The unconventional Hamish Macbeth finds that his own impetuousness places him at the center of a murder investigation.

Death accompanies a tattooed stranger to a tiny Highland town...

Everyone in Lochdubh knows about the Macho Man - a mean bully claiming to be a professional wrestler and part-time explorer. His insults at the pub have caused brawls, while his furtive sneaking around arouses suspicion he is romancing some of the local wives. And when he challenges Hamish Macbeth to a public bout, it triggers an epidemic of betting.

Everyone expects Hamish to take a pounding, but no one anticipates a murder instead. And amid all the excitement it's up to level-headed Hamish to track down the heartless killer of the brutal Macho Man . . .

Praise for M C Beaton:

'The books are a delight: clever, intricate, sardonic and amazingly true to the real Highlands' Kerry Greenwood

'It's always a special treat to return to Lochdubh' New York Times

"Lochdubh's locals are as entertaining as ever; and Hamish is at his charming, exasperating best." - Kirkus Reviews

"An outstanding read from one of the real masters of mystery." - Booklist