Books by M C Beaton

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 SynopsisThe third in the much loved Hamish Macbeth series from the author of the bestselling Agatha Raisin series - reissued and rejacketed.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 * The New York Times *It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh * The New York 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 *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 *Looking for escape? Tired of waiting for Brigadoon to materialise? Time for a trip to Lochdubh... where M C Beaton sets her beguiling whodunits featuring Constable Hamish Macbeth * New York Times Book Review *Looking for escape? Tired of waiting for Brigadoon to materialise? Time for a trip to Lochdubh... where M C Beaton sets her beguiling whodunits featuring Constable Hamish Macbeth * New York Times Book Review *

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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 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 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 SynopsisA busman''s holiday for Hamish . . . After losing both his promotion and the lovely Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, Hamish Macbeth decides the best cure for a broken heart is a week''s break at the charming coastal village of Skag. When he arrives at the Friendly House B&B, however, he finds the ambience chilling, the food inedible and his fellow guests less than neighbourly. They include the annoying Miss Gunnery; a family from London; and Bob Harris, who so nags his wife that everyone wants to kill him. And then somebody does. Now it is up to Hamish to act - to dig deep into the past and deliver something more daunting than merely the culprit: justice.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 TimesTrade ReviewBeaton's Hamish MacBeth stories are always good, but the latest is a standout. The plot is even better than usual, the characters are more engaging, and even the mostly dour and serious Hamish is funnier and more likable than usual. * Booklist *Beaton has fine-tuned her MacBeth series into something altogether winning. In this 11th entry, her plot is top-notch, a few somber notes demonstrate her touch for understated compassion and, as always, Hamish and his highland cohorts are lovingly rendered. * Publishing News *

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Book SynopsisAn untimely death wipes the smile from Hamish''s face . . .In Scotland, where thrift and a ''nice set of dentures'' are generally admired, Dr Frederick Gilchrist''s cheap rates and penchant for pulling teeth have gained him quite a clientele. However, wiser Highlanders - like Hamish Macbeth - opt to steer clear of this reputed womanizer''s all-too-busy hands. Only jaw-throbbing agony drives Hamish to Gilchrist''s surgery, but what he finds there is the dentist''s dead body - putting several angry husbands in the frame for murder . . .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 SynopsisA sudden outbreak of maliciousness strikes the town of Lochdubh in the form of a rash of poison pen letters. Things turn deadly when the local postmistress is found hanged in her room... with a vicious note beneath her dangling feet. Though his superiors call it suicide, PC Hamish Macbeth pronounces it murder. But Hamish is soon distracted by Jenny Ogilvie, a friend of his ex-fiancee, who arrives in Lochdubh to seduce him. And then he''s ambushed by local reporter Elspeth Grant, who sets out to land the story - and Hamish - for herself.Caught in the middle of this volatile case, Hamish faces dangerous romances... and a blackhearted culprit wielding a mighty - and lethal - pen.Praise for the Hamish Macbeth series:The 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 de

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Book SynopsisNot bored to death but murder most foul . . . Celebrated author John Heppel is known in Lochdubh as a self-important bore, prone to belittling the scribblings of the locals in his creative writing class. So when he''s found dead, his mouth oozing ink, it seems a fitting fate.But for PC Hamish Macbeth the murder is more than a disruption to idyllic village life - especially when the media arrive, trailing in their wake DCI Heather Meikle, a maneater with a taste for bachelor police constables. Hamish must rekindle an old flame to escape her clutches and pull out all the stops to find the killer . . .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, intricate, sardonic and amazingly true to the real Highlands'' Kerry Greenwood''It''s always a special treat to return to Lochdubh'' Trade ReviewGreat stuff, as usual. * Booklist *Once again M C Beaton has concocted an amusing brew of mystery and romance that will keep her fans turning the pages. * Publishers Weekly *

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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 SynopsisDone, dusted . . . and dead!Armed with a bucket and mop, Mrs Gillespie brings misery into the quiet life of Hamish Macbeth when he wins her cleaning services in a church raffle; she is likely to do more snooping than hoovering. Yet Hamish has more upsetting issues to ponder - his former girlfriend, reporter Elspeth Grant, is back in Lochdubh for a holiday with her new boyfriend. Hamish feels an ill wind coming and sure enough, Mrs Gillespie is soon found dead under suspicious circumstances. And as he investigates the case, Elspeth''s presence torments the red-haired bobby, making him resort to foolish antics instead of concentrating on the murder in hand. And what should really occupy Macbeth are the town''s hidden secrets - ones that will force a killer to lash out in deadly, irrevocable acts . . .Praise for M.C. Beaton ''The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status'' Anne Robinson,

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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 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!

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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 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 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 latest Agatha Raisin mystery from bestselling author M. C. BeatonThe team of bells at St. Ethelred church is the pride and glory of the idyllic Cotswolds village of Thirk Magna, together with the most dedicated bell ringers in the whole of England: the twins Mavis and Millicent Dupin.As the village gets ready for the Bishop''s visit, the twins get overly-excited at the prospect of ringing the special peal of bells created for the occasion and start bullying the other bell ringers, forcing them to rehearse and rehearse . . . so much so that Joseph Kennell, a retired lawyer, yells at the sisters that he ''felt like killing them''!When the twins'' home is broken into one night and MiTrade ReviewThe detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status * The Times *A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed * Daily Mail *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 . . .Trade ReviewEvery new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy -- Ashley JensenNo wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime * Mail on Sunday *A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed * Daily Mail *The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status * The Times *Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue, and charm -- Lee ChildAgatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining. . . M C Beaton has created a new national treasure... the stories zing along and are irresistible, unputdownable, a joy -- Anne RobinsonM. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem * Publishers Weekly *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 *The bucolic romantic entanglements sizzle . . . Beaton is like a less explicit Jilly Cooper . . . She also has a rebarbative wit that is worth any amount of gritty realism * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisNo one in Lochdubh expects Dorothy to stay for long...She is, after all, entirely unsuitable. She''s an uptown girl, used to a fancy lifestyle in the big city of Glasgow. She''ll never fit in. And how is that work-shy rogue Hamish Macbeth supposed to get anything done when his new assistant is such a distraction? The village needs a police sergeant who can get on with his job, not one who''s constantly swooning over his pretty young constable.Yet PC Dorothy McIver quickly shows how determined she is to win over the locals, and she certainly seems to bring out the best in Macbeth. Then comes a brutal murder and the pair find themselves plunged into a tangled web of conspiracy that acquires a sinister strand when the chilling shadow of Glasgow''s underworld creeps to the Highlands and the peaceful village of Lochdubh.Through it all, the bond between Hamish and Dorothy grows ever stronger. Has Hamish Macbeth finally found the love of his life - and can he

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Book SynopsisNo one in Lochdubh expects Dorothy to stay for long...She is, after all, entirely unsuitable. She''s an uptown girl, used to a fancy lifestyle in the big city of Glasgow. She''ll never fit in. And how is that work-shy rogue Hamish Macbeth supposed to get anything done when his new assistant is such a distraction? The village needs a police sergeant who can get on with his job, not one who''s constantly swooning over his pretty young constable.Yet PC Dorothy McIver quickly shows how determined she is to win over the locals, and she certainly seems to bring out the best in Macbeth. Then comes a brutal murder and the pair find themselves plunged into a tangled web of conspiracy that acquires a sinister strand when the chilling shadow of Glasgow''s underworld creeps to the Highlands and the peaceful village of Lochdubh.Through it all, the bond between Hamish and Dorothy grows ever stronger. Has Hamish Macbeth finally found the love of his life - and can he

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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 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 A House for the Season series.Is Number 67 Clarges Steet the unluckiest house in Mayfair?Every Season the beaux mondes of the Regency would hire a house in the heart of London's fashionable West End at a disproportionately high rent for often inferior accommodation and yet No.67 Clarges Street, a town house complete with staff, remains vacant from year to year. Could it be that it is associated with ill luck and even death? Something must be done so that the servants of the house don't lose their livelihood...Salvation seems to come in the form of Roderick Sinclair who confirms he wishes to rent the house for the current Season. The staff are overjoyed - until they find that Mr Sinclair is a terrible miser who is planning no parties. Furthermore, his ward, Fiona, though a dazzling Highland beauty, does not seem to possess one bright idea in her head. But it is Rainbird, No.67's clever and elegant butler, who sees through her facade and resolves to help his mysterious mistress in whatever way he can...'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe second book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. It's up to the servants of No. 67 Clarges Street to hatch a scheme... and arrange a match!'Oh, to be as beautiful as Euphemia!' sighs plain Jane Hart when she joins her sister at No.67 for the Season, as then Lord Tregarthan might notice her... as she has noticed him and forever lost her heart. And while it is Euphemia's fate to flit her way through balls and into the arms of a marquis, Jane's is to stay at home... until the Downstairs staff transform the plain Miss into the Season's sensation and send her waltzing into a daring liaison with the man of her dreams'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe third book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. It's double trouble for poor, put-upon Harriet!Lovely but penniless Harriet Metcalf is horrified when she is named in a nobleman's will as guardian of his two ghastly and snobbish twin daughters. The innocent Harriet doesn't feel wily enough to cope with the intricacies of the London Season - not to mention two of its most eligible bachelors, the Marquis of Huntington and Lord Vere.Harriet views them only as suitors for the twins, while the gentlemen see only Harriet's charms. And soon she finds herself falling for one of them... but a cruel betrayal will be her ruin unless the Clarges Street servants can save her honour, while she loses her heart!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe fourth book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. He's just not the marrying kind...Lord Guy Carlton, late of His Majesty's Regiment and weary from the war in France, has only wine, women and song in mind when he rents No. 67 Clarges Street for the season. He certainly has no desire for a serious attachment - and as for marriage: never! But Lord Guy Carlton didn't factor in the lovely but very proper Miss Esther Jones. Although one of the richest women in England she is also one of the most innocent, which could make her an unwilling victim of the philandering lord... and so, once again, it is up to the downstairs staff at Clarges Street to devise a campaign to reform the rake who is laying siege to her heart!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe fifth book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. Appearances can be very deceptive...At first, Emily Goodenough and her uncle are exactly what the servants at No. 67 Clarges Street are hoping for: respectable tenants to usher in an uneventful Season. But all is not what it seems and it's not long before Rainbird the butler uncovers their secret: Mr Goodenough is an ex-butler and his 'daughter' a runaway chambermaid!Rainbird's resolve is tested, however, when he learns of villainous Mr Percival Pardon's plot to unmask the pair and force his attentions on Emily. So the staff join forces with their former fellow servants in a scheme to make the Goodenoughs Society's darlings, foil Mr Pardon's plot, and snare the man of her dreams for Emily in the bargain!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe final book in M.C. Beaton's charming A House for the Season series. Love comes home to A House for the Season!When the Duke of Pelham returns to his town house at 67 Clarges Street he is grimly determined to find himself a suitable wife, and love will have nothing to do with his selection.The duke's search is soon disrupted by the arrival in town of Miss Jenny Sutherland - a beautiful but hugely spoilt country girl whose vanity is overwhelming. In fact it was her guardian who brought her to London in the hope her ward will get the put-down she so sorely deserves. But no one had counted on the intervention of Rainbird, the duke's shrewd and resourceful butler. Befriending Jenny, they devise a mischievous scheme that will ensure Jenny's social success - and secure, once and for all, the fate of the close-knit family of servants at No. 67 Clarges Street!'Romance fans are in for a treat' - Booklist'[M. C. Beaton] is the best of the Regency writers' - Kirkus ReviewsTrade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Felicity Baronsheath, their first assignment, turns out to be more of a challenge than they could have ever imagined. Not only is Felicity indifferent to the idea of marriage, she is also a spoilt brat! And when, despite their best endeavours, Felicity insists on remaining unrefined and hoydenish, the Tribbles begin to fear that her season - and their new business venture - will end in disaster.Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Fiona has been sent to them by her guardians as a last resort, for at nineteen, the beautiful and wealthy Scottish heiress still has no prospect of a suitable marriage. The Tribbles are puzzled, however, by their charge's demure perfection, until they take her to her first ball - and discover she is an incorrigible flirt! And when quizzed by the Tribbles Fiona betrays her real feelings ... so the sisters are forced to confront the truth about her past!Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Lovely, wealthy and well bred, Clarissa Vevian has been unable to find a suitable husband because of her terrible clumsiness. Her petite and fastidious mother has tried to mould Clarissa into a dainty miss to fit the fashion - but all her efforts are doomed to failure. And when Clarissa enters the Tribble sister's home, they fear that their reputation for matchmaking success may be destroyed - along with their carpets and furniture!Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daugher, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst'When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners.Maria Kendall is seemingly a dream client - beautiful, impeccably mannered, effortlessly graceful and extremely well dowered. In short, she doesn't seem to need the Tribbles' help at all. But then the sisters meet her parents and realise that they do have a problem on their hands - not with the perfect Maria, but with her overweening, gauche and socially over-ambitious parents!Trade ReviewNicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humour and adventurous spirit * Publishers Weekly *A delightful tale... romance fans are in for a treat * Booklist *(M C Beaton) is the best of the Regency writers * Kirkus Reviews *

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