Death of a Dreamer by M.C. Beaton

Published by

Sarah Ann

on

November 9, 2011

Death of a Dreamer is the 21st book in the Hamish Macbeth cozy mystery series by M.C. Beaton.

After a long, cold, icy winter in the Scotland Highlands, Hamish Macbeth calls on a new resident named Effie Garrard to see how she fared during the season.

While visiting Effie, Hamish thinks her delusional and a bit crazy. Effie claims that Jock Fleming, a local painter and womanizer, asked her to be his wife. Days later, Effie is found dead on a hillside with the remnants of poison in her system. With help from Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, Hamish’s former fiance and current friend, Hamish eventually uncovers the identity of Effie’s murderer.

Death of a Dreamer is quite funny, just like all the other books in this series. Hamish continues to be the object of affection for nearly every woman in town, while at the same time, he experiences ongoing tension with Priscilla, who recently ended her engagement to another man.

There are lots of fun characters in this one, both new and old. There’s the female detective Robin Mackenzie from a neighboring Scottish town who arrives to assist Hamish in his investigation. There’s also reporter Elspeth Grant, who has dated and been rejected by Hamish.

This book was so quirky, I got caught up in the humor more than I did the actual story and mystery. You’ll love this one if you’re a fan of the series.

The books that come after Death of a Dreamer are:

What did you think about Death of a Dreamer, did you like it?

Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by Sarah Ann

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