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Agatha Raisin #34
Dead on Target
Beloved New York Times bestseller M.C. Beaton's cranky, crafty Agatha Raisin—the star of her own hit T.V. series—is back on the case again in Dead on Target.
A 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...
A 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...
8 pages, Audiobook
First published September 19, 2023
278 people are currently reading
12329 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,014 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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July 20, 2024
In this 34th book in the 'Agatha Raisin' series, the private detective investigates a murder at the local fete. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Private detective Agatha Raisin - a fiftyish Englishwoman with small bear-like eyes and shiny brown hair - lives in Carsley, a pretty village in the Cotswolds.
Agatha is VERY attentive to her clothing and make-up, and various mishaps in those areas add some amusement to this story.
As the book opens, Carsley is having its annual fund-raising fete, which features homemade baked goods, homegrown fruits and vegetables, children's toys, flowering plants, second-hand tools, used bric-a-brac, a beer tent, and morris dancers.
Agatha Raisin is strolling around the fete when she bumps into her long-time friend (and onetime lover) Sir Charles Fraith, and his neighbor Sir Godfrey Pride. Pride is an estate owner who's land rich and cash poor, as indicated by his slightly frayed clothes and dilapidated manor house. Pride mentions he'd like to discuss a problem with Agatha, and they arrange to speak on the following Monday.
As Agatha continues to enjoy the festivities at the fund raiser, she gets drawn into an archery exhibition by the Ancombe Archers, and Agatha fumbles at first, but then gets a bullseye.
Later, Agatha finds the dead body of Sir Godfrey Pride, who appears to have been killed with an arrow.
Before long, Agatha's nemesis, Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes - who's been tussling with Agatha for years - decides Agatha is the prime suspect for Sir Godfrey's murder.
There's no way Agatha is going to sit still for that, and she launches her own investigation, using the sleuths in her detective agency. Agatha's primary assistant is Toni, a pretty young woman who's good at computer searches and surveillance.
There are plenty of suspects for Sir Godfrey's homicide, since the lord of the manor has been arguing with his son Gerald about selling the estate; is at odds with his daughter Elizabeth, who's dating a loser; has a reputation as a nasty, lecherous coot who paws his female staff; and is generally disliked in Carsley.
Agatha makes it her business to interview all the 'suspects', and receives multiple threats for her troubles. Luckily for Agatha, she's been dining and dancing with Detective Inspector John Glass, who helps Agatha with her investigation....
.......and Agatha also gets assistance from her longtime friend, Officer Bill Wong.
The usual recurring characters make an appearance in the story. Agatha's flamboyant friend Roy Silver, who'd been brokering a deal between Sir Godfrey Pride and a London gangster, comes to Carsley;
Agatha's next door neighbor (and former husband) James Lacey is in the hospital for cancer treatment;
and Mrs. Bloxby, the vicar's wife, is friendly and supportive as usual.
For laughs, here's part of a conversation between DCI Wilkes and Agatha:
Wilkes: "Ah, Mrs. Raisin! I'd like to say what a pleasure it is to see you again....but it's not."
Agatha: "I bet you've been practicing that line all day! It's sad that you've had three days to come up with something clever to say, and that's the best you could do. You're pathetic, Wilkes."
Wilkes: "There are several things that I would like to hear you explain to me."
Agatha: "Several things? That sounds like a lot for you to take in, but I'll do my best."
And so on. Luckily Wilkes isn't too bright, or he might find a way to clap Agatha in jail. 🙂
Naturally, Agatha solves the case, though I found the denouement to be a bit tangled. Still, I think people like the books for the smiles as much as the mystery, and I'd recommend the novel to Agatha Raisin fans.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
October 5, 2023
Dead on Target is an Agatha Raison mystery. It takes place in the town of Carsely and Mircester, England. Agatha Raison is a private P.I. who owns her own agency. She has a good group of people who work for her. The village is having a weekend fete. While there she runs into Sir Charles Fraith who owns Barfield House, his family estate. Sir Godfrey Pride who owns Carseworth Manor who is also with him. He is Charles next door neighbor. Sir Godfrey tells her that he would like to discuss something and she gives him her card.. Agatha is eating food behind a tent when she sees the lab puppy that has been loose at the fete. She tries to catch him and he leads her through some bushes where she finds Sir Gregory with an arrow in his chest who dies. She calls her friend, Inspector John Glass who is also at the fete. He contacts his station and Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes comes and takes over the situation. He and Agatha dislike each other. He is determined to make Agatha the prime suspect.. She is determined to clear herself.
Roy Silver, a friend arrives at Agatha's house and tells her that he is there representing Freddie Evans, a gangster. who has been in contact with Sir Godfrey about buying Carseworth Manor.
This is where the story takes off. There is so much going on that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy the story with all the twists and turns to the surprising ending of who and why Sir Godfrey was killed.
I got a kick out of the story with Agatha with her relationship with the men in her life and how vain she is.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC.
Roy Silver, a friend arrives at Agatha's house and tells her that he is there representing Freddie Evans, a gangster. who has been in contact with Sir Godfrey about buying Carseworth Manor.
This is where the story takes off. There is so much going on that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy the story with all the twists and turns to the surprising ending of who and why Sir Godfrey was killed.
I got a kick out of the story with Agatha with her relationship with the men in her life and how vain she is.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC.
June 10, 2023
Agatha is at the local fair learning about archery from some locals when she finds Sir Godfrey has been murdered--with an arrow. Wilkes the hostile policeman tries to pin the murder on Agatha, so naturally she must investigate. There are no shortage of suspects, since Sir Godfrey was a lecherous old codger and had a strained relationship with his adult children. I have read all of the Agatha Raisin novels, and since the new author has taken over the series, this is the first time I feel he's captured the essence of the original Agatha. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
July 27, 2023
This is the 34th in the series; it is the first I have read. I think it worked well as a stand alone. The creator aof the Agatha Raisin series, M .C. Beaton has passed away but the baton of continuing the series has been taken up by R.W. Green who was a friend of and collaborator with Beaton.
In this installment, Agatha, attending a town fair, discovers the body of a local landowner who only moments earlier had told her he wanted to discuss something with her. Was it an accident as the result of an archery exhibition that was part of the fair or was it murder? Her nemesis, DCI Wilkes, wants to charge Agatha with the crime. Of course, despite being warned away by Wilkes, Agatha investigates. There are a a number of suspects with nefarious motives. There is also romance for Agatha, but with which one of her suitors?
Agatha is quite the character….middle aged, competent, humorous, straightforward, and quite vain! The story was an entertaining, engrossing, fast read. I enjoyed meeting the various colorful characters who inhabit the Cotswolds town of Carsley
There are many Agatha Raisin fans out there. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with characters who are a force to be reckoned with and haven’t met her yet, I suggest you do.
Thanks to @Netgalley and @Stmartinspress @minotaur_books for the ARC.
In this installment, Agatha, attending a town fair, discovers the body of a local landowner who only moments earlier had told her he wanted to discuss something with her. Was it an accident as the result of an archery exhibition that was part of the fair or was it murder? Her nemesis, DCI Wilkes, wants to charge Agatha with the crime. Of course, despite being warned away by Wilkes, Agatha investigates. There are a a number of suspects with nefarious motives. There is also romance for Agatha, but with which one of her suitors?
Agatha is quite the character….middle aged, competent, humorous, straightforward, and quite vain! The story was an entertaining, engrossing, fast read. I enjoyed meeting the various colorful characters who inhabit the Cotswolds town of Carsley
There are many Agatha Raisin fans out there. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with characters who are a force to be reckoned with and haven’t met her yet, I suggest you do.
Thanks to @Netgalley and @Stmartinspress @minotaur_books for the ARC.
October 13, 2023
I have read and adored this entire series and I was devastated when the author died . I applaud RW Green for taking on the very difficult task of continuing the series. The plot was a bit confusing in the end and there was a few things that just doesn’t sit right with me, but I can’t really figure out what it was. P.S The series on Acorn TV is spot on.
September 19, 2023
**Happy Publication Day!!**
In this 34th outing (wow!), PI Agatha Raisin is led to a wounded man in the woods during a village fete by a dog she's been trying to catch. The man has been shot by an arrow and dies soon after. Of course, Inspector Wilkes treats her like the number one suspect so it behooves her and her agency to find the real culprit.
RL Green has been writing this series since the illness and passing of Ms Beaton and I think he's done a great job of picking up the mantle. His characters are spot on and he's been able to flesh out these stories a bit more and keep the humor. This mystery was interesting with enough suspects to keep the reader guessing. A quick and entertaining read.
I received an arc of this new novel from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
In this 34th outing (wow!), PI Agatha Raisin is led to a wounded man in the woods during a village fete by a dog she's been trying to catch. The man has been shot by an arrow and dies soon after. Of course, Inspector Wilkes treats her like the number one suspect so it behooves her and her agency to find the real culprit.
RL Green has been writing this series since the illness and passing of Ms Beaton and I think he's done a great job of picking up the mantle. His characters are spot on and he's been able to flesh out these stories a bit more and keep the humor. This mystery was interesting with enough suspects to keep the reader guessing. A quick and entertaining read.
I received an arc of this new novel from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 29, 2023
hey, no archery when there are innocent doggies running around... who do you think you are William Tell?
October 18, 2023
I am starting to get a little sad about this series. R.W. Green is not horrible by any means, but he seems to really not understand the nuances the side characters bring to this book. Very little time spent with Charles, Mrs. Blocksby, James, Toni, any of them. Roy was here a lot, which I would normally love, but his character is wrong. James' character is wrong. Charles is wrong. I do not want Mrs. Blocksby repeatedly called Margaret. Where is Phil? I've been wondering that for several books now, he just disappeared?! I would think that if someone is taking over a series they would spend quite a bit of time reading the previous entries but it seems not. These latest entries lack continuity to an extreme.
I did enjoy the further development of Agatha and John. The plot was ok except for Agatha pulling a Poirot and gathering all the suspects at the end. She has never done that before and she never would.
This seems like a huge rant because it is. I wish there was some way to reach the new author and explain how much these books and characters mean to some of us. I wish we could give some input and this is the only place I can think of to let loose my comments :)
I did enjoy the further development of Agatha and John. The plot was ok except for Agatha pulling a Poirot and gathering all the suspects at the end. She has never done that before and she never would.
This seems like a huge rant because it is. I wish there was some way to reach the new author and explain how much these books and characters mean to some of us. I wish we could give some input and this is the only place I can think of to let loose my comments :)
June 21, 2025
So I have been vocal about not liking the new writer. About being sad that he just was not writing Agatha as Agatha.
I have to admit though - this book was better!
Can I say though - I am still on Team Charles and I hope we get a win!
I have to admit though - this book was better!
Can I say though - I am still on Team Charles and I hope we get a win!
January 29, 2025
Maybe I will be able to write a review once my headache goes away.
January 9, 2024
Agatha and the Archers
Review of the Blackstone Publishing audiobook (September 19, 2023) narrated by Penelope Keith released simultaneously with the Minotaur Books hardcover/ebook.
I am still loyal to both the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series, even though they are now being written entirely by continuation writer R.W. Green rather than the original author M.C. Beaton (1936-2019). I have an affection for both characters and their fictional communities as I binged virtually all of them (roughly 60+ books) during the worst years of the COVID pandemic. Green has managed to right the cozy course for both series, which had turned nasty towards the end of Beaton's era.
Part of the attraction is that in Beaton's fictional world the characters hardly age at all, they are set in a timeless cozy world of either Macbeth's Scottish Highlands or Raisin's English Cotswalds. That sort of unchanging environment was a comfort during the COVID lockdown era with its uncertainty.
Dead on Target has the standard plot of the series. Agatha discovers a murder and in the eyes of the incompetent Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes becomes the chief suspect. She then proceeds to solve the murder herself in order to clear her name, with her regular allies in tow. The recent romance with Inspector John Glass continues along comfortably, with a twist at the end which may signal a change of scene from the Cotswalds in the next follow-up book (late 2024?). There wasn't quite the usual level of comedy from Sir Charles Fraith and his snooty butler Gustaf and Agatha's ally Roy only puts in a short cameo. There were however one or two very shocking incidents though which surprised me, as usually in these cozies none of the regular characters are put in mortal danger.
All in all, this was mostly a rote issue for the series, but continuation writer Green does hit all the right marks and did manage to surprise me a few times. The narration in all voices by series regular Penelope Keith was excellent as always.
The next R.W. Green continuation book will be #36 in the Hamish Macbeth series Death of a Spy, with an expected February 13, 2024 date of publication.
Trivia and No Link
Dead on Target has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). If they continue adapting the books roughly chronologically then it would be several years away from being adapted, assuming the TV series carries on that long.
Review of the Blackstone Publishing audiobook (September 19, 2023) narrated by Penelope Keith released simultaneously with the Minotaur Books hardcover/ebook.
I am still loyal to both the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series, even though they are now being written entirely by continuation writer R.W. Green rather than the original author M.C. Beaton (1936-2019). I have an affection for both characters and their fictional communities as I binged virtually all of them (roughly 60+ books) during the worst years of the COVID pandemic. Green has managed to right the cozy course for both series, which had turned nasty towards the end of Beaton's era.
Part of the attraction is that in Beaton's fictional world the characters hardly age at all, they are set in a timeless cozy world of either Macbeth's Scottish Highlands or Raisin's English Cotswalds. That sort of unchanging environment was a comfort during the COVID lockdown era with its uncertainty.
Dead on Target has the standard plot of the series. Agatha discovers a murder and in the eyes of the incompetent Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes becomes the chief suspect. She then proceeds to solve the murder herself in order to clear her name, with her regular allies in tow. The recent romance with Inspector John Glass continues along comfortably, with a twist at the end which may signal a change of scene from the Cotswalds in the next follow-up book (late 2024?). There wasn't quite the usual level of comedy from Sir Charles Fraith and his snooty butler Gustaf and Agatha's ally Roy only puts in a short cameo. There were however one or two very shocking incidents though which surprised me, as usually in these cozies none of the regular characters are put in mortal danger.
All in all, this was mostly a rote issue for the series, but continuation writer Green does hit all the right marks and did manage to surprise me a few times. The narration in all voices by series regular Penelope Keith was excellent as always.
The next R.W. Green continuation book will be #36 in the Hamish Macbeth series Death of a Spy, with an expected February 13, 2024 date of publication.
Trivia and No Link
Dead on Target has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). If they continue adapting the books roughly chronologically then it would be several years away from being adapted, assuming the TV series carries on that long.
April 17, 2023
Dead on Target: An Agatha Raisin Mystery by M. C. Beaton; R.W. Green is an excellent fiction/mystery that is the newest addition to the amazing Agatha Raisin series.
I have to say that this continuation of the beloved series after the sad passing of Ms. Beaton could have gone south, but I have really enjoyed the last several books by Mr. Green immensely.
Agatha has really come into her own. Her confidence, vulnerability, and her ability to voice her fears, wants, desires, and feelings to herself and (albeit sarcastically sometimes) others, truly making her a great character.
I loved this installment (#34 by the way). I loved the murder/mystery, the progression of the characters, their respective relationships, and where everyone is going.
I will always love Charles; I just can’t help it :)
The ending is satisfying, and promising, yet a tinge of bittersweet…however perfect and fitting. (I also loved the new author’s character note before the book began. Very nice.)
5/5 stars
I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you NG and Minotaur Books/ St Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/19/23.
I have to say that this continuation of the beloved series after the sad passing of Ms. Beaton could have gone south, but I have really enjoyed the last several books by Mr. Green immensely.
Agatha has really come into her own. Her confidence, vulnerability, and her ability to voice her fears, wants, desires, and feelings to herself and (albeit sarcastically sometimes) others, truly making her a great character.
I loved this installment (#34 by the way). I loved the murder/mystery, the progression of the characters, their respective relationships, and where everyone is going.
I will always love Charles; I just can’t help it :)
The ending is satisfying, and promising, yet a tinge of bittersweet…however perfect and fitting. (I also loved the new author’s character note before the book began. Very nice.)
5/5 stars
I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you NG and Minotaur Books/ St Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/19/23.
January 1, 2024
Another amusing mystery read. Agatha finds Sir Geoffrey Pride with an arrow in him at a village fete. Who murdered him? Wilkes her nemesis tries to blame her for the murder. However, there are a list of suspects with the victims son Gerald, Spider, Elizabeth and her not to bright boyfriend and a criminal from London who wanted the victims mansion for a property deal.
Agatha’s new paramour John a detective gets involved and Charles and James make appearances. Overall a comfortable amusing read.
Agatha’s new paramour John a detective gets involved and Charles and James make appearances. Overall a comfortable amusing read.
August 16, 2023
FROM THE COVER📚
A 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...
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️
I always look forward to the latest Agatha Raisin, they are my guilty pleasure. So thank you very for the ARC
This book is what fans will expect and know well. The certain cut and paste type of writing, the outrageous fun plot and characters, the same plot points/format/style and Agatha being a bit of pain in the bum but nonetheless likeable.
However that being this is one of the poorer books in the series. You can really tell it’s written by a different author, there is all usual M.C traits but they muddled in with the new writers traits, I found there was a sense of the ever growing wokeness/PC rules thrown in but then contrast there was some of the usual very not PC humdingers it becomes too much of one extreme to another making for confusing reading. I feel the full book lacked any punch, it was lazy written with very little sub plots, background character development and Agatha wasn’t Agatha. It’s a real shame I can’t say this was any pleasure to read at all never mind a guilty one.
I think it would be good to retire Agatha now she has has good innings.
Fans will buy it for sure but they might not get the usual Agatha bang for their buck, any new readers will wonder why the series is so popular not the best at all. I’ll still read the next instalment purely cause my nose would bother me
A 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...
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️
I always look forward to the latest Agatha Raisin, they are my guilty pleasure. So thank you very for the ARC
This book is what fans will expect and know well. The certain cut and paste type of writing, the outrageous fun plot and characters, the same plot points/format/style and Agatha being a bit of pain in the bum but nonetheless likeable.
However that being this is one of the poorer books in the series. You can really tell it’s written by a different author, there is all usual M.C traits but they muddled in with the new writers traits, I found there was a sense of the ever growing wokeness/PC rules thrown in but then contrast there was some of the usual very not PC humdingers it becomes too much of one extreme to another making for confusing reading. I feel the full book lacked any punch, it was lazy written with very little sub plots, background character development and Agatha wasn’t Agatha. It’s a real shame I can’t say this was any pleasure to read at all never mind a guilty one.
I think it would be good to retire Agatha now she has has good innings.
Fans will buy it for sure but they might not get the usual Agatha bang for their buck, any new readers will wonder why the series is so popular not the best at all. I’ll still read the next instalment purely cause my nose would bother me
Read
March 14, 2024R.W. Green opens with a defense. In the forward to Dead on Target, number thirty-four Agatha Raisin cozy mystery series, Green reveals previous discussions he had with M.C. Beaton, the late author whose characters inherited. According to Beaton, Agatha, cantankerous with a certain lack of patience for most recreation, has no time for sport. Yet Green goes on to explain that in this title, his fourth since taking over the series, Agatha agrees to participate in a bit of archery, but it's okay—he promises he has a very good reason as to why she does it.
These early reflections are amusing, and it's great to get a glimpse of what the original author really thought about one of her most popular characters. However, this pre-story talk also left me somewhat apprehensive. If Green felt the need to justify a portion of the story, just what exactly was I about to read?
Fortunately, within the first chapter, I realized I had very little to worry about. Just like in his past three installments, Green has more than proven Agatha and the rest of the gang in the Cotswolds village of Carsely are in more than capable hands. And really—he does have a good reason for her to be taking up a bow and arrow.
During what's supposed to be a relaxing day at a village fête, Agatha agrees to be a good sport and help during an archery demonstration. All seems festive and well until she stumbles across the body of a man with an arrow in his chest in the woods. With her arch-nemesis Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes attempting to pin the man's death on her, Agatha must once again both solve a murder and clear her name.
On its face, Dead on Target feels like such a classic Agatha Raisin mystery. A quaint village celebration. Agatha regularly losing her temper. An incompetent local police force. A genuinely interesting mystery with plenty of twists and turns. It's the basic ingredients that have carried the series along for so many books.
Yet R.W. Green has made Agatha and her cadre of investigative usuals feel fresher than ever. The writing is tighter. There's a clearer vision of the case at hand, and the justification for Agatha running her own investigation is compelling. Even the subplot involving Agatha's potential relationships with the dashing men in her life has some new energy behind it. Perhaps best of all, Agatha herself has come into her own. There's more confidence in her actions and, though she still has plenty of stumbles with her sleuthing, all of her trademark humor has been amplified.
No need to be defensive—Dead on Target shows Agatha Raisin, with a few refreshing tweaks from R.W. Green, is just as fun as ever.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/
These early reflections are amusing, and it's great to get a glimpse of what the original author really thought about one of her most popular characters. However, this pre-story talk also left me somewhat apprehensive. If Green felt the need to justify a portion of the story, just what exactly was I about to read?
Fortunately, within the first chapter, I realized I had very little to worry about. Just like in his past three installments, Green has more than proven Agatha and the rest of the gang in the Cotswolds village of Carsely are in more than capable hands. And really—he does have a good reason for her to be taking up a bow and arrow.
During what's supposed to be a relaxing day at a village fête, Agatha agrees to be a good sport and help during an archery demonstration. All seems festive and well until she stumbles across the body of a man with an arrow in his chest in the woods. With her arch-nemesis Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes attempting to pin the man's death on her, Agatha must once again both solve a murder and clear her name.
On its face, Dead on Target feels like such a classic Agatha Raisin mystery. A quaint village celebration. Agatha regularly losing her temper. An incompetent local police force. A genuinely interesting mystery with plenty of twists and turns. It's the basic ingredients that have carried the series along for so many books.
Yet R.W. Green has made Agatha and her cadre of investigative usuals feel fresher than ever. The writing is tighter. There's a clearer vision of the case at hand, and the justification for Agatha running her own investigation is compelling. Even the subplot involving Agatha's potential relationships with the dashing men in her life has some new energy behind it. Perhaps best of all, Agatha herself has come into her own. There's more confidence in her actions and, though she still has plenty of stumbles with her sleuthing, all of her trademark humor has been amplified.
No need to be defensive—Dead on Target shows Agatha Raisin, with a few refreshing tweaks from R.W. Green, is just as fun as ever.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/
November 9, 2024
It's another great Agatha Raisin mystery. I can still tell little bit that R.W. Green is writing the books now and not M.C. Beaton anymore. Agatha is still her hilarious and sarcastic self which I love. Her adventures are so cozy and enjoy them tremendously. I loved the story in this book as always and they are a really great read. The book is written in third person from Agatha's perspective for the most part. I love all the characters in the book. I adore a minor character called Mrs. Bloxby. I almost chopped a star off because of something that happens in the book to her. Then I thought that was mean and my rage reader talking!!! The books are about 10 chapters long so they're fairly quick reads. If you love mysteries and/or cozy reads then I really recommend the book and series to you.
October 11, 2023
Thank you so very much to NetGalley and the publisher for approving my request to listen to this.
Everyone's favorite PI, Agatha Raisin, is back again with another murder mystery in the Cotswolds. When Agatha visits a village fete, she finds the body of a local man, pants down, with an arrow in his chest. The police quickly rule his death an accident, but Agatha's keen sleuthing instincts say otherwise and she jumps on the case.
First and foremost, I must comment on the audiobook. There is nothing like an Agatha Raisin Mystery narrated by the superb, Dame Penelope Keith. Her narration is so spot-on for the characters. She captures every one so perfectly and her voice is such a treat! I was absolutely delighted to see her name down as narrator. I love the mysteries, but they are just so much better when Penelope reads them!
I was so delighted to once again be transported to the idyllic English Cotswolds for a fun romp with Agatha Raisin. Dead on Target brings back many of the recurring characters in Agatha's life like Margaret Bloxby, Sir Charles Fraith, Roy Silver and, surprisingly, even her ex, James Lacey. I love seeing the full cast of characters back with her again because, without spoiling anything, I enjoy the way things play out with James.
As a long-time Agatha reader, I'm always in it for the relationships and the drama of Agatha's personal life, but the mysteries never disappoint. This one really kept me guessing. There were so many players involved and I was relieved to find that some of the side characters I'd grown attached to were innocent in the end. I find it difficult to review mysteries in ways that don't give away spoilers, so I will just say that if you like a mystery that keeps you guessing and has a good resolution, you're in for a treat!
Everyone's favorite PI, Agatha Raisin, is back again with another murder mystery in the Cotswolds. When Agatha visits a village fete, she finds the body of a local man, pants down, with an arrow in his chest. The police quickly rule his death an accident, but Agatha's keen sleuthing instincts say otherwise and she jumps on the case.
First and foremost, I must comment on the audiobook. There is nothing like an Agatha Raisin Mystery narrated by the superb, Dame Penelope Keith. Her narration is so spot-on for the characters. She captures every one so perfectly and her voice is such a treat! I was absolutely delighted to see her name down as narrator. I love the mysteries, but they are just so much better when Penelope reads them!
I was so delighted to once again be transported to the idyllic English Cotswolds for a fun romp with Agatha Raisin. Dead on Target brings back many of the recurring characters in Agatha's life like Margaret Bloxby, Sir Charles Fraith, Roy Silver and, surprisingly, even her ex, James Lacey. I love seeing the full cast of characters back with her again because, without spoiling anything, I enjoy the way things play out with James.
As a long-time Agatha reader, I'm always in it for the relationships and the drama of Agatha's personal life, but the mysteries never disappoint. This one really kept me guessing. There were so many players involved and I was relieved to find that some of the side characters I'd grown attached to were innocent in the end. I find it difficult to review mysteries in ways that don't give away spoilers, so I will just say that if you like a mystery that keeps you guessing and has a good resolution, you're in for a treat!
September 20, 2023
Strangely enough, I ended up with two archery-based cozy mysteries this month, scheduled for release within weeks of one another. This is by far the better of the two.
This is my first time reading Beaton and the Agatha Raisin series, and I was pleasantly surprised. I’m generally not fond of cozies with a modern setting, but this one was terrific both in terms of atmosphere and evocative detail and charming characters.
The mystery itself and the structure was surprisingly good for the genre, and there’s some charming subtle humor.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is my first time reading Beaton and the Agatha Raisin series, and I was pleasantly surprised. I’m generally not fond of cozies with a modern setting, but this one was terrific both in terms of atmosphere and evocative detail and charming characters.
The mystery itself and the structure was surprisingly good for the genre, and there’s some charming subtle humor.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 16, 2023
I love cozy mysteries and one that’s set in the Cotswolds in England? Be still my heart. Unfortunately this instalment of Agatha Raisin missed the mark (you see what I did there with “missed the mark” the book starts out at an archery demonstration, arrows flying everywhere )…anyway while Agatha was as entertaining as ever the book had far too many characters and way too much happening to every character. I have read all of the Agatha Raisin books by MC Beaton and now RW Green, but this one just didn’t connect for me.
If you haven’t read any books in this series you could read this and understand the relationships between the characters but it’s so worth it to read the series from the beginning to see the characters grow and develop. A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
If you haven’t read any books in this series you could read this and understand the relationships between the characters but it’s so worth it to read the series from the beginning to see the characters grow and develop. A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 15, 2023
I listened to this on audiobook format. While I’m glad this series is being continued, I felt this latest instalment fell flat. The plot felt very convoluted.
Agatha makes quite a few hospital visits in this story, though not as a patient.
The new author is really leaning heavily on Agatha and the DCI’s animosity toward each other, to the point where it’s getting pretty repetitive. It was there when Beaton wrote the books but only mentioned here and there. The new author seems to have factored it in in every book he has written in this series so far.
Agatha makes quite a few hospital visits in this story, though not as a patient.
The new author is really leaning heavily on Agatha and the DCI’s animosity toward each other, to the point where it’s getting pretty repetitive. It was there when Beaton wrote the books but only mentioned here and there. The new author seems to have factored it in in every book he has written in this series so far.
December 11, 2023
I can't begin to tell you how much I love this series! I was concerned that the voice of Agnes would change with the loss of M. C. Beaton, but R. W. Green has captured her beautifully.
In this story, Agnes must find the murderer before she is arrested for the crime herself. Meanwhile she solves a few more cases and juggles romances.
Excellent story!
In this story, Agnes must find the murderer before she is arrested for the crime herself. Meanwhile she solves a few more cases and juggles romances.
Excellent story!
October 3, 2023
I forgot how much I disliked the main character in this series - the mystery is fine - enough elements to let the reader feel it’s solvable but ugh - each time Agatha described herself in a mirror….
September 14, 2024
Dad got me this (and a muffin 😂) when I was having a difficult week to cheer me up because he knows I love cosy crime 🥹 Apparently it’s 34th in the Agatha Raisin series but it’s completely standalone, I haven’t read any other Agatha Raisins and had no problem understanding the characters and how they’re connected - it’s a short book, and it does go on in places about Agatha’s fashionable dress sense and ‘immaculate makeup’ (twice in one paragraph at one point 😂) But still, it’s just a nice easygoing cosy crime and I may check out more in the Agatha Raisin series!
January 22, 2024
Actually read this one in a day. Loved the slightly different take on the Agatha Raisin character that the new author has written. Makes her less of a cartoonish character who always gets into trouble of her own making (Although she still does). I love Agatha Raisin‘s original character developed by Marion Chesney Beaton, but the new author has made her into a more realistic figure. It was nice to visit with the characters from Englsnd again.
February 12, 2024
I have loved Agatha Raisin from the first book. She's feisty and yet has a good heart. I was a bit worried (and sad) when author M C. Beaton passed away, but R W. Green seems to really have captured the personality of the series. After Agatha -once again- discovers a local member of the gentry murdered, she has to clear her name. The usual fun characters are there to help. The mystery itself was interesting and I enjoyed this very much.
May 19, 2024
It's an ok cozy mystery novel.
June 2, 2025
#34 in the Agatha Raisin series. Always a murder and Agatha must figure out the mystery. Of course, the hated Detective Wilkes is hostile toward Agatha and will try to pin the murder on her. Agatha’s friend, Roy Silver, is thoroughly beaten by a gangster. The plot thickens and the story goes on to a surprise ending. Agatha never lets one down and she is as vain as ever. A 3* read.
July 5, 2024
4.5 stars
Currently reading
September 19, 2023Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: 3.5 rounded up. I devoured the original M.C. Beaton mysteries. These post humous mysteries are perfectly fine, well crafted cozy mysteries. What has been lost is the sly, subtle humor. Agatha used to be a middle aged woman of vanity and insensitivity who could never understand why her new neighbors didn't appreciate her. The "new" Agatha has lost her sharp edges. I read a previous book of the new series and I found this book to be improved. As stand alone cozy mysteries they're great. They're just not M. C. Beaton--but getting a bit closer.
September 2, 2023
3.25 stars
This was a delightful book to read. Funny at times, entertaining, fast to read and full of action.
Agatha Raisin discovers the body of a man with an arrow in his chest and his trousers round his ankles. And of course, the not so bright Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes thinks that Agatha had something to do with it, or as he puts it, she's his prime suspect.
If everything else was not enough, Agatha is even more motivated to solve the crime and clear her name, as she is obviously wrongly accused.
There were a few times when the plot in the book seemed beyond naive. Plus Agatha outsmarting everyone and everything was also a very long stretch for me.
The ending is pretty good although it felt more like a Hercule Poirot setting.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this fun book!
This was a delightful book to read. Funny at times, entertaining, fast to read and full of action.
Agatha Raisin discovers the body of a man with an arrow in his chest and his trousers round his ankles. And of course, the not so bright Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes thinks that Agatha had something to do with it, or as he puts it, she's his prime suspect.
If everything else was not enough, Agatha is even more motivated to solve the crime and clear her name, as she is obviously wrongly accused.
There were a few times when the plot in the book seemed beyond naive. Plus Agatha outsmarting everyone and everything was also a very long stretch for me.
The ending is pretty good although it felt more like a Hercule Poirot setting.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this fun book!
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