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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
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.
"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.
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.
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.
DNF after reading about 1/2 the book. Usually enjoy the subtle humor of the Agatha Raisin series, but this didn’t work for me. Too much talking about a donkey named Wiz Waz.
This was my first Agatha Raisin book. Although it is part of a series (book 30!), I had no issues reading this without having read the previous books.
Agatha is hired to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory. From the beginning, nothing seems right about this company or employees. What starts off as an industrial espionage investigation, quickly turns into a murder case.
I thought this was a fun book, a humorous murder mystery. Agatha Raisin is a fun character, she's mouthy and opinionated and not very good at comforting anyone. She comes of as quite rude, but I found myself laughing at her outbursts.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book for a review!
Agatha is hired to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory. From the beginning, nothing seems right about this company or employees. What starts off as an industrial espionage investigation, quickly turns into a murder case.
I thought this was a fun book, a humorous murder mystery. Agatha Raisin is a fun character, she's mouthy and opinionated and not very good at comforting anyone. She comes of as quite rude, but I found myself laughing at her outbursts.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book for a review!
Goodness me, I can’t believe this is the thirtieth Agatha Raisin mystery! I’ve read this series, on and off again for years and I was so excited to get approved for this one on NetGalley.
PI Agatha Raisin and her put upon assistant Toni have been asked to investigate some industrial espionage but finds something is definitely off at the factory…
Soon they find themselves investigating the murder of the factory employee Mrs Dinwiddy but the police are convinced it was the fault of a very bad tempered donkey Wizz Wazz. Can Agatha convince the police there’s more to the death than meets the eye and save poor Wizz Wazz?
As a person who’s dipped in and out for years with this series, I was able to jump straight in, without worrying about the fact that I haven’t read the previous one. I do also think you could dive into this one if you’ve never read any of the other books but I highly recommend you give them a go if you love cosy mysteries!
Beating About The Bush is quite a short novel, in fact I devoured it over a weekend which is usually quick for me!
I had forgotten just how bossy and argumentative Agatha was! I always feel sorry for anyone who gets in her way, especially her poor assistant Toni who usually bears the brunt of her bad moods. Saying that there’s something still inherently likeable about Agatha, I think it’s because a lot of her moodiness comes from her insecurities.
I will also give a shoutout to Wizz Wazz who provided a lot of comic relief throughout the novel.
Beating About The Bush is a fun filled, fast paced cosy and a nice addition to this fabulous series.
PI Agatha Raisin and her put upon assistant Toni have been asked to investigate some industrial espionage but finds something is definitely off at the factory…
Soon they find themselves investigating the murder of the factory employee Mrs Dinwiddy but the police are convinced it was the fault of a very bad tempered donkey Wizz Wazz. Can Agatha convince the police there’s more to the death than meets the eye and save poor Wizz Wazz?
As a person who’s dipped in and out for years with this series, I was able to jump straight in, without worrying about the fact that I haven’t read the previous one. I do also think you could dive into this one if you’ve never read any of the other books but I highly recommend you give them a go if you love cosy mysteries!
Beating About The Bush is quite a short novel, in fact I devoured it over a weekend which is usually quick for me!
I had forgotten just how bossy and argumentative Agatha was! I always feel sorry for anyone who gets in her way, especially her poor assistant Toni who usually bears the brunt of her bad moods. Saying that there’s something still inherently likeable about Agatha, I think it’s because a lot of her moodiness comes from her insecurities.
I will also give a shoutout to Wizz Wazz who provided a lot of comic relief throughout the novel.
Beating About The Bush is a fun filled, fast paced cosy and a nice addition to this fabulous series.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Snakes and bastards, Aggie, what a wild finish to your series.