With this tenth book in a series that fans of British mysteries have
come to relish more than fish 'n chips and a pint at the pub, M. C.
Beaton returns with another baffling case for Hamish Macbeth, the
stubborn, red-haired, one-man police department of the Highland village
of Lochdubh. Praised for her wonderful characterizations, wry humor, and
authentic local color, M. C. Beaton again adds the essential ingredient
for an outstanding whodunit - a plot that keeps readers guessing right
up to the very end. Hamish Macbeth's unofficial engagement to the
stunning Priscilla Halburton-Smythe is reminding the constable of the
old adage about answered prayers. His lovely fiancee has replaced his
cozy wood stove with a modern electric one and is busy trying to "make a
man of him." The only man Hamish wants to be is the one who slouches
about the village, gossiping, fishing, and deftly solving a crime or
two. Deciding that this may be a good time for a little retreat, Hamish
ambles over to the nearby backwater of Drim - ostensibly to check out a
posh English chap who's causing a most unusual problem. Single, wealthy,
and terribly attractive, newcomer Peter Hynd has thrown the middle-aged
matrons of Drim into a flutter, and put their men, dour Highlanders
whose feelings run deep, on a slow burn. Hamish's instincts tell him
this seemingly charming young man likes to stir up trouble, and it's not
long before the seething emotions transform the sleepy village into a
hotbed of threats, domestic rows, and violent murder. With Hamish's own
relationship raising doubts about hearts and flowers, he's more than
ready to do what he now must - investigate the darker side of love . . .
