This is another good mystery by M. C. Beaton...she (I guess she is a she) writes under several different names and must write a book a week from the volume of her work. This series is tied to a policeman in the Scottish Highlands....he just wants to live in this little town and live the good life....promotion doesn't even cross his mind. But, he seems to have a murder every week and he has to solve the case to protect the villagers. Then he is recommended to the Top Brass for a promotion and he is all upset and doesn't want to leave his dog, cat, and sheep. It settles down and he is allowed to continue as the Highland Police Force...and has a cup of coffee waiting for the next murder. You will get caught up in these series...be aware...very aware...
This was a warm, friendly, typically Hamish McBeth story. He is the true article. You can't help but love him. Not a mean bone in his body. He gives so much to the occupants of his village, down to the children in need. He is the spirit of Christmas amongst those who don't even believe in celebrating Christmas. He brings decorations, a tree, presents, and the spirit of Christmas to them all.
"A Highland Christmas"
2008-10-07
- Reviewed By User: A23MDM0ZH0RSW6
One of my favorite authors and one of my favorite characters. Always an enjoyable read (with no 4-letter words!).
As this 16th Hamish Macbeth novel begins it is Christmas in the sleepy little village of Lochdubh, in far northern Scotland. Macbeth is in a most unChristmasy mood, his family has gone to Florida for the holidays and Hamish was not able to get time off from work to go with them. To make matters worst the usually charming village has a most oldfashioned, strict Calvinist adversion to the holiday, condemning the usually festive season as 'pagan'. To add insult to injury Hamish is called out to investigate a missing cat! As is always the case with this series, all is not as it seems and soon Hamish finds his hands quite full solving all sorts of problems.
This is a charming addition to this series of light, humorous cozy mysteries. It does deviate a bit from the usual format of this series in that it is not really a mystery (no murders) but is a light little Christmas story instead. Fans of the series will be delighted at this bit of holiday magic, even if they miss the usual bit of murder and mayham that is the norm for this series. Those unfamiliar with the series will probably want to begin with the earlier novels.
"great book"
2008-06-03
- Reviewed By User: A3FOK0LUG2YIRN
All the M.C. Beaton books are wonderful-whether it's Agnes Raisin or Hamish MacBeth. I wish there were more.
It's Christmas time in Lochdubh, Scotland, although it doesn't feel like it. Christmas decorations have been banned in the village, at least outside decorations. Constable Hamish MacBeth isn't too happy but he has his work to keep him busy. Someone has stolen some Christmas trees and lights from a nearby village; a lonely elderly woman has lost her cat and seems afraid of someone or something; and a young schoolgirl seems to be hiding some secrets. Hamish's methods may seem unorthodox, but he will solve these problems by Christmas day.
"A Highland Christmas" is a very good but light entry in M.C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth cozy mystery series. It's a slim book, a little over one hundred pages and there are no real mysteries in the book, outside of the missing Christmas trees. Despite the brevity of the book, M.C. Beaton still squeezes in all the elements that I love about the series: Hamish's ability to outwit Detective Chief Inspector Blair; his pining for Priscilla Halburton-Smythe; his mooching free meals; and the various characters that make up Lochdubh. In many ways the book feels like a Christmas gift for Beaton fans (a stocking stuffer, perhaps). Everything in the book is wrapped up neatly as Hamish solves the small mysteries and manages to bring happiness to several people. The ending is particularly delightful and I couldn't help but smile as I finished reading the book. Readers will love the Christmas gift Hamish gets.
"A Highland Christmas" is a quick and enjoyable read - perfect for this busy time of year.
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"M. C. Beaton"