Amazing news has spread across the Scottish countryside. The most famous of highland bachelors, police sergeant Hamish Macbeth, will be married at ...
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reviews
Jan 20, 2010
kaoyler
rated it: 
Just finished reading this book, and I have to thank Cindy Sawyer for putting me onto the Hamish Macbeth books. (Side note, Hamish is Scottish for James.) I've read every one of the now 25 books. And I love them. They are such a fun read. Not too heavy, not too serious, and a main character I've fallen in love with. There is always a mystery, as Hamish solves the murder without trying to take credit for it. He doesn't want to be transferred from his little community of Lochdubh, which i
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Sep 28, 2011
Jerry
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This is another (#26!) in the long-running Hamish Macbeth series, about a humble village cop/bachelor who does indeed like women, but who is quite content with his single status and simple abode in the police station, complete with his faithful cat and dog. This is our second visit to the little Scottish Highlands village of Lochdubh, and as before, there are a couple of murders, starting with a beauty queen who was popular with just about every man in town, generating plenty of suspects. Mean
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Feb 13, 2011
Beverly
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Caught this title on the "Valentine" display table at my local library, and as I'm a fan of 'series' mysteries, the Highlands, and most things 'British' (cannae beir the haggis, nor the bluid pudding, thanks all the same ...), thought I'd give it a read. The author seemed on to a good story - an 'agreeable' murder, and the necessary investigation; a good understanding of 'village' police activity, as it differs from 'city' police activity; an interesting collection of possible suspects
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Jan 26, 2010
Mel
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Death of a Valentine was definitely an interesting read. First of all, it takes place in Scotland, so some of the conversations are quite interesting if you ask me. I've always liked how the Scottish talk. M.C. Beaton made the story much more interesting by using this lingo in her writing. In ways, it felt like I was right there in the Scottish countryside with the characters.
It was quite mystifying trying to figure out who done it in this story. There were so many suspects and the v More...
It was quite mystifying trying to figure out who done it in this story. There were so many suspects and the v More...
Jan 09, 2010
Lynn
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As usual Hamish Macbeth is involved in another murder case, but that's not the only problem he seems to be having. With the arrival of a new constable, he wasn't to pleased, but then to find out its a woman did not make his day. Josie McSween has become infatuated with Macbeth and has plans on getting him to the altar.
When a young girl is murdered Hamish not only has to try to solve this but he also has to put up with Josie. Why did she ever think of becoming a police More...
Apr 18, 2011
Carole
rated it:
I read this with a reviewer's hat on and it reminded me of Sunday night TV. Devotees of Hamish MacBeth will love it although the spectre of Robert Carlyle playing him kept coming to mind. The setting was well described but the plot element of Josie pretending to be pregnant to get Hamish to marry her jarred somewhat and I found it unpleasant. Josie seemed to be a hopeless policewoman and eternally mooning round after Hamish when he appeared to be already married to his pets.
The plot co More...
The plot co More...
Feb 28, 2010
Cheryl
rated it:
Synopsis: (from the book's jacket)
Amazing news has spread across the Scottish countryside. The most famous of highland bachelors, police sergeant Hamish Macbeth will be married at last. Everyone is the village of Lochdubh adores Josie McSween, Macbeth's newest constable and blushing bride-to-be. While locals think Josie is quite a catch, Hamish has a case of prenuptial jitters. After all, if it weren't for the recent murder of a beautiful woman in a neighbouring village, there wouldn't be More...
Amazing news has spread across the Scottish countryside. The most famous of highland bachelors, police sergeant Hamish Macbeth will be married at last. Everyone is the village of Lochdubh adores Josie McSween, Macbeth's newest constable and blushing bride-to-be. While locals think Josie is quite a catch, Hamish has a case of prenuptial jitters. After all, if it weren't for the recent murder of a beautiful woman in a neighbouring village, there wouldn't be More...
Jan 15, 2010
Gaby
rated it:
In Death of a Valentine, the 25th Hamish Macbeth mystery, M.C. Beaton gives us a detective cozy with a romantic comedic subplot set in Lochdubh, a picturesque Scottish village. The tone, pace, and setting take you to a fictional village where everyone knows each other and each other's business quite well. Even if you're new to M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series as I am, you'll easily figure out Lochdubh's characters, from Angela Brody, the doctor's wife and good friend of Hamish Macbeth, to cro
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Jan 23, 2010
Judy
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I can't believe that this is the 25th book in the Hamish MacBeth series and the series is still going strong. Hamish MacBeth is in trouble--big trouble. He has been promoted to sergeant and has a new assistant, Josie McSween who is definitely not cut out to be on the police force (unless she gets a role in CSI or Law and Order) and who is determined to marry Hamish. Also, a hired killer has a contract on Hamish with interesting results--think protective pets. And to make matters worse a beau
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Jun 01, 2010
Sarah
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Sadly, I had forgotten about the Hamish Macbeth series. My mom is more of a mystery buff than I am, so I usually only listen to them when she passes along a book on CD to me. There’s a very Poroit feel to this series, but a bit less stuffy thankfully. These aren’t great books overflowing with stellar writing and solid story plots, but they are good fluff reads if you’re looking for a fun whodunit that will garner a chuckle here and there. I listened to it in the background while I was scrapbooki
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Jan 20, 2012
Jane
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A very enjoyable and fun story. The characters were interesting. You can't help but like Hamish Macbeth. He's dedicated to his job and the people of his town, but knows there are times he must cut a few corners-very human. There were some great twists and turns in the plot and the character developments. I loved the humor she included. There were some chuckle and LOL sections which kept me closely involved in the story. I had criticized Beaton's "drawn out" epilogue after readin
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May 28, 2011
Linda
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The most legendary bachelor in the Highlands, Sgt. Hamish Macbeth, has at long last consented to be led to the altar. The lucky lassie? Policewoman Josie McSween, Hamish's new assistant. She's got her work cut out for her. Not only is she not a very good copper, Josie's in love with Hamish, but he's not interested. Death of a Valentine tells the story of how she snagged her man, while Hamish investigates another murder in the village. The picture is complicated by the arrival of former paramour
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Feb 25, 2010
Anne
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'Death of a Valentine' is the 25th Hamish Macbeth book in the series and my first encounter with Hamish and the villagers of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands.
The characters, the countryside and the plot seem quite quaint and almost old-fashioned yet MC Beaton has such a way with words that I was soon engrossed in what could be called a real 'cosy' mystery.
The murder mystery unfolds with quite a few twists and turns and each character is introduced and drawn so well - the addition o More...
The characters, the countryside and the plot seem quite quaint and almost old-fashioned yet MC Beaton has such a way with words that I was soon engrossed in what could be called a real 'cosy' mystery.
The murder mystery unfolds with quite a few twists and turns and each character is introduced and drawn so well - the addition o More...
Sep 14, 2011
Deanna
rated it:
This is the 26th book in a series -- yes, that's right, TWENTY-SIX!! And poor Hamish MacBeth can't find true love through 26 murder mysteries. As Ms. Beaton is aging, it appears she's getting tired. The sentences seem truncated, the dialog minimal, and Hamish is downright crabby for a lot of this book, as if he had become an old man. You still feel for him, love his simple life in the Highlands of Scotland, his pets, his friends, and the townspeople, but the author and this story just feel a
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Jan 13, 2010
Elizabeth
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Not having read any of the other Hamish MacBeth novels, I picked up rich and interesting clues about Hamish's love life in previous books, as he meets with two women friends, both educated, strong career women, who give him insight into both his murder victim and Josie's crush. Josie's back story of obsession and manipulation is funny and fascinating, from its roots to her inevitable downfall, with Hamish's evasive techniques blocking most of her turns.
I enjoyed learning about life in the More...
I enjoyed learning about life in the More...
Dec 04, 2009
Freda
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I really have to give accolades to the author right away, in capturing a new reader when this is the 25th tale of this particular character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am to continue the journey, should more books come out.
Lots of suspense and mystery, but the best part was how deceiving the book really is. You look at the cover, and read the description, and may even think it is set in a much older time. When really you are in present day. It is quite easy to read, besides it bei More...
Lots of suspense and mystery, but the best part was how deceiving the book really is. You look at the cover, and read the description, and may even think it is set in a much older time. When really you are in present day. It is quite easy to read, besides it bei More...
Mar 31, 2011
Angela
rated it:
This is a cute mystery set in the Highlands of Scotland. It stars Hamish Macbeth and the people of his local village. This appears to be maybe the twentysixth in a very long series, however I haven't read any of the others and was able to follow along just fine. Definitely okay as a stand-alone. I am reviewing the audio book version. I liked the lighthearted feeling of this story. Even though the story involved several murders and a few scheming villagers. Hamish is a very charming detective
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Jul 29, 2011
When you look at how many books this author has produced and continues to produce on an annual basis, it is amazing that i like this series as much as I do (and the Hamish MacBeth series is far superior to the Agatha Raisin one, and more consistent as well). In this one Hamish is about to get trapped into a marriage, and the story is sandwiched in between the knowledge that that is where the story will end up. A good yarn was spun by a good mystery writer. You do not need to read these in ord
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Oct 18, 2011
Georgiann
rated it:
Hamish Macbeth the most famous of Highland bachelors , will be married.Josie Mc Sween the newest constable in the village of Lochdubh is the blushing bride to be. The locals think Josie is adorable and is quite a catch. Hamish has prenupital jitters. After all if it weren,t for a recent murder of a beautiful woman in a neighboring village there wouldn,t be a wedding. Someone delivered a Valentines day package to the victim before her death- that drew Hamish and Jose together on the investigation
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Jun 12, 2011
Margie
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I listened to this book on CD, I drive a lot and love audio books. The narrator did an outstanding job with the accents and that really added to the enjoyment of the story.
If you haven't read this book, you might not want to read any farther.
This was the first book in the series that I have "read", so I kept expecting Josie to do something wonderful because of the opening of the book. I was greatly puzzled until the very end, and I really enjoyed the book, even though I do t More...
If you haven't read this book, you might not want to read any farther.
This was the first book in the series that I have "read", so I kept expecting Josie to do something wonderful because of the opening of the book. I was greatly puzzled until the very end, and I really enjoyed the book, even though I do t More...
May 13, 2011
Gwenn
rated it:
What is it about that lanky redheaded man that drives a woman wild?
Back in my single days, were he real, I would have flown to Scotland just to find out.
Highly competent and well-mannered, brusque and no-nonsense, Hamish is always the man you want on the case. MC Beaton's books are perfect cozies for a lazy day read. Beaton keeps you guessing till the end because you never know what those crazy villagers will do. When you just want to read to read this is the book you pick up. There' More...
Back in my single days, were he real, I would have flown to Scotland just to find out.
Highly competent and well-mannered, brusque and no-nonsense, Hamish is always the man you want on the case. MC Beaton's books are perfect cozies for a lazy day read. Beaton keeps you guessing till the end because you never know what those crazy villagers will do. When you just want to read to read this is the book you pick up. There' More...
Apr 20, 2011
Neil
rated it:
If you have never read anyone of these mysteries by M.C. Beaton, allow yourself to get one, I have read all of them, they are set in the Scottish Highlands, they are filled with local folklore, and customs, and when the local lingo is used, which happens frequently it is easily understood, Hamish MacBeth is the main character, and a character he is, single, although he almost marries in this book, however I guess the Author will save that happening down the road, not unlike our daily soaps on te
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Jan 27, 2010
D. Eric
rated it:
Another charming Hamish Macbeth mystery, this time Hamish must not only solve several murders, but he must also try to wheedle his way out of matrimony.
Promoted against his will, Hamish is assigned a new constable who has more than police work in mind when she volunteers for an opening in Lochdubh--she plans on snagging Sergeant Hamish Macbeth for herself. But before any wedding bells can ring, Hamish and Constable Josie Mcsweeny must solve the murder of a local beauty queen, the f More...
Promoted against his will, Hamish is assigned a new constable who has more than police work in mind when she volunteers for an opening in Lochdubh--she plans on snagging Sergeant Hamish Macbeth for herself. But before any wedding bells can ring, Hamish and Constable Josie Mcsweeny must solve the murder of a local beauty queen, the f More...
Dec 13, 2011
Suzanne
rated it:
This is a series like the First Ladies' Detective Agency series...very easy to read, upbeat, wonderfully-quirky repeat characters, written by a Scottish author (it takes place in Scotland), and better to listen to (audiobook) because of the wonderful reader. Hamish has an interesting character, as do his friends and colleagues. You should read the first one first...and get to know the senior Curry twins, the snobby Pricilla Halburton-Smythe, Elspeth Grant, the gypsy news reporter, and so on.
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Feb 22, 2010
Chris
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I love the Hamish MacBeth books. They're an easy-to-read, cozy type of mystery. There aren't any high speed chases, no convoluted espionage plots. What makes the stories, are the people. After so many books, you feel that you really know the people in this isolated Highland town. When the book started, I did a double-take. I thought I'd somehow missed a book in the series. However, it soon became clear. I really don't want to say too much about this book because I don't want to spoil it
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Oct 23, 2011
Jennifer E.
rated it:
I'm not a huge M.C. Beaton fan, but I found this book at a FOL sale while home on holiday. The stories are always solid, well thought out tales with very intricate plots, but I don't click with the characters strongly and in both the Hamish Macbeth stories I've read there's an incredibly daft woman that plays a huge part, and I don't find that aspect entertaining as much as I find it irritating. Still, this series is one I'd consider reading when the TBR pile is low and I'm looking for a depen
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Jun 11, 2010
Susan
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Police constable Josie McSween is determined to marry her boss, Hamish Macbeth. But Hamish has no interest in the young policewoman, even though his first love, Priscilla, is permanently out of reach, and every time he decides to propose to Elspeth, something interferes. And none of the women seem to like his dog or his wild cat. But Hamish has more important things to worry about: the mysterious murder of a beauty queen, who was not the proper, religious young woman she seemed to be. Maybe
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Dec 26, 2011
Liora
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This is the 25th in the Hamish MacBeth cozy mystery series set in Lochdubh, a village in the highlands of Scotland. MacBeth is a red-headed bachelor police sergeant who enjoys living alone with his dog and cat. Unfortunately, his rank of sergeant entitles him to another police officer to come and help him out, so headquarters send the silly, romantic lush Josie McSween. Josie irritates him right from the start, but she is not easily put off with her romantic dreams. She is soon plotting how to t
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Aug 20, 2011
Susan
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I like this fairly cozy series set in the Scottish Highlands, but the author needs a few new ideas. The book opens with a surprising gambit. Village policeman and confirmed bachelor Hamish Macbeth is about to get married. How this startling situation came about forms as much of the plot as the investigation of the murder of Annie Fleming the town beauty, queen of the Lammas Fair, who dies after opening a letter-bomb Valentine. Fairly predictable, but with a few twists that keep the story movi
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Jul 05, 2011
Karen
rated it: 
I can't believe there are so many of these books. How are they still published? I have a hard time being critical of something that I have no talent doing but I also have a hard time accepting something as valuable or special if I could do it. This is how I felt about this book - I could write this. The writing was poor, the characters were shallow (you would think that being #26 in the series, the characters would be more developed) and the plot(s) were thin. Disappointed and would not recommen
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