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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
Strange pacing, inconsistent point of view (was it deliberate? Not sure), and horribly stereotypical female characters.
Nice, easy read. The kind of book you open up when it's been a long day and you need to unwind. Having the murder in the middle of the story rather than at the beginning wasn't something I was accustomed to, but seeing how everyone wanted the victim dead before she was even killed added something to the story. I really liked Hamish, having seen a couple episodes of the show, it was easy to imagine a young Robert Carlyle loafing about and being underestimated.
How is it possible I gave never read anything by M.C. Beaton before? I loved this book! It was charming and funny and kept me guessing. I loved Hamish Macbeth. I was certain I knew who the killer was from early on and was totally wrong. I can't wait to read more in the series.
This is the first in the Hamish Macbeth series of novels published in 1985. Hamish is a highlander, and the village policeman, and he has a laid back approach to most things, apart from solving murders and the local squire's daughter. He's a likeable chap, which in this novel sets him apart from pretty much all the other characters. The action is centred around a residential fly fishing course in the North of Scotland in the fictional village of Lochdubh, and after a fairly lengthy set-up period we get the murder and subsequent investigation.
It's sometimes hard to believe that the novel was written in 1985; some of the attitudes are bordering on Victorian, and it does all feel a little dated now. The supporting cast of characters / suspects are quite broadly drawn, almost to the point of pastiche; the bluff Major, the brash Americans, the naive young working class girl bedazzled by the upper classes. The story, once the murder happens, rattles along, even a little rushed towards the end, but it all felt a little insubstantial. From some of the reviews I've read the series does get a lot better, so I may try one of the later books. I would struggle to recommend this as a standalone read, but I guess it may be useful as background if you have enjoyed any of the others in the series.
It's sometimes hard to believe that the novel was written in 1985; some of the attitudes are bordering on Victorian, and it does all feel a little dated now. The supporting cast of characters / suspects are quite broadly drawn, almost to the point of pastiche; the bluff Major, the brash Americans, the naive young working class girl bedazzled by the upper classes. The story, once the murder happens, rattles along, even a little rushed towards the end, but it all felt a little insubstantial. From some of the reviews I've read the series does get a lot better, so I may try one of the later books. I would struggle to recommend this as a standalone read, but I guess it may be useful as background if you have enjoyed any of the others in the series.
Death of A Gossip by M.C. Beaton
A Hamish Macbeth mystery.
I read my first Hamish story last year. Starting with a couple of stories in the middle to see if I liked them. Never having read a "cozy mystery" before but a lifelong fan of mystery stories, I wanted to try something new.
I loved it!!
This is the first in the Hamish books. You don't meet Hamish until maybe ⅓ of the way in.
A group of people with varying backgrounds, ages, and countries of origin go to this small Highland village for a fishing class.
To me, at first, it seemed like, well this will be boring.
Not at all. Much like War of the World's, the set up in the start is excellent. You meet the cast, and you learn more about fly fishing than you want to know.
But I think Beaton was using this background as a mimic to what was happening. Fly fishing seems almost delicate work. Tying knots just so, getting just the right lure, casting itself is an art form to get the lure to land ever so delicately on the surface of the water.
Somewhat how Hamish goes about solving his first murder.
I especially enjoy Beaton's character development. She bring a pot of water to a slow simmer before erupting in a boil. I began to wish the gossip's murder would hurry up and happen, she made the character such an awful person.
The suspect pool is perfect. A version of the old dark house mysteries and everyone could be the killer.
A perfect read. I can't wait to read more!
A Hamish Macbeth mystery.
I read my first Hamish story last year. Starting with a couple of stories in the middle to see if I liked them. Never having read a "cozy mystery" before but a lifelong fan of mystery stories, I wanted to try something new.
I loved it!!
This is the first in the Hamish books. You don't meet Hamish until maybe ⅓ of the way in.
A group of people with varying backgrounds, ages, and countries of origin go to this small Highland village for a fishing class.
To me, at first, it seemed like, well this will be boring.
Not at all. Much like War of the World's, the set up in the start is excellent. You meet the cast, and you learn more about fly fishing than you want to know.
But I think Beaton was using this background as a mimic to what was happening. Fly fishing seems almost delicate work. Tying knots just so, getting just the right lure, casting itself is an art form to get the lure to land ever so delicately on the surface of the water.
Somewhat how Hamish goes about solving his first murder.
I especially enjoy Beaton's character development. She bring a pot of water to a slow simmer before erupting in a boil. I began to wish the gossip's murder would hurry up and happen, she made the character such an awful person.
The suspect pool is perfect. A version of the old dark house mysteries and everyone could be the killer.
A perfect read. I can't wait to read more!
I picked this up because I was looking for a new mystery series to read and patrons seemed to enjoy it. I did too, the humour was good without overpowering the mystery and seriousness of the murder. The characters were nicely developed for the most part and almost all were likeable. If you're looking for a quick read mystery novel I'd suggest this.
Set in an idyllic sect of the Scottish Highlands, the novel's opening deceptively draws readers in for a presumably adventuresome tale.
Throughout Death of a Gossip, Beaton's excessive use of descriptors is painful for anyone with an imagination of his own. While every facet of the scenery and the outward appearances of the cast are drawn out superfluously, the poor characters never seem to develop any depth at all. With the exception of the protagonist, Hamish MacBeth, not one of the roles are ever given more thought than a stereotypical caricature.
With regard to the plot itself, this novel boasts nothing more than a fairly predictable "whodunnit" narrative. Beaton bores readers with a profusion of detail, without ever providing the depth necessary for a well-rounded mystery. Save yourself a few hours and skip this one.
Throughout Death of a Gossip, Beaton's excessive use of descriptors is painful for anyone with an imagination of his own. While every facet of the scenery and the outward appearances of the cast are drawn out superfluously, the poor characters never seem to develop any depth at all. With the exception of the protagonist, Hamish MacBeth, not one of the roles are ever given more thought than a stereotypical caricature.
With regard to the plot itself, this novel boasts nothing more than a fairly predictable "whodunnit" narrative. Beaton bores readers with a profusion of detail, without ever providing the depth necessary for a well-rounded mystery. Save yourself a few hours and skip this one.
I have been in a cozy mystery mood for a while, and Hamish Macbeth is an old desire of mine to get acquainted with. And yes, he is as charming and smart and kind and funny as we have all heard. So I will stay in touch with him for sure.
The story (who, why) was a bit disappointing; but maybe because one of the characters was such a douchebag (intentionally) that I just really wanted him to be the murderer. Alas, he was not. (Yes, he was The Red Herring I guess.)
I listened to it as an audiobook, and first I was afraid I would not be able to understand a word because of the Scottish accent but fortunately, the narrator only used it for certain characters (and even they could be understood easily thank goodness); otherwise it was read in Queen's English. I was also surprised how short this book was; so much so that they included a Hamish Macbeth short story as well.
The story (who, why) was a bit disappointing; but maybe because one of the characters was such a douchebag (intentionally) that I just really wanted him to be the murderer. Alas, he was not. (Yes, he was The Red Herring I guess.)
I listened to it as an audiobook, and first I was afraid I would not be able to understand a word because of the Scottish accent but fortunately, the narrator only used it for certain characters (and even they could be understood easily thank goodness); otherwise it was read in Queen's English. I was also surprised how short this book was; so much so that they included a Hamish Macbeth short story as well.
My first Hamish Macbeth and lots of fun. I do really love Beaton’s terrific (and deliciously sardonic) eye for detail,
Can’t wait to dive into more Lochdubh adventures!
Can’t wait to dive into more Lochdubh adventures!
UGH. Out of date and horrible. I only finished it because I was painting and it was an audible and I didn't want to get paint on my ear phones. I also kept hoping for more. Sadly there was no more. Weirdly I am curious why so many liked it and am almost tempted to start the 2 just to see if it gets better?! Right now I am sad I spent money on book 1.