Title: Death of a Kingfisher
Author: M.C. Beaton
First published February 22, 2012
279 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781472103024 (ISBN10: 1472103025)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
When the sleepy village of Braikie in Scotland is hit by the recession, creative measures are taken to lure tourists to the area. The town’s prized possession, Buchan’s Wood, is renamed “The Enchanted Forest” and a stunning photograph of a kingfisher is used for the brochures.
The plan works like a charm and tourists begin to pour in. However, the town’s luck takes a dark turn when a kingfisher is discovered hanging from a tree branch with a noose around its neck.
As the vandalism intensifies and the town is on the brink of ruin, the locals turn to the ever-reliable Police Constable Hamish Macbeth. But as Hamish delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that animal cruelty is just the beginning of the town’s troubles.
With a murder on his hands, Hamish must race against time to bring the killer to justice before Braikie is destroyed forever.
About the Author
If you’re a fan of historical romance or detective stories, then you may be familiar with the works of Marion Chesney Gibbons. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1936, Marion started her career as a bookseller at John Smith & Sons Ltd and eventually became a theatre critic for the Scottish Daily Mail.
She later worked as a fashion editor for Scottish Field magazine and reported on crime for the Scottish Daily Express. Marion then became the chief woman reporter for the Daily Express in Fleet Street.
After getting married and having a son, Marion moved to the United States with her family. It was there that her husband encouraged her to write historical romances in 1977 under her maiden name, Marion Chesney.
She went on to write over 100 books under her own name and various pseudonyms such as Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester. However, in 1985, she decided to switch to writing detective stories under the name M.C. Beaton.
While on holiday in Sutherland, Marion was inspired to write her first Constable Hamish Macbeth story after taking a course at a fishing school. She and her family eventually moved to the Cotswolds where she created the character of Agatha Raisin.
If you want to learn more about Marion Chesney Gibbons and her work, you can follow her on Facebook or check out her website.
Editoral Review
Death of a Kingfisher by M.C. Beaton is a mystery novel that was published on February 22nd, 2012. M.C. Beaton, whose full name is Marion Chesney Gibbons, was a Scottish writer who passed away in 2019.
She was known for writing mystery novels, including the popular Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series. Death of a Kingfisher is the twenty-eighth installment of the Hamish Macbeth series.
The novel takes place in the fictional village of Lochdubh, Scotland. Hamish Macbeth, the villages police constable, is the protagonist who attempts to solve the mystery of the murder of a local kingfisher, a protected bird.
The murder occurred on the estate of Lord James Lussac, who is known for his cruelty towards animals. Hamishs investigation leads him through the village’s social hierarchy, which includes wealthy landowners, eccentric artists, and quirky locals.
Along the way, he faces conflicting interests while also struggling to unravel the mystery. The book provides a satirical insight into Scotland’s rich elite class and their dealings, which are filled with power struggles and corruption.
Additionally, the novel touches on relevant societal topics such as class, social mobility, and animal welfare. Beaton exemplifies these in the characters of wealthy aristocrats who flaunt their influence and Hamish Macbeth, who is often underestimated and ridiculed by them.
Beatons writing style in the Death of a Kingfisher is easy to read and engaging. The humorous tone balances the darker and more complex aspects of the novel, making it an enjoyable read for mystery lovers.
However, the novel does have some weaknesses, primarily the limited characterization of secondary characters, who are known only by their social standing or occupation. Some may find the pacing slow, and the mystery is predictable, which undermines the suspense.
Despite its flaws, Death of a Kingfisher is a charming and entertaining mystery novel with a unique setting and relatable main characters. This novel is suitable for readers who want a light and humorous read and an excellent pick for fans of the Hamish Macbeth series.
It earns a rating of 3.5 out of 5 for its overall quality, character development, and thematic relevance. That said, there is room for improvement in character development, pacing, and plot twists.
Overall, Death of a Kingfisher is a well-written and satisfying read that is recommended for cozy mystery enthusiasts.
