Death of a Bore (Hamish Macbeth, #21) by M.C. Beaton

Title: Death of a Bore (Hamish Macbeth, #21)
Author: M.C. Beaton
Rating: ★★★

This was my July 2018 Mystery Book Discussion group read at my local library.

John Heppel is a new guy in town, a published writer and newly-inducted screenwriter for a television series. He is the Gilderoy Lockhart of Lochdubh, Scotland: makeup-ready anytime production crews could be near and never one to pass by a chance to toot his own horn. After providing writing classes to the locals (who all somehow wish to be writers), he is mysteriously found dead…a supposed suicide. 

Hamish MacBeth is the local constable, redhead, and typical young male afraid of losing his bachelorship (not sure if that is a word?). 

MacBeth is one of those guys who goes with his gut even though it might get him into some trouble. And that is exactly what he does… convinced one of his beloved townsfolk isn’t the murderer, he sets his eyes on those of the production cast. But everyone seems to be lying…at least a little! After being provided with a “fake” screenplay, he is convinced that someone from the television crew is behind the murder, and possibly the murder of another woman. 

When Hamish’s ex-girlfriend and reporter shows up, things are bound to get more complicated. And of course, all of the ladies in town think it is time Hamish finds a wife. However, after a near death and the resolution of the murder, MacBeth misses his opportunity to tell Elspeth (his ex-girlfriend) how he really feels and instead, is left with the comfort of his new cat and dog (which he seems to care about more than anything). 

One big thing that bothered me was Hamish is so poor, but he’s cooking lamb chops for dinner. What?! Also, the ending was unnecessary. The cat brought no relevance to the story whatsoever. 

JULY 2018 MYSTERY BOOK DISCUSSION