Agatha Raisin in Down the Hatch

M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries are praised for their charming characters, intriguing plots, and cozy atmosphere. The books have reached cult status and are known for their blend of mystery, humor, and romance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

No wonder she s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime ASHLEY JENSEN No wonder she s been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime MAIL ON SUNDAY A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed DAILY MAIL The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status THE TIMES Nothing could be more relaxing or sedate than a quiet game of bowls on a pristine bowling green bathed in the sunshine of an English summer s afternoon in the Cotswolds - unless there s a dead body lying on the grass. Agatha Raisin becomes embroiled in a turmoil of jealousy and lies when the tranquility of her local bowls club explodes into a storm of accusation and intrigue - and murder. Her private life is no less turbulent when a past suitor reappears just as her ex-husband seems intent on rekindling their romance,and her close friend,Bill Wong,is in danger of losing the woman he loves. Events take an even darker turn when Agatha realises that,in pursuing the bowling green killer,she is putting her own life in danger...
"Praise for M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries:
"Irresistible, unputdownable, a joy" - Anne Robinson
"Full of perfectly pitched interest, intrigue, and charm" - Lee Child
"Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life" - Entertainment Weekly
"M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem" - Publishers Weekly
"[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball. . . . She's wonderful" - St. Petersburg Times
"Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery" - Tampa Tribune-Times
"Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha" - Chicago Sun-Times
"No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime" - ASHLEY JENSEN
"No wonder she's been crowned Queen of Cosy Crime" - MAIL ON SUNDAY
"A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed" - DAILY MAIL
"The detective novels of M C Beaton have reached cult status" - THE TIMES
"Nothing could be more relaxing or sedate than a quiet game of bowls on a pristine bowling green bathed in the sunshine of an English summer's afternoon in the Cotswolds - unless there's a dead body lying on the grass."
Agatha Raisin becomes embroiled in a turmoil of jealousy and lies when the tranquility of her local bowls club explodes into a storm of accusation and intrigue - and murder. Her private life is no less turbulent when a past suitor reappears just as her ex-husband seems intent on rekindling their romance, and her close friend, Bill Wong, is in danger of losing the woman he loves. Events take an even darker turn when Agatha realizes that, in pursuing the bowling green killer, she is putting her own life in danger.
The novel follows Agatha Raisin, a former journalist turned amateur detective, as she investigates a murder at her local bowls club. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of jealousy, lies, and betrayal that threatens to destroy the lives of those around her.
One of the standout features of M. C. Beaton's writing is her ability to create flawed but relatable characters. Agatha Raisin is a charming and eccentric woman who has a penchant for wine, a love of detective novels, and a mischievous sense of humor. She is not without her flaws, however, and her past mistakes and insecurities often lead her into trouble.
Another aspect of the novel that sets it apart from other cozy crime novels is its setting. The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and tranquil countryside, provides a beautiful backdrop for the story. Beaton's descriptions of the landscape are vivid and evocative, and they add to the sense of intrigue and suspense that permeates the novel.
Throughout the course of the novel, Agatha Raisin encounters a cast of memorable characters, including her ex-husband, James, who is attempting to rekindle their relationship; her close friend, Bill Wong, who is in love with a woman who is being pursued by another man; and her rival, Charlotte Ellis, who is determined to ruin Agatha's reputation.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the mystery itself. Beaton skillfully weaves together a complex web of clues and red herrings, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The final reveal is both surprising and satisfying, and it leaves the reader with a sense of closure and satisfaction.
In conclusion, M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries are a joy to read. With their engaging characters, intricate plots, and beautiful settings, these novels are sure to delight fans of cozy crime fiction. Whether you are a seasoned detective or a newcomer to the genre, I highly recommend picking up a copy of one of Beaton's books and immersing yourself in the world of Agatha Raisin."

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 222 x 140 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349135038