Darlene's Book Nook: #Audiobook #Review: 4 out of 5 stars for Busy Body by M.C. Beaton @mc

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

#Audiobook #Review: 4 out of 5 stars for Busy Body by M.C. Beaton @mc_beaton @BlackstoneAudio @PeneKeith1

SERIES: Agatha Raisin, Book #21
AUTHOR: M.C. Beaton

NARRATOR: Penelope Keith
PUBLISHER: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
PUBLICATION DATE: October 12, 2010

FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 6 hrs and 14 mins
GENRE: Mystery/Cozy Mystery

Agatha Raisin has never been one for forced holiday cheer, but her friendly little village of Carsely has always prided itself on its traditional Christmas festivities. But this year the bells will not be ringing out, as Mr. John Sunday, an officer with the Cotswold Health and Safety Board, has chosen Christmas as the time to crack down on safety hazards all around the community. But he goes too far when he rules that there cannot be a Christmas tree atop the church tower this year.

Mr. Sunday is soon found face down in the petunias, very much dead. Agatha is instantly on the case, but with so many people having threatened the life of the victim, it's almost impossible to know where to start!

MY REVIEW:

A great mix of murder, mayhem, and humour makes this another enjoyable installment in the Agatha Raisin series!

The story starts off with Agatha in Corsica, determined to put thoughts of Christmas out of her head. It seems that she can’t escape Christmas, even there! With most of the local restaurants and shops closed for the holidays, Agatha does not have much to do and the local Christmas decorations only remind her of what she is missing in Carsely. She returns to the Cotswolds to find that John Sunday, the local Health and Safety Board Officer, is ruining Christmas! His determination to put the kibosh on all of the festivities that he deems “unsafe” has put a huge target on his back, and it is no surprise when he is murdered. Agatha is hired by the police’s prime suspect to find the real murderer, and Agatha’s involvement in the investigation causes some tension between her and Bill Wong. Roy Silver and Charles Fraith both lend a hand, but Roy is attacked by the villain as a warning to stay away.

I like Agatha’s new detective, Simon Black. I think he makes a good love interest for Toni Gilmour. I want to strangle Charles Fraith’s butler, Gustav! And that ending? I would have loved to be a fly on the wall to see the look on James Lacey’s face!

Penelope Keith just had me in stitches with this one. I absolutely love listening to her! Her narration is just perfect in every way.

MY RATING: