Death of a Prankster: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery
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Book Description
The seventh Hamish Macbeth mystery from the bestselling author of Agatha Raisin
Product Description
Stabbed and stuffed in a closet… When police constable Hamish Macbeth receives the news that there has been a murder at Arrat House, home of the relentless practical joker Arthur Trent, he doesn’t race to the scene of the crime. After all, last time he was called to investigate a death at the isolated Scottish manor, the ‘victim’ turned out to be Trent’s manservant covered in fake blood. Thus prepared for another prank, Hamish arrives to find that Trent has been most decidedly murdered and for suspects there is a houseful of greedy relatives, all of whom are more than interested in the contents of the will rather than the crime at hand. And when the Chief Inspector arrives on the scene and his former flame, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, gets involved as well, Hamish quite clearly has his hands full.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Relatives are invited to a remote mansion, it destined soon to be cut off by snow. Aged host Andrew Trent is someone they all hate, but he has much money which is why they are there - prepared to endure the jokes he loves inflicting. Tensions rise and soon he is dead. Suspects include his brother and his sharp-tongued wife, two spinster daughters, a couple of young ones with their possibly avaricious consorts, not to mention the gamekeeper and two Spanish servants. Hamish Macbeth investigates, again more successfully than his seniors Blair and Daviot - although on this occasion triumph owes a lot to a whopping unlikely occurrence.
As ever, it is Hamish who elevates the book - he rising above some rather tired cliches. It is good to see Priscilla more actively involved, but their relationship has yet to develop as positively as most readers may wish.
The book has some appeal, as indeed they all do - in varying degrees. Dare one suggest, though, that M.C. Beaton at times really seems to be struggling to concoct murders worthy of Hamish's attention? (The DEATH in each title could be a straitjacket.) The constable convinces but the cases tend not to and are unlikely to linger in the memory. On the other hand, readers may long recall with satisfaction how Hamish secured central heating for his police house....
As ever, it is Hamish who elevates the book - he rising above some rather tired cliches. It is good to see Priscilla more actively involved, but their relationship has yet to develop as positively as most readers may wish.
The book has some appeal, as indeed they all do - in varying degrees. Dare one suggest, though, that M.C. Beaton at times really seems to be struggling to concoct murders worthy of Hamish's attention? (The DEATH in each title could be a straitjacket.) The constable convinces but the cases tend not to and are unlikely to linger in the memory. On the other hand, readers may long recall with satisfaction how Hamish secured central heating for his police house....
Format:Paperback
When a rich and elderly practical joker, Andrew Trent, summons his nearest and dearest to his remote Scottish manor in the dead of winter to play a series of unpleasant pranks on them, no one ends up laughing, least of all Andrew Trent. After all, when his body is the one that is deader than a doornail, one could say that the last laugh is on him.
Police Constable Hamish Macbeth is called and notified of Trent's murder. At first, Hamish is doubtful of the story, having been himself a victim of Andrew Trent's pranks, but Trent's own daughter convinces him otherwise, and Hamish is on his way to discover just who among Trent's nearest and dearest is a murderer.
This is the seventh book in a series of cozy mysteries featuring lovable Highlander, Hamish Macbeth. As always, the book is laced with sly humor, and the dialogue creates a feeling of authenticity of place, but it lacks some of the charm that has been the trademark of this series of cozy mysteries. Still, though not the best book in this series, those who are fans of the oddly endearing Hamish Macbeth will derive some enjoyment from this book.
Police Constable Hamish Macbeth is called and notified of Trent's murder. At first, Hamish is doubtful of the story, having been himself a victim of Andrew Trent's pranks, but Trent's own daughter convinces him otherwise, and Hamish is on his way to discover just who among Trent's nearest and dearest is a murderer.
This is the seventh book in a series of cozy mysteries featuring lovable Highlander, Hamish Macbeth. As always, the book is laced with sly humor, and the dialogue creates a feeling of authenticity of place, but it lacks some of the charm that has been the trademark of this series of cozy mysteries. Still, though not the best book in this series, those who are fans of the oddly endearing Hamish Macbeth will derive some enjoyment from this book.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Death of a Prankster is that rarity in this series, a pretty ordinary mystery and story that borders on not quite being up to the average level. Unlike many of the other stories in the series, you could skip this one and not miss anything. But I think you'll enjoy Death of a Prankster well enough, as long as you don't expect it to begin to match up to Death of a Hussy.
Think of this novel as the case that got Hamish central heating for the Lochdubh police station where he resides.
Andrew Trent is a monster of a man, playing cruel, crude jokes on one and all: It's his purpose in life. His family avoids him like the plague, but because Andrew is rich, they flock together when he tells one and all that he's on death's door. Trent may not have meant that to be true, but it turns out to be the case when someone murders the old scoundrel. But bumping off Trent doesn't end the murderous mayhem. Until late in the book, it's clear that almost everyone hated Trent . . . but the motive and method of his murder are unclear. A chance investigative foray reveals all, and the ending simply explores the harm that greed does to the soul. In typical Hamish Macbeth fashion, there's a confrontation with all of the suspects that leads to a confession (Perry Mason style) based on a pretty far-fetched scenario.
Trent doesn't ring true as a character. That's a major flaw in the book. In addition, most of the other characters don't ring true either. Some, while ringing a little bit true, aren't anyone you want to know more about. So you're left with the story to keep you entertained. It's not a very entertaining story. So you'll find yourself simply cherishing the moments when it's all Hamish and Priscilla in their intimate-at-arm's-length relationship.
The book is ultimately almost totally forgettable. I don't even remember having a good laugh or smile while reading the material.
Think of this novel as the case that got Hamish central heating for the Lochdubh police station where he resides.
Andrew Trent is a monster of a man, playing cruel, crude jokes on one and all: It's his purpose in life. His family avoids him like the plague, but because Andrew is rich, they flock together when he tells one and all that he's on death's door. Trent may not have meant that to be true, but it turns out to be the case when someone murders the old scoundrel. But bumping off Trent doesn't end the murderous mayhem. Until late in the book, it's clear that almost everyone hated Trent . . . but the motive and method of his murder are unclear. A chance investigative foray reveals all, and the ending simply explores the harm that greed does to the soul. In typical Hamish Macbeth fashion, there's a confrontation with all of the suspects that leads to a confession (Perry Mason style) based on a pretty far-fetched scenario.
Trent doesn't ring true as a character. That's a major flaw in the book. In addition, most of the other characters don't ring true either. Some, while ringing a little bit true, aren't anyone you want to know more about. So you're left with the story to keep you entertained. It's not a very entertaining story. So you'll find yourself simply cherishing the moments when it's all Hamish and Priscilla in their intimate-at-arm's-length relationship.
The book is ultimately almost totally forgettable. I don't even remember having a good laugh or smile while reading the material.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A joke too far for the prankster
Andrew Trent is well known among his family and the locals for being a practical joker. He invites his family to stay telling them he will soon be dead. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Lady Sophia
pleasant reading
Hamish Macbeth's books good read even got my son reading them, do try you won't be disappointed
Published on 3 Mar 2009 by Nancy Thommeny
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