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Agatha Raisin #25
Agatha Raisin und der tote Schauspieler
Eine festlich inszenierte Weihnachtsgeschichte - mit Agatha Raisin als Zuschauerin! Mrs. Bloxby, die Frau des Pfarrers, weiß, wie man eine Unwillige überredet. Bei der Aufführung muss Agatha wie zu erwarten ein Gähnen unterdrücken - bis sich unter dem wild agierenden Hauptdarsteller plötzlich der Boden ein Fall, ein Schrei, dann Stille. War das so geprobt worden? Schon bald ahnen Agatha und ihr Team, dass die dramatische Bühnenshow nichts ist im Vergleich zum wahren Leben. Gleich eine ganze Schar Verdächtiger stellt sie nun vor große ermittlerische Herausforderungen, denn nicht wenige von ihnen hatten Gründe, den Hauptdarsteller am liebsten tot zu sehen ...
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2014
299 people are currently reading
3726 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,018 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 742 reviews
September 25, 2014
I am always amazed by readers who take such a dislike to Agatha Raisin and the series written by M. C. Beaton, in which this irrascible character stars. I think it is because Agatha Raisin has little to love about her, at least at first glance. We readers prefer a protagonist who is easier to sympathize with, not one who harbors outlandish jealousy and lies at the drop of a hat. Bad things happen to Agatha. Some of these things she brings on herself--her jealousy, vanity, spite and single-minded pursuit of husband number 3--make her an easy target for other characters' anger, and perhaps some readers' as well. But a close reading will show that Agatha Raisin is also generous, loyal, determined and lonely. This purposely flawed character is a gem, perhaps especially for older readers who can more readily identify with her middle age angst. Her humiliations are ours, and they become laughable when acted out by Agatha. Hairs on her upper lip, grey hairs sprouting from her head, bum hips and bad habits seem a bit less horrible after Agatha endures them. This cosy series is a happy haven for readers who want to leave the everyday world behind. Hurray for twenty-some Agatha Raisin books!
September 10, 2014
Oh Agatha, Agatha - will you never learn? Apparently not, and perhaps that's why we love her, but it would be nice to see some emotional growth in our beloved Agatha Raisin.
This is a typical Agatha Raisin novel - mildly amusing narrative, outrageous plot, Agatha on the prowl for a husband and jealous of young Toni. This book requires no effort to read. For the die-hard Agatha Raisin fan. Not for someone new to the series.
I read a Netgalley advance copy of The Blood of an Englishman.
This is a typical Agatha Raisin novel - mildly amusing narrative, outrageous plot, Agatha on the prowl for a husband and jealous of young Toni. This book requires no effort to read. For the die-hard Agatha Raisin fan. Not for someone new to the series.
I read a Netgalley advance copy of The Blood of an Englishman.
August 2, 2014
Received this from Goodreads giveaway.
The characters are annoying thin, merely names on paper with little substance to carry the plot. Yet, my main issue is with Agatha herself. She's a detective with a reputation, judging as to how this book is #25 in the series. However, Agatha is ready to throw herself at any man who comes into contact with her. She's quick to create marriage fantasies with anyone she comes across.
Furthermore, this story started off as a mystery, but towards the middle, we're suddenly in the middle of romance (driven primarily by Agatha and her weird fantasies). The point of view is from Agatha, but there was a moment where the middle switched to John Hale, and how he wanted to marry her for money. Perhaps this startling switch of viewpoints was to give us a possible suspect, but all it did was yank me out of the story.
No, I have not read the first 24 books. I would assume such background is unnecessary. If I ever come across another Agatha Raisin mystery, I would certainly peruse it, just to see if she is really how she's portrayed in this book. Other than that, I'd believe your time would unfortunately be better spent reading something else.
The characters are annoying thin, merely names on paper with little substance to carry the plot. Yet, my main issue is with Agatha herself. She's a detective with a reputation, judging as to how this book is #25 in the series. However, Agatha is ready to throw herself at any man who comes into contact with her. She's quick to create marriage fantasies with anyone she comes across.
Furthermore, this story started off as a mystery, but towards the middle, we're suddenly in the middle of romance (driven primarily by Agatha and her weird fantasies). The point of view is from Agatha, but there was a moment where the middle switched to John Hale, and how he wanted to marry her for money. Perhaps this startling switch of viewpoints was to give us a possible suspect, but all it did was yank me out of the story.
No, I have not read the first 24 books. I would assume such background is unnecessary. If I ever come across another Agatha Raisin mystery, I would certainly peruse it, just to see if she is really how she's portrayed in this book. Other than that, I'd believe your time would unfortunately be better spent reading something else.
July 30, 2014
Oh my, where to begin. I won an ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. According to the publisher, this is the 25th Agatha Raisin "adventure", though it is my first acquaintance with both the character and the author. While I'm a great fan of British literature and the cozy mystery genre, I must admit to being completely stumped as to how the 24 previous books, if anything like this one, managed to be published. The plot is threadbare, the characters thin, weak and cliched, and then there is Mrs. Raisin, our protagonist. Don't get me started.
How on earth, in this day and age, does anyone believe in--let alone like--such a character? Agatha is a middle-aged woman whose every waking thought is of finding a man because, as we are told, "without a man around, Agatha felt diminished". We're asked to believe that this woman is the founder/owner of her own private detective agency and yet, wrapped around all her sleuthing, is description after tedious description of her clothes (high heels are a must, ladies), makeup and hair, and her constant fantasizing about the marriage prospects of EVERY MAN SHE ENCOUNTERS. She actually gets engaged to a man with whom she has had TWO DATES but not to worry--she is as quickly un-engaged once his son pursues her with lethal intent.
The voice here was, I assume, supposed to be of the droll British variety. Instead, the entire undertaking is just silly. Had I not felt obligated to read to the bitter end for the purposes of making an informed review, I would have quit after the first 25 pages. Don't waste your time.
How on earth, in this day and age, does anyone believe in--let alone like--such a character? Agatha is a middle-aged woman whose every waking thought is of finding a man because, as we are told, "without a man around, Agatha felt diminished". We're asked to believe that this woman is the founder/owner of her own private detective agency and yet, wrapped around all her sleuthing, is description after tedious description of her clothes (high heels are a must, ladies), makeup and hair, and her constant fantasizing about the marriage prospects of EVERY MAN SHE ENCOUNTERS. She actually gets engaged to a man with whom she has had TWO DATES but not to worry--she is as quickly un-engaged once his son pursues her with lethal intent.
The voice here was, I assume, supposed to be of the droll British variety. Instead, the entire undertaking is just silly. Had I not felt obligated to read to the bitter end for the purposes of making an informed review, I would have quit after the first 25 pages. Don't waste your time.
November 3, 2014
I liked it, it was nice to see the regular characters. In the first third, old nasty Agatha is back. Then the book shifts into a formulaic disappointment. Conflicts start and are resolved in two sentences.
Agatha has a sense of danger now, and it is overused. She has become high tech with a constant companion of her iPad and a mention of her kindle. Her described looks seem to have greatly improved and she thinks every man she meets wants to get married. She wears silk clothing at all times, it is impractical.
Overall this book is an improvement over the last ten or so. It is Agatha Raisin's 25th story. I didn't guess the killer.
Agatha has a sense of danger now, and it is overused. She has become high tech with a constant companion of her iPad and a mention of her kindle. Her described looks seem to have greatly improved and she thinks every man she meets wants to get married. She wears silk clothing at all times, it is impractical.
Overall this book is an improvement over the last ten or so. It is Agatha Raisin's 25th story. I didn't guess the killer.
September 26, 2014
I've read all your novels, so I'm sorry Mrs Beaton, but this latest novel reads like a first draft that needs to be re-read and edited at least twice! Some characters, like Roy Silver and James Lacey for example, are so obviously just used as devices to introduce disasterous episodes and there are several inconsistencies and repetitions. If the writing had been more meticulous, it could have been a good story.
March 17, 2025
So many people got murdered in this book that I got confused. Agatha did some dangerous things as usual and her friends helped her so much saving her life.
September 2, 2014
If you have not read any of the Agatha Raisin Mysteries yet, up to and including this one, you need to get caught up!
I loved this book. There is a healthy dose of humour all the way through it and the characters are not only memorable, but a lot of fun. I love unique mysteries where you feel as though you haven't read it all before in one form or another. M.C. Beaton has a way of making everything that happens feel like it is original.
If you are a fan of the cozy mystery, this will satisfy you without being overly 'precious' or silly. I enjoyed watching the events unfold as the story was told and going through the process with the main character. The story takes plenty of unexpected turns and will leave you wanting the next book right now!
This is a fun book that will keep you guessing. I like characters with big personalities and Agatha Raisin is certainly one to fit in that category.
**Having an actual Englishman read this book aloud to you may also increase your chances of loving it, but is not necessary for enjoyment:)
Highly recommended, five stars well deserved.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book. There is a healthy dose of humour all the way through it and the characters are not only memorable, but a lot of fun. I love unique mysteries where you feel as though you haven't read it all before in one form or another. M.C. Beaton has a way of making everything that happens feel like it is original.
If you are a fan of the cozy mystery, this will satisfy you without being overly 'precious' or silly. I enjoyed watching the events unfold as the story was told and going through the process with the main character. The story takes plenty of unexpected turns and will leave you wanting the next book right now!
This is a fun book that will keep you guessing. I like characters with big personalities and Agatha Raisin is certainly one to fit in that category.
**Having an actual Englishman read this book aloud to you may also increase your chances of loving it, but is not necessary for enjoyment:)
Highly recommended, five stars well deserved.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
September 26, 2014
Repeat after me, Gentle Readers: mystery novel protagonists are NOT role models! We aren't reading the novels of the esteemed Glenn Beck, right? GOOD.
The Blood of an Englishman provided me with several hours of reading bliss. The pacing is lickety-split. The plot is just complicated enough, although it did seem to have one small hole. Agatha is hilariously awful, and insecure in a way that is at once offensive and touching. The murder suspects are total jerks. Heck, even most of Agatha's friends (and certainly all of her love interests) are total jerks. So I can understand why some readers, especially those new to the series, wonder, what the heck is there to love about a book starring a jerk and brimming with a bunch of other jerks?
The answer for me is, Beaton's writing is slightly cartoonish--the descriptions of people, the absurd events--so the unpleasantness of humanity is brought into relief. Slightly exaggerated, we can laugh at problems that are in fact familiar. Which is what real humor always does. Yes, it IS ridiculous that Agatha Raisin has attained middle age without shedding her immature, romantic fantasies about men, or her need to wear makeup and high heels to feel confident. The readers who love this character can relate to that, as well as to Agatha's struggles with jealousy and the need for attention. I know one person who really doesn't like Agatha, and she happens to be one of the nicest, kindest women I know. In a nutshell, she's too nice to "get" Agatha. And to the rest of you Agatha Raisin fans out there--I'll see you in H-E-Double Hockey Sticks. With gin and tonics.
The Blood of an Englishman provided me with several hours of reading bliss. The pacing is lickety-split. The plot is just complicated enough, although it did seem to have one small hole. Agatha is hilariously awful, and insecure in a way that is at once offensive and touching. The murder suspects are total jerks. Heck, even most of Agatha's friends (and certainly all of her love interests) are total jerks. So I can understand why some readers, especially those new to the series, wonder, what the heck is there to love about a book starring a jerk and brimming with a bunch of other jerks?
The answer for me is, Beaton's writing is slightly cartoonish--the descriptions of people, the absurd events--so the unpleasantness of humanity is brought into relief. Slightly exaggerated, we can laugh at problems that are in fact familiar. Which is what real humor always does. Yes, it IS ridiculous that Agatha Raisin has attained middle age without shedding her immature, romantic fantasies about men, or her need to wear makeup and high heels to feel confident. The readers who love this character can relate to that, as well as to Agatha's struggles with jealousy and the need for attention. I know one person who really doesn't like Agatha, and she happens to be one of the nicest, kindest women I know. In a nutshell, she's too nice to "get" Agatha. And to the rest of you Agatha Raisin fans out there--I'll see you in H-E-Double Hockey Sticks. With gin and tonics.
January 23, 2020
There’s some clever plotting and thematic echoes in this one that seem obvious in hindsight, yet I didn’t see them coming while I was reading. This is probably my favourite Agatha Raisin book so far... and I’m not just saying that because the author died last month.
November 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ = Quite Good.
Paperback.
#25 in the Agatha Raisin series. A decent enough story with the humorous Agatha. The ending was very strange though. Not what I have come to expect of this series.
Paperback.
#25 in the Agatha Raisin series. A decent enough story with the humorous Agatha. The ending was very strange though. Not what I have come to expect of this series.
December 17, 2020
I saw this book and thought it would be a sure-fire get-me-in-the-mood-for-Christmas read. As I said in last week's Friday Reads, 'What could be more festive than murder at a pantomime?'
I knew I was wrong when my wife read the book earlier this week and didn't seem enthused. She said it was rambling and unfocused. That there were too many characters and too many under-worked ideas. That the plot took so long to unwind that you'd almost forgotten about the pantomime by the end and that, just when you thought it was all over, M. C. Beaton added a new character, clearly meant to be a baddy in a future book and did absolutely nothing with her.
I read the book anyway because we don't always see the same thing in a book but all the way through, a small voice in my head was going: 'You brought this on yourself. You were warned.'
I was very disappointed. I'd enjoyed an earlier Christmas Agatha Raisin, 'Agatha Raisin And Kissing Christmas Goodbye' so I thought this one would work. Except it wasn't really a Christmas book. It started with a murder at the 'Babes in the Woods' amateur Panto that would make any man cross his legs and cringe just to think about. It was swiftly followed by a 'Mikado'-related death that was equally spectacular. We were on a roll. Then reality raised its unwanted head and it took Agatha months and months to figure out who had killed whom and how and why. While that may be true to life, it meant that the Christmas theme evaporated very early.
There were multiple bloody murders, carried out with great theatricality and yet they made no impact on me. I wasn't invested in any of the dead people and the focus of the live people seemed to be mostly on whether Agatha should marry for the third time and if so, who should the future ex-husband be?
The plot meandered. The dialogue didn't sparkle. By the end, I was just glad that the whole book only took six hours to listen to.
Can I think of anything more positive to say?
Yes; 'IT'S BEHIND ME'.
July 18, 2014
Murderous Fun!
Back when I used to buy a lot of paperbacks, the publishers would sometimes put a stamp on one saying 'Guaranteed Good Read'. They were so convinced that the book was great, that they promised money back if you don't like it.
While publishers don't tend to do that anymore, anything by M.C. Beaton should really come with that stamp. She is a guaranteed good read.
In The Blood of An Englishman, Beaton brings us Agatha Raisin in all her glory. For those of you who haven't read an Agatha Raisin book before, you're in for a treat. This is no Miss Marple. Agatha is vain, man-mad, cigarette smoking, snarky, yet funny, sweet, and absolutely loveable. While I wouldn't want to be Agatha, I'd sure love to know her.
Note: Every Agatha Raisin book stands on its own. Don't worry if you haven't read the series before. You'll be just fine and you'll likely want to go back and read the other books!
For those of you who, like me, are Agatha fans, this is the consummate Agatha Raisin book. In no particular order, we have murder, mayhem, love, lust, betrayal, and objects hurled at great speed. There are old loves - and new ones - and some very new murder techniques! Beaton had fun with this one.
The book is lively, funny, and, yes, a Guaranteed Good Read.
Absolutely recommended.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for review purposes.
Back when I used to buy a lot of paperbacks, the publishers would sometimes put a stamp on one saying 'Guaranteed Good Read'. They were so convinced that the book was great, that they promised money back if you don't like it.
While publishers don't tend to do that anymore, anything by M.C. Beaton should really come with that stamp. She is a guaranteed good read.
In The Blood of An Englishman, Beaton brings us Agatha Raisin in all her glory. For those of you who haven't read an Agatha Raisin book before, you're in for a treat. This is no Miss Marple. Agatha is vain, man-mad, cigarette smoking, snarky, yet funny, sweet, and absolutely loveable. While I wouldn't want to be Agatha, I'd sure love to know her.
Note: Every Agatha Raisin book stands on its own. Don't worry if you haven't read the series before. You'll be just fine and you'll likely want to go back and read the other books!
For those of you who, like me, are Agatha fans, this is the consummate Agatha Raisin book. In no particular order, we have murder, mayhem, love, lust, betrayal, and objects hurled at great speed. There are old loves - and new ones - and some very new murder techniques! Beaton had fun with this one.
The book is lively, funny, and, yes, a Guaranteed Good Read.
Absolutely recommended.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for review purposes.
August 4, 2014
My mother is a big MC Beaton fan, and even she agrees that the latest stories have gone downhill. This does not even feel like a story - this feels like either an amateur piece of writing or the skeleton of a plot, in which padding, tension and characterisation will be added later. Aside from Agatha Raisin, the rest of the characters are just cardboard cut-outs with no personalities. The detective work is a farce and their is about as much tension as ... well, similies currently fail me.
I'll finish it, but only because it's short. Not that I really care who dunit, or feel anything for anyone, except a faint irritation at Agatha.
I have read earlier books in this series, and found them to be poorly written (too much tell and very little show) but at least entertaining. This one is almost painful.
eARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sorry about how honest I'm being!
I'll finish it, but only because it's short. Not that I really care who dunit, or feel anything for anyone, except a faint irritation at Agatha.
I have read earlier books in this series, and found them to be poorly written (too much tell and very little show) but at least entertaining. This one is almost painful.
eARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sorry about how honest I'm being!
October 22, 2016
Another awesome story with Agatha and her assortment of chums. This time trying to solve the horrific mystery of how a leading man in a Christmas play ends up being impaled on a spike under a trap door! I love Agatha's wit, her intelligence and her fierce loyalty to those closest to you (in a begrudging way...)
October 3, 2018
Listened out of turn because although I like Davina Porter, she was awful as Agatha so I need to wait for Hiss and Hers in book form. Woe to whoever made the decision to replace Penelope Keith. She IS Agatha and can do all the other characters' voices perfectly. It was soooo hard to listen to this one with a different narrator. Nothing against Alison Larkin, I'm sure she's lovely in other books but NOT AGATHA!! Sad sigh. I may have to read the rest in book form now.
As far as the story goes, it was a fairly multi-faceted story, for a cozy mystery, although a little too gruesome for MC Beaton style. I wasn't thrilled with that but the rest of the book and all the quirky characters were never disappointing. But bring back Penelope, please???
As far as the story goes, it was a fairly multi-faceted story, for a cozy mystery, although a little too gruesome for MC Beaton style. I wasn't thrilled with that but the rest of the book and all the quirky characters were never disappointing. But bring back Penelope, please???
January 27, 2025
Totalnie nie jestem obiektywna, ale leczy mnie Agatka niczym herbatka z malinkami.
February 9, 2017
Agatha Raisin is normally like comfort food for me: Always a pleasure and something to look forward to. However, this time was different. It could possibly be due to the change of narrator, which is a factor, but this 25th installment didn’t hold my interest as much as earlier books.
This mystery takes us back to Winter Parva, the setting for As the Pig Turns. Agatha is watching a play with Mrs. Bloxby, but the action takes place after the show as Agatha is driving back to Carsely. She sees police cars speeding past her, and she decides to turn around to see what is going on. It turns out the local baker, Bert Simple, was murdered in a most gruesome manner: As he was exiting the stage by elevator, a steel spike impaled him between the legs from below through a hole that had been cut out of the floor.
Worried about the bad press and wanting to clear his name, the play’s producer Gareth Craven hires Agatha to investigate. The list of suspects grows as she uncovers the village’s many secrets. Sir Charles Fraith and Roy Silver both make an appearance, and so does James Lacey! All my favourites were present, so what went wrong for me? Well, I did enjoy the story well enough but not as much as I usually do. It felt almost as though there were TOO many characters in this one. I had trouble keeping track of them all! Agatha’s hormones had her panting after more than one man, and I get that she is lonely but wish that she had a bit more self-respect and wasn’t prepared to jump into bed with just any man she fancies! The story ends with a new face that has joined the Cotswolds, who appears to have made a good impression on James Lacey, and very interesting foreshadowing for the next book! Yes, I am intrigued and will continue on in the series.
Why, oh why, is there another change in narrator? I was HUGELY disappointed when I downloaded the audiobook and saw that it was not narrated by Penelope Keith. It’s very hard for me to accept anyone other than Ms. Keith as the voice for Agatha Raisin! Now, having said that, Alison Larkin’s voice is closer to Ms. Keith’s interpretation of Agatha than Davina Porter. Alison Larkin is new-to-me, and she did do a fine job. I really cannot say anything negative about Ms. Larkin because she was enjoyable but considering that I have now listened to 25 audiobooks in this series, no one will ever measure up to the series’ original narrator!
This review was posted on my book blog:
http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/2...
This mystery takes us back to Winter Parva, the setting for As the Pig Turns. Agatha is watching a play with Mrs. Bloxby, but the action takes place after the show as Agatha is driving back to Carsely. She sees police cars speeding past her, and she decides to turn around to see what is going on. It turns out the local baker, Bert Simple, was murdered in a most gruesome manner: As he was exiting the stage by elevator, a steel spike impaled him between the legs from below through a hole that had been cut out of the floor.
Worried about the bad press and wanting to clear his name, the play’s producer Gareth Craven hires Agatha to investigate. The list of suspects grows as she uncovers the village’s many secrets. Sir Charles Fraith and Roy Silver both make an appearance, and so does James Lacey! All my favourites were present, so what went wrong for me? Well, I did enjoy the story well enough but not as much as I usually do. It felt almost as though there were TOO many characters in this one. I had trouble keeping track of them all! Agatha’s hormones had her panting after more than one man, and I get that she is lonely but wish that she had a bit more self-respect and wasn’t prepared to jump into bed with just any man she fancies! The story ends with a new face that has joined the Cotswolds, who appears to have made a good impression on James Lacey, and very interesting foreshadowing for the next book! Yes, I am intrigued and will continue on in the series.
Why, oh why, is there another change in narrator? I was HUGELY disappointed when I downloaded the audiobook and saw that it was not narrated by Penelope Keith. It’s very hard for me to accept anyone other than Ms. Keith as the voice for Agatha Raisin! Now, having said that, Alison Larkin’s voice is closer to Ms. Keith’s interpretation of Agatha than Davina Porter. Alison Larkin is new-to-me, and she did do a fine job. I really cannot say anything negative about Ms. Larkin because she was enjoyable but considering that I have now listened to 25 audiobooks in this series, no one will ever measure up to the series’ original narrator!
This review was posted on my book blog:
http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/2...
September 1, 2015
Having got this book out of the library for my mum, knowing how much she enjoys an Agatha Raisin and remembering reading the first books in the series with my daughter when she was about 13 I thought I would give it a go.
I really do think it is time for M C Beaton to stop. No characterisation, no plot development, switching from scene to scene and with weeks passing without explanation, Agatha herself flitting from man to man without rhyme or reason - this is not anywhere near as good as the earlier books in the series. It is, in fact, a badly edited book published on the back of previous titles almost without question I would say. Won't be bothering with any more, that is for certain.
I really do think it is time for M C Beaton to stop. No characterisation, no plot development, switching from scene to scene and with weeks passing without explanation, Agatha herself flitting from man to man without rhyme or reason - this is not anywhere near as good as the earlier books in the series. It is, in fact, a badly edited book published on the back of previous titles almost without question I would say. Won't be bothering with any more, that is for certain.
December 13, 2015
I have read the previous 24 Agatha Raisin books and loved them all, but I have to agree with other reviewers to question whether M.C. Beaton really wrote this one.
I am a doubter for the following reasons:
1. This is not a cozy mystery. The style of murder and body disposal is macabre and disgusting.
2. Agatha usually chases after one man in each book, not 4 as she did in this book creating too many characters and too many side stories.
3. The writing seemed choppy and disjointed.
4. Too much redundancy. In previous books, James, Charles, Mrs. Bloxby, and Roy Silver had their relationship to Agatha shared the first time they entered the story, not every time the came and went.
5. Lastly, what about the crazy ending? Beaton's books are always tied up. No remaining questions. But was Gwen involved or not? And why introduce Jill Davant?
I am a doubter for the following reasons:
1. This is not a cozy mystery. The style of murder and body disposal is macabre and disgusting.
2. Agatha usually chases after one man in each book, not 4 as she did in this book creating too many characters and too many side stories.
3. The writing seemed choppy and disjointed.
4. Too much redundancy. In previous books, James, Charles, Mrs. Bloxby, and Roy Silver had their relationship to Agatha shared the first time they entered the story, not every time the came and went.
5. Lastly, what about the crazy ending? Beaton's books are always tied up. No remaining questions. But was Gwen involved or not? And why introduce Jill Davant?
September 9, 2023
The Blood of an Englishman by M.C. Beaton is the 25th book in the Agatha Raisin Mystery series. The local baker playing an ogre in a local pantomine is killed during the performance and Agatha Raisin is hired to find the killer. I am enjoying this series more and more as it progresses. Unfortunately Agatha still can't seem to help chasing after any eligible male although I think she has come to realise that this is because of loneliness and her inability to accept aging. The murder methods are particulatly gruesome and unique in this book and Agatha manages to put herself in danger on many occassions. Lots of fun and humerous moments as well. I like that there is always something happening. A fun, quick cozy mystery with Penelope Keith providing the perfect narration for the audiobook.
February 12, 2022
There’s an inconsistency with Simon right out of the gate, and it’s not the first time. Makes me think I missed a .5 novella somewhere, especially considering the way the previous book ended. but I can’t find one. Regardless, this book was hella entertaining.
October 17, 2020
Ennesimo episodio della serie di Agatha Raisin (anche se continuo a trovarla antipatica, non so come farò quando finiranno di tradurre la serie... 😢)
Questa volta ambientato a Winter Parva dove, nel corso di una rappresentazione teatrale amatoriale un uomo muore infilzato da un palo acuminato collocato all'interno della botola sulla scena in cui doveva cadere per esigenze sceniche nel corso della rappresentazione. Agatha si troverà a indagare con la sua agenzia investigativa su quello e sui successivi delitti (alcuni anche separati dal filone principale), mentre è alla ricerca di un nuovo uomo con cui condividere la vita, o forse soltanto un po' di sesso. Ed è proprio una di questa storie a farle capire chi potrebbe essere l'omicida, anche se questa volta si scade in dettagli davvero raccapriccianti...
Nell'epilogo compare quella che sarà la protagonista del prossimo caso, La psicologa impicciona.
Questa volta ambientato a Winter Parva dove, nel corso di una rappresentazione teatrale amatoriale un uomo muore infilzato da un palo acuminato collocato all'interno della botola sulla scena in cui doveva cadere per esigenze sceniche nel corso della rappresentazione. Agatha si troverà a indagare con la sua agenzia investigativa su quello e sui successivi delitti (alcuni anche separati dal filone principale), mentre è alla ricerca di un nuovo uomo con cui condividere la vita, o forse soltanto un po' di sesso. Ed è proprio una di questa storie a farle capire chi potrebbe essere l'omicida, anche se questa volta si scade in dettagli davvero raccapriccianti...
Nell'epilogo compare quella che sarà la protagonista del prossimo caso, La psicologa impicciona.
November 26, 2024
Absolutely hilarious. Agatha is once again on a prowl for a husband. Goodness horrific murders including impalement, decapitation and turning a village into unwitting cannibals!
The Cotswolds are a dangerous place. Agatha low self esteem and lack of confidence is once again on full display. Any man with a pulse seems fair game. This story has all the usual suspects with Sir Charles, James, Mrs Bloxby, Toni and Roy.
An amateur theatre production sees a performer killed with lots of suspects. Gwen his wife, her son Walt the baker, Gwens admirers and the blacksmith along with a few others.
I laughed out loud and admire the authors flair for bizarre murders.
The Cotswolds are a dangerous place. Agatha low self esteem and lack of confidence is once again on full display. Any man with a pulse seems fair game. This story has all the usual suspects with Sir Charles, James, Mrs Bloxby, Toni and Roy.
An amateur theatre production sees a performer killed with lots of suspects. Gwen his wife, her son Walt the baker, Gwens admirers and the blacksmith along with a few others.
I laughed out loud and admire the authors flair for bizarre murders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
This was one of the worst books of alll time and I only finished it because I had a fever
October 6, 2014
My sister and I have been avid fans of the Agatha Raisin series since the first book. However, the series has taken an odd turn. Agatha is no longer someone whose behavior reveals her character. Instead, she has become a two-dimensional paper doll who, along with the other characters in the book, fails to elicit either empathy or dislike. In fact, this is the first Agatha Raisin book where I felt compelled to finish it out of hope that it would improve rather than not being able to put it down because it was so much fun. In the earlier books of the series, I would often laugh out loud, shake my head over Agatha's embarrassingly impulsive behavior and poor choices, while still feeling empathy for her human foibles. We could sympathize with her loneliness and vulnerability, become irritated by her annoying faults, but still care about her and recognize bits of ourselves in her flaws. In these stories, characterization was integral to the plot, much as Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series where murder was committed because of human weaknesses. However, not only is the characterization weak in this latest book, her friends and former lovers appear and disappear bewilderingly without making any real contribution to the story. The plot is distressingly thin and boring. It reads like a rough draft, with little coherence or unity, leaving the reader to wonder if MC Beaton has grown weary of writing the series. If you want to meet the real Agatha, which may be quite unlikely after this book, read her early adventures, they are gems.
October 6, 2014
I generally really enjoy the Agatha Raisin mysteries but I didn't get into this story. The plot -- and mystery - felt too convoluted: too many red herrings and a resolution that was both grotesque and random. It felt as if familiar (and liked) secondary characters popped up for one-liners or small scenes but they didn't really spend a lot of time impacting the plot or its resolution.
The appeal of a cozy mystery versus a hardcore mystery (i.e. Agatha Christie vs. cozy) is the focus on the characters and the personal development of the main character instead of an intricate mystery. Earlier stories in this series balanced this well (see "Quiche of Death."). I miss the earlier stories where the focus was on Agatha's relationship with the villagers who, at this point, have mostly disappeared with the exception of Mrs. Bloxby who pops in very briefly to impart some key information then is relegated to the sidelines/back burner for the rest of the story.
For those who enjoy the secondary characters in this series, get ready for a double-edged sword: You will get a glimpse of your favorite characters but not much page time or development. This story boasts appearances from Mrs. Bloxby, Alf, Charles, Toni, Roy, James, and Simon.
I'm still a fan of this series but I think the next book will be a library copy.
The appeal of a cozy mystery versus a hardcore mystery (i.e. Agatha Christie vs. cozy) is the focus on the characters and the personal development of the main character instead of an intricate mystery. Earlier stories in this series balanced this well (see "Quiche of Death."). I miss the earlier stories where the focus was on Agatha's relationship with the villagers who, at this point, have mostly disappeared with the exception of Mrs. Bloxby who pops in very briefly to impart some key information then is relegated to the sidelines/back burner for the rest of the story.
For those who enjoy the secondary characters in this series, get ready for a double-edged sword: You will get a glimpse of your favorite characters but not much page time or development. This story boasts appearances from Mrs. Bloxby, Alf, Charles, Toni, Roy, James, and Simon.
I'm still a fan of this series but I think the next book will be a library copy.
December 26, 2014
First off let me say they changed the audiobook narrator and I am not a fan of the new narrator. I normally love this series on audiobook but this one was a chore to listen to and get through. In general I had the been there done that feeling with this particular book. I also did not like what the murderer did after the murder (I can't say much more without giving it away). I was disappointed in this one. Oh well. Can't love them all.
September 8, 2017
Someone is murdering amateurs taking part in amateur productions. Agatha Raisin is in the audience when the first death takes pace and finds the second victim as she investigates. The story is well written but seems more suited for a gossip magazine due to the authors fixation with makeup, clothes of characters, and romantic interests. Prefer the author's Hamish MacBeth series although The Blood of an Englishman is well written. This was a free review copy obtained via Goodreads.com.
January 18, 2015
The Agatha Raisin stories are very formulaic, but they're fun. This one was much better than Something Borrowed Someone Dead - I'm glad I didn't give up on the series.
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