A typical Hamish Macbeth mystery. It is nice to come back to a nice cozy mystery where nothing too terrible will happen. Very relaxing. This had a more surprising element with the ghost. It integrated well with what I've come to expect from these Hamish Macbeth stories. Graeme Malcolm is a wonderful narrator. Great accent! For folks new to the series, these can be read in any order. Though as time goes by one gets familiar with the village and its return characters. Nice to have some chuckles in my mystery!

"When Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth hears reports of a haunted castle near Drim, he assumes the eerie noises and lights reported by the villagers are just local teenagers going there to smoke pot or, worse, inject themselves with drugs. Still, Hamish decides that he and his policeman, Charlie "Clumsy" Carson, will spend the night at the ruined castle to get to the bottom of the rumors once and for all.

There's no sign of any ghost...but then Charlie disappears through the floor. It turns out he's fallen into the cellar. And what Hamish and Charlie find there is worse than a ghost: a dead body propped against the wall. Waiting for help to arrive, Hamish and Charlie leave the castle just for a moment--to eat bacon baps--but when they return, the body is nowhere to be seen. It's clear something strange--and deadly--is going on at the castle, and Hamish must get to the bottom of it before the "ghost" can strike again..."

Quite literally my mom's favorite series.

The Hamish Macbeth books may be somewhat formulaic, but they are great fun, and this book is no exception. There is a certain pleasure in knowing what you will get, and “Death of a Ghost” lives up to that expectation.

Hamish is his usual charming and beguiling self, and the cast of characters around him, while always changing slightly, adds to the mix. I love Hamish’s pets, although, like him, I miss Sonsie the wild cat. In “Death of a Ghost” Hamish’s constable, Charlie Carter, helps him carry the load, and Hamish has, of course, woman problems.

I don’t like spoilers, so I will not give any, but suffice it to say that less of the action takes place in Lochdubh, and more in other parts of Scotland. There are several mysteries to solve, and a somewhat unusual extended epilogue.

You will enjoy “Death of a Ghost,” and it is worth every minute of your time. A happy five stars.

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this novel and the fact that I have received this free of charge in no way affects the review I am about to give.
I love MC Beaton and her Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth novels, although recent Agatha Raisin books have not been so good.
However, I never tire of Hamish's exploits and they are as entertaining as they have always been. Hamish has to work so hard to ensure that he is not promoted, despite his detective skills and this attitude is so refreshing in today's dog eat dog world. I thoroughly enjoy the tough thrillers of the 21st century, but these quiet, unassuming novels have a special place in my heart when I need some solace. (less)

I was not able to get into this book despite trying.

I gave this a try because I love Agatha, I don't care for Hamish and this is like the second book I've tried with him but we have patrons that love this series so I gave this one a try I love the premise of the story and mystery is pretty solid I just don't care for Hamish , Its like dealing with a child in a grown man's body

Coming soon... thanks! Will update this space when done.

This was my final go at this series and I think that it is just not for me - I found the writing stiff, the characters (such as they are) uninteresting, and the mystery a mystery in name only.

It is always great to read a M.C. Beaton book. Patrons always look forward to the next in the Agatha Raisin series and the Hamish Macbeth series. Great and cozy read!

I'm a huge fan of M C Beaton's Hamish MacBeth series set in the Highlands of Scotland, which has been running for over thirty years now. Though time stands still in terms of the characters' ages they do move with the times in terms of modern accoutrements such as iPhones.

In this latest outing, DEATH OF A GHOST, Hamish and his latest police sidekick/colleague Charlie are summoned by an ex-police superintendent who has bought a castle in the dismal and remote loch-side village of Drim. The former police bigwig, nicknamed Handy, has been hearing howling, “haunted”, noises from the disused tower attached to his historic home. Hamish and Charlie agree to spend a night in the tower to dispel the myth of a ghost.

What they find however is not an airy-fairy ghost but an honest to goodness dead body.

And so begins an investigation into the residents of Drim and uncovering their secrets and desires and along the way there are more murders.

As well as the murder enquiries, we catch up briefly with all of Hamish's previous colleagues who have spent a short while with him in his police station/home in Lochdubh and his former love-interests Priscilla and Elspeth make brief and slightly longer appearances respectively.

I dive into this series whenever I need a bit of light relief and a trip to beautiful countryside. This one caught me particularly off guard with the identity of the murderer. M C Beaton manages to keep this series fresh, despite it having over thirty entries and I always look forward to the next one. If you like one, you'll like them all.

British cozy crime is having a bit of a resurgence at the moment and if you like that sub-genre then why not start with the very first Hamish, DEATH OF A GOSSIP.

Mrs S was delighted to received an advanced copy of this book through the publishers - Grand Central Publishing. She is a great fan of M. C. Beaton and was thrilled to receive Death of A Ghost to review. She has read just about every book Beaton has written.

A ruined castle in the village of Drim in Scotland, Hamish hears reports that the castle is haunted and lights are seen at night. He assumes it is children or gangs using the castle to drink, or use drugs at night. Both Hamish and his policeman Charlie, spend the night at the castle. Charile falls through the floor, and Hamish finds the body of a dead man in the cellar. Chief Detective Inspector Blair, arrives to investiagte the body, but the body can not be found. But no body is to be found. Hamish has to find and identify the body and its killer before the "ghost" can strike again.

Mrs S review, "Beaton's books are never a disappointment, and this one is no exception. Loved it, like I have all Hamish MacBeth stories. This one, like all of the series, is an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next one."

Thank you to Net Gallery and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy of this book, in return for an open, honest and unbiased review.

Included on Today's blog post -12.05.17 - Mrs S was delighted to received an advanced copy of this book through the publishers - Grand Central Publishing. She is a great fan of M. C. Beaton and was thrilled to receive Death of A Ghost to review. She has read just about every book Beaton has written.

A ruined castle in the village of Drim in Scotland, Hamish hears reports that the castle is haunted and lights are seen at night. He assumes it is children or gangs using the castle to drink, or use drugs at night. Both Hamish and his policeman Charlie, spend the night at the castle. Charile falls through the floor, and Hamish finds the body of a dead man in the cellar. Chief Detective Inspector Blair, arrives to investiagte the body, but the body can not be found. But no body is to be found. Hamish has to find and identify the body and its killer before the "ghost" can strike again.

Mrs S review, "Beaton's books are never a disappointment, and this one is no exception. Loved it, like I have all Hamish MacBeth stories. This one, like all of the series, is an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next one."

Thank you to Net Gallery and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy of this book, in return for an open, honest and unbiased review.

When the publisher invited me to review M.C. Beaton's latest Hamish Macbeth mystery I thought "Why not?" In the 1980s I read the first five of the series and remembered them as light, entertaining, 'cozy' police procedural mysteries. Now, these many years later, the author has penned the 32nd novel featuring Hamish Macbeth and little has changed. I ask myself is that good or bad?

Macbeth is still on the 'right side of forty'. He is still long, lanky, red-headed, and as unambitious as he ever was. His love of his remote Sutherland village, Lockdubh is still as true as ever. Detective Chief Inspector Blair is still the bane of Hamish's life. He eschews female company after having his heart broken by the beautiful Priscilla whom I remember from those early novels and who is STILL in evidence in this one. He adores his menagerie of animals which includes his dogs, Lugs and Sally, his wildcat, Sonsie, and various hens, sheep, etc. He likes nothing better than taking his dogs and spending the day fishing in the loch.

The problem? Hamish Macbeth is clever. That cleverness, combined with his Highland instinct/intuition ensures that he invariably solves all the crime that Lochdubh and the surrounding environs has to offer. He never takes credit for his crime solving though - in fear that he will be promoted out of his beloved village.

"It's that great loon, Macbeth. He solves cases and lets someone else take the credit because he doesnae want to be promoted and lose his wee station in Lochdubh."

And this is book #32! Some things never change. At times the characters were more like caricatures. Reading M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth is a bit like putting on an old pair of slippers that have the shape of your feet worn into them. Comfortable, but not exciting.

The writing was, as ever, entertaining. With many humorous scenes (crossing the line over into farce on several occasions), M.C. Beaton has found her niche and countless readers love her in it. On the other hand, I found that this 'sameness' was just "ho-hum". I read the book through in its entirety, but I probably won't read another in this series.

I realize I'm probably in the minority here, but although I can understand why M.C. Beaton is a best-selling novelist, I fear this series has 'run its course'.

2.5 stars (rounded up to 3 for NetGalley)

I've been a fan of MC Beaton and the Hamish Macbeth series for a long time! I had missed the last few books, so I wasn't completely up to date with some of the ongoing subplots, but I was super excited to read the latest book and get back on track and catch up with Hamish and all of his friends and neighbors. This book did not disappoint, as I knew would be the case. MC Beaton is truly a master of the cozy, which is clearly evidenced by the fact that both her series now have over 20 books in them!.

The characters are all extremely well developed, the scenery is beautifully described (and sounds gorgeous), and there is a wonderful mix of humor, lightheartedness, day to day life, mystery, romance, and so many things. These books are really like visiting old friends and I'll continue to be a loyal fan.

I would like to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

For the record I have been a huge fan of Marion Chesney (AKA M.C. Beaton) for at least a decade now… and not just of her Hamish Macbeth series… which is far, far better than the silly TV series.

And so I was thrilled to be given an opportunity to read the latest Hamish tale… even though I think I am now about 8 books behind in the series… Boy I’ve been slack! There, that is me being open and honest so please realise I am not a terrible person when it comes to the following constructive criticism… Uh oh.

So! As I’ve said, I am not as up to date with the series as I would have loved and so am not going to make comment on it referring to stuff I didn’t know as the only person I have to blame there is myself. But I have to say there was just something lacking in ‘Death of a Ghost’ that made it not seem that polished and finished as the other books I’ve read in the series. Though, this is the first time I’ve read an ARC of the series and so the less than polished to perfection feel could simply be due to that.

All the same I just found the story a little sketchy at times. You would have the major scene… followed by a few one liners that filled in the next few hours (sometimes days) until the next big major scene. It almost came across as notes and I expected to see the editors scribe on in the margin saying “to beef out later” or something. I really got despondent in the quality of the writing after a while as it really came across as if half the story (the boring filler bits) was just missing and the sketchy one liners therefore diminished the quality of the overall work.

I mean, all the usual “Hamishness” was there and it all seemed to fit the usual pattern of a Hamish Macbeth tale… but it simply felt half-finished to me. Perhaps I am just being a perfectionist and asking too much? I don’t know. But I will have to admit the sketchy quality of the writing has put me off being as eager to read other new works by Ms Beaton just in case this is common to her writing style these days.

Would I recommend this book to other?

Saying all of that, I would. But, of course, being the 35th book I would recommend those who have not read the series before start back at book one. And for those who have read the series… I wouldn’t mention my sketchiness concerns until after they’d read and to see if they saw it too or if I really was just being a bit of a book diva again.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Despite the flaws I perceived in it… Yes I would. I mean, I have bought most of the other books in the series and what sort of fan would I be if I didn’t ensure I had copies of all the books in the series?

In summary: Even after all this time, Hamish can still solve some of the cleverest crimes by jumping to conclusions and guessing. ;-)

Hamish MacBeth is back in true Hamish fashion. This is a series that I find people either love it or not. Hamish is a very distinct personality. He loves living in Lochdubh and has no interest in moving up the ladder in the police force. His sidekick, Charlie, is a large, clumsy lovable man who also does not want to leave the area. The problem is, these two inevitably solve cases and have to give the credit to others. This story sees Hamish and Charlie investigating a number of crimes in the Highland area they are responsible for. Between murders, smugglers, drugs, abused wives and children, they are kept hopping. Despite the fact that their superiors think they have solved the murders, Hamish is not so sure and keeps investigating. There are so many suspects as usual, that it takes a lot of deduction, perseverance and investigating to get to the bottom of these situations, all of which Hamish does well.

The main characters in the Hamish MacBeth series are quite complex and have human foibles galore. Hamish is a man who would like to find the right woman, but always finds fault with the one he is with. The women in the village are trying to get him to settle down as he seems to have difficulty finding someone on his own, that does not work out as planned. He is quite blunt and often ends up inadvertently hurting a person's feelings. Charlie continues to become smitten with women that do not work out. He lives in the castle due to the station being too small to accomodate a man of his size. He is kind, calm and friendly. The many secondary characters in the villages are very typical Highlanders. The Colonel makes several appearances in this book helping both Charlie and Hamish in their quests to remain in Lochdubh. Of course this time around Chief Detective Blair is present but not a thorn in Hamish's side as much as in previous books. He still does not like Hamish but is outwitted everytime he tries to cause problems for him. This was an enjoyable read with many more details and situations than in previous books. Once again, Hamish figures out what has happened, and is successful in giving the credit to others.

Hamish Macbeth continues as the most unambitious police officer in Scotland. In this installment of the cozy series, Macbeth is called to look into a ghost. Of course, instead he finds a dead body. This leads to a rather convoluted story that seems more confusing than most Hamish books. Perhaps so convoluted that Ms. Beaton needed to add an extended epilogue to continue on the personal story arcs involving Hamish and the police politics around him. I think this could have been worked in more to the core of the story and might have helped cut back on the confusion of Hamish running around in circles interviewing potential suspects or keeping his superiors where he wanted them.

I always enjoy the Hamish Macbeth mysteries, but I have to say that Beaton has outdone herself with her newest novel.  Death of a Ghost is fantastic.

As police Sergeant in rural Scotland, Hamish Macbeth has to rely on his wits and his knowledge of people rather than forensics.  He genuinely cares about the people in his community.  Hamish may lack ego and ambition, but he is extremely clever and good at solving problems.  

Part of what makes these novels so refreshing to read is that while a good portion is devoted to the murder mystery, much is focused on village life and the various problems and issues Hamish encounters. It makes the books a relaxing escape from everyday issues.

Exorcising haunted castles doesn't normally fall to the police, but when a former police superintendent complains of a ghost haunting his castle, Hamish is given the case.  Expecting teens or courting couples, Hamish and Charlie decide to spend the night.  They stumble across a corpse which disappears before the coroner can examine it.  It is a puzzling case that grows more complicated as other bodies turn up.  But one thing is certain, there is no ghost.

Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this humorous mystery.  Death of a Ghost is a fantastic addition to Beaton’s beloved series.  The books do not have to be read in order.

5 / 5  

I received a copy of Death of a Ghost from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

-- Crittermom

Our favorite Scotland detective is back in this next Hamish MacBeth by M.C. Beaton. In this delightfully fun mystery Hamish and his sidekick are battling a apparent ghost in a haunted castle. This includes a missing body, mysteriously secret town people and well crafted clues. Hamish has his battle with authorities and through it all he just wants to be left in peace. Classic M.C. Beaton here with all the fabulous elements we love in this series. Reading this Hamish MacBeth is the perfect mystery lovers experience with a great series of clues that keep this avid mystery reader guessing.
I was enthralled by this charming book and unable to stop reading. I highly recommend this wonderful mystery for all mystery fans. M.C. Beaton weaves a mystery and presents the reader with clues that are a delight to read and classically good mystery fun. Hamish is utterly charming and a delight to spend time with engrossed in his world of a small coastal village in Scotland. . Very well done! Excellence in mystery series . I look forward to the next in series.

I've dipped in and out of this series over the years and it hasn't made a bit of difference to how much I enjoyed this quick, entertaining read. Beaton created a terrific character in Hamish and a supporting cast that keeps things going. Like other reviewers, I would have liked to see more of Elspeth and Sonsie but I'm sure Beaton will bring them back in the next book (please let there be another one!) The nice thing about this book, as with the others is that they are as much about the characters as the mystery, which is not that hard to solve. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

Death of a Ghost was my first introduction to Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth and the quirky village of Lochdubh, based in the Scottish Highlands. Much like M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series (that I happen to absolutely love), Hamish Macbeth is full of eclectic characters. While only a few are featured in Death of a Ghost, like the minister’s wife who tries to set poor Hamish up with her niece, I can’t wait to read the earlier books to meet more!

When Death of a Ghost begins, we are momentarily introduced to Hamish’s controlling girlfriend, who happens to become a mere few pages in, an ex-girlfriend. After ending the relationship, it’s obvious that Hamish isn’t heartbroken, just in need of a case to occupy his mind and time. Soon we are introduced to such a care through retired police Chief Constable Hanover "Handy" Ebrington. He happens to be the new owner of the apparently haunted Castle Drim. Fellow Police Officer Charlie Carson accompanies Hamish on an overnight at the castle to attempt to figure out the source of the “haunting”. Instead of finding a ghost, Charlie literally stumbles onto a dead body. Between the time it takes Hamish to call in for support and grab breakfast, the body mysteriously disappears. This starts an interesting series of events involving smugglers, a minister, an ex-model, a professor who peddles his disbelief in God and a few boxes of e-cigarettes that seem to combust while charging.

With multiple story lines and twists, it was a relief to be able to keep up with both the story and characters without reading the prior books. I was surprised to find that the story didn’t conclude with the mystery being solved, but continued to focus on the murderous relationship between two of the more ambitious members of the police force. The book itself was a fun read and the conclusion to the whodunit was fulfilling.