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.
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
About the Author
M. C. Beaton worked as a Fleet Street journalist. She is the author of sixteen Agatha Raisin novels, the Hamish McBeth series and an Edwardian murder-mystery series. She divides her time between the Cotswolds, where she lives in a village very much like Agatha Raisin's beloved Carsely, and Paris.
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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....
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By khj
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a lovely series of books - it's a style you either love or hate - I find it amusing and enchanting
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
death of a prankster
and again i have not read this one but i find M.C.Beaton a very good writer and you know it will be a good read
Published 19 days ago by CYNTHIA DAVIES
5.0 out of 5 stars
good
i am addicted to hamish mcbeth books and this one didnt let me down.wish they were cheeper to buy, kindle)
Published 2 months ago by MARTI5
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jokers and Pranksters are really irritating!
But this was another great Hamish Macbeth story. I hate people who think its great to keep playing tricks.
I'm quite happy he was "murdered" he deserved it.
I'm quite happy he was "murdered" he deserved it.
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. Pearl Elston
5.0 out of 5 stars
Death Of A Prankster
Another murder mystery solved by the inimitable Hamish Macbeth. It is a very easy read and very enjoyable. Strongly reccomended
Published 2 months ago by J Blakeley
4.0 out of 5 stars
M C Beaton
I have just started reading this one, so cannot really comment on this one yet, but I am sure it will be as good as the others.
Published 2 months ago by Jan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another good Hamish story!
Another good Hamish Macbeth story and just as enjoyable and amusing as others in the series. An easy read and loved it.
Published 3 months ago by Gibbs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Death of a Prankster
This is the second time I've read this book and thankfully I couldn't remeber whodunnit. I great story about an old man who claimms he's on his last legs when actually he isn't. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mrs. A. L. Maddocks
5.0 out of 5 stars
Death of a prankster
Good old Hamish does it again, lots of red herrings, twists and turns, very enjoyable read. Cannot wait for the next one
Published 6 months ago by carol
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 on 23 April 2011 by Sophia
5.0 out of 5 stars
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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