Death of a Spy
I have watched a few episodes of Agatha Raisin on television but have never read any of M. C. Beaton’s books. Surprisingly, even after reading Death of a Spy, I still haven’t read any of M C Beaton’s books; despite her name appearing as the author of this book, it is written by R W Green.
Sergeant Hamish Macbeth lives in and polices Lochdubh, a village in the Scottish Highlands, hoping for a quiet life. He finds himself involved in counter espionage when helping an American, Chicago police officer seconded to Scotland. Macbeth was ordered to work with Sergeant Bland (a man he was previously acquainted with) by his superintendent on government instructions.
A murder, a bridge collapse and a series of burglaries complicate the search for a criminal gang, a murderer and a group of spies. The complex investigation and its unpredictability put a strain on Hamish’s relationship with his girlfriend Claire, which is an added complication. The story unfolds, weaving its way through the Scottish Highlands, giving us glimpses of spectacular scenery and of isolated communities, detached in many ways from most of our own lived experiences.
It was an interesting page turner. I will probably seek out more of M. C. Beaton’s or R. W. Green’s books.
Fenlandphil's Blog 
Posted by Cathy Cade on February 5, 2026 at 5:47 pm
I’ve watched a few Agatha Raisins but prefer Hamish MacBeth. I might look out for this one.
Posted by purplesandyh on February 5, 2026 at 8:01 pm
Many years ago, the librarian at Whittlesey library recommended these books to me, as I read so much and wanted something different. I enjoyed them very much.
Posted by fenlandphil on February 5, 2026 at 9:24 pm
Thanks, Sandra.
I think libraries are brilliant, when I was at school I would often spend my lunch break in the school library. I learnt most of my computer skills at Whittlesey Library, when they ran evening classes there over twenty years ago. They are also my favourite place to write in.
Posted by summertime75 on February 5, 2026 at 9:34 pm
This is the third book written by R. W. Green in collaboration with M. C. Beaton, I have read several of the previous books, the first with Green, “Death of a Green-Eyed Monster” didn’t have the same flow as the others but if you enjoy the cosy murder genre then they’re easy to read and the descriptions of the scenery is very good.
Posted by fenlandphil on February 5, 2026 at 10:07 pm
Thanks for commenting.
I take it you preferred M. C. Beaton then. I went to an author event at Huntingdon a year or so ago, organised by Niche Comics Bookshop. Sophie Hannah was there; she writes as Agatha Christie. I wasn’t much of a Christie fan, so I had no great expectations of The Monogram Murders, which Ms Hannah had written as Christie. I bought the book at the event in the Commemoration Hall. I hesitated for some time before reading it.
However, I thought Sophie Hannah did a better job of writing about Hercule Poirot than Ms Christie. It is just my opinion, though.