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Book Reviews of Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20)

Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20)
Death of a Poison Pen - Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20
Author: M. C. Beaton
ISBN-13: 9780892967889
ISBN-10: 0892967889
Publication Date: 2/2004
Pages: 256
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 30

4.2 stars, based on 30 ratings
Publisher: Mysterious Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

11 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

twinkiestwice avatar reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Mediocre. I am new to Hamish MacBeth, and received this book in a swap which is several books ahead in the series from where I currently am. The first books are incredible and I have enjoyed them- keepers even. They have a great cozy feel, and Hamish is so amiable that we can forgive any of his romantic flaws. But, the editing on this one is really sloppy. I had just read "Death of a Dentist", and was surprised to read in 'Poison Pen' Hamish wonder aloud if "Fred Sutherland" (the 'old man') still lived in the top story apartment above the dentist he recalled who was brutally murdered. Hamish even mistakes Fred's cousin for Fred. How could Hamish have forgotten that Fred was beaten to death in "Death of a Dentist" and that it was he who discovers the body? Hamish blamed himself for the incident- going so far as to apologize to Fred's best friend and girlfriend and arranging at the end of the story for the departed Fred to receive credit for his solving the case. It would seem like if the author had time to refer to her Braike notes from previous books to get names of characters, she would also make sure she knew their history! Either that, or our dear Hamish is absent minded?

Aside from this big blunder which I admit ruined the first half of the book for me, the rest of the book is full of characters I did not like. Elspeth is as manipulative and deceitful as Jenny. Made me miss Priscilla.

If you read this as a stand alone book, its fairly good. If you read it within the series, you might be disappointed as the characters you have grown to love aren't big players in this one (even Blair is absent most of the book), and there are some errors in history.
reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 83 more book reviews
One of the best in the series.
reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 318 more book reviews
An excellent Hamish MacBeth mystery in an on-going series. I've loved all that I've read.
reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 359 more book reviews
Gotta love Hamish! If you love the small town copper you'll enjoy this tale as well!
punkinema avatar reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 305 more book reviews
Hamish MacBeth gets a premonition that a death is coming to Braikie because someone is sending poison pen letters the residents. First a "suicide" that turns out to be murder and then the poison pen writer herself dies. There are far too many suspects and Hamish has too much "help" too - Elspeth and Jenny (who came to Lochdubh specifically to charm Hamish into marriage). Inspector Blair still hates Hamish and just wants him to go away and not do a thing. However, Hamish knows the residents and their secrets and only he can solve the murders. A delightful book!
reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 56 more book reviews
good, quick read. Number 20 of the hamish macbeth mysteries.
RobbieM avatar reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 71 more book reviews
An escape to a tiny village in the Scottish highlands with a really clever, laidback constable, Hamish Macbeth. One of a series that will hook you, if you don't already love them.
reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 40 more book reviews
very enjoyable--the frequent use of scottish language
is a bit confusing but all in all a very good read
reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 43 more book reviews
As always MacBeth is entertaining with characters that come to life and give you a giggle.
anitag avatar reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 78 more book reviews
Another great book in the Hamish MacBeth series. In this one Hamish must deal with nasty poison pen letters that have caused the death of one person already and Hamish fears more to come. Not only must he find the culprit must he must deal with the overbearing and blustering Chief Inspt Blair. Highly recommend.
reviewed Death of a Poison Pen (Hamish MacBeth, Bk 20) on + 53 more book reviews
I love these books.