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Death of a Prankster (Hamish Macbeth Mysteries)
 
 

Death of a Prankster (Hamish Macbeth Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

by M C Beaton (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Fawcett Books; Reissue edition (Jul 1993)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0804111022
  • ISBN-13: 978-0804111027
  • Product Dimensions: 17.6 x 10.7 x 1.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 312,827 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Product Description

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. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Not Much to Laugh or Smile About, 19 Jan 2007
By Professor Donald Mitchell "Jesus Makes Me a P... (Boston) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)      

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.
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5.0 out of 5 stars pleasant reading, 3 Mar 2009
By Nancy Thommeny "deran" (scotland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Hamish Macbeth's books good read even got my son reading them, do try you won't be disappointed
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