7 Hamish MacBeth series in which a notorious elderly practical joker is murdered in his home when he tells all his relatives he’s dying and invites them to his country home. Most of them avoid him like the plague because his jokes just aren’t funny—they’re mostly mean-spirited and cruel. Apparently someone has had enough and it’s up to Hamish to figure out who, since as usual DI Blair has his head up his bum. :o) Enjoyable, quick read as always; a visit with Hamish can always be counted on to make me smile. ( )

Andrew Trent was a filthy rich, crotchety old man, with a wickedly black
sense of humor. He had spent his entire life playing often vicious
practical jokes on his family and staff until hardly any of them could stand
him anymore. Nobody ever visited him in Arrat House in the far north of
Scotland, until he sent them all a letter, telling them that he didn't have
long to live and that he was thinking of rewriting his will. And so, they
all gathered: his brother and sister-in-law, her son by a previous
marriage; his two old maid sisters who lived together despite their hatred
of each other; his adopted son, Charles and his glamorous TV star girl
friend; his brother's stepson and a female co-worker of his who thought she
was going on a sort of vacation. But the old man's ruse was soon apparent
when the vicious jokes began. And one of the guests managed to get the last
laugh when the old man is found murdered. It's up to Hamish Macbeth to sort
out the stories of the various houseguests and narrow it down till he solves
the murder.

Another short visit with our old friend Hamish, who is still a bit lazy and
completely unambitious, but still manages to see through the lies till he is
able to point the finger at the culprit. This book is typical of the series
and a pleasant little read. 4 ( )

http://tyranist.blogspot.com/2008/04/... ( )

Easy read with great Sottish setting and loveable detective, à la "The Last Detective". Horrid old rich man assembles his possible heirs at his castle and dies while they are waiting to find out what this is all about. ( )