“Bore” is certainly a typical entry in the long-running, generally light-hearted, Constable Hamish Macbeth series, approaching 30 novels in all. They are set in the village of Lochdubh, northern Scotland, where Hamish uses mostly common sense and knowing his customers to outwit both the villains and his superiors, who mostly treat him like a donkey! In this story, a novelist who has a high and mighty opinion of himself, having published just one book, is involved in the filming of a script he’s written for a popular TV daytime drama. He’s moved to a small village on Hamish’s beat, and roils the townsfolk when he holds a little writing seminar for them, and then rips their efforts to shreds. When he turns up dead shortly thereafter (we have to have somebody murdered after all), Hamish doubts it’s one of his villagers despite the rush to arrest one of them by his obnoxious bully of a superior named Blair (a recurring character). It takes only a few hours for Hamish to clear the man – and to suspect it’s more likely someone linked to the TV show is the perp. As usual, his quiet pursuits eventually lead to the wrongdoers.“Bore” also has the usual romantic comedy relief when confirmed bachelor Hamish reconsiders whether he should broach marriage with the lovely Elspeth, a reporter sent to cover the murder, and a long-time girlfriend. Will he finally pop the question? In sum, we have a light mystery in a familiar setting with familiar characters in a familiar tale – short to read, but pleasant and dependable. We don’t need severe thrills and chills in every book!
This the 21st Macbeth novel and sees Hamish investigating the death of an author who had recently moved into Lochdubh. In the short time before his murder, the writer managed to insult and alienate just about every member of the village, with his attitude and arrogance, especially when he is particularly cruel to the villagers when giving them feedback during a writing course he has started. He's a persistent self-publicist and is so focussed on himself that he bores, and annoys, anyone he comes into contact with. When he is murdered, Hamish must use all his ingenuity and instinct to find the motive, for only then will he be able to find the culprit amongst the many who disliked the victim.As always, this book is an entertaining read with the almost obligatory attempts by Hamish Macbeth to not only avoid the sort of praise from his superiors that might see him promoted and transferred out of Lochdubh, all the time dealing with with a boss he definitely does not see eye-to-eye with. There's also the sub plot of Hamish's love life which lurches from emotional crises to the crashing failure of missed opportunities.I enjoyed this book, filled as it is with quirky characters, both established and passing. It's also notable for the introduction of Sonsie, the Scottish wildcat that adopts Hamish and his dog Lugs and the birth of Angela Brodie's career as an author.
What do You think about Death Of A Bore (2006)?
Well, this is a bit of a surprise. It's the first Hamish Macbeth book I've read. I watched the series with Robert Carlyle years ago and loved in. And this book... well, it doesn't follow the rule, because it's no where near as good as I remember the series being. It's light, polite inoffensive murder mystery, full of standard 2D characters, thin plots, random pointless side plots and so many characters - the whole lot rushed through and not overly well written so the overall effect is a bit... meh. She doesn't seem to like descriptions either so you really don't get a feel for highland life. It was such a bland experience that I think I will be avoiding any more M C Beaton books.For the unitiated, Hamish Macbeth is a local bobby living in a little coastal town right up in the north of Scotland. In this particular book, an arsey writer moves in and starts to run a creative writing course. He's rude to everyone and then he's murdered! Who could have done it?There was also a senes of bitterness in this book towards literature, towards book prizes, towards stories that are gritty, towards urban literature...hmmm. I guess this one just wasn't for me.
—Ape
Sandford, JohnChosen PreyCrime Fiction/2001/Putnam-Berkley/383 pgs#12 in the Prey/Lucas Davenport seriesLate 1990's/Early 2000's / Minneapolis, MNLucas Davenport; detective/investigator1st Lines: James Qatar dropped his feet over the edge of the bed & rubbed the back of his neck, a momentary veil of depression falling upon him. Comments: Aaaahhhhh... nice to be back w/ the Prey series. Never stopped liking it, just so many books, so little time and trying to make way for new authors. Darn to all those well-meaning friends, conventions and indy bookstore sellers who just had to introduce me to so many other books/authors -- LOL. I'm trying to revisit some of my older faves -- and happy to say I didn't feel like a decade had passed since my last read & hoping I will not wait another for the next one in the series. In this entry, art history professor takes photos of women and places them on x-rated images...eventually needing further excitement he kills his "chosen" women -- usually of a type -- blonde, young, living alone and usually somehow related to the arts.5/A
—Pam
Death of a BoreBy: M.C. Beaton2005MysteryThe protagonist is Hamish Macbeth a Police Sergeant in Lochdubh, Scotland in modern day. In this story there is a man named John Heppal. He is a writer from out of town. His wife is taking writing classes and he thinks she is going because she wants to see the “fancy” man. Him and his wife got into a fight when she said she was going to write a romance novel and he was constantly discouraging her. Hamish saw this and he made a remark that John beats his w
—Adam
