FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook, 9 hrs and 2 mins
GENRE: Mystery
ISBN: 9781405674188
GENRE: Mystery
ISBN: 9781405674188
Agatha Raisin, retired PR supremo, has been spurned at the altar by the man of her dreams, her attractive neighbour James Lacey. So, temporarily deserting the sleepy Cotswolds village of Carsely, she pursues her fleeing fiancé to north Cyprus where, instead of enjoying a romantic honeymoon, they witness the killing of an obnoxious tourist in a disco. Can the duo forget their differences, and resume their strangely successful sleuthing partnership?
MY REVIEW:
I received this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own.
The sixth book in the Agatha Raisin series is unlike the rest, in that the majority of the book takes place outside the Cotswolds.
This story picks up right where its predecessor, Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage, left off: Agatha found a note from James Lacey, proclaiming his love for her but advising that he needs some time and has left for North Cypress. Agatha heads off to Cypress to win James back. Not only do Agatha and James become embroiled in a murder investigation but are, in fact, prime suspects because they were in the company of the victim at the time that she was murdered!
Going into this book, it all felt a bit off to me. Agatha was not acting her usual self, chasing after James. She seemed a bit desperate in her behaviour, and since when does Agatha Raisin need a man?! Even more surprising was when Agatha hit the sheets with Sir Charles Fraith, who we met in Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley and was vacationing in Cypress as well! I have to say, though, thank heavens for Charles! He gave Agatha back her verve! James wasn’t around much, and I was initially disappointed but soon realized that I loved Charles’ influence on Agatha. Charles loves to goad James, as you can see here:
This story picks up right where its predecessor, Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage, left off: Agatha found a note from James Lacey, proclaiming his love for her but advising that he needs some time and has left for North Cypress. Agatha heads off to Cypress to win James back. Not only do Agatha and James become embroiled in a murder investigation but are, in fact, prime suspects because they were in the company of the victim at the time that she was murdered!
Going into this book, it all felt a bit off to me. Agatha was not acting her usual self, chasing after James. She seemed a bit desperate in her behaviour, and since when does Agatha Raisin need a man?! Even more surprising was when Agatha hit the sheets with Sir Charles Fraith, who we met in Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley and was vacationing in Cypress as well! I have to say, though, thank heavens for Charles! He gave Agatha back her verve! James wasn’t around much, and I was initially disappointed but soon realized that I loved Charles’ influence on Agatha. Charles loves to goad James, as you can see here:
[in this scene, Agatha is speaking to James on the telephone]
Charles walked into the living room and called in his clear, carrying voice, "What about some lunch, darling, and then let's go to bed?"
Agatha flapped him angrily away, but the damage was done.
"Who was that?" asked James.
"Charles," said Agatha weakly.
"I am glad you are being well looked after," said James crisply. "You won't need me."
And he hung up.
In many ways, Agatha and James are perfect for each other but they have a love/hate relationship. Good on Aggie for not pining away for James while other men are making passes at her.
Overall, even though this one was a little bit different, taking place in Cypress and having Charles as Agatha’s sidekick instead of James, I still really enjoyed it! Beaton did include lots of history on the area, which added to the general feel of something a little bit different than the usual Agatha Raisin fare. Beaton seems to have shaken things up a bit, which makes me wonder what is in store for this series. I missed the villagers of Carsely, especially Bill Wong. I hope that he will be around more in the next one, and I hope Charles will as well!
Narrator Penelope Keith was spot-on as usual. She is always a pleasure to listen to, and the series wouldn’t be the same without her!
MY RATING:
This book qualifies as:
#33 for my 2013 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge
#33 for my 2013 Read-a-Latte Challenge
Bonus #5 for my 2013 Where Are You Reading? Challenge
#16 for my 2013 Quick Fix Challenge
#17 for my 2013 ARC Reading Challenge
#27 for my 2013 Women Challenge
#11 for my 2013 Sequel Challenge
#27 for my 2013 Books-in-a-Series Reading Challenge
#18 for my 2013 Audio Book Challenge
#18 for my 2013 Audio Book Challenge
#18 for my 2013 Let Me Count The Ways Reading Challenge: Audio Version
#20 for my 2013 Free Reads Challenge
#6 for my Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
#8 for my 2013 Mystery/Crime Reading Challenge
#3 for my 2013 European Reading Challenge
#24 for my Monthly Mix-up Mania: 2013 to 2015 Edition
#4 for my Monthly Key Word Challenge 2013
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My mom is reading this series right now and loving it. When she comes up next to visit she's bringing them up to me :) Looking forward to it. Really does sound like a fun little series :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the little change of pace in the series!
~Anna
I hope you enjoy the series as much as I do, Anna! How nice that your mom is sharing them with you :)
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