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Hamish Macbeth #32
Death of a Ghost
Sergeant Hamish Macbeth--Scotland's most quick-witted but unambitious policeman--returns in M.C. Beaton's new mystery in her New York Times bestselling series. From the author of the Agatha Raisin series.
When Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth hears reports of a haunted castle near Drim, he assumes the eerie noises and lights reported by the villagers are just local teenagers going there to smoke pot or, worse, inject themselves with drugs. Still, Hamish decides that he and his policeman, Charlie "Clumsy" Carson, will spend the night at the ruined castle to get to the bottom of the rumors once and for all.
There's no sign of any ghost...but then Charlie disappears through the floor. It turns out he's fallen into the cellar. And what Hamish and Charlie find there is worse than a a dead body propped against the wall. Waiting for help to arrive, Hamish and Charlie leave the castle just for a moment--to eat bacon baps--but when they return, the body is nowhere to be seen.
It's clear something strange--and deadly--is going on at the castle, and Hamish must get to the bottom of it before the "ghost" can strike again...
When Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth hears reports of a haunted castle near Drim, he assumes the eerie noises and lights reported by the villagers are just local teenagers going there to smoke pot or, worse, inject themselves with drugs. Still, Hamish decides that he and his policeman, Charlie "Clumsy" Carson, will spend the night at the ruined castle to get to the bottom of the rumors once and for all.
There's no sign of any ghost...but then Charlie disappears through the floor. It turns out he's fallen into the cellar. And what Hamish and Charlie find there is worse than a a dead body propped against the wall. Waiting for help to arrive, Hamish and Charlie leave the castle just for a moment--to eat bacon baps--but when they return, the body is nowhere to be seen.
It's clear something strange--and deadly--is going on at the castle, and Hamish must get to the bottom of it before the "ghost" can strike again...
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 21, 2017
663 people are currently reading
3676 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,013 followersLike her on Facebook!
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 708 reviews
August 8, 2018
“I hope I havenae killed her, thought Hamish. I couldnae stand the paperwork.”
Death of a Ghost is the usual fun time in the Highlands with Hamish Macbeth and the quirky residents of Lochdubh. As this one opens, Hamish is lamenting an affair with a woman who is a control freak, and he’s still pining for his wildcat Sonsie, now loose in the wild. Wildly politically incorrect in its black humor, and often painfully hilariously truthful in its observations, the Hamish Macbeth series is a breath of fresh Highland air every time you open the covers.
This entry has a ton of plot elements going on, none of which is as important to readers as the day-to-day life of Hamish. Blair is even nastier than usual in this entry, but his nastiness is directed at a brown-noser named Fox, who is looking to out-Blair him in the suck-up department, and curry Daviot’s favor. That side-story gets very dark and very ugly very quickly, and carries over into the next entry. Before we get there, however, there is a lot on Hamish’s plate. There is a high-ranking ex-copper who owns a supposedly haunted castle, and Hamish initially takes a liking to him. Soon there’s a body, then there isn’t, as it disappears. And then along comes cigarette smugglers, pious wife-beaters — and husband beaters — and snooty and manipulative Olivia Sinclair. Charlie, to Hamish’s utter dismay, takes a fancy to the woman!
Before you can say havers, more people are murdered or missing, Jimmy nearly gets himself kicked off the force, and Hamish fends off a serious attempt by the minister’s wife, Mrs. Wellington, and the Currie sisters, to marry Hamish to a hand-picked lassie. Hamish’s reaction to the latter is, as one might imagine, both hilarious and wildly politically incorrect. Next, an ugly duckling is transformed, but just how much? This is a twisted little entry with dark, but often riotous undertones. Dick and Anaka make a cameo appearance in this entry, finally getting married. Hamish avoids Priscilla at every turn, saves Jimmy’s job, and, as always, solves the cases to Blair’s consternation.
Perhaps a bit scattershot compared to some of the leaner entries, Death of a Ghost is still a blast that is extremely enjoyable for long-time fans of the series. It seems that the death of someone has everyone wanting to mark the murders case-closed, but as always, our favorite constable has an uneasy feeling there’s something amiss.
“Could she have murdered anyone? I mean, — was strangled.” — Harriet
“All it takes for a woman to do something like that is an unsuspecting victim, a belt, and passion.” — Hamish
A terrific series which fills a wonderful little reading niche that no other series can, it’s always fun to visit Hamish in the Highlands and Death of a Ghost is no different. Highly recommended.
Death of a Ghost is the usual fun time in the Highlands with Hamish Macbeth and the quirky residents of Lochdubh. As this one opens, Hamish is lamenting an affair with a woman who is a control freak, and he’s still pining for his wildcat Sonsie, now loose in the wild. Wildly politically incorrect in its black humor, and often painfully hilariously truthful in its observations, the Hamish Macbeth series is a breath of fresh Highland air every time you open the covers.
This entry has a ton of plot elements going on, none of which is as important to readers as the day-to-day life of Hamish. Blair is even nastier than usual in this entry, but his nastiness is directed at a brown-noser named Fox, who is looking to out-Blair him in the suck-up department, and curry Daviot’s favor. That side-story gets very dark and very ugly very quickly, and carries over into the next entry. Before we get there, however, there is a lot on Hamish’s plate. There is a high-ranking ex-copper who owns a supposedly haunted castle, and Hamish initially takes a liking to him. Soon there’s a body, then there isn’t, as it disappears. And then along comes cigarette smugglers, pious wife-beaters — and husband beaters — and snooty and manipulative Olivia Sinclair. Charlie, to Hamish’s utter dismay, takes a fancy to the woman!
Before you can say havers, more people are murdered or missing, Jimmy nearly gets himself kicked off the force, and Hamish fends off a serious attempt by the minister’s wife, Mrs. Wellington, and the Currie sisters, to marry Hamish to a hand-picked lassie. Hamish’s reaction to the latter is, as one might imagine, both hilarious and wildly politically incorrect. Next, an ugly duckling is transformed, but just how much? This is a twisted little entry with dark, but often riotous undertones. Dick and Anaka make a cameo appearance in this entry, finally getting married. Hamish avoids Priscilla at every turn, saves Jimmy’s job, and, as always, solves the cases to Blair’s consternation.
Perhaps a bit scattershot compared to some of the leaner entries, Death of a Ghost is still a blast that is extremely enjoyable for long-time fans of the series. It seems that the death of someone has everyone wanting to mark the murders case-closed, but as always, our favorite constable has an uneasy feeling there’s something amiss.
“Could she have murdered anyone? I mean, — was strangled.” — Harriet
“All it takes for a woman to do something like that is an unsuspecting victim, a belt, and passion.” — Hamish
A terrific series which fills a wonderful little reading niche that no other series can, it’s always fun to visit Hamish in the Highlands and Death of a Ghost is no different. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2017
I hope that M. C. Beaton just keeps on writing these for fifty more years. I just love Hamish, and everything he says, and everyone around him. Is there a formula to these books? Of course there is! Do I care? No I do not!
October 31, 2018
Omg! This audio book cracked me up!
I'm going to listen to more of this series. I never would have if it wasn't on one of my reading challenges to read a cozy mystery. So I got this from the library and had a fabulous time cracking up.
I don't even care about the mystery because the book was just so funny. At least to me it was!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
I'm going to listen to more of this series. I never would have if it wasn't on one of my reading challenges to read a cozy mystery. So I got this from the library and had a fabulous time cracking up.
I don't even care about the mystery because the book was just so funny. At least to me it was!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
September 25, 2017
I just adore Hamish. He's so loveable and kindhearted (deep down!!) and I love travelling back to Lochdubh to see him and his friends / colleagues. It's like a warm hug. I miss Sonsie dreadfully though and hope she reappears!! This tale features a castle that may or may not be haunted, and it's up to Hamish and Charlie to find out what's happening, without being murdered as they do so!
February 28, 2017
I have only read one book previous in this series and to be honest was I not so impressed with it. However, I thought I would give the series on more chance. The story seemed interesting and I love reading books set in Scotland.
Death of a Ghost starts off with a haunted castle, but then it quickly turns into a murder mystery when Hamish and Charlie find a body in the castle. Who killed the man and why? This is only the beginning as more the killer goes after more people. And, it's up to Hamish to put a stop to it all.
I have some problems with this book, and one major problem is the way the book is written. It's pretty much just dialog and not much description. And, the dialog feels very terse and lacks fluency. This could be just me, but I find it very hard to get into the story because of that. The characters never come to life and for instance, Hamish problem with women, is that suppose to be funny? I actually don't know because it never is funny. It's just annoying. And Charlie being clumsy is another thing that is just not working for me. Not to mention when Charlie fell for Olivia, the books female fatal. That was just cringeworthy. The only things that kept me going were that I wanted to know who the murderer was.
Death of a Ghost is my last attempt reading this series. I just can't see what's so awesome with the books. The storyline, especially towards the end of the book was just so baffling. I mean everything concerning Chief Detective Inspector Blair felt like a parody. Without being funny.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
Death of a Ghost starts off with a haunted castle, but then it quickly turns into a murder mystery when Hamish and Charlie find a body in the castle. Who killed the man and why? This is only the beginning as more the killer goes after more people. And, it's up to Hamish to put a stop to it all.
I have some problems with this book, and one major problem is the way the book is written. It's pretty much just dialog and not much description. And, the dialog feels very terse and lacks fluency. This could be just me, but I find it very hard to get into the story because of that. The characters never come to life and for instance, Hamish problem with women, is that suppose to be funny? I actually don't know because it never is funny. It's just annoying. And Charlie being clumsy is another thing that is just not working for me. Not to mention when Charlie fell for Olivia, the books female fatal. That was just cringeworthy. The only things that kept me going were that I wanted to know who the murderer was.
Death of a Ghost is my last attempt reading this series. I just can't see what's so awesome with the books. The storyline, especially towards the end of the book was just so baffling. I mean everything concerning Chief Detective Inspector Blair felt like a parody. Without being funny.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
March 28, 2019
I liked reading Hamish Macbeth's detective story. He has a wry sense of humor. Plus, he's a dog lover. His sidekick Charlie is loyal. The Scottish setting adds to the mystery's appeal. The plot moves briskly.
September 26, 2025
I got upset with Hamish in this one especially when he went to see about getting his wild cat back and then drove off leaving her there as he was spaced out. There were entirely too many murders and too much confusion.
I just finished it for the second time and liked it better as I read slower. I still cried over Sonsie his wild cat.
I just finished it for the second time and liked it better as I read slower. I still cried over Sonsie his wild cat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2016
Hamish is back in action investigating multiple crimes in the Highlands. For no apparent reason, this are is swimming in crime. In this book there are multiple smuggling operations to uncover including cigarettes, e- cigarettes and plain old drugs. There are also not one, not two but three murders and the attempted murder of two policemen. How will Hamish begin to unravel all the threads.
I am enjoying the partnership of Hamish and Charlie. They're a match made in heaven. Both Patricia and Elspeth and Hamish briefly dates a woman who's a vehement feminist. He also helps another one with a complete make-over.
The book takes a surprising turn at the end and I am not sure how I feel about it. Still it's another delightful read in a fun cozy mystery series.
I am enjoying the partnership of Hamish and Charlie. They're a match made in heaven. Both Patricia and Elspeth and Hamish briefly dates a woman who's a vehement feminist. He also helps another one with a complete make-over.
The book takes a surprising turn at the end and I am not sure how I feel about it. Still it's another delightful read in a fun cozy mystery series.
February 9, 2017
I read many of the early Hamish Macbeth books and I loved them. This one, though? I hated it. Hamish has turned into a condescending pig that I do not like. I finally just skipped to the end and it made say, "WTF??"
The entire epilogue (which was way too long) storyline with Fox and Blair was just so far out there. Is Beaton even writing these books herself anymore or has she just gone barmy?
Absolutely abysmal book and I highly doubt I will ever read an MC Beaton book again.
In case I was not clear enough, I DO NOT RECOMMEND this book. Thank goodness I got it free from NetGalley.
By the way, this is the first NetGalley book I've not finished. Sad day.
The entire epilogue (which was way too long) storyline with Fox and Blair was just so far out there. Is Beaton even writing these books herself anymore or has she just gone barmy?
Absolutely abysmal book and I highly doubt I will ever read an MC Beaton book again.
In case I was not clear enough, I DO NOT RECOMMEND this book. Thank goodness I got it free from NetGalley.
By the way, this is the first NetGalley book I've not finished. Sad day.
February 27, 2017
I used to love this series, but it's degraded into the perfect study for a misogynistic copper who lives in a village of men who see women as victims, bitches, and man-eaters. It's like every woman in the book is desperate to marry and/or destroy some man's life by her mere existence.
Hamish's attitude was degenerating in the last few books, saying ugly things about people, women in particular, but this one goes over the top. For Hamish a woman is either good for sex and then needs to be gone or be a passive ear to hear his theories. Anything else is just a nuisance.
I'm not sure how this story could be written by a woman. I know some women internalize misogyny, but good lord, this thing is riddled with so much negative, more so than any of the others, it's hard to believe it's the same author who created this character. Either that or I just didn't see how bad he was from the start.
Beyond the contempt of women in general, the plot is thin on the ground and the end beyond ridiculous. So, this is not a book I can recommend unless you steel yourself to cringe your way through it.
Hamish's attitude was degenerating in the last few books, saying ugly things about people, women in particular, but this one goes over the top. For Hamish a woman is either good for sex and then needs to be gone or be a passive ear to hear his theories. Anything else is just a nuisance.
I'm not sure how this story could be written by a woman. I know some women internalize misogyny, but good lord, this thing is riddled with so much negative, more so than any of the others, it's hard to believe it's the same author who created this character. Either that or I just didn't see how bad he was from the start.
Beyond the contempt of women in general, the plot is thin on the ground and the end beyond ridiculous. So, this is not a book I can recommend unless you steel yourself to cringe your way through it.
May 10, 2017
When the publisher invited me to review M.C. Beaton's latest Hamish Macbeth mystery I thought "Why not?" In the 1980s I read the first five of the series and remembered them as light, entertaining, 'cozy' police procedural mysteries. Now, these many years later, the author has penned the 32nd novel featuring Hamish Macbeth and little has changed. I ask myself is that good or bad?
Macbeth is still on the 'right side of forty'. He is still long, lanky, red-headed, and as unambitious as he ever was. His love of his remote Sutherland village, Lockdubh is still as true as ever. Detective Chief Inspector Blair is still the bane of Hamish's life. He eschews female company after having his heart broken by the beautiful Priscilla whom I remember from those early novels and who is STILL in evidence in this one. He adores his menagerie of animals which includes his dogs, Lugs and Sally, his wildcat, Sonsie, and various hens, sheep, etc. He likes nothing better than taking his dogs and spending the day fishing in the loch.
The problem? Hamish Macbeth is clever. That cleverness, combined with his Highland instinct/intuition ensures that he invariably solves all the crime that Lochdubh and the surrounding environs has to offer. He never takes credit for his crime solving though - in fear that he will be promoted out of his beloved village.
"It's that great loon, Macbeth. He solves cases and lets someone else take the credit because he doesnae want to be promoted and lose his wee station in Lochdubh."
And this is book #32! Some things never change. At times the characters were more like caricatures. Reading M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth is a bit like putting on an old pair of slippers that have the shape of your feet worn into them. Comfortable, but not exciting.
The writing was, as ever, entertaining. With many humorous scenes (crossing the line over into farce on several occasions), M.C. Beaton has found her niche and countless readers love her in it. On the other hand, I found that this 'sameness' was just "ho-hum". I read the book through in its entirety, but I probably won't read another in this series.
I realize I'm probably in the minority here, but although I can understand why M.C. Beaton is a best-selling novelist, I fear this series has 'run its course'.
2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 for Goodreads)
Macbeth is still on the 'right side of forty'. He is still long, lanky, red-headed, and as unambitious as he ever was. His love of his remote Sutherland village, Lockdubh is still as true as ever. Detective Chief Inspector Blair is still the bane of Hamish's life. He eschews female company after having his heart broken by the beautiful Priscilla whom I remember from those early novels and who is STILL in evidence in this one. He adores his menagerie of animals which includes his dogs, Lugs and Sally, his wildcat, Sonsie, and various hens, sheep, etc. He likes nothing better than taking his dogs and spending the day fishing in the loch.
The problem? Hamish Macbeth is clever. That cleverness, combined with his Highland instinct/intuition ensures that he invariably solves all the crime that Lochdubh and the surrounding environs has to offer. He never takes credit for his crime solving though - in fear that he will be promoted out of his beloved village.
"It's that great loon, Macbeth. He solves cases and lets someone else take the credit because he doesnae want to be promoted and lose his wee station in Lochdubh."
And this is book #32! Some things never change. At times the characters were more like caricatures. Reading M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth is a bit like putting on an old pair of slippers that have the shape of your feet worn into them. Comfortable, but not exciting.
The writing was, as ever, entertaining. With many humorous scenes (crossing the line over into farce on several occasions), M.C. Beaton has found her niche and countless readers love her in it. On the other hand, I found that this 'sameness' was just "ho-hum". I read the book through in its entirety, but I probably won't read another in this series.
I realize I'm probably in the minority here, but although I can understand why M.C. Beaton is a best-selling novelist, I fear this series has 'run its course'.
2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 for Goodreads)
September 22, 2017
This was as usual, a nice visit with the characters from the Hamish series. What bothers me is the somewhat disturbing remarks that take Hamish into the category of a pig. And, the quick set up of a conflict with a resolution in the next sentence is not natural. It would be a 3 but for the characters I love.
September 26, 2022
When Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth hears reports of a haunted castle near Drim, he assumes the eerie noises and lights reported by the villagers are just local teenagers going there to smoke pot or, worse, inject themselves with drugs. Still, Hamish decides that he and his policeman, Charlie "Clumsy" Carson, will spend the night at the ruined castle to get to the bottom of the rumors once and for all.There's no sign of any ghost...but then Charlie disappears through the floor. It turns out he's fallen into the cellar. And what Hamish and Charlie find there is worse than a ghost: a dead body propped against the wall. Waiting for help to arrive, Hamish and Charlie leave the castle just for a moment--to eat bacon baps--but when they return, the body is nowhere to be seen. It's clear something strange--and deadly--is going on at the castle, and Hamish must get to the bottom of it before the "ghost" can strike again...
A wild ride into the Scottish Highlands with magic realism sprinkled all over the lives of the inhabitants. The narration of Graehme Malcolm (in particular) was excellent and brought the story so much more alive. His narrations are available on Youtube and highly recommended.
I would love to rehash the story and all the elements which pulled it into a fascinating and entertaining experience. I would keep it on my pc and go back to it in a few years time when I reread the series. It will be worth it!
What a wonderful experience this cozy mystery series was. Unbeatable in many ways.
Despite its dark comedy- and brutal murder elements, the series never leave the reader depressed at the end. The author's nerve, or guts, to deliver hopeful, standalone endings, is much appreciated.
It is the first series that I've read from no. 1 tot 33 in one go, and was the best series to do it with. The Hamish Macbeth experience was the best ever. Perhaps one of the last series in which guts and gore were not the end goal, but just elements to enhance a community experience. It just worked for me. Relaxing entertainment. The best.
A wild ride into the Scottish Highlands with magic realism sprinkled all over the lives of the inhabitants. The narration of Graehme Malcolm (in particular) was excellent and brought the story so much more alive. His narrations are available on Youtube and highly recommended.
I would love to rehash the story and all the elements which pulled it into a fascinating and entertaining experience. I would keep it on my pc and go back to it in a few years time when I reread the series. It will be worth it!
What a wonderful experience this cozy mystery series was. Unbeatable in many ways.
Despite its dark comedy- and brutal murder elements, the series never leave the reader depressed at the end. The author's nerve, or guts, to deliver hopeful, standalone endings, is much appreciated.
It is the first series that I've read from no. 1 tot 33 in one go, and was the best series to do it with. The Hamish Macbeth experience was the best ever. Perhaps one of the last series in which guts and gore were not the end goal, but just elements to enhance a community experience. It just worked for me. Relaxing entertainment. The best.
May 13, 2019
In a nutshell: unbelievably awful. Cannot recommend.
November 29, 2021
I can’t stand all the misogyny in this book.
March 5, 2017
2.5 I've always enjoyed M.C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth series. But in this latest book, Death of a Ghost, I've found that Hamish has developed an edge - one I don't like.
I do like the sleepy village of Lochdubh, its quirky inhabitants and the ginger policeman who easily solves cases, but works even harder to not get the credit. But I didn't find the homey, cosy feeling I was looking for in this newest entry.
I was immediately put off by a distasteful 'joke' in the first few pages It's not a joke, it's not PC and quite frankly I can't see any female reader finding it funny. (Yes, it involves the letters CN and T. Pick a vowel.) Curiosity kept me reading. And there were more harsh words and ugly tones from Hamish. He's just not nice any longer. He was always a bit tetchy, but it was not nasty or crude.
The plot line of Death of a Ghost is very, very busy. Lots of players, more than one body and lots of clues. Hamish and his partner Charlie seem to careen from one situation to another. I do like this new partner - he's a good sort. Familiar supporting cast members do appear, but even they seem to have gotten darker. The ongoing feud with Blair has taken a murderous turn. And even likable lush Jimmy isn't the same. I found the writing choppy and uneven.
This was a series I used to read to nursing home residents. But no more. And sadly, no more for me either. This is the end of the road for me and Hamish. And I think it might be time for Hamish to retire.
I do like the sleepy village of Lochdubh, its quirky inhabitants and the ginger policeman who easily solves cases, but works even harder to not get the credit. But I didn't find the homey, cosy feeling I was looking for in this newest entry.
I was immediately put off by a distasteful 'joke' in the first few pages It's not a joke, it's not PC and quite frankly I can't see any female reader finding it funny. (Yes, it involves the letters CN and T. Pick a vowel.) Curiosity kept me reading. And there were more harsh words and ugly tones from Hamish. He's just not nice any longer. He was always a bit tetchy, but it was not nasty or crude.
The plot line of Death of a Ghost is very, very busy. Lots of players, more than one body and lots of clues. Hamish and his partner Charlie seem to careen from one situation to another. I do like this new partner - he's a good sort. Familiar supporting cast members do appear, but even they seem to have gotten darker. The ongoing feud with Blair has taken a murderous turn. And even likable lush Jimmy isn't the same. I found the writing choppy and uneven.
This was a series I used to read to nursing home residents. But no more. And sadly, no more for me either. This is the end of the road for me and Hamish. And I think it might be time for Hamish to retire.
February 7, 2017
This is good classic Hamish Macbeth. If you are a fan of the series already, then you won't be disappointed. If not, I think you could easily pick this one up and enjoy it as a stand-alone mystery without having read the previous books.
Called to the village of Drim to investigate claims of a "haunted" castle, Hamish and Charlie discover no ghosts, but they do find a dead body. Unfortunately it disappears before CDI Blair arrives on the scene. When the investigation points to local smugglers, the department is quick to wrap up the case. Hamish is not convinced, however, and puts his own life on the line to find the real killer.
Read more on The Book's the Thing.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Called to the village of Drim to investigate claims of a "haunted" castle, Hamish and Charlie discover no ghosts, but they do find a dead body. Unfortunately it disappears before CDI Blair arrives on the scene. When the investigation points to local smugglers, the department is quick to wrap up the case. Hamish is not convinced, however, and puts his own life on the line to find the real killer.
Read more on The Book's the Thing.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 24, 2017
That's it, I quit. No more M.C. Beaton, as much as I once loved me some Hamish and the Highlands. Just too harsh all the way around in terms of how people interacted, the mystery itself was ridiculous (and ridiculously convoluted), and the combo incompetence/corruption of certain recurring characters has become farcical. The only reason I read this one was because I wanted to find out whatever became of Sonsie, for Pete's sake. I hate to end a long-time relationship on a sour note, particularly because of memories of the early days, when the books in this series brought me so much joy. So I will say thanks for the good times, then, and be on my own way.
February 13, 2017
For me, reading a Hamish book is like having a nice bath, popping on a new nightie and slipping into a bed made with fresh sheets; it's that comfy and cosy an experience. Yes they are rather formulaic in nature; you know that certain things will happen in the course of his investigations. They have happened in all the past thirty odd books but, for some reason, they have worked every time, never feeling samey or stale. Instead, as I have already mentioned in past reviews, they give me a certain familiarity and indeed the chance to play "Hamish Bingo" as I mentally tick them all off!
In this book we are back in Drim - great name for the place - specifically in a ruined castle on the outskirts. Strange things have been happening there and Hamish, along with sidekick Charlie, goes along to investigate. Then, on falling through the floor, Charlie happens upon a body. With Hamish seeing to Charlie's injuries, Blair arrives to find the body gone. We then follow as Hamish and Charlie, once recovered, try to get to the bottom of the missing corpse, with Blair, Daviot, Anderson et al all chipping in to aid and otherwise their endeavours. As already mentioned, all the usual things happen in this book and the same faces pop up in the village to add another layer to Hamish's investigations along the way. Nice to see that his pets play their parts once again too.
The crime itself, the only thing that actually changes from book to book in this series, was just as well crafted as always and kept my interest throughout. Although, that said, coupled with all the rest of what happens through the book, the familiar stuff, it did feel a little shorted than usual. Not quite as meaty as some I have read in the series. But, at the end of the day, come the final page, I did feel on the whole satisfied. To me, these books are easy reads. Something to grab when I just want something as a distraction to life, something I don't have to concentrate too hard on. Something that will tick most of my boxes and leave me sated. This one did that, which means, to me anyway, there's still life in the old dog yet. Roll on the next one.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
In this book we are back in Drim - great name for the place - specifically in a ruined castle on the outskirts. Strange things have been happening there and Hamish, along with sidekick Charlie, goes along to investigate. Then, on falling through the floor, Charlie happens upon a body. With Hamish seeing to Charlie's injuries, Blair arrives to find the body gone. We then follow as Hamish and Charlie, once recovered, try to get to the bottom of the missing corpse, with Blair, Daviot, Anderson et al all chipping in to aid and otherwise their endeavours. As already mentioned, all the usual things happen in this book and the same faces pop up in the village to add another layer to Hamish's investigations along the way. Nice to see that his pets play their parts once again too.
The crime itself, the only thing that actually changes from book to book in this series, was just as well crafted as always and kept my interest throughout. Although, that said, coupled with all the rest of what happens through the book, the familiar stuff, it did feel a little shorted than usual. Not quite as meaty as some I have read in the series. But, at the end of the day, come the final page, I did feel on the whole satisfied. To me, these books are easy reads. Something to grab when I just want something as a distraction to life, something I don't have to concentrate too hard on. Something that will tick most of my boxes and leave me sated. This one did that, which means, to me anyway, there's still life in the old dog yet. Roll on the next one.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 10, 2017
Hamish MacBeth is back in true Hamish fashion. This is a series that I find people either love it or not. Hamish is a very distinct personality. He loves living in Lochdubh and has no interest in moving up the ladder in the police force. His sidekick, Charlie, is a large, clumsy lovable man who also does not want to leave the area. The problem is, these two inevitably solve cases and have to give the credit to others. This story sees Hamish and Charlie investigating a number of crimes in the Highland area they are responsible for. Between murders, smugglers, drugs, abused wives and children, they are kept hopping. Despite the fact that their superiors think they have solved the murders, Hamish is not so sure and keeps investigating. There are so many suspects as usual, that it takes a lot of deduction, perseverance and investigating to get to the bottom of these situations, all of which Hamish does well.
The main characters in the Hamish MacBeth series are quite complex and have human foibles galore. Hamish is a man who would like to find the right woman, but always finds fault with the one he is with. The women in the village are trying to get him to settle down as he seems to have difficulty finding someone on his own, that does not work out as planned. He is quite blunt and often ends up inadvertently hurting a person's feelings. Charlie continues to become smitten with women that do not work out. He lives in the castle due to the station being too small to accomodate a man of his size. He is kind, calm and friendly. The many secondary characters in the villages are very typical Highlanders. The Colonel makes several appearances in this book helping both Charlie and Hamish in their quests to remain in Lochdubh. Of course this time around Chief Detective Blair is present but not a thorn in Hamish's side as much as in previous books. He still does not like Hamish but is outwitted everytime he tries to cause problems for him. This was an enjoyable read with many more details and situations than in previous books. Once again, Hamish figures out what has happened, and is successful in giving the credit to others. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
The main characters in the Hamish MacBeth series are quite complex and have human foibles galore. Hamish is a man who would like to find the right woman, but always finds fault with the one he is with. The women in the village are trying to get him to settle down as he seems to have difficulty finding someone on his own, that does not work out as planned. He is quite blunt and often ends up inadvertently hurting a person's feelings. Charlie continues to become smitten with women that do not work out. He lives in the castle due to the station being too small to accomodate a man of his size. He is kind, calm and friendly. The many secondary characters in the villages are very typical Highlanders. The Colonel makes several appearances in this book helping both Charlie and Hamish in their quests to remain in Lochdubh. Of course this time around Chief Detective Blair is present but not a thorn in Hamish's side as much as in previous books. He still does not like Hamish but is outwitted everytime he tries to cause problems for him. This was an enjoyable read with many more details and situations than in previous books. Once again, Hamish figures out what has happened, and is successful in giving the credit to others. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
January 6, 2023
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I have read every single Hamish Macbeth book and even watched the BBC television series. I like reading this series because it's a quick read and you don't have to invest too much time and concentration in. After reading 'Death of a Ghost', I am starting to wonder why I keep reading them. Hamish does not seem to learn from his many relationship mistakes. He seems so smart about crimes going on around him but refuses to see that maybe the problem isn't the women he's dating but maybe himself. The crime parts of the book are good but I get very tired of how he seems to want a wife one minute but seems not to really like women the next. His constant pining over old loves Priscilla and Elsbeth is getting old. It was nice to see some movement on the relationship between Hamish and Blair though, as this is another issue that seems to just keep going on and on without any real resolution.
Also, the thinness of these books doesn't seem to warrant the $26 hardcover price. I understand she's a well-known author but I wouldn't want to pay more than $13 for a hardcover copy of this book.
I have read every single Hamish Macbeth book and even watched the BBC television series. I like reading this series because it's a quick read and you don't have to invest too much time and concentration in. After reading 'Death of a Ghost', I am starting to wonder why I keep reading them. Hamish does not seem to learn from his many relationship mistakes. He seems so smart about crimes going on around him but refuses to see that maybe the problem isn't the women he's dating but maybe himself. The crime parts of the book are good but I get very tired of how he seems to want a wife one minute but seems not to really like women the next. His constant pining over old loves Priscilla and Elsbeth is getting old. It was nice to see some movement on the relationship between Hamish and Blair though, as this is another issue that seems to just keep going on and on without any real resolution.
Also, the thinness of these books doesn't seem to warrant the $26 hardcover price. I understand she's a well-known author but I wouldn't want to pay more than $13 for a hardcover copy of this book.
February 22, 2017
So continually amusing to me - the clever Scottish policeman, avoiding yet attracting the opposite sex whilst always putting first the solving of crimes without garnering credit so he can stay in the rural spot he loves. Promotion is a thing to be avoided. I have loved Hamish Macbeth for all 32 books now, as he brings me laughter. For readers of the series all the regular characters make brief appearances in this tale that includes the ever present conflict between the establishment now morphed into Scottish Police vs individual crime detection. This series is probably best appreciated from first to last by readers looking for quietly amusing characters. Jarringly for me, however, Isis was mentioned in this book.
October 3, 2017
It was OK - certainly not got the magic of the earlier ones - still haunted castles, missing bodies and romantic shenanigans kept my eyes on the pages.
January 3, 2025
First reading in this series for officer Hamish. It started off slow but caught momentum gradually catching my attention in the process. I enjoyed the multiple diversions and the killer came to be the least of my expectations.
Enjoyed the novel as a decent start for 2025! Let’s keep rolling!
Nadin Doughem
January, 2025
Enjoyed the novel as a decent start for 2025! Let’s keep rolling!
Nadin Doughem
January, 2025
August 4, 2022
Het hangt aan elkaar van Schotse kneuterigheid en alle mogelijke oubollige clichés, maar ach ik genoot van de Schotse woorden, zinnen en uitdrukkingen. En ik ben er op vakantie, helpt ook ;-)
November 1, 2017
I've read all the books in this series. The quality has always been uneven, but usually I can find something to enjoy in Hamish's adventures. This book was unreadable. It seemed more like a rough draft than a finished book. I'm sorry to say that this series is done, I think. Both Hamish and Agatha (Agatha Raisin, her other series) have gotten inexplicably cranky in these latest books, and I just don't really like either character anymore.
September 29, 2018
Narrator Graeme Malcolm was good, far better than some narrators of Hamish Macbeth books.
May 28, 2021
Macbeth and the Disappearing Deceased
Review of the Hachette audiobook edition released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover edition (2017)
Death of a Ghost finds Hamish Macbeth and his clumsy constable Charlie Carter discovering a dead body in a supposed haunted castle and having it disappear on them when they return to the site with further police forces and a forensic team. I did find this one to be below average for the series perhaps due to over exposure (i've read about 30 in the past year of lockdown) or perhaps due to author M.C. Beaton relying on too many uninteresting subplots which seemed to drag the book out. I do remember the bulk of the series with fondness, but it was the earlier books of the series that were the more charming.
I'm now into the final few of the 34* Hamish Macbeth cozy mystery series set in the Scottish Highlands centered around the fictional village of Lochdubh. I wish I could slow down my reading & listening in order to make them last longer, but they are so irresistible that they have become my go-to default read during this continuing lockdown (Ontario, Canada where I live is currently still in a stay-at-home order situation until possibly June, 2021). Fortunately the library is operating efficiently with their holds system and their curbside pickup. They also provide the opportunity of online audiobook loans via Overdrive.
*No. 34 Death of a Love (2021?) has yet to be released due to delays following M.C. Beaton's (aka Marion Chesney's) passing in late 2019.
Review of the Hachette audiobook edition released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover edition (2017)
Death of a Ghost finds Hamish Macbeth and his clumsy constable Charlie Carter discovering a dead body in a supposed haunted castle and having it disappear on them when they return to the site with further police forces and a forensic team. I did find this one to be below average for the series perhaps due to over exposure (i've read about 30 in the past year of lockdown) or perhaps due to author M.C. Beaton relying on too many uninteresting subplots which seemed to drag the book out. I do remember the bulk of the series with fondness, but it was the earlier books of the series that were the more charming.
I'm now into the final few of the 34* Hamish Macbeth cozy mystery series set in the Scottish Highlands centered around the fictional village of Lochdubh. I wish I could slow down my reading & listening in order to make them last longer, but they are so irresistible that they have become my go-to default read during this continuing lockdown (Ontario, Canada where I live is currently still in a stay-at-home order situation until possibly June, 2021). Fortunately the library is operating efficiently with their holds system and their curbside pickup. They also provide the opportunity of online audiobook loans via Overdrive.
*No. 34 Death of a Love (2021?) has yet to be released due to delays following M.C. Beaton's (aka Marion Chesney's) passing in late 2019.
August 8, 2018
I am a great fan of M C Beaton and love the Agatha Rasin books as well as Hamish McBeth. I found this one to be less enjoyable than some of her previous ones and I was a little bit disappointed.
The story of a haunting and a murder in a Scottish castle sounds great and it was interesting but I found it impossible to actually like any of the characters. Usually there is someone who the reader can root for and Hamish himself is always the archetypal ‘goodie’. In this story no one is even likeable and for some reason Hamish is less than his usual gentle self. I don’t know if it is just me but the characters seem to be made more unpleasant deliberately, there is more bad language than I would usually expect in a Hamish McBeth book and Hamish was portrayed as having an almost spiteful side. He usually deals with his problems in a wise and simple way rather than losing his temper or resorting to shouting at people.
I hope this is just a one off and that Hamish and his beautiful Highlands will be back to their peaceful selves in the next book.
The story of a haunting and a murder in a Scottish castle sounds great and it was interesting but I found it impossible to actually like any of the characters. Usually there is someone who the reader can root for and Hamish himself is always the archetypal ‘goodie’. In this story no one is even likeable and for some reason Hamish is less than his usual gentle self. I don’t know if it is just me but the characters seem to be made more unpleasant deliberately, there is more bad language than I would usually expect in a Hamish McBeth book and Hamish was portrayed as having an almost spiteful side. He usually deals with his problems in a wise and simple way rather than losing his temper or resorting to shouting at people.
I hope this is just a one off and that Hamish and his beautiful Highlands will be back to their peaceful selves in the next book.
August 28, 2018
A brilliantly done story with one of my favourite characters in literature. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and loved going back on a case with Hamish, who is just loveable. The solution was not that obvious, however, it is definitely solvable and I did not feel cheated when I got to the end. I love the characters in these stories and think it was really well written and thought out.
However, I do think that the story jumped around a lot, with situations coming thick and fast without much time for development. It was a tad annoying at times but otherwise a brilliant read.
However, I do think that the story jumped around a lot, with situations coming thick and fast without much time for development. It was a tad annoying at times but otherwise a brilliant read.
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