Death of a Hussy

In the picturesque yet gossip-ridden Scottish Highlands, the notorious Maggie Baird meets an untimely and fiery demise when her car explodes. Wealthy and universally disliked, Maggie's most charitable description was that of a "beautiful tart" in a middle-aged body. Lochdubh's astute police constable, Hamish Macbeth, finds himself amidst a perplexing murder investigation with a clear pool of suspects. On the grounds of her luxurious cottage are Maggie's timid niece and four impecunious former lovers, each with ample motive and opportunity. Adding to the intrigue, Maggie had intended to select one of these four men as her husband, promising a significant inheritance to the lucky, or unlucky, recipient. As Hamish delves into their lives, utilizing his extraordinary insight into human nature, the evidence initially points towards an unexpected individual. He must navigate the tangled web of Highland secrets, local eccentricities, and deeply held resentments to uncover the true killer before they vanish, all while maintaining the charming, understated wit characteristic of M.C. Beaton's beloved series.