What do You think about A Highland Christmas (2002)?
This book was the first 'Hamish' book I have read after enjoying the TV show many years ago. The characters were one dimensional and their speech very stilted. There were none of the TV characters except for 'Hamish' himself. I felt the author was just going through the motions and churning out 'another' book. In fact I felt it was a bit of a rip off as the story consisted of only 134 pages net the last 25 pages being the opening chapters of the authors next book. As for the story itself it was set around two crimes one of a 'missing cat' and the other of stolen christmas lights plus tree - need I say more! Added to this mix is the expected Christmas 'feel good'elements of neighbours pulling together and saving a child's Christmas. You have heard it all before - give it a miss!
—Anthony Fisher
Besides playing "Winter Wonderland" and "Let It Snow" on the piano, we decided to read this holiday novella to try to outsmart 100+ degree heat this summer!! Beaton's regular village constable, Hamish Macbeth, is featured - but we guess our author skipped her usual "Death Of A" title as actually nobody dies in this one. There is a lost cat to contend with, and some Christmas decorations have been stolen from a nearby village for which Hamish has temporary responsibility, and that's plenty to keep our inquisitive lawman busy. Moreover, Hamish soon enough finds out why one of the village ladies is such a grouch, and cleverly pairs her up with a teenaged girl who's in Dutch with her parents, much to the benefit of both. While most readers will blitz through this short work in an hour or less, it is a charming little holiday tale that pleases and warms the heart.
—Jerry
I got this book in my stocking, along with a lump of coal. The coal was the highlight… Sorry, sorry, let me start over. In the spirit of the generosity in which it was given, a proper review:+1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ½ + 1 – 1 – ½ - ½ = 3 ½ stars+1 SNAPPY DIALOG: “What’s up with you, Constable? Standing about like a great loon. Shouldn’t you be about your duties?” I got a kick out of how all the locals take it upon themselves to bully Hamish, almost like it’s their civic duty. I believe this is healthy behavior. In fact I plan to adopt it in all my future dealings with the police. -1 HUMBUG: To the question "What will you be doing for Christmas?" the response "Sitting getting drunk & trying not to put my foot through the telly. Do you know they're showing The Sound of Music again? It's enough to drive a man mad” Almost changed this to a plus.+1 NO PLOT: (view spoiler)[Someone pinched Mrs. Gallagher’s cat. Oh, and a string of lights, and a tree. That's it..."Probably the Free Presbyterian’s, so uptight they believe if they don’t keep the blankets tight over their feet at night the pope will sneak down the chimney & bites their toes” (hide spoiler)]
—Florence (Lefty) MacIntosh
