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Hamish Macbeth #38
Death of a Groom
THE BRAND NEW MYSTERY IN THE BESTSELLING HAMISH MACBETH SERIES!
It is February and the Scottish Highlands village of Lochdubh has been turned into a winter wonderland by an unexpected snowstorm.
Sergeant Hamish Macbeth has his work cut out trying to keep the roads in the village open - something that is made all the more difficult when an influx of outsiders arrive in Lochdubh for a high-society wedding.
The wedding is taking place at Tommel Castle Hotel on Valentine's Day and it promises to be one of the most extravagant events the village has ever seen. The bride is the daughter of Colonel George Halburton-Smythe, the hotel's owner.
But on the night of the wedding - just when the ceilidh dancing is getting started - the groom is found dead in the dining room, with the cake-cutting sword plunged into his chest.
Hamish suddenly has a murder investigation on his hands - and one with a very long list of suspects. Access to the village is shut down, so that no one can leave until the case is closed.
But with the rumour mill at Lochdubh in overdrive and multiple theories abound, can Hamish separate fact from fiction in order to catch the killer?
It is February and the Scottish Highlands village of Lochdubh has been turned into a winter wonderland by an unexpected snowstorm.
Sergeant Hamish Macbeth has his work cut out trying to keep the roads in the village open - something that is made all the more difficult when an influx of outsiders arrive in Lochdubh for a high-society wedding.
The wedding is taking place at Tommel Castle Hotel on Valentine's Day and it promises to be one of the most extravagant events the village has ever seen. The bride is the daughter of Colonel George Halburton-Smythe, the hotel's owner.
But on the night of the wedding - just when the ceilidh dancing is getting started - the groom is found dead in the dining room, with the cake-cutting sword plunged into his chest.
Hamish suddenly has a murder investigation on his hands - and one with a very long list of suspects. Access to the village is shut down, so that no one can leave until the case is closed.
But with the rumour mill at Lochdubh in overdrive and multiple theories abound, can Hamish separate fact from fiction in order to catch the killer?
368 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2026
About the author
M.C. Beaton
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Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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February 25, 2026
Hamish and the Wedding Party
A review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook (February 10, 2026) narrated by David Monteath and released simultaneously with the hardcover/eBook.
R.W. Green continues on a steady course with his continuation series of M.C. Beaton's (pseudonym of Marion Chesney (1936-2019)) cozy series centering on the policeman Hamish Macbeth in the fictional village of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands. Although 40+ years have passed since the series began in 1985, Hamish remains eternally young and the other characters (including faithful pets Sonsie and Lugs) also do not age.
This is another case of incomers invading Lochdubh with resulting murders that Hamish has to solve with the assistance of the village regulars such as the seer Angus Macdonald and the gossiping Currie sisters. This time it is a wedding party that has taken over the local Tommel Castle Hotel. The suspects are plenty as it turns out that the groom has not well loved.
This one doesn't move the characters too much further along, but it is a good sign that the gradual evolution that Green brought to the series is maintained. Thankfully, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe is not as nasty as in the last outing. Detective Inspector Jimmy Anderson maintains his sobriety. Even better, the tiresome antics of nemesis Detective Chief Inspector Blair do not even appear. All making this a reliable cozy continuation. It is maybe a 3-star in terms of plot (i.e. it is the usual stuff), but I'm bumping to a 4-star thanks to those little tweaks of the characters.
The narration by now series regular narrator David Monteath was excellent as always. Monteath has replaced the previous series regular narrator Graeme Malcolm (1951-2023).
Trivia and Links
As was the case with the previous book in the series Death of a Smuggler (Hamish Macbeth #37 - 2025) the only international translation to date of Death of a Groom (as of February 2026) is in my heritage language of Estonian as Peigmehe surm (2026). Estonians must be big fans of Hamish 💙🖤🤍as the translation release was almost simultaneous with the original English.
The next R.W. Green continuation book of an M.C. Beaton series will be Agatha Raisin: Dead Before Teatime (Agatha Raisin #37 - expected publication date October 1, 2026).
A review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook (February 10, 2026) narrated by David Monteath and released simultaneously with the hardcover/eBook.
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
The Man's the gowd for a' that. - Robert Burns, excerpt from A Man's a Man for a' That (1795)
R.W. Green continues on a steady course with his continuation series of M.C. Beaton's (pseudonym of Marion Chesney (1936-2019)) cozy series centering on the policeman Hamish Macbeth in the fictional village of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands. Although 40+ years have passed since the series began in 1985, Hamish remains eternally young and the other characters (including faithful pets Sonsie and Lugs) also do not age.
This is another case of incomers invading Lochdubh with resulting murders that Hamish has to solve with the assistance of the village regulars such as the seer Angus Macdonald and the gossiping Currie sisters. This time it is a wedding party that has taken over the local Tommel Castle Hotel. The suspects are plenty as it turns out that the groom has not well loved.
This one doesn't move the characters too much further along, but it is a good sign that the gradual evolution that Green brought to the series is maintained. Thankfully, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe is not as nasty as in the last outing. Detective Inspector Jimmy Anderson maintains his sobriety. Even better, the tiresome antics of nemesis Detective Chief Inspector Blair do not even appear. All making this a reliable cozy continuation. It is maybe a 3-star in terms of plot (i.e. it is the usual stuff), but I'm bumping to a 4-star thanks to those little tweaks of the characters.
The narration by now series regular narrator David Monteath was excellent as always. Monteath has replaced the previous series regular narrator Graeme Malcolm (1951-2023).
Trivia and Links
As was the case with the previous book in the series Death of a Smuggler (Hamish Macbeth #37 - 2025) the only international translation to date of Death of a Groom (as of February 2026) is in my heritage language of Estonian as Peigmehe surm (2026). Estonians must be big fans of Hamish 💙🖤🤍as the translation release was almost simultaneous with the original English.
The next R.W. Green continuation book of an M.C. Beaton series will be Agatha Raisin: Dead Before Teatime (Agatha Raisin #37 - expected publication date October 1, 2026).
April 2, 2026
Hamish is still Hamish, Lochdubh is still Lochdubh
When M.C. Beaton, died, I was afraid that we’d lost Hamish Macbeth forever. I knew she had found someone to continue writing the series, but I was concerned that overtime the new author would change things. He hasn’t. This is one of the few series that’s continued after the original author’s death that is carries on in the same tradition. That is so important with this series. This is a true Hamish Macbeth mystery, it is fun to read, and fun to follow, and I am so pleased that I am able to continue my relationship with Hamish.. The story is nicely twisty and ends well.
When M.C. Beaton, died, I was afraid that we’d lost Hamish Macbeth forever. I knew she had found someone to continue writing the series, but I was concerned that overtime the new author would change things. He hasn’t. This is one of the few series that’s continued after the original author’s death that is carries on in the same tradition. That is so important with this series. This is a true Hamish Macbeth mystery, it is fun to read, and fun to follow, and I am so pleased that I am able to continue my relationship with Hamish.. The story is nicely twisty and ends well.
February 26, 2026
Finding out there was a new Death of a Groom in the Hamish Macbeth series felt like discovering an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. Unexpected. Glorious. Emotionally stabilizing. I genuinely had no idea this book was out and suddenly my week went from “why is it still February” to “cancel my plans, I’m going back to Lochdubh.”
We open on Lochdubh buried under snow like the Highlands decided to cosplay as The Day After Tomorrow. It is freezing, it is bleak, and into this winter wonderland waltzes a high society Valentine’s Day wedding at the Tommel Castle Hotel. Because nothing says romance like being trapped in a blizzard with people who brought their own cutlery to judge the fish course.
And then. The guest list. Hamish is already allergic to fuss and fancy nonsense, and now he has not one but two women from his romantic past descending on the village. Two. In a snowstorm. At a wedding. If that isn’t a Scottish curse, I do not know what is. Watching Hamish try to maintain his usual lanky, deceptively lazy composure while internally screaming was honestly one of the book’s quiet delights. He will solve a murder before he willingly processes his feelings.
The groom, Darius Palmerston, swans in with that “I think I’m charming” energy that immediately makes you clutch your metaphorical pearls. He manages to irritate the locals in record time, including incidents at the pub that have the whole village side eyeing him. Lochdubh does not like outsiders on a good day. An arrogant groom in a snowstorm? Absolutely not. Tensions simmer, villagers bristle, wedding guests clutch their designer coats, and then after the lavish ceremony… a body turns up in the hotel dining room. And not in a subtle way. We are talking dramatic, medieval levels of murder. A sword. At a wedding reception. Shakespeare is somewhere slow clapping.
The snow conveniently locks everyone in, turning the castle hotel into a very polite, very Scottish version of Knives Out. Hamish is suddenly juggling a massive suspect list that includes snooty guests, offended townsfolk, and people with secrets marinating under their formalwear. There is something deliciously claustrophobic about the setup. No one can leave. Everyone is side eyeing each other over shortbread. The vibes are immaculate.
What I continue to love about this series, and what Death of a Groom absolutely understands, is that the mystery is only half the fun. The real treat is revisiting Lochdubh itself. Archie with her ominous warning that a death is coming. The Currie sisters doing what they do best, which is meddling with enthusiasm. Jimmy and Daviot hovering in the background. And Hamish, still stubbornly unambitious, still sharper than everyone gives him credit for, still pretending he is not emotionally affected by the romantic chaos orbiting him. He has grown softer around the edges over the series, more willing to work alongside others instead of brooding solo, but he is still our messy, intuitive Highland detective.
Is this the twistiest entry ever? No. I clocked a few things early, and the mystery feels more cozy than earth shattering. But honestly, that is part of the charm. This series is comfort food. It is a peat fire and a cup of tea and Hamish quietly outsmarting everyone while acting like he just happened to notice something. Even when it is not the strongest plot in the lineup, it is still wildly comforting to spend a few hours in this snowy, gossip fueled little village.
And can we talk about the emotional undercurrent for a second? Because beneath the sword and the suspects, there is always that gentle ache in Hamish’s romantic life. The man keeps almost getting what he wants and then politely stepping aside. Watching him navigate ex fiancées at a wedding dedicated to eternal love while investigating a corpse is the kind of tragicomic poetry this series does so well. He deserves happiness. He will absolutely not go chase it directly. We respect and are exhausted by him in equal measure.
By the end, I closed the book feeling like I had just visited old friends who happen to occasionally trip over dead bodies. It is not revolutionary. It is not reinventing the cozy mystery wheel. But it is warm, witty, snow dusted fun with just enough bite to keep you flipping pages.
Four stars. Happily. No notes. I am just grateful Lochdubh is still open for business and Hamish is still pretending he is not the smartest man in the room.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Valentine’s Wedding into a Medieval Crime Scene and Somehow Making It Feel Cozy
We open on Lochdubh buried under snow like the Highlands decided to cosplay as The Day After Tomorrow. It is freezing, it is bleak, and into this winter wonderland waltzes a high society Valentine’s Day wedding at the Tommel Castle Hotel. Because nothing says romance like being trapped in a blizzard with people who brought their own cutlery to judge the fish course.
And then. The guest list. Hamish is already allergic to fuss and fancy nonsense, and now he has not one but two women from his romantic past descending on the village. Two. In a snowstorm. At a wedding. If that isn’t a Scottish curse, I do not know what is. Watching Hamish try to maintain his usual lanky, deceptively lazy composure while internally screaming was honestly one of the book’s quiet delights. He will solve a murder before he willingly processes his feelings.
The groom, Darius Palmerston, swans in with that “I think I’m charming” energy that immediately makes you clutch your metaphorical pearls. He manages to irritate the locals in record time, including incidents at the pub that have the whole village side eyeing him. Lochdubh does not like outsiders on a good day. An arrogant groom in a snowstorm? Absolutely not. Tensions simmer, villagers bristle, wedding guests clutch their designer coats, and then after the lavish ceremony… a body turns up in the hotel dining room. And not in a subtle way. We are talking dramatic, medieval levels of murder. A sword. At a wedding reception. Shakespeare is somewhere slow clapping.
The snow conveniently locks everyone in, turning the castle hotel into a very polite, very Scottish version of Knives Out. Hamish is suddenly juggling a massive suspect list that includes snooty guests, offended townsfolk, and people with secrets marinating under their formalwear. There is something deliciously claustrophobic about the setup. No one can leave. Everyone is side eyeing each other over shortbread. The vibes are immaculate.
What I continue to love about this series, and what Death of a Groom absolutely understands, is that the mystery is only half the fun. The real treat is revisiting Lochdubh itself. Archie with her ominous warning that a death is coming. The Currie sisters doing what they do best, which is meddling with enthusiasm. Jimmy and Daviot hovering in the background. And Hamish, still stubbornly unambitious, still sharper than everyone gives him credit for, still pretending he is not emotionally affected by the romantic chaos orbiting him. He has grown softer around the edges over the series, more willing to work alongside others instead of brooding solo, but he is still our messy, intuitive Highland detective.
Is this the twistiest entry ever? No. I clocked a few things early, and the mystery feels more cozy than earth shattering. But honestly, that is part of the charm. This series is comfort food. It is a peat fire and a cup of tea and Hamish quietly outsmarting everyone while acting like he just happened to notice something. Even when it is not the strongest plot in the lineup, it is still wildly comforting to spend a few hours in this snowy, gossip fueled little village.
And can we talk about the emotional undercurrent for a second? Because beneath the sword and the suspects, there is always that gentle ache in Hamish’s romantic life. The man keeps almost getting what he wants and then politely stepping aside. Watching him navigate ex fiancées at a wedding dedicated to eternal love while investigating a corpse is the kind of tragicomic poetry this series does so well. He deserves happiness. He will absolutely not go chase it directly. We respect and are exhausted by him in equal measure.
By the end, I closed the book feeling like I had just visited old friends who happen to occasionally trip over dead bodies. It is not revolutionary. It is not reinventing the cozy mystery wheel. But it is warm, witty, snow dusted fun with just enough bite to keep you flipping pages.
Four stars. Happily. No notes. I am just grateful Lochdubh is still open for business and Hamish is still pretending he is not the smartest man in the room.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Valentine’s Wedding into a Medieval Crime Scene and Somehow Making It Feel Cozy
March 12, 2026
3.5 stars
I've said it before and I am happy to keep saying it: MC Beaton would have been proud. Really great book with all the best elements are part of the book, including the twin sisters :)
Great read!! Loved it and and can't wait for the next one.
I've said it before and I am happy to keep saying it: MC Beaton would have been proud. Really great book with all the best elements are part of the book, including the twin sisters :)
Great read!! Loved it and and can't wait for the next one.
March 4, 2026
What a let down!
I so look forward to Hamish and company interacting with each other to enhance the local color, plot line and fun that enhances the narrative and enjoyment.
Instead we get a bland colorless story that has been written by hundreds of authors time and time again. There is no local color and a bland group of characters with very little redeeming value.
IMO this plot is simply fulfilling a contract and 'let's get this story over with'.
I most probably won't buy another book in this series unless it's highly discounted.
I so look forward to Hamish and company interacting with each other to enhance the local color, plot line and fun that enhances the narrative and enjoyment.
Instead we get a bland colorless story that has been written by hundreds of authors time and time again. There is no local color and a bland group of characters with very little redeeming value.
IMO this plot is simply fulfilling a contract and 'let's get this story over with'.
I most probably won't buy another book in this series unless it's highly discounted.
March 26, 2026
M.C.Beaton (Marion Chesney) published her first novel in 1979 and until her death in 2019, published 33 novels featuring Sergeant Hamish Macbeth, one novella, and one short story. Since her death, several more have been published with her collaborator and good friend, R.W.Green. All that is to say, “Death of a Groom,” published in 2026, is my first foray into this prolific writer. Deep in the Scottish Highlands, in the middle of an isolating snow storm and freezing temperatures, a wedding takes place at the Tommel Castle Hotel on Valentine’s Day weekend. Hamish is responsible for maintaining the guests’ safety as they arrive and settle in, and one of the things that entertained me is that he apparently has a long list of fiancees in his background, several of whom were in attendance at the wedding. He is a skillful investigator, well loved in his small village, and has a reputation for doing things his own way.
The bridegroom was a reprehensible sort, brutally murdered with few grieving, followed by the murder of a beloved bridesmaid, leaving many saddened. The investigation was hampered by weather and arrogance with complex story threads pointing to any number of characters. Making the novel more appealing was local lore and culture embedded within the novel. I looked up unfamiliar words several times and listened to bagpipes playing “Highland Wedding,” settled comfortably in the cozy pub, listening to the townspeople, safe from the elements and murder.
The bridegroom was a reprehensible sort, brutally murdered with few grieving, followed by the murder of a beloved bridesmaid, leaving many saddened. The investigation was hampered by weather and arrogance with complex story threads pointing to any number of characters. Making the novel more appealing was local lore and culture embedded within the novel. I looked up unfamiliar words several times and listened to bagpipes playing “Highland Wedding,” settled comfortably in the cozy pub, listening to the townspeople, safe from the elements and murder.
March 14, 2026
If you're craving a fun cozy set in the North of Scotland with several scenes of laugh-out-loud dialogue, this is for you. Hamish Macbeth is saddled with multiple murders amidst a wedding party of entitled characters during a blizzard making his investigation more complicated with each turn of the page.
Beaton is a master of inserting zany characters in small spurts that catch you off guard, which only serves to increase the reading fun. Coupled with a reasonable , nicely paced plot, the book is near perfect.
Beaton is a master of inserting zany characters in small spurts that catch you off guard, which only serves to increase the reading fun. Coupled with a reasonable , nicely paced plot, the book is near perfect.
March 12, 2026
This is one of my favorite Hamish McBeth stories, for sure! I love a locked room style mystery, and this was a fast, fun read.
April 17, 2026
Love this series!
February 26, 2026
Scottish?
Would prefer the book available in English. Too many Scottish words and forced accents that take away both meaning and flow.
Would prefer the book available in English. Too many Scottish words and forced accents that take away both meaning and flow.
April 8, 2026
I miss MC Beaton!
April 19, 2026
M.C. Beaton passed away in 2019; at the time of her passing, she bequeathed her characters to R.W. Green, hoping the stories of her two primary protagonists would continued to be shared with her myriad of fans. In this book, Mr. Green has fully assumed the mantle as the storyteller of the adventures of one of Ms. Beaton’s most beloved characters - Hamish MacBeth.
The book has fully captured the wit and charm of the original stories spun by M.C. Beaton. Her characters continue to stay true to form and interact throughout the narrative as her readers have come to expect. The setting of Lochdubh and the Scottish highlands is still handled with the empathy that Ms. Beaton obviously felt for the locale. The telling of the tale still abides by all the rules and expectations of a good Cozy murder mystery, even going so far as to returning, in many ways, to a classic “locked room” murder mystery.
Yet, in this story, it also feels as if Mr. Green has finally married his style with that of Ms. Beaton’s and made the series his own. First, he has brought the series into the 21st century, with the reference to and significance of helicopters, iPads, mobile phones, forensics, etc. to the resolution of the murder. Next, the characters feel like individuals you could pass on today’s streets; some of the first books in the series seemed as if the setting was mired in the 1970’s. Finally, Ms. Beaton’s prose could come across as whimsical or almost spoofing the subject matter, in order to introduce the comic element to her tales. Whereas, Mr. Green crafts his wording with more precision and treats the telling of the story with more reverence. This doesn’t mean the story is any less lighthearted in parts; it just seems to be executed more professionally.
In Death of a Groom, R.W. Green breathes life into a favourite series that felt like it was going stale or had run its course. I find myself looking forward to Hamish MacBeth’s next adventure to see if this evolution will continue.
The book has fully captured the wit and charm of the original stories spun by M.C. Beaton. Her characters continue to stay true to form and interact throughout the narrative as her readers have come to expect. The setting of Lochdubh and the Scottish highlands is still handled with the empathy that Ms. Beaton obviously felt for the locale. The telling of the tale still abides by all the rules and expectations of a good Cozy murder mystery, even going so far as to returning, in many ways, to a classic “locked room” murder mystery.
Yet, in this story, it also feels as if Mr. Green has finally married his style with that of Ms. Beaton’s and made the series his own. First, he has brought the series into the 21st century, with the reference to and significance of helicopters, iPads, mobile phones, forensics, etc. to the resolution of the murder. Next, the characters feel like individuals you could pass on today’s streets; some of the first books in the series seemed as if the setting was mired in the 1970’s. Finally, Ms. Beaton’s prose could come across as whimsical or almost spoofing the subject matter, in order to introduce the comic element to her tales. Whereas, Mr. Green crafts his wording with more precision and treats the telling of the story with more reverence. This doesn’t mean the story is any less lighthearted in parts; it just seems to be executed more professionally.
In Death of a Groom, R.W. Green breathes life into a favourite series that felt like it was going stale or had run its course. I find myself looking forward to Hamish MacBeth’s next adventure to see if this evolution will continue.
February 6, 2026
This is the 38th book in the Hamish Macbeth series created by the late-M. C. Beaton and the 6th book "written with" R. W. Green.
In this outing, a Valentine's Day wedding at Tommel Castle Hotel coincides with a major snow storm, which essentially shuts down travel to and from Lochdubh until the roads can be cleared.
At the wedding reception, the bride discovers her new husband's body, run through with a sword. Hamish's list of suspects includes not only the wedding party and guests but also some townspeople, whom the groom has rubbed the wrong way.
Although this wasn't the strongest book in the cozy mystery series, I was still happy to have visited Lochdubh and to have seen how Hamish dealt with not only his new girlfriend but also two of his past fiancees! Good fun and a great way to pass a few hours.
The audiobook was performed by David Monteath, who took over from the late Graeme Malcolm. Though Monteath puts his own spin on the characters, he does a decent job. I just need to get over myself -- I loved Malcolm's characterizations. Monteath held my attention and kept the story moving forward. I really have no complaints.
Thanks to Hachette Audio for the review copy.
In this outing, a Valentine's Day wedding at Tommel Castle Hotel coincides with a major snow storm, which essentially shuts down travel to and from Lochdubh until the roads can be cleared.
At the wedding reception, the bride discovers her new husband's body, run through with a sword. Hamish's list of suspects includes not only the wedding party and guests but also some townspeople, whom the groom has rubbed the wrong way.
Although this wasn't the strongest book in the cozy mystery series, I was still happy to have visited Lochdubh and to have seen how Hamish dealt with not only his new girlfriend but also two of his past fiancees! Good fun and a great way to pass a few hours.
The audiobook was performed by David Monteath, who took over from the late Graeme Malcolm. Though Monteath puts his own spin on the characters, he does a decent job. I just need to get over myself -- I loved Malcolm's characterizations. Monteath held my attention and kept the story moving forward. I really have no complaints.
Thanks to Hachette Audio for the review copy.
February 15, 2026
Return to Lockdubh to visit Hamish as he solves a tricky murderous wedding over Valentine’s Day weekend at the Tommel Castle Hotel. You’ll get to see the seer, Archie, the doc, the Currie sisters, Priscilla, Elsbeth, Jimmy, Daviot, plus the two previous constables now employed at the castle, and a whole castle-full of wedding guests.
It’s a fast-paced weekend when murder changes the wedding guests’ lives. Hamish and the hotel staff have to work fast to keep everyone in place as they try to figure out whodunit, while a snow blizzard keeps them stranded.
While I miss MC Beaton style and tone, the author has kept all the primary characters’ personalities and allowed them to shift with the storyline. Indeed Hamish is less of an independent maverick, working more harmonious with Jimmy and others. Hamish has a live in constable at the station that wasn’t immediately written out of policing, and Hamish has a love interest.
If you’re starting with these later books, there’s lots to love about these quick cozy mysteries. If you’ve devoured them all (maybe more than once like me) from the beginning, you will still love a quick visit to Lockdubh.
It’s a fast-paced weekend when murder changes the wedding guests’ lives. Hamish and the hotel staff have to work fast to keep everyone in place as they try to figure out whodunit, while a snow blizzard keeps them stranded.
While I miss MC Beaton style and tone, the author has kept all the primary characters’ personalities and allowed them to shift with the storyline. Indeed Hamish is less of an independent maverick, working more harmonious with Jimmy and others. Hamish has a live in constable at the station that wasn’t immediately written out of policing, and Hamish has a love interest.
If you’re starting with these later books, there’s lots to love about these quick cozy mysteries. If you’ve devoured them all (maybe more than once like me) from the beginning, you will still love a quick visit to Lockdubh.
April 21, 2026
#38 of Hamish MacBeth series.
It was good.
Sergeant MacBeth is invited to attend a wedding at Tommel Castle owned by Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, his ex-fiancée and friend to the bride and groom.
An hour after the wedding, the groom is found dead and another victim in the morning.
All the guests are tangled in complicated relationships with many possible motives.
Hamish and his policemen interview all pertinent guests
weeding through feelings, complicated relationships and alibis!
As in all Hamish adventures, he has uncanny skills to nab the suspect before they escape.
I liked it especially since I have been waiting for a new Hamish novel. I did not read #37 as I just could not get into it. But I have read about 20 or so including Death of a Green Eyed Monster from 2022 as one of my favorites.
Can’t wait for the next novel. R W Green has managed to keep Hamish as MC Beaton
wrote him and Hamish is not done policing in Lochdubh, Scotland. .
It was good.
Sergeant MacBeth is invited to attend a wedding at Tommel Castle owned by Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, his ex-fiancée and friend to the bride and groom.
An hour after the wedding, the groom is found dead and another victim in the morning.
All the guests are tangled in complicated relationships with many possible motives.
Hamish and his policemen interview all pertinent guests
weeding through feelings, complicated relationships and alibis!
As in all Hamish adventures, he has uncanny skills to nab the suspect before they escape.
I liked it especially since I have been waiting for a new Hamish novel. I did not read #37 as I just could not get into it. But I have read about 20 or so including Death of a Green Eyed Monster from 2022 as one of my favorites.
Can’t wait for the next novel. R W Green has managed to keep Hamish as MC Beaton
wrote him and Hamish is not done policing in Lochdubh, Scotland. .
March 9, 2026
I so enjoy the Hamish Macbeth mysteries. This time the village of Lochdubh is dealing with heavy snow and freezing temps and an influx of society visitors for a Valentine's Day wedding. Sergeant Macbeth can handle the weather but finding the obnoxious groom murdered, in the Tommel Castle hotel's dining room, shortly after the ceremony is a bit much. With both Priscilla and Elspeth, two ex girlfriends and his usual roster of village eccentrics and ex constables and the hotel and town on lock down because of the murder and the weather, we have a very good mystery on our hands.
Every time I return to the scenic Scottish village and our beloved cast of characters, I can count on a satisfying visit. I am very happy with the job that R.W. Green is doing in continuing this delightful series.
Every time I return to the scenic Scottish village and our beloved cast of characters, I can count on a satisfying visit. I am very happy with the job that R.W. Green is doing in continuing this delightful series.
May 11, 2026
Good plot with hints of sinister behaviors from the wedding guests, and heavy interaction with old friends like Silas, Freddy, Elspeth. Even normally frigid Priscilla was more human.
I liked that Hamish showed control. Thankfully Daviot was put on ice, so to speak, so Hamish could run the investigation his way. He used Jimmy's and his team as helpers more than show runners. This episode seemed more police procedural than some previous stories. Hamish would have gotten nowhere without his trusty friends Silas and Freddy, former constables, and Elspeth. But we knew them from past stories, so it felt plausible. Grateful that that miserable wretch, Inspector Blair, didn't surface at all.
Nice to see the Currie twins and the seer from town, but for better or worse, most of the characters were the guests. Realistically, how much crime can a tiny place like Lochdubh absorb?
I liked that Hamish showed control. Thankfully Daviot was put on ice, so to speak, so Hamish could run the investigation his way. He used Jimmy's and his team as helpers more than show runners. This episode seemed more police procedural than some previous stories. Hamish would have gotten nowhere without his trusty friends Silas and Freddy, former constables, and Elspeth. But we knew them from past stories, so it felt plausible. Grateful that that miserable wretch, Inspector Blair, didn't surface at all.
Nice to see the Currie twins and the seer from town, but for better or worse, most of the characters were the guests. Realistically, how much crime can a tiny place like Lochdubh absorb?
March 8, 2026
Another enjoyable Hamish Macbeth tale (but I've decided not to give my "brain candy" books 5 stars anymore).
I will note that this is the first one I thought didn't quite have the same feel to it as those fully written by M.C. Beaton. I think it's some of the language/wording/phrasing R.W. Green uses and some of it is how forced the appearance of a few Lochdubh regulars feels (Lugs & Sonsie, the Currie sisters).
In this one, there is to be a fancy schmancy wedding at the Tommel Castle Hotel. Per the title, the groom ends up dead (not a spoiler!). The groom was an unpleasant man to those he considered "beneath" him, so there is no shortage of suspects. Add in a heavy snowstorm, a case of appendicitis for Inspector Daviot and there's the plot for this little story.
I will note that this is the first one I thought didn't quite have the same feel to it as those fully written by M.C. Beaton. I think it's some of the language/wording/phrasing R.W. Green uses and some of it is how forced the appearance of a few Lochdubh regulars feels (Lugs & Sonsie, the Currie sisters).
In this one, there is to be a fancy schmancy wedding at the Tommel Castle Hotel. Per the title, the groom ends up dead (not a spoiler!). The groom was an unpleasant man to those he considered "beneath" him, so there is no shortage of suspects. Add in a heavy snowstorm, a case of appendicitis for Inspector Daviot and there's the plot for this little story.
March 14, 2026
There's way too much telling and talking rather than showing.
I really miss M.C. Beaton's writing, and her emphasis on the multidimensional residents of Sutherland. Even the characters involved in this murder plot are one-note stereotypes rather than interesting people like they were in Beaton's novels. I miss Hamish's neighbors and pets being a daily part of his life, too. It might be a good idea for R.W. Green to read and review her approach and style, not to mention the actual history of the main character.
It's just sad to hear things like Hamish saying he's not one for dancing when in past books he does dance at parties and wakes with the rest of the town. That's just one example.
I really miss M.C. Beaton's writing, and her emphasis on the multidimensional residents of Sutherland. Even the characters involved in this murder plot are one-note stereotypes rather than interesting people like they were in Beaton's novels. I miss Hamish's neighbors and pets being a daily part of his life, too. It might be a good idea for R.W. Green to read and review her approach and style, not to mention the actual history of the main character.
It's just sad to hear things like Hamish saying he's not one for dancing when in past books he does dance at parties and wakes with the rest of the town. That's just one example.
March 26, 2026
Always love a good mystery with Hamish & Co. in the beautiful Scottish countryside! In this 38th installment of solving the death of a groom on his wedding day we were buried in snow and surrounded by the wealthy who could be rude and acting in an uncalled for way towards the villagers which certainly will not do! I've been reading these lovely books based on Hamish Macbeth ever since getting hooked on the vintage television series put on by the BBC and after having visited the town of "Lochdubh" itself! It's been a good ride and I looked forward to Book #39 coming out in 2027! (And I absolutely love the pink of the cover! What fun it being the death of the groom and you'd think the cover would be blue, but no....it's a glorious PINK!)
April 18, 2026
Lochdubh is snow-covered and a charming site for a Valentine's Day wedding. But as more snow falls, cutting the village off from the rest of Scotland, tensions show in the wedding party until the moment when the bride finds her new groom slaughtered by the same sword he's used to cut the wedding cake. Hamish Macbeth has too few men to do a thorough investigation, and most of the nearby force is planning a major raid on a criminal gang, so he's forced to improvise, despite the presence of the bride's father and his best friend, both immensely rich and influential men who'd like to put their own spin on things. Then Hamish finds that one of the bridesmaids has been killed, too. But he has no idea which death came first, or how they are connected.
May 15, 2026
Always love Hamish Macbeth mysteries! This one is about an upper crust British couple who are getting married over Valentine’s Day. A huge snowstorm hits as the wedding party and guests get back to the reception after the wedding. Before the reception even begins, the bride finds the groom’s body. The investigation ensues with Hamish and a very small crew of constables questioning the wedding party, guests, and staff. It turns out plans had been set in motion several years before with certain members of the wedding party for an elaborate and criminal plan to abscond with family money and riches. The result of this plan left two members dead and loads of suspects locked in Tommel Castle with Hamish tracking down the culprit.
March 21, 2026
After not picking up any detective novels in over a decade, this was a wonderful re-entry to the world of Cosy Crime. I loved the setting and found it fairly easy to keep track of all the suspects which can sometimes be hard with these kind of stories. It took me a little while to get used to the Scottish accent in the dialogue and had to look up a few words like ‘ken’ and ‘bide’ but I actually think it really added to the tale. Loved all the twists and breadcrumbing that helped me pick up enough clues so that the ending wasn’t a total shock, but still a pleasant surprise.
Will definitely check out more from this series!
Will definitely check out more from this series!
March 29, 2026
Definitely a great read. This is a page-turner. Hamish and pretty much the whole crew are soon at work solving a hideous murder of a new groom on his wedding day. Things develop as usual. A winter storm adds to the tension since everyone in the hotel are suspects and no one can leave until the culprit is found. Another murder is discovered and the hunt is on for whoever has done such dastardly crimes.
Alway an exciting story and the working of Hamish's mind as he works on solving the crime make a great read as usual. More than ready for the next. Highly recommend.
I'm not sure if this is #38 or #41. Booknotification lists it as 41. Just read them in order and all will be fine!.
Alway an exciting story and the working of Hamish's mind as he works on solving the crime make a great read as usual. More than ready for the next. Highly recommend.
I'm not sure if this is #38 or #41. Booknotification lists it as 41. Just read them in order and all will be fine!.
April 4, 2026
4/5 — An enjoyable read, though the pacing dragged at times.
Some of the characters blurred together for me, making it tricky to keep track of their backgrounds and roles in the investigation. To be fair, I was reading this on a fast-paced vacation, so distraction may have played a part.
I did love the closed-circle setup created by the snowstorm. It kept the focus tightly on Hamish and Davey as they worked through the interviews and pieced the murders together. I enjoyed the solution of this book.
RW Green isn’t on MC Beaton’s level both in plot strength and stylistically, but I’m still grateful the mysteries of Lochdubh live on.
Some of the characters blurred together for me, making it tricky to keep track of their backgrounds and roles in the investigation. To be fair, I was reading this on a fast-paced vacation, so distraction may have played a part.
I did love the closed-circle setup created by the snowstorm. It kept the focus tightly on Hamish and Davey as they worked through the interviews and pieced the murders together. I enjoyed the solution of this book.
RW Green isn’t on MC Beaton’s level both in plot strength and stylistically, but I’m still grateful the mysteries of Lochdubh live on.
March 8, 2026
A wealthy couple from London and their retinue has arrived in Lochdubh for their wedding at Tommel Castle. A local man who is known as something of a seer warns of doom, and is proved correct when there is a murder. Hamish's investigation is made more difficult by a snowstorm, and by discovering another guest dead. Were the murders committed by the same person? Author Green, who has started writing the series after MC Beaton's passing, is doing a very good job capturing the spirit of these familiar characters.
March 28, 2026
Another mystery and multiple deaths for Hamish. A fancy wedding set at Tommel Castle on Valentine's day ends in the bridegroom being murdered (he deserved it). Guests have dirty secrets and are not who they claim to be. Snowed in at the Castle, Hamish must find the murderer(s) before another death occurs.
Thanks to the late M.C. Beaton for sharing her work with R.W. Green and keeping this series alive and thriving.
This fulfills the part of my reading challenge that has an author who has written over 40 books.
Thanks to the late M.C. Beaton for sharing her work with R.W. Green and keeping this series alive and thriving.
This fulfills the part of my reading challenge that has an author who has written over 40 books.
March 3, 2026
Wow. As a first time reader of M.C. Beaton, I have to say I'm impressed. Death of a Groom was a delightful read and kept me guessing from beginning to end. The characters were quite believable! The poor, beleaguered Hamish Macbeth seemed to have more than he could handle but still came out victorious. I enjoyed the book so much, I'm planning on going back and reading the entire series from the start!
March 16, 2026
An enjoyable read set in the Scottish Highlands and village of Lochdubh. This time there is a wedding and
A murder at Tommel Castle Hotel..This is a Valentine Day wedding and Hamish Macbeth is there is solve
the case.There are twists and turns but all ends well. This is the first book I’ve read in the series, but it
Can be read a a stand alone. The characters were great and the tale moved at a good pace..Familiar
Characters appear from previous books but it was easy to follow. Recommended.
A murder at Tommel Castle Hotel..This is a Valentine Day wedding and Hamish Macbeth is there is solve
the case.There are twists and turns but all ends well. This is the first book I’ve read in the series, but it
Can be read a a stand alone. The characters were great and the tale moved at a good pace..Familiar
Characters appear from previous books but it was easy to follow. Recommended.
April 1, 2026
Typical adventures of Hamish, although he seems to speak with an even more Scottish accent than before. A wedding and huge snow storm occur at Priscilla’s Castle during the same weekend. The groom is killed, minutes after the wedding.
Johnson ( the manager) and both Silas and Freddy (former policeman with Hamish), work with Elspeth and Priscilla to discover the murderer.
I must have missed, or don’t remember, the new love interest of Hamish - Claire, a paramedic.
Love it!
Johnson ( the manager) and both Silas and Freddy (former policeman with Hamish), work with Elspeth and Priscilla to discover the murderer.
I must have missed, or don’t remember, the new love interest of Hamish - Claire, a paramedic.
Love it!
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