Death of a Valentine

A Hamish Macbeth Mystery

By: M. C. Beaton

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Amazing news has spread across the Scottish countryside. The most famous of highland bachelors, police sergeant Hamish Macbeth, may actually marry at last. The entire village of Lochdubh adores Macbeth's bride-to-be. Josie McSween is Hamish's new constable, and she is a pretty little thing, with glossy brown hair and big brown eyes.

The local folk think that Josie is quite a catch, but Hamish couldn't be more miserable. The wedding wouldn't be happening if it weren't for the murder of a beautiful woman in a nearby village. After the gorgeous woman receives a deadly Valentine's Day gift, Hamish and Josie take on the case. However, they soon discover that the list of the victim's admirers is endless. The case confirms Hamish's belief that love is extremely dangerous, but he still can't avoid the events that lead up to his celebrated engagement.

Great Scot! Don't miss more of Hamish Macbeth's cases.©2010 Marion Chesney; 2010 BBC Audiobooks America

Great Story!

one of my favorites in the series. interesting sub-plots. Would highly recommend to any Hamish fan.

Exquisite reading of superb writing

Fabulous storytelling for taking a little break from life. Fun beyond words. I can't stop smiling. One endearing or clever or crack-up scene after another. Thanks M. C. Beaton and Graeme Malcom. I'm spoiled for life.

Easily my favorite MacBeth story

M.C. Beaton packed a good dose of humor in this story. She makes you feel as if you’re one of the many residents of Lochdubh, painfully witnessing the ingenious, but lax, constable through his most hilariously brilliant misadventures. Couldn’t help but feel he had everything coming to him, good AND bad. Loved it!

Some credibility and copycat issues

So I’ve listened to all the Plus/free Hamish books twice and am trying to decide which of the rest are worth a credit. If you’re in the same boat, things to consider:
this book is a one-off in not really fitting in the overall story arc: takes place over more than a year and none of the other stories are concurrent. Other main characters are left unaffected except Hamish and Elspeth reach new levels of understanding and misunderstanding.
The theme of a daft romantic woman as main antagonist is a near copy to Death of a Dreamer. Hamish is usually sharply intuitive and will often take definitive steps to protect his ecosystem yet he spends an uncomfortable year responsible for an irresponsible underling without realizing or removing the danger. This book is either a deeper exploration of Hamish’ moral code or an obliteration of his integrity to make the plot work. I think MCB handled this as deftly as anyone but it’s also a credibility strain.
Overall I’m glad I “bought” this one but there are reasons some may want to pass.
BTW, my review may seem like a spoiler but most of the book is told as a flashback. The story opens with the imminent wedding before we jump back a year. MCB’s use of foreshadowing is otherwise rare.

Another great Hamish Macbeth story.

Graeme Malcolm does a terrific job narrating these stories. His voice captures Hamish’s highland brogue perfectly. In this title Hamish is neck deep in trouble.

Very entertaining

I enjoyed the characters and the narration. It was a good story and it kept my interest all the way.

Death of a Valentine

I have enjoyed Hamish MacBeth for a long time now. This misadventure is as entertaining as the others.

One of the better stories

I usually give this series 4 stars but this one was particularly good. The narration as always, is top notch!

Keep Your Finger Close

M. C. Beaton’s MacBeth (sp) stories are always good. Unfortunately there was something wrong with this audiobook. It would stop every few minutes and I had to keep my finger close to continue the audio. Hope no one else has this problem.

💕💕💕

Love this series. This title was particularly good. Will only listen to Graeme Malcom as narrator, he’s excellent!!!