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criminolly's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it was exactly what I needed on a lazy Sunday. The Agatha Raisin of the title is a successfully businesswoman who, in her 50s, sells her firm and retires to the Cotswolds. When a well to do local man dies, apparently poisoned by a quiche Agatha has entered in a competition he was judging, she adopts the role of amateur sleuth.
The part I wasn’t expecting was that Agatha is kind of a bitch at times, certainly no well meaning Jessica Fletcher. That actually makes her more believable and likeable as a character and it brings some enjoyably catty humour to the story. The plot itself is low stakes and enjoyable. It’s not going to go down in the annals of crime as one of the great mysteries, but it was pleasant to read and kept me turning the pages. Throw in the humour and a hint of romance and you have an ideal Sunday read.
The part I wasn’t expecting was that Agatha is kind of a bitch at times, certainly no well meaning Jessica Fletcher. That actually makes her more believable and likeable as a character and it brings some enjoyably catty humour to the story. The plot itself is low stakes and enjoyable. It’s not going to go down in the annals of crime as one of the great mysteries, but it was pleasant to read and kept me turning the pages. Throw in the humour and a hint of romance and you have an ideal Sunday read.
mrsbooknerd's review
3.0
This series didn't really appeal to me, but a couple of people had read and recommended them so I thought that I'd at least try. The plot and characters actually weren't that bad, though the leading character, Agatha Raisin, was really unappealing. I thought that I would warm to her but by the end of the book I still just couldn't relate.
The only other major negative was the dialogue which was both stilted and unnatural. This made it very difficult to really engage with the characters because (I probably won't explain this very well but...) they just felt like flat, written characters and not real, natural people that you just happened to be reading about.
I'm not sure if I'd read another one, maybe as a light afternoon read, but I wouldn't go out of my way to hunt them out.
The only other major negative was the dialogue which was both stilted and unnatural. This made it very difficult to really engage with the characters because (I probably won't explain this very well but...) they just felt like flat, written characters and not real, natural people that you just happened to be reading about.
I'm not sure if I'd read another one, maybe as a light afternoon read, but I wouldn't go out of my way to hunt them out.
lya06's review against another edition
4.0
Libri giallo molto scorrevole, leggero e carino ma non banale. La protagonista crea dipendenza. Leggerò sicuramente altri della serie con Agatha come protagonista
jemma_parry's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Throughly enjoyed this cosy murder mystery book and look forward to the rest of the series
I can understand, Agatha, our main character not being everyone's cup of tea as she can be abrupt and rude at times, but I find this quality enjoyable as you rarely see a female character portrayed this way.
I've read all of Colin Dexters books and Inspector Morse can be just as rude, even more so, and people don't seem to have an issue..hmm..wonder why
Anyways just a fun little book to relax with
I can understand, Agatha, our main character not being everyone's cup of tea as she can be abrupt and rude at times, but I find this quality enjoyable as you rarely see a female character portrayed this way.
I've read all of Colin Dexters books and Inspector Morse can be just as rude, even more so, and people don't seem to have an issue..hmm..wonder why
Anyways just a fun little book to relax with
read247_instyle_inca's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jujudepamplemousse's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t know why I didn’t pick it up sooner. I’ve been seeing this series for years, but I think I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to its popularity. I was wrong. This series is the quintessence of cosy mystery. I’ve binge read this first tome in 2 days and couldn’t wait to read the next one. Be warned: it certainly won't be to everyone's taste because the main character can sometimes be antithetical, but for my part I found it charming in a way.
burningupasun's review
DNF. I tried, but only got 25% of the way through. The main character is unlikeable (I assume that's the point) but on top of that the book was just soooo boring. At least the beginning, anyway. Not for me, I guess.
leigh987's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
sarahjperry's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I started off really enjoying it, however it's started to drag and it became boring and predictable.