"Death of a Glutton" aka "Death of A Greedy Woman"

It's been a while since I've read anything by M. C. Beaton because I've been waiting for an interlibrary loan of "Death of a Glutton" - the next in the series that I've been reading in order.
P.C. Hamish Macbeth is still keeping law and order in Lochdubh, Scotland, but crime is low and the bad winter has finally disappeared to make way for some rare, fine weather. Priscilla Haliburton-Smythe's family is expecting a group from the Checkmate matchmaking agency to show up to spend a week at their hotel and Macbeth's nemesis, Blair, has gone off on a European holiday.

Maria, the head of Checkmate has been trying to buy out her partner, Peta, who has become more of a liability than an asset with her gluttonous manners. Since Peta has refused her offers, Maria has resorted to arranging this week long getaway to allow several couples that she's matched to meet and get acquainted. When Peta (supposedly away on holiday) shows up, not only is Maria upset by her behavior but so are all the guests. Guests begin to pair up with other guests with whom they have not been matched and Maria sees the week as ruined. It's no surprise when Peta is found murdered as there are plenty of people who have expressed an interest in getting rid of her.

Unfortunately for Hamish Macbeth, Blair's holiday has been cut short and he takes over the investigation. However his bungling of the case leads to the involvement of his superior and Macbeth's solving the case.

In the meantime, one of the guests has taken a shine to Macbeth and Priscilla appears to be jealous. Will they finally come to an understanding by the close of this book or will Macbeth's promotion to Sergeant and the arrival of a live-in assistant foil attempts at romance?

Another good, quick, light read.

pazt