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Title: Murderous Mooching
Review: The Happy Wanderer health farm on the weird little island of Eileencraig is the setting for an odd cast of characters and (of course) a murder. Hamish MacBeth, police constable of the Highland village of Lochdubh, is implored by ex-fiancé Priscilla to come to the rescue of an acquaintance who runs and owns the health farm and has found herself the victim of a couple of "accidents." Hamish finds it a excellent excuse to mooch a free holiday. A wee fey truck along with Beaton's usual delightful dialogue, well drawn characters and starkly vivid landscape are only part of the charm of this story. The murder victim, is as always, totally unlikable, the suspects numerous, and the plot twists and turns but never loses its pace. Will this be the turning point for the unlucky in love Hamish? Or the final straw in the career of this ever un-ambitious police constable? A clever whodunit, with all the wonderful bits and pieces Ms. Beaton formulaically delivers in an artfully distinct manner.
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