Death of a Witch

This is the twenty-fifth book in a series of cozy mysteries featuring lovable Highlander, Hamish Macbeth, the constable for the sleepy village of Lochdubh in northern Scotland. Here, the reader finds Hamish newly returned from a vacation in Spain only to find that in his absence a newcomer, Catriona Beldame, has settled into his beloved village. Moreover, it seems that she has somehow bewitched the men of Lochdubh, as she has a seemingly non-stop stream of village men visiting her, causing all sorts of anxiety and anger among the local woman.So, it is little wonder that Catriona suddenly turns up as a corpse, the victim of murder. Just who among the villagers is her killer? Well, that is what Hamish aims to discover, even though he himself becomes a suspect. Before he can straighten it all out, however, there are several more murders that follow. Really, Lochdubh is quickly becoming the murder capital of the world!In this book, the quirky village characters beguile the reader, giving the book its cozy feel. The book is laced with sly humor throughout that is engaging, keeping the mood of the book light and highly enjoyable. One does not read these books for their literary value. One reads them purely for the fun of it.As with all cozy mysteries, it is not so much the mystery that is of import but the characters that revolve around the mystery. While the mysteries are intriguing, they are the framework around which the characters evolve. In the endearing character of Hamish Macbeth, the author has created a sure fire winner, who has won over the many fans of the cozy mystery genre.

One of the great joys of reading a Hamish MacBeth novel is to see which young woman is attempting to capture his affections as well as change his marital status. (He must be very good looking because he is constantly on the run.) In this book, not only is Hamish pursued by several of his past romantic attachments, he finds himself the object of attention by one of his female colleagues as well as a young man. How he escapes these difficult situations is always entertaining.In addition to his interpersonal difficulties, Hamish MacBeth must also solve the murder of four women in his county. One was a woman who provided herbal treatment to the men of Lochdobh which was designed to increase their sexual prowess but also ended up creating major medical issues. The other three women became the focus of the murderer as the result of their husbands association with a prostitute. A strange tale unfolds about females beating their husbands and a murderer who hates sex enough to kill over it.As if these two situations weren't enough to capture the reader's attention, Hamish also becomes the focus of attempted murder by two poachers whom he ends up eluding in a most ironic manner. But--the story does not end there. Hamish's mother insists that he take the trip she has won to Europe so that he can have a vacation. He does so only to be finally rewarded with a sexual dalliance. What a life of drama!!!

A funny installment of the Hamish Macbeth series, this book was light-hearted even though the storyline involved four murders. Because the plot involved the sex lives of the citizens of the tiny Scottish village of Lochdubh, Hamish had to probe into the citizens’ personal lives more deeply than ever before, with surprising revelations. Fun stuff!

Death of a Witch doesn't let you down. Hamish Macbeth is once again on the job, long serving as the only Bobby in the village and outlying areas proves yet again his prowess catching a serial killer and several other offenders all in a day's work. M.C. Beaten with her well thought story lines and surprising culprits will keep you reading straight to the end. Fabulous!

These books are like a short vacation, or a visit to the beach, without the bad stuff like drinking to much

This novel is probably the best in the series to date. The main reason is missed by the bad rating reviewers who are just looking at the superficial plot. Ms. Beaton is making a lot of commentary on male-female relations, the battle of the sexes and conservative anti-sexual attitudes. I laughed out loud when Hamish sees the humor in the young Patel child seeing Priscilla as the "Ice Queen". But you need to be following the series, in order, to see all the shades of characters. She is making a very good study of poor Hamish's problems with relationships starting with his abortive "vacation" in Spain at the beginning of the book and a near repeat at the end. I loved it that the Celtic Highlander meets up at the end with a Celtic Welsh woman and hits it off. Hopefully we will see her again.

Snuggle down and enjoy another adventure in a village in Scotland. A killer is on the loose and Hamish McBeth, who has to endure an inept boss who hates him, is on the case. Having lived in a tiny town full of interesting characters myself (thankfully with less murder than on McBeth's beat), it's fun to visit Lochdub and see what the folks there are up to this time. As usual, this Hamish McBeth story has a good balance of crime and humor with a little love interest thrown in for a bit of added spice. It may not be great literature, but it is a fun read.

The Characters shine. The story and plot are 1st rate. But I have to tell you that I am enjoying the aftermath of the crime solving the most. The loose ends being tied up, new things brought in, and the getting on of life in Scotland just is the best of Macbeth to me. Started around 6 or 8 books ago. I hope it doesn't stop. A fine end to a fine novel.

Being a great fan of Agatha Raisin, I decided to give Hamish Macbeth a go. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. Although Death of a Witch was my first read in the series, I was instantly immersed in the world of the remote village of Lochdubh in the heart of Scottish Highlands. The title character, PC Hamish Macbeth is kind of a godfather figure who protects and looks after the villagers. His love for the place and its inhabitants is palpable. It is stronger than his ambition or his young heart's romantic pursuits. M C Beaton paints the location vividly and with such refinement that its authenticity is assured. Throw in the mix a dog and a wild cat, Hamish's two beloved pets, and your heart is captured for good.In this story, Hamish pursues the killer of an alleged witch, and further three local women. The witch died a nasty death, but she wasn't a likable character, and not only because she was peddling love potions which had very unpleasant side effects on the menfolk. The other victims were decent or semi-decent women who, on the surface, had nothing to do with the witch. Hamish, assisted by his erstwhile love interest, the journalist Elspeth, and by his new love interest, the pathologist Lesley, tries to get to the bottom of this convoluted multi-victim case.I enjoyed this witty, charming and fast moving cosy mystery and will be reading more of Hamish Macbeth.

I have all the M C Beaton books and recommend all, but particularly like Hamish. Definitely recommend. Quick delivery from this seller and well packed.

I started reading about Hamish Macbeth after I had read all of the Agatha Raisin books. He is as annoyingly addictive as she. Quick and easy read mysteries although I have to say I prefer the books in the beginning of the series and feel that some of the later storylines are clutching at straws and a bit second rate as far as storylines go but I have got quite fond of the characters and will continue to read as and when a new book comes out which the author is probably banking on.

Hamish returns from an unsuccessful holiday in Spain to find a newcomer in the village, a woman who has a lot of late night male visitors. This woman who sells love potions and is regarded as a witch is soon murdered. Hamish solves the murder in his own inimitable fashion - using local gossip, interviews and intuition. This is a good read full of plot twists, whimsical characters and sly humour.

Just love Hamish, sad love life, casual attitude. Happy fellow overall.