I know I’ve mentioned (a whole lot of times!) that M. C. Beaton has been one of my very favorite Cozy Mystery authors for many years. She writes not one, but two series which I considered my very favorite series. Quite a while ago, I started reading the Agatha Raisin books, and I loved them. Then I discovered the Hamish Macbeth Mystery Series, the first books of which were published way back in the mid 1980s (even before the Agatha Raisin series), and I loved them even more!
Even though both of these series began so long ago, M. C. Beaton continues to write new books and both series are often still recommended by site readers.
I recently re-read the first of the Hamish books, Death of a Gossip as part of my quest to read or re-read the first books of some of the most popular and recommended Cozy Mystery series. In Death of a Gossip, we are introduced to the red-haired, laconic and seemingly lazy Hamish Macbeth, the only constable in the small Scottish village of Lochdubh.
The setup for the story is that of a very classic Cozy Mystery: in this case, a small number of strangers are thrown together in a small group to spend a week learning how to fish in the Scottish Highlands. Before you know it, one of the party is murdered, and just about everyone else is a potential suspect with at least a plausible motive to have hated the victim enough to kill. Of course, big town detectives are called in the try to solve the crime, but Hamish is able to outwit the killer and beat the police detectives to the solution — even though Hamish was told not to work on the case.
The book also introduces a potential love interest for Hamish (the daughter of the local rich land owner), Hamish’s beloved dog Towser, and a number of other people who live in the small town.
This is a short (less than 200 pages) and fun read with a tight plot, interesting characters and very little extraneous material. It is the kind of book that leaves me wanting more, and luckily, there are 27 more books in the series so there is, indeed, a lot more! I highly recommend the Hamish Macbeth Mystery Series by M. C. Beaton.
By the way, there was a British TV series produced in the 1990s with some of the same characters, but don’t expect a strong correlation between the two. The location is the same, but Hamish in the shows is not too similar to Hamish in the books. I did enjoy the TV shows but only after accepting that I was not going to see the Hamish that I had always imagined when reading the books. The Hamish Macbeth TV series is available on Acorn TV.
To see others of the most popular and recommended Cozy Mystery series, click here.
Carolyn says
I love both these series, although the Hamish Macbeth is my favorite. Agatha Raisin sometimes just wears me out, but I have still read them all.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carolyn, I agree that both are very good! I’m not sure which I prefer – but I will say that I wrote about this one because it has been recommended by site commentators slightly more often.
Dana says
Sonsie! Won’t say anymore about her. Love Hamish. Love the characters. Quick,good reads.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Dana, yes, they definitely feel like quicker reads, despite actually being relatively long. That lighter feeling is a definite plus in my mind.
Ginger says
Have you seen the Agatha Raisin series, also via Acorn TV? It’s been showing up on one of our PBS channels the last few weeks. The plots picked up from the books are shortened to fit tv, but close to what I remember from reading the original books as they came out. I wonder what you’ll think of Agatha — seems to me fairly close to the books. James Lacey, Bill Wong, Roy (guy from London) seem fairly close as well. Worth checking out.
I first read the Hamish books, and totally agree they’re great!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ginger, yes, I have seen the Agatha Raisin series as well. As with Hamish Macbeth, the actress for Agatha didn’t really fit my mental image of the character >>> and the tone felt a bit lighter as well. That said, when looking at it on its own rather than comparing it to the books, it was also enjoyable.
Dawn says
I have seen just one of the Agatha TV production – did not like it as Agatha was not Agatha. I could have coped if she was as had been described in the book – also I loved the Hamish productions – got me into reading M C Beaton books. BUT then I read about this guy who was tall with red hair. So I guess it depends on what you see or read first
Janis Phillips says
I love Agatha Raisin and read all in the series. I was very disappointed in the casting for the tv adaptation as Ashley Jensen looks nothing like the Agatha in the books. Actually few of the cast follows the characters descriptions in the books. Having said that, after watching the tv series a few times, I’m enjoying the series and hope fore more.
I also read every Hamish book and the casting of Hamish was not even close, but still wish there would have been more episodes.
Moira says
Ah, thank you for reminding me of the wonderfulness of Hamish Macbeth – truly a character for the ages. I am always amazed by the economy of M.C. Beaton’s writing – she gives out the bare minimum of detail, moves along the story like a bullet train – and yet you care about the characters and what happens to them. The alchemy of a remarkable author. Love it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Moira, Beaton definitely does have a directness to her writing that can be very refreshing.
Pam says
I’m just replying listening to her books on my iPod. Love both series
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pam, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this series before. That would definitely be an interesting way to “experience it again for the first time” so to speak!
Patti Berg says
Thanks, Danna, for pointing out how wonderful the Hamish MacBeth series is. I’ve been reading and LOVING Agatha Raisin for since almost the beginning. I think there were four books when I first read M.C. Beaton’s “Quiche of Death” and I immediately scrambled to get every one of her books. I devoured them. Then came the long wait between books. I’ve loved Agatha’s antics. Her love intererests. And the characters, who are all fabulous: Mrs. Bloxby, Detective Bill Wong, James Lacey, Sir Charles, Roy Silver and his ever-changing style of dress. I don’t know why I haven’t read Hamish MacBeth. But thanks to your reminder about M.C. Beaton’s other series–I’m going to get the first Hamish book today.
I think I watched one episode of Hamish and really liked it, but that was years and years ago, long before NetFlix, Acorn, etc. Also, thanks to you, Danna, I recently subscribed to Acorn. I haven’t yet watched the Agatha Raisin series. I’m a little afraid to see what they’ve done with my favorite cozy mystery characters and stories, but I guess I need to be brave and give it a shot. Acorn also has all the Hamish MacBeth episodes. There are so many wonderful British mysteries–cozy and not-so-cozy–on Acorn. If only there was more time to watch TV and read!
Off now to find a copy of “Death of A Gossip” and, more than likely, read “Quich of Death” again–even though I’ve read it a couple of times already! Just can’t get enough of Agatha!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti, I’ve also been reading Beaton for years, though lately it feels like I’ve had to take time from appreciating older works to make time to both manage the website and keep up with modern Cozies. That’s one of the reasons I love going back to these old classics, and I’m glad that this one was recommended enough to justify it. And yes, it can definitely be a big surprise seeing how a TV series will adapt a series you love!
Libby K says
I discovered the TV series long before I found the books. But I have since read every one of them and can’t wait for the next one coming in February. I love them both.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Libby, that’s sometimes the best order to approach a TV adaptation – if I had seen the TV series first, I’m sure I would appreciate it more!
Laura Reeve says
These are two of my favorite series. I have read all the Hamish and all the Agathas. I adore them. They are the perfect cozy read and her way of creating characters is masterful and so pleasing to the reader. I think it’s great you’re starting the series over!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laura, I’m certainly enjoying it again. I’m just not sure when I’ll find time to reread the rest… it might be a while.
Rob Jarrad says
I thoroughly concur that Hamish is a delightful creation of M C. I have read every one of them and find them all fun and light. I read the Agatha Raisin books as well but for some reason, am drawn to Hamish. I also saw him on BBC tv and Acorn Tv. I can’t remember the actor’s last name but he was on the Movie The Full Monty. I enjoy both Agatha Raisin and Hamish McBeth. I just read “Death of a Nurse” and Death of a Ghost. Both are delightful reads. Death of a Gossip and the other Hamish books are fun and he is a wonderful hero. Have you read any of the other Marion Chesney regency romance books by M C Beaton? It is the same author but she is writing in a different genre entirely-still delightful.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rob, the actor is Robert Carlyle… a fine actor but still not who I would think of when I picture Hamish Macbeth. I haven’t read any of the Marion Chesney books – I admit, I’m not a huge romance book fan. Still, I’m glad to hear they’re also high quality!
Susy says
Danna, Most of the Chesney books I have read have been more mystery than romance, though I admit it has been a few years since I read any of those.
Izzy Fairey says
Oh, Hamish is delightful to “read” on Audible!!! The reader is terrific, a man with a Scottish brogue.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Izzy, I’ve heard that it’s good – and I’m glad to hear that it has a really Scottish feel to it. Very appropriate to the series!
LuAnn Braley says
I was going to say, I have enjoyed a couple of the books, but just very different.
Ellen Byron says
I love this series. It’s written in such a unique way. The plot and subplots seem to mosey along on their own and yet somehow always wind up being integrated and tied up. And I really feel like I’m visiting these picturesque Scottish hamlets when I read one of the Hamish books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen, yes, the feeling of immersion that Beaton can grant to the reader is really one of the strong points to the work, as is ability to weave together what feel like secondary plots.
Kit D says
You are so right about both series. But I was extremely distressed when I completed the latest book in the Hamish Macbeth series “Death of a Ghost”….the ending appeared to me to be a “wrap it up” for the series. I so hope I am wrong!. I love Hamish and Agatha. I am ill and listen in bed to both series. I have listened to both series several times over and still find them fun (sometimes getting older and being forgetful has a useful purpose – I don’t remember all the story line so the books are new and refreshing. If you love these two series. Try also the “Cat Who” series by Lilian Jackson Braun. Though she has passed away, I still love this series and also listen and relisten. If anyone has a suggestion for any other authors in then Genre please let me know. I especially love the English/Scottish stories. I am just know starting to enjoy “Mrs Jeffries”.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kit, I hope it isn’t the end of the series either! I haven’t had a chance to read that one yet…
If I had to recommend just one English author to listen to over and over again, it would definitely be Agatha Christie. Both the Miss Marple series and the Poirot series are absolutely wonderful stories, and I remember their books-on-tape versions being very good.
Patti Berg says
Kit, definitely read Agatha Christie if you haven’t already!
Danna, I’m just finishing Agatha Christie’s “4:50 from Paddington,” and I simply LOVE it! I’ve read most all of Christie’s Marple books and some of her Poirot’s, as well as Tommy & Tuppence. There’s a reason her books have stayed in print for so long–nearly a hundred years in the case of “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” Her mysteries are so intricate, it’s hard to guess “who done it,” and I love that!
There was an excellent British TV adaption of “4:50 from Paddington”, which was called “What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw.” I highly recommend any of the TV and/or movie versions of Agatha’s books. A new movie version of “Murder on the Orient Express” will be out in November, I believe, starring Kenneth Branagh as Poirot. I’m so looking forward to it.
Also, a couple of weeks ago I read “Woman On the Orient Express” by Lindsay Jane Ashford. It’s a pretty good novel that is part fiction/part truth, about Agatha Christie’s trip on the Orient Express, the women she meets on the train, and the secrets she uncovers. Although it isn’t actually a mystery, it almost reads like a cozy. I highly recommend it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti, Christie is definitely another author I intend to reread as well some day… though I’ve already covered her for the site already, making it harder to justify to myself taking the time from other authors I haven’t spoken about.
Mary Sunshine says
M.C. Beaton IS my favorite, favorite author!!! Marion is just the BOMB!!! ALL, and I mean all of her books are wonderful… Marion makes you feel as you are right there in the midst of everything!!! No matter what book you are reading!!! Google her, visit her Web page… There is also the Agatha Raisin Fan Club page on Facebook…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, it’s good to see that there are plenty of die-hard M.C. Beaton fans out there! It’s hardly surprising, given how good her books are.
Kay Carlson says
I love her books! Just took out “Death of a Ghost” from my library and will hopefully read most of it this weekend. I try to read them in order if possible, but it doesn’t always happen – no matter as they’re always a fun read. Ms Beaton writes some of the better cozies My tastes run on the dark side so I stay away from a lot of the cozies, but Ms Beaton is always fun for a quick, light read.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kay, while I generally prefer reading books in order, in the case of M. C. Beaton and others that I have read several times already, it isn’t as important for rereads.
Linda says
I love Hamish – thank you so much. It reminds me of my mom when she used to tell me stories from her grandmother from Scotland even.
Loren H. says
I have read many — but not all,yet — of the Hamish Macbeth series, which provided many hours of pure pleasure. It is fun to see the same villagers reappear, notably the spinster sisters. It is sad that Ms. Beaton is now gone, but the books remain. I also recently finished my second Agatha Raisin, which I enjoyed mainly for the evocation of a Cotswolds village. I think I prefer Hamish to Agatha, but am glad we have both!
Greenway says
There remains a naive part of me that’s always a bit amazed when stage and screen producers get to grab excellent material and trash the treasure. Yes, there have been times when whip-around changes improve the original (Hitchcock’s Jamaica Inn dumped the truly sick ending D du Maurier gave it), and Lucia di Lammermoor could hardly retain the long wild gallop for the opera stage, but why were Mary Higgins Clark’s mysteries –not the first few, which were very well done– taken only to defuse the suspense and power written by ‘the Queen of Suspense’? and why take all the essence of Agatha Raisin and her charming Cotswold village out of the TV series? I’d kept hoping there would be a TV series made for love of the novels’ virtues…And that Jennifer Saunders of AbFab would play Agatha!