While I had heard of mystery writer M.C. Beaton, often through rave reviews, I had not read any of Beaton's books. So, naturally, I jumped at the chance to not only read her new book, Death of a Maid, but also to interview her. The book is scheduled for an early February 2007 release.
If you, like me, are used to reading books by Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos with lots of corrupt cops, shootings, traffic congestion, and other inner city problems, this book may be a bit jarring at first. I know it was for me.
But soon you adjust to the quieter environment of the small towns in which Beaton's characters reside in Scotland. In this book, Scottish detective Hamish Macbeth investigates what happened to a gossipy maid whose services he and others used regularly. As he interrogates the folk in town in his own special way, we get to know them, quirks and all.
Since the story involves a gossip-mongering maid, I have to ask - have you ever had a maid and was she a gossip?
No, I never had a gossipy maid, and by that I mean a malicious one who does her work badly - like the one in Death of a Maid. But I have known people who have suffered by employing such a woman and because they are frightened of such a person, they dub that person "a real character" so as to avoid a confrontation by giving the useless woman the sack.
I am going to ask you a question I also asked Laura Lippman. What are the benefits of having a recurring character? Do you ever find it limiting in any way?
I find the benefit is that I am already familiar with all the quirks of personality and the setting.
What are the pros and cons of using the same setting? How would the protagonist, Hamish Macbeth, fare if asked to solve crimes in a big city in Europe? Or in America?
Article comments
1 - Scott Butki
Any other Beaton fans?
2 - ProfEssays
It's a boring author and boring book.
3 - Angus
I like the Macbeth series. It's as light as gossamer and more enjoyable for the wry humor and characters than for the plots or "mysteries" but very entertaining.
I've never read the AR series because it sounds too feminine and the Macbeth series is about as "cozy" as I can go.
4 - Dona
I love M.C.Beaton books. Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth are wonderful characters. I always look forward to the next book with anticipation.
5 - Cindy
I really enjoy all the Hamish Macbeth books. Personally, I find Agatha as much pain as pleasure to read. I also enjoy her books under the name Marion Chesney.
6 - Paula
My idea of heaven is listening to Davina Porter read M.C. Beaton's "Death of ..." series
7 - Scott Butki
Sounds great
8 - Eileen Regan
I've been compiling M.C. Beaton books' facts and quotes for about six years, and have at least 2000 entries. I thought I would try and publish a "Companion Guide" with quizzes and crosswords.
I'd be happy to receive questions from other fans, or suggestions about what to put in this book.
Needless to say, I get lost in all of the works of this author, certainly Hamish is a long way from NYC.
Regards, E Regan
I also wish that she would publish a follow up to "Skeleton in the Closet".
9 - deborah broadrick
I love reading about agatha, I find her quiter entertaing, I once saw I woman coming from our Post office and mentally said there goes agatha. The details are great. Can't wait to see what trouble she will get into next. Also the lovable Hamish, I like the escape to the village, with the very small town life. Its fun and doesn't keep you up at night. Very nice quiet reading.
10 - jeanette
I love Agatha Raisen, and have fallen in love with Hamish Macbeth. I have had many hours of pleasure reading these book`s, they are uplifting and I would love Agatha as a friend.
11 - Martha
I started reading the Agatha Rasin books a few months ago after checking one out at my public library. I have read several since. I love them. Agatha makes me laugh out loud. I plan on reading all that the library carries, and then move on to the Hamish Macbeth series. I think a 1/2 hour show on public tv the Agatha Rasin series would be great entertainment. There are already a number of British shows on that are quite good.
12 - Helen Wood
I wish M C Beaton eternal life. The world would be a very boring place without the antics of "Aggie and Hamish".I have all the Agatha books and have started to collect all the Hamish ones.
13 - Barbara in N. FL
My favorite books for almost a year are the Agatha and MacBeth books by Beaton. I enjoyed your interview and finding out that she considers herself quite different from Agatha! I'll admit I was very curious about how much she might be like her. The character is so real, with lots of flaws, but loveable and clever in her own sometimes bumbling way. As Ms Beaton said above, the books provide a great escape. It's wonderful to be transported to Scotland, that environment which is so different from my own. From watching the MacBeth DVD's (which our library rents) which I recommend, I can now imagine the scenery better, even though I was fortunate enough to visit Scotland decades ago.