Cozy mystery series that I like - this was another good comfortable mystey. ( )

Macbeth and the Heirs of the Prankster
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (2013) of the St. Martin's Press hardcover original (1992)

After discovering M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth cozy mystery series due to the Estonia cameo in "Death of Yesterday", I started to seek out the earlier books by finding several at Toronto's Sleuth of Baker Street. I enjoyed those and found them to be an especially delightful diversion during this continuing pandemic. My next plan was to go back and read the series in order. I then discovered the rather terrific bonus that most of the books are available for free on Audible Plus, a service that I had previously been underwhelmed by (some early attempts with longer books had audio difficulties, with book narrations freezing in midstream). Beaton's shorter books (usually 4 to 5 hours on audio) seem to be perfect for this medium.

Death of a Prankster is the seventh of the series and continues the audiobook editions with the voice of Shaun Grindell in an ongoing excellent performance. Macbeth has to sort out the heirs of a unrepentant prankster who had called them all together to his highland retreat under false pretenses. One of them appears to have murdered the joker for revenge. ( )

Another entertaining foray into the life of Hamish MacBeth, in which a rich prankster pushes someone over the edge and ends up dead... but who was taken to the brink? ( )

A seriously good read. I picked up this book in a warehouse sale, so this was the first book of the series by M.C. Beaton that is read by me.
This detective, Hamish, reminds me of Hercule Poirot, very witty, smart and has a dog too. I liked his character very much. The other characters that were sewn in together also had great impact on the story, especially the twin sisters Angela & Betty. Andrew Trent, for me, was the star of the story, albeit his gimmicks and jokes. A short read, but fun indeed. ( )

Andrew Trent has invited his family to his Scottish Estate for an important announcement. Most if not all the members of the family can't stand Andrew Trent. Mr. Trent is the type of joker who most people would detest, with petty tricks designed to make the victim feel foolish or annoyed. Nevertheless, the family turns up because he's told them he's at death's door. Of course, they all want to know if they will inherit some or all of his vast fortune. If not for the hint of money there would be no reason for any of them to attend this dreaded gathering.

Upon arrival it becomes clear the Trent may not be on death's door, after all, it was just one of his pranks, used to entice them to Arrat House. But, the joke may be on Trent this time, when his body is discovered in a wardrobe in a guest bedroom. The twisted turn of events means Hamish Macbeth will have to search high and low to find out who wanted Mr. Trent dead.

As usual, M.C. Beaton has created a fun and entertaining drama. Hamish Macbeth, the officer responsible for the village of Lochdubh, with the help of his friend Priscilla will do all he can to find the answer to this puzzle before the police from Strathbane can take all the credit.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com ( )