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Hamish Macbeth #18
Death of a Village
Trouble is afoot in a Scottish fishing village as Constable Macbeth finds the pub empty, the church full, and the air permeated with fear. With the help of a journalist, Macbeth begins to ferret out the truth.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2003
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 455 reviews
December 8, 2017
"Visions o' God, Holy Grail, shipwreck, murder and mayhem, and all you lot can find to talk about is a mythical affair." — An exasperated Hamish
Highland charm and humor make for another winner from M.C. Beaton. Visiting Hamish Macbeth in his beloved Lochdubh is the cure for whatever ails you, its quirky residents and their strange ways sure to bring a smile and a laugh. Cleverly squirming out of the promotion Daviot wants to give our favorite village bobby so he can remain in Lochdubh, Hamish keeps finding ways to be a hero and calling unwanted attention to himself, prompting more schemes to avoid city life.
Still pining for Priscilla and in a state of irritation with Elspeth, Hamish and his dog Lugs have a lot on their plate. A husband beater, a dog killer who may be escalating in violence, and an entire village with a very strange atmosphere - even for the Highlands - add to his list of duties. A more pressing concern, however, is the nursing home on his beat, which might be helping patients cross over a little prematurely. Mrs. Docherty checks in, and together with Mr. Jefferson, help a very worried Hamish discover what's afoot.
Before this one ends, a house blows up, someone is frightened to death by a ghostly apparition, Lugs is conked on the noggin, and Hamish tangles with pirates during a hurricane! But, not to worry. Lugs still finds time to stretch out by the fire and, in spite of his heroic deeds, Hamish manages to remain in Lochdubh so that we can look forward to another visit. This one is great fun, with a near perfect ending. Never about plot but rather about atmosphere, this is a fine entry in a most charming mystery series.
Highland charm and humor make for another winner from M.C. Beaton. Visiting Hamish Macbeth in his beloved Lochdubh is the cure for whatever ails you, its quirky residents and their strange ways sure to bring a smile and a laugh. Cleverly squirming out of the promotion Daviot wants to give our favorite village bobby so he can remain in Lochdubh, Hamish keeps finding ways to be a hero and calling unwanted attention to himself, prompting more schemes to avoid city life.
Still pining for Priscilla and in a state of irritation with Elspeth, Hamish and his dog Lugs have a lot on their plate. A husband beater, a dog killer who may be escalating in violence, and an entire village with a very strange atmosphere - even for the Highlands - add to his list of duties. A more pressing concern, however, is the nursing home on his beat, which might be helping patients cross over a little prematurely. Mrs. Docherty checks in, and together with Mr. Jefferson, help a very worried Hamish discover what's afoot.
Before this one ends, a house blows up, someone is frightened to death by a ghostly apparition, Lugs is conked on the noggin, and Hamish tangles with pirates during a hurricane! But, not to worry. Lugs still finds time to stretch out by the fire and, in spite of his heroic deeds, Hamish manages to remain in Lochdubh so that we can look forward to another visit. This one is great fun, with a near perfect ending. Never about plot but rather about atmosphere, this is a fine entry in a most charming mystery series.
November 16, 2021
In this 18th book in the 'Hamish Macbeth' series, the Scottish constable investigates a string of cases. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Police Constable Hamish Macbeth loves his Scottish village of Lochdubh, his job, and his dog Lugs.
Given his druthers, Hamish would be a policeman in Lochdubh forever, but - because of his continual success as a detective - Hamish is constantly in danger of being promoted and sent elsewhere. In fact, Detective Chief Inspector Blair - who's jealous of Hamish - is ALWAYS trying to get the constable transferred. Thus there's an ongoing tug-of-war between Hamish and Blair, which adds to the humor of the series.
As the story opens Hamish stops off at Stoyre - a fishing village on his rounds - and is struck by the odd behavior of the residents.
The people have become furtive, uncommunicative, and obsessed with going to church. Hamish decides to attend a religious service to see what the attraction is, but finds the pastor's sermon uninspiring and uninformative.
Moreover, the house of a 'godless' resident of Stoyre is bombed. Hamish strongly suspects that something villainous is going on, and his investigation uncovers a nefarious scheme.
Hamish also deals with a store owner who was robbed and a woman who's being abused by her husband. Things aren't quite what they seem in these cases, however, and Hamish uses his smarts to winkle out the truth.
Perhaps most serious of all, Hamish hears about an old age home with an unusually high death rate. Aided by a couple of feisty nonagenarians, Hamish exposes a grisly scam.
As usual, recurring characters add interest to the story. These include Elspeth Grant, a journalist who sometimes helps Hamish with his cases. Elspeth wouldn't mind dating the constable, but that won't happen if doggy Lugs has his way.
Other characters are Angela Brodie - the doctor's wife, who occasionally dogsits Lugs; Nessie and Jessie Curry - the village's priggish gossips; Detective Inspector Jimmy Anderson - who can't think without a drink in his hand; Superintendent Peter Daviot - who mediates between Hamish and Blair; and more.
Hamish's professional successes once again put him in danger of promotion, and the constable has to be REALLY wily to avoid this horrible fate.
This is a light entertaining mystery, recommended to fans of cozies.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
August 28, 2019
I think this is my favorite in the humble Hamish series so far! It was more of several connected stories than just one plot. It seemed to bring out the best in Hamish and all the Lochdubh regulars. The hurricane that struck the coast was an unusual twist, I really did not know hurricanes occurred Scotland.
September 20, 2022
Blurb:Trouble is afoot in a Scottish fishing village as Constable Macbeth finds the pub empty, the church full, and the air permeated with fear. With the help of a journalist, Macbeth begins to ferret out the truth.
An atmospheric tale. Nope, correction: it is an EXTREMELY atmospheric tale! Mindblowing, to be exact.
Macbeth: Visions o'God, Holy Grail, shipwreck, murder and mayhem, and all you lot can find to talk about is a mythical affair.
Apart from other dark, mysterious elements controlling the residents, the village of Stoyre goes through a tough time, when a big storm hits the village and large parts of the settlement are destroyed. 'Hollywood producer' Hamish, makes a plan, which only Elspeth recognizes for what it is. But a community comes together and solve more than just their personal problems, with Hamish as their hero. For now, at least. It did not start out that way at all, oh no ...
Hamish solves several crimes, one after the other, and many characters from different villages bring suspense and yes, offenses to the plot. The senior citizens are one of the compelling focuses, bringing much light and wit into the mix, with their own version of Inspector Poirot. The Currie twins, Nessie & Jessie, fuel the fires of gossip—which Willie Lamont termed adulteration, and Hamish not only corrected to adultery, but also vehemently and angrily denies, in one breath—resulting in a serious misunderstanding between Hamish and Elspeth. The latter's insecurities, and Hamish's indecisiveness ensures a different outcome than they hoped for. Hamish become balmy by discussing his holiday plans with his dog. It's safer to talk to his animals than the gossip mongers in the village.
The intrigue multiplies, when there is an attempt on Macbeth's life and leads to the villagers' increased attempt to get him happily married off. He needs someone to be on his side in his loneliness, they reckon. Someone kind and considerate, who can take care of him when he needs it. Lugs ends up in animal hospital.
It seems as though the local color is slowly fading away, as though correctness(of speech in particular) is now demanded. In a previous novel, the author threw a few toys out of the cot about this new interference in her creative process. It is clear that changes are in the works for the rest of the series.
It was a really enjoyable read and worth the time. Fast-paced, with an economy of words. Perfect.
A composite of atmosphere, suspense, colorful characters and a headstrong Police Constable Hamish Macbeth, perfectly captured in 235 pages. It cannot get better than this.
An atmospheric tale. Nope, correction: it is an EXTREMELY atmospheric tale! Mindblowing, to be exact.
Macbeth: Visions o'God, Holy Grail, shipwreck, murder and mayhem, and all you lot can find to talk about is a mythical affair.
Apart from other dark, mysterious elements controlling the residents, the village of Stoyre goes through a tough time, when a big storm hits the village and large parts of the settlement are destroyed. 'Hollywood producer' Hamish, makes a plan, which only Elspeth recognizes for what it is. But a community comes together and solve more than just their personal problems, with Hamish as their hero. For now, at least. It did not start out that way at all, oh no ...
Hamish solves several crimes, one after the other, and many characters from different villages bring suspense and yes, offenses to the plot. The senior citizens are one of the compelling focuses, bringing much light and wit into the mix, with their own version of Inspector Poirot. The Currie twins, Nessie & Jessie, fuel the fires of gossip—which Willie Lamont termed adulteration, and Hamish not only corrected to adultery, but also vehemently and angrily denies, in one breath—resulting in a serious misunderstanding between Hamish and Elspeth. The latter's insecurities, and Hamish's indecisiveness ensures a different outcome than they hoped for. Hamish become balmy by discussing his holiday plans with his dog. It's safer to talk to his animals than the gossip mongers in the village.
The intrigue multiplies, when there is an attempt on Macbeth's life and leads to the villagers' increased attempt to get him happily married off. He needs someone to be on his side in his loneliness, they reckon. Someone kind and considerate, who can take care of him when he needs it. Lugs ends up in animal hospital.
It seems as though the local color is slowly fading away, as though correctness(of speech in particular) is now demanded. In a previous novel, the author threw a few toys out of the cot about this new interference in her creative process. It is clear that changes are in the works for the rest of the series.
It was a really enjoyable read and worth the time. Fast-paced, with an economy of words. Perfect.
A composite of atmosphere, suspense, colorful characters and a headstrong Police Constable Hamish Macbeth, perfectly captured in 235 pages. It cannot get better than this.
September 29, 2021
I watched and enjoyed the Hamish Macbeth TV series a few years ago, and I've been meaning to read some of the books M. C. Beaton wrote about the character. This is number 18 in a series that spans 35 titles, so it's pretty much right in the middle. Probably not the best place to start with a series.
There is a lot going on in Hamish Macbeth's life. In fact he seems to be right in the middle of a crime spree. There are murders, domestic violence, animal abuse, swindle, and so on, and on. Hamish doesn't miss a beat, and solves the lot. Don't ask me how many crimes he solves in this book. I lost count somewhere in the middle.
His main problem in this book seems to be just how good a cop he has become. He has become so good that he is in grave danger of being promoted, and then transferred to a more populated area. That is something he has no intention of letting happen. And of course he solves that as well, with a little help from his friends.
The problem with this book in my view is how unfocused it is. It's just too much going on, and none of the mysteries really have a chance of become interesting. Most of them are in fact too easily solved.
But the thing is, this seems to be more about atmosphere than plot, and that is something Beaton does beautifully here. The tone is light, and the characters are fun to read. Hamish and Lugs (his dog) make a great pair. As a mystery novel I don't think it works all that well, but it was still a fun, quick read which I enjoyed. So I liked the book.
I think I'll try to find the first one in the series, to see how it all starts.
There is a lot going on in Hamish Macbeth's life. In fact he seems to be right in the middle of a crime spree. There are murders, domestic violence, animal abuse, swindle, and so on, and on. Hamish doesn't miss a beat, and solves the lot. Don't ask me how many crimes he solves in this book. I lost count somewhere in the middle.
His main problem in this book seems to be just how good a cop he has become. He has become so good that he is in grave danger of being promoted, and then transferred to a more populated area. That is something he has no intention of letting happen. And of course he solves that as well, with a little help from his friends.
The problem with this book in my view is how unfocused it is. It's just too much going on, and none of the mysteries really have a chance of become interesting. Most of them are in fact too easily solved.
But the thing is, this seems to be more about atmosphere than plot, and that is something Beaton does beautifully here. The tone is light, and the characters are fun to read. Hamish and Lugs (his dog) make a great pair. As a mystery novel I don't think it works all that well, but it was still a fun, quick read which I enjoyed. So I liked the book.
I think I'll try to find the first one in the series, to see how it all starts.
August 16, 2023
This one moves into melodrama in parts with Hamish playing the part of a comic book superhero with great but unappreciated help from "she's-not-my-girlfriend" Elsbeth, a clever and charming young woman reporter. Entertaining.
May 17, 2026
Zaintrygował mnie tytuł - śmierć osady? Cóż to może znaczyć? Okazuje się, że w tym tomie - zamiast jednego przykuwającego uwagę bohatera - mamy do czynienia z... praktyczną psychologią tłumu. Wiele się też dzieje, a na gruncie zawodowym Macbeth odnosi wiele sukcesów. Gorzej jeśli idzie o sprawy sercowe - aż żal chłopaka, bo ewidentnie na tym polu prześladuje go jakiś pech. Czarny humor, świetny rys ludzkich charakterów z ich wadami i zaletami, a wszystko to w typowych szkockich okolicznościach przyrody. Innymi słowy świetny pomysł na porządny cosy crime.
March 28, 2024
What besets the eponymous village in this 18th entry in this charming series isn’t really death; it’s — well, some kind of mass religious hysteria. Constable Hamish Macbeth finds that the isolated village of Stoyre has become so religious that villagers are spending most days at church. What’s going on?
We also get to meet two elderly sleuths, eccentric Annie Doherty and reformed crook Charlie Jefferson. They help to solve a subplot involving a questionable nursing home, as well as help investigate the odd goings-on at Stoyre.
The explanation for Stoyre proves a bit far-fetched, but I forgive author M.C. Beaton since she provides so much laughter, suspense and twisty turns, including an unexpected shocker toward the end of the book.
We also get to meet two elderly sleuths, eccentric Annie Doherty and reformed crook Charlie Jefferson. They help to solve a subplot involving a questionable nursing home, as well as help investigate the odd goings-on at Stoyre.
The explanation for Stoyre proves a bit far-fetched, but I forgive author M.C. Beaton since she provides so much laughter, suspense and twisty turns, including an unexpected shocker toward the end of the book.
April 18, 2020
Lots of humor, multiple mysteries, new characters met in the village and more of Hamish bad luck at love.
July 7, 2014
I needed a laugh and where do I find it in a mystery read? M.C Beaton's Hamish MacBeth crime adventure series. This one gave me the laughs while keeping me interested in the crime solving of a few cases. Hamish can be such a brainless man when it comes to women and love, but he's got that Highlander's canny sense for liars and criminals. Beaton creates real characters - like in life when you come along and meet an unusual person and even if you don't like her or him, are drawn to their peculiarities. That's the kind of characters you'll find in Death of a Village.Come along to the highlands of Scotland for some sleuthing and laughs. Yes, I'll continue to read Beaton's silly crime novels.
April 15, 2021
Macbeth and the Haunting of a Village
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (2015) of the Mysterious Press hardcover original (2003)
Death of a Village finds Lochdubh village constable Hamish Macbeth investigating the apparent shutdown of Stoyre fishing village where all of the inhabitants seem to be living under a religious fear. Journalist and sometime seer Elspeth Grant helps Hamish solve the case.
This edition on Audible Audio has narrator Graeme Malcolm in place of series regular Shaun Grindell. Malcolm does an excellent job as well.
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (2015) of the Mysterious Press hardcover original (2003)
Death of a Village finds Lochdubh village constable Hamish Macbeth investigating the apparent shutdown of Stoyre fishing village where all of the inhabitants seem to be living under a religious fear. Journalist and sometime seer Elspeth Grant helps Hamish solve the case.
This edition on Audible Audio has narrator Graeme Malcolm in place of series regular Shaun Grindell. Malcolm does an excellent job as well.
May 25, 2016
Another high-profile case for Hamish. His curiosity and pride are some day going to lead him into a promotion he cannot avoid.
It's almost at that point now, as he goes to quite mad lengths to put his superiors off the notion of moving him to Strathbane or Glasgow. I can't imagine what scheme he'll be forced to try next.
It's all his own fault, as this book is full to bursting with cases Hamish quickly solves right under the noses of his superior officers. Maybe instead of having puffed up meetings about Hamish being wasted in the Highlands, they should instead look to why Strathbane's force is so bloody useless (::cough::fire Blair::cough::).
The books of this series get increasingly more dramatic, more action-packed. I find myself wondering how Beaton is going to out-drama herself next time. Another drug-bust? A terrorist scare? Good heavens, she makes the Highlands out to be a very busy place indeed.
It's almost at that point now, as he goes to quite mad lengths to put his superiors off the notion of moving him to Strathbane or Glasgow. I can't imagine what scheme he'll be forced to try next.
It's all his own fault, as this book is full to bursting with cases Hamish quickly solves right under the noses of his superior officers. Maybe instead of having puffed up meetings about Hamish being wasted in the Highlands, they should instead look to why Strathbane's force is so bloody useless (::cough::fire Blair::cough::).
The books of this series get increasingly more dramatic, more action-packed. I find myself wondering how Beaton is going to out-drama herself next time. Another drug-bust? A terrorist scare? Good heavens, she makes the Highlands out to be a very busy place indeed.
May 28, 2022
I think this is one of my favorites: Hamish solves several different crimes and all are intriguing. I really love his elderly sidekicks in this, and it’s definitely a little bittersweet. The action keeps going until the last page, and there are some gut wrenching moments. I love Lugs and some of our old friends like Archie Maclean. And I’m worried about Jimmy Anderson’s liver - even if he is a weasel! And I just love Hamish!
September 21, 2015
Another delightful Hamish Macbeth mystery. The author is able to make villages and hamlets and their people come to life with all their quirkiness and amusing personality traits. Poor Hamish just doesn't have a clue when it comes to the ladies but there are plenty of gossips who think he is a real ladies man. I love reading how the author describes the sea in each mystery...it makes one want to hear the crash of waves and feel the spray and force of the wind for themselves.
May 24, 2025
My favorite Hamish Macbeth so far!
June 23, 2024
A small village is destroyed by a "hurricane". Lots of other things are going on also. (never a dull moment for poor Hamish)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2015
I've enjoyed two seasons of BBC's beautifully photographed and written "Hamish Macbeth" with a stunningly good cast including Robert Carlyle and Shirley Henderson. A goodreads reader pointed out to me there was an entire series of books with Hamish, and I relished this one-sit reading! It's an English cozy but veers slightly toward the police procedural genre, as we have crimes investigated not by Miss Marple (although in a way she makes an appearance) but by a real police staff. And in "Village", we have not one, not two, but three crime/plots to be solved by Hamish and his dog, Lugs, and a cast of odd characters slightly reminiscent of the American TV show, "Northern Exposure." And now, on to #19. (After the just-read, abysmal "Of Mice and Men", I certainly need a palette cleanser!)
September 3, 2011
This was a bizarre, but entertaining entry in the Hamish Macbeth series by M.C. Beaton. Both my mother-in-law and I love these books and we are steadily working our way through them. They are fun, quick reads and we've grown attached to the characters. This story had a lot of sub-plots, almost too many to keep track of, but the story of the geriatric sleuths was my favorite. On to the next story...
new word: usquebae
new word: usquebae
June 2, 2019
Really enjoyed this one in the series. Made me laugh too. Hamish is a bit of a maverick, but I love his character.
February 24, 2025
This one was fun and therefore 4 stars. Really enjoyed the mystery of the strangely changed village.
June 7, 2025
Gute Unterhaltung für ein paar Stunden….
April 20, 2015
May be most all round dangerous of series - doped drinks, guns, fire, explosion, chase - in the end, the whole village of Stoyre. Real issues of abuse. Romance is pure fun. Plus more silliness elsewhere. Hamish accepts Angela's coffee, quickly adding "black" after "noticing that one of the cats had its head in the milk jug" p 191.
"You'd think the word of a policeman would count for something these days" p 23. Constable Hamish Macbeth 30s p 29 eyes how "sweeping brush marks" p 22 change dusty floor where shopkeeper claims thieves stole booze. After publicity "hit the headlines" p 156 favorably, Supt Peter Daviot threatens Hamish with promotion to big cities. Cop Jimmy Anderson, always up for a dram, has a suggestion.
"Mrs Gilchrist's rather doughy face showed no traces of weeping" p 201 for son Tommy 7 reported missing by teacher "getting on two days" p 200 ago. Hearing and seeing excess religion, no play or friends, Hamish snaffles shiny key, unlocks "cupboard under stairs".(Harry Potter, anyone?) "Two terrified eyes stared up at him". Hamish "untied him and removed the gag, and, lifting him gently in his arms, carried him outside" p 203. So many cases I almost forgot abused Tommy.
"Weird clothes" p 103 parade different strange outfits above same "usual clumpy boots" p 102. Local reporter Elspeth Grant helps Hamish research with promise of big story. Ditzy bleach-blond Bella Comyn 42-15= 27 claims hubby Sean 42 gave her black eye. RSPCA wants Bella for killing collie. Adoring Sean stops joint account, but forgets to change will. Gypsy heritage of Elspeth warns of "odd feeling" p 35 trouble more than once.
Maisie "had rheumatoid arthritis. She'd no more have tackled those stairs than she would have thought of climbing Everest" p 108. After friend falls to death, Mrs Annie Docherty 92 p 168, claims "year older" p 129 than Charlie Jefferson 88 p 124, signs over her cottage to The Pines nursing home, investigates more "unfortunate accident"s p 116. "When people I don't like call round, I mumble and drool" p 107. After Annie and Charlie witness "overdose of morphine" p 140 fatal injection, front gates of estate close on their hot-wired car.
"There was a strange atmosphere .. Well, ye cannae be arresting an atmosphere" p 64. Silent Stoyre villagers, short of entertainment without TV reception, claim religious revival. But Hamish and Elspeth "had to strain to hear" p 79 preacher. Major Jennings "did some low-key work in Belfast" p 83, his bungalow was "blown up" into "burnt-out shell" p 65. Hamish is drugged to sleep while his Stoyre rental burns around him.
Angie "telt them herself had been in love wi' you for years" p 279, fed up with gossiping Curries "middle-aged twins" p 15. Word spreads, Angie held hand of anxious Hamish at the vet. Elspeth, foolishly believes the sisters. The more Hamish goes "around denying it, folks will really begin to think there's something in it" p 279.
Waiter Willy, as usual, mixes his words. "The kirk says adulteration is a bad thing" p 287. Hamish shouts "The word is adultery!" to "a silence in the restaurant" p 287.
Definition:
p 73 donkey engine is a steam-powered winch, used to raise gold
Typos:
p 27 "diffuse the situation" is normally "defuse"
"You'd think the word of a policeman would count for something these days" p 23. Constable Hamish Macbeth 30s p 29 eyes how "sweeping brush marks" p 22 change dusty floor where shopkeeper claims thieves stole booze. After publicity "hit the headlines" p 156 favorably, Supt Peter Daviot threatens Hamish with promotion to big cities. Cop Jimmy Anderson, always up for a dram, has a suggestion.
"Mrs Gilchrist's rather doughy face showed no traces of weeping" p 201 for son Tommy 7 reported missing by teacher "getting on two days" p 200 ago. Hearing and seeing excess religion, no play or friends, Hamish snaffles shiny key, unlocks "cupboard under stairs".(Harry Potter, anyone?) "Two terrified eyes stared up at him". Hamish "untied him and removed the gag, and, lifting him gently in his arms, carried him outside" p 203. So many cases I almost forgot abused Tommy.
"Weird clothes" p 103 parade different strange outfits above same "usual clumpy boots" p 102. Local reporter Elspeth Grant helps Hamish research with promise of big story. Ditzy bleach-blond Bella Comyn 42-15= 27 claims hubby Sean 42 gave her black eye. RSPCA wants Bella for killing collie. Adoring Sean stops joint account, but forgets to change will. Gypsy heritage of Elspeth warns of "odd feeling" p 35 trouble more than once.
Maisie "had rheumatoid arthritis. She'd no more have tackled those stairs than she would have thought of climbing Everest" p 108. After friend falls to death, Mrs Annie Docherty 92 p 168, claims "year older" p 129 than Charlie Jefferson 88 p 124, signs over her cottage to The Pines nursing home, investigates more "unfortunate accident"s p 116. "When people I don't like call round, I mumble and drool" p 107. After Annie and Charlie witness "overdose of morphine" p 140 fatal injection, front gates of estate close on their hot-wired car.
"There was a strange atmosphere .. Well, ye cannae be arresting an atmosphere" p 64. Silent Stoyre villagers, short of entertainment without TV reception, claim religious revival. But Hamish and Elspeth "had to strain to hear" p 79 preacher. Major Jennings "did some low-key work in Belfast" p 83, his bungalow was "blown up" into "burnt-out shell" p 65. Hamish is drugged to sleep while his Stoyre rental burns around him.
Angie "telt them herself had been in love wi' you for years" p 279, fed up with gossiping Curries "middle-aged twins" p 15. Word spreads, Angie held hand of anxious Hamish at the vet. Elspeth, foolishly believes the sisters. The more Hamish goes "around denying it, folks will really begin to think there's something in it" p 279.
Waiter Willy, as usual, mixes his words. "The kirk says adulteration is a bad thing" p 287. Hamish shouts "The word is adultery!" to "a silence in the restaurant" p 287.
Definition:
p 73 donkey engine is a steam-powered winch, used to raise gold
Typos:
p 27 "diffuse the situation" is normally "defuse"
December 17, 2019
The Hamish Macbeth series is a go to series for me when I want to read something light and entertaining. It was a good read.
December 24, 2024
Entertaining but silly cozy mystery. Hamish Macbeth is some kind of super constable that runs into mischief and mayhem and always solves problems that no one else can. Unless it’s in matters of the heart.
October 2, 2018
Really good Hamish Macbeth.
February 2, 2012
There is something deliciously ironic about a Scottish Macbeth who is completely lacking in ambition. A Macbeth who flees from the spotlight magnetically attracted to his penchant for saving lives.
M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth is a police officer in a small village in the Highlands of Scotland. His worst fear is that he’ll be promoted and will no longer be able to enjoy the quiet surroundings in which his skills are greatly needed.
In Death of a Village, Macbeth believes something creepy is going on in a village which is just too quiet for his liking. While he attempts to investigate in a place where no one will admit that anything is wrong, he gets sidetracked by grocery fraud, domestic abuse, and a series of nursing home murders. All of these he handles distractedly with creative panache.
Death of a Village definitely falls into the category of a cozy mystery. It’s low on gore and has very little objectionable language despite managing to squeeze in the requisite number of murders and dangerous situations. Beaton infuses the book with a wry humor and the story moves quickly and quirkily.
Beaton began her Hamish Macbeth series in 1985 and has published 22 of them, all but one having titles with variations on “Death of a …” She’s also written the Agatha Raisin series and, under other names, more than 100 historical romances. The Hamish Macbeth stories have been made into a BBC television series.
Death of a Village, published in 2003, was my introduction to the series. It contains references to previous story lines, most notably Macbeth’s failed love life, but the story itself stands on its own as do the characters.
The book is as much an investigation into small-town life as it is an investigation into the mysterious goings-on in the Highlands. It is also an amusing look at office politics and what a competent beat cop must do to keep his superiors from thinking he has more talent than what he truly does.
This installment in the series has such charm that I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up more books in the series and find out whether Macbeth manages to have better luck with the women than he does with hiding his competency from those who would move him on to bigger and better things.
M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth is a police officer in a small village in the Highlands of Scotland. His worst fear is that he’ll be promoted and will no longer be able to enjoy the quiet surroundings in which his skills are greatly needed.
In Death of a Village, Macbeth believes something creepy is going on in a village which is just too quiet for his liking. While he attempts to investigate in a place where no one will admit that anything is wrong, he gets sidetracked by grocery fraud, domestic abuse, and a series of nursing home murders. All of these he handles distractedly with creative panache.
Death of a Village definitely falls into the category of a cozy mystery. It’s low on gore and has very little objectionable language despite managing to squeeze in the requisite number of murders and dangerous situations. Beaton infuses the book with a wry humor and the story moves quickly and quirkily.
Beaton began her Hamish Macbeth series in 1985 and has published 22 of them, all but one having titles with variations on “Death of a …” She’s also written the Agatha Raisin series and, under other names, more than 100 historical romances. The Hamish Macbeth stories have been made into a BBC television series.
Death of a Village, published in 2003, was my introduction to the series. It contains references to previous story lines, most notably Macbeth’s failed love life, but the story itself stands on its own as do the characters.
The book is as much an investigation into small-town life as it is an investigation into the mysterious goings-on in the Highlands. It is also an amusing look at office politics and what a competent beat cop must do to keep his superiors from thinking he has more talent than what he truly does.
This installment in the series has such charm that I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up more books in the series and find out whether Macbeth manages to have better luck with the women than he does with hiding his competency from those who would move him on to bigger and better things.
May 16, 2014
I'm giving it five stars--with a warning.
Hamish changes in this book. He's grumpy. He's rude and because of his initial relationship with Priscilla, he now tars the entire gender with the same brush which edges on misogyny. Really? Hamish? Lanky, easy going Hamish Macbeth?
I waited for the shift but it didn't happen. I'm actually hesitant to pick up the next book and may have to skip out of Scotland for a bit before I read that he's about to become a irrascible ol' Highlander.
Aside from that, the plot line is more complex than most and new characters are introduced who are charming, fascinating or threatening.
Don't miss this one. It's a good read. But don't start with it. I probably would never have read another if I'd started here.
Hamish changes in this book. He's grumpy. He's rude and because of his initial relationship with Priscilla, he now tars the entire gender with the same brush which edges on misogyny. Really? Hamish? Lanky, easy going Hamish Macbeth?
I waited for the shift but it didn't happen. I'm actually hesitant to pick up the next book and may have to skip out of Scotland for a bit before I read that he's about to become a irrascible ol' Highlander.
Aside from that, the plot line is more complex than most and new characters are introduced who are charming, fascinating or threatening.
Don't miss this one. It's a good read. But don't start with it. I probably would never have read another if I'd started here.
July 16, 2009
I wish there were half stars. I would give this 2.5. This story was very cute, reminded me of the old fashioned mystery stories that my aunt used to love reading. I really do like Hamish Macbeth, the characters he interacts with, and the descriptions of the quaint Scottish villages in which the story took place. I felt as though there were almost too many stories within the story- which mystery are you trying to solve- the insurance fraud, the old folks' home, the pirates? I was expecting a bit more of a tie-in among all of the situations Hamish encountered. The ending also left me a bit underwhelmed.
September 6, 2021
Two stars out of deference to those who love MC Beaton. I've tried Agatha Raisin and now Hamish Macbeth, and I don't love them. There may be something to be said for the lead detectives, but the secondary characters are shallow and undeveloped. There's way too much going on, and the plots take illogical jumps and turns...several times in this one, I just shook my head... huh? I read to the book to the end. But from now on, I'll stick to the TV versions.
May 27, 2009
I DO so love reading about Hamish Macbeth, the gangling Scottish policeman who finds it easier to solve crimes than to avoid promotion. This series is always a fun read with well-developed characters. This one was, perhaps a little bit more grim than some of the otheres I've read due to a sub-plot about a home for the elderly, but, all in all, the usual exciting romp through the Highlands.
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