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Agatha Raisin #8
Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham
After a home dye job ruins her hair, Agatha Raisin, the prickly yet lovable amateur sleuth, turns to the wonderful new hairdresser in the neighboring town for help. And as Agatha soon learns, Mr. John is as skilled at repairing her coiffure as he is at romancing her heart. But the charming Mr. John isn't all he appears to be. According to gossip around the salon and the village, some of his former clients seem to be afraid of him. Could Mr. John really be a ruthless blackmailer? When a murderer strikes at the busy salon, Agatha must discover the truth and the killer's identity before it's too late.
196 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1999
560 people are currently reading
2990 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,014 followersLike her on Facebook!
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 867 reviews
February 23, 2025
Agatha gets her hair done and uncovers a blackmailer.
Charles Fratih is her co-pilot in this mystery, as the vile James is still off being vile. Charles is such a loveable scoundrel. I mean, he's awful but at least he doesn't present himself as a paragon. And when he screws Aggie at least she can say she got something out of it.
The mysteries are always a bit shit and Agatha kind of annoys me.
But I keep on reading these for some unknown reason.
I can't in good conscience recommend these to anyone, but I'm pressing forward.
Charles Fratih is her co-pilot in this mystery, as the vile James is still off being vile. Charles is such a loveable scoundrel. I mean, he's awful but at least he doesn't present himself as a paragon. And when he screws Aggie at least she can say she got something out of it.
The mysteries are always a bit shit and Agatha kind of annoys me.
But I keep on reading these for some unknown reason.
I can't in good conscience recommend these to anyone, but I'm pressing forward.
May 17, 2015
These books go so fast…this one is #8 and I’m already finished. Like the previous books, this one picks up right where the last one left off. This would really make a great TV series. Very similar to Murder, She Wrote.
Agatha is horrified to discover she has a few gray hairs. She tries to color to take care of it on her own but when her hair turns purple, she knows she needs professional help. She is referred to Mr. John, known as the Wizard of Evesham. Mr. John fixes her hair but he also seems quite taken with Agatha. Then, Mr. John suddenly dies and Agatha finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery.
With her former fiancé, neighbor and fellow amateur sleuth, James Lacey, out of town, Agatha needs a new partner to help investigate. Her friend Charles Fraith is more than willing to help out. Together, they discover that Mr. John was not just a hairdresser. He also dabbled in blackmail. Agatha and Charles are hot on the trail to a killer.
This is another good entry into this series. With James out of town, I was spared from Agatha’s constant obsession with him. I’m sure it will be back in the next book but for this one I was saved. This is another quick book to listen to and doesn’t take me more than a week to complete any single book (only listening on my commute to work). I’m getting used to Agatha’s grouchiness and sometimes she does wear her heart on her sleeve. I’m off to see if the library has the next one in the series.
Agatha is horrified to discover she has a few gray hairs. She tries to color to take care of it on her own but when her hair turns purple, she knows she needs professional help. She is referred to Mr. John, known as the Wizard of Evesham. Mr. John fixes her hair but he also seems quite taken with Agatha. Then, Mr. John suddenly dies and Agatha finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery.
With her former fiancé, neighbor and fellow amateur sleuth, James Lacey, out of town, Agatha needs a new partner to help investigate. Her friend Charles Fraith is more than willing to help out. Together, they discover that Mr. John was not just a hairdresser. He also dabbled in blackmail. Agatha and Charles are hot on the trail to a killer.
This is another good entry into this series. With James out of town, I was spared from Agatha’s constant obsession with him. I’m sure it will be back in the next book but for this one I was saved. This is another quick book to listen to and doesn’t take me more than a week to complete any single book (only listening on my commute to work). I’m getting used to Agatha’s grouchiness and sometimes she does wear her heart on her sleeve. I’m off to see if the library has the next one in the series.
November 30, 2023
Agatha Raisin, the spirited and slightly impertinent detective, finds herself embroiled in a peculiar mystery. It all starts with a visit to her hairdresser, Mr. John, who becomes the victim of a poisoned situation right in the middle of a haircut. Ever the nosy and fearless one, Agatha dives headfirst into the investigation. However, the plot weaves a tangle of adventures that seem to keep the police unusually sluggish, with the victims of the blackmailers so shockingly gullible as to be suspiciously incredible. The mystery thickens, but amidst careless women, drowsy policemen, and a few clashes, even Agatha seems to go a bit too far this time in uncovering secrets. A story that, despite involving the heaven-sent detective, appears to leave more in disorder than it manages to resolve!
Two aspects stand out amidst the usual chaos. The first remarkable move by our protagonist: after the final chaos of the previous book, Agatha decides to investigate more cautiously. Despite being in danger, she avoids risking too much and tries to keep the killer's attention in the hope of delaying the inevitable and allowing for the arrival of help. Then there's the new adventure companion, Sir Charles, who assists Agatha more out of pastime than a genuine passion for investigations. Far from the classic overwhelming romance, this dysfunctional duo navigates through the sea of mysteries. Together, they team up in a dance of adventures that highlight Agatha's humor and her fearless and authentic character.
Two aspects stand out amidst the usual chaos. The first remarkable move by our protagonist: after the final chaos of the previous book, Agatha decides to investigate more cautiously. Despite being in danger, she avoids risking too much and tries to keep the killer's attention in the hope of delaying the inevitable and allowing for the arrival of help. Then there's the new adventure companion, Sir Charles, who assists Agatha more out of pastime than a genuine passion for investigations. Far from the classic overwhelming romance, this dysfunctional duo navigates through the sea of mysteries. Together, they team up in a dance of adventures that highlight Agatha's humor and her fearless and authentic character.
December 21, 2018
Agatha Raisin muss sich dringend die Haare frisieren und färben lassen und ist dankbar für den Tipp, zu Mr. John zu gehen. Er soll ein begnadeter Friseur sein, bei dem die Damen Schlange stehen. Tatsächlich ist Mr. John ein sehr attraktiver Friseur, der sein Handwerk versteht. Auch Agatha lässt sich von ihm becircen. Doch dann wird Mr. John vergiftet und plötzlich gibt es jede Menge Verdächtige!
Mein Leseeindruck:
"Agatha Raisin und der tote Friseur" ist bereits der achte Band der Reihe. Ich habe auch diesen Band sehr gemocht und hatte viel Lesespaß mit Agatha und ihrer Spürnase. Agatha ist eine sehr eigenwillige Figur, die nicht unbedingt immer sympathisch erscheint, die ich aber dennoch ins Herz geschlossen habe. Ich mag den Humor und die Spannung sowie die Entwicklung der Figuren. In diesem Band spielt James, Agathas Fast-Ehemann und Nachbar, keine Rolle, was zwar schade ist, aber trotzdem der Geschichte nicht schadet. Ich freue mich auf die Fortsetzung!
Mein Leseeindruck:
"Agatha Raisin und der tote Friseur" ist bereits der achte Band der Reihe. Ich habe auch diesen Band sehr gemocht und hatte viel Lesespaß mit Agatha und ihrer Spürnase. Agatha ist eine sehr eigenwillige Figur, die nicht unbedingt immer sympathisch erscheint, die ich aber dennoch ins Herz geschlossen habe. Ich mag den Humor und die Spannung sowie die Entwicklung der Figuren. In diesem Band spielt James, Agathas Fast-Ehemann und Nachbar, keine Rolle, was zwar schade ist, aber trotzdem der Geschichte nicht schadet. Ich freue mich auf die Fortsetzung!
October 11, 2019
Me ha parecido muy entretenida y me lo he leído en un pispás, aunque no sea nada del otro mundo.
El misterio se descubre antes de la revelación final bastante fácil (las novelas protagonizadas por Agatha Raisin no tienen puzles complejos) y hay una trama horizontal que me he perdido porque no sigo la serie cronológica o sin saltos. Lo cierto es que tiene un ritmo tan rápido que ni siquiera me ha importado.
Es una novela para amantes del género, de esas que viene genial leer para desatascar. Es creo, un poco floja objetivamente, pero era lo que necesitaba, así que qué más da.
El misterio se descubre antes de la revelación final bastante fácil (las novelas protagonizadas por Agatha Raisin no tienen puzles complejos) y hay una trama horizontal que me he perdido porque no sigo la serie cronológica o sin saltos. Lo cierto es que tiene un ritmo tan rápido que ni siquiera me ha importado.
Es una novela para amantes del género, de esas que viene genial leer para desatascar. Es creo, un poco floja objetivamente, pero era lo que necesitaba, así que qué más da.
October 16, 2019
2.5 rollers stars
«Y nunca aprendí la lección —pensó Agatha con tristeza—. Llevo toda la vida jugando con los niños equivocados.»
Un peluquero que es un mago , y que es muy ejem complaciente con sus clientas, o al menos eso parece.
Otro asesinato más en los Costwolds y demasiados sospechosos (as).
Agatha es la niña-símbolo de la mujer solitaria , que no sabe que hacer consigo misma en esa soledad y la llena con hombres o entrometiéndose en investigaciones de asesinatos. James esta de viaje, Bill de vacaciones por un rato. Asi que alli esta el veleidoso Charles para acompañarla cuando le apetece o divierte, y hasta el infame Roy, a pesar de que ella lo tiene calado.
Interesante en un sentido para ver la sique de esta dama y el ambiente inglés que la rodea. Pero deja de nuevo en desespero tras la gama de errores, y lo peor es que ella lo sabe , pero como con su adicción al cigarrillo no consigue detenerse.
Hm hasta aqui quedo, de momento.
(la sra. Bloxby a Agatha:)
«Tú eres una persona al ochenta y cinco por ciento, pero James solo da el veinte por ciento de sí mismo. No es una cuestión de querer o no, sino de poder o no. Muchos hombres son así, pero las mujeres no lo entenderán nunca. Ellas siguen dando. E imaginan que, si se acuestan con un hombre de veinte por ciento, y ellas entregan su último quince por ciento más íntimo, a la mañana siguiente se despertarán milagrosamente al lado de un hombre que a su vez se entregará al cien por cien. Craso error. Y eso en el caso de que se despierten a su lado, porque lo más probable es que se encuentren una nota en la almohada que ponga: «Me he ido a casa a dar de comer al perro», o algo por el estilo.»
«Y nunca aprendí la lección —pensó Agatha con tristeza—. Llevo toda la vida jugando con los niños equivocados.»
Un peluquero que es un mago , y que es muy ejem complaciente con sus clientas, o al menos eso parece.
Otro asesinato más en los Costwolds y demasiados sospechosos (as).
Agatha es la niña-símbolo de la mujer solitaria , que no sabe que hacer consigo misma en esa soledad y la llena con hombres o entrometiéndose en investigaciones de asesinatos. James esta de viaje, Bill de vacaciones por un rato. Asi que alli esta el veleidoso Charles para acompañarla cuando le apetece o divierte, y hasta el infame Roy, a pesar de que ella lo tiene calado.
Interesante en un sentido para ver la sique de esta dama y el ambiente inglés que la rodea. Pero deja de nuevo en desespero tras la gama de errores, y lo peor es que ella lo sabe , pero como con su adicción al cigarrillo no consigue detenerse.
Hm hasta aqui quedo, de momento.
(la sra. Bloxby a Agatha:)
«Tú eres una persona al ochenta y cinco por ciento, pero James solo da el veinte por ciento de sí mismo. No es una cuestión de querer o no, sino de poder o no. Muchos hombres son así, pero las mujeres no lo entenderán nunca. Ellas siguen dando. E imaginan que, si se acuestan con un hombre de veinte por ciento, y ellas entregan su último quince por ciento más íntimo, a la mañana siguiente se despertarán milagrosamente al lado de un hombre que a su vez se entregará al cien por cien. Craso error. Y eso en el caso de que se despierten a su lado, porque lo más probable es que se encuentren una nota en la almohada que ponga: «Me he ido a casa a dar de comer al perro», o algo por el estilo.»
August 7, 2024
YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
Cómo quiero a Agatha Raisin💜. Y cómo he disfrutado de esta octava entrega, mi favorita de las que han salido más recientemente. ¿El principal motivo de esto? Sin duda la ausencia del personaje de James, que aparece al final para fastidiar, pero que permanece maravillosamente ausente durante la mayor parte de la historia.
Así pues, en esta ocasión, Agatha junto esfuerzos detectivescos con Charles, que tampoco es un personaje perfecto, pero me gusta mucho más la dinámica que tiene Agatha con él. Al menos, de momento.
Cómo quiero a Agatha Raisin💜. Y cómo he disfrutado de esta octava entrega, mi favorita de las que han salido más recientemente. ¿El principal motivo de esto? Sin duda la ausencia del personaje de James, que aparece al final para fastidiar, pero que permanece maravillosamente ausente durante la mayor parte de la historia.
Así pues, en esta ocasión, Agatha junto esfuerzos detectivescos con Charles, que tampoco es un personaje perfecto, pero me gusta mucho más la dinámica que tiene Agatha con él. Al menos, de momento.
November 9, 2023
Another entertaining read. I also watched the tv episode. The book I feel has a better characterization of Agatha. The television version differs with Roy and her housekeeper playing a bigger role. Mrs Bloxby also is more prominent.
A hairdresser is murdered and Agatha finds out he was a blackmailer. With Charles she investigates the hairdresser’s background and uncovers a divorced wife and other blackmail victims.
I noted in the tv version the murderer doesn’t use a depilatory on Agatha’s hair which was amusing and allowed Charles to rake credit for solving the murders.
An amusing read.
A hairdresser is murdered and Agatha finds out he was a blackmailer. With Charles she investigates the hairdresser’s background and uncovers a divorced wife and other blackmail victims.
I noted in the tv version the murderer doesn’t use a depilatory on Agatha’s hair which was amusing and allowed Charles to rake credit for solving the murders.
An amusing read.
March 26, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 8 of 35
Agatha Raisin is back at her cottage. One of the woman 🚺 in the women's social group recommends a beauty salon. Agatha goes and the fun begins.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 8 of 35
Agatha Raisin is back at her cottage. One of the woman 🚺 in the women's social group recommends a beauty salon. Agatha goes and the fun begins.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
November 20, 2021
Amateur detective Agatha Raisin is at it again - much to the chagrin of police officer Bill Wong! With the help of an aristocratic friend she follows up a case of blackmail and murder, and despite a few false leads, eventually unveils the culprit. The love interest falters, as usual, throughout the very enjoyable novel with its delightful country setting.
April 7, 2017
Agatha Raisin is a very complicated character. On the one hand, she is always worried about what others will think, how they will judge her, and how she can show them up. (Which to be fair to her, most of her village DOES judge everyone's moves, so she doesn't worry for no reason). But then on the other hand, she doesn't take any crap from anyone. If someone is rude to her or insults her, she can dish it right back and yell at them for it. I love her sass and her attitude, but it makes me sad when she feels like her self-worth is based on what her male friends think. She also makes some assessments that crack me up, such as "She thought leggings came along with push-chairs and babies".
The mystery in this book was interesting and there were SO MANY red-herrings. And Agatha starts to figure this out, but her side-kick Charles AND the police seem to ignore her about this. I was with Agatha and actually guessed the identity and motive of the murderer before she did, but only slightly before. And only because of subtle clues and descriptions.
I'm glad that James was not in this book so there was less moaning and groaning about him and her obsession with him was dampened. Also Charles as a sidekick added some humor because he is a ridiculous and sometimes over the top (and whiny) character.
The mystery in this book was interesting and there were SO MANY red-herrings. And Agatha starts to figure this out, but her side-kick Charles AND the police seem to ignore her about this. I was with Agatha and actually guessed the identity and motive of the murderer before she did, but only slightly before. And only because of subtle clues and descriptions.
I'm glad that James was not in this book so there was less moaning and groaning about him and her obsession with him was dampened. Also Charles as a sidekick added some humor because he is a ridiculous and sometimes over the top (and whiny) character.
December 19, 2019
I think I prefer it when James is not around.
October 25, 2018
Listened, as always, to Penelope Keith's wonderful reading of this fluffy series.
I actually liked this one more than the recent ones. James Lacey was out of town and it was a relief to have only occasional mooning over him by Agatha. Also I liked Charles as a fellow detective. He's kind of like a cross between Rob and James, a cheerful companion in detecting. The murdered was obvious from the firstmappearance but that's not really what this series is about ... fooling the reader. We're along for the ride with Agatha.
I actually liked this one more than the recent ones. James Lacey was out of town and it was a relief to have only occasional mooning over him by Agatha. Also I liked Charles as a fellow detective. He's kind of like a cross between Rob and James, a cheerful companion in detecting. The murdered was obvious from the firstmappearance but that's not really what this series is about ... fooling the reader. We're along for the ride with Agatha.
February 24, 2018
forse non è più il caso....
non lo so, l'altro libro di Agatha Raisin che avevo letto non mi era dispiaciuto.
questo è di una sciatteria, sia come stile di scrittura che come storia, che si stenta a credere che abbia trovato un editore.
i miei rapporti con Agatha finiscono qui
non lo so, l'altro libro di Agatha Raisin che avevo letto non mi era dispiaciuto.
questo è di una sciatteria, sia come stile di scrittura che come storia, che si stenta a credere che abbia trovato un editore.
i miei rapporti con Agatha finiscono qui
August 16, 2022
Listened to as an audiobook
Purple hair drives Agatha Raisin to the hair dressers, infact she goes there quite often! Not sure what's going on there but she does visit the toilet and hears a conversation outside that's rather suspicious.
This was again quite a facinating little story. I certainly was amused with people being % concept.
Agatha tried quitting smoking in this one, I'm wondering if we go through this series and finally quits? Time will tell.
Coarse language at times, Agatha Raisin can be forthright and foulmouthed!!
5 hours, 38 minutes - duration time
Mystery - Crime - Thriller
Purple hair drives Agatha Raisin to the hair dressers, infact she goes there quite often! Not sure what's going on there but she does visit the toilet and hears a conversation outside that's rather suspicious.
This was again quite a facinating little story. I certainly was amused with people being % concept.
Agatha tried quitting smoking in this one, I'm wondering if we go through this series and finally quits? Time will tell.
Coarse language at times, Agatha Raisin can be forthright and foulmouthed!!
5 hours, 38 minutes - duration time
Mystery - Crime - Thriller
March 22, 2019
Poor old Agatha. It seems like she can barely finish solving one crime before she stumbles headfirst into the next one, foul language and all! Still, this is exactly why we love her, and I personally enjoy seeing the repetition of her being questioned by her friend Bill Wong in each and every book, it makes it more 'cosy' to me somehow, and I feel more reassured that everything will work out fine in the end.
In Eversham there is great excitement when a new hairdresser opens on the high street.
Agatha, who has been aghast to find several grey hairs in her head, makes a beeline for the salon, and is seen by the owner himself - Mr John. What a charming and handsome man he seems to be. And Agatha can't help notice that there are many women who seem to be giving him the eye, and see him as some sort of wizard, due to the magic he can do to in revitalising women's hair, and so when he meets a tragic end in his own salon it's of course up to Agatha and her fair-weathered love interest Charles to find out who is behind the death, whilst also trying to stay 10 steps ahead of the clueless police force.
Wonderful, like a hot cup of tea on a rainy day, Agatha NEVER disappoints.
In Eversham there is great excitement when a new hairdresser opens on the high street.
Agatha, who has been aghast to find several grey hairs in her head, makes a beeline for the salon, and is seen by the owner himself - Mr John. What a charming and handsome man he seems to be. And Agatha can't help notice that there are many women who seem to be giving him the eye, and see him as some sort of wizard, due to the magic he can do to in revitalising women's hair, and so when he meets a tragic end in his own salon it's of course up to Agatha and her fair-weathered love interest Charles to find out who is behind the death, whilst also trying to stay 10 steps ahead of the clueless police force.
Wonderful, like a hot cup of tea on a rainy day, Agatha NEVER disappoints.
November 15, 2018
Oh, Agatha....
December 17, 2021
4⭐= Good.
Just plain daft.
Just brilliant.
A gentle British cosy mystery.
Just plain daft.
Just brilliant.
A gentle British cosy mystery.
September 20, 2023
For basically being a novella it was much better then I would have expected. Typically you want them more fleshed out but this was wrapped up rather well. Nicely done Aggie.
January 6, 2024
Haha, Agatha Raisin always cracks me up. And there's nothing better than Penelope Keith's performance in the audio version of these gems.
January 2, 2018
Agatha is a never ending source of entertainment for me. From storyline to storyline she manages to get herself in one jam after another with pretty much the same outcome. Though that sounds redundant, MC Beaton makes the books entertaining and at times downright laugh out loud funny.
Agatha should never be left to her own devices, when she is bored things go from bad to “Oh, Agatha” very quickly. So when James is out of the country, Bill is on vacation and Charles is a bit stand offish, Agatha decides to head off to Evesham and visit the wonder Mr. John, a salon owner who has a way of working miracles.
Agatha gets a bit more than she bargained for when Mr. John starts putting on the romantic moves, y nature Agatha is a big apprehensive, and when Mr. John collapses in his shop she grabs his keys and heads to his home to find out what this man is really all about.
Is he really the blackmailer that everyone seems to believe he is or is there something or someone else actually pulling all the strings.
As the story comes to light, Agatha once again has the fame and glory pulled out from under her and must return to Carsley with a rather fantastical tale and no way of proving that it was actually she who solved yet another case for the police.
Agatha just needs to face the fact that no good deed goes unpunished and no matter what she does to get James attention it is just going to backfire on her which is what, in an absurd way, makes me come back to these books time and again.
Agatha should never be left to her own devices, when she is bored things go from bad to “Oh, Agatha” very quickly. So when James is out of the country, Bill is on vacation and Charles is a bit stand offish, Agatha decides to head off to Evesham and visit the wonder Mr. John, a salon owner who has a way of working miracles.
Agatha gets a bit more than she bargained for when Mr. John starts putting on the romantic moves, y nature Agatha is a big apprehensive, and when Mr. John collapses in his shop she grabs his keys and heads to his home to find out what this man is really all about.
Is he really the blackmailer that everyone seems to believe he is or is there something or someone else actually pulling all the strings.
As the story comes to light, Agatha once again has the fame and glory pulled out from under her and must return to Carsley with a rather fantastical tale and no way of proving that it was actually she who solved yet another case for the police.
Agatha just needs to face the fact that no good deed goes unpunished and no matter what she does to get James attention it is just going to backfire on her which is what, in an absurd way, makes me come back to these books time and again.
July 26, 2021
Agatha and the Hairdresser
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (December 2012) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (March 1999)
The Wizard of Evesham finds Agatha Raisin joining the followers of a new hairdresser in Evesham, whose powers are described as being that of a wizard. Of course, not all is as it seems and the coiffeur is predictably murdered with Agatha again setting out on an unofficial investigation to the consternation of the authorities.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A posthumous Book 32 Down the Hatch is yet to be released, and is expected to be published in October 2021.
Trivia and Link
The Wizard of Evesham was adapted as Episodes 1 & 2 of Series 2 for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). A trailer can be seen on YouTube here.
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (December 2012) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (March 1999)
The Wizard of Evesham finds Agatha Raisin joining the followers of a new hairdresser in Evesham, whose powers are described as being that of a wizard. Of course, not all is as it seems and the coiffeur is predictably murdered with Agatha again setting out on an unofficial investigation to the consternation of the authorities.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A posthumous Book 32 Down the Hatch is yet to be released, and is expected to be published in October 2021.
Trivia and Link
The Wizard of Evesham was adapted as Episodes 1 & 2 of Series 2 for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). A trailer can be seen on YouTube here.
December 30, 2011
Agatha Raisin is a fun and easy romp - a good light read. The antics of this middle-aged woman are a real lark. These little mysteries are fast-paced and intriguing, with plenty of humour muddled in with the more serious issues and a few little misadventures tossed in for good measure. Agatha has mellowed a little since her earlier days in the Cotswalds, but she is still a stubborn and determined woman, with good legs and a number of male admirers.
This particular instalment deals with the fatal poisoning of a philandering hairdresser - one who considers himself the "Wizard of Evesham". With his charm and good looks, he has worked his way into many of his client's hearts but with a darker motive. And thus, when he dies suddenly, the list of potential suspects is somewhat overwhelming. Defying the police, Agatha takes matters into her own hands and is determined to solve the mystery herself.
This particular instalment deals with the fatal poisoning of a philandering hairdresser - one who considers himself the "Wizard of Evesham". With his charm and good looks, he has worked his way into many of his client's hearts but with a darker motive. And thus, when he dies suddenly, the list of potential suspects is somewhat overwhelming. Defying the police, Agatha takes matters into her own hands and is determined to solve the mystery herself.
April 8, 2014
This is one of the earlier Agatha Raisin books with more thought put into the plot. I recommend it.
January 8, 2019
Another fun read. I do wish Agatha wasn't so desperate for love.
October 7, 2024
Agatha è il libro giusto per staccare la spina, la storia che intrattiene, diverte e appassiona con consapevole leggerezza, il giallo cozy e spassoso con protagonista l’amica che tutti vorrebbero avere.
Questo volume è molto divertente: Agatha e Charles si troveranno implicati nella morte di un parrucchiere che, a tempo perso, ricattava donne colpevoli di aver ceduto al suo fascino…
Sebbene la trama non sia la più elaborata nel costruire il caso e tutto ciò che implica un romanzo giallo, la lettura è sempre piacevole, ironica e appassionante.
Una serie che si legge con grande godimento e dalla quale si emerge con un lieve sorriso sulle labbra, appassionati più ad una protagonista che diviene amica, dal contesto e dalla comunità di Carsley che dal singolo caso risolto.
Una certezza!
Questo volume è molto divertente: Agatha e Charles si troveranno implicati nella morte di un parrucchiere che, a tempo perso, ricattava donne colpevoli di aver ceduto al suo fascino…
Sebbene la trama non sia la più elaborata nel costruire il caso e tutto ciò che implica un romanzo giallo, la lettura è sempre piacevole, ironica e appassionante.
Una serie che si legge con grande godimento e dalla quale si emerge con un lieve sorriso sulle labbra, appassionati più ad una protagonista che diviene amica, dal contesto e dalla comunità di Carsley che dal singolo caso risolto.
Una certezza!
June 29, 2025
Il y a pile un an, je découvrais Agatha Raisin en librairie, une rencontre qui a ravivé mon goût pour la lecture.
Onze tomes plus tard, je suis fidèle au poste ! C’est un univers qui me plaît comme au premier tome, ça me donne toujours le sentiment d’être « au bon endroit » et avec le temps je me rends compte que je me reconnais en Agatha malgré nos 20 ans d’écart et c’est peut être ça qui fait que je me sens comme à la maison quand le lis ces enquêtes.
Ce tome était vraiment excellent, j’ai adoré l’enquête, je me suis laissée porter et surprendre, et c’est exactement ce que je recherche. J’ai aussi beaucoup apprécié de retrouver certains personnages que j’aime particulièrement, présents cette fois au premier plan ce qui a rendu la lecture encore plus plaisante.
Merci MC Beaton d’avoir créé ce personnage qui compte autant pour moi.
Onze tomes plus tard, je suis fidèle au poste ! C’est un univers qui me plaît comme au premier tome, ça me donne toujours le sentiment d’être « au bon endroit » et avec le temps je me rends compte que je me reconnais en Agatha malgré nos 20 ans d’écart et c’est peut être ça qui fait que je me sens comme à la maison quand le lis ces enquêtes.
Ce tome était vraiment excellent, j’ai adoré l’enquête, je me suis laissée porter et surprendre, et c’est exactement ce que je recherche. J’ai aussi beaucoup apprécié de retrouver certains personnages que j’aime particulièrement, présents cette fois au premier plan ce qui a rendu la lecture encore plus plaisante.
Merci MC Beaton d’avoir créé ce personnage qui compte autant pour moi.
April 19, 2024
Perfect example of MC Beaton's Agatha Raisin being so endearingly hostile and defensive to all around her. She falls for the 'Wizard of Evesham' - the local hairdresser - and then he goes and gets himself murdered. Story of Agatha's life.
I liked seeing so much of Charles in this one, he is so annoyingly attached to Agatha, and although he loves to take the mick out of her 99% of the time, I think he is very fond of her really.
A good little mystery and another book full of Agatha Raisin character development.
I liked seeing so much of Charles in this one, he is so annoyingly attached to Agatha, and although he loves to take the mick out of her 99% of the time, I think he is very fond of her really.
A good little mystery and another book full of Agatha Raisin character development.
February 1, 2018
Between my scanning project at work and my cross stitch project at home, I listened to this cozy mystery in one day!
The Wizard of Evesham has a threadbare plot that isn't all that interesting. Mrs. Bloxby recommends a rock star hairstylist named Mr. John who has set up shop in a nearby village. Agatha decides to get a new hairstyle and finds herself on a new case when Mr. John up and croaks. Even though Charles Fraith is in this one a lot, he's more jerky and less humorous than in previous books. Agatha really should appreciate herself more and stay away from the wrong men.
On to the next one!
The Wizard of Evesham has a threadbare plot that isn't all that interesting. Mrs. Bloxby recommends a rock star hairstylist named Mr. John who has set up shop in a nearby village. Agatha decides to get a new hairstyle and finds herself on a new case when Mr. John up and croaks. Even though Charles Fraith is in this one a lot, he's more jerky and less humorous than in previous books. Agatha really should appreciate herself more and stay away from the wrong men.
On to the next one!
October 28, 2016
Agatha find a gray hair, and immediately needs to get her hair done... she is recommended Mr. John, the hair wizard.... and he does her hair magnificently, the only problem is she needs to keep going back to him because she can't do it herself.... of course a little flirting begins, anything to distract Agatha from James... of course Mr. John soon ends up dead, and we all learn about the cutthroat world of being a hairdresser.....
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