Murder at Holly House – Meet Denzil Meyrick’s Inspector Grasby!

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

‘Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la laaaaa la la la la…or is it? Maybe not so much if it’s 1952 and you die in a chimney and you’re depending on Inspector Grasby to work out what happened.

And that’s exactly the case for one poor unfortunate man whose dead body is found stuck in a chimney. Now it is up to Frank Grasby to solve the Murder at Holly House.

Like most puzzling mysteries, this is not straight forward. It is also not helpful that Grasby is somewhat of a bumbling idiot.

But before we get to the quirks of his character, let’s take a better look at what the story and plot is all about…

Murder in Elderby

The story begins with Inspector Frank Grasby being sent to the remote town of Elderby.

Grasby, who has recently faced some professional setbacks, hopes this new assignment will help redeem his reputation.

However, what starts as a simple investigation into a series of thefts quickly escalates into something far more sinister.

Upon his arrival in Elderby, Grasby is confronted with an unusual and macabre discovery: a dead stranger lodged up the chimney of Holly House.

This peculiar find sets the tone for the mystery that unfolds. Is the deceased a mere thief who met an unfortunate end, or is there a more sinister explanation for his presence in the chimney?

As Grasby begins to investigate, the plot thickens. The peaceful facade of Elderby is shattered when a second death occurs – the local doctor’s husband is found murdered.

This turn of events suggests that there might be more to the quiet village than meets the eye.

Grasby soon realizes that everyone in Elderby seems to be harboring secrets, and unraveling these mysteries becomes crucial not just for solving the murders, but potentially for the safety of the entire country.

The story takes an unexpected turn when the secret service becomes involved. So now, Grasby faces a moral dilemma: should he aid in a government cover-up, or pursue the truth at all costs?

More importantly, whatever he decides, can he actually find out what really happened at Holly House?

The Whose Who

At the heart of Murder at Holly House is Inspector Frank Grasby, a character who brings both humor and heart to the story.

Described as somewhat hapless and prone to blunders, Grasby is nevertheless endearing in his determination and strong moral compass.

In some ways you kind of have to feel sorry for him. His father is a retired vicar who pretty much hates him, he keeps messing up at work and all the while he thinks he’s amazing detective – which I’m still not convinced he actually is.

But it is his unique blend of upper-class mannerisms and down-to-earth sensibilities that do make him likeable. You might think he’s a bit daft but you do still like him.

The village of Elderby is populated with a cast of quirky and intriguing characters. There’s a police officer with narcolepsy who falls asleep during investigations, and a landlady who walks around with a large raven perched on her shoulder.

An interesting addition to the cast is a young American woman working as an intern at the local police station. Her presence as a criminology student from the USA seems somewhat out of place in 1950s rural England, hinting at a hidden agenda that is later revealed in the story.

And last but not least there’s Sergeant Elphinstone Bleakly, a veteran officer with a name as unfortunate as his medical condition, who adds to the eccentricity of the townspeople.

Overall, it’s a madcap bunch of characters that on paper shouldn’t work but somehow Denzil Meyrick manages to bring them all together in a delightful Christmas-themed story.

Does It Get The Thumbs Up?

Murder at Holly House is a fun book that is perfectly paced to keep you reading along. There are some darker elements and complex themes which are balanced out by the hapless Grasby.

Overall, it has plenty of quirky characters, humorous situations, and a clever way of incorporating political and historical elements of 1950s Britain into the plot.

For some though it might be a tad too intricate and conspiracy-oriented especially if you’re looking for a very easy read around the holidays.

That said, it is a level up from the more usual straightforward village mystery which, for me at least, was a bonus.

The Author: Denzil Meyrick

Denzil Meyrick is a Scottish author who has made a name for himself in the crime fiction genre.

Meyrick is perhaps best known for his DCI Daley series, which has achieved bestseller status. His success in the crime fiction world has led to his work being adapted for television, with Meyrick serving as an executive producer on a major TV adaptation of his books.

Originally from Campbeltown on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll, Meyrick’s Scottish roots are evident in much of his work. However, with Murder at Holly House, he demonstrates his ability to craft compelling mysteries set outside of Scotland, showcasing his versatility as an author.

The Sequel

Murder at Holly House marks a departure from Meyrick’s usual Scottish settings. It was published in 2023 and was a huge success so much so that he followed it up in 2024 with
The Christmas Stocking Murders in 2024.

It is the second Frank Grasby mystery and this time it’s just before Christmas, 1953.

Grasby and Juggers are investigating a puzzling murder in the remote village of Uthley’s Bay where a fisherman has been found dead on the beach.

Before the duo can get any help a blizzard cuts off the town and the local innkeeper is murdered.

With the villagers refusing to talk, the two detectives are left chasing false leads in the snow.

How can they solve the murder when everyone in the village is a suspect?