English Mysteries Club discussion

Perfect. I had this book for ages and haven't yet read it ,and I've been wanting to read it for some time.

Great. I have read the whole series. Nice to see what everybody here thinks of it.

never read any of these before so will be good to see what they are like

Have meant to read this series forever, so looking forward to it.

I read it sometime ago and really enjoyed it.

Beware! Since my old copy of this book vanished I bought this for my Kindle. The editors for this have been very heavy handed in making it "American English" friendly. I'm sure there is not a church in Britain where they sing "My Country Tis Of Thee" at the end of a church service. (Maybe God Save The Queen)

Shera wrote: "Beware! Since my old copy of this book vanished I bought this for my Kindle. The editors for this have been very heavy handed in making it "American English" friendly. I'm sure there is not a chur..."

I hate when that happens.

Shera wrote: "Beware! Since my old copy of this book vanished I bought this for my Kindle. The editors for this have been very heavy handed in making it "American English" friendly. I'm sure there is not a chur..."

I never knew they did that. I wonder how and if it changes the tone of a book. I rather enjoy reading expressions and such that are particular to certain regions (without being overdone to the point they become corny).

Yes, when I worked in a bookstore I would go to signings and conventions. One author said she had to send a book back three times because they kept changing things she a corrected twice.She said she wrote Rugby School and they changed it to rugby school. Quite different places.

Shera wrote: "Beware! Since my old copy of this book vanished I bought this for my Kindle. The editors for this have been very heavy handed in making it "American English" friendly. I'm sure there is not a chur..."

I was listening to it on CD and that stood out like a sore thumb. I can't believe the person reading it could say it without laughing.

Oh good. I got the ebook copy of this and the next one from Barnes & Noble for a good price so I wanted to read it.

This was a fun read! It was my first with this author and will definitely not be my last as I gobbled up her second book last night. Fun characters.

I enjoyed it too. I was a bit frustrated in the beginning as I didn't warm to Agatha for a while - and also she kept returning to London every 5 mins! However, I also downloaded the second book and it is certainly a series I will continue with.

Susan wrote: "I enjoyed it too. I was a bit frustrated in the beginning as I didn't warm to Agatha for a while - and also she kept returning to London every 5 mins! However, I also downloaded the second book a..."

I've started reading this book three times, and I can't get past the chapter where Agatha hires her cleaning woman. Please tell me that Agatha does become a real person soon! To this point she's just not credible, to me, and I wouldn't even try to continue if it wasn't BOM.

Also, when is it set? I know the book was published in 1992, but trains stopped running to Bourton-on-the Water in the 1960s. I wasn't sure if the fact that Agatha went there by train was intended to signal (hah) that the book was set pre-1964, or if the author is just using artistic licence.

Trains stopped running to almost all rural areas in the 1960's, didn't they? I think it was meant to be set now, but I am sure other people know better than me? I really don't know much about the series. I will admit that I did not warm to Agatha until quite far into the book, but I did enjoy it, so I would persevere.

This is simply not a very well written book. The dialog is just not believable; even shallow, nasty people (as so many of these characters are) would be hypocritical enough not to say some of the bluntly insulting things these people say.

Still, ... I did read to the end and didn't give up as I have on several other BOTMs. I kept feeling occasional pangs of empathy for Agatha Raisin. Perhaps she'll get more likable, more interesting, and more believable as the series goes on.

This is my first exposure to Agatha Raisin (and to M C Beaton for that matter). I don't recall who nominated this book. If the nominator is reading this post, perhaps she or he can tell us whether the series gets better.

I have read the Hamish Macbeth series by M C Beaton, which I prefer from first reading. She is certainly a prolific writer.

Susan wrote: "...She is certainly a prolific writer."...

I think that's the main reason I'm disappointed that I don't find this book to be very good - I would love to find a new source of lots of good books!

I love the Hamish Macbeth TV series, so can't read those books as they're not the same as it.

Don't worry - there are a LOT of great authors out there and I am sure you can find a lot of series you like. :)

I am a fan of M C Beaton - both of the Hamish MacBeth series and Agatha Raisin. I've read many (almost all??) of each series and I have to agree that I don't really like this book.

I had read it at some point last year, after I had read other ones in the series, and I was quite surprised and glad I hadn't read it first! I don't mind rereading mysteries, and already have for one or two of the groups I belong to here - but I just couldn't bring myself to reread this one!

Personally, although I do like the Agatha Raisin series, I would recommend it in small doses. As for Hamish, once I got over it not being the same as the TV show (which I how I was introduced to M C Beaton) I quite like them.

Valerie wrote: "I am a fan of M C Beaton - both of the Hamish MacBeth series and Agatha Raisin. I've read many (almost all??) of each series and I have to agree that I don't really like this book.

I had read i..."

Valerie - which would you recommend as a better Agatha Raisin book? Or if you think others by Beaton are better, which please? I want to give her another go before giving up, so choose one really good one!

(And isn't it weird that we keep finding that the first in a series is not the best? It makes it hard for us OCD types who *have* to read series in order...)

I HAVE to read a series in order. If either of the top two books in the vote win (which one will) I won't read them unless/until I have read the earlier books first.

@Hj: Yes, we've chosen a number of first-in-a-series books that don't show the series at their best. I am determined to give those series second tries, however, if they're highly recommended. So I, too, would love to have Valerie's recommendation of a good Agatha Raisin book.

I find that there are some series that really must be read in order if each book is to be appreciated (the early Elizabeth Georges come to mind [the later ones needn't be read in any order :=( ] and some in which each book stands alone very well (such as Rendell's Wexford novels). I've often picked up a paperback in an airport bookstore, discovered a series author whom I like, and then gone back to the beginning of that author's series. It was how I started my love affair with Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks -- with a paperback copy of Bad Boy that I bought in Heathrow in the summer of 2011. I wound up reading some of the rest out of order, depending on when they were available from the library, but I liked all of them.

I always find it hard to enjoy a book with an unlikeable lead character and it seemed to me in this book a majority of the characters were not 'nice'. Agatha did grow on me so maybe if I continue the series that will keep on happening.

Joan wrote: "@Hj: Yes, we've chosen a number of first-in-a-series books that don't show the series at their best. I am determined to give those series second tries, however, if they're highly recommended. So ..."

Another series I really like that doesn't need to be read in order is the John Putnam Thatcher series by Emma Lathen. It is a very old series so most of them are probably out of print but I have bought a lot of used copies.

Ellen wrote: "Another series I really like that doesn't need to be read in order is the John Putnam Thatcher series by Emma Lathen. It is a very old series so most of them are probably out of print but I have bought a lot of used copies."

I remember those! Haven't read them in a long while but remember them as being slightly different from usual due to the business slant...

I've read some of the Hamish MacBeth books and enjoyed them so I thought I'd like this series also, but I didn't particularly care for this book because of the Agatha Raisin character. This is the first Agatha Raisin book I've read. By the end of the book I started becoming more comfortable with the character, so I might try another of the series if it turned up in a book club read.

Joan wrote: "This is simply not a very well written book. The dialog is just not believable; even shallow, nasty people (as so many of these characters are) would be hypocritical enough not to say some of the ..."

I agree. I have read two or three Agatha Raisin books and at least five Hamish Macbeth titles. The last few books in these series kind of seem to have just been thrown together by the author, as if she was in a hurry to get on to her next novel. They definitely could have done with better editing.

dianeinjapan wrote: "Joan wrote: "This is simply not a very well written book. The dialog is just not believable; even shallow, nasty people (as so many of these characters are) would be hypocritical enough not to say..."

I agree wholeheartedly the last few books in each of her two series were very formulaic. The main characters never seem to grow or change or learn anything about themselves. Granted most individuals have that same problem but when escaping into a book one wants to find that things can indeed change for the better.

As for this particular book I liked it enough to continue reading (whole series to date) and will probably continue simply for the fact that I am "comfortable" with the characters. I don't always like them, often find them irritating, but still I go back. I find the books kind of like an old ratty bathrobe, not something I'll put on often but when nothing else is there I know it will fullfill the need.

Randa wrote: "I find the books kind of like an old ratty bathrobe, not something I'll put on often but when nothing else is there I know it will fullfill the need"

Yes! I totally know what you mean. I'm sure this is exactly why I've stuck with Hamish Macbeth for as long as I have.

I'm a huge fan of BBC mystery shows like Insp Morse, Insp Lewis, George Gently, etc, plus I love Poirot and Miss Marple. So when I began this book, I was thrilled to see what looked like a Miss Marple type of story (quaint village, etc). I didn't mind her rough-around-the-edges personality -- I don't have to love my main characters, plus flaws just give them room to grow. However, I was deeply disappointed in the mystery itself. Agatha didn't solve it by being clever so much as by happenstance.

I am giving the series another go - I'm on book 2, the vet. But it seems more about her personal life than solving a mystery - the murder is just an excuse to write about a prickly lady who wants to get a man. I haven't read the Hamish series, but I watched the BBC TV shows and I never thought of them as mysteries so much as tales about a small town - kind of like Ballykissangle or Monarch of the Glenn. (Not sure I spelled the Irish TV series correctly.)

Are there any Agatha Chrisie fans out there who care to comment on how Agatha Raisin compares for them? (I love her name! I really want to like this series.)

Are there any Agatha Chrisie fans out there who care to comment on how Agatha Raisin compares for them? (I love her name! I really want to like this series.)


I find Agatha Christie's characters to be more cerebral and M.C. Beaton's to be a bit lucky and bumbling. On the one hand I'd much rather be friends with Beaton's characters but if I was ever accused of a crime I would definitely want Christie's detectives/sleuthes to come to my rescue.

Randa wrote: "On the one hand I'd much rather be friends with Beaton's characters ..."

Randa, have you read all (or at least much) of the Agatha Raisin series? Can you recommend one or two that are particularly good?

The Agatha Raisin character is an abrasive, kind of irritating person but I found myself liking her in spite of her faults. I've read most of the series as well as the Hamish Macbeth series. I read "The Quiche of Death" several years ago and didn't take time to read it again for this discussion so I don't feel qualified to comment in depth on this particular book. In general M C. Beaton's books move along nicely, feature humor and characters who seem like people you might actually know. Honestly, if you didn't like this book you probably wouldn't like the others either.

Mhoira wrote: "I enjoy this series. I have read quite a few of these. I may have read this one. I read it again and had a good time reading it. The main character usually gets implicated in the murder. I like Agatha."

Mhoira, do you have a favorite book in this series?

I rather liked this book much to my surprise. Agatha is such a dislikable person but occassionally there is a glimmer of humanity in her. I think I liked it so much as it was set in the Cotswolds and I loved the description of the location. I mean who wouldn't want to live in a little thatched cottage in a beautiful setting with apparently no money worries?
I was surprised at how unpleasant Agatha is because Hamish MacBeth is so likable. Still it is a really an English Cozy mystery. It's not on par with Agatha Christie but how many really are?
This is one example of how smart it is to read the first book of the series. It really sets the character up and lets you know where she is coming from. Still a friend of mine read a Christmas novel featuring Agatha and really liked it. It was the first one of the series she had read so I guess it wasn't necessary to read the first one.

Susan wrote: "... a friend of mine read a Christmas novel featuring Agatha and really liked it."

Susan, was that Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body, the 21st in the series?

Randa, I see your point! Although I think I'd enjoy hanging out with Miss Marple. :)

Joan wrote: "Randa wrote: "On the one hand I'd much rather be friends with Beaton's characters ..."

Randa, have you read all (or at least much) of the Agatha Raisin series? Can you recommend one or two that a..."

Joan, I've actually read all of the Agatha Raisin books and find that the early to early middle books are much better than the late middle to newer. As with most ongoing series I find myself wanting to yell just get married already, find someone be happy, be miserable but just get on with it. I don't understand why a lot of authors feel that a committed relationship will destroy a character. I don't think I changed that much when I got married (20+ years ago) .... I've grown (it LOTS of different ways) but I'm still flighty, b**tchy, impatient, inquisative, basically still me.

Randa wrote: "Joan wrote: "Randa wrote: "On the one hand I'd much rather be friends with Beaton's characters ..."

Randa, have you read all (or at least much) of the Agatha Raisin series? Can you recommend one ..."

I agree with that Randa! It doesn't seem right that these characters just keep messing up relationships. Everyone is bound to hit it right once in a while.

Julie wrote: "Randa, I see your point! Although I think I'd enjoy hanging out with Miss Marple. :)"

Julie, me too although I don't think I'd necessarily like what she thought about me. I also always liked Captain Hastings, him I could see having tea or something a big stronger with.

Randa wrote: "Joan, I've actually read all of the Agatha Raisin books and find that the early to early middle books are much better than the late middle to newer."

Randa, thanks. Can I persuade you to tell me which Agatha Raisin book is your favorite? I am eager to give this series one more try, and I want to give Raisin her best shot at hooking me. If she succeeds, I will go back to #2 in the series and read in order unless and until I get sick of them.

Joan wrote: "Randa wrote: "Joan, I've actually read all of the Agatha Raisin books and find that the early to early middle books are much better than the late middle to newer."

Randa, thanks. Can I persuade y..."

Joan, I just went through my bookcase looking at all the Agatha Raisin books I own, then went to the online bookstore and looked at their synopisis' and low and behold I don't have a favorite. I think I'm more driven by characters in my reading preferences and so sometimes Agatha annoys me more than othertimes. I've never liked James so any book he is in is out for me. I'm not a big Toni or Roy fan, so when they are more prominent I don't particularly like those books too well. I do like Charles though so books in which he plays a larger part in the detection I rather enjoy.

I know that I didn't provide a title of a particular book, guess I really don't have one. Across the board I would probably say they are 3 stars....decent, mostly enjoyable, quick reads, but NOT memorable.

I have read some of "The Quiche of Death" so far. This is a new author and series for me but I kind of like Agatha Raisin. She is a different sort of character with a different view of life. I'm interested to see how her personality works in the story.

Oh yeah, I love the Captain Hasting's character. Kind of like an enthusiastic, English boy grown up!

When I finished this book it was a personal victory. Agatha Raisin is the most unlikeable protagonist we've had in the BOM. Liar, thief,ruthless in the pursuit of her own agenda.
On the lighter side, I found humor in her persistent
ignorance of other people's sensitivities and boundaries
The good thing about the writing as a whole is that the character remain consistent in her actions and does not experience an epiphany of unselfishness.

Joan wrote: "Randa wrote: "On the one hand I'd much rather be friends with Beaton's characters ..."

Randa, have you read all (or at least much) of the Agatha Raisin series? Can you recommend one or two that a..."

Joan wrote: "Randa wrote: "On the one hand I'd much rather be friends with Beaton's characters ..."

Randa, have you read all (or at least much) of the Agatha Raisin series? Can you recommend one or two that a..."

I have read many Agatha Christie novels and I would have to agree that Christie is a far more intellectual writer than Beacon. I am still reading "the Quiche of Death" and I agree the story and character are not of the same complexity as Christie but I am enjoying the lighter mood. Also, I feel that Agatha Raisin is the kind of character that is more down to earth. I find her to be a believable lady of that age range. She is lonely and admits it but she tries to do things to occupy her time. She never gives in to her circumstances. But naturally being a lonely older person she gets cranky and having lived alone throughout her life she is very believable in her criticism of others.Compared to Poirot and Marple she is not as complex or clever so I would not put Beacon's books at the top of my list of favorites but there are times when I just want to change it out and read a lighter type of book. Agatha's adventures fall into that category for me.

I have now read the second book in the Agatha Raisin series ("the Vicious Vet"), and I liked it better than I liked the first one (but still didn't love it). Beaton is definitely not a first-rate writer, and cozies are not my favorite sub-genre, but I continue to have pangs of empathy for Raisin. I expect these pangs to grow more frequent if I continue with the series. She is, as Candy so eloquently pointed out, "a believable lady of that age range." I admire the fact that "[s]he never gives in to her circumstances."

oh I am so behind - this disappeared into darling daughter's bedroom for a month so am only just starting it now!!

Joan asked me what my favorite M.C. Beaton book was. I really don't have a favorite, I enjoyed all what I read. The Hamish MacBeth series is good as well.