Death of a Hussy

Book Description

"Splendid fun." The New York Times Book Review
A Hamish Macbeth mystery.
Wealthy Maggie Baird is neither nice nor kind nor generous. Once she was beautiful, but now, although middle-aged, she retains the appetites of a beautiful woman. When Maggie's car catches fire with her inside it, suspicion focuses on the five houseguests staying at Maggie's luxurious Highlands cottage: her timid niece and four former lovers, once of whom Maggie had intended to pick for a husband. All five are impecunious. All five had ample opportunity to monkey with Maggie's car. So finding who did it requires all Police Constable Hamish Macbeth's extraordinary common sense and insight into human nature. And lazy lout though he may be, Hamish lets no grass grow under his feet when it comes to solving a murder. Especially when he may be the next target.

Customer Reviews:

The Best Book in the Hamish Macbeth Series!.......2007-01-12

What's a hussy? The definition that fits this book is "an immoral woman." As you can imagine, hussies are not well regarded in the conservative Scottish highlands. Put a hussy in that locale, and the results can be explosive.

If you love Hamish Macbeth mysteries, you have a great treat ahead of you with Death of a Hussy. But if you haven't read any of the books in the series, you owe it to yourself to begin with the excellent, Death of a Gossip. Then go on to read the books in order of their publication. You'll enjoy the development of the ongoing characters better that way.

As the book opens, Hamish has been banished to Strathbane to be beat officer. His new partner there proves to be a good foil for lots of humor. But he misses Lochdubh. Feeling forlorn, rescue comes from an unexpected direction: New resident Maggie Baird suggests that the locals make up imaginary crimes to force the powers to be to send Hamish back . . . even though she's never met him. Strathbane capitulates and Hamish returns. Then the story leaps forward in time as Maggie retires from the scene to work on recovering her previous good looks from the days when she was a highly sought-after companion for rich men. Her timid niece, Allison, remains behind with one thing on her mind: Becoming a driver. Hamish is pressed into duty as her driving instructor. The book alternates between Hamish and Allison as the narrators, and the contrast enlivens the story development. Maggie unexpectedly returns, much thinner, more toned, with freshly dyed and cropped hair, and wearing expensive clothes. But she's in a bad mood. She has set up four of her former lovers in competition to marry her for her money. In the meantime, Maggie makes life difficult for Allison, her heir. When Maggie dies following a suspicious car fire, the criminal investigation part of Death of a Hussy begins. You probably won't have any trouble figuring out who the murderer is, but it's a most enjoyable story. There's also a development on the Priscilla-Hamish front to look forward to.

Death of a Hussy has several qualities that make it stand out from other books in the series:

1. The subplots are long, interesting, and invariably humorous.
2. The time involved isn't compressed into just a few days. As a result, there's more room for interaction and development in relations among the characters.
3. There's more variety of locales than usual.
4. The humor is much stronger throughout the book. You almost get a sense of M.C. Beaton as being a perfectly happy person in reading this book.
5. The plot nicely brings out new dimensions of the on-going characters in ways that strengthen the series for future books.

This book shows much more care in planning and execution than the earlier or later books in the series. It's as though M.C. Beaton realized that she had a potentially bigger winner on her hands if she made some mid-course corrections in the series . . . and those corrections are perfect!

The continuing adventures of Hamish Macbeth.......2005-06-02

Constable Macbeth has an unusual problem, he is too good at his job. Crime in the village is down, way down mostly because Macbeth is very good at his job. Unfortunately for Macbeth, this coupled with the fact that his superiors suspect (rightly) that he is better at his job than they, has led to his assignment to a larger town. Macbeth is miserable there and the village of Lochdubh is miserable without him. What to do? New village resident Maggie Baird has a suggestion, Lochdubh needs a crime wave, one that can only be checked by Macbeth. Once Macbeth returns home the crime rate does return with yet another murder in this sleepy little town.

This is another in the Hamish Macbeth series of cozy mysteries. We are again treated to scenes of village life and given the chance to spend some time with the charming young constable. Of course there is a little more progress, of a sort, into the stumbling romance of Hamish and Priscilla and oh yes, there is this little murder thing.

The only complaint I have about this one is that it's a bit short (150 pages). I would have enjoyed a couple more twists to the plot and maybe a bit more time in Lochdubh, especially with Hamish and Priscilla.

Another First Class Macbeth!.......2003-09-18

Ms. Beaton is the queen of village mysteries, and each one of her Hamish Macbeth books is as delightful as the last. In this one, the story starts with Hamish living in Strathbane where he has been tranferred. He's not a happy man because he has had to move from his beloved Lochdubh. The villagers of Lochdubh aren't happy either, and they stage a number of "crimes" in their small village which forces the authorities to send Hamish and Towser back where they want to be. But in true Hamish fashion, murder seems to follow his reinstatement. One of the villagers is burned inside her car, and it's apparent to Hamish that it was murder. He opens up a whole wasp's nest of potential murderers, and it's up to Hamish to find the one who did it. This book is a delight - offbeat and funny.

A bonbon treat of a cozy........2002-12-17

Short and sweet and jam-packed with fun, DEATH OF A HUSSY is the fifth in the series of Hamish Macbeth mysteries. There are some really colorful characters here. Beaton is so good at creating characters with both good and bad sides. Even the "hussy" has some good points -- and the combination of characters can be pretty funny. Satisfying conclusion. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Fast and Fun read.......2002-10-07

Hamish is stationed in Strathbane, due to the downsizing of constabularies in the Highlands. He is unhappy with living in the city and with the attitude of his new partner. The residents of Lochdubh are unhappy with the situation also. A new woman in town suggests that they stage a series of fake crimes to get him back, it works. Mrs. Baird is something of a femme fatale, encased in a layer of fat. She is a former professional hussy and has amassed a fortune with her looks. She has taken in a niece recovering from cancer, and turned her into a secretary, unpaid of course. When she goes away to restore her looks, her niece is charged with typing up her filthy memoirs. The girl wants to learn how to drive and to get a proper job, but Mrs. Baird forbids it. Hamish teaches her to drive and she is feeling independent until her aunt returns home and announces that she is getting married again and cutting the niece out of her will. She is killed shortly thereafter and the niece and Mrs. Baird's four suitors are the main suspects.

This is a typical Hamish McBeth book. The mystery isn't difficult, but the characters and story line are alot of fun.

Average customer rating:
3 Titles By M.C. Beaton Hamish MacBeth Series : Death of a Hussy - Death of a Snob - Death of a Village
M.C. Beaton
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VTECHW

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

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Death For a Hussy
Aylwin Lee Martin
Manufacturer: New York Graphic Books #45 1952.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MUQ5QG

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Death for a Hussy

Manufacturer: Graphic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000DEMKZQ

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Death for a Hussy
Allison Holt
Manufacturer: Red Dagger
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NE0M2Y

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Death for a Hussy
Aylwin Lee Martin
Manufacturer: Graphic Publication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TZ71PI

DEATH OF A HUSSY - A HAMISH MACBETH MYSTERY

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DEATH OF A HUSSY - A HAMISH MACBETH MYSTERY
M.C. Beaton
Manufacturer: Ivy Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WE7DPY

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Death of a hussy.
M. C. Beaton
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M17I6Q

3 Titles in Hamish Macbeth Series - Death of a Prankster - Death of a Hussy - Death of a Cad

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3 Titles in Hamish Macbeth Series - Death of a Prankster - Death of a Hussy - Death of a Cad
M. C. Beaton
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Product Description

3 massmarket paperback Titles in Hamish Macbeth Series - Death of a Prankster - Death of a Hussy - Death of a Cad

4 PBs by M.C. Beaton: Death of a Snob, Outsider, Gossip, Hussy (Hamish Macbeth Mystery)

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4 PBs by M.C. Beaton: Death of a Snob, Outsider, Gossip, Hussy (Hamish Macbeth Mystery)
M. C. Beaton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VV2UJM

Product Description

Paperbacks

Book Description

Following up on the World Fantasy Award-winning Leviathan 3, Leviathan 4 is a Baedeker of the fantastical, exploring the character of cities and the city as character, mapping the streets of the imagination. This fourth volume of the Leviathan series takes the reader to a variety of cities in all their splendor and decadence. Explore the streets of the imagination, wander the byways, and hear the stories of these fantastical foci with such authors as Philip K. Dick Award winner Stepan Chapman, International Horror Guild Award Winner Michael Cisco, and "The Etched City" author KJ Bishop. What others have said about previous volumes in the Leviathan series: "Literary decadence is the credo of Leviathan: elaborately languorous prose, ambitious and sometimes esoteric symbolism, flamboyant grotesquerie, the sensibility of the sophisticatedly jaded aesthete. This is a recipe for fine, unusual writing, for startlingly unconventional textual effects; Leviathan . . . is a feast for palates this way inclined . . . Decadent fantasy has rarely had this attractive and substantial a vehicle." -- Nick Gevers, Locus ". . . The variety and ambition of this compilation mandates that lovers of speculative fiction consider it for their own self-defined libraries." -- Publishers Weekly Contents: Michael Cisco, "The City of God" Ben Peek, "The Dreaming City" Jay Lake, "The Soul Bottles" Catherine Kasper, "Encyclopedia of Ubar" Allan Kausch, "Mimosa in Heligola" KJ Bishop, "We the Enclosed" Stepan Chapman, "The Revenge of the Calico Cat" Darla Beasley, "The City of Lost Languages" Ursula Pflug, "The Wizard of Wardenclyffe" Tim Jarvis, "The Imaginary Anatomy of a Horse"

Customer Reviews:

Another good Leviathan.......2004-11-28

Jeff VanderMeer's Leviathan series of anthologies is one of the most remarkable such series going (though VanderMeer's taking a break from editorial duties this time around, leaving them to Forrest Aguirre). The first volume was subtitled Into the Gray, and had stories ranging from "mainstream" to "genre." The second focussed on novellas rather than stories. The third gigantic volume, in addition to winning at least one WFA, also has one of the longest subtitles on my bookshelf: Libri quosdam ad sciéntiam, álios ad insaniam deduxére. This fouth, Cities, has an obvious enough theme, and while it's not as good as some of the previous entries, it's not bad, either.

The first thing you note when you pick up the book is its hideously gorgeous cover. Though the cover art is credited to Myrtle Vondamitz III, the only writing I could find on the cover, in the very lower right corner, was, oddly enough, in Hebrew. Simcha, a name meaning "happiness." Already I was intrigued.

Looking past the cover, I noted that there was no introduction, which was too bad. I like introductions to anthologies, or at least frame stories. Some sort of overview of what I'm about to get into. Oh, well.

Having read the stories, I guess my taste in fiction is closer to VanderMeer's than to Aguirre's, because I've more consistently enjoyed the stories in the other volumes than here. Here, some of the stories were excellent, some weren't really stories at all but experimental fiction psuedo-story type things, some I didn't understand, and at least one simply left me cold.

"The City of God" by Michael Cisco is a very surreal, dreamlike story. If you've ever read any of Cisco's novels, you'll know that he can be a very pleasantly difficult writer. The problem I have with his writing on occasion is that I can't always tell whether he's bending grammatical rules for effect, or if a particular sentence is just sloppy. Either way, this is a story without much substance or plot, but a whole lot of language and city-ness.

"The Dreaming City" by Ben Peek is almost a great story. A story of Mark Twain dreaming in Sydney Harbour's dream, it's a wonderful Australian story that had me wondering just how much of it had actually happened, and left me wanting more than ever to visit Australia. The reason the story doesn't quite achieve greatness is that, as one of its characters once said, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug," and it seems that in this story there were a lot of almost right words, keeping sentences that should have been fantastic merely workmanlike. Still, a highly recommended story.

"The Soul Bottles" by Jay Lake may be the best story in this collection and is, along with "The Dreaming City," the most straightforward.

"Encyclopedia of Ubar" by Catherine Kasper is not a story at all, although it feels like it could fit into one somehow. Despite a couple of interesting images near the end, it really did nothing for me.

Star Wars fans should recognize the name of the writer of "Mimosa in Heligola," Allan Kausch. "Editorial note: This tale was composed using an obsessive collage technique. Each word was cut out, pondered, abandoned, rescued, positioned, repositioned and then finally glued down. Conventional punctuation would only slow it down and make it boring." An intriguing, very readable story of the seemingly self-writing variety, this was another worthy entry.

"We the Enclosed" by KJ Bishop is my favorite story in the anthology. Kirsten Bishop is one of the most exciting new writers out there; I liken her to Matt Stover in that I've yet to read anything by her that I haven't enjoyed tremendously. Even when I don't immediately "get" what she's writing, I love the way she writes it, though this story I get. It's funny and a bit sad and hopeful and a pleasure to read.

"The Revenge of the Calico Cat" is another gem by extraordinarily underknown writer Stepan Chapman. Set in Raggedy Ann and Andyland, though its stuffed-animal characters don't know that, it's tragic, bleak, hilarious and quite unlike anything I've read before.

"The City of Lost Languages" by Darla Beasley started off on the wrong foot, but then proceeded to break my heart before ending with a not-so-good poem.

"The Wizard of Wardenclyffe" by Ursula Pflug left me cold. This surprised me, as in some other reviews I read it's touted as the best story here, but hey, de gustibus non est disputandum. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever particularly cared for an Ursula Pflug story. The last one I read, Album Zutique's "Python," didn't do it for me either.

The final story in this volume, "The Imaginary Anatomy of a Horse," is a fun story-within-a-story-within-a-story-etc sort of story that works well enough. Call me Ishmael.

In the end, this anthology had a fair number of good stories, but they didn't come together as more than the sum of their parts as the best anthologies will. Chances are, if you're thinking of picking this book up, you'll already know if you like the kind of stuff you find in it -- and you'll still find something new, different, and exciting. But it's not the best of its type, and if you haven't already, I recommend picking up Leviathan 3 instead.

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LEVIATHAN 4 - CITIES
Forrest (editor) Michael Cisco, Ben Peek, Jay Lake, Catherine Kasper, Allan Kausch, K.J. Bishop, Stephan Chapman, Darla Beasley, Ursula Pflug, Tim Jarvis Aguirre
Manufacturer: Nightshade Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000P0Y0FQ

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Renegade's Honor (Renegade Legion)
William Keith
Manufacturer: FASA Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1555600573

Book Description

Fascinating interviews and behind-the-pit grilling stories with celebrity drivers including Kyle Petty, Sterling Marlin, and others.

No-nonsense grilling recipes, including rib-tickling appetizers, entrées, sides, and desserts, each illustrated with full-color photos guaranteed to make mouths water.

An insider's guide to the NASCAR racetrack—chock-full of track lore related by a man with years of experience in the NASCAR pits.

Organized by geographical regions—Big John's authentic voice enlivens each region's personality, folding in his favorite restaurants and hot spots, racetrack stories, and regionally styled recipes loaded with fresh, local ingredients.

Big John's most successful grilling hints and tips, including super shortcuts and flavor boosters.

Customer Reviews:

Big John Rocks!.......2007-04-24

All I can say is WOW...I just got back from Phoenix Raceway and had the opportunity to tailgate with Big John and the Ginn Racing Team...Big John is FABULOUS...The food was hearty and healthy too! Can you believe he made me eat all my veggies??? Well that was not hard to do because they were delicious...I am a Soldier in the Army and I have sampled some of the finest chow around the world...And I must say that Big John is the man!!! I am purchasing this book because I am a believer...Absolutley OUTSTANDING chow...A big "HOOAH" to Big John...Army Strong!

Gotta have it.......2006-12-16

It is an answesome cookbook. The sloppy joes are A must make. There are even Deserts in there.

Big John's wonderful!.......2006-10-24

If you have NEVER tasted anything this man cooks, on or off the track

GET THIS BOOK!

He's a great friend and a great cook. I've been lucky enough to enjoy his food while on the NASCAR circuit.

Great book for your camping buddies.

Great stories and great food.......2006-09-11

The book was so entertaining and have tried a couple of the recipes already and they are great. Haven't seen "Big John" in over 20 years, but thought the book would be a great present for a friend, Bob Stout (not knowing that Mark had sent Bob the website and he'd already ordered his own copy). Just like having John in the room, reading the anecdotes.

Big John's Speedway Grill.......2006-03-25

Good recipes that are easy to follow, interesting stories, very informative for new tailgaters. You don't have to be a race fan to enjoy this book.

Average customer rating:

Sticks to breed specifics; want more color photos

the essential aussie book

All the basics of the breed, and the show business for Aussies, are thoroughly explained in this 'bible' of detail

All About Aussies

Big book, but easy reading

All About Aussies: The Australian Shepherd From A To Z
Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor
Manufacturer: Alpine Blue Ribbon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Breeds | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility

Australian Shepherds (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

The Guide to Owning an Australian Shepherd

The Essential Australian Shepherd (Essential (Howell))

Australian Shepherd: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)

ASIN: 157779074X

Book Description

The definitive guide to the Australian Shepherd dog. Includes updated information on selection, care, training, grooming, health, herding, agility, showing, other activities, genetics and breeding, as well as a detailed history of the breed. This enormous 3rd edition also includes information on Miniature Australian Shepherds. Hardcover, heavily illustrated, including a color section.

Customer Reviews:

Sticks to breed specifics; want more color photos.......2007-09-28

This book was recommended highly, and I was not disappointed! The information coverage is all that I expected and more. So many dog books digress into information that applies to all dogs, but this one sticks to breed specifics.

There is only one thing I would improve in future editions: more photos in color. However, knowing that many of the historical photos were originally in black & white, I would not edit them out... the idea is merely to add more full-color recent photos, especially showing the full range of Aussie activities, trials, games, etc. One can never see too many beautiful Aussies!

the essential aussie book.......2007-03-23

Loved all the info and the detailed account of where these amazing dogs come from. As I anticipate the arrival of my first Aussie puppy I have read and reread the puppy portions. I love that they included a chapter on the Mini-Aussie which is what I am getting. They are not some freakish version, only developed by breeding some of the finest smaller Aussies. I will keep this book as a reference forever. A fabulous gift for the Aussie owner.

All the basics of the breed, and the show business for Aussies, are thoroughly explained in this 'bible' of detail.......2007-01-07

This is no light coverage from an outsider, but an in-depth survey of the Australian Shepard breed by a third generation breeder who has been involved in their training and upkeep since childhood. And if ALL ABOUT AUSSIES: THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD A TO Z sounds familiar, that's because it appears here in a brand new 3rd updated edition which offers not just new photos, but a new chapter devoted to Miniature Aussies. All the basics of the breed, and the show business for Aussies, are thoroughly explained in this 'bible' of detail, highly recommended.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

All About Aussies.......2006-11-10

This book is an excellent resource for the pet owner, breeder and judge. I would highly recommend this book as it is very thorough.

Big book, but easy reading.......2006-11-05

I bought this book as we were researching the Australian Shepherd breed. I found it very helpful and complete. It was also easy reading. I seemed to finish the book in no time at all.

Customer Reviews:

Not as complete as it could have been........2000-10-24

I bought this book as I collect the metal farm playsets made by the Ohio Art Co. I was quite disappointed as they had very little information on them. They made many more sets that what is covered in this book. However, if you are interested in their children's watering cans or dish sets, you'll be in heaven as they must show just about everything they ever made. Quite impressive!

Wonderful.......1999-06-25

Since my mother was Fern Bisel Peat, I was most interested in finding out about this publication, but, unfortunately, I only saw a couple of pages of it. I'd like to know if there are many of her designs included in this publication.

Average customer rating:

The Ohio Art: The World of Toys
Lisa Kerr
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MHL46U

Book Description

Shows all the techniques, tricks, and skills of basic hand tools-an extraordinary workbench reference. A lifetime of experience in woodwork and furniture design for straightforward guidance about how to select, use, and maintain all the essential hand tools--both classic and modern. "...a celebration of the hand tool and its place in the modern woodshop."--Woodshop News. 128 pages 7 3/8 x 9 3/4.

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