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.
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