely.

But there remains the question of exactly where the Pallander fortune has gone and who has benefitted? With the Pallander family in disarray, who wants the company’s fortune and what will they do to get it?

Here Meyrick has constructed a beautifully tangled plot with a whole host of people you don’t know whether to trust. There are plots within plots, suspense, high octane action, and even a spectacular chase. The relationship between Cara Salt and ‘Abs’ starts off well though she is surprised when he is outed as part of the aristocracy by Elizabeth Pallander. Abs has hidden layers that constantly surprise Cara as she spends more time with him.

Then there’s Sorley. Sorley is an ex-cop and he and Cara have a very spiky relationship; the kind where they jibe at each other whenever they meet, and when they do there’s a tension in the air that never goes away.

Although The Estate is a rip-roaring page turner, it also harbours the traditional Meyrick humour. I swear if you could see him writing, his tongue would be firmly in his cheek. It is those moments of levity and wicked humour that make the book sparkle as well as lifting the tension for a bit.

Verdict: Meyrick has produced a fast paced, spellbinding novel with topical overtones as he digs into the world of corporate greed, Russian money laundering, corruption at every level and uses it to create a fantastic family drama. Intricately plotted, great fun and full of twists, turns and entanglements, this is a rip-roaring thriller with a special sparkle. More of Cara please – she’s definitely worth her salt! Kath2,675

I am a HUGE fan of this author's DCI Daley series of books, most of which I have listened to and I also read, and loved, the first in his new series featuring Frank Grasby - Murder at Holly House. So... it was pretty much a no brainer that I went into this book knowing that I would also love it just as much. And I Did... very much so...
We begin with a news broadcast in which head of his on financial empire, Sebastian Pallander starts to behave a wee bit off. And then, live on air, he keels over and dies. His family are torn apart, not just from their loss, but also the way he treated them in his will. His oldest daughter, Tabitha, being ousted from her job within the company, having previously been favourite to replace him as head. Oldest son also losing the job he had worked hard at all these years. They and the three other siblings only given meagre payouts, considering his great wealth...
And then, youngest son, Jean-Luc is killed in weird circumstances. He appears to have possibly, inadvertently, blown himself up whilst placing a bomb during an activist outing. It's a bit of a blood bath, with body parts scattered asunder.
Meanwhile, we meet DI Cara Salt of the Succession, Inheritance, and Executory branch of Glasgow's serious crime squad (who knew, right). She has found herself there due to her shooting someone she shouldn't have. A situation that has more personal repercussions too. As we first meet her, she is also meeting her new Sergeant, the greatly named DS Abernathy Blackstock. But just as the two of them are doing the meet and greet thing, she is called in to investigate Jean-Luc's suspected murder...
And so begins an interconnected and convoluted tale which had me running round chasing my tail as I tried to work out what in the heck was going on... With everything that was happening my head was literally spinning as I tried to work out who was what and whether I was rooting for the wrong person. I gave up in the end and just went with the flow and had a cracking time ooing and aahing as the author delivered shock after surprise all the way through to an ending that I didn't see coming at all... One which left me both wholly satisfied as well as reeling!
There are quite a lot of characters in this book but this is one of the things that this author really excels as so it is easy to get to know them and remember who they are. Whose side they are on is really another matter as you'll soon find out! Pacing is consistent and matches the narrative all the way through, mostly fast paced but with the odd slower part which well serves for reader respite.
Now, the only question left, after I finished this book is whether this is the last we will see of DI Cara Salt. I for one was quite sad to see her go and, with something that happened towards the end, I would love to reconnect with her in some way shape or form in the future. Could this even be the start of another series? I'm definitely up for that.
All in all, another winner to add to an already extremely impressive back catalogue. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. Paromjit2,950 25.4k

The wonderful Denzil Meyrick begins what might possibly be the start of a new series, featuring DI Cara Salt, who happens to be whiling away time quietly serving as the head of the Succession, Inheritance, Executory branch of Glasgow's Serious Crime Squad, after a problematic shooting incident. In Davos, billionaire Sebastian Pallander, CEO of hedge fund Pallandar Glossop, dies dramatically whilst being interviewed on TV. However, his will comes as a unwelcome shock to his privileged family, widow Elizabeth, and his 5 children, who had expected to inherit his vast fortune, instead they only get a paltry million pounds, whilst Tabitha feels pain on finding herself demoted in the business. What could possibly have driven his decision?

Salt's team has a new addition, DS Abernathy 'Abs' Blackstock, who it turns out has an aristocratic background. ACC Frank Dixon has them working below the radar on an ongoing investigation into Pallander's criminal activities, after the suspicious death of his eco-activist son, Jean-Luc. Could some sinister forces be targeting the children to get their hands on Pallander Glossop's funds? It certainly appears to be so, with an abduction and more, as fears for the other children raise the levels of tension and suspense, as efforts are made to ensure they all return to their exclusive, if isolated, extensive family estate. Cara and Abs end up living there too, as they endeavour to protect them. In the process, we are made privy to greater details of Cara's past, the shooting which saw the only person who mattered to her, Sorley, leaving the police force.

Meyrick writes with his trademark complex plotting, the creation of a wide ranging cast of characters, and humour, with twists and turns galore, and his compulsive storytelling that had me turning the pages as fast as possible as I raced to the end. There are surprises that come out of the blue, betrayals, and unprecedented levels of corruption and greed at play and concludes with perhaps what might be seen as a form of justice taking place, after Cara faces the gravest of danger, left on her own to face the forces of darkness descending on the estate. Whilst the DCI Jim Daley and DS Brian Scott series is my personal favourite, I look forward with great anticipation with whatever the author comes up with next! Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.crime-fiction mystery netgalley ...more37 s3 comments Ruth152


The Estate by Denzil Mayrick is a gripping read full of mystery and adventures.

The book starts, with the sudden death of a hedge fund manager, Sebastian Pallander, on live tv, it then takes us to an out of the way office of a small police department Succession, Inheritance and Executory (SIE) where the disgraced, or certainly “hidden”, DI Cara Salt, meets her new DS, Abernethy Blackstock.

After a slow build up, the excitement begins when Pallander’s eco warrior son gets blown up in what is ly to be a nasty accident. Salt is called to attend the scene and then sent to the Pallander’s stately home to impart details of the investigation. SIE’s involvement wouldn’t usually be required and it is all very cloak and dagger. Things are not what they seem and are about to get more mysterious and perilous for DI Salt as kidnapping, murder and mayhem ensue.

The Pallander clan are not likable characters. Salt herself holds her own secrets and is initially a very hard shell to crack. Once in situ at the Pallander’s home though things begin to get far more interesting. I to be able to understand if not , characters in a book and each member of the Pallander clan was intriguing. Each had their reasons, selfish or otherwise, for being unlikable and for some, hints of true kindness and empathy are displayed. As the story develops so did my interest in DI Salt and her backstory. I love the complexity of the characterisation in the book where every turn of the page unwraps layers, answering some of the questions or reservations I had about each one.

I usually stick to “cosy” crime and have never been a fan of police procedurals, traditional crime or thrillers. However once I got into this book, I was gripped by all the action and loved the mysteries held within the pages. I do enjoy a good car chase on tv and it turns out it is no different on paper! I know that if DI Salt has more adventures in the future I will there to join her.
2024-books kindle netgalley- Nicola Ray68 7

The story begins with the dramatic death of billionaire Sebastian Pallender live on TV as he is being interviewed at Davos. However, when the will is read Sebastian's family discover that they will not receive the wealth and power which they expected. The family are left in shock as they can't understand why they have been treated in this way. Shortly afterwards, Sebastian's eldest son dies in mysterious circumstances. The police are drafted in to look in to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the will, cue the introduction on DI Cara Salt who has been holed up in a backwater of Police Scotland investigating inheritance frauds following a previous incident. The hierarchy task her with looking in to what is unfolding at the Pallender family home in the wilds of the Highlands. She is paired up with the straightlaced, bird enthusiast DS Abernathy Blackstock and before long they suspect that the beneficiaries of the will are at risk. There is a great interplay between the two officers who come from very different social backgrounds but must work together to unravel why the Pallender family are at risk.

This was a brilliant read with an interesting and fast-paced story with a able and plucky heroine in DI Salt. There are lots of twists and turns as the story unfolds and the action moves between different locations and different characters. Meyrick's other series, there are also laughs and some dark humour and of course most of the action takes place in Scotland. In particular, the isolation of the family estate in the Highlands added to the drama of the story as malevolent forces pick off the victims who are trapped awaiting their fate. I hope that this will be the first in a new series as Cara Salt has more to offer. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.kindle netgalley scotland ...more3 s Mags2,772 31

4.5?

The Estate is my first introduction to Denzil Meyrick and after reading it, it certainly won't be my last!!

As this was such a cracking thriller. That easily pulled me in and kept me reading.

As Sebastian Pollander CEO of hedge fund Pollander Glossop dies dramatically whilst being interviewed on live TV. In Davos, Switzerland. And his wife Elizabeth and five children all expect to inherit heavily. After all, Sebastian was a multi-billionaire.

Only the will throws up some interesting reading and information including the demotion of the daughter and CFO of the company Tabitha. And when one of the children is later murdered. It becomes clear the will and inheritance are at the heart of it.

So it's up to DI Cora Salt. Who after an unfortunate incident finds herself heading up the Succession, Inheritance and Executory department of the Serious Crime Squad to investigate.

But luckily for Cora she's not alone. As she has help in the form of layered DS Abernathy Blackstock. Who Cora nicknames Abs.

And it soon becomes clear Cora is going to need all the help she can get. Especially as she has to deal with an ex-cop who she has a very spiky relationship with.

And with great characters, not all of whom are likable. An intricately plotted storyline. That's full of twists and turns and great humour. As well as an ending I didn't see coming. This was a story that truly shined and I would happily recommend it to all.

My thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Estate. ??arcs-reviewed books-out-2024 books-rated-four-and-a-half-stars Sarah202 4

Another fast paced, action packed winner from Denzil Meyrick!

This as a standalone introduces you to DI Salt and her job, career and back story. I hope this will be the start of a series or at least that we'll have her back in another story.

This was a tale of corruption and greed and unmasking people for who they really are. It is fast paced and with a few characters, it is a tad easy to get lost with them all in the beginning. The characters all reveal themselves by the end and show their true natures.

It is an easy read at the beginning and the flow is careful but steady. I must admit that that at the height of all of the drama and action and climax, I was a tad lost as to what was actually going on. Admittedly if you ask me what happened at the end I'm not sure I could accurately tell you who had done what. I put this down to me rather than the tale though as I'm sure many other readers wouldn't find it hard to keep up.

I was a little surprised at the ending with the main protagonist however, as there was no mention of her, what she is doing now or the fallout in the epilogue. If this isn't a series and we are left with not knowing what happens it will be a bit sad.

All in all, it was a book I found hard to put down and would love to read more from the author.

Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for my honest review. Lynda1,543 83

I don’t know how this author has passed me by but I’m definitely going to rectify that. This was such a good read, I didn’t want to put it down. Billionaire Sebastian Pallander is head of Pallander Glossop, one of the largest hedge funds in Europe and also, amongst other things, owner of a substantial estate in Scotland. He is being interviewed on TV when he suddenly collapses and dies. Shocked but undaunted his family meet at their castle estate for the reading of his will. There is one almighty bombshell coming their way! A plethora of unable, in the main, but believable characters all written so well.

Briefly, DI Cara Salt, working for the Succession, Inheritance and Executory (SIE) police unit in Glasgow, is responsible for dealing with those who refused to adhere to the lawful terms and wishes of wills. After meeting her new DS, Abernethy Blackstock, she is called in by her boss and told to investigate the Estate of Pallander as he was the subject of investigation by the Major Crimes unit.

Welcome to a world of financial skullduggery and murder where money is literally the root of all evil. Salt finds herself pitched into the maelstrom of the family’s finances and relationships as she ends up trying to prevent murder! A fast paced thriller with twists abounding and where it proves impossible who to know to trust. A fairly fast paced and exciting read and I’m hoping to see DI Cara Salt again.publisher Lauren Rea162 8

When Sebastian Pallander dies during an interview on live TV, the multimillionaire businessman's family are left reeling when during the reading of the will, he's stripped his 'favourite child' Tabitha and son Silus of their roles in his company and left his children a mere 1 million pounds each. The family are left in shock and can't understand why all these strange specifics were left Sebastian's will.
When one of his sons is killed in suspicious circumstances, DI Cara Salt a police detective who was sent to Succession, Inheritance and Executory Department (SIE) after a misdemeanour of her own is sent to investigate. She has with her DS Abernethy Blackstock - a retired detective who has come back from retirement and has been seconded to Cara's team. Along with her bird-watching DS, she starts to discover not all is what it seems, and after two deaths in the same family occurring, it could mean that any one of the others could be next. As people start to show their true colours, and secrets bubble to the surface, it's up to DI Salt to find out exactly what's going on and save the lives of the rest of the family, but money is a weapon of its own, and it seems anyone could be willing to risk everything for it.

I really enjoyed this! I was immediately drawn in to the story and felt myself wanting to read on to discover what was going to happen next. The main characters (especially Abernethy!) were brilliantly written, and I enjoyed seeing the layers peeling away from them an onion as the story unfolded. This book has everything, mystery, suspense, humour, a bit of romance and loads of surprises! The biggest shock and surprise that I didn't see coming was right at the end! Brilliant!

Thank you so much for letting me read it, excellent storyline, brilliant characters and superbly written! Kim272 5

I’m finding this book quite difficult to review as for my taste in what I read this has some poor elements as well as some very good ones. I will mention both but it’s difficult to decide how many stars to give especially as it was very nearly a DNF.

The bad: I found the first quarter to third of this book very pedestrian, there seemed to be nothing much happening that was feeding the adrenaline junkie reader that I am, that did change however but the very predictable final reveal of who was behind the events and seemingly unfinished business, personally, between Cara and Sorley made the ending feel a little rushed and flat.

The good: Once the action started it was engaging, exciting and made the pages turn fast! I had no regrets about not DNF’ing this book as the action sequences were different and fired my imagination. This author has a great way of conveying his descriptions to his audience, all the scenes were easy to picture in my mind as they had been so well described to me, the mental imagery while reading this book flowed easily and this is due to the writers skill in his narrative also.

This is purely my opinion and I do know quite a few friends really enjoy this author which is why I read this book, my first by him, his style just maybe isn’t for me.netgalley Judefire33252 6

My Review….

Thank you so so much to Denzil and Bantam Books for my proof copy of The Estate.

The book opens with famous Sebastian Pallander suddenly dying, live on air. One of the worlds richest families has lost is head, children have lost a father and a wife has lost a husband. However when the will gets read out and the family find out that they have been left hardly anything of his wealth, it starts a chain of events that lead to a climatic ending. Including murder and abduction, the Pallander’s are being targeted by someone, but who?

As always with Denzil Meyrick, the observations of the different characters and how they interact is written with mastery and ease. There are a large cast in The Estate , the Pallander family and also our lead Police Officer in the is Detective Inspector Cara Salt, who gets pulled into helping find out what is going on. This is a corporate thriller of the highest order, with an amazing attention to details of the business that the Pallanders own. It is a taut and slick thriller that grips you by the throat and doesn’t let you go until you’ve read the last page!

It has some of Denzils usually Scottish Humour which I love, and is an intricately plotted thriller. I really d DI Cara Salt, she’s a kick ass cop and I’d to hear more stories with her in.

I was totally invested into the plot line and didn’t guess the outcome until it was revealed, and it is a great ending!

Another fantastic 5 ?????????? star novel, written by an author on the top of his game. Denzil Meyrick can do no wrong!1 Rudrashree MakwanaAuthor 1 book57

I d the writing style and the plot is so engaging. The characters are mysterious. Character development is good. The twists were unpredictable. This is a kind of book where you cannot predict the characters real motives. The book will keep you guessing till the end.

There is a billion dollar estate and every family, Pallanders also have a secret. There is no doubt the family is mega-rich. They have a billion dollar fortune. But everything turns upside down when Sebastien dies and the question remains of the inheritance. But unthinkable things continued to happen.And with the stroke of luck, his death brings everyone’s lives at stake. Unthinkable things happens with Jean and Tabitha. The killer is still not yet found. Anyone could be after the family wealth or there are conflicts in the family which led to misfortunes? The revelation at the end was shocking. Twists and turns along with secrets and mystery will keep you on the edge. Go for it, If you insightful and intriguing police procedural and mysterious characters. This is a crime thriller and loved the backdrop of mega-rich wealthy family.

Thanks to the Publisher and Author John MacLeod7

Denzil Meyrick’s ‘The Estate’ tells of the sudden death of dodgy financier Sebastian Pallander,resulting in potentially dire consequences for his wife, family and business associates.As a result of this, somewhat reluctant investigative partners DCI Salt and DS Blackstock are tasked with trying to untangle the web of intrigue and prevent the ly murderous intention of hidden foes,with their not so subtle threats.
This new story from the author of the excellent Kinloch based detective series which was led by DCI Daley, introduces a new police lead duo and fresh settings for a fast moving intriguing tale.It makes for an exciting whodunnit style adventure,between trying to figure out who the shady figures really are and just what is their motivation.
The action moves along at a brisk entertaining pace that grabs the attention of the reader and makes the book difficult to put down.
I had looked forward to reading this for some time and am very pleased for the opportunity to have read a preview copy.Hopefully some of the characters will return for more similar episodes.
???????? Lauren286 12

Crime thriller fans who enjoy multiple POVs, flawed characters and inheritance drama will want to get their hands on this one.

It follows the privileged Pallander family who have grown rich by suspicious means, and the life-threatening repercussions of their patriarch’s will. It also follows Detective Inspector Cara Salt, who has lost a lot in life but never her determination to do the right thing.

All of the characters are memorable, though many are unable, and the mystery is complex and well-crafted, leading you to form multiple theories and suspect lots of different people. The various antagonists have darkly realistic motivations such as greed, selfishness, revenge and classism, and this, along with the modern-day setting (against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict), makes it somewhat scarily/uncomfortably believable.

I found some parts of the story fast-paced and hard to put down and others a fair bit slower, but overall this was another compelling and clever read by Denzil Meyrick.

Thank you to Bantam Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review. 1 Sarah B195

Sebastian Pallander dies suddenly. Some time later, the family (widow Elizabeth, brother in law Charles Stuart-Henderson and his five children - Silas, Tabitha, Alicia, twins Jean-Luc and Audrey) meet in (Tom Bristow) the lawyer's office for the reading of the will. However, they are shocked at their inheritances. DI Cara Salt, who works in a little known police department called Succession, Inheritance and Executory Department (SIE) in Glasgow. Their role is to look into wills and possession of property. Then one day, ACC Dixon calls Cara and her partner, DS Abenethy Blackstock to his office to ask them to investigate the mysterious death of Jean-Luc and to look into the Pallander's background. The story is well written and very descriptive. As I was reading the book, I felt a sense of urgency and a few nail biting moments where I wanted to scream "No"! It was unputdownable and I read the book in one day. All the sub plots were brought together to a climatic ending! I highly recommend this book.1 Lesley McLean200 6

The Estate by Denzil Meyrick - out in the UK 9 May 24

Billionaire Sebastian Pallander dies suddenly and his will is full of surprises. When one of his sons dies soon after, the family are left fighting for survival. So, they gather at their Perthshire estate to brave it out. But who’s behind it all? It’s up to DI Cara Salt to protect them and find out who’s guilty.

I Denzil’s writing. There’s a wry sense of humour that runs through even the darkest moments. He’s great at describing his settings, especially the Scottish countryside.

I wasn’t as keen on a couple of passages about the evils of finance (even if I agree), I just wanted the story to keep moving, and I felt things got a bit convoluted towards the end.

But it was exciting. It had me turning those pages. I’d happily go on another adventure with Cara.

Thanks to Netgalley and Transworld for a DRC to review in my own words. Hannah177 6

After wealthy Sebastian Pallander passes he leaves behind his billion pound estate. His family are surprised and angered to have received nothing they expected. When one of the children is killed it becomes apparent that someone may be killing for the inheritance. DI Salt and DS Blackstock must work together to investigate.

This is my first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleased to read a clever, complex story with well written (although unable) characters. I enjoyed DI Salt’s character and although a standalone at the moment, can see this working as a series.

The storyline is fairly fast paced, however did slow a bit in sections, with a lot of action scenes to keep you gripped to the pages. By the end of the novel you are hit with plenty of twists and turns. Overall an entertaining read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review. zoe Hitchen389 3

Sebastian Pallander a successful multi millionaire businessman suddenly drops dead whilst being interviewed on tv , which leaves his family in turmoil but not necessarily in grief.
It seems that Sebastian wasn’t a nice man and when the will is read it becomes very apparent that he loathed his children and wife .
The family are in danger Silas the eldest son is kidnapped and Tabitha the eldest daughter and Sebastian’s second in command is also in danger escaping a fire and chased across the countryside by armed men .
DI Cara Salt is drafted in to investigate she doesn’t really know why and finds it strange she’s also got a new DS who she’s very indifferent to.
This book is a great read , at times it’s edge of the seat stuff .
There are plenty of twists and turns and I loved the ending.
A cleverly written story !
Highly recommended!
Looking forward to read more from Denzil Meyrick
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK.netgalley-arc Charlotte Moore149 5

This was such a fun, fast paced and suspensful crime thriller and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been craving some drama and tension and The Estate did not disappoint!

Once I started reading, I was so immersed in the story that I found it hard to put the book down. It had everything I love in a crime novel.. a cool and able detective, plot twists I didn't see coming, lots of action, a few humourous lines and of course my fave.. some family drama. I'd absolutely love to see this turn into a series!

The plot was so fun and entertaining and I also loved how isolated the setting was for a lot of the book, it definitely gave off dark and ominous vibes..

If you're looking for your next crime thriller book, I'd definitely recommend this one!

Thank you to bantam books for this advanced copy. Nimalee Ravi431 14

The Estate is a fast-paced thriller and kept me on the edge of the seat. We see DI Cara Salt and her new partner, DS Abernathy Blackstock, handle a major case.

Billionaire Sebastian Pallander, CEO of the hedge fund of Pallander Glossop, dies suddenly while being interviewed on TV. His death triggers more deaths in his family, and other family members become targets of a notorious group. It is up to DI Salt and her team to solve this complex case.

The case gets more complicated by the minute and is full of twists and turns. I absolutely loved Cara and Tabetha's characters. Both are strong minded and 6 exactly what they want.

This is my first read by Meyrick, and I absolutely devoured it. I am looking forward to reading more by Meyrick. I really enjoyed this cleverly written thriller and definitely recommend this book. Hannah1 review1 follower

This is the first book I’ve read by Denzil Meyrick and I’ll definitely be looking out for more of his books. This was so well-written and an exciting read and I read it so quickly!

This book has a great mix of suspense, mystery and also humour. I loved the character of DI Salt and her interactions with the other characters, particularly Blackstock and Sorley. The characters in the Pallander family are all intriguing and I enjoyed finding out more about them and unravelling their stories.

This book was fast-paced and full of action. There are also lots of twists and turns, many of which were unexpected for me and kept me turning the pages. A great read for fans of crime thrillers.

4 ??

Thank you to Bantam Books and Random Things Tours for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review. Donna260 6

The Pallender Family are very wealthy and are used to luxury. They have a massive Estate in the hills of Scotland and never want for anything. When Sebastian, the father, dies suddenly on live TV, things go from bad to worse. Sebastian's will is not what the family expected at all.

One of his sons is killed in a horrible 'accident', then another disappears...what is going on?!

DI Salt & DS Blackstone start to investigate as something is not right here. The family are being targeted by to what end. And where has all the money gone?

This is a fantastic crime thriller. You know if it's set in Scotland, I'm going to read it! The twists and suspense kept me reading. And what an ending! I hope this is the start of a series as I'd love to read more with Cara Salt. The characters were brilliant, the plot was so well done. A brilliant book! Farah G1,099 25

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