"Death of a Prankster"

If you've been following my blog, you know that I've been reading the Hamish Macbeth mysteries in order and I've just finished "Death of a Prankster." Andrew Trent is old, rich, and a practical joker. When he summons his family home for a deathbed farewell, they all respond in hopes of inheriting some of his money. As it turns out, he's just playing another trick on them and their time in his household is a series of practical jokes. Finally, someone seems to have tired of his pranks because Trent is discovered murdered in his own home. Constable Hamish Macbeth involves his old flame, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, in helping him solve the case. This one has a lot of twists and turns and I didn't even figure out who did it until near the end -- perhaps because readers were kept in the dark about a few important facts! It's an enjoyable and very quick read!

pazt