Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Death of a Nurse - M.C. Beaton - Review AND Giveaway

I don't read a lot of 'cozy' mysteries, but when I do my choice is M.C. Beaton. She is the author of two very light hearted mystery series set in Scotland. Of the two, I enjoy the Hamish Macbeth tales just a tad bit more than Agatha Raisin, although they're both wonderful.

The latest MacBeth (#31!) is Death of a Nurse. It releases today - and I have a copy to giveaway!

Death of a Nurse happily returns us to the small Scottish village of Lochdubh, where Police Sergeant Hamish MacBeth is based. (with no plans to leave or moved up in rank) I happily settled down to catch up with familiar characters and places - Patel's grocery, the Currie sisters, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, Jimmy Anderson, Hamish's nemesis DCI Blair and more.

Hamish's beat covers a large territory. (And a seemingly inordinate amount of murders!) While introducing himself to a new resident, he meets not just the wealthy older gentleman but his attractive nurse. Hamish has an eye for the lassies, and asks her out. Gloria is a no show for dinner.....but her body appears on the beach a few days later.

Beaton's books follow a comfortable, comforting, cozy pattern. Hamish is usually the one to solve the murders, but eschews the limelight, for fear of having to leave his beloved live-in police station. Daviot and Blair do their best to try and rid themselves of MacBeth, but haven't been successful yet. Hamish himself is still looking for love, but he too has been unsuccessful. Beaton introduces new characters as the books progress - usually a new Constable for Hamish to work with.  One longstanding character departs in this book, to my surprise.

The mysteries aren't overly complicated, but it's the journey to the whodunits that's the most enjoyable. Death of a Nurse is another fun entry in this long-running series. Read an excerpt.

"M. C. Beaton has won international acclaim for her New York Times bestselling Hamish Macbeth mysteries. The BBC has aired 24 episodes based on the series. Beaton is also the author of the bestselling Agatha Raisin series, which will air as an eight-episode dramatic series on Sky1, starring Ashley Jensen. She lives in the Cotswolds with her husband. For more information, you can visit Beaton on her website or connect with her on Facebook."


And if you think you'd like to read the full book, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below! Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends March 5/16.

17 comments:

jemrah said...

thanks for the contest - I love cozy mysteries!!

Erin P said...

love these books!

Patti V said...

Mysteries are not my usual go to, but this sounds pretty good!

traveler said...

This mystery sounds intriguing. Thanks

holdenj said...

I love Agatha, haven't read as many Hamish! Thanks for the chance to win!

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

La la LOVE these cozy mysteries! :)

skkorman said...

I love Beaton's work—thanks for the chance to win a copy of Death of a Nurse!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

Karen B said...

This series is terrific! Can't wait to read the latest.

Unknown said...

I love a good mystery!

Grandma Cootie said...

I always forget how much I enjoy Hamish, like visiting old friends. Thanks for the giveaway.

Sue Farrell said...

This is a wonderful series. I feel like I really know Hamish.

Vicki said...

I've had both series on my radar for a long time, but haven't read them yet. So many books!

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

Sounds like an excellent book, I would love to read it.

Nancy said...

Love this author, thanks.

Margie said...

I enjoy this author, but haven't read this series for a long time. Thanks for the giveaway.

Tammy Dalley said...

THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the chance to win :)