What do you think?
Rate this book
Hamish Macbeth #34
Death of a Green-Eyed Monster
Sergeant Hamish Macbeth , Scotland's most quick-witted but unambitious policeman is back and may have finally met the woman of his dreams in this new mystery in M.C. Beaton's beloved, 'New York Times' bestselling series.
Hamish's new constable, Dorothy McIver, may be the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. Completely bewitched by her sparkling blue eyes, Hamish spends the summer traveling with her up and down Sutherland until finally, he can take it no longer. He gets down on one knee beside the Land Rover and begs her to marry him—and to his amazement and delight, she says yes.
But just as the town of Lochdubh gets ready to celebrate, Hamish finds himself with a new murder on his hands. If he doesn't find the killer fast, Hamish's dream wedding could become a nightmare.
Hamish's new constable, Dorothy McIver, may be the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. Completely bewitched by her sparkling blue eyes, Hamish spends the summer traveling with her up and down Sutherland until finally, he can take it no longer. He gets down on one knee beside the Land Rover and begs her to marry him—and to his amazement and delight, she says yes.
But just as the town of Lochdubh gets ready to celebrate, Hamish finds himself with a new murder on his hands. If he doesn't find the killer fast, Hamish's dream wedding could become a nightmare.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2022
355 people are currently reading
6605 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,014 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
July 23, 2022
EXCERPT: She was stunning. Her glossy black hair was drawn back into a high ponytail that dropped in a shining cascade beneath her hat. The shade from the brim did nothing to dim either the sparkle of her blue eyes or the radiance of the perfect smile with which she greeted him.
'Good afternoon, Sergeant,' she said, in a soft voice delicately laced with an endearing lilt that might have drifted in from the Western Isles on the summer breeze. 'Constable Dorothy McIver reporting for duty.'
Hamish Macbeth could scarcely believe his eyes. Was this really his new constable?
ABOUT 'DEATH OF A GREEN-EYED MONSTER': Hamish's new constable, Dorothy McIver, may be the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. Completely bewitched by her sparkling blue eyes, Hamish spends the summer traveling with her up and down Sutherland until finally, he can take it no longer. He gets down on one knee beside the Land Rover and begs her to marry him—and to his amazement and delight, she says yes.
But just as the town of Lochdubh gets ready to celebrate, Hamish finds himself with a new murder on his hands. If he doesn't find the killer fast, Hamish's dream wedding could become a nightmare.
MY THOUGHTS: Apparently M.C. Beaton was working on this story at the time of her death. I enjoyed Death of a Green-Eyed Monster, but perhaps not as much as some of the earlier books.
Hamish just isn't . . . Hamish. He's just not that cheeky, caring, 'pushing the boundaries' rural copper that us followers of this series have come to love and respect.
I was worried that Hamish's romance with Dorothy was moving too fast and that she was too good to be true. Was I right? You'll have to find out for yourself.
And to be quite honest, the whole book moved too fast. We didn't get the full benefit of the Lochdubh characters, and there are some wonderful characters in this village. I missed his meandering and apparently pointless conversations which often elicit important information.
I did enjoy catching up with both of Hamish's ex-fiancees - and had a bit of a smile at the thought of them being Dorothy's attendants at the wedding.
I didn't find this particular crime to be all that interesting, probably because it involved an organised crime family. I really enjoy a more local flavour.
Is this to be the last we see of Hamish? I don't think so. Mr Green tells us that M.C. Beaton left several outlines to be completed. So we may have more Hamish coming, but we may have to get used to a slightly different Hamish; a changed man.
⭐⭐⭐.7
THE AUTHOR: 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.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Good afternoon, Sergeant,' she said, in a soft voice delicately laced with an endearing lilt that might have drifted in from the Western Isles on the summer breeze. 'Constable Dorothy McIver reporting for duty.'
Hamish Macbeth could scarcely believe his eyes. Was this really his new constable?
ABOUT 'DEATH OF A GREEN-EYED MONSTER': Hamish's new constable, Dorothy McIver, may be the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. Completely bewitched by her sparkling blue eyes, Hamish spends the summer traveling with her up and down Sutherland until finally, he can take it no longer. He gets down on one knee beside the Land Rover and begs her to marry him—and to his amazement and delight, she says yes.
But just as the town of Lochdubh gets ready to celebrate, Hamish finds himself with a new murder on his hands. If he doesn't find the killer fast, Hamish's dream wedding could become a nightmare.
MY THOUGHTS: Apparently M.C. Beaton was working on this story at the time of her death. I enjoyed Death of a Green-Eyed Monster, but perhaps not as much as some of the earlier books.
Hamish just isn't . . . Hamish. He's just not that cheeky, caring, 'pushing the boundaries' rural copper that us followers of this series have come to love and respect.
I was worried that Hamish's romance with Dorothy was moving too fast and that she was too good to be true. Was I right? You'll have to find out for yourself.
And to be quite honest, the whole book moved too fast. We didn't get the full benefit of the Lochdubh characters, and there are some wonderful characters in this village. I missed his meandering and apparently pointless conversations which often elicit important information.
I did enjoy catching up with both of Hamish's ex-fiancees - and had a bit of a smile at the thought of them being Dorothy's attendants at the wedding.
I didn't find this particular crime to be all that interesting, probably because it involved an organised crime family. I really enjoy a more local flavour.
Is this to be the last we see of Hamish? I don't think so. Mr Green tells us that M.C. Beaton left several outlines to be completed. So we may have more Hamish coming, but we may have to get used to a slightly different Hamish; a changed man.
⭐⭐⭐.7
THE AUTHOR: 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.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 9, 2021
R.I.P., Ms. Beaton. R.I.P.
I was unenthralled with this new author’s try at Agatha Raisin. As I said in one my reviews, it’s perfectly pleasant and Agatha isn’t Agatha anymore.
I thought I was done, but then I saw that he was doing Hamish. I thought: perhaps this will be better. Maybe he can recreate Hamish better than our feisty Agatha.
Yeah…no.
Hamish isn’t Hamish anymore. Neither are most of the other characters. Our lovely, lazy, brash Hamish has become a dull boy. Our bombastic hotel owner is soft and practically fluffy. Blair is less buffoon than before. Even the quirky village folks have lost their spark.
It's a perfectly pleasant book…and that’s all.
And, yes, folks. I’m truly done this time. It’s time to let Ms. Beaton and her characters rest.
*ARC via Net Galley
I was unenthralled with this new author’s try at Agatha Raisin. As I said in one my reviews, it’s perfectly pleasant and Agatha isn’t Agatha anymore.
I thought I was done, but then I saw that he was doing Hamish. I thought: perhaps this will be better. Maybe he can recreate Hamish better than our feisty Agatha.
Yeah…no.
Hamish isn’t Hamish anymore. Neither are most of the other characters. Our lovely, lazy, brash Hamish has become a dull boy. Our bombastic hotel owner is soft and practically fluffy. Blair is less buffoon than before. Even the quirky village folks have lost their spark.
It's a perfectly pleasant book…and that’s all.
And, yes, folks. I’m truly done this time. It’s time to let Ms. Beaton and her characters rest.
*ARC via Net Galley
July 19, 2022
The slow start hurts this short story that gets better by the time its too late. 4 of 10 stars
March 16, 2022
Ms. Beaton's death hit me really hard. I have been reading her books since I was a teenager, and discovered the School For Manners, which she wrote as Marion Chesney. I read all her Regency romances, and so many of them are still favorites. Then a few years ago someone told me to try the Hamish Macbeth mysteries, and I was several books in before I discovered what "M C" stood for! I have loved every Hamish Macbeth mystery, because Hamish is so great, and so are the quirky characters that populate the tiny village of Lochdubh. Unlucky in love but lucky in friends, and in pets, Hamish is one of the all time great characters, not to mention detectives, that I have had the pleasure to read.
I was shocked when Ms. Beaton died. No more romances. No more Hamish. This book was finished by a friend and fellow mystery author, who writes in the foreword that he had been working with her for some time, since she was not in good health. The book shows no signs of having been touched by other hands, so a big bravo to him! It's not clear whether he'll continue to write under her name, or if there were more stories to come. This book could certainly finish the series. It was excellent, and with some surprises (not all of them nice) that made it really stand out.
I was shocked when Ms. Beaton died. No more romances. No more Hamish. This book was finished by a friend and fellow mystery author, who writes in the foreword that he had been working with her for some time, since she was not in good health. The book shows no signs of having been touched by other hands, so a big bravo to him! It's not clear whether he'll continue to write under her name, or if there were more stories to come. This book could certainly finish the series. It was excellent, and with some surprises (not all of them nice) that made it really stand out.
October 30, 2021
Hamish Macbeth has a new police colleague in Lochdubh, the beautiful Dorothy. She proves to be capable and talented as they investigate a local murder, and endears herself to the locals with her helpful and friendly demeanor. There seems to be some kind of mystery in Dorothy’s past—is she more knowledgeable about organized crime figures in Glasgow than she claims? Hamish is well and truly smitten, and really does not want to know. In his introduction, RW Green, the author who has taken over writing the MC Beaton mysteries, says that Beaton “wanted to provide her readers with some gentle escapism for a rainy afternoon read, set in a landscape that would fire their imaginations.” This book met those requirements until the final horrifying murder, which made the book so much darker than the ”gentle escapism” I’ve come to expect from a Hamish Macbeth mystery. I received an advance copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2022
May 19, 2022 Update Made a minor edit to correct the numbering of the Hamish Macbeth novella Death of a Laird from #34.5 to #33.5.
Not Nasty or Deranged Hamish
Review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook narrated by Graeme Malcolm, released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover (February 15, 2022)
[Probably a 3, but rounded up for the narration and for less nastiness]
It is with some relief that I can say that Death of a Green-Eyed Monster hopefully sets a renewed steady course for the future of the Hamish Macbeth series after the disappointments of the previous books, esp. Death of an Honest Man (2018 - Hamish Macbeth #33) which I reviewed as Not My Hamish.
Although M.C. Beaton, penname of Marion Chesney (1936-2019) has been gone for over 2 years now, several books were already in the pipeline in collaboration with continuation writer R.W. Green right up until her passing. Book #34 was even announced back in 2019, when it had the spoilerish title of and some artifacts of that discarded title are still listed on Goodreads.
It has been 4 years though since Death of an Honest Man, so presumably quite a lot of work was still required to complete the new book. R.W. Green would have also been busy with the continuation work on the Agatha Raisin series, which may be currently more popular and on demand due to its ongoing television adaptations.
Death of a Green-Eyed Monster doesn't break any new ground for village sergeant Hamish Macbeth. All of the touchstones of the series are in place: Hamish finds a new love to crush on, the murder victim is an outlander, faithful dog Lugs and wildcat Sonsie are in place (with Sonsie's instincts an early "tell"), the Currie sisters spy on everyone and one mimics the other, Mrs. Brodie chips in, past loves Priscilla and Elspeth are in support, past constables Dick and Angus bake and serve, Inspector Jimmy Anderson mooches and Chief Inspector Blair plots Hamish's destruction. You've read it all before, but there is a comfort that this tiny world in the Highlands still exists after the disturbances in our own real world in the past few years of the pandemic and such.
The Marion Chesney estate must be happy as well with how the continuation series is proceeding as a novella Death of a Laird: A Hamish Macbeth novella (expected March 8, 2022, Hamish Macbeth #34.5) [correction: Death of a Laird is actually #33.5 as it was released in Kindle format February 15, 2022 prior to Death of a Green-Eyed Monster, it was the Audible Audio edition that was released later on March 8, 2022] and the next novel Death of a Traitor (Expected February 2, 2023; Hamish Macbeth #35) have already been announced.
The narration by the now regular series reader Graeme Malcolm was excellent as always.
Not Nasty or Deranged Hamish
Review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook narrated by Graeme Malcolm, released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover (February 15, 2022)
[Probably a 3, but rounded up for the narration and for less nastiness]
It is with some relief that I can say that Death of a Green-Eyed Monster hopefully sets a renewed steady course for the future of the Hamish Macbeth series after the disappointments of the previous books, esp. Death of an Honest Man (2018 - Hamish Macbeth #33) which I reviewed as Not My Hamish.
Although M.C. Beaton, penname of Marion Chesney (1936-2019) has been gone for over 2 years now, several books were already in the pipeline in collaboration with continuation writer R.W. Green right up until her passing. Book #34 was even announced back in 2019, when it had the spoilerish title of and some artifacts of that discarded title are still listed on Goodreads.
It has been 4 years though since Death of an Honest Man, so presumably quite a lot of work was still required to complete the new book. R.W. Green would have also been busy with the continuation work on the Agatha Raisin series, which may be currently more popular and on demand due to its ongoing television adaptations.
Death of a Green-Eyed Monster doesn't break any new ground for village sergeant Hamish Macbeth. All of the touchstones of the series are in place: Hamish finds a new love to crush on, the murder victim is an outlander, faithful dog Lugs and wildcat Sonsie are in place (with Sonsie's instincts an early "tell"), the Currie sisters spy on everyone and one mimics the other, Mrs. Brodie chips in, past loves Priscilla and Elspeth are in support, past constables Dick and Angus bake and serve, Inspector Jimmy Anderson mooches and Chief Inspector Blair plots Hamish's destruction. You've read it all before, but there is a comfort that this tiny world in the Highlands still exists after the disturbances in our own real world in the past few years of the pandemic and such.
The Marion Chesney estate must be happy as well with how the continuation series is proceeding as a novella Death of a Laird: A Hamish Macbeth novella (expected March 8, 2022, Hamish Macbeth #34.5) [correction: Death of a Laird is actually #33.5 as it was released in Kindle format February 15, 2022 prior to Death of a Green-Eyed Monster, it was the Audible Audio edition that was released later on March 8, 2022] and the next novel Death of a Traitor (Expected February 2, 2023; Hamish Macbeth #35) have already been announced.
The narration by the now regular series reader Graeme Malcolm was excellent as always.
February 17, 2022
I loved this series from the first book Death of a Gossip. Hamish Macbeth is the main character along with the supporting characters in the town of Lochdubh, The new characters add to the story. Hamish is the policeman assigned to this town which he loves. He gets a new constable Dorothy McIver to work with him. He shows her around town and the Tommel Castle Hotel to introduce her to the villagers. While at the castle he is told that a woman showed up asking about Dorothy but left. While there they run into two men in the parking lot who Hamish is suspicious of. He gets a call from Dougie, the owner of the gas station that there is a dead body in a car. Hamish goes and finds that it is one of the men in the parking lot, Graham Leslie who is shot in the head. This is where the story takes off with Hamish trying to find out why he was killed. So much is happening in the town with thieves, car races, a motorcycle as well as murder. Hamish and Dorothy spend a lot of time together. They fall in love and Hamish asks her to marry him and she accepts. The town is very happy for them. Detective Chief Inspector Blair is assigned to the murder. He and Hamish have a bad relationship; throughout all the books. He is into something shady. On the wedding day Hamish is at the church but Dorothy does not show. He knows that she is in danger and looks for her. She is found in a field dead. Hamish goes to great lengths to find the killer. I will leave the end of the story to the readers as the ending comes with many surprises.
I look forward to the next inn the series to find out what is next for Hamish.
Thank you NegGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC.
I look forward to the next inn the series to find out what is next for Hamish.
Thank you NegGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC.
February 18, 2022
I was so happy to hear that there would be a final book in this series to give it a conclusion. I was so excited when I read the synopsis and how hamish was finally finding his true love but had a few obstacles. Then I read the book and I was devistated by the ending. Although the new writer helped write M.C Beatons last few books before passing it feels like he didn't read any of the others. Some core characters were either missing, replaced, or weren't the same. I think the biggest disappointment when how hamish's ending was written. We were lead to believe that hamish would finally have a happy ending filled with love and a few obstacles to tackle but instead we are left with hurt and dispare. Real fans like me have committed YEARS to this series. 36 books and this is how you end it? We deserved better and so did Hamish.
September 13, 2025
This was 5 stars up until the villain started explaining every little detail of why is all happened. That almost always get on my nerves as no villain is ever going to do that in a million years. They are going to keep everything secret as much as they can.
I read this one twice as I had forgotten everything so was able to enjoy it again.
I read this one twice as I had forgotten everything so was able to enjoy it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
Rest in Peace M.C. Beaton.
This is the worst Hamish book I have read. There is no happy ending for Hamish. I am so disappointed in this book.
R.W. Green, please do not continue this beloved series. The series should have ended with a happy ending for Hamish.
This is the worst Hamish book I have read. There is no happy ending for Hamish. I am so disappointed in this book.
R.W. Green, please do not continue this beloved series. The series should have ended with a happy ending for Hamish.
February 1, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 3.7 of 5 stars (Rounded up)
Series: Hamish Macbeth #34
Publication Date: 2/15/22
Period: Contemporary – Lochdubh, Scotland
Number of Pages: 241
It was so bittersweet to read this book knowing that M.C. Beaton had passed away and that she’d had assistance with writing this book before her death. IF this had been my first read in the Hamish Macbeth series, I’d probably have rated the book a solid 4 or 4.5 stars. However, it was NOT my first book in the series – I’ve read them all. It was a good mystery and it was well written – it was just a little ‘off’ somehow. Hamish just wasn’t quite Hamish – I still loved him, but he wasn’t exactly the character I’ve come to know and love. I also didn’t get the book I had so very much wanted. I have to wonder if this is really the last book of the series or not because nothing was really wrapped up in the book and lots of ‘hints’ were there for things to come. The book I WANTED would have had a happily settled Hamish in his sweet Scottish village – and DCI Blair having been dropped in the deep ocean somewhere. That is definitely NOT what I got. So now, do I go on picturing our sweet, lovable Hamish spending a long, lonely life in Lochdubh – OR – will there be another book and another? If there are more, will they satisfy my Lochdubh hunger and my desire to see Hamish happily settled and living a life that isn’t lonely?
Hamish Macbeth is very, very happy being the police Sergeant in remote, breathtakingly beautiful Lochdubh, Scotland. He’s been engaged twice and both times he’s broken those engagements because he realized those ladies just weren’t the right match – neither of them wanted to stay in Lochdubh. They wanted a big city life – and he definitely did not. So, imagine his delight when his new constable, Dorothy McIver, is not only as beautiful as his beloved Highlands – she wants to live there – with him. They work together for several months and grow closer and closer until he finally asks her to marry him – and she says YES.
They work well together solving the few crimes that happen in ‘their patch’ as Hamish refers to it. Then, there is a murder, and ‘special’ investigators from Strathbane and even Glasgow descends on their peaceful little world. One of those investigators is DCI Blair who hates Hamish with a passion. Blair is the epitome of a dirty cop – Hamish knows it – Blair knows Hamish knows it. Hamish just can’t prove it – yet. Hamish and Dorothy conduct their own investigation since they’ve been told to stay out of the official one. It really gets personal for Hamish when Douglas (Dougie) Tennant is beaten and left to burn to death in his cottage near where the murder happened.
There are so many things that don’t make sense to Hamish. Is all of it related to gangs bleeding over from the big cities into the Highlands? Who is the blonde woman in the blue car? What does the soldier, Keith Bain, have to do with any of it? His alibi certainly doesn’t hold up. Then, there is the American, James Bland. Who is he really and why is he in Lochdubh? We all know DCI Blair is up to no good – but what is it he is actually up to?
To tell you this book broke my heart and left me terribly, terribly sad for Hamish would be putting it mildly – especially if there are no future books. I’m not sure if I’m glad I read it or not because, if it is the last book, my imagination was so very much better than where this went. That said, it was a good mystery and a good read even if it wasn’t the same as it would have been had M.C. Beaton written all of the words.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Hamish Macbeth #34
Publication Date: 2/15/22
Period: Contemporary – Lochdubh, Scotland
Number of Pages: 241
It was so bittersweet to read this book knowing that M.C. Beaton had passed away and that she’d had assistance with writing this book before her death. IF this had been my first read in the Hamish Macbeth series, I’d probably have rated the book a solid 4 or 4.5 stars. However, it was NOT my first book in the series – I’ve read them all. It was a good mystery and it was well written – it was just a little ‘off’ somehow. Hamish just wasn’t quite Hamish – I still loved him, but he wasn’t exactly the character I’ve come to know and love. I also didn’t get the book I had so very much wanted. I have to wonder if this is really the last book of the series or not because nothing was really wrapped up in the book and lots of ‘hints’ were there for things to come. The book I WANTED would have had a happily settled Hamish in his sweet Scottish village – and DCI Blair having been dropped in the deep ocean somewhere. That is definitely NOT what I got. So now, do I go on picturing our sweet, lovable Hamish spending a long, lonely life in Lochdubh – OR – will there be another book and another? If there are more, will they satisfy my Lochdubh hunger and my desire to see Hamish happily settled and living a life that isn’t lonely?
Hamish Macbeth is very, very happy being the police Sergeant in remote, breathtakingly beautiful Lochdubh, Scotland. He’s been engaged twice and both times he’s broken those engagements because he realized those ladies just weren’t the right match – neither of them wanted to stay in Lochdubh. They wanted a big city life – and he definitely did not. So, imagine his delight when his new constable, Dorothy McIver, is not only as beautiful as his beloved Highlands – she wants to live there – with him. They work together for several months and grow closer and closer until he finally asks her to marry him – and she says YES.
They work well together solving the few crimes that happen in ‘their patch’ as Hamish refers to it. Then, there is a murder, and ‘special’ investigators from Strathbane and even Glasgow descends on their peaceful little world. One of those investigators is DCI Blair who hates Hamish with a passion. Blair is the epitome of a dirty cop – Hamish knows it – Blair knows Hamish knows it. Hamish just can’t prove it – yet. Hamish and Dorothy conduct their own investigation since they’ve been told to stay out of the official one. It really gets personal for Hamish when Douglas (Dougie) Tennant is beaten and left to burn to death in his cottage near where the murder happened.
There are so many things that don’t make sense to Hamish. Is all of it related to gangs bleeding over from the big cities into the Highlands? Who is the blonde woman in the blue car? What does the soldier, Keith Bain, have to do with any of it? His alibi certainly doesn’t hold up. Then, there is the American, James Bland. Who is he really and why is he in Lochdubh? We all know DCI Blair is up to no good – but what is it he is actually up to?
To tell you this book broke my heart and left me terribly, terribly sad for Hamish would be putting it mildly – especially if there are no future books. I’m not sure if I’m glad I read it or not because, if it is the last book, my imagination was so very much better than where this went. That said, it was a good mystery and a good read even if it wasn’t the same as it would have been had M.C. Beaton written all of the words.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 17, 2022
Death of a Green-Eyed Monster Earns 5/5 Highland Hijinx…Compelling!
M.C. Beaton passed away in December of 2019, but her image of Hamish Macbeth lives under the pen of R.W. Green, who in Beaton’s final days was able to glean a real sense of the characters, the community, and the style she used to bring the subdued Lochdubh police officer to readers. Having read books from this series by both authors, Green did a successful job taking the reins or, more appropriately I guess, the warrant card. In “Death of a Green-Eyed Monster,” Hamish is still the low-keyed, yet intuitive, red-headed copper bent on staying well under the radar often giving credit to other detective for the solving of any crimes. He seeks no transfers, no promotions, no upgrades to his job. He does, however, after two failed engagements, lack female companionship…until now. Enter Constable Dorothy McIver. Together they make quite the pair, professionally and personally, and when tracking a pair of speeders, they come upon a gruesome scene. The murder, and subsequent attempted murder of a possible witness, brings in outside investigators, one of which is Macbeth’s biggest adversaries, DCI Blair. A former mentor, DCI Anderson, with a bit of self-serving motive, shares his concerns with Macbeth the whole mess may be connected to organized crime with gang names more akin to Braveheart clans. He is also suspicious of Blair’s intentions, too, and suggests a parallel investigation to ensure legitimacy. Clever. Intense. Is it the wealthy, pompous American? The belligerent cop out for himself and having it in for Hamish? What about the woman looking for Dorothy? Then, again, what about Dorothy? There’s a bit of an enigma.
Totally engaging, and more than enough differences from the television series loosely based on Beaton’s work, to make it a unique and entertaining page-turner. Hamish’s personality and motives may be the only similarity, however his appearance along with many of the village’s residents, fur-friends, visitors, connections, and importance to the drama makes it new experience. There are many green-eyed monsters from obvious to well hidden with several having “jealousy” as a motive or a motivation, but with jealousy there also comes revenge. The final reveal was a shock making me audibly “gasp,” and I approved of the realistic consequences that might not be by the book. Brilliant. Top notch. Green’s writing style is also a 5-star element with his use of descriptive language to illustrate well a “bucket-list” vision of the highlands, the varied personalities, and the emotions attached to the chases, the skulking, the near misses, the secrets, the misdirection, and all the wedding preparations for Hamish and Dorothy. Fans of Beaton, Hamish, or just a thrilling mystery will love this book!
One complaint, that in no way effected my experience or needs to effect the rating, is that I don’t like the new covers: the plain green background and white title splashed over the front. I really like the old covers with pictures of the highlands or items connected to the stories elements. Even the ARC I was sent had a lovely picture of Lochdubh and a shadowy figure. Oh, please reconsider the covers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Grand Central Publishing thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
M.C. Beaton passed away in December of 2019, but her image of Hamish Macbeth lives under the pen of R.W. Green, who in Beaton’s final days was able to glean a real sense of the characters, the community, and the style she used to bring the subdued Lochdubh police officer to readers. Having read books from this series by both authors, Green did a successful job taking the reins or, more appropriately I guess, the warrant card. In “Death of a Green-Eyed Monster,” Hamish is still the low-keyed, yet intuitive, red-headed copper bent on staying well under the radar often giving credit to other detective for the solving of any crimes. He seeks no transfers, no promotions, no upgrades to his job. He does, however, after two failed engagements, lack female companionship…until now. Enter Constable Dorothy McIver. Together they make quite the pair, professionally and personally, and when tracking a pair of speeders, they come upon a gruesome scene. The murder, and subsequent attempted murder of a possible witness, brings in outside investigators, one of which is Macbeth’s biggest adversaries, DCI Blair. A former mentor, DCI Anderson, with a bit of self-serving motive, shares his concerns with Macbeth the whole mess may be connected to organized crime with gang names more akin to Braveheart clans. He is also suspicious of Blair’s intentions, too, and suggests a parallel investigation to ensure legitimacy. Clever. Intense. Is it the wealthy, pompous American? The belligerent cop out for himself and having it in for Hamish? What about the woman looking for Dorothy? Then, again, what about Dorothy? There’s a bit of an enigma.
Totally engaging, and more than enough differences from the television series loosely based on Beaton’s work, to make it a unique and entertaining page-turner. Hamish’s personality and motives may be the only similarity, however his appearance along with many of the village’s residents, fur-friends, visitors, connections, and importance to the drama makes it new experience. There are many green-eyed monsters from obvious to well hidden with several having “jealousy” as a motive or a motivation, but with jealousy there also comes revenge. The final reveal was a shock making me audibly “gasp,” and I approved of the realistic consequences that might not be by the book. Brilliant. Top notch. Green’s writing style is also a 5-star element with his use of descriptive language to illustrate well a “bucket-list” vision of the highlands, the varied personalities, and the emotions attached to the chases, the skulking, the near misses, the secrets, the misdirection, and all the wedding preparations for Hamish and Dorothy. Fans of Beaton, Hamish, or just a thrilling mystery will love this book!
One complaint, that in no way effected my experience or needs to effect the rating, is that I don’t like the new covers: the plain green background and white title splashed over the front. I really like the old covers with pictures of the highlands or items connected to the stories elements. Even the ARC I was sent had a lovely picture of Lochdubh and a shadowy figure. Oh, please reconsider the covers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Grand Central Publishing thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
February 14, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was my first Hamish Macbeath cozy, and may be my last. This book was a collaboration written in the last days of the author.
There is nothing wrong with the book. The writing was as expected, not exceptional, but an easy read. Anything said here, is probably just a one-off opinion, and please enjoy the book if you haven't already.
The reason I'm not likely to read more of them is that it was too easy to guess the outcome, for Hamish personally. Too fatalistic, too telegraphed. I won't say more.
This was my first Hamish Macbeath cozy, and may be my last. This book was a collaboration written in the last days of the author.
There is nothing wrong with the book. The writing was as expected, not exceptional, but an easy read. Anything said here, is probably just a one-off opinion, and please enjoy the book if you haven't already.
The reason I'm not likely to read more of them is that it was too easy to guess the outcome, for Hamish personally. Too fatalistic, too telegraphed. I won't say more.
February 24, 2022
This was my first Hamish Macbeth, but even coming so far into a long series, it works OK as a stand-alone book.
The story is, frankly, pretty unlikely – but then no-one reads M.C. Beaton for gritty realism. A stunningly lovely new PC turns up as Hamish’s assistant in Lochdubh, there is a murder, various dodgy characters appear – including the egregious DCI Blair – and romance flourishes for Hamish. Meanwhile, is the new PC quite all she seems…?
It’s all pretty cosy, although some real tragedy does occur. There are plenty of atmospheric descriptions of the location some of which I found a bit clumsy and the characters are decently drawn if a little stereotypical. It all makes for an easy, brain-off sort of read which is just what one needs sometimes. I’m not sure I’ll be reading a lot more Hamish Macbeth, but this does what it sets out to do very competently and if you’re in the mood it’s an enjoyable bit of escapism.
(My thanks to Constable for an ARC via NetGalley.)
The story is, frankly, pretty unlikely – but then no-one reads M.C. Beaton for gritty realism. A stunningly lovely new PC turns up as Hamish’s assistant in Lochdubh, there is a murder, various dodgy characters appear – including the egregious DCI Blair – and romance flourishes for Hamish. Meanwhile, is the new PC quite all she seems…?
It’s all pretty cosy, although some real tragedy does occur. There are plenty of atmospheric descriptions of the location some of which I found a bit clumsy and the characters are decently drawn if a little stereotypical. It all makes for an easy, brain-off sort of read which is just what one needs sometimes. I’m not sure I’ll be reading a lot more Hamish Macbeth, but this does what it sets out to do very competently and if you’re in the mood it’s an enjoyable bit of escapism.
(My thanks to Constable for an ARC via NetGalley.)
November 8, 2022
Great detective read. Enjoying the friendship between Elspeth and Priscilla.
January 30, 2022
A light and quick Hamish Macbeth mystery!
I liked this mystery and how the plot unfolded, but it just didn't have that spark to keep me on the edge of my seat. The Dorothy and Hamish relationship seemed really rushed even though it was an important aspect to the story. She definitely seemed suspicious to me from the start and maybe that is why I wasn't overly surprised how events unfolded.
Overall it was an enjoyable mystery, but I am hoping for that little extra from future Hamish mysteries.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I liked this mystery and how the plot unfolded, but it just didn't have that spark to keep me on the edge of my seat. The Dorothy and Hamish relationship seemed really rushed even though it was an important aspect to the story. She definitely seemed suspicious to me from the start and maybe that is why I wasn't overly surprised how events unfolded.
Overall it was an enjoyable mystery, but I am hoping for that little extra from future Hamish mysteries.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
December 20, 2022
I have read almost all 34 books in the series up to this point...but with Beaton gone I am not sure I cared for the difference in this telling. Cannot describe as it would spoil for others. I definitely would not have paid $14 for this book, so glad my library still keeps the "Beaton" books in stock.
Library Loan
Library Loan
November 9, 2021
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for a digital copy of this book for an honest review. I will miss M.C. Beaton and her engaging stories of Hamish Macbeth. I hate to admit it , but I did not know that she had died nor that she had collaborated on this last story. I did notice right away that there was a difference in this story telling, Hamish had a different way about him, the love of his life was actually quite an improvement over his other loves, and yet I knew it wouldn't last - there was something suspicious about Dorothy. It triggered an "uh oh" moment when she had a few jealous encounters with Elspbeth but it didn't last long. There were some clues that Hamish refused to see but there were mitigating circumstances - and a shame that the woman who really was ideal, was not long for the village of Lochdubh. I really enjoyed this Hamish story (sorry Ms. Beaton) more than many of the other stories; everything came together, and Hamish didn't act the fool, wasn't lectured too much by the village nor was he accused (too much) of being lazy. Unlike the other stories, Hamish was great when he asked Dorothy for her hand in marriage right away with no complications (until there was one fatal complication), he didn't make any dumb assumptions, and the woman seemed so perfect for him. The introduction of a new character from Chicago, a man of mystery was a great ending. This man who we know very little, is likeable, and was there in a moment when Hamish needed him most. A teaser (perhaps, and most definitely promising) encourages the reader that if not Hamish returning to the pages, we may have a new sleuth we can look forward to future reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2021
Before starting this book I did not know M.C. Beaton had passed away. I don’t know if R.W Green will continue writing the Hamish Macbeth books but I was less than impressed with this collaboration by the two authors. Almost at once the story felt “off” to me. The book was missing the charm of previous books and everything seemed rather forced. From the beginning I found Hamish’s grand passion for Dorothy extremely unbelievable. She never felt like a fully formed character. While more established characters did make appearances in the book, there seemed to be more outsiders than usual and also less about the natural beauty of the area. The book just had a clunky feel to it. I think this may have been my last visit to Lochdubh.
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the authors, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the authors, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
July 14, 2022
When M.C. Beaton died I felt bereft: it was as if one of my all-time favorite characters, Hamish Macbeth, had suddenly and unexpectedly died as well. I just recently finished re-listening to the whole Hamish Macbeth series on audiobook and I thought about picking up this one, but was wary, since it was finished after her death by R.W. Green, but my sister (how many times have I mentioned that I read a book because of her - she’s the best!) encouraged me to try it. I would have been a complete numpty if I hadn’t read this one: it was like all the best of the books distilled into one. It did make me cry several times, but I loved it, and I’ll be happy to read any more of his books. So happy to have my lovely Scottish Murder mystery peeps in their lovely village of Lochdubh living on.
March 15, 2022
The importance of friends and the strength of love.
June 3, 2022
Not M.C. Beaton and you can tell.
I loved being back with the characters, but the plot just didn’t make that much sense.
Too much of the Currie sisters, though.
I loved being back with the characters, but the plot just didn’t make that much sense.
Too much of the Currie sisters, though.
August 29, 2022
This was the last book in the series "written" by M.C. Beaton. R.W. Green co-authored this, the 34th book in the series because at the time Mrs. Beaton was too ill to complete it on her own. I tis my understanding the Mr. Green will be continuing this series, but I am unsure if it will be under his own name of M.C Beaton.
This was the darkest book in the series to date.
This was the darkest book in the series to date.
February 1, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 3.7 of 5 stars (Rounded up)
Series: Hamish Macbeth #34
Publication Date: 2/15/22
Period: Contemporary – Lochdubh, Scotland
Number of Pages: 241
It was so bittersweet to read this book knowing that M.C. Beaton had passed away and that she’d had assistance with writing this book before her death. IF this had been my first read in the Hamish Macbeth series, I’d probably have rated the book a solid 4 or 4.5 stars. However, it was NOT my first book in the series – I’ve read them all. It was a good mystery and it was well written – it was just a little ‘off’ somehow. Hamish just wasn’t quite Hamish – I still loved him, but he wasn’t exactly the character I’ve come to know and love. I also didn’t get the book I had so very much wanted. I have to wonder if this is really the last book of the series or not because nothing was really wrapped up in the book and lots of ‘hints’ were there for things to come. The book I WANTED had a happily settled Hamish in his sweet Scottish village – and DCI Blair having been dropped in the deep ocean somewhere. That is definitely NOT what I got. So now, do I go on picturing our sweet, lovable Hamish spending a long, lonely life in Lochdubh – OR – will there be another book and another? If there are more, will they satisfy my Lochdubh hunger and my desire to see Hamish happily settled and living a life that isn’t lonely?
Hamish Macbeth is very, very happy being the police Sergeant in remote, breathtakingly beautiful Lochdubh, Scotland. He’s been engaged twice and both times he’s broken those engagements because he realized those ladies just weren’t the right match – neither of them wanted to stay in Lochdubh. They wanted a big city life – and he definitely did not. So, imagine his delight when his new constable, Dorothy McIver, is not only as beautiful as his beloved Highlands – she wants to live there – with him. They work together for several months and grow closer and closer until he finally asks her to marry him – and she says YES.
They work well together solving the few crimes that happen in ‘their patch’ as Hamish refers to it. Then, there is a murder, and ‘special’ investigators from Strathbane and even Glasgow descends on their peaceful little world. One of those investigators is DCI Blair who hates Hamish with a passion. Blair is the epitome of a dirty cop – Hamish knows it – Blair knows Hamish knows it. Hamish just can’t prove it – yet. Hamish and Dorothy conduct their own investigation since they’ve been told to stay out of the official one. It really gets personal for Hamish when Douglas (Dougie) Tennant is beaten and left to burn to death in his cottage near where the murder happened.
There are so many things that don’t make sense to Hamish. Is all of it related to gangs bleeding over from the big cities into the Highlands? Who is the blonde woman in the blue car? What does the soldier, Keith Bain, have to do with any of it? His alibi certainly doesn’t hold up. Then, there is the American, James Bland. Who is he really and why is he in Lochdubh? We all know DCI Blair is up to no good – but what is it he is actually up to?
To tell you this book broke my heart and left me terribly, terribly sad for Hamish would be putting it mildly – especially if there are no future books. I’m not sure if I’m glad I read it or not because, if it is the last book, my imagination was so very much better than where this went. That said, it was a good mystery and a good read even if it wasn’t the same as it would have been had M.C. Beaton written all of the words.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Hamish Macbeth #34
Publication Date: 2/15/22
Period: Contemporary – Lochdubh, Scotland
Number of Pages: 241
It was so bittersweet to read this book knowing that M.C. Beaton had passed away and that she’d had assistance with writing this book before her death. IF this had been my first read in the Hamish Macbeth series, I’d probably have rated the book a solid 4 or 4.5 stars. However, it was NOT my first book in the series – I’ve read them all. It was a good mystery and it was well written – it was just a little ‘off’ somehow. Hamish just wasn’t quite Hamish – I still loved him, but he wasn’t exactly the character I’ve come to know and love. I also didn’t get the book I had so very much wanted. I have to wonder if this is really the last book of the series or not because nothing was really wrapped up in the book and lots of ‘hints’ were there for things to come. The book I WANTED had a happily settled Hamish in his sweet Scottish village – and DCI Blair having been dropped in the deep ocean somewhere. That is definitely NOT what I got. So now, do I go on picturing our sweet, lovable Hamish spending a long, lonely life in Lochdubh – OR – will there be another book and another? If there are more, will they satisfy my Lochdubh hunger and my desire to see Hamish happily settled and living a life that isn’t lonely?
Hamish Macbeth is very, very happy being the police Sergeant in remote, breathtakingly beautiful Lochdubh, Scotland. He’s been engaged twice and both times he’s broken those engagements because he realized those ladies just weren’t the right match – neither of them wanted to stay in Lochdubh. They wanted a big city life – and he definitely did not. So, imagine his delight when his new constable, Dorothy McIver, is not only as beautiful as his beloved Highlands – she wants to live there – with him. They work together for several months and grow closer and closer until he finally asks her to marry him – and she says YES.
They work well together solving the few crimes that happen in ‘their patch’ as Hamish refers to it. Then, there is a murder, and ‘special’ investigators from Strathbane and even Glasgow descends on their peaceful little world. One of those investigators is DCI Blair who hates Hamish with a passion. Blair is the epitome of a dirty cop – Hamish knows it – Blair knows Hamish knows it. Hamish just can’t prove it – yet. Hamish and Dorothy conduct their own investigation since they’ve been told to stay out of the official one. It really gets personal for Hamish when Douglas (Dougie) Tennant is beaten and left to burn to death in his cottage near where the murder happened.
There are so many things that don’t make sense to Hamish. Is all of it related to gangs bleeding over from the big cities into the Highlands? Who is the blonde woman in the blue car? What does the soldier, Keith Bain, have to do with any of it? His alibi certainly doesn’t hold up. Then, there is the American, James Bland. Who is he really and why is he in Lochdubh? We all know DCI Blair is up to no good – but what is it he is actually up to?
To tell you this book broke my heart and left me terribly, terribly sad for Hamish would be putting it mildly – especially if there are no future books. I’m not sure if I’m glad I read it or not because, if it is the last book, my imagination was so very much better than where this went. That said, it was a good mystery and a good read even if it wasn’t the same as it would have been had M.C. Beaton written all of the words.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 4, 2022
I like Hamish Macbeth, but, as with the Agatha Raisin mysteries, this is Hamish 2.0. There's just not an awful lot of character development. The novel unfolds in scenes, really, driven by action, not character. It just seems like television to me. I wondered before reading it if Hamish would have turned into James Bond in the hands of a new author; he didn't, but he did have a close encounter with what seems to be 007!
November 1, 2023
Fun enough to read at first, but the book never delivers fully and ends in writer's notes instead of a developed story.
To start - why is a random black cat on a book cover? There is no black cat in this book, and Hamish's cat Sonsie is a tabby, and like most of the other characters in the book, gets a brief cameo - hissing at the latest female entree.
This seems a better effort than this author's attempts at writing M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin books, but this also misses the mark. Like the treatment of Sonsie, favorite characters get cameo mentions but no character development, barely convenient lines. The other characters don't act as much as serve as objects to be written about.
The FUN is also sorely missing in this book. No hint of the generosity, companionship, sympathy, small events and inter-character interactions other installments have, that would bring readers to feel we are also in Loch Dubh, we are part of the crowd. Lucia would NOT fail to mention little Hamish, Elspeth and Priscilla would not suddenly become cooperative pals, Patel would have brought over something and had a little conversation, Angela would have cornered Hamish about his new love interest.
The little insights that make a reader feel special, 'in the know' are not only missing, but violated. A character is introduced and is immediately a suspect, but Hamish makes one phone call and drops it. Yet the character keeps appearing, suggests he will return in the future, and the reader is offered no insights as to what this is about.
To me this reads like a bad tv script, with drive-by appearances of the regular supporting cast, no character development for any, and a ridiculous rationale for the entire book provided by a personally involved grieving crime boss.
Does anyone else notice and find terribly offensive that this step-in writer has all the new female characters plan to abandon their entire lives, all they've worked for, everyone they know, when they find their right guy? What a dysfunctional perspective - instead of bringing partners into their lives, this author writes two single women who focus on a man to run away from the lives they themselves actively sought and created. Two controlling, powerful women who...just want to run away? Oh please....
To start - why is a random black cat on a book cover? There is no black cat in this book, and Hamish's cat Sonsie is a tabby, and like most of the other characters in the book, gets a brief cameo - hissing at the latest female entree.
This seems a better effort than this author's attempts at writing M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin books, but this also misses the mark. Like the treatment of Sonsie, favorite characters get cameo mentions but no character development, barely convenient lines. The other characters don't act as much as serve as objects to be written about.
The FUN is also sorely missing in this book. No hint of the generosity, companionship, sympathy, small events and inter-character interactions other installments have, that would bring readers to feel we are also in Loch Dubh, we are part of the crowd. Lucia would NOT fail to mention little Hamish, Elspeth and Priscilla would not suddenly become cooperative pals, Patel would have brought over something and had a little conversation, Angela would have cornered Hamish about his new love interest.
The little insights that make a reader feel special, 'in the know' are not only missing, but violated. A character is introduced and is immediately a suspect, but Hamish makes one phone call and drops it. Yet the character keeps appearing, suggests he will return in the future, and the reader is offered no insights as to what this is about.
To me this reads like a bad tv script, with drive-by appearances of the regular supporting cast, no character development for any, and a ridiculous rationale for the entire book provided by a personally involved grieving crime boss.
Does anyone else notice and find terribly offensive that this step-in writer has all the new female characters plan to abandon their entire lives, all they've worked for, everyone they know, when they find their right guy? What a dysfunctional perspective - instead of bringing partners into their lives, this author writes two single women who focus on a man to run away from the lives they themselves actively sought and created. Two controlling, powerful women who...just want to run away? Oh please....
March 31, 2022
DEATH OF A GREEN-EYED MONSTER is a four-star book (good not great) that earns five stars because it returns the Hamish MacBeth series to what it does best, and that is saying something after 34 books.
The eminently likeable Hamish is still ensconced in Lochdubh, a village like no other. Typically, it's policing at a slow pace in Lochdubh, though it does seem the village experiences most than its share of homicides. Most if not all of MacBeth's friends and a few enemies re-appear. Former love interests keep returning to the scene, a new love interest appears, and the Highlands take center stage. There is a singular mystery at hand, more focused than recent entries in this series, with an investigation that cogently progresses despite some misdirection. Here, the misdirection seems purposeful and adds to the story. The resolution is thorough, bittersweet, and does justice, without pandering, to our expectations of what actually might happen in Lochdubh. The Hamish MacBeth stories are comforting and comfortable when done right, and that is what happens here. R. W. Green (who is taking over the series after M. C. Beaton's passing) is to be commended. Well done. The final pages even contain a suggestion of intriguing new pathways for Hamish and his investigations. Looking forward to it.
Hamish loves Lochdubh.
The village loves him back. The
Currie sisters too?
The eminently likeable Hamish is still ensconced in Lochdubh, a village like no other. Typically, it's policing at a slow pace in Lochdubh, though it does seem the village experiences most than its share of homicides. Most if not all of MacBeth's friends and a few enemies re-appear. Former love interests keep returning to the scene, a new love interest appears, and the Highlands take center stage. There is a singular mystery at hand, more focused than recent entries in this series, with an investigation that cogently progresses despite some misdirection. Here, the misdirection seems purposeful and adds to the story. The resolution is thorough, bittersweet, and does justice, without pandering, to our expectations of what actually might happen in Lochdubh. The Hamish MacBeth stories are comforting and comfortable when done right, and that is what happens here. R. W. Green (who is taking over the series after M. C. Beaton's passing) is to be commended. Well done. The final pages even contain a suggestion of intriguing new pathways for Hamish and his investigations. Looking forward to it.
Hamish loves Lochdubh.
The village loves him back. The
Currie sisters too?
December 23, 2021
No no no no no. This was not a Hamish book. What happened to lovable Hamish? He’s been replaced with some kind of weird dim witted robot. I know a new author has taken over but this is truly terrible.
Why is Dick giving Hamish a brand new electric razor he just happened to have in his car? What a weird thing to write.
If I had to read any more about Dorothy’s dark hair tumbling around her shoulders I thought I might vomit.
So many things weren’t right with Dorothy and this book as a whole. I just don’t understand why it was published. I’ll miss the Hamish books but I can’t read any more after this abomination.
My copy was provided by the publisher for review.
Why is Dick giving Hamish a brand new electric razor he just happened to have in his car? What a weird thing to write.
If I had to read any more about Dorothy’s dark hair tumbling around her shoulders I thought I might vomit.
So many things weren’t right with Dorothy and this book as a whole. I just don’t understand why it was published. I’ll miss the Hamish books but I can’t read any more after this abomination.
My copy was provided by the publisher for review.
February 27, 2022
Not a badly written story, but certainly not in the spirit of the 30+ books before it. And not of their humor.
March 20, 2022
The only thing I felt when I finished this book was anger. It was over hyped, advertised as something it most definitely was not and, yes, Blair gets away with it yet again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews