Listen free for 30 days
-
Death of a Charming Man
- Hamish Macbeth, Book 10
- Narrated by: David Monteath
- Series: Hamish Macbeth Mysteries, Book 10
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Mystery
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £19.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Death of a Nag
- Hamish Macbeth, Book 11
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: David Monteath
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a romantic disappointment and an undeserved demotion, Scots village bobby Hamish Macbeth decides a week's holiday at the coastal village of Skag might be just the ticket. He's dead wrong, of course: the food is dire, and the man in the next room nags his wife so loudly and continuously that more than one person at the Friendly House bed-and-breakfast wishes him dead, though only Hamish is heard threatening him. When this chap's body is found floating in the river Skag, Hamish is the prime suspect.
-
-
awesome
- By Mike on 24-09-21
-
Agatha Raisin in Down the Hatch
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Penelope Keith
- Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Agatha Raisin becomes embroiled in a turmoil of jealousy and lies when the tranquillity of her local bowls club explodes into a storm of accusation and intrigue - and murder. Her private life is no less turbulent when a past suitor reappears just as her ex-husband seems intent on rekindling their romance, and her close friend, Bill Wong, is in danger of losing the woman he loves. Events take an even darker turn when Agatha realises that, in pursuing the bowling green killer, she is putting her own life in danger.
-
-
Fabulous and Easy listening
- By Chris C. on 15-10-21
-
The Skeleton in the Closet
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Daniel Philpott
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ignorance is bliss... especially when it comes to murder! Ever since the death of his father, Fellworth Dolphin has slaved away as a waiter to support his miserly, cold-hearted mother. So when she suddenly dies Fellworth is shocked to discover she has left him a fortune. Somewhat confused, Fell teams up with a girl from work, Maggie, to investigate the source of the riches. But what they find instead is a closet full of skeletons... Is it really possible Fell's father was involved in a decades-old train robbery? And who is the mysterious woman in the portrait?
-
-
Dandelion Summer
- By Susi Moffat on 05-08-19
-
The Scandalous Lady Wright
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Karen Cass
- Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fashionable society regards Sir Benjamin Wright with the utmost honour and respect. Yet Lady Emma knows that her husband is, in fact, a drunken, jealous brute who delights in humiliating her both in and out of the bedroom. So, his unexpected murder is a blessing, she thinks - that is, until the constable's accusing finger points to her as the murderer. But it soon becomes apparent that her late husband hid many secrets and enemies.
-
-
Very enjoyable
- By Mo Bass on 23-01-22
-
The Westerby Inheritance
- Regency Royal, Book 1
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Willow Nash
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lady Jane Lovelace has conceived the idea of approaching the most notorious man about town, Lord Charles Welbourne, with a most unique proposition. But when he counters her offer with a condition that he thinks will halt her impudence, much to the surprise of both, she accepts. A novel of passion and intrigue, The Westerby Inheritance is the first volume of this new and emotionally charged romantic saga all played out against a backdrop of elegant 18th-century society.
-
-
Disappointing & Frustrating
- By Janet on 12-08-18
-
Agatha Raisin
- The Complete BBC Radio Drama Collection
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Penelope Keith, full cast
- Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a lifetime spent in public relations, one-woman dynamo Agatha Raisin struggles to adapt to life in a quiet country village - but she soon finds that there is murder and mayhem aplenty to keep her busy. Among the cases she has to deal with are a poisoned quiche; a vet who has been ‘put to sleep’; a hanged horticulturist; a murdered rambler and a curate who meets his Maker somewhat sooner than expected.
-
-
Lighthearted detective stories
- By GBB on 19-08-19
-
Death of a Nag
- Hamish Macbeth, Book 11
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: David Monteath
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a romantic disappointment and an undeserved demotion, Scots village bobby Hamish Macbeth decides a week's holiday at the coastal village of Skag might be just the ticket. He's dead wrong, of course: the food is dire, and the man in the next room nags his wife so loudly and continuously that more than one person at the Friendly House bed-and-breakfast wishes him dead, though only Hamish is heard threatening him. When this chap's body is found floating in the river Skag, Hamish is the prime suspect.
-
-
awesome
- By Mike on 24-09-21
-
Agatha Raisin in Down the Hatch
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Penelope Keith
- Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Agatha Raisin becomes embroiled in a turmoil of jealousy and lies when the tranquillity of her local bowls club explodes into a storm of accusation and intrigue - and murder. Her private life is no less turbulent when a past suitor reappears just as her ex-husband seems intent on rekindling their romance, and her close friend, Bill Wong, is in danger of losing the woman he loves. Events take an even darker turn when Agatha realises that, in pursuing the bowling green killer, she is putting her own life in danger.
-
-
Fabulous and Easy listening
- By Chris C. on 15-10-21
-
The Skeleton in the Closet
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Daniel Philpott
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ignorance is bliss... especially when it comes to murder! Ever since the death of his father, Fellworth Dolphin has slaved away as a waiter to support his miserly, cold-hearted mother. So when she suddenly dies Fellworth is shocked to discover she has left him a fortune. Somewhat confused, Fell teams up with a girl from work, Maggie, to investigate the source of the riches. But what they find instead is a closet full of skeletons... Is it really possible Fell's father was involved in a decades-old train robbery? And who is the mysterious woman in the portrait?
-
-
Dandelion Summer
- By Susi Moffat on 05-08-19
-
The Scandalous Lady Wright
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Karen Cass
- Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fashionable society regards Sir Benjamin Wright with the utmost honour and respect. Yet Lady Emma knows that her husband is, in fact, a drunken, jealous brute who delights in humiliating her both in and out of the bedroom. So, his unexpected murder is a blessing, she thinks - that is, until the constable's accusing finger points to her as the murderer. But it soon becomes apparent that her late husband hid many secrets and enemies.
-
-
Very enjoyable
- By Mo Bass on 23-01-22
-
The Westerby Inheritance
- Regency Royal, Book 1
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Willow Nash
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lady Jane Lovelace has conceived the idea of approaching the most notorious man about town, Lord Charles Welbourne, with a most unique proposition. But when he counters her offer with a condition that he thinks will halt her impudence, much to the surprise of both, she accepts. A novel of passion and intrigue, The Westerby Inheritance is the first volume of this new and emotionally charged romantic saga all played out against a backdrop of elegant 18th-century society.
-
-
Disappointing & Frustrating
- By Janet on 12-08-18
-
Agatha Raisin
- The Complete BBC Radio Drama Collection
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Penelope Keith, full cast
- Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a lifetime spent in public relations, one-woman dynamo Agatha Raisin struggles to adapt to life in a quiet country village - but she soon finds that there is murder and mayhem aplenty to keep her busy. Among the cases she has to deal with are a poisoned quiche; a vet who has been ‘put to sleep’; a hanged horticulturist; a murdered rambler and a curate who meets his Maker somewhat sooner than expected.
-
-
Lighthearted detective stories
- By GBB on 19-08-19
-
The First Rebellion
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Patricia Gallimore
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Earl of Tredair has had his fill of balls, routs, and silly misses, and he despairs of finding anyone out of the ordinary - that is, until he meets Miss Fanny Waverley. Most unique and intriguing, she and her two sisters are the adopted daughters of the reclusive bluestocking Madame Waverley. They have been raised as her disciples to spread the word of women's rights and to encourage poor oppressed females to stand up against the iniquities of the male sex.
-
No Place to Hide
- Cherringham. A Cosy Crime Series - Mystery Shorts 41
- By: Matthew Costello, Neil Richards
- Narrated by: Neil Dudgeon
- Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Ed Finnlay - computer programmer and devoted father of two - goes missing, there's not a lot the local police can do. After all, Ed himself told them he would be gone... for quite some time. As the weeks go by with no news, his wife reaches out to Jack and Sarah for help. But they soon learn that there are odd secrets about this missing husband and that he might not only be gone, but also in serious danger. Can Jack and Sarah do what seems impossible.
-
-
This should be a TV show!
- By Jay on 06-06-22
-
The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Box Set Collection I
- Prequel + Books 1 & 2
- By: H.Y. Hanna
- Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt
- Length: 17 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Scones, a tea shop in England, a kitty, and a murder...yes, please! Enjoy the first three books in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, in one handy collection! Join tearoom sleuth Gemma Rose, her mischievous feline Muesli, and the nosy Old Biddies as they tackle murder and mystery in the beautiful city of Oxford - not to forget the delights of delicious baking and afternoon tea in a quaint English village!
-
-
These were great
- By Rory on 18-03-18
-
A Spoonful of Murder
- By: J.M. Hall
- Narrated by: Julie Hesmondhalgh
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café. But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy. By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead. The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder. But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye - and it’s down to them to prove it.
-
-
Will Not Disapoint ! ! !
- By Miss G. B. Abraham on 20-03-22
-
The Killings at Badger’s Drift
- Midsomer Murders Mystery, Book 1
- By: Caroline Graham
- Narrated by: John Hopkins
- Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The village of Badger's Drift is the essence of tranquillity. But when resident and well-loved spinster Miss Simpson takes a stroll in the nearby woods, she stumbles across something she was never meant to see, and there's only one way to keep her quiet. Miss Simpson's death is not suspicious, say the villagers. But Miss Lucy Bellringer refuses to rest: her friend has been murdered. She is sure of it.
-
-
Fantastic- 5 star
- By Barre on 18-04-22
-
Murder Offstage
- A Posie Parker Mystery Series, Book 1
- By: L.B. Hathaway
- Narrated by: Clare Wille
- Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Like your mysteries cozy and set during the Golden Age of Crime? This is the first audiobook in the Posie Parker mysteries, although this novel can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story in its own right. Set in London in 1921, Murder Offstage is full of intrigue and red herrings. When Posie Parker’s childhood friend is robbed of a priceless jewel and becomes a suspect in a cold-blooded murder case, budding detective Posie vows she will clear his name.
-
-
But why...?
- By Amazon Customer on 06-05-20
-
Evans Above
- By: Rhys Bowen
- Narrated by: Roger Clark
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Evan Evans is a young police constable who has traded in the violence of city life for idyllic Llanfair, a Welsh village tucked far away from trouble. Nestled among the Snowdonia mountain range, Llanfair looks to Constable Evans like a town forgotten by time, but he quickly learns that even the bucolic countryside has its share of eccentric - and deadly - characters.
-
-
Wonderful narration
- By J. Geater on 11-06-17
-
Bunburry 7-9
- A Cosy Mystery Compilation
- By: Helena Marchmont
- Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Miss Marple meets Oscar Wilde in this new series of cosy mysteries set in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bunburry. Here, fudge-making and quaffing real ale in the local pub are matched by an undercurrent of passion, jealousy, hatred and murder - laced with a welcome dose of humour. This compilation contains episodes 7-9. "Sweet Revenge." Alfie is back in London - but even a wild social whirl with his best friend Oscar can't disguise the fact that he misses Bunburry. And then a cry for help reaches him - Liz and Marge are in trouble, and Alfie races back.
-
Murder at the Dolphin Hotel: A Gripping Cozy Historical Mystery
- A Miss Underhay Mystery, Book 1
- By: Helena Dixon
- Narrated by: Alex Tregear
- Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
June 1933. Independent, young Kitty Underhay has been left in charge of her family’s hotel, The Dolphin, on the tranquil English coast. But when several rooms are broken into and searched, including Kitty’s own, she quickly realizes that something out of the ordinary is afoot at the hotel. Soon, rumors are flying in the cozy town that someone is on the hunt for a stolen ruby. A ruby that Kitty’s mother may well have possessed when she herself went missing during the Great War.
-
-
The perfect cosy read.
- By AKEMAP on 25-04-20
-
Dead Man’s Prayer
- By: Jackie Baldwin
- Narrated by: David Monteath
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell has returned to his roots in Dumfries, only to be landed with a disturbing murder case. Even worse, Farrell knows the victim: Father Boyd, the man who forced him out of the priesthood 18 years earlier. With no leads, Farrell must delve into the old priest’s past, one that is inexorably linked with his own. But his attention is diverted when a pair of twin boys go missing. The Dumfries police force recover one in an abandoned church, unharmed. But where is his brother?
-
-
Good detective story.
- By hunkydoreyrad on 05-03-22
-
The Birthday Mystery
- Jenny Starling, Book 1
- By: Faith Martin
- Narrated by: Charlotte Worthing
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Meet Jenny Starling: travelling cook and reluctant amateur detective. Jenny Starling is catering the 21st birthday party of upper-class twins Alicia and Justin. She arrives at their parents' country house and is immediately met by the police. A young man has drowned in the pond. Was it an accident or murder? But the birthday party goes ahead. Then, just after midnight, everyone gathers for a champagne toast...and one of the guests falls down dead. The police are baffled, and there is a whole party full of suspects.
-
-
Poorly written self-insertion (aka a Mary Sue).
- By EGM on 01-07-20
-
Cherringham - A Cosy Crime Series Compilation
- Cherringham 34-36
- By: Matthew Costello, Neil Richards
- Narrated by: Neil Dudgeon
- Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jack's a retired ex-cop from New York, seeking the simple life in Cherringham. Sarah's a Web designer who's moved back to the village to find herself. But their lives are anything but quiet as the two team up to solve Cherringham's criminal mysteries. This compilation contains episodes 34 - 36. "The Secret of Brimley Manor": Brimley Manor, home to an eccentric museum of oddities from its owner's lifetime of exotic travels also holds dark secrets. When a suspicious fire breaks out, the biggest question is... was it just an accident?
-
-
Riveting
- By Dizzy on 05-05-22
Summary
Now that Priscilla Halburton-Smythe has agreed to marry him, Police Sergeant Hamish Macbeth can't imagine a more perfect life. There's not much crime in his remote Scottish village of Lochdubh, nothing much at all to do but fish, drink coffee, and slouch around. And now to spend time with lovely Priscilla. But his days aren't as tranquil as his dreams. For one thing, Priscilla's renovation schemes are driving him out of his cottage. Not to mention her ambitious plans for his career as a policeman away from Lochdubh.
This might be a good time to find out why Peter Hynd's arrival in nearby Drim was causing so much trouble. An attractive, unmarried man with an independent income would always attract attention in such a small place. But this time Hynd's arrival seems to have caused bitter rivalry among the women of Drim. Hamish finds their petty fights amusing and a clever excuse to avoid Priscilla and her schemes for a new electric stove (to replace his beloved woodburning appliance), a posh new bathroom, and virtuous nutrition. Amusing, that is, until death threats, physical abuse, and murder make statistical history in one of Scotland's most picture postcard-perfect towns.
M. C. Beaton worked as a Fleet Street journalist. She is the author of the Agatha Raisin novels, the Hamish Macbeth series, and an Edwardian murder-mystery series. She divides her time between Paris and the Cotswolds, where she lives in a village very much like Agatha Raisin’s beloved Carsely.
Critic reviews
"The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status." (Anne Robinson, The Times)
"No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime." (Mail on Sunday)
More from the same
What listeners say about Death of a Charming Man
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cathy Swanson
- 20-10-18
Another thoroughly enjoyable storey
I really enjoyed this book because the characters are so well drawn. The storey line with it's twists and turns delights and surprised. An excellent read.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Yardswoman
- 22-07-15
A not so charming man
What made the experience of listening to Death of a Charming Man the most enjoyable?
Hamish MacBeth stories are all good reads/listens - not too demanding but keeping my interest right to the end. The charming man of the title is thoroughly unpleasant and the Highlands are well rid of him. As always there is a sub plot of the relationship between Priscilla and Hamish and in this story she becomes a definite ally in the investigation and, like Hamish, I longed for her to be so much more than that!
Who was your favorite character and why?
Hamish is a great policeman who manages to be both gamekeeper and poacher but he is trusted by most of the characters in his beloved Lochdubh. His relationship with Priscilla and with his irascible (London journalist) cousin is developed further.
What does David Monteath bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
David Monteith's voice is essential to the stories for me and indeed I bought the alternative reading in error but quickly returned it in disappointment. His gentle Scots accent adds to the atmosphere.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The discovery of "the body" and its subsequent identification is a wonderful twist which has a real touch of M C Beaton humour
Any additional comments?
Altogether this is a gentle story, not great literature, but a a couple of evenings pleasant listening.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lorraine K
- 28-01-14
humerous and enjoyable listen
Would you consider the audio edition of Death of a Charming Man to be better than the print version?
N/A
What was one of the most memorable moments of Death of a Charming Man?
Hamish's character
What about David Monteath’s performance did you like?
Nice gentle voice, believable.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Where's the murder!
Any additional comments?
Fun. Couldnt wait to get back to it. Glad it was a wee bitty longer than the first ones.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- PeterH
- 04-03-20
A couple of mouth-os
Twice in chapter 9, the narrator mis-spoke the name of a character. Did anyone else notice?
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Julie
- 16-09-17
Answered all my questions
I tried all the other books but no I know why he has probables with his love take her to beds it better than his mindset about her
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mary Carnegie
- 04-01-17
Not too credible but amusing and well narrated.
These stories are replete with people lacking in insight, and regularly drained of the milk of human kindness, but have the advantages of avoiding excessive horror, only murdering unpleasant people (never children, or random innocents).
Maybe it's the climate of Sutherland, or a hereditary/cultural Celtic aversion to early sexual relationships, late marriage having once been essential for economic reasons, but almost any incomer with a more relaxed attitude towards physical contact can disrupt wee village societies.
Life in Sutherland seems to be governed by extremes: weather, winter of almost perpetual darkness, summer never dark: women either wear silly shoes, "sheer black stockings", extra-short skirts and plunging necklines, or tweed everything (even knickers) possibly more appropriate for the climate most of the year.
Men are either teetotal or drink to excess (more often), married women are supposed to stay at home cleaning stuff, happy marriages are impossible, mutual toleration is best anyone can hope for, children are unloved, and Hamish or anyone else who could show any smeddum ought to move to Edinburgh, or Perth, or Stirling, or Aberdeen.
The author doesn't seem to have much respect for humanity, but perhaps it's easier to sell books which pander to the vanity of all of us, which allow us to feel superior.