From Publishers Weekly
In this excellent, eighth Hamish Macbeth mystery, the slightly lethargic, tousle-haired village copper in the Scottish Highlands has been promoted against his will. As Sergeant, he makes more money, but must suffer more work as well, not to mention the enthusiasm of his new helper, Police Constable Willie Lamont. Hamish rescues a young boy from the river and saves some stranded mountain climbers; he listens to a minister confess wavering faith, is plagued by a superior who resents his promotion and has repeated run-ins with a drifter who parks his van behind the minister's manse. The "devastatingly handsome" drifter charms four women out of their money and harasses Hamish's ladylove, Priscilla. When the bounder's body is found after a fatal bludgeoning, Hamish seeks out the young man's rock-singer girlfriend and unhappily discovers a blackmailing scheme that incriminates some locals. Beaton ( Death of a Glutton ) pens a cast of winning characters, even the pesky, malaprop Willie (whose aunt lives "in a condom in San Francisco"). But the star, as always, is the slow-moving, quick-witted Hamish.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Beaton's quirky, charming Hamish Macbeth is even more appealing as expressed in Davina Porter's good-natured narration. The unique and sometimes eccentric residents of Lochdub, Scotland, take on lives and personalities of their own as Porter bestows idiosyncrasies on each. Of course, the very best is Macbeth; listeners are privy as he labors in his meandering way to solve yet another murder. Regular fans will become adept at frequently used Scottish words and expressions. Beaton's most irresistible talent is creating characters with whom everyone, regardless of age, state, or situation, can identify (and sometimes cringe at). This is the perfect choice for mystery buffs who enjoy humor and for all who love the Scots. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine