Beating About the Bush (An Agatha Raisin Mystery #30)

Author:  M.C. Beaton
Genre:   Mystery

Hardcover; Mass Market Paperback; [Audio CD]; Digital Book
ISBN #:  9781250157720; 9781250157737; [9781538451878]
Minotaur Books [Blackstone Publishing]
256 Pages
$16.82; $7.99; $19.11; $13.99 Amazon
December 3, 2019

⭐⭐⭐

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?

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Agatha Raisin is at it again.  She’s on a case with her employee Toni, and uses one of her favorite phrases, “Nice place to dump a body,” but unexpectedly, they think they’ve come across one when they see shoes with a leg attached.  Unfortunately, after calling the police, it’s not real.  Still, Agatha wonders how it looks so much like the leg of Mrs. Dinwiddy, secretary to the man they’re working for.  But when Mrs. Dinwiddy is indeed found dead, it’s ruled an accident, although Agatha refuses to believe it.

She has other problems, too — she dumped her fiance when she found out his past, and she’s worried if Toni gets married, she’ll lose her as an employee.  But Agatha thinks that Morrison is setting them up in order not to pay them, and she’s going to continue to investigate Mrs. Dinwiddy’s murder.  With the help of her employees and PR man Ron Silver, she’s determined to solve the case...even if it kills her...

We’re back with Agatha, her employees,  and of course, Sir Charles Fraith.  Agatha’s working on a new case that isn’t going the way she expects it to, and after butting heads with the local police inspector, she decides she can do a better job than him and proceeds to carry on with the investigation.  She’s convinced her employee Toni that she’s right, and the two of them have put their heads together to figure out a way to prove Mr. Morrison had something to do with his secretary’s murder.  Just what, though, they aren’t sure.  Then a donkey takes to Agatha, and she uses it to her advantage in the investigation.

I liked how everything was put together, and the fact that Toni can give as good as she gets from Agatha, while still doing her job.  There’s not so much of Mrs. Bloxby in this book, but then again, there doesn’t need to be.  And while the humor is less to the forefront, there was still enough about the book to keep me interested and to find out who the murderer really was and also the reason the woman was murdered.

This is the thirtieth book in the series, and while I still find them very good, I was hoping for a bit more.  While I enjoyed the mystery sufficiently, I felt left down somewhat since the blurb intimated more than it delivered.  While I have no problem reading another one in this series, and certainly will do so, I was hoping for what I thought would be a more satisfactory ending.

https://www.amazon.com/Beating-About-Agatha-Raisin-Mysteries/dp/1250157722/ref

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3238628347

More on M.C. Beaton's Books:  https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/m-c-beaton/

The Dead Ringer (An Agatha Raisin Mystery #29)

Author: M.C. Beaton
Genre:  Mystery

Hardcover; Mass Market Paperback; Audio CD: Digital Book
ISBN #: 9781250157690; 9781250157706; [9781538451793]
Minotaur Books [Blackstone Audio]
288 Pages
$17.70; $7.99; $55.00; $13.99 Amazon
October 2, 2018 (June 2019 MMP)

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The idyllic Cotswolds village of Thirk Magna is best known for the medieval church of St. Ethelred and its bells, which are the pride and glory of the whole community.

As the bell-ringers get ready for the visit of the dashing Bishop Peter Salver-Hinkley, the whole village is thrown into a frenzy.  Meanwhile, Agatha convinces one of the bell-ringers, the charming lawyer Julian Brody, to hire her to investigate the mystery of the Bishop's ex-fiancée: a local heiress, Jennifer Toynby, who went missing years ago and whose body was never found...

Meanwhile, the bodies in the village just keep on piling up: the corpse of Larry Jensen, a local policeman, is discovered in the crypt.  Millicent Dupin, one of a pair of bell-ringing identical twins, is murdered in the church.  And Terry Fletcher, a journalist and (briefly) Agatha's lover, is found dead in her sitting room!  Agatha widens her investigation and very soon her main suspect is the handsome Bishop himself.  But could he really be behind this series of violent killings, or is it someone who wants to bring him - and his reputation - down?

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Agatha Raisin goes to the village of Thirk Magna with her friend Mrs. Bloxby and sees a magnificent figure of a man in the form of Bishop Peter Salver-Hinkley and decides she'd like to know him better.  She also makes the acquaintance of Julian Brody, who dislikes the Bishop and asks her to look into the disappearance of his ex-fiancée Jennifer Toynby, who disappeared without a trace.  But as Agatha starts looking into the matter she discovers that the Bishop is unlikable (at least to her) and that not only is Jennifer's disappearance unsolved, but others in this village are soon found murdered:  Larry Jensen, a local policeman; Millicent Dupin, half of a horrible pair of middle-aged twins; and Terry Fletcher, an Australian journalist that Agatha fell immediately in love with - but ended the affair - leaving her with a broken heart.

But the newspapers aren't so kind and label her a home wrecker, and she can't find any trace of Jennifer; and these things, along with several others, lead her into a depression she isn't able to pull herself from.  But it is when she decides that she must no longer feel sorry for herself and get back to the job of detecting that she is able to discover the truth...only in doing so, this time she may have gone too far and the killer might just want to silence her forever...

I have always enjoyed the books of Ms. Beaton and this one is no different.  Our Agatha, who considers herself a good detective relying on her intuition, is once again looking for a case that is more exciting than finding one's missing pet.  But in doing so, she discovers that she doesn't care for the village of Thirk Magna nor any of its inhabitants, considering them all crazy.  She may not be far from the truth, but still she has a job to do and tries her best - at least until she is once again disappointed in love.

It doesn't last forever, but at least she has a staff that is reliable and can get things done while she is in her funk; and there is always Charles, faithful to her in his own way and his desire to snap her out of it and bring her back to reality heartens me each time.  I truly like this man, with all his quirks and even his habit of "forgetting his wallet" at opportune times.  This time out, he's more of a 'partner in crime' as it were, and while he's not happy about it, he's willing to help his Aggie along.

We are given more to Charles in this book than I think we have seen in any of the others and his devotion to Agatha is at once apparent, even if she doesn't see it herself.  It's probably because she spends her time wondering why she can't find her soul mate.  I would expect more from Agatha.

However, she does manage to get herself mired in a couple of harrowing situations (which we would expect no less of her) by not thinking things through completely; still, it is interesting to see how she extricates herself (with help) and quite fun to read about.

In the end, the book came together quite nicely while still leaving me at odds, as I found that while the plot is decent as always and the writing is indeed good; I am torn by the ending, which, I am sure is not an ending at all; and I will have to wait (impatiently) for the next in the series.

https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Ringer-Agatha-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/1250157692/ref

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2537934570

More on M.C. Beaton's Books:  https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/m-c-beaton/

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cakes

Author:  Sue Watson
Genre:  Romance/Christmas

Five Stars

 

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake is a truly heart-warming and hilarious read about sisters, love and finding the courage to be yourself – one snowflake at a time.

For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned…

With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again.

After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past.

Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?

 

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Tamsin Angel has everything:  Successful husband, two children, a home in an exclusive neighborhood, and more money than you can count.  At the moment she is attempting to top her last Christmas extravaganza, having this one completely in white - including buying new white furniture.  She spends her days shopping and trying to outdo her snotty neighbors.  Tamsin appears to be completely social conscious, only concerned with clothes, shoes, and how she looks to others; but we soon learn that than meets the eye, because...one day her world falls apart when the bailiffs show up at her door and tell her that her mortgage hasn't been paid in over a year and the bank now owns her home.  On top of that, she can't locate her husband Simon anywhere, and she soon discovers that he hasn't been paying anything.  Her 'friends' won't have anything to do with her, she's gone into denial, and the only thing she can now do is move in with her sister Sam and Sam's son Jacob into their tiny apartment above Sam's Bakery, The White Angel.

 

Sam Angel is a young widow with a six-year-old son.  She has a fledgling bakery and practically nothing.  She has been keeping the memory of her dead husband Steve alive through her small son, including refusing to cut his hair, even though it is causing problems at school for Jacob.  She has a sort-of relationship with a divorced father, Richard, who wants to make it more permanent.  But Sam isn't sure that she wants to, because she is still living in the past and thinking what if something happens and Richard leaves her - she is afraid something will go wrong and the relationship will fail and she'll be left alone again. 

 

But now her older sister Tamsin has moved in with her (fortunately, Tamsin's college-aged children Hugo and Hermione have been able to stay with friends), and has completely turned her life upside down.  Barely able to keep herself above water, Sam must now deal with a sister who still wants her old life back and convince her it isn't possible.  Tamsin, for her part, must learn to live in the real world without money, a huge home, no husband to take care of her and try to make a life for herself.  So when Sam suggests that they become business partners, Tamsin jumps at the chance and vows to make the White Angel Bakery the best there is.

 

This is a story of two completely different sisters who, while living in the same household, had two completely different upbringings and it colored their lives.  It is a story that could happen to anyone anywhere (in fact, if you talk to siblings, you will probably find that their recital of the same events at home are completely different, a 'vantage point' if you will.)  They have both lost things in their lives which were important to them, and must not only learn to move on and look to the future, but are learning the importance they have to each other as well.

 

The story is told in alternating chapters with the sisters narrating.  With each chapter we get first one sister's view, then the next.  It is different, and I liked the fact that we are getting both their viewpoints, not just one or the other's.  You get to see what is happening through both their eyes.  Throughout the book, you see the sisters growing, changing, and learning to love and trust again during the Christmas holiday.  Even when there are what seems to be catastrophic setbacks, they move on with each other's help and love.

 

It is a wonderful story of loss, hope and redemption.  Tamsin and Sam manage to find new lives for themselves and a new beginning with each other.  Tamsin finds out who her real friends are, and Sam finds out that holding onto the past isn't the best thing you can do for yourself after all.  It is a story that is heartfelt and warm, and perfect for the holiday season.  Highly recommended.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Angels-Secrets-Christmas-Cake-ebook/dp/B00O4GEROG/

 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1080956647

 



The Blood of an Englishman: An Agatha Raisin Mystery

Author:  M.C. Beaton
Genre:  Mystery

Four Stars

 

Even though Agatha Raisin loathes amateur dramatics, her friend Mrs. Bloxby, the vicar’s wife, has persuaded her to support the local pantomime. Stifling a yawn at the production of "Babes in the Woods," Agatha watches the baker playing an ogre strut and threaten on the stage, until a trapdoor opens and the Ogre disappears in an impressive puff of smoke. Only he doesn't re-appear at final curtain.

Surely this isn't the way the scene was rehearsed? When it turns out the popular baker has been murdered, Agatha puts her team of private detectives on the case. They soon discover more feuds and temperamental behavior in amateur theatrics than in a professional stage show—and face more and more danger as the team gets too close to the killer.

 

********

 

Agatha Raisin is back in her 25th mystery.  While it starts out a bit slow, it does not disappoint.  Agatha and Mrs. Bloxby are at an amateur theatrical, and during the show, one of the players, Bert Simple, is murdered in a most unmanly way (pun intended).  Agatha is then hired by Gareth Craven, to find the killer.  It sounds like an easy case, but of course, it is not.

 

For Gareth is in love with the man's widow, Gwen - and it appears, so are half the men in Winter Parva, where the murder occurred.  But as it turns out, the dead man was quite the philanderer - although no one will come right out and say it.  So it is up to Agatha and her team of detectives to find out the truth.

 

Which, of course, is easier said than done.  And which, of course, leads Agatha to her new obsession, a schoolteacher named John Hale.  Fancying herself in love (again) she leaves most of the detecting in the case to Toni, her beautiful assistant, but orders her to stay away from John.  However, it doesn't take Agatha long to realize that things are not adding up the way they are supposed to, and people aren't talking the way they should.  While the time drags on - it turns from winter to spring before Agatha gets a real break in the case - Agatha has her attentions turning from one man to another, and her dreams of romantic love staying close to her heart.

 

When the truth is finally known, I will tell you that although it wasn't expected (there are clues to the killer, but you have to look for them); the gruesome discovery isn't pleasant at all.  Let's just say I'm grateful I don't live in Winter Parva.

 

We have again the two men who know Agatha best: her ex-husband James drifting in and out of her life between his travels; and the delightful Sir Charles Fraith whom, I think, actually cares for Agatha more than he lets on, keeping our Aggie safe as much as he is able to.  And with his lackadasial personality and wicked sense of humor, he definitely adds oomph to the story.

 

This book would have rated five stars, but unfortunately, Agatha's attitude that a woman without a man "feels diminished," and the fact that she must wear high heels around them (I gave up heels years ago rather than endure constant pain in my feet later in life) is telling of her attitude toward life.  She should be comfortable in her own skin at this point; and realize that men are more attracted to women who are independent and secure in themselves (one would hope).

 

The above notwithstanding, a recommended read and a delightful addition to the Agatha Raisin series.  I was given a free copy in return for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my decision.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Englishman-Agatha-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/0312616260/

 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1031057251