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Jun 02, 2019
“Policing was about helping people, bringing justice not meeting stupid government targets and crawling like mad in a scramble for promotion.” -Hamish Macbeth This statement aptly sums up Sergeant Hamish Macbeth’s idea of law and order as he administers it to the people of the lonely highland around Lochdubh, Scotland. Once again his superior DCI Blair, from nearby Strathbane, is scheming to close this small local police station to be shed of Macbeth once and for all. He attempts this by sending one of his own officer’s undercover to investigate Hamish but winds up a man down…for good. The locals have Hamish’s back at least for the most part almost with too much enthusiasm. His pets, Sonsie (cat) and Lugs (dog), are amusing sidekicks adding color, comfort, and mischief. The elderly Curry sister twins – Nessie and Jessie – are back in this installment complete with their own idiosyncrasies and scolding advice to Hamish. Elspeth Grant is his media connection, on-again-off-again romantic interest, and sharp minded advisor. This is a homey gathering of characters, action, and locations well worth spending time with. The reader, Graeme Malcolm, aptly brings the feel of Scotland to this story. He has great pacing and vocal variety that helps the listener differentiate between characters. The author delivers amusing and realistic character portraits throughout this detective series. The sprinkling of Scottish idioms in this story are charming and take the listener to the highlands. This is a cozy mystery to enjoy on a cold winter’s evening even if you’re not anywhere near the moors.