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Agatha Raisin: Beating About the Bush (Agatha Raisin #30)
by M.C. Beaton'Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy' ASHLEY JENSEN'No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime' MAIL ON SUNDAY 'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' DAILY MAIL 'The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status' THE TIMES 'Irresistible, unputdownable, a joy' ANNE ROBINSONAgatha Raisin returns for her 30th adventure . . . _____________When private detective Agatha Raisin comes across a severed leg in a roadside hedge, it looks like she is about to become involved in a particularly gruesome murder. Looks, however, can be deceiving, as Agatha discovers when she is employed to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory where nothing is quite what it seems.The factory mystery soon turns to murder and a bad-tempered donkey turns Agatha into a national celebrity, before bringing her ridicule and shame. To add to her woes, Agatha finds herself grappling with growing feelings for her friend and occasional lover, Sir Charles Fraith. Then, as a possible solution to the factory murder unfolds, her own life is thrown into deadly peril. Will Agatha get her man at last? Or will the killer get her first? _____________Praise for M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series 'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status' The Times'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' Daily Mail'Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life' Entertainment Weekly'Agatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining. . . M C Beaton has created a new national treasure... the stories zing along and are irresistible, unputdownable, a joy. If you buy one book a year, let it be this. Agatha Raisin is The Strongest Link' Anne Robinson'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'Being a cranky, middle-aged female myself, I found Agatha charming!' Amazon customer review'[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball, with a tad of pit bull tossed in. She's wonderful' St. Petersburg Times'Anyone interested in . . . intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin' Atlanta Journal-Constitution'Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery' Tampa Tribune-Times'Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha' Chicago Sun-Times
Agatha Raisin: Beating About the Bush (Agatha Raisin #30)
by M.C. Beaton'Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy' ASHLEY JENSEN'No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime' MAIL ON SUNDAY 'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' DAILY MAIL 'The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status' THE TIMES 'Irresistible, unputdownable, a joy' ANNE ROBINSONAgatha Raisin returns for her 30th adventure . . . _____________When private detective Agatha Raisin comes across a severed leg in a roadside hedge, it looks like she is about to become involved in a particularly gruesome murder. Looks, however, can be deceiving, as Agatha discovers when she is employed to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory where nothing is quite what it seems.The factory mystery soon turns to murder and a bad-tempered donkey turns Agatha into a national celebrity, before bringing her ridicule and shame. To add to her woes, Agatha finds herself grappling with growing feelings for her friend and occasional lover, Sir Charles Fraith. Then, as a possible solution to the factory murder unfolds, her own life is thrown into deadly peril. Will Agatha get her man at last? Or will the killer get her first? _____________Praise for M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series 'Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue, and charm' Lee Child'The detective novels of M C Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status' The Times'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' Daily Mail'Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life' Entertainment Weekly'Agatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining. . . M C Beaton has created a new national treasure... the stories zing along and are irresistible, unputdownable, a joy. If you buy one book a year, let it be this. Agatha Raisin is The Strongest Link' Anne Robinson'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'Being a cranky, middle-aged female myself, I found Agatha charming!' Amazon customer review'[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball, with a tad of pit bull tossed in. She's wonderful' St. Petersburg Times'Anyone interested in . . . intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin' Atlanta Journal-Constitution'Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery' Tampa Tribune-Times'Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha' Chicago Sun-Times
The Agatha Raisin Companion
by M.C. BeatonThis book is a celebration of all things Agatha Raisin. It includes an introduction by M C Beaton, Agatha's biography, her background and retirement to the Cotswolds, her complex love life and the details of village life in Carsely. There are brief biogs of all the men in her life (there are many), a piece on her cats Hodge and Boswell, and a section on Agatha's Cotswolds, both real and fictitious. Plot summaries of all twenty titles in the series, a quiz to test your Agatha knowledge and a selection of her favourite dishes in Raisin's Recipes rounds off the complete Agatha Companion.It also features line drawings by Alice Tait - the artist of the all new covers in the Agatha Raisin series - throughout.
Agatha Raisin: Dead on Target (Agatha Raisin #145)
by M.C. BeatonA visit to the local village fete for a spot of fun and relaxation turns into a nightmare for Agatha Raisin when she discovers the body of the local landowner in the woods - with an arrow in his chest and his trousers round his ankles.At first her old adversary, Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes, declares the death a tragic accident, believing the victim has been hit by a stray arrow from an archery demonstration. Agatha is convinced the man was murdered and is shocked when Wilkes eventually agrees... particularly as he considers her to be his prime suspect!Determined to clear her name and find the real killer, Agatha launches her own investigation, quickly becoming involved with a family at war, an unscrupulous gangster -- and a murderer who is determined to make her the next victim...'This Hamish Macbeth novel maintains Beaton's distinctive voice and includes the usual village eccentrics, loads of Scottish lore, and the light humor that Beaton fans have loved through the years. . . A definite purchase for all mystery collections' Starred Review, Library Journal'Unmissable!' Peterborough TelegraphPraise for the Hamish Macbeth series:'First rate ... deft social comedy and wonderfully realized atmosphere.' Booklist'It's always a treat to return to Lochdubh.' New York Times'Readers will enjoy the quirks and unique qualities of the cast ... Beaton catches the beauty of the area's natural geography and succinctly describes its distinct flavour.' Library Journal'Befuddled, earnest and utterly endearing, Hamish makes his triumphs sweetly satisfying.' Publishers Weekly
Agatha Raisin: Dead on Target (Agatha Raisin #145)
by M.C. BeatonA visit to the local village fete for a spot of fun and relaxation turns into a nightmare for Agatha Raisin when she discovers the body of the local landowner in the woods - with an arrow in his chest and his trousers round his ankles.At first her old adversary, Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes, declares the death a tragic accident, believing the victim has been hit by a stray arrow from an archery demonstration. Agatha is convinced the man was murdered and is shocked when Wilkes eventually agrees... particularly as he considers her to be his prime suspect!Determined to clear her name and find the real killer, Agatha launches her own investigation, quickly becoming involved with a family at war, an unscrupulous gangster -- and a murderer who is determined to make her the next victim...'This Hamish Macbeth novel maintains Beaton's distinctive voice and includes the usual village eccentrics, loads of Scottish lore, and the light humor that Beaton fans have loved through the years. . . A definite purchase for all mystery collections' Starred Review, Library Journal'Unmissable!' Peterborough TelegraphPraise for the Hamish Macbeth series:'First rate ... deft social comedy and wonderfully realized atmosphere.' Booklist'It's always a treat to return to Lochdubh.' New York Times'Readers will enjoy the quirks and unique qualities of the cast ... Beaton catches the beauty of the area's natural geography and succinctly describes its distinct flavour.' Library Journal'Befuddled, earnest and utterly endearing, Hamish makes his triumphs sweetly satisfying.' Publishers Weekly
Agatha Raisin: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin #26)
by M.C. BeatonA therapist had moved into the village of Carsely and Agatha Raisin hates her. Not only was this therapist, Jill Davent, romancing Agatha's ex-husband, but she had dug up details of Agatha's slum background. Added to that, Jill was counselling a woman called Gwen Simple from Winter Parva and Agatha firmly believed Gwen to have assisted her son in some grisly murders, although has no proof she had done so. A resentment is different from a dislike and needs to be shared, so as the friendship between James and Jill grows stronger, the more Agatha does to try to find out all she can about her. When Jill is found strangled to death in her office two days' later, Agatha finds herself under suspicion - and must fight to clear her name.
Agatha Raisin: Hell's Bells (Agatha Raisin #123)
by M.C. BeatonWidowed Mary Bolton, like Miss Jean Brodie, considers herself in her prime. Not satisfied with car boot sales, dances at the bowling club and reading to the elderly, she throws herself into bellringing with gusto - much to the annoyance of her neighbours.But when the industrious Mary is found swinging from a bell rope, Jessica Brand - who only days before had threatened to strangle Mary with the very same rope - fears she will be accused. There's nothing left to do but call in private detective Agatha Raisin to untangle the web of sex, money, deceit ... and murder.
Agatha Raisin: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin #23)
by M.C. BeatonAgatha has fallen in love - again. This time it's the local gardener, George Marston, she has her eye on. But competition for his attention abounds. With her shameless determination Agatha will do anything to get her man - including footing the bill for a charity ball in town just for the chance to dance with him. But when George is a no-show Agatha goes looking for him - and finds he has been murdered, having been bitten by a poisonous snake and buried in a compost heap. Agatha and the rest of her crew plunge into an investigation and discover that George had quite a complicated love life. And if Agatha now can't have George, at least she can have the satisfaction of confronting those women who have and finding a murderer in the process.Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:'M.C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'Clever red herrings and some wicked unfinished business guarantees that the listener will pant for a sequel' The Times (audio review)
Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot (Agatha Raisin #31)
by M.C. Beaton'Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy' ASHLEY JENSEN'No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime' MAIL ON SUNDAY'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' DAILY MAIL'The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status' THE TIMESPrivate Detective Agatha Raisin immerses herself in the glittering lifestyle of the fabulously wealthy when Sir Charles Fraith is accused of murder - and Agatha is named as his accomplice! A high-society wedding, a glitzy masked ball, and an introduction to the world of international show-jumping where the riders are glamorous, the horses are beautiful, and intrigue runs deep, leave Agatha with a list of suspects as long as a stallion's tail. Sinister evidence then emerges that appears to seal Sir Charles's fate and Agatha must uncover the truth before a net of skulduggery closes around him and he loses his ancestral home, his entire estate, and his freedom. And if events weren't complicated enough... Agatha's ex-husband James Lacey is back in Carsely and back in Agatha's heart...Praise for M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries:'Irresistible, unputdownable, a joy' Anne Robinson'Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue, and charm' Lee Child'Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life' Entertainment Weekly'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball . . . She's wonderful' St. Petersburg Times'Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery' Tampa Tribune-Times'Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha' Chicago Sun-Times
Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot (Agatha Raisin #31)
by M.C. Beaton'Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy' ASHLEY JENSEN'No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime' MAIL ON SUNDAY'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' DAILY MAIL'The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status' THE TIMESPrivate Detective Agatha Raisin immerses herself in the glittering lifestyle of the fabulously wealthy when Sir Charles Fraith is accused of murder - and Agatha is named as his accomplice! A high-society wedding, a glitzy masked ball, and an introduction to the world of international show-jumping where the riders are glamorous, the horses are beautiful, and intrigue runs deep, leave Agatha with a list of suspects as long as a stallion's tail. Sinister evidence then emerges that appears to seal Sir Charles's fate and Agatha must uncover the truth before a net of skulduggery closes around him and he loses his ancestral home, his entire estate, and his freedom. And if events weren't complicated enough... Agatha's ex-husband James Lacey is back in Carsely and back in Agatha's heart...Praise for M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries:'Irresistible, unputdownable, a joy' Anne Robinson'Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue, and charm' Lee Child'Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life' Entertainment Weekly'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball . . . She's wonderful' St. Petersburg Times'Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery' Tampa Tribune-Times'Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha' Chicago Sun-Times
Agatha Raisin in Down the Hatch
by M.C. Beaton'Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy' ASHLEY JENSEN'No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime' MAIL ON SUNDAY'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' DAILY MAIL'The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status' THE TIMESNothing could be more relaxing or sedate than a quiet game of bowls on a pristine bowling green bathed in the sunshine of an English summer's afternoon in the Cotswolds - unless there's a dead body lying on the grass.Agatha Raisin becomes embroiled in a turmoil of jealousy and lies when the tranquility of her local bowls club explodes into a storm of accusation and intrigue - and murder. Her private life is no less turbulent when a past suitor reappears just as her ex-husband seems intent on rekindling their romance, and her close friend, Bill Wong, is in danger of losing the woman he loves.Events take an even darker turn when Agatha realises that, in pursuing the bowling green killer, she is putting her own life in danger...Praise for M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries:'Irresistible, unputdownable, a joy' Anne Robinson'Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue, and charm' Lee Child'Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life' Entertainment Weekly'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball . . . She's wonderful' St. Petersburg Times'Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery' Tampa Tribune-Times'Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha' Chicago Sun-Times
Agatha Raisin in Down the Hatch
by M.C. Beaton'Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy' ASHLEY JENSEN'No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime' MAIL ON SUNDAY'A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed' DAILY MAIL'The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status' THE TIMESNothing could be more relaxing or sedate than a quiet game of bowls on a pristine bowling green bathed in the sunshine of an English summer's afternoon in the Cotswolds - unless there's a dead body lying on the grass.Agatha Raisin becomes embroiled in a turmoil of jealousy and lies when the tranquility of her local bowls club explodes into a storm of accusation and intrigue - and murder. Her private life is no less turbulent when a past suitor reappears just as her ex-husband seems intent on rekindling their romance, and her close friend, Bill Wong, is in danger of losing the woman he loves.Events take an even darker turn when Agatha realises that, in pursuing the bowling green killer, she is putting her own life in danger...Praise for M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries:'Irresistible, unputdownable, a joy' Anne Robinson'Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue, and charm' Lee Child'Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life' Entertainment Weekly'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball . . . She's wonderful' St. Petersburg Times'Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery' Tampa Tribune-Times'Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha' Chicago Sun-Times
Agatha Raisin: Killing Time (Agatha Raisin #146)
by M.C. Beaton R W GreenLife is never, ever dull in Agatha Raisin's sleepy Cotswolds village!Agatha Raisin's private detective agency is working flat out on a series of burglaries which take a violent turn when a friend of Agatha's is murdered during a raid on his antiques shop. Although determined to nail the villains, Agatha still makes time to help Sir Charles Fraith prepare to stage a massive, hugely glamorous event in the grounds of his ancestral home, Barfield House.When Agatha begins to receive death threats and narrowly avoids being abducted by kidnappers, she takes advantage of a previously arranged trip to Majorca to lie low for a while. There she meets her partner, former police officer John Glass, who is now working as a dance instructor on a cruise liner. Their relationship founders over John's apparent closeness to his stage dance partner, Louise. Putting her love life on hold, Agatha heads home, having worked out who has been threatening her life.Can Agatha track down the would-be killer, nail her friend's murderers and rescue her romance with John? Everything comes to a climax at the Barfield Extravaganza when on top of everything else, Agatha also manages to solve a 400-year-old Cotswold murder mystery!"In addition to building suspense, Green provides lots of comedy and fascinating information about event-planning, antiques, and sleuthing throughout. Agatha Raisin lives on." Booklist"Agatha is always a hoot, but behind the extravagant exterior lie a clever mind and an iron will." Kirkus Reviews"A whole load of fun... Agatha, it's great to have you back." First Clue
Agatha Raisin: Killing Time (Agatha Raisin #146)
by M.C. Beaton R W GreenLife is never, ever dull in Agatha Raisin's sleepy Cotswolds village!Agatha Raisin's private detective agency is working flat out on a series of burglaries which take a violent turn when a friend of Agatha's is murdered during a raid on his antiques shop. Although determined to nail the villains, Agatha still makes time to help Sir Charles Fraith prepare to stage a massive, hugely glamorous event in the grounds of his ancestral home, Barfield House.When Agatha begins to receive death threats and narrowly avoids being abducted by kidnappers, she takes advantage of a previously arranged trip to Majorca to lie low for a while. There she meets her partner, former police officer John Glass, who is now working as a dance instructor on a cruise liner. Their relationship founders over John's apparent closeness to his stage dance partner, Louise. Putting her love life on hold, Agatha heads home, having worked out who has been threatening her life.Can Agatha track down the would-be killer, nail her friend's murderers and rescue her romance with John? Everything comes to a climax at the Barfield Extravaganza when on top of everything else, Agatha also manages to solve a 400-year-old Cotswold murder mystery!"In addition to building suspense, Green provides lots of comedy and fascinating information about event-planning, antiques, and sleuthing throughout. Agatha Raisin lives on." Booklist"Agatha is always a hoot, but behind the extravagant exterior lie a clever mind and an iron will." Kirkus Reviews"A whole load of fun... Agatha, it's great to have you back." First Clue
Agatha Raisin Omnibus: The Quiche Of Death, The Potted Gardener, The Vicious Vet And The Walkers Of Dembley (Agatha Raisin #123)
by M.C. BeatonTHE FIRST FOUR TITLES IN THE ACERBIC, ECCENTRIC AND HILARIOUS AGATHA RAISIN SERIES AT A BARGAIN PRICE.THE QUICHE OF DEATHRevenge is a dish best served warm...High-flying public relations supremo Agatha Raisin has decided to take early retirement. She's off to make a new life in a picture-perfect Cotswold village. To make friends, she enters the local quiche-making competition - and to make quite sure of first prize she secretly pays a visit to a London deli.Alas, the competition judge succumbs after tasting her perfect quiche, and Agatha is revealed as a cheat and potential poisoner. Definitely not the best start. So Agatha must turn amateur sleuth - she's absolutely got to track down the real killer!THE POTTED GARDENERAgatha goes digging where she shouldn't...Agatha is taken aback when she finds a new woman ensconced in the affections of her attractive bachelor neighbour, James Lacey. The beautiful Mary Fortune is superior in every way, especially when it comes to gardening - and with Carsely Garden Open Day looming, Agatha feels this deficiency acutely.So when Mary is discovered murdered, buried upside down in a pot, Agatha seizes the moment and immediately starts yanking up village secrets by their roots and digging the dirt on the hapless victim. But Agatha has an awkward secret too . . .THE VICIOUS VETAgatha lets sleeping vets lie..Retired PR boss Agatha Raisin is enjoying life in her pretty Cotswold village of Carsely. It even seems likely that the attractive new vet, Paul Bladen, has taken a shine to her. But before romance can blossom, Paul is killed in an accident with Lord Pendlebury's horse. Only the circumstances are rather suspicious.Agatha decides she must once more play amateur investigator. And this cloud has a silver lining - she can persuade her usually stand-offish neighbour, James Lacey, to become her partner in the quest. As usual, Agatha is quite prepared to rush in, heedless of the lurking menace to both James and herself.THE WALKERS OF DEMBLEYAn unexpected hike to the Other Side . . .After time away, Agatha Raisin returns to her beloved Cotswold village of Carsely - and to her handsome neighbour, James Lacey. True, James seems less than thrilled to see her, but Agatha is soon distracted by a sensational murder. The victim, found in a field, is young hiker Jessica Tartinck, who spent her life enraging landowners by insisting on her right to roam. Hope springs eternal in Agatha's breast as she lures the reluctant James into her investigation. There are so many leads to follow, for Jessica's fellow walkers - not to mention the landowners - all seem able to commit murder.
Agatha Raisin: Pushing up Daisies (Agatha Raisin #27)
by M.C. BeatonAllotment wars! Lord Bellington, Carsely's biggest landholder, has enraged locals by saying he is going to sell off their allotments to make way for a new housing development. So when he turns up dead, poisoned by antifreeze, nobody mourns his passing.On another fine summer's day Agatha visits Carsley's allotments where everything looks peaceful and perfect: people of all ages digging in the soil and working hard to grow their own fruit and veg. Agatha feels almost tempted to take on a strip herself . . . but common sense soon prevails. She doesn't really like getting her hands dirty.She is introduced to three oldtimers who have just taken over a new strip; Harry Perry, Bunty Daventry and Josephine Merriweather are lamenting the neglected condition of the patch. But as Harry starts to shovel through the weeds and grass his spade comes across something hard so he bends down and tries to move the object. And then he starts to yell . . . The body is that of Peta Currie, a newcomer to the village - but who would want to murder her? Blonde and beautiful she's every local male's favourite. And then Lord Bellingham's son engages Agatha to do some digging of her own and very soon Agatha is thrown into a world of petty feuds, jealousies and disputes over land. It would seem that far from being tiny gardens of Eden, Carsley's allotments are local battlefields where passions - and the bodycount - run high!Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:'Sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non-PC, M.C. Beaton has created a national treasure' Anne Robinson'M.C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'The Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshing, sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thoroughly likeable heroine' Booklist
Agatha Raisin: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin #24)
by M.C. BeatonIncomer Gloria French is at first welcomed in the Cotswold village of Piddlebury. She seems like a do-gooder par excellence, raising funds for the church and caring for the elderly. But she has a bad habit of borrowing things and not giving them back, so when she is discovered dead, poisoned by a bottle of elderberry wine, folk in the village don't mourn her passing too intently.Parish councillor Jerry Tarrant hires Agatha Raisin to track down the murderer. But the village is creepy and secretive and the residents don't seem to want Agatha to find who the murderer is, and Agatha's investigations are hampered by the emotional upset of finding her ex, James Lacey, has fallen in love with young detective Toni Gilmour.And now the murderer is targeting Agatha!Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:'M.C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'Clever red herrings and some wicked unfinished business guarantees that the listener will pant for a sequel' The Times (audio review)
Agatha Raisin: There Goes The Bride (Agatha Raisin #20)
by M.C. BeatonAgatha's former husband James is engaged to be married to a beautiful, young woman and Agatha has been kindly invited to the wedding. To take her mind off this, Agatha decides she has fallen for Sylvan, a Frenchman she met at James' engagement party. To distract her still further she decides upon a holiday and flies to Istanbul, where unfortunately she bumps into James and his fiancée not once but twice - convincing him she is stalking them.So when the bride is murdered on her wedding day, naturally Agatha is Suspect Number One - but then matters are turned on their head when the dead bride's mother engages Agatha to take on the case of her murdered daughter! And very soon Agatha's own life is in danger while she tries to solve the mystery of the corpse bride while fighting off (halfheartedly) the advances of a very attractive and determined Frenchman!Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem' Publishers Weekly'The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status' The Times'Agatha Raisin is sharp, witty, hugely intelligent, unfailingly entertaining, delightfully intolerant and oh so magnificently non PC. M. C. Beaton has created a new national treasure... the stories zing along and are irresistible, unputdownable, a joy. If you buy one book a year, let it be this. Agatha Raisin is The Strongest Link' Anne Robinson'Being a cranky, middle-aged female myself, I found Agatha charming!' Amazon customer review
Agatha Raisin y el paseo mortal (Agatha Raisin #Volumen 4)
by M.C. BeatonNueva entrega de la serie sobre Agatha Raisin.La heroína más aclamada del cosy crime. Tras una larga temporada en Londres, Agatha Raisin regresa a su querido pueblo de Carsely y a su deseado James Lacey, el apuesto coronel retirado que no parece precisamente encantado de tener a su vecina de vuelta. Sin embargo, Agatha apenas tiene tiempo de elaborar nuevas estrategias de conquista cuando se produce un espantoso asesinato. La víctima es la joven y animosa Jessica Tartinck, conflictiva líder de un grupo de excursionistas enfrentada a los relamidos terratenientes locales al reclamar el derecho de paso de los miembros de la asociación a través de sus tierras. Haciéndose pasar por marido y mujer, James y Agatha se infiltran en el grupo de paseantes de Jessica y, mientras su agenda se va llenando de sospechosos, descubren que muchos compañeros de la víctima parecen demasiado capaces de cometer un asesinato. Pero la felicidad de Agatha es efímera, y su fingido matrimonio con James no es en absoluto como ella esperaba. La crítica ha dicho...«Beaton capta perfectamente el ambiente de la vida en un tranquilo y pintoresco pueblo inglés.»Booklist «Beaton tiene una ganadora en la incontenible Agatha, ávida de aventuras amorosas.»Chicago Sun-Times «Entre las escritoras de series de misterio de pueblos acogedores, M.C. Beaton es de las que ameniza una agradable fiesta del té.»Associated Press
Agatha Raisin y el veterinario cruel (Agatha Raisin #Volumen 2)
by M.C. BeatonUna autora a la altura de Agatha Christie. Una detective a la altura de Miss Marple. Una serie con todo el misterio, el humor y el countryside británicos. Tras haber desenmascarado al asesino de la quiche letal, la fortuna parece sonreír a Agatha Raisin. Aceptada por la pintoresca comunidad de Carsely, y felizmente acompañada de sus dos gatos, su vida transcurre sin otro objetivo que doblegar la indiferencia de James Lacey, militar jubilado por el que Agatha siente verdadera devoción. Un interés que parece evaporarse cuando aparece en escena Paul Bladen, el nuevo veterinario del pueblo, que no se muestra ajeno a sus encantos. Sin embargo, el hombre sucumbe a una inyección destinada a un caballo de carreras, y aunque todo apunta a un accidente, Agatha cree que se trata de un crimen. Ante la sorpresa de los lugareños, el coronel Lacey comparte, por una vez, la hipótesis de su tenaz vecina, hasta el punto de embarcarse con ella en una investigación mucho más peligrosa de lo que ambos habrían podido imaginar. La crítica ha dicho...«Un sentido del humor espléndido y muy malicioso.»Val McDermid «Un misterio con los requisitos necesarios para hacerlo grandioso: personajes, ritmo, trama y eso que llamamos humanidad. M. C. Beaton los tiene todos en abundancia.»Tulsa World «Una serie de novelas policíacas ideales para leer en la cama, con tanto o más placer que las de Agatha Christie.»Telegraph on Sunday «Una lectura inteligente y divertida.»Cleveland Plain Dealer «Un auténtico tesoro nacional.»The Times «Una verdadera joya.»Publishers Weekly «Maravillosa.»Tampa Bay Times
Agatha Raisin y la boda sangrienta (Agatha Raisin #Volumen 5)
by M.C. BeatonVuelve Agatha Raisin, la heroína más aclamada del cosy crime,con más de diez millones de lectores en todo el mundo. Increíble pero cierto. James Lacey, el soltero más deseado de los Cotswolds, se ha rendido al encanto de su vecina, la chispeante y cincuentona Agatha Raisin. El día de su matrimonio amanece brillante y despejado, pero el cuento de hadas dura poco: en el momento en que los tortolitos están a punto de darse el sí, Jimmy, el ex marido de la novia, al que creía muerto hace tiempo, irrumpe en la ceremonia... y Agatha intenta estrangularlo. Furioso, James rompe el compromiso. Así que cuando, al día siguiente, Jimmy aparece asesinado, y Agatha y James se convierten en los dos principales sospechosos, deberán trabajar juntos para limpiar sus nombres y arrojar luz sobre el asunto. Sobre la serie:«La imperfecta heroína de M. C. Beaton es una piedra preciosa.»Publishers Weekly «Las novelas detectivescas de M. C. Beaton, una maestra de la comedia negra escandalosa, ya son de culto.»The Times «El áspero sentido del humor y su retrato afectuoso, pero nada halagador de Agatha, unamujer arisca y que a menudo actúa como una adolescente, hacen de esta obra una flor digna de arrancarse.»Publishers Weekly «Cualquiera que esté interesado en unas horas de lectura inteligente y divertida, querrá conocer a la señora Agatha Raisin.»The Cleveland Pain Dealer«Si te gusta la astuta miss Marple de Agatha Christie, no podrás resistirte a Agatha Raisin, una cincuentona que no le teme a nada. [...] Esta serie es una golosina.»Version Femina «¡Un regalo universal!»Le Temps «Una heroína colorida [...], de la que nos enamoramos desde el primer capítulo.»Le Parisien
Agatha Raisin y la jardinera asesinada (Agatha Raisin #Volumen 3)
by M.C. BeatonUna nueva entrega de la serie sobre Agatha Raisin, la heroína más aclamada del cosy crime con más de diez millones de lectores en todo el mundo. De vuelta a los Cotswolds tras unas largas vacaciones, Agatha Raisin descubre que el objeto de todas sus fantasías, el atractivo James Lacey, ha caído bajo el hechizo de una recién llegada al pueblo. Elegante y divertida, Mary Fortune es también una jardinera excepcional, y su triunfo en las inminentes jornadas de puertas abiertas de los Jardines de Carsely se da casi por seguro. Sin embargo, cuando la bella Mary Fortune es encontrada muerta, enterrada cabeza abajo en un macetero, Agatha Raisin vuelve a la carga para desenmascarar al asesino. La crítica ha dicho... «Aguda, ingeniosa, extremadamente inteligente, infaliblemente entretenida... M. C. Beaton ha creado un tesoro nacional.»The Times «Con un aire a Miss Marple, Raisin es una heroína verdaderamente entrañable, originalmente sensible y maravillosamente excéntrica.»Booklist
Agatha Raisin y la quiche letal (Agatha Raisin #Volumen 1)
by M.C. BeatonUna autora a la altura de Agatha Christie. Una detective a la altura de Miss Marple. Una serie con todo el misterio, el humor y el countryside británicos. Agatha Raisin se lía la manta a la cabeza y decide marcharse de Londres para saborear las mieles de una jubilación anticipada en un tranquilo pueblo de los Cotswolds, donde no tarda en aburrirse como una ostra. Desplegar su talento para la alta cocina en el concurso gastronómico de la parroquia tendría que convertirla, por fuerza, en una celebridad. Sin embargo, al primer bocado de su exquisita quiche, el juez del concurso cae desplomado y Agatha se ve obligada a confesar la amarga verdad: la quiche letal era comprada. No hay más que una solución para que la perdonen: meterse en harina y desenmascarar ella misma al asesino. La crítica ha dicho...«Toda nueva correría de Agatha Raisin es una verdadera delicia.»Ashley Jensen «No sorprende que la hayan coronado como la Reina del Crimen Coqueto.»Mail on Sunday «Irresistible, imposible de dejar, una delicia.»Anne Robinson «La saga de Agatha Raisin es mi placer inconfesable: es de lo más interesante, intrigante y encantadora, con el tono perfecto.»Lee Child
Agatha Raisin y la turista impertinente (Agatha Raisin #Volumen 6)
by M.C. BeatonUna nueva entrega de la serie sobre Agatha Raisin, la heroína más aclamada del cosy crime. Más de diez millones de lectores en todo el mundo Devastada por su matrimonio fallido con James, Agatha ya no sabe qué hacer. Y, como suele pasarle, escoge la peor opción de todas: seguir a su amado coronel retirado hasta Chipre, adonde el novio fugado se ha trasladado para recuperarse de la vergüenza y de la humillación sufridas. Pero en lugar de disfrutar de una luna de miel romántica bajo los cielos protectores de esta isla mediterránea, son testigos del asesinato de una turista inglesa en una discoteca. ¿Podrá el dúo olvidar sus diferencias y retomar su asociación detectivesca extrañamente próspera? Fiel a su reputación, Agatha se lanza a investigar aun a riesgo de dejar escapar a James, que ya está harto de sus excentricidades. La crítica ha dicho:«La heroína imperfecta de M.C. Beaton es una joya absoluta».Publishers Weekly «Las novelas de detectives de M.C. Beaton, una maestra de la comedia negra, han alcanzado el estatus de culto».The Times «Cualquiera que esté interesado en disfrutar de unas horas de lectura divertida e inteligente querrá conocer a la señora Agatha Raisin».The Cleveland Pain Dealer«El mordaz sentido del humor de Beaton y su retrato poco halagador pero afectuoso de la arisca Agatha, que a menudo se comporta como una adolescente, hacen de esta historia una flor que merece la pena coger».Publishers Weekly «¡Un verdadero tesoro nacional!».The Times«Si te gusta la avispada señorita Marple de Agatha Christie, no te resistirás a Agatha Raisin, una cincuentona que no tiene miedo a nada. Devorarás esta serie».Version Femina «Una heroína muy avispada y de armas tomar con la cual te partes de risa desde el primer capítulo».Le Parisien
Agatha Webb
by Anna Katharine GreenA universally beloved woman has been murdered. But who would have the heart to kill Agatha Webb? Would her husband do it for money matters? Or would it be the cook, who died at about the same time? Or would it be the rich and well-connected Mr. Fredrick, who ran away into the woods? This work is also for feminist fiction lovers. As the story starts right after the murder, we see how miss Page, a servant at a rich house who is the sweetheart of the same Mr. Fredrick, wants to join the investigation- and is constantly prevented from doing so by conservative men.