The Highlands are habitually rife with humor and delicious mystery between the covers of every Hamish Macbeth book from author M.C. Beaton. Constable for a patch of Scotland where gossip and superstition often exasperate Hamish Macbeth, he nonetheless loves his fair Lochdubh and its quirky residents. The mysteries are certainly fun, but it is the atmosphere which keeps readers coming back time and again. Finishing a Hamish book always seems to lighten our load and remind us it is the small things in life which really matter.

Jenny Ogilve arrives from London to eyeball the constable she's heard so much about from Priscilla, who has become engaged to someone other than Hamish. Jenny would like nothing better than to make Priscilla jealous by snagging the ever-elusive Macbeth. With reporter Elspeth diverting Jenny's amateurish attempts at every turn, however, and Hamish with a suicide to investigate, the task at hand becomes quite tricky. Once Hamish realizes what she's up to, he takes Priscilla's advice and lets her help him question the residents of Braike. Before this one is over, he'll wish he hadn't!

Hamish isn't buying the death of the Braike postmistress as suicide. A murder soon follows that death and Hamish suspects poison pen letters may somehow be at the heart of it all. The headmistress might have had a wee bit more interest in a couple of her female students than was proper, and the murder victim may have been having an affair. Jenny gets sidetracked while helping Hamish. leading to some typically hilarious doings; a perfect example of why readers love this series so much.

The dubious seer, Angus, the Currie sisters, Lugs and all the other quirky characters of Lochdubh we've come to enjoy visiting so much are all present in this one. The combination of mystery and humor with a Highland setting is irresistible. There is something wonderful between the covers of a Hamish Macbeth book that nearly defies description, and must be experienced by the reader. A fine entry in a marvelous mystery series. Highly recommended! ( )

Beaton's Hamish Macbeth novels are fun reads for me. You don't have to think hard, they are quick and easy to read. The characters are suitably quirky and Macbeth has an entertaining love life. This novel is from 2004 and the series began in 1985. The author passed away in 2019.

A series of murders and an almost one kept me interested and the author ties up all the details by the end. The story finishes with a sweet romantic touch and the village watches out for their Hamish. 3+ stars ( )

As always, another great cozy mystery featuring Hamish Macbeth. Death of a Poison Pen was among one of my favorites I've read so far. The plot was unusual with the addition of the poison pen letters and the characters were as always quirky and charming. I loved the romantic twists towards the end of the book and can't wait to read the next in the series. ( )

Frothier than usual but still a fun place to read about. ( )

This audiobook series, like the Agatha Raisin series, makes for light entertainment while working on other things. ( )