A missing person report is not usually something that Hamish Macbeth sees as cause for undue distress. Should a child or a vulnerable person vanish, it's an urgent matter that needs to be treated seriously, but in Macbeth's experience, most other people who go missing tend to turn up again before long.

So when Kate Hibbert disappears after having last been seen struggling along the road with a heavy suitcase, he is convinced she has gone travelling and reluctantly goes through the motions of investigating. Interviewing those who were closest to her, Macbeth is perplexed by their apparent lack of concern but sees no reason to suspect foul play.

When Hibbert does eventually resurface, however, a storm of lies, intrigue and scandal threatens Macbeth's tranquil village of Lochdubh. Torn between loyalty to his local community and his responsibilities as a police officer, he begins threading his way through a maze of deceit, quickly finding himself on the trail of a ruthless, treacherous murderer.

If he catches the killer, peace can return to the village. If he fails, he will lose everything - his job, his home and the life he so loves in Lochdubh.

Praise of Death of a Green-Eyed Monster:'This Hamish Macbeth novel maintains Beaton's distinctive voice and includes the usual village eccentrics, loads of Scottish lore, and the light humor that Beaton fans have loved through the years. .

. A definite purchase for all mystery collections' Starred Review, Library Journal'Unmissable!' Peterborough TelegraphPraise for the Hamish Macbeth series:'First rate .

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deft social comedy and wonderfully realized atmosphere. ' Booklist'It's always a treat to return to Lochdubh.

' New York Times"A tale of international intrigue mixed with local Scottish flavor, "Death of a Spy" is a fast-paced read, and will thrill all Hamish fans. Once again, Rod Green, writing as M.

C. Beaton, creates a masterful and fun spy tale, which incorporates all of Beaton's beloved Scottish characters.

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The Hamish MacBeth mysteries are like peanuts. When you read one, you cannot stop.

After finishing "Death of a Spy," readers will itch for the next Hamish MacBeth installment. " New York Journal of Books'Readers will enjoy the quirks and unique qualities of the cast .

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Beaton catches the beauty of the area's natural geography and succinctly describes its distinct flavour. ' Library Journal'Befuddled, earnest and utterly endearing, Hamish makes his triumphs sweetly satisfying.

' Publishers Weekly. .