Reviews

Beating about the Bush by M.C. Beaton

mbondlamberty's review

3.0

Can't say I am interested in reading any more Agatha Raisin books.
To be fair, very entertaining read and fast moving (helps that I listened to it at 1.25 speed).
But she isn't really that likable a character and it is a little bit too much slapstick at times.

heidiarousseau's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

helenephoebe's review against another edition

4.0

Review - I only realised today, when I finished this book, that Beaton (aka Marion Chesney) died just before new year - devastated! I understand that there is still another book in the pipeline for Agatha Raisin, but whether Beaton finished it before she died I don't know. I really hope she did, because I adore these books, and this one doesn't feel like the story has finished. However, I did enjoy the book, more than some of the previous ones. The books in this series are really easy to read and it's always fun to try and guess who was guilty. The donkey, Wizz-Wazz was the star of the show in this novel though! I don't think I found have found it so funny without the donkey! Worth reading just for those comedic moments, though the whole series is really enjoyable.

Genre? - Crime / Mystery

Characters? - Agatha Raisin / Charles Fraith / Chris Frith / Toni Gilmour / Albert Morrison / Roy Silver / Gustav / Mrs Bloxby / Bill Wong

Setting? - Carsley & Mircester (England)

Series? - Agatha Raisin #30

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 18/20

For a full review see my blog https://bookbloggerish.wordpress.com/2020/01/25/book-review-agatha-raisin-beating-about-the-bush-by-m-c-beaton/

spencesational's review against another edition

5.0

Another fun read about the grumpy, clumsy Agatha Raisin.

I really enjoyed this story although I hate the phrase "Snakes and Bastards!" that has come into the stories. That apart, a great read. These books always cheer me up.

kmg365's review

4.0

Excellent outing for Agatha. Beaton pulled out all the stops for the 30th book in the series.

The body count was not as high as usual (a good thing, in my opinion). Agatha is still Agatha (see the donkey sub-plot in this book) but it seemed to me as though she'd grown up just a bit.

In one instance, I thought she was a model of restraint (for her, that is) when she sets her cap at a new man. In another, an event that 25 books ago would have had her jetting off on a holiday to avoid having to deal with her feelings showed her handling it with a level of maturity I did not know she possessed.

I hope we get more than just a one-sentence resolution to the “Charlie” situation in the next book.

emoust's review

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

djreads's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

madisonreadsbooks's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

cj_mo_2222's review

4.0

Private Investigator Agatha Raisin and her assistant Toni Gilmour are looking into a possible case of industrial espionage at a local battery factory. She and Toni come across what appears to be a severed leg and report it to the police. Agatha becomes a laughing stock when the leg is discovered to be fake. However, things get serious when one of factory employees is murdered, and Agatha is dismayed when the police say the prime suspect is a donkey! Agatha believes the woman is the victim of a two-legged killer and is determined to find the real murderer and bring that person to justice.

"Beating About the Bush" is the thirtieth book in this long-running series. I am a huge fan of the earlier books in the series, but the most recent books have not been up to Beaton’s usual standards. I’m pleased that this book, while not as good as those earlier books, is a big improvement over the last couple installments. It starts out a little rough, but gets better after the first few chapters. Agatha hits her stride by the middle of the book and is much more like the “old Agatha” - tough and opinionated, but intelligent and resourceful. She and Toni continue to bring out the worst in each other for much of the book, but I enjoy the moments when they connect. There are also some great scenes with Agatha and her friend Mrs. Bloxby, who unlike Toni brings out the best of Agatha.

The murder mystery is interesting and I enjoyed Agatha’s questioning of all the various witnesses and suspects. The parts of the story involving the donkey are silly, but are entertaining. Some of the things may be unbelievable if this was real life, but are typical situations for Agatha to get herself into. I was surprised by the solution to the murder once it was revealed. In the romance department, it’s no surprise that Agatha is once again at cross-purposes with Sir Charles Fraith. The two can’t seem to recognize and admit their feelings for the other. In addition, Charles can’t help put be tempted by wealthy women looking for a title since their money would help him run his large estate. Agatha continues to become infatuated with any good-looking man who turns her head. Her latest man, Chris, seems to be a good guy, but it’s too soon to tell. The latest developments in the love lives of both Agatha and Charles are left up in the air when the book ends.

There is enough information about important events that occurred in prior books that new readers or those who haven’t kept up with the series won’t feel lost. New cozy readers who enjoy the book will definitely want to pick up some of the first books in the series and get to know Agatha from her first days in the Cotswolds, Fans of the series will be glad to catch up with Agatha and her latest case. I would rate the book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Minotaur Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

annarella's review against another edition

5.0

This is the best Agatha Raisin's instalment I read in some time. Agatha is at her best, quirky and funny.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters Charles, Tony, Bill Wong and all the others.
I had a lot of fun in reading this novel, it's engrossing and entertaining.
I appreciated the humour, the well crafted cast of characters and their development, and a lovely donkey.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
It was a very pleasant and fun read, I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine.