In this 18th book in the 'Hamish Macbeth' series, the Scottish constable investigates a string of cases. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Police Constable Hamish Macbeth loves his Scottish village of Lochdubh, his job, and his dog Lugs.
Given his druthers, Hamish would be a policeman in Lochdubh forever, but - because of his continual success as a detective - Hamish is constantly in danger of being promoted and sent elsewhere. In fact, Detective Chief Inspector Blair - who's jealous of Hamish - is ALWAYS trying to get the constable transferred. Thus there's an ongoing tug-of-war between Hamish and Blair, which adds to the humor of the series.
As the story opens Hamish stops off at Stoyre - a fishing village on his rounds - and is struck by the odd behavior of the residents.
The people have become furtive, uncommunicative, and obsessed with going to church. Hamish decides to attend a religious service to see what the attraction is, but finds the pastor's sermon uninspiring and uninformative.
Moreover, the house of a 'godless' resident of Stoyre is bombed. Hamish strongly suspects that something villainous is going on, and his investigation uncovers a nefarious scheme.
Hamish also deals with a store owner who was robbed and a woman who's being abused by her husband. Things aren't quite what they seem in these cases, however, and Hamish uses his smarts to winkle out the truth.
Perhaps most serious of all, Hamish hears about an old age home with an unusually high death rate. Aided by a couple of feisty nonagenarians, Hamish exposes a grisly scam.
As usual, recurring characters add interest to the story. These include Elspeth Grant, a journalist who sometimes helps Hamish with his cases. Elspeth wouldn't mind dating the constable, but that won't happen if doggy Lugs has his way.
Other characters are Angela Brody - the doctor's wife, who occasionally dog-sits Lugs; Nessie and Jessie Curry - the village's priggish gossips; Detective Inspector Jimmy Anderson - who can't think without a drink in his hand; Superintendent Peter Daviot - who mediates between Hamish and Blair; and more.
Hamish's professional successes once again put him in danger of promotion, and the constable has to be REALLY wily to avoid this horrible fate.
This is a light entertaining mystery, recommended to fans of cozies.
Rating: 3 stars
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