Hamish Macbeth

Hamish Macbeth is a fictional police officer who serves as his town's detective in a series of mystery novels created by M. C. Beaton (Marion Chesney).

Character

Hamish Macbeth has a reputation for laziness; because he loves his native town of Lochdubh (meaning 'black lake' (loch) in Gaelic), he avoids promotion, occasionally even deliberately destroying attempts to give him recognition for his accomplishments. Because of his position as "local bobby," he must often work outside official channels, as the detectives from neighbouring Strathbane CID do not appreciate his help.

Early in the series, Macbeth has an on-again, off-again love affair with Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, the daughter of a wealthy local landowner. The affair ultimately ends in a broken engagement; thereafter, his luck with women is poor. Hamish is very attached to his pets, first his dog Towser, then in later books his dog Lugs (Scots for "ears") and a "domesticated" wild cat named Sonsie (Scots for "cheeky").

Novels

* Death of a Gossip (1985)
* Death of a Cad (1986)
* Death of an Outsider (1988)
* Death of a Perfect Wife (1989)
* Death of a Hussy (1991)
* Death of a Snob (1992 )
* Death of a Prankster (1992)
* Death of a Glutton (1993)
* Death of a Travelling Man (1993)
* Death of a Charming Man (1994)
* Death of a Nag (1995)
* Death of a Macho Man (1996)
* Death of a Dentist (1997)
* Death of a Scriptwriter (1998)
* Death of an Addict (1999)
* A Highland Christmas (1999)
* Death of a Dustman (2001)
* Death of a Celebrity (2002)
* Death of a Village (2003)
* Death of a Poison Pen (2004)
* Death of a Bore (2005)
* Death of a Dreamer (2006)
* Death of a Maid (2007)
* Death of a Gentle Lady (2008)
* Death of a Witch (2009)

Adaptations

Television

"Hamish Macbeth" was adapted into a BBC Scotland television series. The titular police officer was played by Robert Carlyle. It ran for three series between 1995 and 1997, with the first two series having six episodes and the third having eight.

External links