Book Review: Death of a Dustman

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Death of a Dustman     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
M. C. Beaton
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Police Procedural
Series: Hamish MacBeth # 17
Mysterious, Mar 2001, $22.95, 313pp

In America, they are called sanitation engineers, but in England they are dubiously labeled as dustmen. In the Highland village of Lochdubh, dustman Fergus Macleod is a slimy toad who drinks himself into unconsciousness and beats his wife when he is awake. His demeanor changes when he is appointed as the new Environmental Officer of the village with a doubling of his salary.

His new position goes to Fergus' head as his petty tyranny encompasses the entire hamlet. The tension is so taut no one is surprised to find the murdered body of Fergus amidst the garbage cans. Local police officer Hamish MacBeth leads the investigation, but the townsfolk close ranks to protect a "hero" from Hamish.

The clannishness of a Highland village can be a blessing to those in charge, but it can also impede the legal system as seen in DEATH OF A DUSTMAN. This is a who-done-it in which every villager could be the culprit because the victim was universally hated. The mystery is cleverly crafted, but the heart of M.C. Beaton's novel remains Hamish.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.