Beaton, M. C. Hamish Macbeth Mysteries. #bk. 26

Read by Graeme Malcolm

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 is responsible for the dirty deed-and this time, the murderer may be closer than he realizes. "Cozy fans who value amusing characters over intricate plotting will be well satisfied." "The Scottish highlands that Beaton depicts with such skill are beautiful and sinister, a fitting backdrop to her Hamish Macbeth series and especially to this one, her twenty-sixth craggy-cozy…Great stuff, as usual." "Malcolm's reading makes it obvious the story takes place in Scotland. His authentic brogue is melodious, gentle, and clear as a bell." "Apart from the puzzle, Hamish's latest advances the career and love life of the clever, stubborn Scot."

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