M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series is wonderful! I think I even enjoy him more than Agatha Raisin. He's funny, charming and smart. In this book Hamish gets drawn into a murder that happens in the house of his ladylove, Priscilla. Priscilla comes back to Lochdubh from a job in London with a new fiance in tow. Hamish has to stay on the sidelines and watch his beloved with another man. He handles even this appalling situation with grace and humour. But then a death occurs and Hamish is sure it's murder. He sets out to find the killer, but before he does another murder happens. But, never fear, he does solve the murder in the end, and it was a surprise to me.

First Beaton i've ever read. A good introduction; certainly i shall read some more of the Hamish Macbeth series. The characters are mostly well done, more especially those to the forefront of the picture ~ Macbeth, the local copper, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, daughter of the local landowners, Henry, her fiancé, and Captain Peter Bartlett, the cad whose death causes the mystery. Oddly, i felt the level of writing was high all the way through, until the last half dozen pages, as Macbeth revealed the solution to the mystery. At that point, or perhaps as the murderer stopped denying it and suddenly gloated in the denoument, the quality fell precipitously. Still, six out of two hundred pages isn't a bad per centage of lower quality.

Mortality Rates in the Highland village of Lochdubh are off the charts, as we once again snuggle into a cozy with the every delightful and exasperating Hamish MacBeth. Priscilla Halburton-Smythe arrives home with a new fiance and two very delighted parents. But the engagement party stumbles and falls, and ultimately become murderous for the terrible womanizing, lying, cheating, trouble making cad. Chief Inspector Blair makes his appearance, but Hamish cleverly dances around the plodding and bullying of headquarters until the mystery is solved. Will Hamish get credit for this one? Can Hamish work through his feelings about Priscilla's engagement? Can Priscilla stand up to her parents? Did the cad truly deserve to die?

This is the first Hamish McBride mystery I have read, and I really loved it! Hamish is a wonderfully understated (and underestimated) character, and the supporting characters here are really nicely developed and recognizable as small town types all over the world, not just in Scotland! There is, however, a really nice sense of "place" here, which I, as a fan of all things Scottish, enjoyed! The story is also simple and fun--this is a very fast read and well worth it!

"Death of a Perfect Wife" is the fourth installment of the Hamish Macbeth mysteries set in the northern Scotland town of Lochdubh. Paul and Trixie Thomas, an English couple, move to Lochdubh and set up a Bed and Breakfast. Trixie starts an anti-smoking league, a bird watching society, and is trying to get everyone to eat a vegetarian diet. With that, she has formed some enemies. When she is found dead of arsenic poisoning, Macbeth investigates. Who killed her? Was it Paul, her husband, whom she made eat only salads? Was it someone who was upset by the actions of her anti-smoking policies? Was it the wife of a man seen holding hands with Trixie? It is quite a bit of fun to see Hamish upstage the Chief Inspector Blair and solve the case. Some time is also given to Macbeth's relationship with Priscilla Halburton-Smythe. A fun read!

When the Domestic Goddess moves to town, she not only weasels people out of their family heirlooms, she attempts to abolish slovenliness, high cholesterol and smoking - offering help where it is not wanted. She and her not-so-perfectly plump hubby open a low-end bed and breakfast, and Trixie continues to stir the plot of discontent. Constable Hamish MacBeth doesn't seem surprised when her body is inconveniently discovered. Once again the under-ambitious MacBeth annoys headquarters and the lovely Priscilla, as the red herrings mount in number and the clues point in different directions. The Hamish MacBeth books are light fare -with extremely clever writing, characterization that can only be inspired, and a sense of place set out so well the reader feels transported. I highly recommend all the books in this series.

This book has one of the strongest heroines I've come across in a long while. Elen, is as much a warrior as her hero Munro, who is also her prisoner. Her sister is kidnapped by Munro's brother and to get her back safely she takes Munro prisoner. She treats him fairly and during her visits to him to get info on why her sister has been kidnapped and if she's ok, Elen falls for Munro and he for her. He is clueless as to why his brother has done what he did but starts to actually enjoy being Elen's prisoner. After the kidnapping is resolved and he is released he tries to woo her with gifts but she is not impressed or at least she appears that way. He finally enlists the help of the scottish king, his friend, to make him marry her. The whole thing almost blows up in his face but in the end she she is as happy as he is. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly.

When her sister, Roslyn, is kidnapped by members of the neighboring Forrest clan of Rancoff Castle, Lady Elen Burnard of Dunblane races to her rescue. As luck would have it, she and her men come across the Laird of Rancoff returning with his men from a hunting party. With the element of surprise on their side, the Dunblanes capture the Rancoffs. Lady Elen will use the laird as a bartering tool for her sister's release.

Munro Forrest, Laird of Rancoff, is at first amused by his capture and the tenacity and cleverness of his old adversary's daughter. His amusement quickly turns to frustration when he realizes Elen is serious about this prisoner business and keeps him locked up below ground in the castle's oubliette. He knows nothing of Roslyn's disappearance and is confused when Elen informs him that her people saw the kidnappers wearing the colors of the Forrest
clan.

Days pass and messages sent to Rancoff castle go ignored. Munro and Elen develop a fragile relationship as they try to discover the truth behind the kidnapping. Betrayal and greed from an unexpected quarter flummox the two. Additionally, conflict over land stolen from the Burnards by the Forrests many years ago heightens this tense, fast paced story.

Ms. Faulkner is a master storyteller and creator of intriguing, real life characters. Munro retains his unusual sense of humor despite his precarious position and Elen is a strong, yet flexible heroine trying to uphold her father's dying wish that she continue in his place as laird. Sexual tension runs high between these two class equals. The bond of friendship they first develop is refreshing and believable.

A compelling page turner, HIGHLAND LADY is the first of Colleen Faulkner's works that I've read. It won't be the last. This one's a keeper!

"Highland Lady" is a terrific Scottish romance. I love strong heroines and unique stories. "Highland Lady" qualifies on both counts. This heroine is unforgetable. I laughed and cried. I couldn't put the book down. Talk about your steamy love scenes. Wow! Great going, Ms. Faulkner. I can't wait for your next book.

I found this book only mildly entertaining. While Amanda Scott does a fair of making up a story, she doesn't do a convincing job of telling it. I find her characters a bit unbelievable. Come on, a 20 year old woman (Mary) who is both a prophet and versed in healing? Her Earl of Balcardane, who at times exhibits a knowledge of the world and would probably have been well-educated, at times falls into poor grammar and uses "ain't"? His sudden turn from being tight-fisted with his money to showering everyone with gifts, all due to the near-death of a servant boy? This is strictly a mind-candy book, a quick read, but not memorable.

Lord MacCrichton and his elder son, Ewan, buried a chest of treasure in the forest. Ewan's brother, Geordie, was a huge man with a childlike demeanor. When Geordie was told to place a mark on a nearby tree he overdid it. He marked every tree in the forest.
Eight years later only Ewan still lived. Since he was unable to find the treasure, he decided to marry the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter. Her name was Mary Maclaine. She had the gift of second sight. Ewan wooed her until he got a promise of marriage. When he showed he true self as mean and abusive, Mary decided to stay single. Since Ewan had tricked her to his estate, she escaped with the help of a boy. To keep Ewan from beating him, the boy and his little sister, left with Mary.
Duncan blamed Mary for his brother's death. Ian had been on the way to see her when he was killed. Learning of her treatment; however, he put Mary and the two children under his protection and took them with him to Balcardane Castle to stay with his family until all was settled.
Serena has plans to make Duncan her husband. To say she was upset when Duncan and Mary joined in wedlock is to put it mildly. Jealous, Serena turns to Ewan to get rid of Mary, never knowing it was Duncan's life he sought. With Duncan dead, he could still wed Mary and use her gift of second sight to find the treasure.
***Duncan and Mary are a match in temper and wit. I had so much enjoyment in watching them go head-to-head. Serena was a lady (or should I say brat?) that I loved to hate. This book was a grand way to spend my time reading.***

I think it was an excellent book. Mary and Duncan area very fascinating couple and truly made for eachother

This book was a bit of a disappointment because it does not include a lot of standard information I have seen in earlier books on clans and tartans. For instance, there is no listing of septs and other family names that are associated with some of the Highland clans. Furthermore, most people of Scottish heritage are what is referred to as "clanless Scots". But, ALL the clans at least come from a District and it would be nice to have information on the District tartans (and photos). That is also lacking. Yes, there are some nice photos of surrounding landmarks and a color swatch of each of the main highland tartans. Plus a bit of history for each of the 140 clans, but it is basic information available from several other sources.

Surprised to find a swatch of Barclay hunting tartan used on the back cover, I quickly flipped to the Barclay section. I was pleased to again find Barclay hunting used, rather than the normal yellow Barclay tartan. The write up of the historical information was accurate UNTIL I got to the end which stated that the current chief lives in Essex. Sure enough, when I checked the address listing, our current secretary in Richmond Virginia's address is correct, BUT, the other address is Colchester in Essex. This has not been our chief's address for over 10 years. I wonder how the author picked one current address and not the other. In addition neither address identifies to whom you would be sending information at the address given. In the midst of a visually appealing and otherwise nice book, this error and lack of detail was most disappointing.

This really is a wonderful book. I've been reading through it in the bookstore and need to pick up my own copy now. It goes into tons of clans' tartans, with a photo swatch of each one. It also has a small history for each clan and it's tartan. It also connects famous people to the clans, such as General Douglas MacArthur. It's not a very in depth book about the clans, but gives a wonderful into to each of them.

The above I wrote before I purchased the book. Now that I own it, it's even better. Even the very beginning of the book with its snippet of Scottish history is wonderful and whets the reader's appetite to learn more about Scotland.

Long live Scotland! Phillips has stirred my heart for this great land. His storytelling and research are superb, particularly when he lets them walk stride for stride.

In his first Caledonia book, Phillips swept me away...in this sequel, the research gets ahead of the story and I felt brushed along. In "Legend of the Celtic Stone," Phillips drew strong and memorable characters from Scotland's past and invited me to be a part of that history. In "An Ancient Strife," he took me to fascinating places, but the facts overwhelmed the fiction at times.

I enjoyed this sequel. And I'll look for the follow up. I'm sure that Phillips has exhaustively delved into Scottish history, with laudable results--but it seems he felt bound to communicate more history than I bargained for. Some of you historical fiction fans might desire this very thing, but I still hoped for a story to get lost in. Instead, I felt that the book was driving itself forward on a rigid timeline, omitting scenes that the story had been building to, breaking into characters' interaction with chapters that were, more accurately, long footnotes.

In the notes at the back of the book, Phillips hints at scenes that the editor had him omit, and they were scenes I would've infinitely enjoyed. Whether editor or author continued to cut out anticipated elements, I don't know, but I did feel cheated a few times.

If you're looking for well-researched and fascinating storytelling, Phillips still has that ability. If you felt his first book raised the bar for the genre (as I did), don't let this one disappoint you. I'm sure that the third will continue this great series, only this time I hope Phillips lets his fiction have room to run--it's in this capacity that he rises above the pack.

Michael Phillips has provided readers with a wonderful continuation to his first book THE LEGEND OF THE CELTIC STONE. Yes all the elements are there, the rich history both past and present, the same characters and a continuation of the mysterious journey our protagonist is making. However,there are some interesting suprises for the readers of the first book with a twist in the contemporary story with the introduction of some new characters and a sub plot with one character in particular.

However, the story is as compelling as the first as our hero continues his journey toward understanding his Scottish past and what importance it has for his future. The back stories featuring Scottish history are wonderfully crafted and will delight the reader but might not have as much importance to the contemporary plot as the first book, still all in all good reading. For those who haven't read the first book, this one really can't stand alone as there is a need to know much of the background and the impact of the story will be lost. However, I would highly recommend both books for the reader who wants a lush historical journey but needs the anchor of a contemporary story right from today's headlines. These two books will appeal not only to the historical reader but those who like a bit of romance as well and of course as this is book is from a Christian publisher there are elements of strong faith but they never overpower the story. A wonderfully delicious addition to a body of work that has much to offer the discerning reader.

I moved to USA 3 years ago, having always considered myself a realitically patriotic Scot. Scottish Nationalism, however, was not my preferred political outlook and I remain unconvinced of its longterm benefit to either Scotland or Britain as a whole. However, that in no way hindered me from becoming completely absorbed in this tale of modern political intrigue mixed with raw historical drama. Mr Phillips is indeed a storyteller of rare quality who can, with little persuasion, encourage a reader to readily set aside his/her own preconceptions and political preferences and wholeheartedly swing behind his hero. I was completely invested in the outcome of this tale. Hats off to you, Mr Phillips. You may make a nationalist of me yet!!

I was a bit disappointed with the content as I am a new owner of a three-months old Westie and never had a pet before so I intended to find a book with details or step by step instructions on the topics of training, feeding, groomings, etc. I was not so interested in the content that seemed to be more focus on which product is best for your Westie or only told you to go to the training school. In my coutry, there is no such community or training school for dog no mention especially for my adorable Westie.

This book gives great value for the money. I found the pictures especially captivating since they are "high gloss". The author does a fair job of detailing the West Highland White Terrier's history, standard, feeding, grooming, training and showing. However, most of the book reads as if the explanations were taken from other sources (the breed standard is simply the AKC explanation, and the 5 page discussion on Nylabone is nearly a verbatim rendition of the Nylabone manufacturer's insert included with each chewing toy.) However, the author did include various pictures and diagrams pointing out the various components which make up the breed's standard, and this is helpful when attempting to figure out things like "where is the withers?" At times, the text was confusing and contradictory. At one point, the author states p.26 "Now what about supplements of various kinds, mineral and vitamin, or the various oils? They are all okay to add to your Westie's food." Then 3 lines later states "Except on the advice of your veterinarian, added amounts of vitamins can prove harmful to your Westie!" Only a careful reader would pick this up, and one may follow certain suggestions to the detriment of your pet. The pictures were beautiful, but the author should have identified by name the Westie being photographed. Overall, this book is helpful when being introduced to the breed.

Has good information but needs to talk a little more about how to train westies. Good information on feeding and toys. Good photos, too. Information on caring for puppies; it has helped me take care of my puppies. Adrienne L.

Beware anyone who has not read the first in this series (Highland Brides - The Lady and the Knight) or even the other 3 earlier books!!! I felt the story was brief, and did not flow smoothly. The characters would be doing one thing, and in the next paragraph doing something else...it seemed almost like a non-sequitor. Part of what feeds this problem, is that there was so little description in the story. The charaters just did things, but there was very little attention given to how they were done.

The only character in the story I felt was at all developed was our hero Dugald. Thus saying, he was developed, but the character itself was stretching the realm of realism. China and Japan were a VERY far distance in the late 1500's. Also making the reading uncomfortable was the fact that our heroine was spoiled rotten, or maybe extremely vain is a better description. There were many times I just wanted to smack her (maybe that was Ms. Greiman's intention). And even by the end of the book I found very few qualities to redeem our Shona. I don't like to bash books, because I know the authors take a lot of effort to write them, but I cannot recommend this book.

In 1519, Lord Roderic MacGowan has decided it is time for his feisty daughter Shona to marry. Over her objections, he invites Scotland's finest bachelors, but she rejects all of them except for Dugald Kinnaird. Somehow, his look makes Shona forget her pledge to never marry. Dugald is on a mission to prove that Shona is a traitor.

He is willing to play the merry suitor if he can find the evidence he needs to condemn Shona. Instead, he finds himself stunned by his overwhelming need for the fiery woman. As he falls in love with her, he begins to believe in her innocence. Dugald is now determined to prove that Shona is innocent of any wrongdoing.

HIGHLAND SCOUNDREL, the second novel in Lois Greiman's "Highland Brides" mini- series, is a great historical romance that brings to vivid life the early sixteenth century Scotland in a way rarely seen in a novel. The lead protagonists are a great pair who struggle to survive in a world where treason is the norm! and political intrigue is a way of life. The secondary characters add depth to a fast-paced, warm tale that will leave genre fans clamoring for book three.

Harriet Klausner

HIGHLAND SCOUNDREL was my first read of this author. It was such a well written story I must go out and buy the rest of Ms. Greiman's titles. It is the story of a Highland lass who is a bit of a trouble maker (but it's never her fault)Her father has called all the eligible men in the area to a gathering of sorts. Competing with the other lords is a mysterious DARK STRANGER, named Dugald. He says he is here to claim a bride but Shona(the heroine) thinks he is hiding something. Amiss all the Highland games and courting of Shona is the story of Dragonheart a dragon amulet. Shona and her cousins have made a vow on it and now it winds up in Shona's custody. Someone is out to hurt Shona, is it Dugald? or is it someone who wants her dead for another reason? There is a lot of suspense in the story along with a bit of magic. This is a must read.

This book was quite interesting. I am new to the piping world and this book made me want to know more of the history of the pipes and piobaireachd especially. I want to learn to play even more than before.

At the same time, I was saddened by the apparent loss of the traditional style of play and the music written before the 1700s. But I suspect that to be true of many historical arts, especially those passed on in a bardic style.

I felt the author had a somewhat negative opinion of the modern standards of piobaireachd and The Piobareachd Society. He was apparently displeased with their decisions on the way piobaireachd should be played. He, or people with his opinion, should form a second society with a different idea on standards and what they consider to be the "true" traditional style.

Regardless, I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the history of piping and the changes that have taken place in the last 250 years. The evolution of the notation was interesting and I am not any kind of music expert. The book does read a little slowly in many places, but a short session with it here and there and you will find that information gathered was very worthwhile.

Dr. William Donaldson's work is perhaps the most well-researched and sensible study of Highland bagpipe music yet published. His exhaustive work examines both the positive and negative impact that the Scottish "societies" had on the music. His conclusions are startling illuminating and founded on totally solid ground. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Scottish music and culture. For anyone who plays the Highland pipe, it is required reading.