Daymouth

Daymouth by Malcolm Mackley This novel will become a must-read for anyone staying (or living) in the Salcombe area. It is no secret that Daymouth is the author's name for this popular resort in South Devon. There is plenty of local background information woven into the story of drug running and migrant smuggling. If you are staying in Salcombe you can most likely see the places you are reading about as you look across the estuary (actually a ria). The social scene plays a large part for Adam Ranworth, the rich trader from London who buys a property on the beach facing the town. (Coincidentally, I was staying in this house when I read the book!) There is a wealth of characters, both local and incomers and a variety of interactions between them. He gets involved in the pros and cons of a projected local development. The local police value his contributions to helping solve the crimes. The problems of holiday towns in Cornwall and Devon become part of the story, in particular the lack of employment for young local residents during the winter low season when few tourists visit the many holiday cottages. The lifeboat scenes are well visualised. Sailing, parish council planning, lifeboat rescues, millionaires' parties, and a finale in Monaco all play a part in a well-constructed plot. This book is the ideal solution when heavy wind-driven rain chases you off the beach. It does occasionally rain in Salcombe. Reviewed by John Spivey 14 March 202

I loved this book. A rattling storyline with great characters in a familiar but fictional seaside town. Couldn't put it down once I'd started. If you've ever been on holiday in South Devon it's a must-read. If you haven't been on holiday in South Devon it's still a must read. Life, death, romance and intrigue all abound in a brilliant novel. Highly recommend particularly for the beach!

Daymouth is a fast-paced thriller following the adventures of Down From Londoner Adam Ranworth in the superficially idyllic Devon coastal town of Daymouth. Seeking a change after a successful financial career in the City, Adam is quickly drawn into the hectic social life of the town. But Daymouth is not entirely what it seems, and he is eventually caught up in the dark side of county lines drugs and people-smuggling, where he becomes a key player in tracking down and exposing the local villains. The action switches from Daymouth to the even more glamorous setting of Monaco as the story moves towards its satisfying denouement; Adam helps trap the criminals, and finds a satisfying new life in a local business venture with an ally in his recent struggles. Nautical activities, in both yachts and lifeboats,are described with a very authentic feel, and will appeal to sailors of all types. This tightly-plotted story will have you turning the pages eagerly. I suspect we haven't heard the last of Adam Ranworth.