ItsLoriK

If you like Hamish Macbeth...

Revisado: 11-17-19

you should also enjoy this. There isn't as much humor and the side characters aren't as colorful but the book is still quite enjoyable. I wasn't sure I'd like let alone enjoy this book because I disliked Her Royal Spyness by the same author enough to return it to Audible. The only real frustration is that Evan allows himself to be spineless. It's slight with his landlady as he won't tell her when he doesn't want to eat or that he's not interested in her granddaughter and with Mrs. Powell as he won't tell her that vandalism doesn't stack up to murder or that she must stop saying things are emergencies when they aren't. At least he gives her a bit of worry in the end as payback. However, the way he handles the barmaid Betsey constantly throwing herself at him is pathetic and borderline annoying. A mature adult would take her aside and tell her nicely that he's flattered but not interested and needs her to stop her advances. He wouldn't have to be cold unless she continued her behavior.

There were a couple of moments that were hard to digest. One was when Marshall was interviewed as he mentioned a potential suspect that neither Evan (a constable) nor the detective inspector with him mentioned again let alone considered. He wasn't involved but still this is odd. Also, Evan goes searching for a suspect alone and didn't tell the D.S. first. Evan is supposed to have police experience from a rough city and things like these make this difficult to believe.

Still, despite these issues I truly enjoyed the book and am interested enough in the characters to want to see what happens next.

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Not cosy but not harsh

Revisado: 06-27-18

There isn't graphic violence or cursing. There were a couple of times I felt I was told a tad too much sexually. It wasn't overt. There were just a couple of words here & there that I felt were unnecessary descriptions. However, the reason for the bit towards the end was an interesting part of the "baddie's" character.

There are 2 mysteries going on with a little action involving cocaine dealing & abortion butchering. There's no typical murder to be solved so it's not a who-dun-it. Even though I prefer that kind I still enjoyed the story. I think the narrator did a great job.

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I've listened 4 times already

Revisado: 06-21-18

I can't believe I forgot to rate this incredible book. While disappointed that Morrissey didn't read it the narrator was very close to how I think Moz would've read. Amazing narration & material. While some felt there was too much about the court case I felt I needed a bit more. Regardless, even if you're not a fan of his music you still will be impressed by his writing throughout the entire book. However, I suggest the audiobook because it helps to bring even more of Morrissey to life.

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My 1st Return

Revisado: 06-18-18

Despite loving mysteries all of my life I rarely figure out who did it. Typically, I don't even try (I'm not good at it) & just enjoy the journey the story takes me on. However, it was easy from the get go in this book. It was too simple to figure out who the bad characters were. In addition, the "will they, won't they" was getting old as well. At this point I don't even care to find out more about the powers of the 2 cats. Although I felt the first 2 books were average the cats made me give the series a third (& final) shot. At best I'd have been disappointed but ok using one of my library credits to borrow this audiobook but to buy it? No way. There are just too many good cozy mysteries that are worth paying for but this series (& especially this book in particular) isn't one of them.

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There's a really good twist in here!

Revisado: 06-07-18

I didn't see the twist coming. Thankfully, Maxie has gotten a little less annoying & selfish (although the Italian NY accent is one that grates a bit) and Allison is getting a little less wishy washy. This book convinced me to buy the rest in the series.

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Some darkness descends

Revisado: 03-10-18

In the last book Hamish finally snapped at the Currie sisters. Now he's finally snapped at the tweedy minister's wife, too! Oh, the joy it brought! Maybe now they'll stop trying to push Hamish into marriage. Maybe. Hopefully.

Chief Inspector Blair is moving from mean to evil. I did not see this coming. I don't want to act like I have a highland sense but there was some darkness with the usual humor in this book. Nothing to knock this out of the cozy category but things do seem to get a little heavy in this book, at least it felt like this to me. Thankfully & finally Superintendent Daviat is starting to change his feelings & mind about Blair. To be continued!

Do not pass on continuing the story. Read this one & the next or you'll miss out.

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The Sundsy & Blair storylines had me cheering

Revisado: 03-10-18

For 2 books I've been missing Sundsy the cat & wondering how he was. Now, we find out! Yes, it's not a real cat but I can't help it.

As usual, Elsbeth lets her bitch self out by calling the cat Hamish's wife. I just want him to never ask her let alone consider her for marriage again. Let's hope that storyline will now die out.

This is another good story made even better because of the updates on the cat & finally, Blair! I've been waiting for so many damn books for the latter!

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A 5 star book from my favorite series

Revisado: 03-08-18

Finally Hamish told the Currie twins to sod off! Granted, he unfortunately apologized twice afterwards but still. I've been waiting for him to tell this to them & the preacher's wife for so long! I've been hating that a strong character like Hamish has been a wuss around them not just because they're all constantly nosy, pushy, & rude but because despite this he's helped them in the past. One instance was huge as 2 of them were around a hippy druggie in a van. If I remember correctly, 1 of them was drugged & the other got naked and there was video evidence of this. Hamish kept all of this private many books ago. Why Beaton has allowed Hamish to just take their crap after that has been bothering me every book.

Once again, chief inspector Blair screws up but doesn't get fired, demoted, or even transferred but merely suspended. This has gotten quite old. He could get booted to Strathbain & still be a jerk side character that gets discussed &/or runs into Hamish sometimes. This is the least that should've happened before when Hamish could've ruined their boss's career but didn't. I hope to see Daviat being even better to Hamish & harder on Blair.

It seems like we may get to stop hearing about Hamish flip flopping between wanting Priscilla & Elsbeth. Maybe he'll mature emotionally & finally know what real love is. It looks like we'll have to see.

I like the new constable Charlie as he's smart & not lazy so he's very helpful with Hamish. He's secretly staying at the castle which is perfect as Hamish gets the police station to himself but also gets help from a good constable. The previous one still gets visited & I'm glad he's now another side character.

This is still my favorite series, though! While you can enjoy any book without reading prior ones I recommend starting at book 1 & going in order. I borrowed all but the last 5 audiobooks via my library app called Hoopla but wouldn't have minded if I had bought them through Audible because I enjoy the series that much. It's not one of those cutesy or romantic cozy mystery series which I'm not fond of. It's a good mystery series with interesting plots (never too easy nor too difficult), with main & side characters that are fun to follow, & a dash of humor. I also recommend Beaton's Agatha Raisin series. It's my 2nd favorite one.

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It's an ok book

Revisado: 03-08-18

I hate to say this as this is my favorite series but this book was ok. I wish I got it on sale. While I will always recommend starting with book 1 & reading them in order, if you're strapped financially but want to continue with the series then skip this one & go ahead. Just know that (SMALL SPOILERS AHEAD):

Hamish's constable retires to start a bakery with a woman named Anka & Hamish discovers his boss Daviat has been blackmailed by a drug boss so that that boss will get protection. Instead of ruining Daviat's career he helps him & keeps it all quiet in return for never shutting down Hamish's police station. These 2 situations will appear in the next book.

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A Good Cozy Type Mystery For Everyone

Revisado: 03-03-18

I love mysteries with murder but no gore, psychopathy, graphic sex (that's what porn is for), or romance/mush. Yes, I'm a 44 y/o female but dislike the cutesy cozies. For reference, my favorite cozy series so far are by M.C. Beaton (Hamish MacBeth 1st & Agatha Raisin 2nd).This book fits my requirements. I believe I got it on sale but wouldn't have been disappointed if I'd used a credit.

I almost gave the story 5 stars but 2 things bothered me which I'll elude to without spoiling anything. 1st, the sister has some child-like tendencies (blurting out loud about possible evidence at the worst time & being selfish which in fairness she is working on). The biggest annoyance was that a character in power not only doesn't get fired but she doesn't even get demoted &/or transferred. This means the character will be in the next book of the series & will probably be an even bigger annoyance for the main character (and me) & may still be sucky at her important job. I was ready to buy that 2nd book with a credit right away but will read through reviews on it first.

Lastly, the narrator is great. She doesn't do extremes when voicing different characters but alters her voice enough for you to tell them apart. Her voice is also very pleasant to listen to. She's never loud or abrasive so if you happen to fall asleep she won't wake you up (beware of the awful intro & exit music though as it plays for about a minute while she's reading so it could startle you if the book ends while you're sleeping) & she's not too soft nor monotonous which could cause one to fall asleep or become bored.

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