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Agatha Raisin #32
Down the Hatch
Beloved New York Times bestseller M. C. Beaton's cranky, crafty Agatha Raisin—now the star of a hit T.V. show—is back on the case again in Down the Hatch.
Private detective Agatha Raisin, having recently taken up power-walking, is striding along a path in Mircester Park during her lunch break when she hears a cry for help. Rushing over, she finds an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Swinburn, in the middle of the green—with the body of an old man lying at their feet.
The man, who the coroner determines died by poisoning, was known as "the Admiral," a gardener notorious for his heavy drinking, and Chief Inspector Wilkes writes the death off as an accident caused by the consumption of weedkiller stored in a rum bottle. Agatha is not convinced that anyone would mistake weedkiller for rum but carries on with her work at Raisin Investigations, until she receives an anonymous tip that the Admiral’s death was no accident.
Local gossip points to the Swinburns themselves as the killers, spurred by a feud at the club where they, as well as the Admiral, were members. Distraught at this accusation, they turn to Agatha to clear their name, and she takes the case—despite the warnings of Chief Inspector Wilkes.
Agatha encounters one suspicious character after another, becoming further enmeshed in the Admiral’s own dark and shady past. And when she's run off the road, narrowly escaping with her life, and then another attack occurs, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want the case closed—and will stop at nothing to prevent Agatha from solving it.
Private detective Agatha Raisin, having recently taken up power-walking, is striding along a path in Mircester Park during her lunch break when she hears a cry for help. Rushing over, she finds an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Swinburn, in the middle of the green—with the body of an old man lying at their feet.
The man, who the coroner determines died by poisoning, was known as "the Admiral," a gardener notorious for his heavy drinking, and Chief Inspector Wilkes writes the death off as an accident caused by the consumption of weedkiller stored in a rum bottle. Agatha is not convinced that anyone would mistake weedkiller for rum but carries on with her work at Raisin Investigations, until she receives an anonymous tip that the Admiral’s death was no accident.
Local gossip points to the Swinburns themselves as the killers, spurred by a feud at the club where they, as well as the Admiral, were members. Distraught at this accusation, they turn to Agatha to clear their name, and she takes the case—despite the warnings of Chief Inspector Wilkes.
Agatha encounters one suspicious character after another, becoming further enmeshed in the Admiral’s own dark and shady past. And when she's run off the road, narrowly escaping with her life, and then another attack occurs, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want the case closed—and will stop at nothing to prevent Agatha from solving it.
238 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2021
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5637 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,013 followersLike her on Facebook!
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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November 9, 2021
EXCERPT: The scream came again.
This time, there was no mistaking the direction. It had come from behind the tall hedge bordering the path along which Agatha was walking. She ran towards a black wrought iron gate set in the hedge, thankful that she had changed her fragile office high heels for more robust low wedges before taking her walk. Bursting through the gate, she found herself in an area of flat open lawn. There were three people there dressed in white. One was a grey-bearded man lying on the grass, one was an elderly lady collapsed in some distress and the third was an old man, tending to the woman. Agatha rushed over to the woman, who was breathing heavily, clearly distressed, her eyelids fluttering.
'What happened?' asked Agatha, kneeling to talk to the man, who was cradling the woman in his arms.
'My wife collapsed,' he explained, then nodded towards the figure lying on the grass, 'when she saw him.'
'I'll be fine....' the woman gasped, looking up at her husband, 'a little thirsty...'
Agatha reached into her handbag and handed the woman a small plastic bottle of mineral water that was to have been part of her calorie controlled lunch. She also grabbed her phone, calling for an ambulance while heading towards the man spread-eagled on the grass.
'Yes, an ambulance, please. Mircester Park at the...' she glanced up at a sign above the door of a neat pavilion that overlooked the lawn, 'Mircester Crown Green Bowling Club. One woman collapsed and one man...' she looked down at the grey-bearded man on the ground, 'looks dead.'
ABOUT 'DOWN THE HATCH': Private detective Agatha Raisin, having recently taken up power-walking, is striding along a path in Mircester Park during her lunch break when she hears a cry for help. Rushing over, she finds an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Swinburn, in the middle of the green--with the body of an old man lying at their feet.
The man, who the coroner determines died by poisoning, was known as the Admiral, a gardener notorious for his heavy drinking, and Chief Inspector Wilkes writes the death off as an accident caused by the consumption of weedkiller stored in a rum bottle. Agatha is not convinced that anyone would mistake weedkiller for rum but carries on with her work at Raisin Investigations, until she receives an anonymous tip that the Admiral's death was no accident.
Local gossip points to the Swinburns themselves as the killers, spurred by a feud at the club where they, as well as the Admiral, were members. Distraught at this accusation, they turn to Agatha to clear their name, and she takes the case--despite the warnings of Chief Inspector Wilkes.
Agatha encounters one suspicious character after another, becoming further enmeshed in the Admiral's own dark and shady past. And when she's run off the road, narrowly escaping with her life, and then another attack occurs, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want the case closed--and will stop at nothing to prevent Agatha from solving it.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the 32nd book in the Agatha Raisin series and it's a lot of fun. If the fact that it is the 32nd book is a little daunting, let me reassure you that there is absolutely no need to have read the previous books to enjoy this. Each book works perfectly well on its own.
I read the very first in this series, The Quiche of Death, many years ago and didn't like it at all. Then a few years ago I came across another Agatha Raisin, I can't remember what it was called, but I quite enjoyed it and have been dipping in and out of this series ever since.
Down the Hatch is a classic English mystery set in a village in the Cotswolds, and the first death occurs at the local bowling club. Who knew bowlers were such a feisty lot?
There is plenty of misdirection in the form of red herrings and plenty of suspects at whom to point fingers. Not only does Agatha have a murder or two to solve, but also exotic animal smugglers to catch, which almost proves to be her undoing.
The majority of characters might best be described as bucolic, with the exception of Agatha and her sidekick Toni. Agatha upholds her standards with her high heels and handbags, the latter of which came in jolly handy in this story.
I thought the action leading up to the resolution was rather clever, and I enjoyed it. I will certainly be picking up more in this series to read.
Dame Penelope Keith narrated the audiobook of Down the Hatch. I could listen to her all day. She narrates Agatha beautifully, although she did slip back into her own voice occasionally when narrating long passages of other characters. It really didn't seem to matter, though.
There was a rather interesting foreword by R.W. Green, who has taken over the writing of the series since M.C. Beaton's death in 2019. There is also an introduction by M.C. Beaton in which she explains how the Agatha Raisin series came about.
This was a fun mystery, which I almost got right.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#DowntheHatch #NetGalley
I: @mcbeaton12345 @blackstonepublishing
T: @mc_beaton @BlackstonePublishing
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #privateinvestigator
THE AUTHOR: 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Down the Hatch by M.C. Beaton and R.W. Green and narrated by Dame Penelope Keith for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
This time, there was no mistaking the direction. It had come from behind the tall hedge bordering the path along which Agatha was walking. She ran towards a black wrought iron gate set in the hedge, thankful that she had changed her fragile office high heels for more robust low wedges before taking her walk. Bursting through the gate, she found herself in an area of flat open lawn. There were three people there dressed in white. One was a grey-bearded man lying on the grass, one was an elderly lady collapsed in some distress and the third was an old man, tending to the woman. Agatha rushed over to the woman, who was breathing heavily, clearly distressed, her eyelids fluttering.
'What happened?' asked Agatha, kneeling to talk to the man, who was cradling the woman in his arms.
'My wife collapsed,' he explained, then nodded towards the figure lying on the grass, 'when she saw him.'
'I'll be fine....' the woman gasped, looking up at her husband, 'a little thirsty...'
Agatha reached into her handbag and handed the woman a small plastic bottle of mineral water that was to have been part of her calorie controlled lunch. She also grabbed her phone, calling for an ambulance while heading towards the man spread-eagled on the grass.
'Yes, an ambulance, please. Mircester Park at the...' she glanced up at a sign above the door of a neat pavilion that overlooked the lawn, 'Mircester Crown Green Bowling Club. One woman collapsed and one man...' she looked down at the grey-bearded man on the ground, 'looks dead.'
ABOUT 'DOWN THE HATCH': Private detective Agatha Raisin, having recently taken up power-walking, is striding along a path in Mircester Park during her lunch break when she hears a cry for help. Rushing over, she finds an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Swinburn, in the middle of the green--with the body of an old man lying at their feet.
The man, who the coroner determines died by poisoning, was known as the Admiral, a gardener notorious for his heavy drinking, and Chief Inspector Wilkes writes the death off as an accident caused by the consumption of weedkiller stored in a rum bottle. Agatha is not convinced that anyone would mistake weedkiller for rum but carries on with her work at Raisin Investigations, until she receives an anonymous tip that the Admiral's death was no accident.
Local gossip points to the Swinburns themselves as the killers, spurred by a feud at the club where they, as well as the Admiral, were members. Distraught at this accusation, they turn to Agatha to clear their name, and she takes the case--despite the warnings of Chief Inspector Wilkes.
Agatha encounters one suspicious character after another, becoming further enmeshed in the Admiral's own dark and shady past. And when she's run off the road, narrowly escaping with her life, and then another attack occurs, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want the case closed--and will stop at nothing to prevent Agatha from solving it.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the 32nd book in the Agatha Raisin series and it's a lot of fun. If the fact that it is the 32nd book is a little daunting, let me reassure you that there is absolutely no need to have read the previous books to enjoy this. Each book works perfectly well on its own.
I read the very first in this series, The Quiche of Death, many years ago and didn't like it at all. Then a few years ago I came across another Agatha Raisin, I can't remember what it was called, but I quite enjoyed it and have been dipping in and out of this series ever since.
Down the Hatch is a classic English mystery set in a village in the Cotswolds, and the first death occurs at the local bowling club. Who knew bowlers were such a feisty lot?
There is plenty of misdirection in the form of red herrings and plenty of suspects at whom to point fingers. Not only does Agatha have a murder or two to solve, but also exotic animal smugglers to catch, which almost proves to be her undoing.
The majority of characters might best be described as bucolic, with the exception of Agatha and her sidekick Toni. Agatha upholds her standards with her high heels and handbags, the latter of which came in jolly handy in this story.
I thought the action leading up to the resolution was rather clever, and I enjoyed it. I will certainly be picking up more in this series to read.
Dame Penelope Keith narrated the audiobook of Down the Hatch. I could listen to her all day. She narrates Agatha beautifully, although she did slip back into her own voice occasionally when narrating long passages of other characters. It really didn't seem to matter, though.
There was a rather interesting foreword by R.W. Green, who has taken over the writing of the series since M.C. Beaton's death in 2019. There is also an introduction by M.C. Beaton in which she explains how the Agatha Raisin series came about.
This was a fun mystery, which I almost got right.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#DowntheHatch #NetGalley
I: @mcbeaton12345 @blackstonepublishing
T: @mc_beaton @BlackstonePublishing
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #privateinvestigator
THE AUTHOR: 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Down the Hatch by M.C. Beaton and R.W. Green and narrated by Dame Penelope Keith for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 19, 2021
In this 32nd installment, and the 2nd written by R.W. Green who took over after Beaton’s death; the irascible Agatha Raisin stumbles across another body while on a lunchtime walk. The park gardener for the Mircester Crown Bowling Club known as the “Admiral” appears to have died after accidentally drinking rum laced with weedkiller, but Agatha is not fooled! Once again finding herself at odds with the incompetent DCI Wilkes, Agatha is determined to prove that this latest death was in fact murder and bring the perpetrator to justice. Along with this case Agatha and her team of detectives must juggle a myriad of other investigations including a paternity suit and a gentleman who claims to see wizards in his back garden.
As usual Agatha’s love life is a mess. Still contending with her feelings for Sir Charles Fraith and next-door neighbor James Lacey, she must also fend off the unwanted advances of the new coroner.
While Green handles the mysteries as deftly as Beaton did, there seems to be something lacking in her portrayal of Agatha herself. Usually quick tempered and prickly, Green’s version is a milder, meeker manifestation of Agatha. In addition, the relationships with Agatha’s competing suitors are tamer and less lusty. I also found that the normally quirky minor characters are either less fleshed out or missing altogether.
For those new to the series, this is a fine mystery, but for lovers of Agatha Raisin there is a little lacking. Hopefully, she will be back and true to form in the next installment.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
As usual Agatha’s love life is a mess. Still contending with her feelings for Sir Charles Fraith and next-door neighbor James Lacey, she must also fend off the unwanted advances of the new coroner.
While Green handles the mysteries as deftly as Beaton did, there seems to be something lacking in her portrayal of Agatha herself. Usually quick tempered and prickly, Green’s version is a milder, meeker manifestation of Agatha. In addition, the relationships with Agatha’s competing suitors are tamer and less lusty. I also found that the normally quirky minor characters are either less fleshed out or missing altogether.
For those new to the series, this is a fine mystery, but for lovers of Agatha Raisin there is a little lacking. Hopefully, she will be back and true to form in the next installment.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
June 23, 2021
I have been an Agatha Raisin fan for many years, but have not read the most recent novels. I was surprised to learn ( through the introduction to this novel) that the original author died a few years ago and this book was a collaboration of “Beaton’s” ideas and Green’s.
The team is familiar and fun, but my joy in the earliest books in the series was Agatha’s snarkiness, and her behavior was often out of step with the more polite, conservative nature of her adopted village in the Cotswolds. This book presents a successful Agatha. Not disappointed in love, or her career. . . And, somehow that rings hollow for me.
These books are not intended as fine literature, but as light- hearted mysteries with a quirky protagonist. Without Agatha goofing up professionally, chasing men ( unsuccessfully) or making social faux pas, there was no sizzle to the story.
NetGalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The team is familiar and fun, but my joy in the earliest books in the series was Agatha’s snarkiness, and her behavior was often out of step with the more polite, conservative nature of her adopted village in the Cotswolds. This book presents a successful Agatha. Not disappointed in love, or her career. . . And, somehow that rings hollow for me.
These books are not intended as fine literature, but as light- hearted mysteries with a quirky protagonist. Without Agatha goofing up professionally, chasing men ( unsuccessfully) or making social faux pas, there was no sizzle to the story.
NetGalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2021
The original author of this series, MC Beaton, wanted the current author to continue the Agatha Raisin series when she passed. He's not quite there with Agatha, but he's getting much closer. There is another death of a much-disliked older man who refers to himself as the Admiral, though many doubt he achieved that rank. Is his death accidental, as the incompetent head of the police declares, or was it murder? Then there is another murder, Agatha's employee Simon is beaten up, and Agatha is almost killed herself investigating--the charming Cotswold village is not as safe as it looks. Three and a half stars. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
October 19, 2021
It's hard to say goodbye to a beloved series when the author passes away as has M.C. Beaton. R.W. Green, her friend and fellow author, has picked up the mantle and attempted to carry on with the series with all the usual characters. He has written quite a good mystery in his second attempt and the book is worth reading for that alone.
It seems to me though that the writer has lost that ineffable something (snarkiness? crankiness?) that made Agatha so amusing and special. For instance, remember when she'd dash to fix her make-up whenever a handsome male would cross her path? Gone! And how jealous she has been of Toni's youth and beauty? Now she's okay with being mistaken for mother and daughter. No more deep-seated inferiority complex rearing its ugly head. And now she and James have restarted their relationship with no hint of the friction that always drove them apart. It's as if all her relationships and most of her rough edges have been smoothed over. If you don't mind a toned-down Agatha who has even learned to get along with Charles' butler Gustav, I would recommend this well-written, intriguing mystery.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.
It seems to me though that the writer has lost that ineffable something (snarkiness? crankiness?) that made Agatha so amusing and special. For instance, remember when she'd dash to fix her make-up whenever a handsome male would cross her path? Gone! And how jealous she has been of Toni's youth and beauty? Now she's okay with being mistaken for mother and daughter. No more deep-seated inferiority complex rearing its ugly head. And now she and James have restarted their relationship with no hint of the friction that always drove them apart. It's as if all her relationships and most of her rough edges have been smoothed over. If you don't mind a toned-down Agatha who has even learned to get along with Charles' butler Gustav, I would recommend this well-written, intriguing mystery.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.
June 28, 2021
I think I’m done now.
This is the 2nd book in the series since Ms. Beaton passed away. And it’s the 2nd book in the series that no longer reads like Agatha.
The book is marginally more like Agatha in that she pays a bit more attention to her appearance – and her ego – but she’s also meeker, milder, and simply has less spirit! I mean long term readers know it. Agatha has a grumbly exterior. Yes, she’s got a lot of heart, but she’s also got some spicy snark and spite to go with it. Here she’s…gentle.
And the romance! Her dalliances should be a mix of lustiness and humor and regret and romance. This is a freaking harlequin novel. One scene with a former suitor is so – argh, I don’t even have the words for it! Just think of dialogue from the cheesiest most sickeningly sweet romance novel ever and you might get close.
As with the last one, it’s a perfectly fine book with perfectly fine characters. If I wasn’t looking for Agatha Raisin (and seriously you can just pretend it’s not an Agatha book), I would have likely been satisfied with a perfectly kind and benign little cozy.
Ms. Beaton, I’ll miss you!
• ARC Provided via Net Galley
This is the 2nd book in the series since Ms. Beaton passed away. And it’s the 2nd book in the series that no longer reads like Agatha.
The book is marginally more like Agatha in that she pays a bit more attention to her appearance – and her ego – but she’s also meeker, milder, and simply has less spirit! I mean long term readers know it. Agatha has a grumbly exterior. Yes, she’s got a lot of heart, but she’s also got some spicy snark and spite to go with it. Here she’s…gentle.
And the romance! Her dalliances should be a mix of lustiness and humor and regret and romance. This is a freaking harlequin novel. One scene with a former suitor is so – argh, I don’t even have the words for it! Just think of dialogue from the cheesiest most sickeningly sweet romance novel ever and you might get close.
As with the last one, it’s a perfectly fine book with perfectly fine characters. If I wasn’t looking for Agatha Raisin (and seriously you can just pretend it’s not an Agatha book), I would have likely been satisfied with a perfectly kind and benign little cozy.
Ms. Beaton, I’ll miss you!
• ARC Provided via Net Galley
November 13, 2021
I’ve read every Agatha Raisin, and listened to them on Audible. I’ve loved this journey. I hoped, more than I can adequately express, that Mr. Green would prove a passable replacement after we lost Marion. I am sorely disappointed and saddened to report that he was not. The tone was off. Every conversation rang false. Nobody behaved the same. It’s like everyone got character transplants —perhaps none more so than James. It was absolutely jarring. People who are bigger fans of the TV show than the books will be pleased, but true fans of the series will understand that the real Agatha died along with her creator. May they both rest peacefully.
March 26, 2024
Well.
This book obviously was not written by MC Beaton.
I hate to say it but I have to agree that Agatha is no longer the Agatha we all know and love. In this book none of the old characters act like themselves. I was so hoping that the new author could keep things going.
*sigh*
This book obviously was not written by MC Beaton.
I hate to say it but I have to agree that Agatha is no longer the Agatha we all know and love. In this book none of the old characters act like themselves. I was so hoping that the new author could keep things going.
*sigh*
September 28, 2025
Lee Child says: "Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue and charm."
June 26, 2021
Down the Hatch is the first Agatha Raison cozy mystery completely written by R W Green, the prior book in the series Hot to Trot was a collaboration between Mr Green and M C Beaton prior to her death in 2019. While many aspects of the books remain the same I find I enjoyed his writing style better. Perhaps the old Agatha Raison books had become so formulaic. In Down the Hatch Agatha is more self confident, instead of laser focused on her shortcomings. She's still fierce, but seems more toned down with her abrasive ways. And she is funny. This book had several mysteries to be solved and some personal aspects of Agatha's life were enhanced. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.
February 27, 2022
Forcing myself through this. This is NOT written by M.C. Beaton; the charm, wit, style of Agatha Raisin is sorely missing. The flair, the insecurities, the sparks, the characters are all ... 'off'. The author (R.W. Green) seems to have missed the essence of Agatha Raisin.
"Butterfly-printed skirt"? Has this author understood anything about the main character? The fun of Agatha is in experiencing things with her,yet this author tells us about situations instead of walking through them. Which makes it hard for the fan/reader to miss that all of the scenes here have been covered in previous M.C. Beaton tales. (Hmm, where have we seen Agatha stalk a smuggler through the brush? Or confront someone mistreating animals? Or ... )
I am sorry to see this installment, compromising what up until this one had been a fun set of books. The usual players are here, but all act out of character. Clumsy as she can be, I'd never expect 'our' Agatha Raisin to say, out loud, in front of her staff, that Toni should look into a client's finances to see what they should charge! That's not been Agatha at all! She is kind, but has a sharp eye, and would instead notice the details of someone's situation and draw a reasonable conclusion about their means.
The lunch with Alice is just not our Agatha. Where is the demand to see the Manager, for whatever reason? Where is the inevitable attractive new man to distract her? R.W. Green seems to be writing characters he would be more comfortable meeting, and readers might hope in the future that he will do so on the up-and-up, providing his own characters with their own names and histories, rather than diminish fan favorites with weak pantomimes that ring false.
Charles knows how to sweet-talk and how to get around Agatha, he would not ambush her, with Gustav and Charles' Aunt playing support staff in tandem. Both would prime Agatha in advance if they wanted to support Charles' schemes.
The tale comes closer to classic Agatha in the middle, pushing the rating closer to 3 stars, but rushes through multiple story lines at the end, delivering outcomes as faits accompli rather than developing the events or bringing the reader along through the investigation.
The final nail in this coffin is the absence of Agatha's typical responses to men, excitement, or media attention, and an overdose of Agatha as do-gooder. This story offers the outline but does not deliver the fun, the pizzazz, the spice of a classic Agatha Raisin novel.
"Butterfly-printed skirt"? Has this author understood anything about the main character? The fun of Agatha is in experiencing things with her,yet this author tells us about situations instead of walking through them. Which makes it hard for the fan/reader to miss that all of the scenes here have been covered in previous M.C. Beaton tales. (Hmm, where have we seen Agatha stalk a smuggler through the brush? Or confront someone mistreating animals? Or ... )
I am sorry to see this installment, compromising what up until this one had been a fun set of books. The usual players are here, but all act out of character. Clumsy as she can be, I'd never expect 'our' Agatha Raisin to say, out loud, in front of her staff, that Toni should look into a client's finances to see what they should charge! That's not been Agatha at all! She is kind, but has a sharp eye, and would instead notice the details of someone's situation and draw a reasonable conclusion about their means.
The lunch with Alice is just not our Agatha. Where is the demand to see the Manager, for whatever reason? Where is the inevitable attractive new man to distract her? R.W. Green seems to be writing characters he would be more comfortable meeting, and readers might hope in the future that he will do so on the up-and-up, providing his own characters with their own names and histories, rather than diminish fan favorites with weak pantomimes that ring false.
Charles knows how to sweet-talk and how to get around Agatha, he would not ambush her, with Gustav and Charles' Aunt playing support staff in tandem. Both would prime Agatha in advance if they wanted to support Charles' schemes.
The tale comes closer to classic Agatha in the middle, pushing the rating closer to 3 stars, but rushes through multiple story lines at the end, delivering outcomes as faits accompli rather than developing the events or bringing the reader along through the investigation.
The final nail in this coffin is the absence of Agatha's typical responses to men, excitement, or media attention, and an overdose of Agatha as do-gooder. This story offers the outline but does not deliver the fun, the pizzazz, the spice of a classic Agatha Raisin novel.
October 24, 2021
Since M. C. Beaton passed away, R. W. Green has kept Agatha Raisin alive for her many fans. I'm one of those who is just fine with the way he presents her, a little less edgy, a bit more professional but still having issues with her love life and dealing with DCI Wilkes - he who is without a clue. This was a fun cozy read.
The Admiral is found dead in the garden. Most would agree that the title was not earned and most would also agree that he was generally disliked. When his death is discovered to be due to the imbibing of rum laced with weedkiller, the idea of it being accidental is dismissed by Agatha. She says murder while DCI Wilkes says accident. Agatha sets out to prove it was murder while also handling a case of paternity and a local man who claims there are wizards in his garden.
Agatha, in any situation, is a treat and I'm so glad that she is still entertaining this reader. The mysteries are well done, the village setting is just right and the various recurring characters are in fine form. I hope R. W. (Rod) Green will be writing many more mysteries for Agatha to solve.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Admiral is found dead in the garden. Most would agree that the title was not earned and most would also agree that he was generally disliked. When his death is discovered to be due to the imbibing of rum laced with weedkiller, the idea of it being accidental is dismissed by Agatha. She says murder while DCI Wilkes says accident. Agatha sets out to prove it was murder while also handling a case of paternity and a local man who claims there are wizards in his garden.
Agatha, in any situation, is a treat and I'm so glad that she is still entertaining this reader. The mysteries are well done, the village setting is just right and the various recurring characters are in fine form. I hope R. W. (Rod) Green will be writing many more mysteries for Agatha to solve.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2022
If there is immortality, writers such as M.C. Beaton have discovered it. Although we lost her last year, we still have stories she set in motion of Agatha and her friends.
In this installment Agatha is on the search of a trimmer physique when she hears a scream. Of course, she investigates. The dead body she finds with two observers is ruled an accidental poisoning by Wilkes, but our girl has her doubts. So begins the typical and hilarious Agatha exploits.
In this installment Agatha is on the search of a trimmer physique when she hears a scream. Of course, she investigates. The dead body she finds with two observers is ruled an accidental poisoning by Wilkes, but our girl has her doubts. So begins the typical and hilarious Agatha exploits.
October 29, 2021
I so very much loved this series prior to Beaton’s passing and was Leary of someone else trying to fill her shoes, even with her blessing, However, this did not disappoint. It was very much in the spirit of previous books and just as fun!
After the death of the Admiral, an older man who was much disliked by those who knew him,Agatha is involved in looking into it because it seems like it’s more than just an accident. There are too many other that have reason to want him out of the picture. In doing so, there’s another murder and Agatha’s employee gets hurt and Agatha is nearly killed. All is not as picturesque in Cotswold as you would expect.
Fun and easy way to pass the afternoon.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
After the death of the Admiral, an older man who was much disliked by those who knew him,Agatha is involved in looking into it because it seems like it’s more than just an accident. There are too many other that have reason to want him out of the picture. In doing so, there’s another murder and Agatha’s employee gets hurt and Agatha is nearly killed. All is not as picturesque in Cotswold as you would expect.
Fun and easy way to pass the afternoon.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
July 25, 2021
Loved this! Another fun Agatha mystery. Lots of last characters pop up and there’s a bit of Charles.
Roy in bowling whites! James narrating history of things as usual hah. Agatha and Toni are one of my favorite combos in this series.
Thanks to RW Green for keeping the Agatha series going. And well done!
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
Roy in bowling whites! James narrating history of things as usual hah. Agatha and Toni are one of my favorite combos in this series.
Thanks to RW Green for keeping the Agatha series going. And well done!
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
November 5, 2021
A 2 stars for me
A good plot, a good premise, a promising beginning, but the way it unfolds, sadly, it pales in comparison with MC Beaton's books and stories.
Also, the reader has an elderly voice that really doesn't fit Agatha's age and therefore her thoughts and actions. It's like listening to an old grandma acting as a hot shot woman in her 30s-40s. Not really happening for me.
A good plot, a good premise, a promising beginning, but the way it unfolds, sadly, it pales in comparison with MC Beaton's books and stories.
Also, the reader has an elderly voice that really doesn't fit Agatha's age and therefore her thoughts and actions. It's like listening to an old grandma acting as a hot shot woman in her 30s-40s. Not really happening for me.
November 4, 2021
No Nastiness but kind of Dull
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc audiobook edition (October 2021) released simultaneously with the St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (October 2021)
Down the Hatch represents the first complete Agatha Raisin mystery written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas Hot to Trot (2020) was still a collaboration with original author M.C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney (1936-2019). As has become common with recent continuation series, the original author's name still has the primary cover credit even when they have been deceased for several years.
I had found that many of the last books had become rather nasty, with characters hurling insults and abuse at each other. This was taking them even further from their original cozy roots than just having a sometimes unlikeable protagonist. The charm and joy was being lost and I had hoped that R.W. Green would at least return some of that magic to the series.
Down the Hatch does hit all the marks in terms of the series' touchstones. It at least didn't include the nastiness between Agatha and her regular gang of friends and detective agency employees. It was however somewhat of a dull product, the old sparks just weren't there. That might have been due to lesser antics from regulars such as Roy Silver and Sir Charles Fraith, who usually provided most of the comic relief. There was a nice touch towards the end with Agatha meddling with Detective Sergeant Bill Wong's parental problems, which at least shows some progress from what has been a bizarrely static situation for the entire series to date. It does at least show promise that the series will continue in safe hands and move the characters forward.
The regular narrator Penelope Keith continues her return to the series since book #30 for this book #32.
Trivia and No Link
Down the Hatch has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-).
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc audiobook edition (October 2021) released simultaneously with the St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (October 2021)
Down the Hatch represents the first complete Agatha Raisin mystery written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas Hot to Trot (2020) was still a collaboration with original author M.C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney (1936-2019). As has become common with recent continuation series, the original author's name still has the primary cover credit even when they have been deceased for several years.
I had found that many of the last books had become rather nasty, with characters hurling insults and abuse at each other. This was taking them even further from their original cozy roots than just having a sometimes unlikeable protagonist. The charm and joy was being lost and I had hoped that R.W. Green would at least return some of that magic to the series.
Down the Hatch does hit all the marks in terms of the series' touchstones. It at least didn't include the nastiness between Agatha and her regular gang of friends and detective agency employees. It was however somewhat of a dull product, the old sparks just weren't there. That might have been due to lesser antics from regulars such as Roy Silver and Sir Charles Fraith, who usually provided most of the comic relief. There was a nice touch towards the end with Agatha meddling with Detective Sergeant Bill Wong's parental problems, which at least shows some progress from what has been a bizarrely static situation for the entire series to date. It does at least show promise that the series will continue in safe hands and move the characters forward.
The regular narrator Penelope Keith continues her return to the series since book #30 for this book #32.
Trivia and No Link
Down the Hatch has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-).
October 29, 2021
Wow, I was so excited to listen to this book, as I have read all of M C Beaton's Agatha Raisin books, and I have watched all of the Agatha Raisin tv shows! I just love Agatha Raisin and I felt so grateful for the chance to read this book. I just loved it so much and it is one of the best Agatha Raisin books I have read. The story and the characters are so funny, and I was laughing out loud all the way through reading the book. It is just so hilarious and it really brought me a lot of joy and delight. I love how eccentric the characters are and the humour in the book is just my cup of herbal tea.
The story is about Agatha investigating the murder of The Admiral, who is a gardener, and who was poisoned. As she goes through her investigation, looking for clues, she is attacked, but she doesn't give up until she finds out who killed The Admiral. Agatha has plenty of helpers and all our old favourites are back, such as James, Charles, Toni, Simon, Bill, Roy and Mrs Bloxby. And, of course, we have Wilkes on the other side. Agatha enjoys a bit of romance in this book and she seems to have settled down a bit.
I loved everything about the book - the story, the characters, the setting, the book cover and the audiobook narrator. The whole book is a huge delight and R W Green has done a wonderful job in continuing and expanding on the work of our beloved M C Beaton.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about Agatha investigating the murder of The Admiral, who is a gardener, and who was poisoned. As she goes through her investigation, looking for clues, she is attacked, but she doesn't give up until she finds out who killed The Admiral. Agatha has plenty of helpers and all our old favourites are back, such as James, Charles, Toni, Simon, Bill, Roy and Mrs Bloxby. And, of course, we have Wilkes on the other side. Agatha enjoys a bit of romance in this book and she seems to have settled down a bit.
I loved everything about the book - the story, the characters, the setting, the book cover and the audiobook narrator. The whole book is a huge delight and R W Green has done a wonderful job in continuing and expanding on the work of our beloved M C Beaton.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2021
I’ve read every Agatha Raisin novel and had mixed feelings when I heard a writer was taking over the series now that author M.C. Beaton has died. However, he has brought a maturity to Agatha that I appreciate as a long-time reader. Agatha snips at Toni but they don’t fall out over Agatha’s envy of Toni’s youth and beauty. Agatha finally seems to have sorted her love life (I hope). Everything just seems less angry and more jovial. The body count is lower than in many previous books. Agatha is still her insecure but powerfully competent self, but she’s also more reasonable and less likely to fly off the handle. She walks out on someone in anger, and then returns when she has a minute to think about it. Dare I say it, the whole book just seemed more - believable than many of the entries in the series. The new author has captured a kinder, more even Agatha – and I like it. This second book by R.W. Green is closer to the spirit of the original books than his first book, but also new and improved.
When I’ve been reading a lot of “issue” books and am anxious over the state of the world, it’s nice to slip into an Agatha Raisin book and be distracted for awhile. Keep ‘em coming.
I read an advance reader copy of Down the Hatch from Netgalley.
When I’ve been reading a lot of “issue” books and am anxious over the state of the world, it’s nice to slip into an Agatha Raisin book and be distracted for awhile. Keep ‘em coming.
I read an advance reader copy of Down the Hatch from Netgalley.
October 22, 2021
Down the Hatch is number thirty-two in the series and the second contribution by R.W. Green Green was able to collaborate with M.C. Beaton before her death. I think Green has done a good job of capturing the essence of the books and the characters. Agatha is a little kinder and more mature, more like the television series version of the character, and her ex-husband and friend James is warmer and less pompous, but those are changes I enjoyed.
In this latest case, Agatha works to solve an unusual poisoning case with help from James and her colleague Toni. I hope Agatha can hold onto her new attitude towards Toni, as well. She is still wistful about Toni’s looks and beauty, but doesn’t let pettiness get in the way of their working relationship and their friendship. Don’t worry though - Agatha’s fire is still there and she still speaks her mind on behalf of victims and her friends. The plot becomes a little over-complicated, but I enjoyed the book and hope Green continues to add to this delightful series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The book was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
In this latest case, Agatha works to solve an unusual poisoning case with help from James and her colleague Toni. I hope Agatha can hold onto her new attitude towards Toni, as well. She is still wistful about Toni’s looks and beauty, but doesn’t let pettiness get in the way of their working relationship and their friendship. Don’t worry though - Agatha’s fire is still there and she still speaks her mind on behalf of victims and her friends. The plot becomes a little over-complicated, but I enjoyed the book and hope Green continues to add to this delightful series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The book was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
November 30, 2022
Toujours un plaisir de retrouver Agatha même si c'est pour l' une des dernière fois. Une enquête (ou plusieurs) passionnante où on retrouve tous les personnages qui ont fait le succès de la saga. On passe un agréable moment
October 27, 2021
3 stars
A fun book, but it’s not the best murder mystery I’ve ever read. Honestly, this reads more like a small town intrigue featuring gossipy & quirky characters, with a light side of crime solving.
[What I liked:]
•Agatha Raisin is a great character! I love how sassy she is while simultaneously being so proper. I also love how she’s a mentor to her employees while being allergic to relational moments, which she considers “mushy” 😂
•The narration & dialogue are witty, with a delightful sense of dry humor. I quite enjoyed reading the narration because of that.
•I love how Simon goes undercover as a garbage collector 😂 That and the animals bit were quite amusing.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Much of the story is spent on Agatha’s drama with past boyfriends & ex-husbands suddenly reappearing. I wish more time was spent on the actual main plot, i.e., the murder mystery.
•The mystery with the Romanians wrapped up too quickly & neatly. It felt manufactured.
•Agatha is casually racist towards the Wong family (who are Hong Kong/Chinese-British). She rags on their food & the smell of it. She also is condescending & judgmental of their decor which uses bright colors, calling it distasteful interior decorating.
•The main plot (the murder mystery) isn’t developed much & is suddenly explained by Agatha in a “big reveal” at the very end. That’s not my favorite narrative device in mystery novels. ….aaand the villain just admits everything when confronted, way too easily.
•Agatha constantly worries about her figure, her weight, & her calorie intake throughout the book. It’s to the point that I’m concerned she has body dysmorphia &/or the beginnings of an eating disorder. Not that I think that those issues shouldn’t be explored in literature, but it’s just so casual & normalized in this story; which is something I do not appreciate as someone who struggles with those issues myself.
CW: sexism, sexual harassment, murder, substance abuse, incest
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A fun book, but it’s not the best murder mystery I’ve ever read. Honestly, this reads more like a small town intrigue featuring gossipy & quirky characters, with a light side of crime solving.
[What I liked:]
•Agatha Raisin is a great character! I love how sassy she is while simultaneously being so proper. I also love how she’s a mentor to her employees while being allergic to relational moments, which she considers “mushy” 😂
•The narration & dialogue are witty, with a delightful sense of dry humor. I quite enjoyed reading the narration because of that.
•I love how Simon goes undercover as a garbage collector 😂 That and the animals bit were quite amusing.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Much of the story is spent on Agatha’s drama with past boyfriends & ex-husbands suddenly reappearing. I wish more time was spent on the actual main plot, i.e., the murder mystery.
•The mystery with the Romanians wrapped up too quickly & neatly. It felt manufactured.
•Agatha is casually racist towards the Wong family (who are Hong Kong/Chinese-British). She rags on their food & the smell of it. She also is condescending & judgmental of their decor which uses bright colors, calling it distasteful interior decorating.
•The main plot (the murder mystery) isn’t developed much & is suddenly explained by Agatha in a “big reveal” at the very end. That’s not my favorite narrative device in mystery novels. ….aaand the villain just admits everything when confronted, way too easily.
•Agatha constantly worries about her figure, her weight, & her calorie intake throughout the book. It’s to the point that I’m concerned she has body dysmorphia &/or the beginnings of an eating disorder. Not that I think that those issues shouldn’t be explored in literature, but it’s just so casual & normalized in this story; which is something I do not appreciate as someone who struggles with those issues myself.
CW: sexism, sexual harassment, murder, substance abuse, incest
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
November 3, 2025
I’ve read nine Agatha Raisin's before this one, and Down the Hatch #32, is the second book ghost written by R C. Green, writer for M. C. Beaton, author (who passed away) for Agatha Raisin novels.
This book is not a big winner nor is it a big loser. It's an okay read, with so-so interest, and at least worthy of acknowledgement as being a decent read. I believe this is my second of R.C.’s books which were completely written by her.
Many aspects of this series remain the same. Agatha appears to have more confidence, doesn't seems quite so critical of herself. She has a temper and it is fierce, but in same ways more mild. Don't you just love her sense of humor. Love to chuckle. One reader was disappointed and saddened to report that R.C. was not Marion. She said the tone was off. Every conversation rang false. Nobody was behaving the same. She used the word "character transplants more for James than anyone." I love the discussions about her love interests with James.
This change may be a quandary for you. I'm glad they have been creative and anticipated ways to help keep Agatha alive. It's a good beginning. Wish R.C. continued success. Wish you all happy reading too. Enjoy!!
Rate: 3.5 stars.
This book is not a big winner nor is it a big loser. It's an okay read, with so-so interest, and at least worthy of acknowledgement as being a decent read. I believe this is my second of R.C.’s books which were completely written by her.
Many aspects of this series remain the same. Agatha appears to have more confidence, doesn't seems quite so critical of herself. She has a temper and it is fierce, but in same ways more mild. Don't you just love her sense of humor. Love to chuckle. One reader was disappointed and saddened to report that R.C. was not Marion. She said the tone was off. Every conversation rang false. Nobody was behaving the same. She used the word "character transplants more for James than anyone." I love the discussions about her love interests with James.
This change may be a quandary for you. I'm glad they have been creative and anticipated ways to help keep Agatha alive. It's a good beginning. Wish R.C. continued success. Wish you all happy reading too. Enjoy!!
Rate: 3.5 stars.
December 8, 2022
Fun read
November 20, 2021
Agatha Continued
Review of the Minotaur Books hardcover edition (October 2021)
I had already reviewed Down the Hatch in its audiobook edition, but as I had it on hold at the library as the hardcover as well, I thought that I'd give it another view. This was primarily to confirm my impressions that I had from the audiobook that R.W. Green had done a reasonable job in stepping into M.C. Beaton's (aka Marion Chesney's) (1936-2019) shoes in this continuation series.
The new book definitely removes some of the nastiness of the later books (characters hurling insults and abuse at each other) but also reduces the antics. This was due to the reduced roles of the usual comic relief provided by Roy Silver and Sir Charles Fraith, both of whom make only small cameo appearances. The largest upside is the indication that characters may be allowed to evolve now under Green's tenure. Agatha meddles in Detective Sergeant Bill Wong's family life with the result that he likely will be able to move on with his current relationship.
That is a huge step for the series, which has otherwise been almost frozen in time since it began in 1992 with Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death. For close to 30 years, Agatha has been a permanent 53 years old and Toni Gilmour an almost permanent 23 years old (Toni was 17 years old at her very first appearance). So there is hope for a revitalized future of the series even if the mystery element of this last case was not that interesting.
Review of the Minotaur Books hardcover edition (October 2021)
I had already reviewed Down the Hatch in its audiobook edition, but as I had it on hold at the library as the hardcover as well, I thought that I'd give it another view. This was primarily to confirm my impressions that I had from the audiobook that R.W. Green had done a reasonable job in stepping into M.C. Beaton's (aka Marion Chesney's) (1936-2019) shoes in this continuation series.
The new book definitely removes some of the nastiness of the later books (characters hurling insults and abuse at each other) but also reduces the antics. This was due to the reduced roles of the usual comic relief provided by Roy Silver and Sir Charles Fraith, both of whom make only small cameo appearances. The largest upside is the indication that characters may be allowed to evolve now under Green's tenure. Agatha meddles in Detective Sergeant Bill Wong's family life with the result that he likely will be able to move on with his current relationship.
That is a huge step for the series, which has otherwise been almost frozen in time since it began in 1992 with Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death. For close to 30 years, Agatha has been a permanent 53 years old and Toni Gilmour an almost permanent 23 years old (Toni was 17 years old at her very first appearance). So there is hope for a revitalized future of the series even if the mystery element of this last case was not that interesting.
July 31, 2021
I have always loved the Agatha Raisin books. The television series is fine, but I find the books are far better. The Agatha of the books is a fully-developed, complex character and I was glad to see the series continue after the sad loss of M.C. Beaton.
Down the Hatch has a decidedly different feel, now that R.W. Green is at the helm, but it is no less delightful than his last collaboration with Beaton. In fact, his Agatha is a bit more likable, with a few of her rough edges smoothed. She is still hot-headed and a bit obsessed with her weight and aging, but I think fans of the series will embrace the "new" Agatha.
That said, there were things that disappointed me. The supporting cast of characters were all present, but they seemed to take more of a back seat than in Beaton's versions. They are pale imitations of themselves and the relationship between James and Agatha, while taking a positive turn, is so completely different that it's almost jarring.
One enjoyable surprise was the scene between Agatha and Detective Wilkes' mother. That's worth the price of admission, as is Agatha's confrontation of Bill's parents. In all, it is a promising continuation of the series and I look forward to reading the next installment.
FYI - I received an advance reader's copy of this book.
Down the Hatch has a decidedly different feel, now that R.W. Green is at the helm, but it is no less delightful than his last collaboration with Beaton. In fact, his Agatha is a bit more likable, with a few of her rough edges smoothed. She is still hot-headed and a bit obsessed with her weight and aging, but I think fans of the series will embrace the "new" Agatha.
That said, there were things that disappointed me. The supporting cast of characters were all present, but they seemed to take more of a back seat than in Beaton's versions. They are pale imitations of themselves and the relationship between James and Agatha, while taking a positive turn, is so completely different that it's almost jarring.
One enjoyable surprise was the scene between Agatha and Detective Wilkes' mother. That's worth the price of admission, as is Agatha's confrontation of Bill's parents. In all, it is a promising continuation of the series and I look forward to reading the next installment.
FYI - I received an advance reader's copy of this book.
June 25, 2021
This book is a pretty typical murder mystery. Agatha Raisin heard screams from the park and stumbled upon the murder of a man called the Admiral. The story twists and turns with an additional murder and attempts.
I found this book to meander a bit when mentioning and trying to figure out other cases in the middle of the mystery at hand. It provided more character development, but I wished it had more of an increase of suspense instead. I'm glad it added a bit of romance drama to keep it a little bit more interesting.
Overall I enjoyed the book! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital copy of this book for my honest review.
I found this book to meander a bit when mentioning and trying to figure out other cases in the middle of the mystery at hand. It provided more character development, but I wished it had more of an increase of suspense instead. I'm glad it added a bit of romance drama to keep it a little bit more interesting.
Overall I enjoyed the book! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital copy of this book for my honest review.
July 10, 2021
This is my first Agatha Raisin book and what a wonderful story! I definitely will have to look into other Agatha Raisin mysteries.
"The Admiral" has been poisoned and it's up to Agatha Raisin and her associates to find the murderer. I really enjoyed that this book had other crimes that Agatha and her associates were investigating. One was Romanian gangsters who were illegally transporting rare wild animals. Another case was a dishonest employee taking paid sick time in order to work a secondary job.
In addition, the incorporation of light hearted humor and romance added to the overall appeal of the story and to the main character.
"The Admiral" has been poisoned and it's up to Agatha Raisin and her associates to find the murderer. I really enjoyed that this book had other crimes that Agatha and her associates were investigating. One was Romanian gangsters who were illegally transporting rare wild animals. Another case was a dishonest employee taking paid sick time in order to work a secondary job.
In addition, the incorporation of light hearted humor and romance added to the overall appeal of the story and to the main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2022
Nem tudom, hány részt terveztek még el együtt Greennel, de szívesen olvasnám tovább a sorozatot. Eléggé ráérzett a társszerző, az előző kötetnél sokkal jobb a sztori, fordulatosabb és lendületesebb az írás. Azért Agatha megnyilvánulásaiban picit érezhető, hogy egy pasi keze van a dologban, én hiányoltam a hisztisebb, impulzívabb, kiszámíthatatlanabb megnyilvánulásokat a főszereplőtől. A lelkészné is fájón keveset szerepelt, de Charles-ból ennyi is elég volt (bár régebben nagyon csíptem). Szóval nem tökéletes, de jöhet a következő!
June 12, 2022
Sadly, the characters retain their names but not their personalities in another instalment in the series created after the death of M C Beaton.
Agatha is too wise and collected, Toni too boring, Roy not self-serving, James too sensitive, Charles not mercenary and Mrs Freeman is suddenly hyper-efficient instead of not really very good at her job but theirs anyway. Even Hodge and Boswell are missing. Sad times.
Agatha is too wise and collected, Toni too boring, Roy not self-serving, James too sensitive, Charles not mercenary and Mrs Freeman is suddenly hyper-efficient instead of not really very good at her job but theirs anyway. Even Hodge and Boswell are missing. Sad times.
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