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Agatha Raisin #37
Meurtre à l'heure du thé
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.
Agatha Raisin’s Cotswolds village is in an uproar when word spreads that their beloved Red Lion pub is set to close. The brewery that owns the building has raised the rent, ousting the pub’s owner so they can redevelop the space into apartments. As the villagers scramble to change the brewery’s mind, Agatha and her team at Raisin Investigations begin looking into more direct ways to save the pub.
Meanwhile, Sir Charles Fraith attempts to wheedle his way back into Agatha’s affection, crossing swords with James—Agatha’s other paramour—who is determined to thwart his efforts. As the two attempt to woo Agatha at a local reenactment of a 17th-century battle, Agatha has her sights set on something else. Amidst the chaos of the battle, a body is discovered in a copse of trees just off the battleground. While many brush off the death as an accident, Agatha digs deeper after discovering the dead man had connections to the same brewery putting the Red Lion out of business.
After an attempt is made on Agatha's life during a visit to the brewery, her investigation becomes all the more urgent. Can she find the murderer before becoming their next victim? And perhaps even more importantly for the village, can she find a way to save the Red Lion at the same time?
Agatha Raisin’s Cotswolds village is in an uproar when word spreads that their beloved Red Lion pub is set to close. The brewery that owns the building has raised the rent, ousting the pub’s owner so they can redevelop the space into apartments. As the villagers scramble to change the brewery’s mind, Agatha and her team at Raisin Investigations begin looking into more direct ways to save the pub.
Meanwhile, Sir Charles Fraith attempts to wheedle his way back into Agatha’s affection, crossing swords with James—Agatha’s other paramour—who is determined to thwart his efforts. As the two attempt to woo Agatha at a local reenactment of a 17th-century battle, Agatha has her sights set on something else. Amidst the chaos of the battle, a body is discovered in a copse of trees just off the battleground. While many brush off the death as an accident, Agatha digs deeper after discovering the dead man had connections to the same brewery putting the Red Lion out of business.
After an attempt is made on Agatha's life during a visit to the brewery, her investigation becomes all the more urgent. Can she find the murderer before becoming their next victim? And perhaps even more importantly for the village, can she find a way to save the Red Lion at the same time?
306 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2026
About the author
M.C. Beaton
313 books6,145 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 38 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s always such a treat to see another Agatha Raisin adventure hit the shelves, especially when it lands right around my birthday in October. I’ve been reading this series for so long that I’ve come to expect (and eagerly await) that fresh hardbound copy as my annual gift to myself. After so many books, it’s easy to worry that a long-running series might lose its spark, but RW Green has once again proven he’s more than up to the challenge. Dead Before Tea Time (the 37th installment) is an absolute delight from start to finish.
What I loved most was how much of the classic Agatha we get in these pages—the wonderfully flawed, opinionated, laugh-out-loud Agatha we fell in love with in the earlier books. She’s still gloriously human, and Green captures that perfectly. One of my favorite scenes had me chuckling:
“She parked at the edge of the embankment, checked her hair and make-up in the car’s sun-visor vanity mirror and went to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. It was stuck again. Slapping the door with the palm of her hand didn’t help, and neither did threatening it, bumping it with her shoulder or calling it all sorts of words that would certainly have made Jane Austen blush. Finally, she leaned away from the door to swing her whole upper bodyweight behind one mighty shoulder charge. The door sprang open and she shot out, landing full length on the grass and rolling, out of control, down the embankment. She came to rest on a narrow path and lay there for a moment, staring at the ground, catching her breath.”
That’s pure Agatha Raisin magic—dignity attempted, chaos achieved. I can so relate.
It was also wonderful to see the whole gang back in full force. I’ve grown to love all the recurring characters equally, so I’m never happy when Charles, James, Roy, or the rest of the team get sidelined. In Dead Before Tea Time, they’re all front and center, and it makes the story feel rich and satisfying. The romantic tension between Charles (who’s wheedling his way back into Agatha’s good graces) and James is as entertaining as ever, especially during the 17th-century battle reenactment that turns into the scene of a murder.
The plot itself is a winner. Agatha’s peaceful Cotswolds village is thrown into uproar when the beloved Red Lion pub—the heart of the community, along with the church as Mrs. Bloxby is quick to point out — is threatened with closure. The brewery has jacked up the rent to convert the space into apartments, and the villagers are scrambling to fight back. Of course, Agatha and her Raisin Investigations team can’t just sit idly by. What starts as a campaign to save the local pub quickly turns into a full-blown murder investigation after a body turns up near the battleground. As usual, the police (hello, DCI Wilkes) are less than helpful, so it’s up to Agatha to dig deeper—especially once she realizes the victim had ties to the same brewery causing all the trouble. Throw in an attempt on Agatha’s own life during a visit to the brewery, and you’ve got classic high-stakes cozy mystery fun.
What really impressed me was how thoughtfully Green handles character growth while staying true to the spirit of M.C. Beaton’s creation. Agatha still has all her signature Mrs. Raisin quirks, but she’s also becoming a bit more self-aware and even softens around the edges in this book. Watching a character mature after 37 installments is a rare treat, and it feels completely natural. The supporting cast gets meaningful moments too, including a powerful dressing-down from Toni about classism and outdated sexism that sparks some genuine evolution in the group. Green also gently weaves in timely real-world issues—like the post-pandemic loss of beloved local pubs—without ever feeling preachy. It adds welcome depth to the story.
M.C. Beaton would have been delighted with Green’s work. He keeps the humor sharp, the village charm intact, the characters vibrant, and the mystery engaging. Dead Before Tea Time is everything I want from an Agatha Raisin novel: funny, cozy, clever, and heartwarming, with just enough edge to keep things exciting. If you’re already a fan of the series, this one will feel like coming home to old friends. And if you somehow haven’t started yet… well, what are you waiting for?
I received a copy from NetGalley.
What I loved most was how much of the classic Agatha we get in these pages—the wonderfully flawed, opinionated, laugh-out-loud Agatha we fell in love with in the earlier books. She’s still gloriously human, and Green captures that perfectly. One of my favorite scenes had me chuckling:
“She parked at the edge of the embankment, checked her hair and make-up in the car’s sun-visor vanity mirror and went to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. It was stuck again. Slapping the door with the palm of her hand didn’t help, and neither did threatening it, bumping it with her shoulder or calling it all sorts of words that would certainly have made Jane Austen blush. Finally, she leaned away from the door to swing her whole upper bodyweight behind one mighty shoulder charge. The door sprang open and she shot out, landing full length on the grass and rolling, out of control, down the embankment. She came to rest on a narrow path and lay there for a moment, staring at the ground, catching her breath.”
That’s pure Agatha Raisin magic—dignity attempted, chaos achieved. I can so relate.
It was also wonderful to see the whole gang back in full force. I’ve grown to love all the recurring characters equally, so I’m never happy when Charles, James, Roy, or the rest of the team get sidelined. In Dead Before Tea Time, they’re all front and center, and it makes the story feel rich and satisfying. The romantic tension between Charles (who’s wheedling his way back into Agatha’s good graces) and James is as entertaining as ever, especially during the 17th-century battle reenactment that turns into the scene of a murder.
The plot itself is a winner. Agatha’s peaceful Cotswolds village is thrown into uproar when the beloved Red Lion pub—the heart of the community, along with the church as Mrs. Bloxby is quick to point out — is threatened with closure. The brewery has jacked up the rent to convert the space into apartments, and the villagers are scrambling to fight back. Of course, Agatha and her Raisin Investigations team can’t just sit idly by. What starts as a campaign to save the local pub quickly turns into a full-blown murder investigation after a body turns up near the battleground. As usual, the police (hello, DCI Wilkes) are less than helpful, so it’s up to Agatha to dig deeper—especially once she realizes the victim had ties to the same brewery causing all the trouble. Throw in an attempt on Agatha’s own life during a visit to the brewery, and you’ve got classic high-stakes cozy mystery fun.
What really impressed me was how thoughtfully Green handles character growth while staying true to the spirit of M.C. Beaton’s creation. Agatha still has all her signature Mrs. Raisin quirks, but she’s also becoming a bit more self-aware and even softens around the edges in this book. Watching a character mature after 37 installments is a rare treat, and it feels completely natural. The supporting cast gets meaningful moments too, including a powerful dressing-down from Toni about classism and outdated sexism that sparks some genuine evolution in the group. Green also gently weaves in timely real-world issues—like the post-pandemic loss of beloved local pubs—without ever feeling preachy. It adds welcome depth to the story.
M.C. Beaton would have been delighted with Green’s work. He keeps the humor sharp, the village charm intact, the characters vibrant, and the mystery engaging. Dead Before Tea Time is everything I want from an Agatha Raisin novel: funny, cozy, clever, and heartwarming, with just enough edge to keep things exciting. If you’re already a fan of the series, this one will feel like coming home to old friends. And if you somehow haven’t started yet… well, what are you waiting for?
I received a copy from NetGalley.
June 15, 2026
Dans ce trente-septième tome de la série Agatha Raisin enquête, R. W. Green poursuit avec fidélité l’univers créé par M. C. Beaton, en conservant ce mélange si particulier d’humour, de suspense et de convivialité.
J’ai trouvé très touchante la mobilisation des habitants pour sauver leur pub, le Red Lion. Cette mobilisation collective donne au récit une chaleur très réconfortante et, pour ma part, j’ai eu le sentiment de rentrer davantage dans cette communauté que dans la seule résolution de l’énigme.
L’intrigue débute sur une lutte pour sauver ce lieu emblématique menacé de fermeture, avant de basculer dans le mystère lorsqu’un meurtre survient lors d’une reconstitution historique. Agatha, toujours aussi impulsive et déterminée, se retrouve une nouvelle fois au cœur de l’enquête avec son équipe, tout en composant avec une police peu efficace et l’incontournable inspecteur Wilkes, fidèle à ses conclusions erronées.
Dès les premières pages, j’ai été prise par le mystère et j’ai aimé décoder les indices au fur et à mesure. Même si certains passages sont un peu lents, ils donnent plus de profondeur à l’ambiance du village et permettent de mieux connaître les personnages secondaires. Cela renforce l’impression d’un univers vivant et habité.
C'est toujours inintéressant de découvrir l’évolution d’Agatha, elle gagne en maturité sans perdre son tempérament bien trempé. R. W. Green parvient à moderniser la série tout en respectant son esprit d’origine, en intégrant notamment des thématiques actuelles comme la fragilité des commerces locaux ou les enjeux sociaux qui traversent la communauté.
Une lecture idéale pour les amateurs de polar cosy, à la fois légère et captivante. Il offre une intrigue solide, des personnages attachants et une atmosphère chaleureuse. Pour ma part, j’ai refermé ce livre avec le sentiment d’avoir partagé un moment agréable, presque comme une visite chez de vieux amis dans les Cotswolds.
https://latelierdelitote.canalblog.co...
J’ai trouvé très touchante la mobilisation des habitants pour sauver leur pub, le Red Lion. Cette mobilisation collective donne au récit une chaleur très réconfortante et, pour ma part, j’ai eu le sentiment de rentrer davantage dans cette communauté que dans la seule résolution de l’énigme.
L’intrigue débute sur une lutte pour sauver ce lieu emblématique menacé de fermeture, avant de basculer dans le mystère lorsqu’un meurtre survient lors d’une reconstitution historique. Agatha, toujours aussi impulsive et déterminée, se retrouve une nouvelle fois au cœur de l’enquête avec son équipe, tout en composant avec une police peu efficace et l’incontournable inspecteur Wilkes, fidèle à ses conclusions erronées.
Dès les premières pages, j’ai été prise par le mystère et j’ai aimé décoder les indices au fur et à mesure. Même si certains passages sont un peu lents, ils donnent plus de profondeur à l’ambiance du village et permettent de mieux connaître les personnages secondaires. Cela renforce l’impression d’un univers vivant et habité.
C'est toujours inintéressant de découvrir l’évolution d’Agatha, elle gagne en maturité sans perdre son tempérament bien trempé. R. W. Green parvient à moderniser la série tout en respectant son esprit d’origine, en intégrant notamment des thématiques actuelles comme la fragilité des commerces locaux ou les enjeux sociaux qui traversent la communauté.
Une lecture idéale pour les amateurs de polar cosy, à la fois légère et captivante. Il offre une intrigue solide, des personnages attachants et une atmosphère chaleureuse. Pour ma part, j’ai refermé ce livre avec le sentiment d’avoir partagé un moment agréable, presque comme une visite chez de vieux amis dans les Cotswolds.
https://latelierdelitote.canalblog.co...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
RW Green did MC Beaton so proud with the latest Agatha Raisin mystery: Dead Before Tea Time. Green kept the characters true to their original selves and yet managed to allow them the space to blossom and grow, while we learn more about the main and recurring characters in the Agatha Raisin series.
I loved that Green made Agatha still keep her Mrs. Raisin-ness about her, but allowed her to become more self-aware, and even soften a bit during this book. Her character not only became more rounded, but also matured a little, which is amazing to see in any character who is part of a long-standing series.
In this, the 37th book in the series, we find Agatha Raisin getting an unexpected shock when she hears that her local pub is set to close for good at the end of the month. This starts her campaign to make sure that her favorite place to grab a quick meal remains open.
While she is attempting to have a heart-to-heart with the buyers of the pub takeover, all chaos breaks loose, and as usual, The Raisin Investigations agency must solve the mystery, as DCI Wilkes still cannot be trusted to solve anything.
This book gently brought up key issues in modern society, such as the seemingly universal issue of neighborhoods losing their pubs, especially after the pandemic. Another major criticism that was addressed by a dressing-down given by Toni was that of classism and inherent and rampant sexism that is no longer welcome nor tolerated by younger generations. This was a massive evolution of several of the characters, as a result of that argument.
This was so well done that I sat down to read it, and suddenly, I was at the About the Author section at the back of the ARC.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for this amazing digital ARC!!
I loved that Green made Agatha still keep her Mrs. Raisin-ness about her, but allowed her to become more self-aware, and even soften a bit during this book. Her character not only became more rounded, but also matured a little, which is amazing to see in any character who is part of a long-standing series.
In this, the 37th book in the series, we find Agatha Raisin getting an unexpected shock when she hears that her local pub is set to close for good at the end of the month. This starts her campaign to make sure that her favorite place to grab a quick meal remains open.
While she is attempting to have a heart-to-heart with the buyers of the pub takeover, all chaos breaks loose, and as usual, The Raisin Investigations agency must solve the mystery, as DCI Wilkes still cannot be trusted to solve anything.
This book gently brought up key issues in modern society, such as the seemingly universal issue of neighborhoods losing their pubs, especially after the pandemic. Another major criticism that was addressed by a dressing-down given by Toni was that of classism and inherent and rampant sexism that is no longer welcome nor tolerated by younger generations. This was a massive evolution of several of the characters, as a result of that argument.
This was so well done that I sat down to read it, and suddenly, I was at the About the Author section at the back of the ARC.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for this amazing digital ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Agatha is a PI who runs her own company, has very exacting habits and standards of conduct of other people. She is also someone who is always on the lookout for a good lay.
In this story, the local pub–the Red Lion–is going to be closed down by a over-rich nasty developer who wants to turn the property into high-class units. Agatha gets people who want to save the bar to go out and get petitions signed. They want to turn it over to the company who owns the property. In the meantime, the arrogant developer holds a local re-enactment of a local Civil War. During the event, he is killed. Agatha goes on the hunt, nearly getting killed herself in the process. I love Agatha! She is so unapologetically real and unique! She also intelligent and driven and sexually active. She takes no gruff from anyone, but she’s also soft and clingy when she feels like it – like when nearly killed in a brewery vat.
This book, the 37th in the series, delves into issues that face everyone today, like big companies taking over neighborhoods and turning them into executive places, and sexism that is never welcome but still happens way too often. I loved Toni’s reaction in that specific scene! And there is a very satisfying ending that makes the read worthwhile.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing for providing this ARC.
In this story, the local pub–the Red Lion–is going to be closed down by a over-rich nasty developer who wants to turn the property into high-class units. Agatha gets people who want to save the bar to go out and get petitions signed. They want to turn it over to the company who owns the property. In the meantime, the arrogant developer holds a local re-enactment of a local Civil War. During the event, he is killed. Agatha goes on the hunt, nearly getting killed herself in the process. I love Agatha! She is so unapologetically real and unique! She also intelligent and driven and sexually active. She takes no gruff from anyone, but she’s also soft and clingy when she feels like it – like when nearly killed in a brewery vat.
This book, the 37th in the series, delves into issues that face everyone today, like big companies taking over neighborhoods and turning them into executive places, and sexism that is never welcome but still happens way too often. I loved Toni’s reaction in that specific scene! And there is a very satisfying ending that makes the read worthwhile.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing for providing this ARC.
June 8, 2026
Dead Before Tea Time: An Agatha Raisin Mystery by M. C. Beaton; R.W. Green is the 37th book in this amazing and long/standing cozy mystery series. I just loved this one.
I have read all 37 books in the Agatha raisin mystery series. I feel like I am now part of her detective team after reading so many of these novels. This book was a great addition to the series.
I enjoyed the murder mystery and the twists, and turns that the author included to make it more entertaining for the reader.
I enjoyed having all of the main characters back in action and a part of the plot. As the series has matured, so has Agatha. I do like that the new author has integrated some additional emotions and characteristics to Agatha that makes her more endearing, realistic, and heartwarming. I do like the one-liners and banter between the characters, however, there are more mellow and sweeter notes that are also added. Maybe a few readers do not enjoy this aspect, but I truly do and I hope that the author continues on this path.
This was a great installment, and I hope that the new author continues to stay true to the characters and continues this series for many years to come.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books 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 10/13/26.
I have read all 37 books in the Agatha raisin mystery series. I feel like I am now part of her detective team after reading so many of these novels. This book was a great addition to the series.
I enjoyed the murder mystery and the twists, and turns that the author included to make it more entertaining for the reader.
I enjoyed having all of the main characters back in action and a part of the plot. As the series has matured, so has Agatha. I do like that the new author has integrated some additional emotions and characteristics to Agatha that makes her more endearing, realistic, and heartwarming. I do like the one-liners and banter between the characters, however, there are more mellow and sweeter notes that are also added. Maybe a few readers do not enjoy this aspect, but I truly do and I hope that the author continues on this path.
This was a great installment, and I hope that the new author continues to stay true to the characters and continues this series for many years to come.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books 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 10/13/26.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've read every one of M.C. Beaton's, and now R.W. Green's, Agatha Raisin murder mysteries. Some entries have been sorely lacking (I can't imagine producing a new mystery every year!) but I'm glad I've stuck with the series, as it's gotten better and better over the past several years. This time around, Agatha and her team are on the hunt for the killer of a greatly disliked wealthy brewery owner who, before his murder at a yearly English Civil War reenactment, was intent on closing her villages' beloved Red Lion pub. The gang's all here this time around—Charles, James, Mrs. Bloxby, Gustav, Bill Wong, and the dreadful Wilkes—and there's a new love interest, to boot. Green has breathed new life in the series, and fans will rejoice at the way in which he captures the wit, insights, madcap comedy, pathos, and good versus evil that has kept the series alive for more than 30 years. I only wish the TV series was still running, as this is an especially great entry (lots of baddies, close calls, sweet old ladies, family reunions, and red herrings galore). I can't wait for Agatha's next adventure. Highly recommended for Agatha-heads and those seeking a smart, feisty mystery with a heroine who’s nobody’s fool.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Agatha Raisin is back with a new adventure and this one might be her boldest and dangerous adventure of all time!! Agatha gets caught up in a murder when she learns that the local pub is going to close. Determined to stop it, she sets out to talk to the pub's owner, however, he turns up dead before she can start a vocal fighting match!!! What follows is Agatha's brilliant attempts as she tries to find a killer.
I love Agatha Raisin. I've read them since the beginning - with Penelope Keith's narration being my favourite way to listen. Her spunk and vigor make every mystery an absolute dynamite adventure, and I never get bored of the adventures of her love life!!!
In this one we get all our favourite characters - including Charles Fraith and Gustav - her friend and his manservant, and they are definitely up to no good as well!!! Just not the murderous kind. Agatha's beloved friend, Roy Kent, also spills a little beans where her next romantic adventure could be [and I'm absolutely here for it]!! Plus a mystery that was quite difficult to untangle.
If you like British cosy crime you need to read Agatha Raisin!!! Even just one adventure will have you coming back for more.
I love Agatha Raisin. I've read them since the beginning - with Penelope Keith's narration being my favourite way to listen. Her spunk and vigor make every mystery an absolute dynamite adventure, and I never get bored of the adventures of her love life!!!
In this one we get all our favourite characters - including Charles Fraith and Gustav - her friend and his manservant, and they are definitely up to no good as well!!! Just not the murderous kind. Agatha's beloved friend, Roy Kent, also spills a little beans where her next romantic adventure could be [and I'm absolutely here for it]!! Plus a mystery that was quite difficult to untangle.
If you like British cosy crime you need to read Agatha Raisin!!! Even just one adventure will have you coming back for more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm a huge fan of M.C. Beaton and I've read all the books in both the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series. I believe that R.W. Green has done an excellent job of keeping both series alive, and I am always excited when he releases a new story. This one was lots of fun, and it will be available on October 13, 2026.
The premise of one of the storylines is infuriating, with the discrepancies between the wealthy and the poor highlighted by the selfish actions of rich people who can't get enough money. As always, other stories involving cases Agatha and her team are investigating are interesting as well, an I particularly liked the case involving art and its history.
I loved spending time with this super cozy book. Seeing the cast of characters and reading about the various locales once again tickled my brain in the best way. I think fans of the series will enjoy this addition to the oeuvre.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The premise of one of the storylines is infuriating, with the discrepancies between the wealthy and the poor highlighted by the selfish actions of rich people who can't get enough money. As always, other stories involving cases Agatha and her team are investigating are interesting as well, an I particularly liked the case involving art and its history.
I loved spending time with this super cozy book. Seeing the cast of characters and reading about the various locales once again tickled my brain in the best way. I think fans of the series will enjoy this addition to the oeuvre.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Dead Before Tea Time. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the town coming together to save their beloved pub. That community-centered storyline added a cozy, heartwarming element to the mystery and made me feel invested in what happened beyond just solving the crime.
The mystery itself kept me engaged, and I enjoyed following along as the clues unfolded. While there were a few slower moments throughout the book, they never took away from my overall enjoyment. Instead, they gave the story time to develop the setting and characters, which helped bring the town and its residents to life.
Overall, this was an enjoyable cozy mystery with a charming setting, likable characters, and a solid mystery at its core. If you enjoy small-town mysteries with a strong sense of community, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The mystery itself kept me engaged, and I enjoyed following along as the clues unfolded. While there were a few slower moments throughout the book, they never took away from my overall enjoyment. Instead, they gave the story time to develop the setting and characters, which helped bring the town and its residents to life.
Overall, this was an enjoyable cozy mystery with a charming setting, likable characters, and a solid mystery at its core. If you enjoy small-town mysteries with a strong sense of community, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was my first time reading anything by M. C. Beaton, and I can definitely see why the Agatha Raisin series has such a loyal following. Dead Before Tea Time was a fun, cozy mystery with just the right balance of humor, quirky characters, and an engaging whodunit.
Agatha is such a unique main character. She’s flawed, witty, and determined, and I enjoyed following her as she unraveled the mystery. The small village setting added so much charm, and the cast of eccentric characters made the story even more entertaining.
While I figured out parts of the mystery before the big reveal, I still had a great time with the journey. The writing was easy to get into, and it was the perfect palate cleanser between heavier fantasy reads.
This may have been my first Agatha Raisin mystery, but it definitely won’t be my last. A solid 4-star read that left me looking forward to exploring more of the series.
Agatha is such a unique main character. She’s flawed, witty, and determined, and I enjoyed following her as she unraveled the mystery. The small village setting added so much charm, and the cast of eccentric characters made the story even more entertaining.
While I figured out parts of the mystery before the big reveal, I still had a great time with the journey. The writing was easy to get into, and it was the perfect palate cleanser between heavier fantasy reads.
This may have been my first Agatha Raisin mystery, but it definitely won’t be my last. A solid 4-star read that left me looking forward to exploring more of the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
This was a fun, lighthearted read. It had quite a few comical moments and I do believe that reading this series rather than listening to it, makes it for a far better experience.
Agatha's favourite pub is on the verge of being closed down, but she decides to change that decision come hell or high water. Of course there are a couple of other small investigations that are happening in the same time, but the front page becomes the murder of Lord Ancombe, the owner of Ancombe Ales brewery and Ancombe Developments, the exact company who was planning to destroy the Agatha's pub, the Red Lion.
It was a good read. However the reader stands no chance to figure out the murderer as there details that are not revealed but in the last chapter, which makes it impossible to figure out the identity of the killer.
Looking forward to read the next one.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this fun book!
This was a fun, lighthearted read. It had quite a few comical moments and I do believe that reading this series rather than listening to it, makes it for a far better experience.
Agatha's favourite pub is on the verge of being closed down, but she decides to change that decision come hell or high water. Of course there are a couple of other small investigations that are happening in the same time, but the front page becomes the murder of Lord Ancombe, the owner of Ancombe Ales brewery and Ancombe Developments, the exact company who was planning to destroy the Agatha's pub, the Red Lion.
It was a good read. However the reader stands no chance to figure out the murderer as there details that are not revealed but in the last chapter, which makes it impossible to figure out the identity of the killer.
Looking forward to read the next one.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this fun book!
June 6, 2026
Continuing the legacy of M. C. Beaton, R. W. Green has delivered another tongue-in-cheek, occasionally cringy mystery centred on the colourful and never subtle private detective Agatha Raisin. This series has evolved since R. W. Green took up the pen. Brought up to modern day sensibilities and strengthening the pro girl boss narrative.
In this instalment, Agatha takes up the cause of her local pub The Red Lion which is on the brink of closure. But before she has the opportunity to come face to face with the blustering Lord Ancombe (owner of the pub), he meets an untimely end during a reenactment of a 17th century battle. Together with her detective team, she sets out to solve the murder (and show up DCI Wilkes who, as always, has the wrong end of the stick.)
Humorous, well-paced, and highly entertaining. A great addition to the series.
In this instalment, Agatha takes up the cause of her local pub The Red Lion which is on the brink of closure. But before she has the opportunity to come face to face with the blustering Lord Ancombe (owner of the pub), he meets an untimely end during a reenactment of a 17th century battle. Together with her detective team, she sets out to solve the murder (and show up DCI Wilkes who, as always, has the wrong end of the stick.)
Humorous, well-paced, and highly entertaining. A great addition to the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Agatha and her agency team have their hands full with the murder of a local Lord. There is no shortage of suspects or people who did not like the victim. Agatha has a tag along security of the deceased with her for the investigation when sparks fly between them. Should she risk any involvement with a potential suspect, has it blinded Agatha to the clues? Roy keeps the mood light, James is barely involved with this mystery, but we still know he is there. Toni springs some news on Aggie and once again the police are several steps behind. The storyline moves along well enough, the characters trying to save the pub bring some interesting aspects to the plot. Curl up, grab a mug of tea, biscuits and a comfy chair as you head to the countryside for another cozy mystery to solve.
Thanks to Net Galley for the preview.
Thanks to Net Galley for the preview.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Goodreads Giveaway. I am glad that the M. C. Beaton estate elected to continue her delightful Agatha Raison series. Set in the Cotswolds it is the quintessential English country village murder mysteries. Protagonist Agatha Raisin, a former PR executive turned private investigator is quirky, opinionated and a little over the top. In this outing she is determined to save her local pub, te Red Lion from development. When the local Lord of the manor who has ties to the plans is murdered during an annual battle enactment she pursues the culprit with her usual madcap vigor. Meanwhile her staff at her PI agency are working on other cases including the theft of three valuable classic cars and the possible forgery of porcelain art panels. The supporting cast of village denizens add human interest, humor and a spark of romance. An entertaining and light hearted read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a charming setting and cast of characters!
Pub life is so central to English towns and villages, and I am definitely in my UK era. Agatha Raisin and her friends were such a highlight, and I can't wait to dive into the backlist for more of their adventures.
Even though this is a continuation of the series, I never felt lost. It works well as a standalone while still making me excited to read the earlier books.
The dialogue was fantastic, especially the banter between Agatha and Gustav. 🤣
There were several mysteries woven throughout the story, with breadcrumbs dropped along the way that made for a satisfying grand reveal.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Pub life is so central to English towns and villages, and I am definitely in my UK era. Agatha Raisin and her friends were such a highlight, and I can't wait to dive into the backlist for more of their adventures.
Even though this is a continuation of the series, I never felt lost. It works well as a standalone while still making me excited to read the earlier books.
The dialogue was fantastic, especially the banter between Agatha and Gustav. 🤣
There were several mysteries woven throughout the story, with breadcrumbs dropped along the way that made for a satisfying grand reveal.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Raisin Investigations is looking into three missing classic cars for an insurance company which will have to pay out a tremendous sum for the valuable vehicles if they have been stolen. The Red Lion pub is scheduled to close; the brewery wants to sell it and increase their profit. The owner of the main brewery company enjoys doing historic reenactments of the English Civil War, and he is found dead at one of them. Could his death have anything to do with selling the Red Lion? Dimwitted policeman Wilkes, Agatha's nemesis, has said this death was an accident, but Agatha starts investigating with assistance, from the handsome Stephen, despite being warned off by Wilkes. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DEAD BEFORE TEA TIME by R.W. Green and (M.C. Beaton) is the next book in the Agatha Raisin mystery series. The Red Lion, a local pub, is in danger of closing. How will Agatha Raisin save the day?
It is always fun to read about Agatha and her Raisin Investigations Agency. I am glad the characters from the series are back for another adventure. I am so happy that R.W. Green is continuing to write books for this series. The characters are quirky, especially Agatha, and I like the touch of humor that permeates the writing. Both the plot and backstory hold my attention. I look forward to reading future books in the Agatha Raisin mystery series. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy.
It is always fun to read about Agatha and her Raisin Investigations Agency. I am glad the characters from the series are back for another adventure. I am so happy that R.W. Green is continuing to write books for this series. The characters are quirky, especially Agatha, and I like the touch of humor that permeates the writing. Both the plot and backstory hold my attention. I look forward to reading future books in the Agatha Raisin mystery series. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A darling book! Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for this ARC! I had the pleasure of having it travel with me to the Cotswolds for an immersive reading experience.
Though this is not a life changing book, it is exactly what you expect and want from an Agatha Raisin mystery. It had the humor and absurdity found in both the novels and tv show. If you know you enjoy the style of the series, then this will be enjoyable. The content was what a fan would want and expect. Agatha gets herself into scrapes and saves the day. It’s a bit of fun and an easy, light hearted read. And, of course you are routing for the Red Lion to be saved! It is almost a character in itself.
Though this is not a life changing book, it is exactly what you expect and want from an Agatha Raisin mystery. It had the humor and absurdity found in both the novels and tv show. If you know you enjoy the style of the series, then this will be enjoyable. The content was what a fan would want and expect. Agatha gets herself into scrapes and saves the day. It’s a bit of fun and an easy, light hearted read. And, of course you are routing for the Red Lion to be saved! It is almost a character in itself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I feel guilty for how much I enjoyed this. M.C. Beaton was such a wonderful, witty writer. I actually took a trip to the UK and I didn't have much time but I stayed at a bed and breakfast and they gave me a tour of her neighborhood.
I thought Agatha was never going to have another adventure. People who take over others' series usually get the style and voice wrong. But this is my favorite book since we lost her. There was so much about the small towns, an attempt to save a beloved pub, multiple clever mysteries... And I really felt like I was visiting with old friends again.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this
I thought Agatha was never going to have another adventure. People who take over others' series usually get the style and voice wrong. But this is my favorite book since we lost her. There was so much about the small towns, an attempt to save a beloved pub, multiple clever mysteries... And I really felt like I was visiting with old friends again.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read many Agatha raisin mysteries and this one is still as good ! I’m always happy to read another book in this series!
In this one, Agatha wants to stop the Red Lion pub from closure. The owners are Amcombe industries. As Agatha and her friends try to stop the closure, a mysterious death happens. Agatha is mandated to investigate…
As always, it’s still a very entertaining mystery with a shocking plot twist. I loved the British humour. Overall, fans of this series will not be disappointed!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
In this one, Agatha wants to stop the Red Lion pub from closure. The owners are Amcombe industries. As Agatha and her friends try to stop the closure, a mysterious death happens. Agatha is mandated to investigate…
As always, it’s still a very entertaining mystery with a shocking plot twist. I loved the British humour. Overall, fans of this series will not be disappointed!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
July 12, 2026
Dead Before Tea Time an Agatha Raisin Mystery for this being the first book I read from this series I can honestly say it’s great. It’s a cozy mystery read that I will surely be reading more of. This book however had mystery, suspense and even had some fun comical moments. It kept me interested.
Agatha is such a fun character I loved her she’s determined, smart, funny, quirky. I loved how she always speaks her mind.
Overall this is a good book I give it 4/5 ⭐️.
Big thank you to NetGalley for my book copy ✨
Agatha is such a fun character I loved her she’s determined, smart, funny, quirky. I loved how she always speaks her mind.
Overall this is a good book I give it 4/5 ⭐️.
Big thank you to NetGalley for my book copy ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
What a great seried this is, I'm sure I've read all of them.
Since the passing of M.C.Beaton, her friend R.W. Green has taken over the reins. Thank goodness! This fun, gentle series with the irrepressible Agatha Raisin is a treat, and this particular story doesn't disappoint. You're never far away from a chuckle, a smile and a good mystery.
What a great seried this is, I'm sure I've read all of them.
Since the passing of M.C.Beaton, her friend R.W. Green has taken over the reins. Thank goodness! This fun, gentle series with the irrepressible Agatha Raisin is a treat, and this particular story doesn't disappoint. You're never far away from a chuckle, a smile and a good mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read quite a few of the Agatha Raisin books at the beginning of the series. While I much preferred M. C. Beaton’s writing, the new author did a solid job of staying true to the characters and crafting aninteresting - if somewhat predictable - storyline. Overall, the book was enjoyable enough, though I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series from this point on.
I read quite a few of the Agatha Raisin books at the beginning of the series. While I much preferred M. C. Beaton’s writing, the new author did a solid job of staying true to the characters and crafting aninteresting - if somewhat predictable - storyline. Overall, the book was enjoyable enough, though I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series from this point on.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love a good Agatha Raisin novel, and I’m pleased that R.W. Green’s continuation of the series captures the same voice and charm. In this installment, Agatha, along with her team and friends, sets out to save their local pub. However, while trying to persuade the lord behind the redevelopment plan to change his mind, she stumbles upon his murder. A satisfying and enjoyable read.
Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for the e-arc!
Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for the e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Agatha needs to save the local pub! A developer is threatening to take it down and develop the area. With her usual, energy and awareness, Agatha develops the plan to save it with the help of her village characters. But, the developer dies in a battle reenactment. Who did it and why? Angela keeps sleuthing and solves to cases at once. So enjoy reading this series through the years. The new author does an excellent job of embracing Beaton's style.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
While I’ve read and enjoyed one of the books in M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth collection, this is the first of her Agatha Raisin series that I’ve read. It was a pleasant read with quirky characters and some amusing scenes. If you’re looking for a way to spend a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea at your side, this book will fit the bill. I did not find it to have an ingenious, complicated plot, and the reveal of the murderer was no surprise. I would classify the book as a “cozy” mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This series never gets old. EVERY visit to the Cotswolds is an adventure. Agatha and the gang will keep you on the edge of your seat at times, laughing at others and scratching your head at times as you try to sift through the clues along side them.
There is a reason why I love British Cosies so much. This is a prime example. So glad that the author has kept Beaton’s legacy alive and running.
There is a reason why I love British Cosies so much. This is a prime example. So glad that the author has kept Beaton’s legacy alive and running.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! Kudos to R.W. Green for taking on this legacy from M.C. Beaton. It's a huge space to fill and the sparkling tone and cozy mystery still came through. For anyone hesitant, trust me, you're in for a delight. I look forward to reading more for the years to come!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read
Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
If the TV shows "Midsomer Murders" and "Murder She Wrote" had a book baby, it should be "Dead Before Tea Time: An Agatha Raisin Mystery". I loved this book. Agatha Raisin is a spitfire character. Agatha and her detective agency are dealing with multiple cases. I will definitely be looking for more books written by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It was very well written. I won this book on goodreads. I have never read this series before now i have to check out the rest of the series. I loved how adventurous agatha was and the fact she solved the murder when the police closed the case. I especially loved how the whole town came together to save the pub. Such a great book.
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