Death of a Chimney Sweep

By: M. C. Beaton

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In the isolated villages in the north of Scotland, the villagers rely on the services of the chimney sweep, Pete Ray, and his old-fashioned brushes. Pete is always able to find work in the Scottish highlands, until the day that Police Constable Hamish Macbeth notices blood dripping onto the floor of a villager's fireplace, and a dead body stuffed inside the chimney. The entire town of Lochdubh is certain Pete is the culprit, but Hamish doesn't believe that the affable chimney sweep is capable of committing murder. Then Pete's body is found on the Scottish moors, and the mystery deepens. It's up to Hamish to discover who's responsible for the dirty deed--and this time, the murderer may be closer than he realizes.

©2011 Marion Chesney (P)2011 AudioGo

Loads of good writing. Very satisfying

Nice pace, good story, excellent narration.
Loads of fun and a good murder to boot. 😀

Sleepy Town Murders

Would you consider the audio edition of Death of a Chimney Sweep to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the book, only listened to the audio version. I don't know that it's any better, per se, but the story is certainly enhanced by a good narrator. The narrator for this story was a perfect choice!

What did you like best about this story?

The story has many twists and unexpected turns. While the story is mainly based on rather grim murders, I found several occasions to laugh out loud. It was a wonderful listen.

Which scene was your favorite?

One of my favorite scenes is when one of the old twin sisters' calmly take care of an intruder. This was one of the parts that made me laugh.

Any additional comments?

Anyone who enjoys audio books, especially one read by a very talented narrator, will find themselves lost in this story....if you listen while you're walking, you'll go another turn or two around the park just to find out what happens next. I recommend this audio book.

Painting Human Nature

Ms. Chesney paints a very insightful portrait of human nature in this episode of the perils of Hamish Macbeth. Even Hamish is colored with the flaws of selfishness as he seeks to unravel the mystery of why a retired army officer is murdered and stuffed up a chimney. In fact, just about every character in this landscape of life in the isolated villages of northern Scotland is colored with some shade of flawed nature, ranging from fearfulness to an egotistical and insane pride that destroys the lives of at least twelve people and deeply affects the rest of those pictured. And what is the focus of all this trouble; stolen money and the deceitful promise of power and wealth. In the end it tells with a smell that can't be covered. If you're a student of human nature you will find in this painting a depth worth viewing.

I may have a crush on Hamish Macbeth

One of the best ones in the series. I cannot listen to any narrator except Graeme Malcolm. The storyline was great; lots of intrigue, side stories about villagers, Hamish’s pets playing key roles. Loved it.

Must read

Maryann Chesney writes amazing plots with twisted surprises and makes your characters real. Love her writing!

Very entertaining and interesting

Liked a lot. Cute and lots of twists as turns. Keeps one guessing. Also while mysterious it shows good caring people.

Another great Hamish story

Another great Hamish story & it was narrated by Graeme Malcolm who fits the character better than Davina Porter except he did not sound as Scottish in this one. Why? That is part of the charm of the audio books vs. Reading.

Hamish is always entertaining

What did you love best about Death of a Chimney Sweep?

The way the deeds and karma came back to bite some in the butt. Hamish being Hamish

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

thoroughly entertaining

loved it. easy listening but quite a complex story with everyone getting their just desserts

Hamish is wonderful

stumbled on this in my library and listened to it again - it was a wonderful surprise - great story lots of twists and turns and funny too here and there. Love the animals - like it so much I'm going to get all the rest in the series