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Agatha Raisin #18
Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye: Agatha Raisin, Book 18
Discover the charm and allure of this carefully preserved gem, steeped in history and rich with knowledge. This rare and vintage book is a perfect addition to any bibliophile's collection, offering a unique insight into the era it hails from. Its pages hold more than just words; they are a testimony to the passage of time, holding stories within stories that transport readers back in time. This piece of literary history awaits its new home. Please note, being an antique item, minor signs of age and use are part of its unique charm."
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First published January 1, 2007
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About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,013 followersLike her on Facebook!
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 862 reviews
February 28, 2025
Agatha dreams of the perfect Christmas.
I get it.
Christmas was a terrible holiday when I was growing up, and I can relate to wanting to make your own Christmas tradition as an adult that mirrors the image you wished you had as a child.
Unfortunately, Christmas (or really any overhyped event) is likely to always be a letdown.
That's just the nature of expectations vs reality.
I've found it's better to let go of trying to make it great and just attempt to go with the flow. Though, that may be easier for me than for someone who grew up with these amazing memories of the holiday season.
This Christmas Agatha hires a new young assistant detective, Toni Gilmour, and ends up rescuing her from a home much like her own childhood upbringing. Anyone who has made it to book 18 realizes that while Agatha is prickly, self-centered, and somewhat clueless about her own motivations, she also has a soft underbelly that keeps the people closest to her orbiting her cranky star. Toni understands Agatha in a way that the other people around her do not, and it was nice to see her enter the series.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how she turns out.
There is, of course, a murder and a mystery that needs solving.
I mean, it wouldn't be Christmas if not.
I really enjoyed this one, maybe because of what happened with James at the end, and maybe because I just needed a little Raisin in my life right now.
Recommended for fans.
I get it.
Christmas was a terrible holiday when I was growing up, and I can relate to wanting to make your own Christmas tradition as an adult that mirrors the image you wished you had as a child.
Unfortunately, Christmas (or really any overhyped event) is likely to always be a letdown.
That's just the nature of expectations vs reality.
I've found it's better to let go of trying to make it great and just attempt to go with the flow. Though, that may be easier for me than for someone who grew up with these amazing memories of the holiday season.
This Christmas Agatha hires a new young assistant detective, Toni Gilmour, and ends up rescuing her from a home much like her own childhood upbringing. Anyone who has made it to book 18 realizes that while Agatha is prickly, self-centered, and somewhat clueless about her own motivations, she also has a soft underbelly that keeps the people closest to her orbiting her cranky star. Toni understands Agatha in a way that the other people around her do not, and it was nice to see her enter the series.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how she turns out.
There is, of course, a murder and a mystery that needs solving.
I mean, it wouldn't be Christmas if not.
I really enjoyed this one, maybe because of what happened with James at the end, and maybe because I just needed a little Raisin in my life right now.
Recommended for fans.
January 9, 2021
This is the first book I read from M.C. Beaton and I didn't expect this book to turn out to be so good and enjoyable. I could connect with the characters and understand their emotions and their sense of humour.
On this mystery, we follow Private Detective Agatha Raisin, a strong independent middle age woman with a good reputation in solving murders.
Agatha receives a letter from a rich lady named Mrs Tamworthy who wants to contract Agatha's services in order to protect her on her Birthday. She claims that one of her children will murder her on the day of her birthday.
Agatha Raisin promised to help Mrs Tamworthy with the support of her new assistant Toni. Toni is a young woman that came from a troubled family and wants to become a detective and tries her best to succeed.
This exciting mystery will not bore anyone, there's always something that's going on and I love it! Definitely 4 Stars!
On this mystery, we follow Private Detective Agatha Raisin, a strong independent middle age woman with a good reputation in solving murders.
Agatha receives a letter from a rich lady named Mrs Tamworthy who wants to contract Agatha's services in order to protect her on her Birthday. She claims that one of her children will murder her on the day of her birthday.
Agatha Raisin promised to help Mrs Tamworthy with the support of her new assistant Toni. Toni is a young woman that came from a troubled family and wants to become a detective and tries her best to succeed.
This exciting mystery will not bore anyone, there's always something that's going on and I love it! Definitely 4 Stars!
February 15, 2023
Yes ~ I’m still reading these. I do like these books. I really like Agatha and the gang. Also, there is that guilt (shame?) I have about not finishing series that I start.
Hmmmmm though ~ perhaps it needs to go the way of my former thinking that I had to finish every book that I started. No matter how horrible. Not that this series is horrible! It is just that it is “fluffy reading” ~ best used as a rest in between heavier books. Same as Pendergast. However I still have one more Agatha mystery in my current stack from the library so most likely I will finish that before I start spacing out these books.
Hmmmmm though ~ perhaps it needs to go the way of my former thinking that I had to finish every book that I started. No matter how horrible. Not that this series is horrible! It is just that it is “fluffy reading” ~ best used as a rest in between heavier books. Same as Pendergast. However I still have one more Agatha mystery in my current stack from the library so most likely I will finish that before I start spacing out these books.
February 9, 2017
Poor Agatha never seems to get it right. The men in her life let her down, or rather they don't meet her high expectations. Her schemes for publicity usually go wrong and someone else takes the limelight. In this latest story Agatha takes on a new assistant detective Toni Gilmore. Toni comes from a very troubled family and Agatha despite her gruff exterior does have a heart, she takes Toni under her wing and does her best to help her get settled away from her awful mother and brother. Toni is good at the job, she is only seventeen slim and pretty, this makes Agatha feel old. Agatha has a painful hip feels overweight and frumpy next to Toni.
When Mrs Tamworthy engages Agatha to find out who wants to kill her, it leads to many hidden, dark secrets for the Tamworthy family. The detective agency starts digging around (literally) and they come up with several suspects and lots of trouble.
Agatha is a romantic at heart and longs for a traditional English country Christmas with all her friends. It must all be perfect and she wants to impress them all, no expenses spared. Her biggest hope is that her ex James Lacey will be back in the village in time for the celebration.
An enjoyable read although not particularly seasonal until the last chapter.
When Mrs Tamworthy engages Agatha to find out who wants to kill her, it leads to many hidden, dark secrets for the Tamworthy family. The detective agency starts digging around (literally) and they come up with several suspects and lots of trouble.
Agatha is a romantic at heart and longs for a traditional English country Christmas with all her friends. It must all be perfect and she wants to impress them all, no expenses spared. Her biggest hope is that her ex James Lacey will be back in the village in time for the celebration.
An enjoyable read although not particularly seasonal until the last chapter.
October 25, 2016
I can always find a lovely literary palate cleanser in an MC Beaton book. This is not one of the better Agathas for the mystery, which is weak. But what happens outside the mystery with the regular characters like Charles and Roy and James and Mrs. Bloxby, and with a new hire at the agency, Toni, and a surprise at Agatha's Christmas dinner, are all quite entertaining and make this one a delightful cozy mystery.
December 19, 2019
Oh Agatha.. I wish I liked this more. This was my first Agatha Raisin book, after having watched the television series, and I actually like the older, more bullish version of Raisin in the book more than her TV representation.
But that's where it ends, really. The plot is okay, not very thrilling or interesting at all. The Christmas thing is terribly forced - the main plot of the book has literally nothing to do with Christmas.
It's the writing itself, which drove me round the bend. At times the book reads like a children's book, mostly lacking in flavour - there's little joy. There's a laziness to the writing, which in the latter part of the book kind of became offensive.
I won't be returning to Carsely.
But that's where it ends, really. The plot is okay, not very thrilling or interesting at all. The Christmas thing is terribly forced - the main plot of the book has literally nothing to do with Christmas.
It's the writing itself, which drove me round the bend. At times the book reads like a children's book, mostly lacking in flavour - there's little joy. There's a laziness to the writing, which in the latter part of the book kind of became offensive.
I won't be returning to Carsely.
January 4, 2023
Another agatha raisin for me👍. There is something about her antics that i could continue to randomly read even tho its a middle way rating. I prefered something borrowed, someone dead as i thought it had more funny moments. This didnt seem to have much in comparison but i still enjoyed it.
The story itself was silly fun and an easy little read. The characters i could read more off. There are so many books to choose from!
Agathas character is enjoyable to read her attitude is quite comical.
The story itself was silly fun and an easy little read. The characters i could read more off. There are so many books to choose from!
Agathas character is enjoyable to read her attitude is quite comical.
November 20, 2023
Worth reading for the humor especially the grumpy villagers suddenly becoming the happy villagers at the end. Agatha investigates the murder of Mrs Tamworthy a truly horrible person who upsets everyone. In this story Toni is introduced as a new detective and she has a great backstory. The victims family are all suspects as is the village. None are very nice with the exception of Alison.
Agatha is in fine form in this story still insecure, still trying to get emphysema, cirrhosis of the liver and of course a man in her life. Charles is still hovering and James turns up for the Christmas party and it even sort of snows.
Number 18 in the series was an amusing and entertaining read.
Agatha is in fine form in this story still insecure, still trying to get emphysema, cirrhosis of the liver and of course a man in her life. Charles is still hovering and James turns up for the Christmas party and it even sort of snows.
Number 18 in the series was an amusing and entertaining read.
November 26, 2014
Lately, nothing book-related worked for me. My friends might’ve noticed the absence of recent reviews. Most books I read were mediocre and not worthy of reviews, or re-reads not of the sterling quality either. Sadly, this one was no exception.
It’s a new author for me though, so I stuck with the novel to the end. This author is well-known. The blurb mentions her accomplishments and calls her the “new Queen of Crime”, and the number of mysteries she has written, all published by a big house, one of the top guns, is well over 20. Maybe that’s the reason for the low quality of this book: the number is too high. Anyway, there is nothing “queenly” about it.
The plot is sad and boring, a flat peasant of mystery plots. The language is primitive, as if written for the ESL students, and the descriptions dull and utilitarian. The mystery itself is not absorbing or even remotely original, and the motivations of most of the suspects unclear.
The heroine detective – a frumpy and grumpy 50-ish woman – could’ve been much more interesting. There is a hint of depth there, a kernel of a much more interesting personality, but it was never developed in this book. And the other characters are not even cartoonish. They are just one-color-drawings on paper.
The writer, despite her royal moniker, seems amateurish, or maybe just tired of writing good stories. Nothing in this book inspired my interest, but one serious editorial blunder sparked indignation. On page 23, one of the characters, Annabelle, is thirty-seven. On page 54, the same Annabelle is described as being in her late forties. Maybe this book didn’t have an editor.
The only reason I finished it was because it has Christmas in its title. I wanted a Christmas book for my Bingo read, so I asked a librarian, and she recommended it to me. One redeeming quality of this book – it adds to my Bingo. It doesn’t even have Christmas spirit, just one tedious Christmas dinner.
Not recommended to anyone.
It’s a new author for me though, so I stuck with the novel to the end. This author is well-known. The blurb mentions her accomplishments and calls her the “new Queen of Crime”, and the number of mysteries she has written, all published by a big house, one of the top guns, is well over 20. Maybe that’s the reason for the low quality of this book: the number is too high. Anyway, there is nothing “queenly” about it.
The plot is sad and boring, a flat peasant of mystery plots. The language is primitive, as if written for the ESL students, and the descriptions dull and utilitarian. The mystery itself is not absorbing or even remotely original, and the motivations of most of the suspects unclear.
The heroine detective – a frumpy and grumpy 50-ish woman – could’ve been much more interesting. There is a hint of depth there, a kernel of a much more interesting personality, but it was never developed in this book. And the other characters are not even cartoonish. They are just one-color-drawings on paper.
The writer, despite her royal moniker, seems amateurish, or maybe just tired of writing good stories. Nothing in this book inspired my interest, but one serious editorial blunder sparked indignation. On page 23, one of the characters, Annabelle, is thirty-seven. On page 54, the same Annabelle is described as being in her late forties. Maybe this book didn’t have an editor.
The only reason I finished it was because it has Christmas in its title. I wanted a Christmas book for my Bingo read, so I asked a librarian, and she recommended it to me. One redeeming quality of this book – it adds to my Bingo. It doesn’t even have Christmas spirit, just one tedious Christmas dinner.
Not recommended to anyone.
December 22, 2025
A fun read for me. I enjoy reading about Agatha Raisin. She was sure jealous of Toni in this one but did lots for her anyway. Sir Charles and Roy Silver got a snow machine for Agatha's Christmas party.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2020
As with most mysteries and detective fiction I've read that are supposedly set around Christmas, there's very little to do with Christmas herein!
I've read other books by Beaton, but this is my first Agatha Raisin. I'm not sure I liked it. I definitely didn't hate it, though. Raisin is a grumpy ol' middle-aged woman, so...Va-va-vavoom! Right up my alley! When you're a sourpuss curmudgeon it's nice to feel that others are also mired in that misery. Serious though, Raisin is a frickin' pill. Her negativity is tough to swallow at times. Not every MC has to be likable, but a little fondness doesn't hurt.
Another thing. I've noticed English mysteries, as well as books in other genres by English writers, often include a lot of relationship background, like a soap opera crossover. Is this the Coronation Street effect? I've seen it a lot in contemporary English lit. Just wondering. It's unusual and just something to get used to, I suppose.
Not sure, but maybe I'll continue on with the Raisins...Oh! That reminds me! My cat ate a raisin the other day and apparently those are SUPER bad for a cat! Who knew?! Grapes and raisins can really F up a cat's kidneys. Jesus. These poor little guys ought to come with instruction manuals or have signs hanging around their necks: "NO RAYZUNZ 4 Me"
I've read other books by Beaton, but this is my first Agatha Raisin. I'm not sure I liked it. I definitely didn't hate it, though. Raisin is a grumpy ol' middle-aged woman, so...Va-va-vavoom! Right up my alley! When you're a sourpuss curmudgeon it's nice to feel that others are also mired in that misery. Serious though, Raisin is a frickin' pill. Her negativity is tough to swallow at times. Not every MC has to be likable, but a little fondness doesn't hurt.
Another thing. I've noticed English mysteries, as well as books in other genres by English writers, often include a lot of relationship background, like a soap opera crossover. Is this the Coronation Street effect? I've seen it a lot in contemporary English lit. Just wondering. It's unusual and just something to get used to, I suppose.
Not sure, but maybe I'll continue on with the Raisins...Oh! That reminds me! My cat ate a raisin the other day and apparently those are SUPER bad for a cat! Who knew?! Grapes and raisins can really F up a cat's kidneys. Jesus. These poor little guys ought to come with instruction manuals or have signs hanging around their necks: "NO RAYZUNZ 4 Me"
December 27, 2015
Not the worst Christmas present I ever got, but close. Considering it’s hailed as “sharp, witty, hugely intelligent [and] unfailingly entertaining” I expected a whole lot more. I also expected it to be Christmas-themed given the title, but the plot takes place in October. Only the last chapter features a Christmas dinner which I thought was a bit of a let-down.
I thought the book was extremely boring; I can’t even remember the plot (I think there was more than one murder, but I could be wrong), and a lot of serious topics (such as domestic abuse or sexual harassment) were treated way too lightly for my taste .
All in all, I don't think I'll be continuing this series. I don't know if this is just a weak book in a pretty long series, but I did not care for it at all.
I thought the book was extremely boring; I can’t even remember the plot (I think there was more than one murder, but I could be wrong), and a lot of serious topics (such as domestic abuse or sexual harassment) were treated way too lightly for my taste .
All in all, I don't think I'll be continuing this series. I don't know if this is just a weak book in a pretty long series, but I did not care for it at all.
December 28, 2021
December 28, 2021 Update Updated under Trivia & Links with the TV adaptation trailer.
Agatha as the Failed Protector + Toni Arrives
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (October 2015) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (January 2007)
Kissing Christmas Goodbye has Agatha's detective agency hired by a rich landowner to discover who in her family is trying to kill her. The lady is murdered before Agatha can hardly even begin to investigate. The main drama in this story is actually the hiring of the teenage detective Toni Gilmour, whom Agatha takes a protective wing over, probably seeing her own difficult youth reflected in the youngster. Toni will become a mainstay of the book series until the present day, unlike many of the temporary hires whom Agatha goes through. Toni proves to have an instinctive knack for the work and is lucky as well. The case is solved of course and the epilogue finds Agatha hosting a big Christmas feast for everyone which is more of a success than the disastrous Christmas dinner that ended the previous book.
I'm continuing to enjoy the fun of these cozies which are somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Toni Gilmour is at last introduced here in this book #18 (in the TV series she was brought in at the beginning of Season 3, but as the niece of the housekeeper Simpson). Sir Charles is much more of a recurring character and occasional love interest than he is in the screen adaptation and his cheap and chintzy manners are played up quite a bit.
The narration of this book #18 and the following #19 is not by series regular Penelope Keith but by Wanda MacCaddon. MacCaddon is fine in the role but gives a much more restrained performance than Keith does in the other voices.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A continuation series Book 32 Down the Hatch was published in October 2021. Down the Hatch is apparently entirely written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas #31 Hot to Trot was a collaboration with M.C. Beaton.
Trivia and Link
Kissing Christmas Goodbye was adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-) on Acorn TV. It was broadcast as Episode 1 in Series 4 in December 2021. A trailer for the Episode can be viewed on YouTube here.
Agatha as the Failed Protector + Toni Arrives
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (October 2015) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (January 2007)
Kissing Christmas Goodbye has Agatha's detective agency hired by a rich landowner to discover who in her family is trying to kill her. The lady is murdered before Agatha can hardly even begin to investigate. The main drama in this story is actually the hiring of the teenage detective Toni Gilmour, whom Agatha takes a protective wing over, probably seeing her own difficult youth reflected in the youngster. Toni will become a mainstay of the book series until the present day, unlike many of the temporary hires whom Agatha goes through. Toni proves to have an instinctive knack for the work and is lucky as well. The case is solved of course and the epilogue finds Agatha hosting a big Christmas feast for everyone which is more of a success than the disastrous Christmas dinner that ended the previous book.
I'm continuing to enjoy the fun of these cozies which are somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Toni Gilmour is at last introduced here in this book #18 (in the TV series she was brought in at the beginning of Season 3, but as the niece of the housekeeper Simpson). Sir Charles is much more of a recurring character and occasional love interest than he is in the screen adaptation and his cheap and chintzy manners are played up quite a bit.
The narration of this book #18 and the following #19 is not by series regular Penelope Keith but by Wanda MacCaddon. MacCaddon is fine in the role but gives a much more restrained performance than Keith does in the other voices.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A continuation series Book 32 Down the Hatch was published in October 2021. Down the Hatch is apparently entirely written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas #31 Hot to Trot was a collaboration with M.C. Beaton.
Trivia and Link
Kissing Christmas Goodbye was adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-) on Acorn TV. It was broadcast as Episode 1 in Series 4 in December 2021. A trailer for the Episode can be viewed on YouTube here.
November 6, 2023
Very enjoyable entry in the series! Good character gallery and a very reasonable mystery. In Agatha-vein quite a few odd happenings and developments, and yet the story did not come to a crawl like in some of the books. I would have most likely given this a 4, had I not already read 17 of them...
May 19, 2022
This one did sound promising - a murder up at the manor house and it’s Christmas too! Classic cosy crime territory. Except it wasn’t. The murder at the manor soon felt like a subplot to the story of Toni, Agatha’s new recruit for the detective agency. This had problems in itself, as I didn’t believe Agatha would (or even could?) hire a seventeen year old to work for her. She is employed to work on the lost pet cases, but is soon following cheating husbands and being put in real danger. And, for some reason, Agatha keeps jealously thinking about how young and beautiful Toni is, while older men keep chatting her up. It started to feel a bit creepy.
Then there’s a strange tangent about witchcraft that’s irrelevant and comes to nothing, except Toni happens to be there at night to witness a totally unrelated murder that’s left to the police to sort out. And to top it all off, it’s not even Christmas! It’s pointed out a couple of times it’s early October, but Agatha occasionally dreams of organising a Dickensian Christmas. Only in the very last chapter do we have an early Christmas party, and it all falls very flat and isn’t festive.
It’s also lazily written with numerous repeated ideas. For example on p.146, it says, ‘Cotswold buildings weather very well. It was hard for Phil to tell the age of the houses’. Then on p.203 it says, ‘The house was small and grey; one of those old Cotswold houses which weather so well that it is hard to determine it’s age’. How did that get past an editor? And there’s all sorts of other niggling problems. It felt dated too. It’s hard to believe this book was written in 2007. More like 1987.
Overall, the whole book is written without structure or care. Very disappointing.
Then there’s a strange tangent about witchcraft that’s irrelevant and comes to nothing, except Toni happens to be there at night to witness a totally unrelated murder that’s left to the police to sort out. And to top it all off, it’s not even Christmas! It’s pointed out a couple of times it’s early October, but Agatha occasionally dreams of organising a Dickensian Christmas. Only in the very last chapter do we have an early Christmas party, and it all falls very flat and isn’t festive.
It’s also lazily written with numerous repeated ideas. For example on p.146, it says, ‘Cotswold buildings weather very well. It was hard for Phil to tell the age of the houses’. Then on p.203 it says, ‘The house was small and grey; one of those old Cotswold houses which weather so well that it is hard to determine it’s age’. How did that get past an editor? And there’s all sorts of other niggling problems. It felt dated too. It’s hard to believe this book was written in 2007. More like 1987.
Overall, the whole book is written without structure or care. Very disappointing.
August 18, 2017
I absolutely adore Agatha.....
In this book Agatha has decided she is going to serve the perfect Christmas dinner, perhaps she has forgotten her attempt to do this before? Or the fact that she does not cook? Of course before this happens Agatha ends up in the middle of a murder... Agatha has also taken a new young detective under her wing, somewhat becoming the surrogate mother to Tony.... always nice to see Agatha has a big heart underneath her gruff exterior.... I enjoyed this book, I like the addition of Tony, and the Christmas dinner made me laugh, especially the snowmachine.....
In this book Agatha has decided she is going to serve the perfect Christmas dinner, perhaps she has forgotten her attempt to do this before? Or the fact that she does not cook? Of course before this happens Agatha ends up in the middle of a murder... Agatha has also taken a new young detective under her wing, somewhat becoming the surrogate mother to Tony.... always nice to see Agatha has a big heart underneath her gruff exterior.... I enjoyed this book, I like the addition of Tony, and the Christmas dinner made me laugh, especially the snowmachine.....
November 25, 2020
Agatha is determined to have an old fashioned Christmas, complete with friends, decorations, good food, and romance. She is involved in a case where someone has ostensibly murdered an obnoxious old woman with four obnoxious adult children. Agatha takes her new young detective, Toni, under her wing. Toni turns out to have a real knack for detective work, but of course Agatha's a bit jealous of Toni's youth and beauty. The Christmas celebration doesn't go exactly as she'd hoped, but the mystery gets solved, and Agatha realizes that she should refocus her romantic aspirations. The narrator, Wanda McCaddon, was very good.
March 8, 2018
I guess I better find some positive affirmations to feed myself after reading this.
I wanted to like this, but Agatha is so unlikable that I could barely get through it. Her new assistant the older detective gentleman, and the copper Bill are likeable characters, I'd rather read from their perspectives.
She is so unlikable that is why she is lonely and bitter. As I age, I find my esteem through my wisdom and experience and encourage younger folk to be happy and free. Agatha has disdain and jealousy. This is antiquated for today's audience and btw I am over 50.
It was sort of a horrible experience, perhaps because of my age, to read about a protagonist so depressed about being older. It reads as if she is attractive. I do know that our society treats older women so much worse than older men, but this character acerbates that sad issue. I'd rather read about a strong, vulnerable, real woman. So I don't want to spend my time in her head, so to speak.
The actual mystery was boring and confusing. The other characters are so flat but could be interesting if Agatha wasn't so closed off.
If you were to give her a very thoughtful expensive gift, she would berated you and make you suffer because it wasn't perfect. Yuck. Kiss Christmas, Friendships, Self-esteem Good-bye.. as well as this series. Life's too short.
That being said, I have enjoyed Hamish Macbeth. He is interesting and enjoyable human being, a non-conformist and a compassionate person who actually loves his village and the people in it. Agatha does not, she's above them and it's disgusting.
But wow, reading this was like reading the exact opposite of Macbeth series. As if she has a formula and replaced each circumstance, adjective and character to be an opposite to Hamish. Hamish calls his wealthy ex-girlfriend and always gets the butler saying she's not available even when she's there because he hates Macbeth. Agatha calls her wealthy friend's house and gets the exact same treatment. Agatha has two cats. Hamish has a dog and a wild cat. The characters seem so familiar in both series. It's the same story but with opposite protagonist. Clearly she thinks more highly of men than women in her books.
I like to read cozy mysteries. I don't think this falls into that category but it isn't hard-boil by any means. I actually like the more 'real' subjects she touches upon, but she pushes these tough subjects back into the cozy realm. It's confusing to be in neither genre and both in the same book. It leaves you feeling almost guilty that these sad issues: family dysfunction, domestic abuse, alcoholism, mental illness are mentioned (which is interesting) but not dealt with because it's not a hard-boil ......or a cozy.
I thought Beaton might be under the mystery sub-genre "Classic" but it feels there's not enough heart and soul in them to be up there with Christie, Chandler and Doyle, for instance. Her books feel more domestic and cozy, yet she touches on tough topics without caring to deal with them. It must be a difficult tightrope to walk. Perhaps she has her own single genre, a new genre of mystery.
MC Beaton is such a prolific writer, and evidently people love this series as well, so I am very glad for her success and perseverance. I would love to read about Agatha's character development. She can still have insecurities, character 'flaws' and also be compassionate and vulnerable. (ie someone you care about, root for and relate to) Agatha is shallow and hateful. When she does good, she seems to regret it and everything that happens is a downer. I truly do not want to hear her inner dialogue.
Well that is my review. If you love Agatha Raisin that's great, she needs all the love she can get.
I wanted to like this, but Agatha is so unlikable that I could barely get through it. Her new assistant the older detective gentleman, and the copper Bill are likeable characters, I'd rather read from their perspectives.
She is so unlikable that is why she is lonely and bitter. As I age, I find my esteem through my wisdom and experience and encourage younger folk to be happy and free. Agatha has disdain and jealousy. This is antiquated for today's audience and btw I am over 50.
It was sort of a horrible experience, perhaps because of my age, to read about a protagonist so depressed about being older. It reads as if she is attractive. I do know that our society treats older women so much worse than older men, but this character acerbates that sad issue. I'd rather read about a strong, vulnerable, real woman. So I don't want to spend my time in her head, so to speak.
The actual mystery was boring and confusing. The other characters are so flat but could be interesting if Agatha wasn't so closed off.
If you were to give her a very thoughtful expensive gift, she would berated you and make you suffer because it wasn't perfect. Yuck. Kiss Christmas, Friendships, Self-esteem Good-bye.. as well as this series. Life's too short.
That being said, I have enjoyed Hamish Macbeth. He is interesting and enjoyable human being, a non-conformist and a compassionate person who actually loves his village and the people in it. Agatha does not, she's above them and it's disgusting.
But wow, reading this was like reading the exact opposite of Macbeth series. As if she has a formula and replaced each circumstance, adjective and character to be an opposite to Hamish. Hamish calls his wealthy ex-girlfriend and always gets the butler saying she's not available even when she's there because he hates Macbeth. Agatha calls her wealthy friend's house and gets the exact same treatment. Agatha has two cats. Hamish has a dog and a wild cat. The characters seem so familiar in both series. It's the same story but with opposite protagonist. Clearly she thinks more highly of men than women in her books.
I like to read cozy mysteries. I don't think this falls into that category but it isn't hard-boil by any means. I actually like the more 'real' subjects she touches upon, but she pushes these tough subjects back into the cozy realm. It's confusing to be in neither genre and both in the same book. It leaves you feeling almost guilty that these sad issues: family dysfunction, domestic abuse, alcoholism, mental illness are mentioned (which is interesting) but not dealt with because it's not a hard-boil ......or a cozy.
I thought Beaton might be under the mystery sub-genre "Classic" but it feels there's not enough heart and soul in them to be up there with Christie, Chandler and Doyle, for instance. Her books feel more domestic and cozy, yet she touches on tough topics without caring to deal with them. It must be a difficult tightrope to walk. Perhaps she has her own single genre, a new genre of mystery.
MC Beaton is such a prolific writer, and evidently people love this series as well, so I am very glad for her success and perseverance. I would love to read about Agatha's character development. She can still have insecurities, character 'flaws' and also be compassionate and vulnerable. (ie someone you care about, root for and relate to) Agatha is shallow and hateful. When she does good, she seems to regret it and everything that happens is a downer. I truly do not want to hear her inner dialogue.
Well that is my review. If you love Agatha Raisin that's great, she needs all the love she can get.
January 19, 2023
3.5 ⭐ =Quite Good.
Another witty and enjoyable tale in this series . I'm liking the new character Toni and how she is developing.
Only downfall... a little bit of an abrupt ending this time.
Another witty and enjoyable tale in this series . I'm liking the new character Toni and how she is developing.
Only downfall... a little bit of an abrupt ending this time.
February 13, 2008
I love Agatha Raisin...she is so un-PC. I love all the re-occurring characters like Charles and Bill and Mrs Bloxey who are in each book and have been developed over 15+ books to where you know exactly what to expect.
The addition of Toni as a main character was great. She is a smart girl who is getting a chance to make something of herself. Also, it gives Agatha a chance to show her maternal side, while at the same time giving her another mirror for her insecurities and fear of aging.
This book really has nothing to do with Christmas at all so feel free to read it anytime of year.
My father got me into MC Beaton books, and while he favors the Hammish MacBeth series over the Agatha Raisin books I feel the exact opposite. The main reason is because the mysteries themselves are much more developed, well orchestrated and not as easy to figure out.
Highly recommend to people who like mystery series, sassy woman and books that take place in quaint British village and all the characters that come with it.
The addition of Toni as a main character was great. She is a smart girl who is getting a chance to make something of herself. Also, it gives Agatha a chance to show her maternal side, while at the same time giving her another mirror for her insecurities and fear of aging.
This book really has nothing to do with Christmas at all so feel free to read it anytime of year.
My father got me into MC Beaton books, and while he favors the Hammish MacBeth series over the Agatha Raisin books I feel the exact opposite. The main reason is because the mysteries themselves are much more developed, well orchestrated and not as easy to figure out.
Highly recommend to people who like mystery series, sassy woman and books that take place in quaint British village and all the characters that come with it.
April 29, 2023
I found this so entertaining. Agatha is a pretty grumpy character who's set in her ways. On the outside, she's tough, but also so vulnerable inside. I love a good sleuth, especially when they are bumbling around in the midst of solving mysteries. I also loved how fixated she was on having a perfect Christmas and it wasn't happening. I've been there. You want things to be perfect, but learn the hard way that perfect doesn't exist. I think in this short book, Agatha learns some important lessons, and Christmas stories are such a good setting for those life lessons. Christmas is both a wonderful time and also pretty traumatic for many reasons. I read this a while ago, so I don't 100% remember everything, but I do remember how much I enjoyed listening to the story. I felt like I was a part of the story, I was so engaged. I definitely want to read more of these books. Good news is there's also a tv show that I want to watch. Right now I'm completely consumed with anime, but maybe I'll check those out in the nearish future.
December 22, 2015
My first Agatha Raisin mystery. Raisin is one crusty character. She eats frozen dinners all of the time. Smokes like a chimney. She's also compassionate, bright, and brave. The supporting characters are all eccentric and fun. Mixed in with mystery are growing-old pains and the pains of the young not quite old enough. Agatha hopes to have the best Christmas dinner party ever, and in a way she does, but so many unexpected things happen. Also, I really enjoyed meeting the other detectives that work for Agatha. Her agency is not a one woman show! I'll read on from here with #19 when I am in the mood for another Agatha Raisin mystery.
December 2, 2021
Terrible. Vraiment juste terrible. Mal écrit, mal construit, les dialogues sont pouiches et répétitifs, Agatha Raisin est agressante au possible, mais tout ça aurait pu se pardonner si au moins ça s'était passé à Noël comme le titre le laissait entendre. Mais non. Ça se passe en octobre et novembre, pis à la fin, Agatha fait son souper de Noël "traditionnel" raté, même pas à Noël mais une semaine avant. Donc comme j'ai dit, terrible (et terrible façon de commencer mes lectures des Fêtes).
November 8, 2019
Ce roman voit l'arrivée d'une nouvelle recrue : Toni Gilmour, blonde, les yeux bleus, des cils clairs et un visage harmonieux. La jeune fille vient de décrocher le poste de stagiaire pour seconder Agatha Raisin à retrouver les chiens et chats perdus.
Car notre Agatha est lasse et s'ennuie fermement - James Lacey est en vadrouille, ouf ! Pourquoi ne pas organiser un réveillon exceptionnel en invitant tous ses amis ? Oui, oui... elle récidive, après une expérience mémorable (rappelez-vous dans Bal fatal).
En attendant (nous sommes au mois d'octobre), Agatha accepte de rendre visite à une vieille excentrique qui prétend être en danger. Mrs Tamworthy a rassemblé toute sa famille pour son anniversaire et compte sur la détective pour sentir le traître qui souhaite la zigouiller.
L'affaire va s'embrouiller. Ses complices défilent (Charles et Roy sont dans la place). Finalement c'est sa nouvelle assistante qui va se montrer efficace et intuitive. Agatha sent la moutarde lui monter au nez... mais pour quelle raison, vous demandez-vous ?
Certes, au bout de 18 tomes, on connaît la chanson : Agatha Raisin a le crime dans la peau et dénoue les enquêtes sans aucune délicatesse et avec beaucoup de chance. Là où on voit une évolution, c'est dans son regard sur son âge et le temps qui passe (soupirs). Agatha ne court plus après tous les spécimens masculins qui pointent dans son radar. Et puis - surtout - Agatha fait enfin preuve d'une grande lucidité concernant James Lacey.
Oui, oui. Préparez-vous : danse de la joie ou crise de nerfs. Moi, je dis ça...
Car notre Agatha est lasse et s'ennuie fermement - James Lacey est en vadrouille, ouf ! Pourquoi ne pas organiser un réveillon exceptionnel en invitant tous ses amis ? Oui, oui... elle récidive, après une expérience mémorable (rappelez-vous dans Bal fatal).
En attendant (nous sommes au mois d'octobre), Agatha accepte de rendre visite à une vieille excentrique qui prétend être en danger. Mrs Tamworthy a rassemblé toute sa famille pour son anniversaire et compte sur la détective pour sentir le traître qui souhaite la zigouiller.
L'affaire va s'embrouiller. Ses complices défilent (Charles et Roy sont dans la place). Finalement c'est sa nouvelle assistante qui va se montrer efficace et intuitive. Agatha sent la moutarde lui monter au nez... mais pour quelle raison, vous demandez-vous ?
Certes, au bout de 18 tomes, on connaît la chanson : Agatha Raisin a le crime dans la peau et dénoue les enquêtes sans aucune délicatesse et avec beaucoup de chance. Là où on voit une évolution, c'est dans son regard sur son âge et le temps qui passe (soupirs). Agatha ne court plus après tous les spécimens masculins qui pointent dans son radar. Et puis - surtout - Agatha fait enfin preuve d'une grande lucidité concernant James Lacey.
Oui, oui. Préparez-vous : danse de la joie ou crise de nerfs. Moi, je dis ça...
December 28, 2019
Listened to in audio format.
I previously read books 1-5 in this series a few years ago. When Kissing Christmas Goodbye came up as the Audible Daily Deal I had to snap it up. Although this was the 18th book in the series I was glad Roy Silver, DC Bill Wong and Sir Charles Fraith were still in the series.
Agatha Raisin was planning the perfect Christmas (with the help of caterers). At her detective agency Agatha and her team were dealing with the usual lost dogs and adulterous partners. One day she received an intriguing letter from a wealthy woman scared she would be killed by one of her children. Shortly afterwards she died from poisoning. Despite being told by Bill Wong to keep away, Agatha started to investigate in her own brash manner.
Meantime Agatha took on Toni a 17 year old trainee detective. Toni was a natural and managed to achieve some good results. Agatha shows her maternal side when she discovers that Toni comes from an abusive home. It sounds turns out that Agatha is merely look after her investment.
The Agatha Raisin series are delightful British cosy mysteries. I highly recommend this book.
I previously read books 1-5 in this series a few years ago. When Kissing Christmas Goodbye came up as the Audible Daily Deal I had to snap it up. Although this was the 18th book in the series I was glad Roy Silver, DC Bill Wong and Sir Charles Fraith were still in the series.
Agatha Raisin was planning the perfect Christmas (with the help of caterers). At her detective agency Agatha and her team were dealing with the usual lost dogs and adulterous partners. One day she received an intriguing letter from a wealthy woman scared she would be killed by one of her children. Shortly afterwards she died from poisoning. Despite being told by Bill Wong to keep away, Agatha started to investigate in her own brash manner.
Meantime Agatha took on Toni a 17 year old trainee detective. Toni was a natural and managed to achieve some good results. Agatha shows her maternal side when she discovers that Toni comes from an abusive home. It sounds turns out that Agatha is merely look after her investment.
The Agatha Raisin series are delightful British cosy mysteries. I highly recommend this book.
December 24, 2021
I'm so glad I reread this in anticipation of the new season of the tv series based on this book. I was much more engaged in the story given I had the context of the characters and setting after watching the first three seasons of the show. Also interesting is that I had zero memory of what this book was about. I did remember that an old woman who lived in the manor house in a nearby village had called Agatha because she thought that her five adult children intended to murder her. But it was like I had amnesia, remembering nothing of how the story proceeded and whodunnit. One thing that struck me is that Agatha, somewhat of a curmudgeon, constantly complains of how old she is, how her waistline is spreading and how much she is avoiding a hip replacement even though her hip is constantly hurting her. What a contrast to the tv Agatha! I love Ashley Jensen's Agatha and can't wait to watch the episode of Kissing Christmas Goodbye tonight!
Why I'm rereading this: The last time I read this (review here, the 18th installment of the Agatha Raisin mysteries, I really didn't know much about this mystery series. But having enjoyed the tv series and in anticipation of the tv show of this book debuting tomorrow on Acorn, I decided I'd give it another go.
Why I'm rereading this: The last time I read this (review here, the 18th installment of the Agatha Raisin mysteries, I really didn't know much about this mystery series. But having enjoyed the tv series and in anticipation of the tv show of this book debuting tomorrow on Acorn, I decided I'd give it another go.
December 28, 2021
Jumping into a series on book eighteen is a bit crazy, but this fit a prompt for a challenge so I went for it. Like a lot of mystery series, you don't necessarily need to read the previous books to understand what's going on. Agatha usually investigates missing pets, but on occasion solves murders of the human variety. She's looking into a case where a woman thinks her family may try to murder her for their inheritance when she takes on a new assistant, young Toni.
The mystery wasn't very exciting to me and I didn't really care who the killer was. I was more interested in Agatha's odd relationship with her ex husband. It's great that they're on good terms, but I would not stand for my ex to constantly let himself in my house without permission. She even changed the locks, but he made a copy of the key! Nope, gtfo guy.
I don't think I'll read the other books, but it was an okay holiday mystery.
The mystery wasn't very exciting to me and I didn't really care who the killer was. I was more interested in Agatha's odd relationship with her ex husband. It's great that they're on good terms, but I would not stand for my ex to constantly let himself in my house without permission. She even changed the locks, but he made a copy of the key! Nope, gtfo guy.
I don't think I'll read the other books, but it was an okay holiday mystery.
March 29, 2017
Agatha Raisin has always wanted to have a traditional Christmas with a proper Christmas tree, turkey and plum pudding and especially snow on Christmas day. Her previous efforts haven't turned out quite how she wanted them to. So she is planning well ahead and employing caterers so that nothing can go wrong with the meal.
But before Christmas she has to solve a mystery. Rich Mrs Tamworthy has written to her and said one of her relatives wants her dead before Christmas. Can Agatha find the culprit and prevent the murderer as well as holding the perfect Christmas party?
I enjoyed this well written and well plotted mystery with its believable characters and amusing dialogue and incidents. I loved the description of the marvellous Christmas party. All the series characters are here - Sir Charles Fraith, James Lacey, Mrs Bloxby and all the ladies from the Carsely Ladies' Society. This is the eighteenth book in the series.
But before Christmas she has to solve a mystery. Rich Mrs Tamworthy has written to her and said one of her relatives wants her dead before Christmas. Can Agatha find the culprit and prevent the murderer as well as holding the perfect Christmas party?
I enjoyed this well written and well plotted mystery with its believable characters and amusing dialogue and incidents. I loved the description of the marvellous Christmas party. All the series characters are here - Sir Charles Fraith, James Lacey, Mrs Bloxby and all the ladies from the Carsely Ladies' Society. This is the eighteenth book in the series.
February 25, 2023
Kissing Christmas Goodbye by M.C. Beaton is the 18th book in the Agatha Raisin Mystery series. Agatha Raisin receives a letter from a wealthy widow claiming that someone is trying to kill her and hires Agatha to help her. A quick read and an entertaining mystery. I love Agatha's no nonsense attitude and her ability to bully others into getting things done. Toni is an interesting addition and hopefully Agatha has finally got over James Lacey. A fun and entertaining book.
December 13, 2023
I love the old standbys-- Mrs. Bloxley, Charles, Bill and Roy. I also liked the introduction of Toni. However, Agatha didn't seem entirely herself in this one, and the mystery just didn't grab me.
Also, the narrator changed, and while the new woman wasn't bad, I prefer Penelope Keith.
Also, the narrator changed, and while the new woman wasn't bad, I prefer Penelope Keith.
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