My favorite one so far. I particularly loved the ending. lol

Hamish Macbeth has such a difficult time juggling his romantic endeavors, his superiors and all the clues that happen in this mystery where someone sends poison pen letters to folks--some of whom are subsequently murdered. But as always, Hamish foils the murderers, his superior, and ... well you just need to read this to learn about the romances!

One of the better Hamish Macbeth stories. A complicated mystery in Braikie. A poison pen writer is terrorizing the townsfolk, which leads to suicide (or as Hamish suspects murder). Local reporter Elspeth continues as a potential love interest. Hamish also has to deal with Jenny, a friend of Priscilla's who decides to make her jealous by pursuing him. But Jenny has no idea how different Lochdubh (and the locals) are from the big city she's used to. When she decides to help on the case, she finds herself in for a lot more excitement than she counted on!
I do find it annoying when the author falls back on, "they're secretly crazy" as a motive.

Hamish solves two murders in this novel. This time he has a little help and plenty of people around him taking credit for solving the murders. Good thing for Lochdubh he is good at solving them. Hamish also solves who was behind the threatening letters being sent to the people in Lochdubh. Good story.

"...neither knew much about not understood wild animals, the sort of people who would shake their heads and say, 'Animals are better than people any day,' by which they meant that they demanded unconditional love from dogs and cats but found humans too difficult." (183)

"'I sometimes think the land up here and the long black winters and the isolation twist people's minds,' said Hamish. 'The soil is thin and the rock is old and there are parts up here where something bad has happened, oh, maybe long ago, and you can feel the malignancy seeping out of the very ground.'" (215)

The main new characters in this installment were a bit over-the-top unbelievable, but it was still, as always, a fun read.

M.C. Beaton's "Death of a Poison Pen" is a charming addition to the Hamish Macbeth series. It is a captivating mystery set in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. As the 19th installment in the series, Beaton once again demonstrates her mastery in crafting engaging plots and endearing characters.

In this story, the village of Lochdubh is shaken by the malicious activities of a poison-pen letter writer. The letters stir up old grudges and ignite new tensions. The ever-resourceful Hamish Macbeth must uncover the truth behind the poison pen's identity before any more damage is caused. Beaton skillfully weaves a web of secrets, motives, and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the end.

Her ability to infuse each story with warmth, wit, and a deep sense of place makes Beaton's work stand out. The Scottish Highlands come alive on the page, evoking a sense of coziness and nostalgia that makes readers feel right at home. And, of course, Hamish Macbeth remains as charming and cunning as ever, endearing himself to readers with his unassuming manner and keen detective skills.

"Death of a Poison Pen" is a testament to Beaton's talent for crafting engaging mysteries that entertain and enchant readers. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or new to the world of Hamish Macbeth, this book will surely delight you with its clever twists, charming characters, and idyllic Scottish setting. It is a must-read for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

5 stars.

#19 is a solid addition to the series. Someone is sending poison pen letters to folks, and Hamish is concerned that it will come to no good. And true to his concerns, there's a death. Then another, and connected to the letters. Who could have done it? Then there's a friend of Priscilla's that comes on the scene, to try to seduce Hamish (to make Priscilla jealous).

So lots going on and the stories are well connected. Kept my interest and I thought who had done it made sense. All in all, and enjoyable story.

This is my favourite kind of mystery. Poison pen letters and a crime whose origins are based in the past. Another good one from Beaton. I am steadily working my way through the entire series but not in order as you will tell but enjoying each one. Weather is awful so I read at least one a day. Sometimes I feel like I am living in the Highlands myself.

Hamish MacBeth knows poison pen letters lead to trouble and sure enough they do. Two murders, a post mistress and a former head of school. A friend of Priscilla's Jenny goes north to try to take up with Hamish. But her time is marked by bodily harm. Hamish is still Hamish and he goes about solving the murders in Death of a Poison Pen. M.C. Beaton is always entertaining when writing these mysteries.

Great twisty plot-didn't see the solution coming-loved the ending!