Death of a Kingfisher

A Hamish Macbeth Mystery

By: M. C. Beaton

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

When Scotland is hit by the recession, Police Constable Hamish Macbeth notices that the Highland people are forced to come up with inventive ways to lure tourists to their sleepy towns. The quaint village of Braikie doesn't have much to offer, other than a place of rare beauty called Buchan's Wood, which was bequeathed to the town. The savvy local tourist director renames the woods "The Fairy Glen," and has brochures printed with a beautiful photograph of a kingfisher rising from a pond on the cover. It isn't long before coach tours begin to arrive. But just as the town's luck starts to turn, a kingfisher is found hanging from a branch in the woods with a noose around its neck. As a wave of vandalism threatens to ruin Braikie forever, the town turns to Hamish Macbeth. And when violence strikes again, the lawman's investigation quickly turns from animal cruelty to murder.

©2012 Marion Chesney. All rights reserved. (P)2012 AudioGo

Not up to parr

Would you try another book from M. C. Beaton and/or Graeme Malcolm?

I have read or listened to almost all of Beaton's books - Hamish McBeth and Mrs. Raisin. I liked them all but this one was missing something, besides being unbelievable.

Also, while the narrator isn't bad and I wouldn't mind him in another book, his performance in this one was a disappointment. For one thing, he was just too British sounding for a story in the Scottish highlands. But he also just didn't capture Hamish's personality.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Graeme Malcolm?

I wouldn't listen to another Hamish McBeth book with him. He might be "okay" in other locations.

Was Death of a Kingfisher worth the listening time?

It wasn't horrible... I did listen to it.. but I wouldn't be inspired to read another Beaton book if I didn't know her other books were better.

We don't need random music in the background

This book has annoying music that plays in the background that's not only banal, but unrelated to what's going on in the plot. It's as if someone randomly turned odd bits of music on and off. It's distracting and doesn't enhance the experience of listening to the book. An author's work can speak for itself. It doesn't need embellishments. As for the text, this is another entertaining MacBeth book well-read by Malcom. Please, no more sound effects.

Not the best

What did you like best about Death of a Kingfisher? What did you like least?

I really enjoy the Hamish series in general, this was not very exciting though.

Would you recommend Death of a Kingfisher to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, it's definitely worth a read.

Have you listened to any of Graeme Malcolm’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He does a great job.

Could you see Death of a Kingfisher being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Such a convoluted plot

The plot was so convoluted, so torturous. It was the beginning of one book slapped on to the end of different book.

Not as Good as it Should Be

Would you try another book from M. C. Beaton and/or Graeme Malcolm?

I have read many of M.C. Beaton's books. I am not sure if I would read another Hamish book, though.

What could M. C. Beaton have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

This needed a more plausible story line, more deeply developed characters, and less hopelessness.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The performance is fine but not as good as some of the narrators of earlier books. The accents would often slip and the narrator didn't seem to understand the characters.

Did Death of a Kingfisher inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

It may be time for M.C. Beaton to quit writing Hamish books, and this book has all the hallmarks of a lead-up to a sendoff. I would anticipate that the next Hamish book has him fading into the sunset in some way, and that would probably be good. The author seems to have stopped liking Hamish and the Highlands. Her stories used to make me want to fly to Inverness immediately and hire a car to drive all around northern Scotland. Now she makes it sound simply drug-ridden, depressed, and dumpy. I don't know if the author is deeply bitter or if she's just lost interest, but if you are a Hamish fan, you might leave off with Death of a Chimney Sweep.

Disturbing and Disappointing

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you like the usual Hamish books, this is not for you. Evil children (who remain on the loose) are only part of the problem. International crime, barely explained murders, all a jumble. Skip this one.

Has Death of a Kingfisher turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, I think this was a aberration. All the other Hamish books have been quite entertaining, slyly amusing and calm.

What about Graeme Malcolm’s performance did you like?

I like his voice and portrayal. Good Scots accent.

Could you see Death of a Kingfisher being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

NO

Any additional comments?

Had bad dreams about it the night after I finished....unheard of for me.

Hamish, a Russian? Really?

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I don't know. Someone who doesn't expect a mystery to be remotely believable.

What was most disappointing about M. C. Beaton’s story?

Disappointing because I expect a much better story from M. C. Beaton. Is someone else writing for her now?

Have you listened to any of Graeme Malcolm’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I enjoy Graeme Malcolm. His voice and what he brings to the story. Unfortunately, even he couldn't make this story believable.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment that Hamish has come to this and anger that I paid money to listen to it. Are there no believable, interesting, nice characters in the Scottish villages Hamish patrols.
If I were Scottish I wouldn't be happy.

Any additional comments?

Come on M. C. Beaton, stop churning them out and write a good one, like you use to. I'm looking forward to the new Agatha Raisin and hope I won't be disappointed.

Not up to snuff

I read/listened to -- and enjoyed -- many in this series, and, unfortunately, this is the worst I've found. The story is too complex and too unbelievable. Keep it simple, Harmish....

Bad language!

I would have liked the story if the author could have written it without the use of vile language. I like the narrator.

A bit implausible, but okay

These Hamish Macbeth books are enjoyable, escapist fun and this one falls into that category.