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Agatha Raisin #4
The Walkers of Dembley
After six months in London, Agatha Raisin returns to her beloved Cotswold village—and her dashing neighbor, James Lacey. Well, sort of. James might not be so interested in Agatha. But soon enough, Agatha becomes consumed by her other passion: crime-solving. A woman has been found dead in a lonely field nearby. Her name is Jessica Tartinck, a hiker who infuriated wealthy landowners by insisting on her hiking club's right to trek across their properties.
Now it's up to Agatha, with James's help, to launch an investigation. Together, they will follow no shortage of leads; many of Jessica's fellow Dembley walkers seem all too willing and able to commit murder. But the trail of a killer is as easy to lose as your heart—and your life. So Agatha and James had better watch their every step. . .
Now it's up to Agatha, with James's help, to launch an investigation. Together, they will follow no shortage of leads; many of Jessica's fellow Dembley walkers seem all too willing and able to commit murder. But the trail of a killer is as easy to lose as your heart—and your life. So Agatha and James had better watch their every step. . .
183 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1995
646 people are currently reading
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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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,312 reviews
February 15, 2017
This series is the relaxing sitcom watching of reading. I'm coming to love getting to come back to Carseley and all the colorful characters and happenings but also be so relaxed.
September 6, 2018
En poco más de un mes me he leído sin darme cuenta los cuatro primeros libros de esta serie. No son ninguna obra maestra —tampoco lo pretenden—, ni me atrevo a recomendárselos a nadie, pero como historias entretenidas y sin más pretensiones que llevarme a la playa, han cumplido su función sobradamente y es en ese sentido en el que los valoro y comento.
Agatha tiene, al comenzar la serie, 53 años. Nacida en un barrio pobre de Birmingham, se ha convertido en una relaciones públicas de enorme éxito, llegando a poseer su propia agencia en un barrio exclusivo de Londres. Pero en el plano personal no ha tenido tanta suerte y en la gran ciudad lleva una vida solitaria y gris. Así, decide dejarlo todo, prejubilarse y cumplir su sueño de la infancia: vivir en los Cotswolds.
Instalada ya en su cottage en el pueblo ficticio de Carsely, Agatha trata de integrarse en la comunidad participando, en la primera novela, (Agatha Raisin y la quiche letal) en un concurso de quichés, presentando una que ha comprado, con tan mala suerte que uno de los miembros del jurado muere a causa de la cicuta con la que estaba envenenada su propuesta. Agatha tendrá que investigar el caso para limpiar su buen nombre, y así empieza una carrera detectivesca que cuenta ya con 29 títulos.
La serie está bien ambientada. Los casos, que recuerdan en su planteamiento a las novelas de Agatha Christie, son entretenidos y amables y lo mejor, en mi opinión, es que se leen con una sonrisa permanente (y, lo confieso, alguna que otra carcajada).
Agatha Raisin y su atractivo vecino James Lacey, militar retirado, forman una pareja de detectives aficionados entrañable, y aunque doy por hecho que en algún momento la masacre en los apacibles pueblos de los Cotswolds y el tira y afloja de Agatha y James se volverán repetitivos, mientras ese momento no llegue sin duda seguiré disfrutando de estas historias.
Agatha tiene, al comenzar la serie, 53 años. Nacida en un barrio pobre de Birmingham, se ha convertido en una relaciones públicas de enorme éxito, llegando a poseer su propia agencia en un barrio exclusivo de Londres. Pero en el plano personal no ha tenido tanta suerte y en la gran ciudad lleva una vida solitaria y gris. Así, decide dejarlo todo, prejubilarse y cumplir su sueño de la infancia: vivir en los Cotswolds.
Instalada ya en su cottage en el pueblo ficticio de Carsely, Agatha trata de integrarse en la comunidad participando, en la primera novela, (Agatha Raisin y la quiche letal) en un concurso de quichés, presentando una que ha comprado, con tan mala suerte que uno de los miembros del jurado muere a causa de la cicuta con la que estaba envenenada su propuesta. Agatha tendrá que investigar el caso para limpiar su buen nombre, y así empieza una carrera detectivesca que cuenta ya con 29 títulos.
La serie está bien ambientada. Los casos, que recuerdan en su planteamiento a las novelas de Agatha Christie, son entretenidos y amables y lo mejor, en mi opinión, es que se leen con una sonrisa permanente (y, lo confieso, alguna que otra carcajada).
Agatha Raisin y su atractivo vecino James Lacey, militar retirado, forman una pareja de detectives aficionados entrañable, y aunque doy por hecho que en algún momento la masacre en los apacibles pueblos de los Cotswolds y el tira y afloja de Agatha y James se volverán repetitivos, mientras ese momento no llegue sin duda seguiré disfrutando de estas historias.
March 10, 2024
That ending. What. the. hell?
The mystery was quite good but I am just not a fan of James Lacey. He seems to only become aware of Agatha in a positive way when she is depressed and quiet.
Then I looked it up...
First published April 1, 1995 <--ok, yeah. loud women were still considered an ick by a lot of the population. I don't know. I'm having a hard time getting behind this James & Agatha thing when he doesn't seem to like Agatha in all her glory. And I also don't like that she has to be somewhat depressed and quiet before he shows any interest.
Then again, nobody likes it when someone who smells of desperation keeps knocking on their door.
I'm torn.
But a big part of me hopes that this next book finds Lacey gone from her life by the end of it.
The gist of this one is that a group of "ramblers" get together to...ramble about the countryside. And apparently, there are specific spots on English landowners' property that they are legally required to let these folks walk on through.
You learn something new every day.
Anyway, there's a nasty, aggressive woman who likes to be as obnoxious and confrontational as she can when dealing with the people whose land she's tromping over.
But as you might have guessed, this isn't the only area in her life where she likes to cause trouble. She has insulted, threatened, and humiliated almost everyone in her inner circle of Dembley Walkers' group.
So. It's not shocking when she ends up coshed over the head with a shovel.
Whodunnit?
Well, read it and find out.
But the big twist at the end has nothing to do with who killed a bitchy walker.
Not my favorite but here's hoping the rest are better.
The mystery was quite good but I am just not a fan of James Lacey. He seems to only become aware of Agatha in a positive way when she is depressed and quiet.
Then I looked it up...
First published April 1, 1995 <--ok, yeah. loud women were still considered an ick by a lot of the population. I don't know. I'm having a hard time getting behind this James & Agatha thing when he doesn't seem to like Agatha in all her glory. And I also don't like that she has to be somewhat depressed and quiet before he shows any interest.
Then again, nobody likes it when someone who smells of desperation keeps knocking on their door.
I'm torn.
But a big part of me hopes that this next book finds Lacey gone from her life by the end of it.
The gist of this one is that a group of "ramblers" get together to...ramble about the countryside. And apparently, there are specific spots on English landowners' property that they are legally required to let these folks walk on through.
You learn something new every day.
Anyway, there's a nasty, aggressive woman who likes to be as obnoxious and confrontational as she can when dealing with the people whose land she's tromping over.
But as you might have guessed, this isn't the only area in her life where she likes to cause trouble. She has insulted, threatened, and humiliated almost everyone in her inner circle of Dembley Walkers' group.
So. It's not shocking when she ends up coshed over the head with a shovel.
Whodunnit?
Well, read it and find out.
But the big twist at the end has nothing to do with who killed a bitchy walker.
Not my favorite but here's hoping the rest are better.
March 16, 2017
Agatha Raisin is, as always, an absolute delight to read! I immensely enjoyed this, and can't wait to read the next one!
July 19, 2022
Devorado en un día y, como siempre, Agatha es estupenda. La ambientación en los Cotswolds, la construcción de los personajes, incluso de aquellos que son secundarios... Lo que estos libros transmiten me hace sentir muy cómoda. Me encanta meterme en la cabeza de Agatha y padecer con ella todas sus inseguridades y pensamientos, investigar los asesinatos, etc.
Pero debo reconocer que no ha sido mi favorito hasta el momento. La serie pronto tendrá 33 libros, así que estaba claro que no todos podían gustarme al mismo nivel. Lo cual no significa para nada que este no me haya gustado, solo que le encuentro dos pegas:
-El enfoque que la autora ha decidido darle a este ha caso ha sido diferente. Nos alejamos de Carsley y de su variopinta comunidad de vecinos para sumergirnos de lleno en un grupo de excursionistas. Hay muchas escenas de este nuevo grupo de personas en las que no aparecen ni Agatha ni ningún personaje conocido, así que no me he sentido tan conectada con los personajes como con los libros anteriores.
-No acaba de encajarme lo que sucede con la situación entre James y Agatha al final del libro. Creo que se precipita todo mucho, teniendo en cuenta el comportamiento de uno de ellos a lo largo de la historia. Me habría gustado que, teniendo en cuenta que hay libros de sobra, desarrollaran un poco mejor las cosas, con más profundidad y tranquilidad.
Aun así, y aunque tiene pinta de que el siguiente va a ser toda una montaña rusa, me alegro muchísimo de que sigan trayendo esta serie a España y que ganas del quinto. Ojalá no haya que esperar al año que viene.
Pero debo reconocer que no ha sido mi favorito hasta el momento. La serie pronto tendrá 33 libros, así que estaba claro que no todos podían gustarme al mismo nivel. Lo cual no significa para nada que este no me haya gustado, solo que le encuentro dos pegas:
-El enfoque que la autora ha decidido darle a este ha caso ha sido diferente. Nos alejamos de Carsley y de su variopinta comunidad de vecinos para sumergirnos de lleno en un grupo de excursionistas. Hay muchas escenas de este nuevo grupo de personas en las que no aparecen ni Agatha ni ningún personaje conocido, así que no me he sentido tan conectada con los personajes como con los libros anteriores.
-No acaba de encajarme lo que sucede con la situación entre James y Agatha al final del libro. Creo que se precipita todo mucho, teniendo en cuenta el comportamiento de uno de ellos a lo largo de la historia. Me habría gustado que, teniendo en cuenta que hay libros de sobra, desarrollaran un poco mejor las cosas, con más profundidad y tranquilidad.
Aun así, y aunque tiene pinta de que el siguiente va a ser toda una montaña rusa, me alegro muchísimo de que sigan trayendo esta serie a España y que ganas del quinto. Ojalá no haya que esperar al año que viene.
March 2, 2025
True - I did not guess the murderer in this one, though the ending bugged me so much I dropped the rating by one star.
It does however set up the next book nicely. I'm interested to meet the mysterious Mr. Raisin.
Why do I keep picturing Keith Moon?
It does however set up the next book nicely. I'm interested to meet the mysterious Mr. Raisin.
Why do I keep picturing Keith Moon?
June 14, 2015
What makes Agatha Raisin special? She's spunky. She's stubborn. She knows how to get results. As a woman who had to work her way to success, she also has a major chip on her shoulder when she comes face to face with the wealthy or "old rich." She doesn't take anyone's nonsense. She is a strong woman. She's also human and craves meaningful relationships. She makes a way to create these relationships with the residents of Carsely. At least that's what I thought of her before I picked up this book in the series.
Agatha has just returned from her 6 month long stint in London, back at her old PR job. She's paid her dues, and returns to her home in the Cotswold village of Carsely.
Her newest case falls into her lap. A rambler, Jessica Tartinck, of Dembley has been murdered. Another rambler from the group, Deborah, has asked for Agatha's help in clearing the name of Charles Fraith through her aunt, Mrs. Mason.
Agatha jumps into the case, with James Lacy, neighbor and favorite fantasy, posing as a married couple.
SPOILER ALERT:
What upsets me about this book is the way Agatha has been reduced to a weak, unhappy woman. She seems to have forgotten everything she learned about herself from the Potted Gardner and Vicious Vet. She's back to making a fool of herself over James Lacy. James, who is simply looking for a woman that needs him to take care of her, rather than equal partner in life. Lacey, the man who has been rude to Agatha, has ignored her completely, and has treated her with condescension the entire time we've known him.
All of a sudden, Agatha and Lacy end up in bed together ONCE and Lacey proposes marriage?! What is going here?! And AGATHA ACCEPTS?!
I find the whole situation rather difficult to believe. The real world doesn't really work that way. Agatha's whole character is out of sync with her actions, not to mention the actions of James Lacey. I understand exploring the side of Agatha that requires intimacy. But the there was very little real buildup to that here. They had drunken sex ONCE and he proposes? Hmmm... Not really feeling it.
Furthermore, the mystery plot was nowhere near as satisfying as the plots of the previous books. Everything happens very cleanly, and without any hitches. Deborah just turns out to be a mad girl who simply "rounded the twist", with no previous history of madness.
I expected much more from M.C. Beaton, especially since the previous books in the series developed such vivid characters and had well-thought out plots. I'm hoping the next one won't disappoint me. But I'll read the reviews to prepare myself, just in case.
Agatha has just returned from her 6 month long stint in London, back at her old PR job. She's paid her dues, and returns to her home in the Cotswold village of Carsely.
Her newest case falls into her lap. A rambler, Jessica Tartinck, of Dembley has been murdered. Another rambler from the group, Deborah, has asked for Agatha's help in clearing the name of Charles Fraith through her aunt, Mrs. Mason.
Agatha jumps into the case, with James Lacy, neighbor and favorite fantasy, posing as a married couple.
SPOILER ALERT:
What upsets me about this book is the way Agatha has been reduced to a weak, unhappy woman. She seems to have forgotten everything she learned about herself from the Potted Gardner and Vicious Vet. She's back to making a fool of herself over James Lacy. James, who is simply looking for a woman that needs him to take care of her, rather than equal partner in life. Lacey, the man who has been rude to Agatha, has ignored her completely, and has treated her with condescension the entire time we've known him.
All of a sudden, Agatha and Lacy end up in bed together ONCE and Lacey proposes marriage?! What is going here?! And AGATHA ACCEPTS?!
I find the whole situation rather difficult to believe. The real world doesn't really work that way. Agatha's whole character is out of sync with her actions, not to mention the actions of James Lacey. I understand exploring the side of Agatha that requires intimacy. But the there was very little real buildup to that here. They had drunken sex ONCE and he proposes? Hmmm... Not really feeling it.
Furthermore, the mystery plot was nowhere near as satisfying as the plots of the previous books. Everything happens very cleanly, and without any hitches. Deborah just turns out to be a mad girl who simply "rounded the twist", with no previous history of madness.
I expected much more from M.C. Beaton, especially since the previous books in the series developed such vivid characters and had well-thought out plots. I'm hoping the next one won't disappoint me. But I'll read the reviews to prepare myself, just in case.
March 11, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening. 🎉🎎✨
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 4 of 30.
Agatha and James are asked to investigate a murder. It is not going well with another person murdered. But things work out with the killer being arrested.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 4 of 30.
Agatha and James are asked to investigate a murder. It is not going well with another person murdered. But things work out with the killer being arrested.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024
October 12, 2011
Oh, my. Oh, my!
Another neat, fast-paced mystery centering on ghastly murders in an otherwise ideal setting. When a rambler (hiker) from a nearby town is found dead in a field, Agatha is called upon to dig up all the info she can.
Of course, investigations are far more exciting with James Lacey in tow. And how much more exciting still to go undercover with the chap - as a married couple!
Though the mystery has its fair share of plausible, unsettling suspects, the highlight of this tale is the interaction between Agatha and James. Beaton finally throws them together in an inescapable way, forcing the two to sort out their feelings.
Since so much of the book is devoted to their relationship, I can't help but note that I don't view them as the best romantic match. James is too adept at seeming indifferent, whilst Agatha is so caught up in her paranoid misconceptions that she can't see her own worth. I find myself wishing she'd forget about a man liking her and instead focus on liking herself. It's irking me more as I read further installments.
The ending serves up lots of game-changing moments for the series - tons and tons when you consider how short a book it is. I'm certainly going to keep reading, hopefully wishing that Agatha soon learns some lessons about men - and herself - before she's the one committing murder!
Another neat, fast-paced mystery centering on ghastly murders in an otherwise ideal setting. When a rambler (hiker) from a nearby town is found dead in a field, Agatha is called upon to dig up all the info she can.
Of course, investigations are far more exciting with James Lacey in tow. And how much more exciting still to go undercover with the chap - as a married couple!
Though the mystery has its fair share of plausible, unsettling suspects, the highlight of this tale is the interaction between Agatha and James. Beaton finally throws them together in an inescapable way, forcing the two to sort out their feelings.
Since so much of the book is devoted to their relationship, I can't help but note that I don't view them as the best romantic match. James is too adept at seeming indifferent, whilst Agatha is so caught up in her paranoid misconceptions that she can't see her own worth. I find myself wishing she'd forget about a man liking her and instead focus on liking herself. It's irking me more as I read further installments.
The ending serves up lots of game-changing moments for the series - tons and tons when you consider how short a book it is. I'm certainly going to keep reading, hopefully wishing that Agatha soon learns some lessons about men - and herself - before she's the one committing murder!
October 20, 2017
Another good entry in the Agatha Raisin series but only a 3.5*** on my scale. Why? Well, Agatha is Agatha and she is great, but we now move away from our friendly and beloved village of Carsley to a neighboring area of Dembley and completely new characters who we will most likely not meet again in this series - it is also the trouble with the TV series in that they cannot keep everything bad happening in Carsley and so they move about England and most of the core characters become minimalized other than Agatha and James.
But Agatha is a corker as she worries about little lines appearing on her upper lip, how big her feet look in white sneakers, her continuing desire for James and the fact that she and James actually have to move to Dembley to go undercover posing as husband and wife but unfortunately for Agatha they move to a 3-bedroom apartment and James sleeps in a different room with his door barricaded by a chair propped under the door knob.
Agatha feels she has put on a few pounds during her 6-months in London and decides to join a Rambling Society that in infested with militant trekkers, class-conscious walkers, lesbians and an IRA sympathizer. Just another good old fashioned murder mystery for Agatha.
The adventure is always fun when traveling with Agatha but I hope the next book gets back to the friendly confines of Carsley.
But Agatha is a corker as she worries about little lines appearing on her upper lip, how big her feet look in white sneakers, her continuing desire for James and the fact that she and James actually have to move to Dembley to go undercover posing as husband and wife but unfortunately for Agatha they move to a 3-bedroom apartment and James sleeps in a different room with his door barricaded by a chair propped under the door knob.
Agatha feels she has put on a few pounds during her 6-months in London and decides to join a Rambling Society that in infested with militant trekkers, class-conscious walkers, lesbians and an IRA sympathizer. Just another good old fashioned murder mystery for Agatha.
The adventure is always fun when traveling with Agatha but I hope the next book gets back to the friendly confines of Carsley.
December 25, 2019
4 stars
This was the funnest of the four books in the series that I’ve read. I just love it when you get into Agatha’s head.
But the best scene in the book for me was
This was the funnest of the four books in the series that I’ve read. I just love it when you get into Agatha’s head.
She had fantasized about there being only one bedroom. James would sleep on a cot-bed on the floor. "God, this thing's uncomfortable," he would moan. "I wish I had that nice double bed to sleep on." And Agatha would say huskily, "Why not join me?" And he would, and then, and then...
But the best scene in the book for me was
January 26, 2022
If you enjoy Cozy Mysteries, try giving this a go. I listened to this as an audiobook through Borrow Box and it's a short 4 hrs, 41 minutes. Witty, humorous and Penelope Keith does an excellent job of voice over on this one.
July 18, 2023
There was nothing to look forward to now at her age but an early grave.
Ridiculous and entertaining, as always.
Ridiculous and entertaining, as always.
October 12, 2023
New adventure for Agatha Raisin, the amateur detective protagonist of M.C. Beaton's books. This time, she's dealing with an eccentric community of walkers who take their hobby very seriously. When one of them is found dead, Agatha is 'hired' to solve the case. But among the obsessed walkers, their secrets, and her unwavering determination to unravel the mystery, laughter and surprises are guaranteed! Agatha Raisin once again proves that, even as she gets into bizarre situations, her investigative spirit knows no rivals. A mix of humor and intrigue, with a touch of eccentricity that makes this adventure a fun tour through Denbley's secrets and the winding roads of mystery.
September 26, 2022
Entretenido
February 9, 2023
I read this book for a reading challenge. Imo it wasn’t one of the best of the series so far, but I always get a laugh here and there, which is why I continue on with them. One of the main points in the resolution felt pretty far-fetched to me, which is why the rating is only 3.
April 12, 2022
Agatha es contratada junto con su vecino James ha investigar un asesinato.
El caso es sencillo y lo resuelven sin mucha difucultad.
Agatha ha evolucionado en su relación con James y ya no vive obesionada por él.
Libro ameno que entretiene y que viend bien leer entre libros densos
El caso es sencillo y lo resuelven sin mucha difucultad.
Agatha ha evolucionado en su relación con James y ya no vive obesionada por él.
Libro ameno que entretiene y que viend bien leer entre libros densos
December 6, 2022
Oh dear.
I’m not sure what to think.
At first I thought these books would be fun, cozy mysteries ~ and scrubbed kitchen tables and scones. Merry and bright for some light holiday reading.
I have been having some uncomfortable feelings about some things in these books. I am hoping that it is just me being over sensitive.
I’m not sure what to think.
At first I thought these books would be fun, cozy mysteries ~ and scrubbed kitchen tables and scones. Merry and bright for some light holiday reading.
I have been having some uncomfortable feelings about some things in these books. I am hoping that it is just me being over sensitive.
May 8, 2019
2.5 stars
Agatha Raisin and The Walkers of Dembley - 2 stars
Agatha’s First Case - 3.5 stars (short story)
Agatha Raisin regresa con mucha nostalgia a Costwolds -donde siente que tiene verdaderos amigos- despues de 6 meses en Londres, cumpliendo el trato por lo del libro anterior (¡que menudo bien que le hizo!), y , nadie sabe por qué, todavia soñando con el vecino del lado (que es un pelmazo que la trata mal). Lo último es que se reune un grupo a recorrer las fincas atravesando los campos, Agatha se entusiasma enseguida porque James Lacey es el guia.
Mientras tanto, otro se ha estado contando el punto de vista de otro grupo , los Paseantes de Dembley, que se reune para seguir vias de paso pedestres olvidadas y que no es más que una excusa para ir a armar lio y pelearse con los dueños de los sitios. Y uno de ellos acaba muerto.
Y alli es donde parte nuestra Agatha a investigar abiertamente.
Como comentaban otros, el misterio se siente bastante sin sentido y a pesar de que quiere exponer otros personajes interesantes , distintos a las excentricidades de Costwold, se pierde bastante. El resultado es bastante flojo.
Pero sin duda lo que más molesta es que Agatha , una mujer tan confiada y que a la vez se ve tan vulnerable, puede ser capaz de aferrarse a este estupido que es James Lacey, que siempre la desdeña, se le esconde, la humilla y le aterra cuando ella actua de forma proactiva, pero que la encuentra de lo mejor cuando Agatha se encuentra deprimida y derrotada , en su punto más bajo y dependiente de él. ¡Uf, da una rabia!
Lo que sucede al final con James es un enorme 'exijo una explicación'. ¿Cómo de pasar a esconderse de ella cada vez que aparece con perfume y arreglada termina despues Eso no me computa...>.<
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Al final de esta edición aparece "El primer Caso de Agatha Raisin". Un relato corto, donde una Agatha con 26 años, esbelta y con piernas larguisimas, como es descrita, esta trabajando de secre-hacelo-todo en una agencia de pblicidad, y aprovecha un momento donde un aristocrata es acusado de matar a su esposa, para salirse de la agencia y empezar a investigar por primera vez. Aqui vemos de nuevo a nuestra Agatha decidida y que se atreve a todo, aunque meta la pata y se meta en tremendo lio, y como este 'ángel' la ayuda.
Buena historia.
Agatha gusta porque pese a ser una mujer emprendedora, su lado generoso siempre asoma . Da una lata como ver que otros después terminaran pagándole mal como ese desgraciado de Roy , uf.
Agatha Raisin and The Walkers of Dembley - 2 stars
Agatha’s First Case - 3.5 stars (short story)
Agatha Raisin regresa con mucha nostalgia a Costwolds -donde siente que tiene verdaderos amigos- despues de 6 meses en Londres, cumpliendo el trato por lo del libro anterior (¡que menudo bien que le hizo!), y , nadie sabe por qué, todavia soñando con el vecino del lado (que es un pelmazo que la trata mal). Lo último es que se reune un grupo a recorrer las fincas atravesando los campos, Agatha se entusiasma enseguida porque James Lacey es el guia.
Mientras tanto, otro se ha estado contando el punto de vista de otro grupo , los Paseantes de Dembley, que se reune para seguir vias de paso pedestres olvidadas y que no es más que una excusa para ir a armar lio y pelearse con los dueños de los sitios. Y uno de ellos acaba muerto.
Y alli es donde parte nuestra Agatha a investigar abiertamente.
Como comentaban otros, el misterio se siente bastante sin sentido y a pesar de que quiere exponer otros personajes interesantes , distintos a las excentricidades de Costwold, se pierde bastante. El resultado es bastante flojo.
Pero sin duda lo que más molesta es que Agatha , una mujer tan confiada y que a la vez se ve tan vulnerable, puede ser capaz de aferrarse a este estupido que es James Lacey, que siempre la desdeña, se le esconde, la humilla y le aterra cuando ella actua de forma proactiva, pero que la encuentra de lo mejor cuando Agatha se encuentra deprimida y derrotada , en su punto más bajo y dependiente de él. ¡Uf, da una rabia!
«Agatha había concluido que el intento de conquistar a James era inútil, y durante el resto de aquella mañana y por la tarde estuvo tan callada y abatida, que James disfrutó inmensamente de su compañía. Esa noche ni siquiera se tomó la molestia de poner una silla bajo la manija de la puerta de su dormitorio.»
Lo que sucede al final con James es un enorme 'exijo una explicación'. ¿Cómo de pasar a esconderse de ella cada vez que aparece con perfume y arreglada termina despues Eso no me computa...>.<
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Al final de esta edición aparece "El primer Caso de Agatha Raisin". Un relato corto, donde una Agatha con 26 años, esbelta y con piernas larguisimas, como es descrita, esta trabajando de secre-hacelo-todo en una agencia de pblicidad, y aprovecha un momento donde un aristocrata es acusado de matar a su esposa, para salirse de la agencia y empezar a investigar por primera vez. Aqui vemos de nuevo a nuestra Agatha decidida y que se atreve a todo, aunque meta la pata y se meta en tremendo lio, y como este 'ángel' la ayuda.
Buena historia.
Agatha gusta porque pese a ser una mujer emprendedora, su lado generoso siempre asoma . Da una lata como ver que otros después terminaran pagándole mal como ese desgraciado de Roy , uf.
June 30, 2022
Leer a Agatha Raisin es como volver a cada. Cada vez que abro un libro suyo, empieza a embriagarme una comodidad de la que no quiero salir; y con este cuarto libro no ha sido de otra manera.
Los personajes siguen manteniendo su esencia y Agatha, más bien sus pensamientos privados, siempre me hacen reír. Además, el final de este libro tiene un momentazo que no me esperaba para nada y que hace que la espera hasta el quinto libro se me vaya a hacer dura.
En esta ocasión, el libro es más cortito pero no está peor desarrollado. Simplemente, yo me tiraría una tarde entera leyendo estas historias sin querer salir de ellas. No he adivinado a el o la culpable del libro y me ha gustado mucho, que por primera vez, ha habido dos narraciones distintas. Regalándonos momentos que viven los personajes nuevos, que de otra manera habrían sido secretos para el lector.
De verdad, no exagero si digo que esta serie de libros se está convirtiendo en mi zona de confort, mi felicidad a ratitos o ese lugar (Carsely) en el que desearía vivir.
Os recomiendo mucho estos libros si os gustan los ambientes cozys y el misterio. Para mí no tienen ninguna pega.
Los personajes siguen manteniendo su esencia y Agatha, más bien sus pensamientos privados, siempre me hacen reír. Además, el final de este libro tiene un momentazo que no me esperaba para nada y que hace que la espera hasta el quinto libro se me vaya a hacer dura.
En esta ocasión, el libro es más cortito pero no está peor desarrollado. Simplemente, yo me tiraría una tarde entera leyendo estas historias sin querer salir de ellas. No he adivinado a el o la culpable del libro y me ha gustado mucho, que por primera vez, ha habido dos narraciones distintas. Regalándonos momentos que viven los personajes nuevos, que de otra manera habrían sido secretos para el lector.
De verdad, no exagero si digo que esta serie de libros se está convirtiendo en mi zona de confort, mi felicidad a ratitos o ese lugar (Carsely) en el que desearía vivir.
Os recomiendo mucho estos libros si os gustan los ambientes cozys y el misterio. Para mí no tienen ninguna pega.
December 5, 2018
Die Freundin einer getöteten Wanderin bittet Agatha um Hilfe. Sie soll den Fall aufklären. Gemeinsam mit ihrem Nachbarn James schmuggelt sich Agatha in die Wandergruppe ein. Sie und James geben sich dabei als Ehepaar aus, was Agatha nur recht ist, möchte sie doch James endlich näherkommen. Gemeinsam gehen die beiden Hobby-Detektive dem Mordfall nach.
Mein Leseeindruck:
Auch dieser neue Fall hat mich wieder überzeugen können. Es macht einfach Spaß, Agatha beim Ermitteln über die Schulter zu schauen. Auch ist es interessant zu verfolgen, wie sich die Beziehung von Agatha und James entwickelt.
Es ist ein ruhiger Krimi, der durchaus spannend ist, aber der auch die Charaktere mit in den Vordergrund holt. Die Hauptprotagonistin Agatha ist mir dabei sehr sympathisch, auch wenn sie nicht unbedingt immer freundlich rüberkommt. Aber ich mag einfach ihre unverblümte und manchmal auch nervige Art. Ich freue mich auf die nächsten Bücher dieser Reihe!
Mein Leseeindruck:
Auch dieser neue Fall hat mich wieder überzeugen können. Es macht einfach Spaß, Agatha beim Ermitteln über die Schulter zu schauen. Auch ist es interessant zu verfolgen, wie sich die Beziehung von Agatha und James entwickelt.
Es ist ein ruhiger Krimi, der durchaus spannend ist, aber der auch die Charaktere mit in den Vordergrund holt. Die Hauptprotagonistin Agatha ist mir dabei sehr sympathisch, auch wenn sie nicht unbedingt immer freundlich rüberkommt. Aber ich mag einfach ihre unverblümte und manchmal auch nervige Art. Ich freue mich auf die nächsten Bücher dieser Reihe!
April 18, 2015
I’m really liking these Agatha Raisin audios. They are relatively short and I can finish them in a week while I commute to and from work.
Agatha is still full of herself and it’s taking me a long time to warm up to her, but I’m finally coming around. LOL She sure is relentless in the pursuit of her handsome neighbor, James Lacey. Some of her decisions make me shake my head and other times I just want to shake her.
I find myself becoming more involved in the characters and their relationships then the actual mysteries. They are usually not very complex, although interesting.
This book left us with a cliffhanger – not about the mystery, that was wrapped up by the end of the book. I don’t want to give anything away in case someone is still out there reading this series but the cliffhanger is about Agatha.
I know it left me with many questions and I can’t wait to start listening to the next book. That should be on Monday :)
As a side note, I do think this series is best if you start with the first book. That way you get to watch Agatha’s character grow. I think she’s better appreciated when you have the full picture.
Also, I really enjoy the narrator, Penelope Keith. She does a wonderful job with this series.
Agatha is still full of herself and it’s taking me a long time to warm up to her, but I’m finally coming around. LOL She sure is relentless in the pursuit of her handsome neighbor, James Lacey. Some of her decisions make me shake my head and other times I just want to shake her.
I find myself becoming more involved in the characters and their relationships then the actual mysteries. They are usually not very complex, although interesting.
This book left us with a cliffhanger – not about the mystery, that was wrapped up by the end of the book. I don’t want to give anything away in case someone is still out there reading this series but the cliffhanger is about Agatha.
I know it left me with many questions and I can’t wait to start listening to the next book. That should be on Monday :)
As a side note, I do think this series is best if you start with the first book. That way you get to watch Agatha’s character grow. I think she’s better appreciated when you have the full picture.
Also, I really enjoy the narrator, Penelope Keith. She does a wonderful job with this series.
January 29, 2018
I'm going through this series like I go through a bag of Reese's Cup minis—fast and loving every delicious second! The Walkers of Dembley introduces a group of SJW environmentalists whose leader enjoys confronting wealthy landowners about the right-of-way laws and their rights to trample through their gardens. I laughed a lot at the vocal leader who is a "raging bitch" who needs to "get stuffed" as Agatha is fond of saying about many people she meets. She doesn't get stuffed but she does get snuffed and Agatha and James team up once again to solve the murder. Another colorful character in Sir Charles Fraith is introduced into the series.
November 5, 2020
Really enjoyed this one. Beaton nails the hypocrisy of progressive politics and her dialogue is hilarious. I have not been reading the books in order, but apparently this is the first time that Agatha meets Sir Charles. In fact, we're not even sure if he's not the murderer.
I think Beaton must have done research in mental hospitals and studied psychopaths.
I think Beaton must have done research in mental hospitals and studied psychopaths.
July 31, 2011
Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley by M.C. Beaton is fourth in Beaton's Agatha Raisin series. Agatha, a 50+ public relations' executive has retired from her London agency to live a quiet life in a small village and, hopefully, learn how to make friends and live peacefully with others.
In this mystery, Agatha (a very bright woman with an abrasive personality) has returned to do a stint of public relations' work. She succeeds at it brilliantly-but also falls back into all her old bad habits. She returns to her village hoping to recapture her newly discovered nicer self-and instead falls immediately into a murder.
I love this series, including the irascible Agatha who is not at all the usual heroine. As a woman aged 50+ myself, with doubts about my own personal charm, I really appreciate her struggles. She makes me smile and gives me hope. And the mystery is interesting as well!
In this mystery, Agatha (a very bright woman with an abrasive personality) has returned to do a stint of public relations' work. She succeeds at it brilliantly-but also falls back into all her old bad habits. She returns to her village hoping to recapture her newly discovered nicer self-and instead falls immediately into a murder.
I love this series, including the irascible Agatha who is not at all the usual heroine. As a woman aged 50+ myself, with doubts about my own personal charm, I really appreciate her struggles. She makes me smile and gives me hope. And the mystery is interesting as well!
January 4, 2012
A surprisingly uneventful Agatha Raisin mystery! The characters are fairly uninteresting, the plot is weak and even dear old Agatha lacks her usual craziness... This read was a bit of a disappointment but I hear this is one of the least enjoyable installment in the series. I hope Mrs Raisin's next adventures will be more fun to read:)
August 1, 2022
Pero que agiles son estos libritos, se leen en una sentada además de ser muy divertidos, y aquí tendremos otro asesinato pero esta vez pedirán ayuda a Agatha para que averigüe algo. Si es que los paseos por el campo son muy peligrosos.
El roce de Agatha y James esta muy interesante y además tiene un principio que me gusto mucho y nos enseña a la Agatha mas agresiva.
El roce de Agatha y James esta muy interesante y además tiene un principio que me gusto mucho y nos enseña a la Agatha mas agresiva.
January 26, 2015
I'd forgotten how Charles Fraith came into the series. It was an interesting re-read looking at the characters.
July 12, 2025
Una lectura muy agradable, como toda la serie de Agatha.
May 9, 2023
2,5 estrellas.
Mi opinión está en la minoría. Lo sé. Pero es que no soporto el personaje de Lacey y no me gusta cómo es Agatha cuando va tras él. Normalmente, estas situaciones tan ridículas en que se mete Agatha por James no me resultan graciosas sino mortificantes. Imagino que es una cuestión de gustos. Si a eso le sumamos que los misterios en esta serie son un poco flojos (este libro no es la excepción), pues no hay mucho más en esta historia para mí.
Pese a todo, le daré una oportunidad más, solamente por Agatha, porque me encanta su personaje. Pero no tengo demasiadas esperanzas 😢
Para este título he cambiado de edición. Es diferente. Me gusta la ilustración de la cubierta y el tamaño. Algo mayor que el formato de bolsillo pero no llega a tapa blanda grande. Con letra de buen tamaño. Por supuesto, en su inglés original.
Mi opinión está en la minoría. Lo sé. Pero es que no soporto el personaje de Lacey y no me gusta cómo es Agatha cuando va tras él. Normalmente, estas situaciones tan ridículas en que se mete Agatha por James no me resultan graciosas sino mortificantes. Imagino que es una cuestión de gustos. Si a eso le sumamos que los misterios en esta serie son un poco flojos (este libro no es la excepción), pues no hay mucho más en esta historia para mí.
Pese a todo, le daré una oportunidad más, solamente por Agatha, porque me encanta su personaje. Pero no tengo demasiadas esperanzas 😢
Para este título he cambiado de edición. Es diferente. Me gusta la ilustración de la cubierta y el tamaño. Algo mayor que el formato de bolsillo pero no llega a tapa blanda grande. Con letra de buen tamaño. Por supuesto, en su inglés original.
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