Nobody loves an honest man–or that was what police sergeant Hamish Macbeth tried to tell newcomer Paul English. Paul had moved to a house in Cnothan, a sour village on Hamish’s beat, where he immediately started to stir up outrage among his neighbors. Paul first attended church in Lochdubh and told the minister, Mr. Wellington, that his sermons were boring. He then told tweedy Mrs. … He then told tweedy Mrs. Wellington that she was too fat and should set a better example in these days of increasing obesity. Angela Brody was told her detective stories were pap for the masses and that she should write real literature instead. He accused Hamish of having dyed his fiery red hair. He told Jessie Currie–who compulsively repeats all the last words of her twin sister–that she needed psychiatric help.
“I speak as I find,” he bragged. A refrain of “I could kill that man,” could be heard from Lochdubh to Cnothan.
And someone did.
Now Hamish is faced with a bewildering array of suspects, this time without the services of his clumsy policeman, Charlie, who resigned from the force after one too many confrontations with Hamish’s incompetent boss, Chief Inspector Blair. But can Hamish find the killer on his own?
Charlie, who resigned from the force after one too many confrontations with Hamish’s incompetent boss, Chief Inspector Blair. But can Hamish find the killer on his own?>
Now Hamish is faced with a bewildering array of suspects, this time without the services of his clumsy policeman, Charlie, who resigned from the force after one too many confrontations with Hamish’s incompetent boss, Chief Inspector Blair. But can Hamish find the killer on his own?Charlie, who resigned from the force after one too many confrontations with Hamish’s incompetent boss, Chief Inspector Blair. But can Hamish find the killer on his own?more
I’ll admit I’m biased because I just love M.C. Beaton. She’s 100% the reason I started writing cozy mysteries. Her Agatha Raisin series is also fun, but Hamish Macbeth is my first love. I don’t think it’s hard to pick up her books out of order, but if you like to read a series from the beginning (this is Hamish #33), start out with “Death of a Gossip.”
I have read all thirty-three of the Hamish Macbeth books and I always love to visit the Scottish Highlands and the tiny village of Lochdubh, located in the northwest of Scotland. It is fun to see what is going on at Tommel Castle Hotel, and the vile village of Cnothan. Then, there is always the adventure of seeing how many side-kicks Hamish will go through – and I think this one wins with four. Sadly though, I have been disappointed in books thirty-two and thirty-three – they have become a bit dull and formulaic. I’m sure the author has written so many by now that she could almost write them in her sleep. Maybe that will change with the next book because apparently Blair will be gone and Hamish’s latest side-kick is a tall, nice looking young lady copper. If you are new to the series, you probably aren’t tired of Priscilla, Blair, Jimmy, Elspeth and even Hamish – but – if you’ve read from the first, they are probably getting a bit tiresome. I will try one more book to see what happens with the addition of Constable Dorothy McIver as Hamish’s new side-kick and also the addition of Johnny Southern because he sounds like he could be a new Blair. Hamish has also gotten Sonsie back from Ardnamurchan and it will be interesting to see how that goes.
Paul English is a retired banker who has moved to Cnothan. It doesn’t take long for him to alienate the entire population of Hamish’s territory. The man prides himself on being honest, but he is really judgmental, cruel and insulting. Is it any surprise that he turns up dead – in the bog? Not at all.
There are lots of suspects, so how will Hamish manage to track down the murderer – and not take credit for it. That is always a challenge for poor Hamish. He has a fine mind as a detective, but he doesn’t want to take credit for his solutions because he doesn’t want to be promoted out of his beloved village. As Hamish digs deeper, he finds there is more to some of the relationships in the area than you’d suspect.
Hamish is a very busy man – people are dying and being injured right and left and he has to solve the case and keep Blair off his back. When the solution finally presents itself, you’ll be surprised at how the end happens.
M. C. Beaton writes well, plots well and creates interesting characters. Her books are very, very busy though and sometimes you have to work a little to keep all of the side stories straight.
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Love all of M C Beaton’s books.
You can’t go wrong with a Hamish Macbeth mystery by M.C. Beaton. Each one is entertaining and impossible to figure out who dunnit.
Absolutely love Hamish Macbeth stories!
Well, I have read the entire series so far, I have truly enjoyed the mystery, mayhem and humor in each book. Trying to guess the murderer is quite a challenge. The descriptive atmosphere and scenery in each book is just wonderful. This is by far my favorite series & look forward to more.
Hamish, there’s a Fairy and she’s seen more than she ought!
February 10, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Classic Hamish Macbeth, more interested in deflecting the limelight and hanging out on his rural beat with his pets than romance. I enjoyed the read but found Hamish’s revolving door of new assistants a bit disappointing. I barely got to know one when the next one took his place. There’s a good measure of Scottish superstition and otherworldly menace woven throughout this tale of an unlikable, greedy man’s murder and the odd injured wildcat which Hamish insists is his beloved pet Scottish wildcat Sonsie that he reluctantly released back into the wild in a previous book in the series. Best new character in my mind was little Fairy MacSporran, the wee girl who gets around and sees too much. Most annoying and overplayed characters — Blair, Hamish’s nemesis, and Jimmy, the whiskey-mooching colleague from Strathbane.
Some may find the police work plodding and repetitive, but I like that part of the story because I would guess it’s realistic. Hamish’s radical departures from standard (legal) police procedure are not so realistic but they do add a twist and usually more than a bit of irony to the way he deals with crime on his rural “patch.” Since I love books set in the Scottish Highlands, this series is a reliable go-to for me.
I love Hamish Mc Beth!
An entertaining, light, read, as are all the books in this series.
M.C. Beaton always writes an entertaining mystery. Not to be missed if you like a good cozy mystery.
As, usual, another M.C. Beaton literary winner!
A fun, entertaining, easy-to-read book. Hamish McBeth is an engaging character.
Always enjoy this author. Have read most of her work.
Love Hamish McBeth!!
Always enjoy books by MC. Eventually I will read them all. The more you read the more you become attached and interested in the characters.
I have read (I think) all of the Hamish McBeth books (as well of the Agatha Raisin series) & I love them all. If you like one, you’ll love them all!
A little long in ending it, but interesting characters, well plotted mystery, an asset to the series.
I love the Hamish MacBeth series and this was no exception. The only thing that bothered me about this one was too many characters, mother and daughter, that seemed suspicious yet seemed to disappear with a flimsy excuse. Other than that it was business as usual for Hamish and the other police officers and detectives. Very interesting plot.
Love Hamish MacBeth and Agatha Raisin series. All are 5 star to me.
Charming