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bilboshadowslayer 's review for:

Death of a Cad by M.C. Beaton
3.5
funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Hamish Macbeth becomes more lovable with each novel. Granted, this is the second book in the series, so that opinion may change; however, his observant and intuitive mind hidden behind the facade of a lazy constable of Lochdubh makes these books cozy, lighthearted read.

This book provides the audience more insight into Priscilla Halburton-Smythe who, in the first book, the audience was introduced to and discovered Macbeth was sweet on; however, the Death of a Cad gave the reader more opportunity to read from her perspective, and it made me cheer for their eventual union. Priscilla is a sweet, albeit sheltered, woman in her early twenties. Her parents want to protect her and have expectations for her future specifically to marry a rich man and be a housewife. Priscilla doesn't want this; however, she's afraid to disappoint her parents. Part of the story is watching her relationship with Macbeth, which has always been friendly, evolve into a potential relationship.

The murder mystery is well written. I did fall for the red herring. I had an idea of who the murderer may have been when I started reading, but I second-guessed myself. I enjoyed having that happen because it shows the breadcrumbs of the truth are there, but they aren't so obvious that they distract from other circumstantial evidence and more obvious motives.