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Hamish Macbeth #31
Death of a Nurse
M. C. Beaton's New York Times bestselling Hamish Macbeth series continues with a new mystery featuring Scotland's most quick-witted but unambitious policeman.
James Harrison has recently moved to a restored hunting lodge in Sutherland with his gorgeous private nurse Gloria Dainty. When Hamish visits Mr. Harrison to welcome him to the neighborhood, the old man treats him very rudely. Gloria apologizes for her employer's behavior, and Hamish takes the plunge and invites her out for dinner. On the appointed evening, Hamish waits for Gloria at the restaurant. And waits. Gloria never shows up. Four days later, Gloria's body washes up on the beach near Braikie. Now without a date and without his former policeman Dick Fraser (who left the force to buy a bakery), Hamish must find out who killed the beautiful new resident of Sutherland, and why, before the murderer strikes again....
James Harrison has recently moved to a restored hunting lodge in Sutherland with his gorgeous private nurse Gloria Dainty. When Hamish visits Mr. Harrison to welcome him to the neighborhood, the old man treats him very rudely. Gloria apologizes for her employer's behavior, and Hamish takes the plunge and invites her out for dinner. On the appointed evening, Hamish waits for Gloria at the restaurant. And waits. Gloria never shows up. Four days later, Gloria's body washes up on the beach near Braikie. Now without a date and without his former policeman Dick Fraser (who left the force to buy a bakery), Hamish must find out who killed the beautiful new resident of Sutherland, and why, before the murderer strikes again....
248 pages, Hardcover
First published February 23, 2016
About the author
M.C. Beaton
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Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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August 4, 2017
This series set in the Highlands of Scotland seems destined to go on forever, or at least as long as Beaton remains alive to pen them. Hopefully that will be a long time, because the series has never lost its charm, and remains a fun read in Death of a Nurse.
Hamish is minus Dick in this one, who has retired to open up a bakery with the beautiful Anka, whom Dick met in another Macbeth outing. Hamish cannot imagine anything more is going on between the gorgeous Anka and the awkward Dick, but he’s been wrong before. His new helper Charlie is bigger and taller than Hamish, but a bit clumsy at times. He’s an amiable bloke and Hamish likes him.
Hamish can’t help but notice the new nurse, Gloria Dainty. She dresses like a "fantasy" nurse, and soon Hamish's mind is on flights of fancy. As is usually the case to anyone who shows up on Hamish’s wee patch, however, she’s quickly murdered.
With Blair momentarily out of the picture after being bitten in the behind by a dog he was berating, Fiona, known as Iron Knickers according to Jimmy, is running the case. She appears to have a lot of clout, and dislikes the bane of Hamish’s existence, Blair. She does, however, take a shine to Charlie. Soon, she's arranged to work the case with Hamish and Charlie.
It turns out Fiona is married to a very prominent judge, however, but Hamish doesn’t discover it soon enough to prevent the predatory Fiona from taking advantage of Charlie. This leads to some devious but fun shenanigans from Blair, as he tries to get the goods on her from the sidelines as she investigates the case.
As usual, Hamish does most of the real crime solving. His knack for solving murders, in fact, kicks in just in the nick of time! Priscilla's father, the Colonel, has taken an inexplicable shine to Charlie and is involved in this one, which creates a great deal of fun. Elspeth also makes a brief but fun appearance in this Hamish outing, and there are some good moments surrounding an old woman with the second sight, and a wheelchair bound rich sod and his family.
Another murder occurs before Hamish figures it all out, and things in Lochdubh return to normal — which is to say hilariously quirky. A really fun and enjoyable later entry in this long-running series.
Hamish is minus Dick in this one, who has retired to open up a bakery with the beautiful Anka, whom Dick met in another Macbeth outing. Hamish cannot imagine anything more is going on between the gorgeous Anka and the awkward Dick, but he’s been wrong before. His new helper Charlie is bigger and taller than Hamish, but a bit clumsy at times. He’s an amiable bloke and Hamish likes him.
Hamish can’t help but notice the new nurse, Gloria Dainty. She dresses like a "fantasy" nurse, and soon Hamish's mind is on flights of fancy. As is usually the case to anyone who shows up on Hamish’s wee patch, however, she’s quickly murdered.
With Blair momentarily out of the picture after being bitten in the behind by a dog he was berating, Fiona, known as Iron Knickers according to Jimmy, is running the case. She appears to have a lot of clout, and dislikes the bane of Hamish’s existence, Blair. She does, however, take a shine to Charlie. Soon, she's arranged to work the case with Hamish and Charlie.
It turns out Fiona is married to a very prominent judge, however, but Hamish doesn’t discover it soon enough to prevent the predatory Fiona from taking advantage of Charlie. This leads to some devious but fun shenanigans from Blair, as he tries to get the goods on her from the sidelines as she investigates the case.
As usual, Hamish does most of the real crime solving. His knack for solving murders, in fact, kicks in just in the nick of time! Priscilla's father, the Colonel, has taken an inexplicable shine to Charlie and is involved in this one, which creates a great deal of fun. Elspeth also makes a brief but fun appearance in this Hamish outing, and there are some good moments surrounding an old woman with the second sight, and a wheelchair bound rich sod and his family.
Another murder occurs before Hamish figures it all out, and things in Lochdubh return to normal — which is to say hilariously quirky. A really fun and enjoyable later entry in this long-running series.
December 15, 2015
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Hamish Macbeth is one of my guilty pleasures. The plots are not complicated and the characters rarely change but I so enjoy checking in on him and seeing what mischief he's up to and who he
is dating.
The author gives you a sense of place and drops you in the middle of the Highlands. I love reading about his breakfasts of haggis and blood pudding (pardon me while I gag a little).
This story deals with the arrival of a sexy nurse who has the nerve to be murdered before dating Hamish. How dare she? The search for the murderer puts him in touch with his arch enemy, Blair, and his old love, Priscilla. Priscilla has a sad but interesting side story.
Overall this is a great Hamish romp. If you haven't read him before this, don't worry. It absolutely works as a stand alone.
If you're looking for pure fun you won't go wrong.
Hamish Macbeth is one of my guilty pleasures. The plots are not complicated and the characters rarely change but I so enjoy checking in on him and seeing what mischief he's up to and who he
is dating.
The author gives you a sense of place and drops you in the middle of the Highlands. I love reading about his breakfasts of haggis and blood pudding (pardon me while I gag a little).
This story deals with the arrival of a sexy nurse who has the nerve to be murdered before dating Hamish. How dare she? The search for the murderer puts him in touch with his arch enemy, Blair, and his old love, Priscilla. Priscilla has a sad but interesting side story.
Overall this is a great Hamish romp. If you haven't read him before this, don't worry. It absolutely works as a stand alone.
If you're looking for pure fun you won't go wrong.
February 23, 2016
I have read numerous of MC Beaton's Hamish MacBeth series and they never fail to delight. They are an easy, comfortable read about a Scottish policeman based in the village of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands.
His immediate superior, Blair, is always trying to think up ways to move Hamish on and close down the police station to save money. Hamish loves his life in Lochdubh where he is at peace with life and able to amble about revelling in his lack of ambition. Hamish avoids promotion, to the point of deliberately scuppering attempts to give him recognition for his accomplishments, for while he may be reputed to be lazy, he has a good grasp of human nature and during the investigation of crimes (most notably murderous ones) he unearths motives no one else would give credence to. Hamish has a great deal of affection (though often well hidden by his brusque manner) for his locals and spends a great deal of time just doing the rounds checking that they are all alright.
It is on one of these such jaunts, when he goes to welcome a newcomer to the area, that he meets the rude elderly Mr Harrison and his beautiful young nurse, Gloria Dainty. Hamish make arrangements to meet Gloria for dinner but waits in vain for her to turn up. Four days later Gloria's body is washed up on the beach near Braikie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the gift of an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
His immediate superior, Blair, is always trying to think up ways to move Hamish on and close down the police station to save money. Hamish loves his life in Lochdubh where he is at peace with life and able to amble about revelling in his lack of ambition. Hamish avoids promotion, to the point of deliberately scuppering attempts to give him recognition for his accomplishments, for while he may be reputed to be lazy, he has a good grasp of human nature and during the investigation of crimes (most notably murderous ones) he unearths motives no one else would give credence to. Hamish has a great deal of affection (though often well hidden by his brusque manner) for his locals and spends a great deal of time just doing the rounds checking that they are all alright.
It is on one of these such jaunts, when he goes to welcome a newcomer to the area, that he meets the rude elderly Mr Harrison and his beautiful young nurse, Gloria Dainty. Hamish make arrangements to meet Gloria for dinner but waits in vain for her to turn up. Four days later Gloria's body is washed up on the beach near Braikie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the gift of an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
March 15, 2016
Dear Hamish! With his love life always in turmoil and Blair always out to get him, it's a wonder he can continue to solve murder after murder!
But of course he does, along with his newest constable, sweet-faced Charlie Carter. All the usuals are here: Lugs and Sonsie, Archie, Angela, the Currie sisters, Mrs. Wellington, Dick Fraser and the beautiful Anka, Elspeth, Willie, and of course the beautiful but still frigid Priscilla and her even more uptight parents. But really, with this being number thirty-one in the series (31!), it's simply amazing that these books can continue to be so refreshing and fun. Beaton knows her readers, and she hits all the right notes. This was particularly wonderful to pick up after the dud I'd read yesterday.
But of course he does, along with his newest constable, sweet-faced Charlie Carter. All the usuals are here: Lugs and Sonsie, Archie, Angela, the Currie sisters, Mrs. Wellington, Dick Fraser and the beautiful Anka, Elspeth, Willie, and of course the beautiful but still frigid Priscilla and her even more uptight parents. But really, with this being number thirty-one in the series (31!), it's simply amazing that these books can continue to be so refreshing and fun. Beaton knows her readers, and she hits all the right notes. This was particularly wonderful to pick up after the dud I'd read yesterday.
June 23, 2016
Whenever I need to escape into a light and entertaining story, I love to flee to Scotland and immerse myself in the village of Lochdubh, and check in with police constable Hamish Macbeth. This 31st installment in the series, 'Death of Nurse' is narrated by Graeme Malcolm.. and he does a terrific job!
'Death of a Nurse' begins with Constable Hamish Macbeth trying once again to tolerate (or perhaps come up with a way to be rid of) the new addition to his constabulary. In case you are new to the series, let me provide you with a 'wee' bit of background… Hamish, the local 'copper' is a tall, lanky, red-haired man who has been solely responsible for patrolling his part of the Highlands. Although Hamish is the first to admit that he is completely unambitious… he has no desire to move up the ranks of the police force… he has enjoyed a great deal of success in solving murder cases. Surprisingly, although the Highlands are far from being densely populated, they seem to have an extraordinarily high murder rate.
In this installment, Hamish has been provided with a new partner.. Charlie Carter, a young, mild-mannered, very LARGE policeman. With Charlie now sharing the small police station , Hamish is feeling more than a little claustrophobic and edgy. A large portion of Hamish's duties include driving around the Highlands and checking on the health and well-being of the villagers. He frequently takes his pets… a dog named Lugs and a wild cat named Sonsie.. with him. On this particular day, Hamish, Charlie and the pets head off to check on a wealthy elderly man…. Mr. James Harrison…. having been told that he has just moved to a restored hunting lodge and is being cared for by a beautiful private duty nurse named Gloria Dainty. (I should probably mention here that Hamish has an eye for beautiful women; and is constantly falling in love. And as successful as he is in solving murder cases, he is equally UNSUCCESSFUL in love).
Calling on Mr. Harrison, Hamish finds the old man to be rude and unpleasant, but before being asked to leave the property, Hamish DOES extract a promise from Nurse Dainty to meet him for dinner on her night off. Alas, the night of the dinner date arrives and Hamish is left eating alone at his table… Nurse dainty is a 'no show' and Hamish assumes that he has struck out in love once again. To Hamish's shock, however, Nurse Dainty's body washes up on the beach four days later.. and Hamish is on the case. He must discover who killed the beautiful nurse… and why.
Hamish, Charlie and a police Inspector Fiona Herring (sent from the superiors in Strathbane), begin to scour the Highlands for clues and possible witnesses. After several false starts and some dubious clues, Hamish discovers that Nurse Gloria Dainty was not at all who she seemed…. and for that matter, Mr. James Harrison was not exactly what he seemed either.
Ms. Beaton did seem to meander a bit off track several times during this story with a couple of irrelevant but indeed entertaining story lines and the ending took a bit longer to wrap up than usual….. but the story was an enjoyable diversion. Hamish DID solve the case, the appropriate people were punished (one way or another) and Lochdubh returned to the charming, quite place it is meant to be… for now….
'Death of a Nurse' begins with Constable Hamish Macbeth trying once again to tolerate (or perhaps come up with a way to be rid of) the new addition to his constabulary. In case you are new to the series, let me provide you with a 'wee' bit of background… Hamish, the local 'copper' is a tall, lanky, red-haired man who has been solely responsible for patrolling his part of the Highlands. Although Hamish is the first to admit that he is completely unambitious… he has no desire to move up the ranks of the police force… he has enjoyed a great deal of success in solving murder cases. Surprisingly, although the Highlands are far from being densely populated, they seem to have an extraordinarily high murder rate.
In this installment, Hamish has been provided with a new partner.. Charlie Carter, a young, mild-mannered, very LARGE policeman. With Charlie now sharing the small police station , Hamish is feeling more than a little claustrophobic and edgy. A large portion of Hamish's duties include driving around the Highlands and checking on the health and well-being of the villagers. He frequently takes his pets… a dog named Lugs and a wild cat named Sonsie.. with him. On this particular day, Hamish, Charlie and the pets head off to check on a wealthy elderly man…. Mr. James Harrison…. having been told that he has just moved to a restored hunting lodge and is being cared for by a beautiful private duty nurse named Gloria Dainty. (I should probably mention here that Hamish has an eye for beautiful women; and is constantly falling in love. And as successful as he is in solving murder cases, he is equally UNSUCCESSFUL in love).
Calling on Mr. Harrison, Hamish finds the old man to be rude and unpleasant, but before being asked to leave the property, Hamish DOES extract a promise from Nurse Dainty to meet him for dinner on her night off. Alas, the night of the dinner date arrives and Hamish is left eating alone at his table… Nurse dainty is a 'no show' and Hamish assumes that he has struck out in love once again. To Hamish's shock, however, Nurse Dainty's body washes up on the beach four days later.. and Hamish is on the case. He must discover who killed the beautiful nurse… and why.
Hamish, Charlie and a police Inspector Fiona Herring (sent from the superiors in Strathbane), begin to scour the Highlands for clues and possible witnesses. After several false starts and some dubious clues, Hamish discovers that Nurse Gloria Dainty was not at all who she seemed…. and for that matter, Mr. James Harrison was not exactly what he seemed either.
Ms. Beaton did seem to meander a bit off track several times during this story with a couple of irrelevant but indeed entertaining story lines and the ending took a bit longer to wrap up than usual….. but the story was an enjoyable diversion. Hamish DID solve the case, the appropriate people were punished (one way or another) and Lochdubh returned to the charming, quite place it is meant to be… for now….
July 13, 2017
As usual Hamish is on top form, this time investigating the death of a pretty nurse that he has fallen for. She of course is not the only death in the book, there will be many more, and Dick isn't really featured here either which was a shame. Also look out for the departure of one of our favourite characters, it nearly made me cry!!! MC Beaton can't write a bad book.
January 14, 2016
I received this ebook thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I enjoyed it and give it a solid 4 stars out of 5. Hamish MacBeth solves more murders, but due to his unorthodox methods, does not get any credit. That means he does not get promoted, which is what he wants, i.e., staying in the small village of Lochdubh, rather going to the city of Strathbane.
Hamish asks a local woman out on a date and she doesn't show up. It turns out that she has been murdered. Hamish is good at solving murders, but not so good in the romance department.
Hamish asks a local woman out on a date and she doesn't show up. It turns out that she has been murdered. Hamish is good at solving murders, but not so good in the romance department.
July 1, 2024
Blair is extra vicious in this causing Hamish to have to take Sonsie to the wild cat preserve which was sad. I felt too sad about it and got confused about who committed the murders! There were too many of them as it got more and more complicated. Priscilla got attacked and Hamish had to rescue her and Charlie was also attacked and sexually harassed! Priscilla's attacker pulled a knife on her! I never expected that.
I sure hope that Sonsie manages to return home and I will take the poodle.
I sure hope that Sonsie manages to return home and I will take the poodle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2016
Beaton's books make me anxious to unite with old friends from the two series. The book is plagued with the 'add water for an instant scene.' Some of the plot parts seem left over and as if they were plunked in to add something. They fall short.
June 10, 2016
★★★★½ I haven't read one of these in awhile. I quite enjoyed it.
April 17, 2024
Once again Hamish is investigating a murder. He is of course moaning about his lack of success with the women. The story about the murder of a nurse was ok with bits of humor. Pricilla once again makes the wrong choice with her men. The colonel her father is still moaning about Hamish.
I thought this one had a lot more murders than usual.
I thought this one had a lot more murders than usual.
September 14, 2019
I always enjoy spending time with Hamish Macbeth in the village of Lochdubh in Scotland. In this story, a nurse is found murdered on the beach, and Hamish has to ferret out who did it while staying out of Blaire's sights. People are still wondering why Hamish isn't married yet, and we spend some time with Priscilla and the Colonel. Fun entertaining characters.
October 27, 2022
Very boring. Lol.
This book was gifted to me by the book club while I was in the hospital because they heard that I love to read. That’s the main reason why I read it. But it was really hard to get through. I believe in finishing books and that’s only reason I did.
This book was gifted to me by the book club while I was in the hospital because they heard that I love to read. That’s the main reason why I read it. But it was really hard to get through. I believe in finishing books and that’s only reason I did.
March 7, 2016
A new and very glamorous nurse is seen in Lochdubh and naturally Hamish Macbeth is attracted. She is nursing an elderly man who has recently moved to the area and who is rumoured to be wealthy though not very good tempered. Gloria Dainty accepts a date with Hamish but fails to turn up at the restaurant. It seems she has disappeared completely taking all her belongings with her. A new and much less attractive nurse appears to nurse the invalid Mr Harrison.
But Gloria's disappearance continues to nag at Hamish and he tries to investigate - eventually discovering her body. A murder investigation is launched headed by Inspector Fiona Herring who takes a shine to Hamish's constable, Charlie. Blair - Hamish's arch enemy is in hospital recovering from an unfortunate encounter with a police dog.
I found this an amusing and absorbing read. Hamish's ability to come out on top somehow is much in evidence though maybe he is starting to learn that he cannot chase every attractive woman who appears within his orbit. I enjoyed Blair's attempts to get back at Hamish - pretty well doomed to failure but sometimes it seems as though he will win. Fortunately Hamish has Fiona Herring on his side.
I recommend this latest instalment in this long running series to anyone who enjoys light hearted crime stories with the occasional touch of darkness and with plenty of humour. I love the chapter headings which always raise a smile. The series provides excellent entertainment and this latest episode is no exception.
But Gloria's disappearance continues to nag at Hamish and he tries to investigate - eventually discovering her body. A murder investigation is launched headed by Inspector Fiona Herring who takes a shine to Hamish's constable, Charlie. Blair - Hamish's arch enemy is in hospital recovering from an unfortunate encounter with a police dog.
I found this an amusing and absorbing read. Hamish's ability to come out on top somehow is much in evidence though maybe he is starting to learn that he cannot chase every attractive woman who appears within his orbit. I enjoyed Blair's attempts to get back at Hamish - pretty well doomed to failure but sometimes it seems as though he will win. Fortunately Hamish has Fiona Herring on his side.
I recommend this latest instalment in this long running series to anyone who enjoys light hearted crime stories with the occasional touch of darkness and with plenty of humour. I love the chapter headings which always raise a smile. The series provides excellent entertainment and this latest episode is no exception.
February 7, 2017
And with that I am finally caught up to the most current book. Thank God because I need a break. The actual mysteries of this book were never that in depth, but they had a uniqueness to them and the somewhat satisfying death of some very unpleasant people. Now it just feels like Beaton is trying to make them more brutal and Law and Order-esque, which isn't really working for me because it doesn't seem like she's very good at writing that style and is letting a ton of characters fall by the wayside. I also hope she does some follow up with Sonsie because I'm more attached to the animals than some of the characters in this book.
September 20, 2017
Death of a Nurse by M.C. Beaton is the 31st book in the Hamish Macbeth mystery series. Hamish is stood up by James Harrison's nurse Gloria and when her murdered body is found, he investigates. Hamish seemed a bit slower in this book, maybe as he seemed pre-occupied with so many other things, not least of freeing his wildcat Sonsie into a wildcat sanctuary. Otherwise another interesting and typical Hamish Macbeth mystery.
September 27, 2022
Hamish immediately notices the pretty new nurse, Gloria. His fascination is short lived because Gloria winds up dead, thrown over a cliff. Hamish begins investigating, but when others start dying as well, he learns the web is pretty twisty. There is a wealthy family, an old dude who may or may not need a wheelchair, lots of greed, and lots of money. Always ingredients for nasty times.
I feel like as this series goes on the mysteries get more and more wandering but I still really enjoy the characters. I especially like the ones when Hamish isn't getting in trouble. I'm enjoying Charlie as well.
I feel like as this series goes on the mysteries get more and more wandering but I still really enjoy the characters. I especially like the ones when Hamish isn't getting in trouble. I'm enjoying Charlie as well.
January 26, 2016
In the interest of full disclosure, it is really impossible for me to write a totally impartial review, because I love Hamish MacBeth. Sure he's a bit lazy (so was my ex-husband), sure he's a bit clueless when it comes to women (so was my ex-husband), but unlike most of the men I know, he is enormously clever, unbelievably patient, and has the dual ability of solving every crime in the Scottish Highlands, while still maintaining his rather lazy lifestyle as the unappreciated police sergeant cum crofter in the village of Lochdubh in the Scottish Highlands.
This is the 31st book in the series, and we find that Hamish has yet another sidekick in the form of Charlie Carter, a likeable guy, but big, awkward, and clumsy, causing breakage and disruption at the police station that Hamish calls home. Friendly and appealing to the local women, Hamish's old flame, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe takes pity on him and sets him up in his own place in the former butler quarters in the basement of the Tommel Castle Hotel owned by her father, Colonel Halburton-Smythe. Despite the colonel's undisguised loathing for MacBeth, he takes quite a liking to Charlie and soon has him calling him George, accompanying him on fishing outings, and joining the family for evening dinners.
While Hamish is only too happy to have his police station to himself, his vexation at his current and past constables always seeming to have a much more successful way with women than he does, has him staring lustfully at the new nurse in town, Gloria Dainty. One look at the title and you will know that it is no spoiler to tell you that Gloria didn't make it to their first date. But who would kill such a lovely thing? Is she truly the innocent that Hamish has made her out to be, or is she really the gold-digging "wee hoor" the local women seem to think?
As with every Hamish MacBeth book, this one is pure delight. Lovers of the series will revel in seeing Blair get his comeuppance, cringe over Charlie's infatuation with Blair's temporary replacement, Police Inspector Fiona Herring, and want to grab Priscilla by the shoulders and shake her over her choice of aging new beau. Everything that you love and come to expect is in this book, as well as a great mystery, the surprising exit of a main character, and set up for the next adventure. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 31st book in the series, and we find that Hamish has yet another sidekick in the form of Charlie Carter, a likeable guy, but big, awkward, and clumsy, causing breakage and disruption at the police station that Hamish calls home. Friendly and appealing to the local women, Hamish's old flame, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe takes pity on him and sets him up in his own place in the former butler quarters in the basement of the Tommel Castle Hotel owned by her father, Colonel Halburton-Smythe. Despite the colonel's undisguised loathing for MacBeth, he takes quite a liking to Charlie and soon has him calling him George, accompanying him on fishing outings, and joining the family for evening dinners.
While Hamish is only too happy to have his police station to himself, his vexation at his current and past constables always seeming to have a much more successful way with women than he does, has him staring lustfully at the new nurse in town, Gloria Dainty. One look at the title and you will know that it is no spoiler to tell you that Gloria didn't make it to their first date. But who would kill such a lovely thing? Is she truly the innocent that Hamish has made her out to be, or is she really the gold-digging "wee hoor" the local women seem to think?
As with every Hamish MacBeth book, this one is pure delight. Lovers of the series will revel in seeing Blair get his comeuppance, cringe over Charlie's infatuation with Blair's temporary replacement, Police Inspector Fiona Herring, and want to grab Priscilla by the shoulders and shake her over her choice of aging new beau. Everything that you love and come to expect is in this book, as well as a great mystery, the surprising exit of a main character, and set up for the next adventure. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2018
After the watching of all three seasons of the Hamish Macbeth tv series featuring Robert Carlyle as the leading man. It is a fun series but strays away from the stories as written by M.C. Beaton.
A grumpy old man who retired to the Scottish Highlands and is not very pleasurable person who does not like his local bobby, but he has a lovely nurse who does turn heads and when she agrees to a date with Hamish all looks well. However she never turns up and Hamish feels the hurt especially as his live-in constable Charlie seems to attract all kinds of attention of beautiful women where Hamish fails to do so.
When they fin the dead body of the nurse it opens a can of worms that makes Hamish head spin. His constable attracts the attention of a female superior police officer and his natural enemy Blair is both annoyed by Hamish antics but also him being sidetracked by a female police officer who outsmarts him in about everything.
Of course Hamish does solve the crime and somebody else gets the glory, Hamish ends this story on a date.
Another lovely day in Lochdubh and its highland surroundings, even if Macbeth's love life seems to become a soap. It would be wise for the writer to find Hamish a partner in life it would give the series a new dynamic that is surely needed.
On a sad note we say goodbye to one of Hamish longtime companions, even if it feels alright.
A lovely visit to Lochdubh, you always feel welcome and the people are well known.
A grumpy old man who retired to the Scottish Highlands and is not very pleasurable person who does not like his local bobby, but he has a lovely nurse who does turn heads and when she agrees to a date with Hamish all looks well. However she never turns up and Hamish feels the hurt especially as his live-in constable Charlie seems to attract all kinds of attention of beautiful women where Hamish fails to do so.
When they fin the dead body of the nurse it opens a can of worms that makes Hamish head spin. His constable attracts the attention of a female superior police officer and his natural enemy Blair is both annoyed by Hamish antics but also him being sidetracked by a female police officer who outsmarts him in about everything.
Of course Hamish does solve the crime and somebody else gets the glory, Hamish ends this story on a date.
Another lovely day in Lochdubh and its highland surroundings, even if Macbeth's love life seems to become a soap. It would be wise for the writer to find Hamish a partner in life it would give the series a new dynamic that is surely needed.
On a sad note we say goodbye to one of Hamish longtime companions, even if it feels alright.
A lovely visit to Lochdubh, you always feel welcome and the people are well known.
December 9, 2015
This is a Hamish Macbeth mystery which really says it all. I really enjoy all of Beaton's books, but the Macbeth mysteries have a wonderful atmosphere to them - I love the scenery, the characters and the frailties of the hero, I love the way he deals with his superior, his love life and the people under his care. The stories are well written, logically put and not try to be too clever. This book is a little bit more fun then some of his others, and do hope his offsider Charlie will return in further mysteries. The mystery was good and a page turner in as much as I read and finished it well into the night. This book was provided to me in return for a honest and unbiased review.
December 2, 2015
I have to be honest, this is the very first Hamish book I've read. I am a huge fan of the Agatha Raisin series and I decided to give this one a try. I have to admit, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
When gorgeous private nurse Gloria Dainty arrives in town, Hamish is determined to invite her to dinner. when Gloria is a no show, the last thing Hamish thinks is that Gloria is dead. Soon enough Hamish is on the case to find the murderer.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
When gorgeous private nurse Gloria Dainty arrives in town, Hamish is determined to invite her to dinner. when Gloria is a no show, the last thing Hamish thinks is that Gloria is dead. Soon enough Hamish is on the case to find the murderer.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
March 29, 2016
Gotta love Constable Hamish Macbeth, with his Highland intuition, flaming red hair and temper to match at just the right times. The cast of characters are wonderfully mischievous, with often dark and humorous literary quotes to introduce each chapter. The plot was more complex than some previous books in the series, which made it a more satisfying read in the end. And the Highlands setting with its magical thinking transported me to another dimension altogether. An enjoyable escape.
September 11, 2019
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the other Hamish Macbeth books that I've read. I still liked it though. I'm glad that Blair finally got some sort of comeuppance by being suspended as I don't like him one little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
Macbeth and the Conniving Caregiver
Review of the Hachette audiobook edition released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover edition (2016)
Death of a Nurse finds Hamish having to solve another mystery when a caregiver nurse to a local cantankerous senior is murdered. As usual things are not as they seem. This outing also continues the subplot of Hamish's most recently constable Charlie Carter who has settled himself into the Lochdubh community. Detective Chief Inspector Blair is up to his old tricks and there is a somewhat shocking resolution to the wildcat Sonsie subplot.
I'm now into the final few of the 34* Hamish Macbeth cozy mystery series set in the Scottish Highlands centered around the fictional village of Lochdubh. I wish I could slow down my reading & listening in order to make them last longer, but they are so irresistible that they have become my go-to default read during this continuing lockdown (Ontario, Canada where I live is currently still in a stay-at-home order situation until possibly June, 2021). Fortunately the library is operating efficiently with their holds system and their curbside pickup. They also provide the opportunity of online audiobook loans via Overdrive.
*No. 34 Death of a Love (2021?) has yet to be released due to delays following M.C. Beaton's (aka Marion Chesney's) passing in late 2019.
Review of the Hachette audiobook edition released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover edition (2016)
Death of a Nurse finds Hamish having to solve another mystery when a caregiver nurse to a local cantankerous senior is murdered. As usual things are not as they seem. This outing also continues the subplot of Hamish's most recently constable Charlie Carter who has settled himself into the Lochdubh community. Detective Chief Inspector Blair is up to his old tricks and there is a somewhat shocking resolution to the wildcat Sonsie subplot.
I'm now into the final few of the 34* Hamish Macbeth cozy mystery series set in the Scottish Highlands centered around the fictional village of Lochdubh. I wish I could slow down my reading & listening in order to make them last longer, but they are so irresistible that they have become my go-to default read during this continuing lockdown (Ontario, Canada where I live is currently still in a stay-at-home order situation until possibly June, 2021). Fortunately the library is operating efficiently with their holds system and their curbside pickup. They also provide the opportunity of online audiobook loans via Overdrive.
*No. 34 Death of a Love (2021?) has yet to be released due to delays following M.C. Beaton's (aka Marion Chesney's) passing in late 2019.
December 21, 2017
This book is actually my first novel by this author that I've read. Well, I listened to the audio and I loved the narrator. I could listen to him anytime.
I liked the process of finding the criminal. It was creatively done. The clues were unveiled little by little. The red herrings were in place. Some parts were a little slow for me, but I liked this one overall. So 3 stars.
I liked the process of finding the criminal. It was creatively done. The clues were unveiled little by little. The red herrings were in place. Some parts were a little slow for me, but I liked this one overall. So 3 stars.
February 23, 2016
3.5 I don't read a lot of 'cozy' mysteries, but when I do my choice is M.C. Beaton. She is the author of two very light hearted mystery series set in Scotland. Of the two, I enjoy the Hamish Macbeth tales just a tad bit more than Agatha Raisin, although they're both wonderful.
The latest MacBeth (#31!) is Death of a Nurse. It releases today - and I have a copy to giveaway!
Death of a Nurse happily returns us to the small Scottish village of Lochdubh, where Police Sergeant Hamish MacBeth is based. (with no plans to leave or moved up in rank) I happily settled down to catch up with familiar characters and places - Patel's grocery, the Currie sisters, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, Jimmy Anderson, Hamish's nemesis DCI Blair and more.
Hamish's beat covers a large territory. (And a seemingly inordinate amount of murders!) While introducing himself to a new resident, he meets not just the wealthy older gentleman but his attractive nurse. Hamish has an eye for the lassies, and asks her out. Gloria is a no show for dinner.....but her body appears on the beach a few days later.
Beaton's books follow a comfortable, comforting, cozy pattern. Hamish is usually the one to solve the murders, but eschews the limelight, for fear of having to leave his beloved live-in police station. Daviot and Blair do their best to try and rid themselves of MacBeth, but haven't been successful yet. Hamish himself is still looking for love, but he too has been unsuccessful. Beaton introduces new characters as the books progress - usually a new Constable for Hamish to work with. One longstanding character departs in this book, to my surprise.
The mysteries aren't overly complicated, but it's the journey to the whodunits that's the most enjoyable. Death of a Nurse is another fun entry in this long-running series.
The latest MacBeth (#31!) is Death of a Nurse. It releases today - and I have a copy to giveaway!
Death of a Nurse happily returns us to the small Scottish village of Lochdubh, where Police Sergeant Hamish MacBeth is based. (with no plans to leave or moved up in rank) I happily settled down to catch up with familiar characters and places - Patel's grocery, the Currie sisters, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, Jimmy Anderson, Hamish's nemesis DCI Blair and more.
Hamish's beat covers a large territory. (And a seemingly inordinate amount of murders!) While introducing himself to a new resident, he meets not just the wealthy older gentleman but his attractive nurse. Hamish has an eye for the lassies, and asks her out. Gloria is a no show for dinner.....but her body appears on the beach a few days later.
Beaton's books follow a comfortable, comforting, cozy pattern. Hamish is usually the one to solve the murders, but eschews the limelight, for fear of having to leave his beloved live-in police station. Daviot and Blair do their best to try and rid themselves of MacBeth, but haven't been successful yet. Hamish himself is still looking for love, but he too has been unsuccessful. Beaton introduces new characters as the books progress - usually a new Constable for Hamish to work with. One longstanding character departs in this book, to my surprise.
The mysteries aren't overly complicated, but it's the journey to the whodunits that's the most enjoyable. Death of a Nurse is another fun entry in this long-running series.
March 9, 2016
3 1/2 stars! I have been disappointed lately with the Hamish Macbeth series. The earlier books in the series are little treasures, and I used to look forward to the next book coming out. In the recent past (the last 3 or 4 years) the books weren't as enjoyable as they were rushed and very disjointed. This book is better, although time certainly flies within the 265 pages. For those not in the know, Hamish Macbeth is a police sergeant located in the picturesque little town of Lochdubh in the Scottish highlands. He loves his quiet life in the little village, even though his beat has grown considerably since he took up residence there. For such a little place, there is a lot of murder and crime and Hamish uses his considerable intelligence, along with his thorough knowledge of the area to solve very difficult and tricky mysteries. I love the characters in sleepy little Lochdubh - Archie the seer, the hilarious Currie sisters, the minister's very loud and obnoxious wife and of course Hamish himself . This book has all of this, and another tricky little mystery which Hamish manages to crack. I enjoyed this book and am glad that I stuck with the series.
February 19, 2018
This was a very good read with a bit of a twist. There was a little more murder than usually is in a Hamish book, but people are horrible, even in books. Priscilla gets a real scare and I wonder how she will be in the future, Hamish suffers a great loss and I have to wonder how he will cope as well. Charlie has many accidents, gets embroiled in a mess that takes some getting out of, but is always a good friend to all who know him and Dick gets married [WHO knew?].
Its crazy that these, at 31 books in, can stay fresh, but they are. I have enjoyed each one as they come along. Though I'd think twice about living where they all live. ;-)
Its crazy that these, at 31 books in, can stay fresh, but they are. I have enjoyed each one as they come along. Though I'd think twice about living where they all live. ;-)
May 16, 2016
I enjoyed this much more than I did the previous book in the series. It was good to have more humor and a Hamish who was not quite so dour and depressed. He still has his struggles with romance, of course, but there was a hint that we may learn the story behind Priscilla's problems with passion.....could there possibly be a resolution of Hamish's loneliness in a future book??? This series is so much fun.....full of characters you love to hate and always satisfying in ridding us of the "baddies". I do hope she deals with that miserable Inspector Blair soon...........
July 8, 2016
Another excellent and entertaining Hamish Macbeth mystery novel.
This time Hamish shares the spotlight with his new policeman in the village station, Charley. I hope Charley sticks around for a while, unlike the previous policemen sent out to help Hamish and who left for one reason or another.
This time Hamish shares the spotlight with his new policeman in the village station, Charley. I hope Charley sticks around for a while, unlike the previous policemen sent out to help Hamish and who left for one reason or another.
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