Books by M C Beaton

Book SynopsisLife is never, ever dull in Agatha Raisin''s sleepy Cotswolds village!Agatha Raisin''s private detective agency is working flat out on a series of burglaries which take a violent turn when a friend of Agatha''s is murdered during a raid on his antiques shop. Although determined to nail the villains, Agatha still makes time to help Sir Charles Fraith prepare to stage a massive, hugely glamorous event in the grounds of his ancestral home, Barfield House.When Agatha begins to receive death threats and narrowly avoids being abducted by kidnappers, she takes advantage of a previously arranged trip to Majorca to lie low for a while. There she meets her partner, former police officer John Glass, who is now working as a dance instructor on a cruise liner. Their relationship founders over John''s apparent closeness to his stage dance partner, Louise. Putting her love life on hold, Agatha heads home, having worked out who has been threatening her life.Can Agatha tra

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Book SynopsisTHE PAGE-TURNING NEW MYSTERY IN THE BESTSELLING HAMISH MACBETH SERIES!------------Sergeant Hamish Macbeth is craving peace and quiet. But visitors to his home village of Lochdubh, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, have other ideas...Hamish and the new love in his life, Claire, have holiday plans. But thoughts of rest and relaxation are rudely interrupted by the arrival of a new constable, complete with a surprise, and a secret.Hoping the grand re-opening of his local pub will be a good distraction from Constable Forbes''s intrigue, Hamish gets a nasty surprise when he''s confronted by a family who have a score to settle with a missing man.Discovering a murdered woman''s body puts further pressure on Hamish, especially when he learns that she''s linked to the missing man... but who are they, and why were they in Lochdubh? With a host of questions, a growing list of suspects and ever more bewildering circumstances, the arrival of the odious Detective Chief Inspector Blair is truly the last thing Hamish needs. As Hamish''s sworn enemy, why is Blair interested in this case?Hamish vows to find the murderer before anyone else falls victim. Never has a quiet life seemed further from his grasp!------------Praise for the Hamish Macbeth series . . .''It''s always a treat to return to Lochdubh'' New York Times''Unmissable!'' Peterborough Telegraph''First rate ... deft social comedy and wonderfully realized atmosphere'' Booklist''Beaton catches the beauty of the area''s natural geography and succinctly describes its distinct flavour'' Library Journal''Befuddled, earnest and utterly endearing, Hamish makes his triumphs sweetly satisfying'' Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisAgatha''s former husband James is engaged to be married to a beautiful, young woman and Agatha has been kindly invited to the wedding. To take her mind off this, Agatha decides she has fallen for Sylvan, a Frenchman she met at James'' engagement party. To distract her still further she decides upon a holiday and flies to Istanbul, where unfortunately she bumps into James and his fiancée not once but twice - convincing him she is stalking them.So when the bride is murdered on her wedding day, naturally Agatha is Suspect Number One - but then matters are turned on their head when the dead bride''s mother engages Agatha to take on the case of her murdered daughter! And very soon Agatha''s own life is in danger while she tries to solve the mystery of the corpse bride while fighting off (halfheartedly) the advances of a very attractive and determined Frenchman!Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''M. C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absoTrade Review'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- Anne Robinson The Times Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisNo wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' Mail on SundayAgatha Raisin''s detective agency has become so successful that she decides to take time off for rest and relaxation. But as soon as she does, she remembers that when she does have time on her hands, she doesn''t know what to do with it. So it doesn''t take much for the vicar of a nearby village to persuade her to help publicise the church fete - especially when the event organiser, George Selby, turns out to be a handsome widower.Agatha brings out the crowds for the fete all right, but there''s more going on than innocent village fun. Several of the offerings in the jam-tasting booth turn out to be poisoned and the festive entertainment becomes the scene of two murders.Along with her young assistant, Toni, Agatha must lift the lid on the jam tampering, see to the safety of the church funds, and root out the nasty secrets lurking in the village. Quite a tallTrade Review'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- Anne Robinson The Times Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisThe brand new Agatha Raisin mystery from multimillion-selling author M. C. Beaton, the Queen of Cosy Crime, about an eccentric Cotswolds-based detective with an erratic love life and a penchant for G and Ts

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Book SynopsisIncomer Gloria French is at first welcomed in the Cotswold village of Piddlebury. She seems like a do-gooder par excellence, raising funds for the church and caring for the elderly. But she has a bad habit of borrowing things and not giving them back, so when she is discovered dead, poisoned by a bottle of elderberry wine, folk in the village don''t mourn her passing too intently.Parish councillor Jerry Tarrant hires Agatha Raisin to track down the murderer. But the village is creepy and secretive and the residents don''t seem to want Agatha to find who the murderer is, and Agatha''s investigations are hampered by the emotional upset of finding her ex, James Lacey, has fallen in love with young detective Toni Gilmour.And now the murderer is targeting Agatha!Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''M.C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem'' Publishers Weekly''Clever red herrings and some wicked unfinished buTrade Review'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- Anne Robinson The Times Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. Entertainment Weekly

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Book Synopsis''Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy'' ASHLEY JENSEN''No wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' MAIL ON SUNDAYAgatha and her assistant, Toni, are driving to their friend Bill Wong''s wedding, thinking of nothing more than what the beautiful bride will be wearing when a terrified young man comes running down the country lane towards them wearing. . . nothing at all.The encounter leads them to become embroiled with a naturist group, a disappearing corpse, fantasy games, witchcraft, an ice cream empire, intrigue and murder. In the meantime, Agatha''s hectic life swirls along at dizzying pace, her private detective agency as busy as ever and her private affairs in turmoil - old loves to contend with and a new suitor on the scene. Then she finds herself in deadly danger when she begins to close in on a suspected murderer and the sinister nature of the ice cream business leads her to a chilling conclusion.

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Book SynopsisThe morning of Agatha''s marriage to James Lacey dawns bright and clear. But her luck runs out in the church when Jimmy, the husband she had believed long dead, turns up large as life and twice as ugly. Agatha has a go at strangling him. James breaks off the engagement. So when Jimmy is found murdered next day, Agatha and James are both the prime suspects. And they''ll have to work together in order to clear their names . . .Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''M. C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem.'' Publishers Weekly''The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.'' The Times''Being a cranky, middle-aged female myself, I found Agatha charming!'' Amazon customer review''I dream of being able to speak out like Aggie . . . she''s a heroine!'' A. Lucas, Essex, reader reviewTrade ReviewBeaton's dry sense of humour and her unflattering but affectionate portrait of gruff, often adolescent-acting Agatha makes this & a bloom worth picking. - Publishers WeeklyAnyone interested in a few hours' worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin. - The Cleveland Pain DealerAgatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non PC. M C Beaton has created a new national treasure... the stories zing along and are irresistible, unputdownable, a joy. If you buy one book a year, let it be this. Agatha Raisin is The Strongest Link.Engaging - Booklist

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Book SynopsisThe very first Hamish Macbeth crime mystery, from internationally bestselling author M.C.BeatonWhen society widow and gossip columnist Lady Jane Winters joins the local fishing class she wastes no time in ruffling the feathers - or should that be fins? - of those around her.Among the victims of her sharp tongue is Lochdubh constable Hamish Macbeth, yet not even Hamish thinks someone would seriously want to silence Lady Jane''s shrill voice permanently - until her strangled body is fished out of the river.Now with the help of the lovely Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, Hamish must steer a course through the choppy waters of the tattler''s life to find a murderer. But with a school of suspects who aren''t willing to talk, and the dead woman telling no tales, Hamish may well be in over his head for he knows that secrets are dangerous, knowledge is power, and killers when cornered usually do strike again.Praise for the Hamish Macbeth seriTrade ReviewM C Beaton's Hamish Macbeth books are a delight: clever, intricate and sardonic. The flavour is reminiscent of Compton MacKenzie's Whisky Galore and I'm very glad to own a complete setThe much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... a beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations of rural life. * Good Book Guide *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status. * The Times *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh. * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisThe second Hamish Mcbeth crime mystery, delightfully recovered and re-issued for all the fans of Agatha Raisin.Trade ReviewM C Beaton's Hamish Macbeth books are a delight: clever, intricate and sardonic. The flavour is reminiscent of Compton MacKenzie's Whisky Galore and I'm very glad to own a complete setM C Beaton's Hamish Macbeth books are a delight: clever, intricate and sardonic. The flavour is reminiscent of Compton MacKenzie's Whisky Galore and I'm very glad to own a complete setThe much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... a beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations of rural life * Good Book Guide *The much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... a beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations of rural life * Good Book Guide *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status * The Times *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status * The Times *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh * New York Times *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh * New York Times *Superb entertainment, as rich and warming as a fine malt whisky, and every bit as addictive * Houston Chronicle *Superb entertainment, as rich and warming as a fine malt whisky, and every bit as addictive * Houston Chronicle *An enchanting series....M.C. Beaton has a foolproof plot for the village mystery * New York Times Book Review *An enchanting series....M.C. Beaton has a foolproof plot for the village mystery * New York Times Book Review *Beaton, a Scot herself, excels at giving readers a taste of Highland life and creating a believable character in the lonely, brilliant, continually frustrated-in-love Macbeth * Booklist *Beaton, a Scot herself, excels at giving readers a taste of Highland life and creating a believable character in the lonely, brilliant, continually frustrated-in-love Macbeth * Booklist *Recommended for all mystery collections * Library Journal *Recommended for all mystery collections * Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisA missing person report is not usually something that Hamish Macbeth sees as cause for undue distress.Should a child or a vulnerable person vanish, it''s an urgent matter that needs to be treated seriously, but in Macbeth''s experience, most other people who go missing tend to turn up again before long. So when Kate Hibbert disappears after having last been seen struggling along the road with a heavy suitcase, he is convinced she has gone travelling and reluctantly goes through the motions of investigating.Interviewing those who were closest to her, Macbeth is perplexed by their apparent lack of concern but sees no reason to suspect foul play. When Hibbert does eventually resurface, however, a storm of lies, intrigue and scandal threatens Macbeth''s tranquil village of Lochdubh.Torn between loyalty to his local community and his responsibilities as a police officer, he begins threading his way through a maze of deceit, quickly finding himself on the tr

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Book SynopsisThe first book in M.C. Beaton's charming Poor Relation series. What do you do if you are of noble stock, but impoverished, and living in London with a certain style to maintain? One has to work... but One's relatives will be appalled when One turns One's hand to trade - and opens a hotel, The Poor Relation, offering employment to others of the same social standing and in the same awkward situation. This is precisely what Mrs Fortescue decides upon and, together with friend Colonel Sandhurst, transforms her decrepit Bond Street home into a posh hotel, offering guests the pleasure of being waited upon by the nobility. So with the help of other down-and-out aristocrats they do just that - and London's newest, and most fashionable! - hotel is born... much to the dismay of the Duke of Rowcester, Lady Fortescue's nephew, who is convinced his aunt's foray into trade will denigrate the illustrious family name!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade Reviewicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis''Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy'' ASHLEY JENSEN''No wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' MAIL ON SUNDAYAgatha and her assistant, Toni, are driving to their friend Bill Wong''s wedding, thinking of nothing more than what the beautiful bride will be wearing when a terrified young man comes running down the country lane towards them wearing. . . nothing at all.The encounter leads them to become embroiled with a naturist group, a disappearing corpse, fantasy games, witchcraft, an ice cream empire, intrigue and murder. In the meantime, Agatha''s hectic life swirls along at dizzying pace, her private detective agency as busy as ever and her private affairs in turmoil - old loves to contend with and a new suitor on the scene. Then she finds herself in deadly danger when she begins to close in on a suspected murderer and the sinister nature of the ice cream business leads her to a chilling conclusion.

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'Explosive and engaging' - BooklistA featherbrained scheme to make cold, hard cash...PC Hamish Macbeth can't help but admire the resourcefulness of the Highlanders during the Recession - in tough times they have to lure tourists to their sleepy towns and the quaint village of Braikie has come up with a novel solution. It really doesn't have that much to offer apart from a place of rare beauty called Buchan's Wood, which the clued-up local tourist board director has rechristened 'The Fairy Glen' and has had brochures printed with a beautiful kingfisher rising from a lake on the cover.It isn't long before coach tours begin to arrive but just as the town's luck starts to turn, a kingfisher is found hanging from a branch in the woods with a noose around its neck. As a wave of vandalism threatens to ruin Braikie forever it is up to Hamish to get involved... and his investigation quickly turns from mistreatment of birds to murder...Praise for M C Beaton's HAMISH MACBETH series:'Once again M C Beaton has concocted an amusing brew of mystery and romance that will keep her fans turning the pages' Publishers Weekly'It's always a pleasure to return to Loch Dubh' - New York Times Book Review

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Book SynopsisAll Sergeant Hamish Macbeth ever wants is a quiet life in the tranquil surroundings of Lochdubh, his home village in the Scottish Highlands. Although the area he polices is vast, he''s happiest when he''s working alone, yet the police authorities insist he has an assistant. In the past, they have supplied a variety of problematic misfits, but they surpass themselves with their latest effort - an American named James Bland. Having met Bland previously, when he was left in no doubt that the American led a life coloured by secrets and skulduggery, Hamish isn''t surprised when he discovers the real motive behind Bland''s police secondment involves him in helping track down a spy ring, some members of which have met grisly ends. That investigation tears Hamish away from Lochdubh at a time when the village is suffering a disturbing spate of increasingly violent burglaries. The identity of the burglar, however, is a perplexing mystery. All of that blows Hamish''s quiet life

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Book SynopsisCold-blooded murder heats up Agatha''s summer holiday! Agatha travels to Cyprus, only to contend with her estranged fiance, an egregious group of truly terrible tourists, and a string of murders. . .In this sixth entertaining outing Agatha leaves the sleepy Cotswold village of Carsely to pursue love - and finds a murderer. Spurned at the altar, she follows her fleeing fiancé James Lacey to Cyprus, where, instead of enjoying the honeymoon they''d planned, they witness the killing of an obnoxious tourist in a disco. Intrigue and a string of murders surround the unlikely couple, in a plot as scorching as the Cypriot sun! Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''M. C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem.'' Publishers Weekly''The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.'' The TimesAnyone interested in a few hours worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to makeTrade ReviewCompare this one to lemon meringue pie: light & with a delicious hint of tartness at its heart. - Washington TimesAnyone interested in a few hours' worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin. - The Cleveland Pain DealerAgatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non PC. M C Beaton has created a new national treasure... the stories zing along and are irresistible, unputdownable, a joy. If you buy one book a year, let it be this. Agatha Raisin is The Strongest Link.Beaton's dry sense of humour and her unflattering but affectionate portrait of gruff, often adolescent acting Agatha make this... tale a bloom worth picking. - Publishers WeeklyEngaging - Booklist

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Book SynopsisWinter Parva, a traditional Cotswolds village next door to Carsely, has decided to throw a celebratory hog roast to mark the beginning of the winter holiday festivities and Agatha Raisin has arrived with friend and rival in the sleuthing business, Toni, to enjoy the merriment. But, as the spit pig is carried towards the bed of fiery charcoal, Agatha - and the rest of the village - realise that things aren''t as they seem...Very quickly it transpires that the spit pig is in fact Gary Beech, a policeman not much loved in Winter Parva. And although Agatha has every intention of leaving the affair to the police, she rapidly changes her mind when she finds out Gary''s ex-wife has hired Toni to investigate. Cantankerous and competitive as Agatha is, she has to now join the fray and try and solve the case herself! Praise for M C Beaton''s Agatha Raisin series:''I know I once vowed to read only Agatha Christie for a year but I cheated. My No. 1 Trade Review‘The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.’ -- Anne Robinson * The Times *Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. * Entertainment Weekly *

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Book SynopsisMurder in Paradise...When Jane Wetherby offers PC Hamish Macbeth a holiday at her ''Happy Wanderer'' health farm on the isle of Eileencraig, he is more than happy to accept. Unfortunately the visit doesn''t prove to be the pampering experience he had been hoping for. Windswept Eileencraig is inhabited by hostile islanders, many of whom would be more than happy to be rid of the ''Happy Wanderer'' and its proprietor.And the company at the health farm is hardly better. The volatile party includes an ex-husband, an illicit lover, and Morag Todd, an unadulterated snob who criticizes everybody and everything. So when Morag is found lying at the foot of a cliff with a broken neck, no one seems too broken up about the event - leaving it up to Hamish to solve the death of a snob.

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Book SynopsisAmazing news is spreading like wildfire across the Scottish countryside: the most famous of all Highland bachelors, police sergeant Hamish Macbeth, is planning to marry at last! Everyone in the village of Lochdubh adores Josie McSween, Hamish''s newest constable and blushing bride-to-be. While locals think she is quite a catch, Hamish has a severe case of pre-nuptial jitters... after all, if it wasn''t for the recent murder of a beautiful woman in a neighbouring village there wouldn''t be a wedding in the first place.For it was a mysterious Valentine''s Day card - delivered to the victim before her death - which initially drew Hamish and Josie together in the investigation. And now, as they work side by side, they soon discover that the woman''s list of admirers was endless - confirming Hamish''s suspicion that love can be deaf, blind... and deadly!Trade ReviewThe much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations about rural life. Good Book Guide It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh. New York Times Book Review The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status. -- Anne Robinson The Times Another highly entertaining read from MC Beaton. Woman's Way Smart, acerbic and wonderfully diverting. Good Book Guide

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Book SynopsisA vengeful ghost comes back to haunt the living?Reports of a haunted house soon have Agatha snooping around, but it turns out the victim of the haunting is a universally disliked old biddy on whom someone is playing a practical joke. And then the old lady is murdered - but for Agatha, solving a crime is much more fun than hunting a ghost! Very soon she''s up to her usual tricks, involving the villagers, local police, and, of course, her handsome new neighbour . . .Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''Fast-paced, witty and well-plotted.'' MyShelf.com ''Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure'' Anne Robinson''M.C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem'' Publishers Weekly''The Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshing, sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thoroughly likeable hTrade Review'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- Anne Robinson The Times Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisTHE PAGE-TURNING NEW MYSTERY IN THE BESTSELLING HAMISH MACBETH SERIES!------------Sergeant Hamish Macbeth is craving peace and quiet. But visitors to his home village of Lochdubh, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, have other ideas...Hamish and the new love in his life, Claire, have holiday plans. But thoughts of rest and relaxation are rudely interrupted by the arrival of a new constable, complete with a surprise, and a secret.Hoping the grand re-opening of his local pub will be a good distraction from Constable Forbes''s intrigue, Hamish gets a nasty surprise when he''s confronted by a family who have a score to settle with a missing man.Discovering a murdered woman''s body puts further pressure on Hamish, especially when he learns that she''s linked to the missing man... but who are they, and why were they in Lochdubh? With a host of questions, a growing list of suspects and ever more bewildering circumstances, the arrival of the odious Detective Chief Inspector Blair is truly the last thing Hamish needs. As Hamish''s sworn enemy, why is Blair interested in this case?Hamish vows to find the murderer before anyone else falls victim. Never has a quiet life seemed further from his grasp!------------Praise for the Hamish Macbeth series . . .''It''s always a treat to return to Lochdubh'' New York Times''Unmissable!'' Peterborough Telegraph''First rate ... deft social comedy and wonderfully realized atmosphere'' Booklist''Beaton catches the beauty of the area''s natural geography and succinctly describes its distinct flavour'' Library Journal''Befuddled, earnest and utterly endearing, Hamish makes his triumphs sweetly satisfying'' Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisA visit to the local village fete for a spot of fun and relaxation turns into a nightmare for Agatha Raisin when she discovers the body of the local landowner in the woods - with an arrow in his chest and his trousers round his ankles.At first her old adversary, Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes, declares the death a tragic accident, believing the victim has been hit by a stray arrow from an archery demonstration. Agatha is convinced the man was murdered and is shocked when Wilkes eventually agrees... particularly as he considers her to be his prime suspect!Determined to clear her name and find the real killer, Agatha launches her own investigation, quickly becoming involved with a family at war, an unscrupulous gangster -- and a murderer who is determined to make her the next victim...''Cosy crime with a touch of bite'' - Belfast Telegraph''Agatha finds herself embroiled in intrigue and murder, and her hectic life continues to swirl alo

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Book SynopsisThe local ladies all deem Mr John a wizard, so when Agatha finds a few grey hairs on her head - and the rinse she tries at home turns her hair purple - she makes a beeline for the handsome Evesham hairdresser. And as well as sorting out her hair it soon becomes clear the charming man also has designs on her heart - but their future together is cut short when Mr John is fatally poisoned in his salon.Once again Agatha finds herself embroiled in a murder case. Was it one of Mr John''s many customers, all of whom divulged to him their darkest secrets? Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''M. C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem.'' Publishers Weekly''The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.'' The Times''Being a cranky, middle-aged female myself, I found Agatha charming!'' Amazon customer review''Agatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailinglTrade ReviewThe Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshingly sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thoroughly likeable heroine. - BooklistAnyone interested in a few hours' worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin. - The Cleveland Pain DealerAgatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non PC. M C Beaton has created a new national treasure... the stories zing along and are irresistible, unputdownable, a joy. If you buy one book a year, let it be this. Agatha Raisin is The Strongest Link.Beaton's dry sense of humour and her unflattering but affectionate portrait of gruff, often adolescent acting Agatha make this... tale a bloom worth picking. - Publishers WeeklyEngaging - Booklist

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Book SynopsisAgatha''s away with the fairies . . .And the little folk are causing big trouble for her! Angry at being jilted by new husband James, Agatha follows a fortune-teller''s advice and rents a cottage in pretty Fryfam. There, she hopes, true love will come chasing after her. But her romantic notions are dispelled by a series of odd goings-on in the village: strange lights start appearing in her back garden; there are thefts of paintings and pottery; her beloved cats vanish. And then the local squire is found dead. Agatha''s nose for trouble ensnares her in a maelstrom of jealousy, blackmail and dangerous liaisons, especially with a murderer who plans to keep irrepressible Agatha permanently in Fryfam - as a resident corpse!Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure'' Anne Robinson''M.C. BeaTrade ReviewM C Beaton is the author of the highly acclaimed Hamish Macbeth mystery series. This novel begins a new series featuring sleuth Mrs Agatha Raisin. Born in Scotland, Beaton now lives in the Costwolds.Beaton's dry sense of humour and her unflattering but affectionate portrait of gruff, often adolescent acting Agatha make this... tale a bloom worth picking. - Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisYuletide overindulgence on the poison front . . .During the dark, grey days of early December Agatha is obsessed by two things - the looming festivities, and her ex, James Lacey. In order to drive the latter from her thoughts, Agatha concentrates on planning the perfect Christmas for her friends.Even the murder of a Mrs Tamworthy, poisoned with hemlock, does little to distract her and yet it should, as Mrs Tamworthy had written to Agatha, telling her that one of her family wanted to see her dead before the year was out. So slightly guiltily (and belatedly), Agatha sets out to solve the case before the 25th rolls around . . .Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''M.C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem'' Publishers Weekly''The detective novels of M.C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status'' The Times''Agatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailinTrade Review'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- Anne Robinson The Times Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisNo wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' Mail on SundayAgatha Raisin has never been one for enforced holiday cheer, but her friendly little village of Carsely has always prided itself on its traditional Christmas festivities. But this year the bells will not be ringing out Silent Night as Mr John Sunday, an officer with the Cotswold Health and Safety Board, has chosen Christmas as the time to crack down on what he sees as gross misconduct by every man, woman and child in the vicinity. The village shop is told it can no longer have wooden shelves which have been there since the time of Queen Victoria ''in case someone is inflicted with a splinter.'' The village school is ordered to leave lights on at night ''to prevent unauthorised intruders from tripping in the dark.'' And children are warned to not play with ''counterfeit banknotes'' after passing around toy money in the playground. But finally Trade Review‘The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.’ -- Anne Robinson * The Times *Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. * Entertainment Weekly *

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Book SynopsisHamish Macbeth is savouring the delights of a Highland summer, but as fast as the rain rolls in from the loch his happy life goes to hell in a handbasket.The trouble begins when his beloved Priscilla Halburton-Smythe returns to Lochdubh with a new fiancé on her arm. His miseries multiply when clouds of midges descend on the town. And then a paragon of housewife perfection named Trixie Thomas moves into Lochdubh with her cowed husband in tow.The newcomer quickly convinces the local ladies to embrace low-cholesterol meals, ban alcohol and begin bird-watching. Soon the town''s menfolk are up in arms and Macbeth must solve Lochdubh''s newest crime - the mysterious poisoning of the perfect wife.Trade ReviewM C Beaton's Hamish Macbeth books are a delight: clever, intricate and sardonic. The flavour is reminiscent of Compton MacKenzie's Whisky Galore and I'm very glad to own a complete setThe much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... a beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations of rural life. * Good Book Guide *M C Beaton's Hamish Macbeth books are a delight: clever, intricate and sardonic. The flavour is reminiscent of Compton MacKenzie's Whisky Galore and I'm very glad to own a complete setThe much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... a beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations of rural life. * Good Book Guide *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status. * The Times *Beaton, a Scot herself, excels at giving readers a taste of Highland life and creating a believable character in the lonely, brilliant, continually frustrated-in-love Macbeth. * Booklist *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status. * The Times *Beaton, a Scot herself, excels at giving readers a taste of Highland life and creating a believable character in the lonely, brilliant, continually frustrated-in-love Macbeth. * Booklist *Superb entertainment, as rich and warming as a fine malt whisky, and every bit as addictive * Houston Chronicle *Superb entertainment, as rich and warming as a fine malt whisky, and every bit as addictive * Houston Chronicle *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh * New York Times *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh * New York Times *As usual, Beaton delivers a delightfully old-fashioned, absorbing village mystery. * Booklist *As usual, Beaton delivers a delightfully old-fashioned, absorbing village mystery. * Booklist *This fictional world-part cozy, part unsparing-can be highly addictive. * School Library Journal *This fictional world-part cozy, part unsparing-can be highly addictive. * School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisA dead witness. A forgotten crime. Hamish Macbeth never had it so hard as in this newest Highlands mystery!Morag Merrilea is working at the Shopmark Fashions factory during her summer holidays to earn some extra cash. But when the art student complains to Hamish about the theft of her sketchbook in the pub, he doesn't take her too seriously. After all, she had been drinking and can't quite remember what happened... and then turns out to be snippy when Hamish questions her further. But then her body is discovered - and Hamish is forced to investigate a crime where the only witness has been murdered . . . 'The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status' Anne Robinson, The Times 'The much-loved Hamish Macbeth series . . . beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations about rural life' Good Book Guide

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Book SynopsisTruth is stranger than fiction...Patricia Martyn-Broyd, now in her seventies, has retired to the Highlands. She hasn''t written a word in years and her books are out of print. But now a television company is about to film her last detective story, featuring the aristocratic Scottish detective Lady Harriet Vare. Even though the snobbish Miss Martyn-Broyd doesn''t care to mix with the locals, she can''t help but share her excitement with local policeman Hamish Macbeth.Imagine her horror when Miss Martyn-Broyd discovers that the screenwriter is known for his violent and scurrilous scripts and that Lady Harriet Vare is to be portrayed as a pot-smoking hippy by the scene-stealing trollop Penelope Gates. But a contract is a contract, as Ms Martyn-Broyd quickly learns. And when she is accused of murdering both the scriptwriter and the leading lady, she turns to her one friend in Lochdubh, Hamish Macbeth, to help her.Praise for M.C. Beaton:''The

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Book SynopsisIsabella Beverley is blessed with unparalleled beauty but, unfortunately, has been raised in the most snobbish and haughty of families. And when her father gambles away their fortune - including Mannerling, the exquisite family mansion, Isabella discovers that there is very little sympathy for her plight. As the eldest, Isabella is chosen to court Mr. Judd, the roguish bachelor who won Mannerling. Surely no sacrifice is too great to regain Mannerling? But tempting her away from Mr. Judd is Lord Fitzpatrick, an Irish rake who fears Isabella can never love a man as she does her home - but is nonetheless determined to convince her to choose man over manse!Trade Review(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *Nicely atmospheric, most notable for it gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisGrime and punishment . . .When Fergus Macleod, Lochdubh''s abusive, drunk dustman is put in charge of the local recycling centre and is dubbed ''Environment Officer'', Hamish Macbeth smells trouble. Sure enough, Fergus, imbued with his new powers, becomes a bullying tyrant and when his body is found stuffed in a recycling bin, no one is sorry - including his long-suffering family. But Hamish is surprised to find that many of the despicable dustman''s victims refuse to talk - and when violence strikes again, the lanky lawman must quickly unearth the culprit among a litter of suspects . . . before the killer makes a clean getaway!Praise for M.C. Beaton:''The books are a delight: clever, intricate, sardonic and amazingly true to the real Highlands'' Kerry Greenwood''It''s always a special treat to return to Lochdubh'' New York Times

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Book SynopsisNo wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' Mail on SundayThe 26th outing for the Highland''s most famous PC: Hamish Macbeth In the south of Scotland, residents get their chimneys vacuum-cleaned. But in the isolated villages in the very north of Scotland, the villagers rely on the services of the itinerant sweep, Pete Ray, and his old-fashioned brushes. Pete is always able to find work in the Scottish highlands, until one day when Police Constable Hamish Macbeth notices blood dripping onto the floor of a villager''s fireplace, and a dead body stuffed inside the chimney. The entire town of Lochdubh is certain Pete is the culprit, but Hamish doesn''t believe that the affable chimney sweep is capable of committing murder. Then Pete''s body is found on the Scottish moors, and the mystery deepens. Once again, it''s up to Hamish to discover who''s responsible for the dirty deed - and this time, the murderer m

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Book SynopsisA pen pusher from Head Office soon finds himself pushing up the daisies...Local police stations all over the Scottish Highlands are being threatened with closure and this presents the perfect opportunity for Detective Chief Inspector Blair, who would love nothing more than to get rid of Sergeant Hamish Macbeth. Blair suggests that Cyril Sessions, a keen young police officer, visit the town of Lochdubh to monitor exactly what Hamish does every day. On hearing of Blair''s plans Hamish is fully prepared to ensure young Cyril returns back to headquarters with a full report... but before he can do that, Cyril is found dead and Hamish very quickly becomes the prime suspect for his murder...Trade ReviewThe much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... a beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations of rural life * Good Book Guide *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status * Anne Robinson, The Times *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisA therapist had moved into the village of Carsely and Agatha Raisin hates her. Not only was this therapist, Jill Davent, romancing Agatha''s ex-husband, but she had dug up details of Agatha''s slum background. Added to that, Jill was counselling a woman called Gwen Simple from Winter Parva and Agatha firmly believed Gwen to have assisted her son in some grisly murders, although has no proof she had done so. A resentment is different from a dislike and needs to be shared, so as the friendship between James and Jill grows stronger, the more Agatha does to try to find out all she can about her. When Jill is found strangled to death in her office two days'' later, Agatha finds herself under suspicion - and must fight to clear her name.Trade Review'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- Anne Robinson The Times Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisAllotment wars! Lord Bellington, Carsely''s biggest landholder, has enraged locals by saying he is going to sell off their allotments to make way for a new housing development. So when he turns up dead, poisoned by antifreeze, nobody mourns his passing.On another fine summer''s day Agatha visits Carsley''s allotments where everything looks peaceful and perfect: people of all ages digging in the soil and working hard to grow their own fruit and veg. Agatha feels almost tempted to take on a strip herself . . . but common sense soon prevails. She doesn''t really like getting her hands dirty.She is introduced to three oldtimers who have just taken over a new strip; Harry Perry, Bunty Daventry and Josephine Merriweather are lamenting the neglected condition of the patch. But as Harry starts to shovel through the weeds and grass his spade comes across something hard so he bends down and tries to move the object. And then he starts to yell Trade ReviewThe detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status * The Times *Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. * Entertainment Weekly *Another winner for M.C. Beaton fans. * My Weekly *Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure -- Anne RobinsonM.C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem * Publishers Weekly *The Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshing, sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thoroughly likeable heroine * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisLove, like hell, is a four-letter word for Agatha . . . No happily ever after for her! Recently married to neighbour James Lacey, Agatha quickly finds that love is not all it''s cracked up to be - soon the newly-weds are living in separate cottages and accusing each other of infidelity. Then, after a fight down the local pub, James vanishes - a bloodstain the only clue to his fate. Naturally, Agatha is Suspect Number One. Determined to clear her name - and find her husband - Agatha begins her investigation and promptly discovers a murdered mistress . . .Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure'' Anne Robinson''M.C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an absolute gem'' Publishers Weekly''The Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshing, sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thorouTrade Review‘The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.’ -- Anne Robinson * The Times *Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. * Entertainment Weekly *

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Book SynopsisNo wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' Mail on SundayIt can be hell in high water!Drowned brides are like buses: nothing for ages, then two come along at the same time . . . ! Abandoned by husband James, Agatha hops on a plane to the South Pacific, hoping to mend her broken heart. But there she meets a happy honeymooning couple, for whom disaster strikes when, tragically, the bride drowns. Back home, alarm bells start ringing for Agatha when a woman, dressed in a wedding gown, is swept down river. The police say suicide, but Agatha, spurred on by recent memories, particularly her own disastrous marriage, sets out to prove them wrong.Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:''Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure'' Anne Robinson''M.C. Beaton''s imperfect heroine is an Trade Review'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- Anne Robinson The Times Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life. Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisHer table manners were a crime. But she didn''t deserve to die! There''s not a cloud in Hamish Macbeth''s sky - just plenty of warm sunshine but not quite enough of the lovely Priscilla Halburton-Smythe. But as eight hopeful members of the Checkmate Singles Club converge on Tommel Castle Hotel for a week of serious matchmaking, the clouds roll in. The four couples, carefully matched by dating director Maria Worth, immediately dislike one another. And the arrival of Maria''s gross, greedy business partner, Peta, kills the last vestige of romance. And as love goes out the window, murder comes in the door. Peta soon slurps up her last meal and Hamish is left with the baffling puzzle: Who shared the fateful outing that left Peta dead with a large rosy red apple in her mouth...Trade ReviewAn enchanting series... M C Beaton has a foolproof plot for the village mystery. - New York Times Book ReviewThe detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status - The Times

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Book SynopsisShe couldn''t paint to save her life - so someone''s given her a lesson by taking it!Most newcomers don''t stay long in remote Lochdubh - usually boredom, dampness and nosy locals drive them out. But it looks as if artist Effie Garrard has come to stay. When Hamish Macbeth calls on her he''s amazed to find the woman in residence after a particularly harsh winter. Unfortunately, Effie is also quite delusional, having convinced herself that fellow local artist Jock Fleming is in love with her and that they are engaged. But after a lover''s scrap with Jock, Effie is found dead, poisoned by hemlock. Suicide or murder? It''s up to Hamish to find out whether the dreamer''s death is the result of something much more serious than a broken heart . . .Praise for M.C. Beaton ''The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status'' Anne Robinson, The Times''The books are a delight: clever

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Book SynopsisMrs Gentle has fooled everyone into thinking she is as sweet as she sounds - Gentle by name and gentle by nature. But local constable Hamish Macbeth isn''t fooled. He believes this little old lady is actually quite sly and vicious, but he''s in a minority of one. Or is he?When Mrs Gentle dies under unusual circumstances the villagers of Lochdubh are shocked and outraged. Chief Detective Inspector Blair suspects that members of her family may be involved but Hamish thinks there''s much more to the story - and is willing to get rough to solve the riddle of Mrs Gentle''s mysterious demise.

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Book SynopsisA missing person report is not usually something that Hamish Macbeth sees as cause for undue distress.Should a child or a vulnerable person vanish, it''s an urgent matter that needs to be treated seriously, but in Macbeth''s experience, most other people who go missing tend to turn up again before long. So when Kate Hibbert disappears after having last been seen struggling along the road with a heavy suitcase, he is convinced she has gone travelling and reluctantly goes through the motions of investigating.Interviewing those who were closest to her, Macbeth is perplexed by their apparent lack of concern but sees no reason to suspect foul play. When Hibbert does eventually resurface, however, a storm of lies, intrigue and scandal threatens Macbeth''s tranquil village of Lochdubh.Torn between loyalty to his local community and his responsibilities as a police officer, he begins threading his way through a maze of deceit, quickly finding himself on the tr

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Book SynopsisNo wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' Mail on SundayAmazing news is spreading like wildfire across the Scottish countryside: the most famous of all Lochdubh, remotely nestling in the Highlands, is perfectly anonymous... until well-known TV reporter Crystal French races into town in her bright new BMW. And PC Hamish Macbeth, dourly wed to duty rather than the fiancée who dumped him, promptly gives her a ticket for reckless driving. Outraged, Crystal makes Macbeth''s life a misery with a TV report on policing in the Highlands... but when she also rakes up old local scandals for her new hit show, Macbeth notes that someone besides himself might be dead keen to stop her. And then someone does.Now, finding out who did away with the nosy reporter will lead the laconic Macbeth down roads he never envisioned... and perhaps a crisis of the heart all his own.

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Book SynopsisThe fifth mystery story featuring Hamish Macbeth from the author of the bestselling Agatha Raisin series

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Book SynopsisStabbed 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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Book SynopsisNo wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' Mail on SundayNow that Priscilla Halburton-Smythe has agreed to marry him, Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth can''t imagine a more perfect life. There''s not much crime in his remote Scottish village of Lochdubh, nothing much at all to do but fish, drink coffee, and slouch around. And now to spend time with lovely Priscilla. But his days aren''t as tranquil as his dreams. For one thing, Priscilla''s renovation schemes are driving him out of his cottage. Not to mention her ambitious plans for his career as a policeman away from Lochdubh. This might be a good time to find out why Peter Hynd''s arrival in nearby Drim was causing so much trouble. An attractive, unmarried man with an independent income would always attract attention in such a small place. But this time Hynd''s arrival seems to have caused bitter rivalry among the women of Drim. Hamish finds their petty fights amu

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Book SynopsisThe unconventional Hamish Macbeth finds that his own impetuousness places him at the center of a murder investigation. Death accompanies a tattooed stranger to a tiny Highland town... Everyone in Lochdubh knows about the Macho Man - a mean bully claiming to be a professional wrestler and part-time explorer. His insults at the pub have caused brawls, while his furtive sneaking around arouses suspicion he is romancing some of the local wives. And when he challenges Hamish Macbeth to a public bout, it triggers an epidemic of betting. Everyone expects Hamish to take a pounding, but no one anticipates a murder instead. And amid all the excitement it''s up to level-headed Hamish to track down the heartless killer of the brutal Macho Man . . .Praise for M C Beaton:''The books are a delight: clever, intricate, sardonic and amazingly true to the real Highlands'' Kerry Greenwood''It''s always a special treat to return to Lochdubh'

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Book SynopsisSergeant Hamish Macbeth is alarmed to receive a report from a woman in the small village of Cronish in the Scottish Highlands. She has been brutally attacked and the criminal is on the loose. But upon further investigation, Hamish discovers that she was lying about the crime. So when the same woman calls him back about an intruder, he simply marvels at her compulsion to lie. This time, though, she is telling the truth. Her body is found in her home and Hamish must sort through all of her lies to solve the crime. Praise for Death of a Valentine:'A fun new read.' Woman's World 'An inventive, constantly surprising plot...explosive and engaging.' Booklist Praise for Death of a Witch: 'Full of the author's trademark zest and wit...Beaton fans will be delighted.' Publishers Weekly'A sound mystery featuring a generous portion of Hamish's complicated relationships and the usual delightful Highland descriptions.' KirkusTrade ReviewThe much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... a beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations of rural life. * Good Book Guide *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status. * The Times *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh. * The New York Times *

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Book Synopsis''Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy'' ASHLEY JENSEN''No wonder she''s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime'' MAIL ON SUNDAY ''A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed'' DAILY MAIL The first Agatha Raisin mystery from bestselling author M. C. Beaton __________________________Revenge is a dish best served warm...High-flying public relations supremo Agatha Raisin has decided to take early retirement. She''s off to make a new life in a picture-perfect Cotswold village. To make friends, she enters the local quiche-making competition - and to make quite sure of first prize she secretly pays a visit to a London deli.Alas, the competition judge succumbs after tasting her perfect quiche, and Agatha is revealed as a cheat and potential poisoner. Definitely not the best start. So Agatha must turn amateur sleuth - she''s absolutely got to track down

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