Death of a maid - M. C Beaton

Done, dusted... and dead!

Armed with a bucket and mop, Mrs Gillespie is destined to bring misery into the life of Hamish Macbeth when he wins her maid services in a church raffle, knowing she is likely to do more snooping than actual cleaning. Yet Hamish has more upsetting issues to ponder - his former girlfriend Elspeth Grant is back in Lochdubh for a holiday with her new boyfriend.

Hamish feels an ill wind coming and sure enough, Mrs Gillespie is soon found dead under suspicious circumstances. And as he investigates the case, Elspeth's presence torments the red-haired bobby , making him resort to foolish antics instead of concentrating on the murder in hand...

Praise for the Hamish Macbeth series:

'First rate ... deft social comedy and wonderfully realized atmosphere.' Booklist

'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status' - Anne Robinson, The Times

'It's always a treat to return to Lochdubh.' - New York Times

'Readers will enjoy the quirks and unique qualities of the cast ... Beaton catches the beauty of the area's natural geography and succinctly describes its distinct flavour.' - Library Journal

'Befuddled, earnest and utterly endearing, Hamish makes his triumphs sweetly satisfying.' - Publishers Weekly

'The much-loved Hamish Macbeth series... beguiling blend of wry humour and sharp observations about rural life.' - Good Book Guide