Super charming, cozy cozy. Enjoyably unlikeable characters and sprightly dialogue helped build a world that I’m ready to spend more time in - hopefully without being murdered. ( )

Maggie Baird had moved to the Highlands to recover from a bad marriage. She had built a considerable amount of money during her career of two marriages and divorces and her string of dating wealthy men. She had also gone from a svelt body with blond hair to over-weight and grey streaks in her brown hair. Non-the-less she was still a tart with a lusty eye.

Meanwhile, Hamish Macbeth has been transferred to Strathbane and his police station in Lochdubh has been closed. This problem is corrected by and unusual plan by the locals in Lochdubh. This turns out to be a good thing, as there is an murder attempt on Maggie Baird, among other law breaking events.

When Hamish arrived back at Lochdubh he finds Maggie’s niece, Allison Kerr, has set her sights on him. Hamish’s interest in Allison is whether she or one of the other four suspects is the attempted murderer. The other four are Maggie’s former lovers — she is thinking marriage again.

Another enjoyable read in the Hamish Macbeth series by M.C. Beaton. ( )

If you like MC Beaton then you will like this. Hamish Macbeth is his usual infuriating, charming self and Beaton conjures the Scottish highlands as an extra character, even if she does play fast and loose with reality.
Pure escapism with murders thrown in. While some aspects of the plots can seem a little dated, this is really just part of the book’s charm.
An easy, addictive read. You may not think it particularly demanding, but the odds are you will end up reading more from tjis extensive series. ( )

I'd read the first four years ago and liked them and I have to say I do like the ending and want to see what changes around the village. So I'll probably read the next book in the series sooner rather then later. ( )

Macbeth and the Suitors
Review of the Ballantine paperback edition (1991) of the Constable & Robinson hardcover original (1990)

After reading and enjoying "Death of Yesterday" due to its Estonia connection I started to search out some earlier Hamish Macbeth mysteries and Marian at my favourite Toronto independent book shop Sleuth of Baker Street had several (some used) in stock.

This sort of old-fashioned cozy was exactly the remedy to wash away the taste of the overly complex and somewhat depressing "The Thursday Murder Club" (2020). Macbeth goes about with his usual manner and solves the case despite being underestimated by others around him. i did make a reasonable guess at the solution this time and was proved correct. A little flattery of the reader by the author never hurts.

i think i've found my antidote to help ride out the rest of the pandemic with M.C. Beaton. ( )