Death of a Scriptwriter

Constable Macbeth Mystery

ISBN: 0-7887-2175-5 Order from: Recorded Books

A pleasant mystery in a colorful setting, the novel has a likable protagonist, but most of the quirky characters are not interesting enough for much involvement.

Reviewed by David on January 04, 2003

Genre: Mystery (English Village, Scotland)

Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Death of a Scriptwriter.

Hamish Macbeth is a constable in a small Scottish village in the Highlands. Lochdubh is small enough that a single constable is more than enough to cover any policing duties. When a film crew decides to shoot a movie based on a local author's mystery, the locals are full of excitment. The excitement gives way to dismay, as the book's plot is changed out of recognition, and tensions rise on the set. However, the real problems start when the scriptwriter is found dead. Hamish Macbeth, who rarely gets along with his superiors, is forced to conduct a separate investigation in parallel to the official one.

Full Review: The book is pleasant, and the narration by Davina Porter is solid and satisfying, with Scottish accents colorful but easily comprehensible. The local village, with the surrounding nature as well human relations portrayed with skill and conviction.

The characters are colorful and sometimes unpredictable, and the main character, Macbeth is likable. Alas, most of the other characters are not, with irony taking precendence over appeal. This makes most of the puzzle intellectually satisfying without much emotional involvement in the outcome.

A satisfying and colorful mystery, this book could have been stronger if it had more appealing characters.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5; World-building: 7; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-7887-2175-5 Order from: Recorded Books