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Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1)
Death of a Gossip - Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1
Author: M. C. Beaton
When society widow and gossip columnist Lady Jane Winters joined the fishing class, she wasted no time in ruffling the feathers -- or was it the fins?-of those around her. Among the victims of her sharp tongue and unladylike manner was Lochdubh Constable Hamish Macbeth. Yet not even Hamish thought someone would permanently silence Lady Jane'...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781455501465
ISBN-10: 1455501468
Publication Date: 8/27/2013
Pages: 304
Edition: Reprint
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 7

4.1 stars, based on 7 ratings
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

lisareinke avatar reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 123 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I picked up this book after my parents introduced me to the BBC television show "Hamish Macbeth." I was charmed by the character in the television show. The book was good, and I still like Lochduch's constable. The book is a very quick read. I figure I'll cycle through the books one at a time. A perfect type of book for reading on an airplane!

I found a great internet resource to help me read the books in chronological order:

http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/

"Stop, You're Killing Me! is a resource for lovers of mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books. We list nearly 2,200 authors, with chronological lists of their books (over 25,100 titles), both series and non-series."
SCOUT-FINCH avatar reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 86 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
an average Hamish McBeth is better than almost any other Cozy, and this is better than average! Hamish is still mooning over Priscilla, and his adventures take him to a Highlands fishing school where a Gossipy student meets an untimely end.
reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
M.C. Beaton has created a wonderful character, full of Scottish Highlands charm and humor, in small town police constable Hamish MacBeth. This tale is wonderfully told, full of twists and turns. Besides, it's a very, very quick read.
AZmom875 avatar reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 624 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the same author who writes the Agatha Raisin Series. I wasnt a big fan of those. This is an older book, but it can stand the test of time.
Hamish MacBeth is the town Constable in Scotland. He is 35, thin, red haired, and very poor. As part of the Scottish tradition, He cant get married until another of his siblings is old enough to help support all the kids his parents have spawned. So he mooches, coffee and lunch from town people in order to send money home to his family. He is also know to Poach game, which is the biggest crime he ever sees in his small town.

When Lady Jane arrived in town to join a fishing expedition, she starts taunting all the other members of the fishing school, with the skeletons in there closets. She winds up dead.

Higher up, more trained policemen arrive in town to solve the mystery, and tell Hamish to butt out. Of course he solves it and it isnt flashy or some big peril filled drama.

The beauty of this book is the description of the heather and lochs of Scotland.
This book is a great short read. I bet the series gets better. I am going to see if I can find the BBC show listed in another reviewers post.
reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Beaton's Hamish Macbeth is always delightful. His slow rhythms, friendly bending of the law and keen mind make for very entertaining mysteries.
Read All 13 Book Reviews of "Death of a Gossip Hamish Macbeth Bk 1"

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reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on
I'm a fan of MC Beaton's Agatha Raisin series, so I was anxious to read this book and hopefully begin a new series by this author, but I was sorely disappointed. I found it to be a bit boring and struggled to finish it. I don't think the main character, Hamish MacBeth, is very interesting. This story didn't live up to my expectations of a cozy village mystery.
reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
I enjoyed the first book in the series and can't wait to read more. I'm glad this was as enjoyable as the Agatha Raisin books!!
Phooey avatar reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on
Enjoyable cozy mystery series with Hamish Macbeth as dry-humored hero.
reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 1434 more book reviews
Who is Hamish Macbeth? He is a laid back Scottish country constable who becomes the prime character of a mystery series containing 33, yes 33 mysteries. This is the first which i\set in the highlands of Scotland and this rotund rather likable character investigates the murder of a woman found dead in the lake. He is funny, slow moving and extremely observant even though he does not appear to be so.

Basically there are eight tourists who sign up to learn fly fishing at the Lochduh School of Casting. It's an upscale business where the husband and wife owners teach the fine details of fly fishing to those who want to learn them. And, after a few simple instructions individuals set off to test their newfound skills in the stream nearby.

Lady Winters, the deceassed, is critical, rude and greatly annoying to the point that all the other participants avoid her whenever possible. However, someone hated her enough to commit murder. After investigating, sifting the details, and looking at all the individuals involved, Hamish takes the suspects into a libary to unveil the murderer.

This is an entertaining quick read. I enjoyed spending an evening with Hamish Macbeth and hope to do so again soon. After all there are many books in this series to choose.
felinelady avatar reviewed Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I really enjoy the Hamish MacBeth books and was glad to be able to read the first one. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves fun mysteries.

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