Overview

In The Estate, Denzil Meyrick drops us into a remote west coast community where land, money, and long memories shape everything that happens. The novel centres on a large rural estate that dominates the local economy and social order. When suspicious events begin to surface, it becomes clear that the estate is hiding more than just family history. As the investigation unfolds, old grudges, buried crimes, and quiet deals come into the open, showing how deeply power runs through this small town.

Writing & Atmosphere

We found Meyrick’s writing direct and sharp, with a strong sense of control over pace and tension. The landscape plays a major role, from rain soaked roads to isolated houses pressed up against lochs and hills. There is a steady feeling of unease throughout, balanced by dry humour that cuts through the darkness without softening it. The mood is heavy but never dull, and the setting feels lived in rather than romanticised.

Characters

The characters are messy, believable, and often morally compromised. The central investigator is tired, observant, and far from heroic, which suits the story well. Around him, estate staff, local families, and wealthy landowners all have something to protect. We enjoyed how no one feels entirely innocent, and how small choices made years earlier ripple forward into real consequences.

Themes

At its core, The Estate is about power and who gets to keep it. The book looks closely at class divides in rural Scotland and how silence can protect wrongdoing for generations. Land ownership, loyalty, and fear all play a role, with the estate acting as both a physical place and a symbol of control. There is also a strong sense of loss running through the novel, especially around communities hollowed out by money and secrecy.

What Worked

• Strong sense of place: the west coast setting feels real and grounded.
• Credible characters: flawed people making difficult choices.
• Controlled tension: the story builds without relying on shock.
• Dark humour: sharp lines that relieve, rather than break, the mood.

Minor Quibbles

• The middle section slows as the investigation digs into background detail.
• Some readers may want a little more time with certain side characters.

Final Thoughts

We found The Estate to be a confident and thoughtful piece of Scottish crime fiction. It is tense without being flashy, and it trusts character and setting to do the heavy lifting.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)