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Agatha Raisin #28
The Witches' Tree
The Witches’ Tree continues the tradition in the beloved Agatha Raisin mystery series—now a hit T.V. show.
Cotswolds inhabitants are used to inclement weather, but the night sky is especially foggy as Rory and Molly Devere, the new vicar and his wife, drive slowly home from a dinner party in their village of Sumpton Harcourt. They strain to see the road ahead—and then suddenly brake, screeching to a halt. Right in front of them, aglow in the headlights, a body hangs from a gnarled tree at the edge of town. Margaret Darby, an elderly spinster, has been murdered—and the villagers are bewildered as to who would commit such a crime.
Agatha Raisin rises to the occasion (a little glad for the excitement, to tell the truth, after a long run of lost cats and divorces on the books). But Sumpton Harcourt is a small and private village, she finds—a place that poses more questions than answers. And when two more murders follow the first, Agatha begins to fear for her reputation—and even her life. That the village has its own coven of witches certainly doesn't make her feel any better...
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
675 people are currently reading
3473 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
340 books6,012 followersLike her on Facebook!
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 897 reviews
November 18, 2017
Now very definitely in the autumn of her career, Cotswold based private detective Agatha Raisin whose years seems to decrease with each consecutive appearance, returns at the age of fifty-three in a monumentally disappointing twenty-eighth outing. Given that the cosy crime capers of Agatha and her supporting cast in the village of Carsley have been keeping me gently amused for well over a decade, it is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to a series which has not so much tailed off, but fallen over a cliff edge! Admittedly formulaic at its best, Agatha Raisin and the Witches’ Tree marks a new low in the series, with an inane plot, a haphazard and oddly jumpy narrative and an over-reliance on comic scenarios which have all been tapped before.
The novel opens with the latest incomers to the village of Cuckleton, imbued with a vision of living the idyllic Cotswold lifestyle, Sir Edward Chumble and his spirited younger wife Tiffany, throwing a dinner party after a subdued welcome on the part of the gloomy locals. Amongst the guests are the vicar of neighbouring Sumpton Harcourt, Rory Harris and his glamorous wife, Molly who have recently relocated from a parish in the East End of London who make an early escape from the soirée after another night of dire company. As they drive home in a shroud of mist and approach the ghastly lightning-blasted witches’ tree they are shocked to be faced with the body of one of the church helpers, Miss Margaret Darby, hanging limply from a gnarled branch. Molly is beside herself and plagued with guilt about having failed a suicidal woman who she had only previously exchanged platitudes with and this horror does nothing to reassure herself about the ominous and threatening atmosphere of their new village. However, when a preliminary autopsy reveals that the victim was dead prior to her suicide being staged, it offers former public relations impresario turned private detective, Agatha Raisin, some respite from a proliferation of missing pets, philandering couples and her perpetually floundering love life. In an effort to address the sinister atmosphere and the hostile locals within Sumpton Harcourt, Molly Harris inveigles Sir Edward to play the country squire and hire Agatha to investigate. In no short order another two murders follow and with the police at a loss, Agatha’s reputation at risk and her life in obvious danger, could this finally put an end to Agatha Raisin’s investigative days?
M.C. Beaton throws numerous threads into the unravelling of what should be a straightforward case as Agatha blunders around in search of a blatantly obvious motive, attempting to entertain with a humorous interlude to London, a coven of witches and a drug smoking nursing home patient. I will not elaborate on what little of substance there is contained within the plot but simply advise fellow readers luck in reading between the lines and filling in the gaping holes in what follows. Along with the paucity of detail, stilted dialogue and the appearance of a random dialect, the reader is left to join the dots and stomach an array of passé jokes. Given that the author is around the age of eighty, I really do feel that an editor familiar with current humour and trends could have ironed out some of the dated jokes and given the nonsensical sentence below appears on page three, even basic proofreading has clearly failed to be done:
All in all I felt that this outing required a fair bit of work on behalf of the reader to stay with a meandering plot and accept audacious flashes of intuition with no rationale behind them. In fact Agatha managed to drag out a case which was all too straightforward and the plot is a cobbled together amalgamation of fragmented scenarios all marred by some flimsy characters who make fleeting appearances. I was somewhat disappointed to see quite a few overt sexual innuendos and a completely unwarranted mention of a gang rape element within the story, especially seeing at it didn’t even occur in the vicinity of the Cotswold and I do not consider it to have a place within a cosy crime mystery given that the genre is essentially light and frothy escapist pleasure.
This is one for the Agatha loyalists only and has the feel of being rather rushed to publication, doing a complete disservice to her readers. For fans of cosy mysteries with an English village setting, the Agatha Raisin series is worth a bash, but in all honestly the pick of the novels are the earlier tales and the scenarios gets more contrived by the minute. Although this novel can be read as a standalone, it will undoubtedly work best for those already acquainted with the folk of Carsley and an awareness of the history amongst them.
The novel opens with the latest incomers to the village of Cuckleton, imbued with a vision of living the idyllic Cotswold lifestyle, Sir Edward Chumble and his spirited younger wife Tiffany, throwing a dinner party after a subdued welcome on the part of the gloomy locals. Amongst the guests are the vicar of neighbouring Sumpton Harcourt, Rory Harris and his glamorous wife, Molly who have recently relocated from a parish in the East End of London who make an early escape from the soirée after another night of dire company. As they drive home in a shroud of mist and approach the ghastly lightning-blasted witches’ tree they are shocked to be faced with the body of one of the church helpers, Miss Margaret Darby, hanging limply from a gnarled branch. Molly is beside herself and plagued with guilt about having failed a suicidal woman who she had only previously exchanged platitudes with and this horror does nothing to reassure herself about the ominous and threatening atmosphere of their new village. However, when a preliminary autopsy reveals that the victim was dead prior to her suicide being staged, it offers former public relations impresario turned private detective, Agatha Raisin, some respite from a proliferation of missing pets, philandering couples and her perpetually floundering love life. In an effort to address the sinister atmosphere and the hostile locals within Sumpton Harcourt, Molly Harris inveigles Sir Edward to play the country squire and hire Agatha to investigate. In no short order another two murders follow and with the police at a loss, Agatha’s reputation at risk and her life in obvious danger, could this finally put an end to Agatha Raisin’s investigative days?
M.C. Beaton throws numerous threads into the unravelling of what should be a straightforward case as Agatha blunders around in search of a blatantly obvious motive, attempting to entertain with a humorous interlude to London, a coven of witches and a drug smoking nursing home patient. I will not elaborate on what little of substance there is contained within the plot but simply advise fellow readers luck in reading between the lines and filling in the gaping holes in what follows. Along with the paucity of detail, stilted dialogue and the appearance of a random dialect, the reader is left to join the dots and stomach an array of passé jokes. Given that the author is around the age of eighty, I really do feel that an editor familiar with current humour and trends could have ironed out some of the dated jokes and given the nonsensical sentence below appears on page three, even basic proofreading has clearly failed to be done:
“But darling, it does look like a Primark one I saw in Tesco’s.”In a distinctly muted encounter the regular characters seem to have lost their sparkle and the plot in riddled with inconsistencies, continuity and typographical errors. It is beyond insulting when a bestsellers publisher allows a country’s name to change subsequent times in the course of a novel which is little over two-hundred-pages. This was just one of the instances, likewise whether Agatha’s cats were at her cottage or staying with her cleaner altered over the course of pages and whilst admittedly not drastic these niggles add up and irk over time. Agatha’s love life seems to occupy an overwhelming proportion of this story but is sadly largely based around the repetitive Sir Charles Fraith and James Lacey triangle. Disappointingly this focus on Agatha’s quest for an eligible man comes at the expense of her regular cast, DS Bill Wong, the vicar and Mrs Bloxby and young, determined and attractive investigator, Toni Gilmour.
All in all I felt that this outing required a fair bit of work on behalf of the reader to stay with a meandering plot and accept audacious flashes of intuition with no rationale behind them. In fact Agatha managed to drag out a case which was all too straightforward and the plot is a cobbled together amalgamation of fragmented scenarios all marred by some flimsy characters who make fleeting appearances. I was somewhat disappointed to see quite a few overt sexual innuendos and a completely unwarranted mention of a gang rape element within the story, especially seeing at it didn’t even occur in the vicinity of the Cotswold and I do not consider it to have a place within a cosy crime mystery given that the genre is essentially light and frothy escapist pleasure.
This is one for the Agatha loyalists only and has the feel of being rather rushed to publication, doing a complete disservice to her readers. For fans of cosy mysteries with an English village setting, the Agatha Raisin series is worth a bash, but in all honestly the pick of the novels are the earlier tales and the scenarios gets more contrived by the minute. Although this novel can be read as a standalone, it will undoubtedly work best for those already acquainted with the folk of Carsley and an awareness of the history amongst them.
October 13, 2017
I remember a time when I eagerly devoured every Agatha Raisin story. I delighted in Aggie's abrasiveness, in the villagers' eccentricities, and in the ludicrously daft situations the characters found themselves in. It added up to intriguing, uncomplicated entertainment.
Sadly, that's not the case any more. Riddled with inconsistencies, this installment cries out for a good line edit. Characters who have just packed themselves into a car are suddenly and magically storming out the vicarage door. Names are swapped around. Newly acquired clues are suddenly forgotten or are attributed to the wrong source. It's utterly distracting.
Bringing this book down further is the unnatural dialogue. The conversations are short and sharp, yet they still manage to meander helter-skelter through topics.
The mystery is bland. The Charles question has dragged on far too long. I'm infuriated by Simon's continued presence. I wish Bill played a larger role. And I desperately want Agatha to stop comparing herself to all women and swooning over every available man.
Sorry, Agatha. We may not meet again. But if we do, I fervently hope it's after someone has given your prose a bit of tough love.
Sadly, that's not the case any more. Riddled with inconsistencies, this installment cries out for a good line edit. Characters who have just packed themselves into a car are suddenly and magically storming out the vicarage door. Names are swapped around. Newly acquired clues are suddenly forgotten or are attributed to the wrong source. It's utterly distracting.
Bringing this book down further is the unnatural dialogue. The conversations are short and sharp, yet they still manage to meander helter-skelter through topics.
The mystery is bland. The Charles question has dragged on far too long. I'm infuriated by Simon's continued presence. I wish Bill played a larger role. And I desperately want Agatha to stop comparing herself to all women and swooning over every available man.
Sorry, Agatha. We may not meet again. But if we do, I fervently hope it's after someone has given your prose a bit of tough love.
July 26, 2017
Okay, here’s my confession…
I want Agatha and Charles to get married and have a Happily Ever After.
I loved this latest entry in the Agatha Raisin series. The Witches Tree has a great mystery, some truly devious crimes, and it’s just pure fun.
Agatha is maturing. She’s still Agatha (no worries), but in this book she’s becoming more the person her readers know she can be. And her relationship with Charles is getting interesting…in a swoon-worthy way.
No worries – your favorite characters are there and there’s still a lot of nasty under the ‘peaceful’ country exterior.
A fast and fabulously fun read. And as a reminder, if you’re new to Agatha Raisin, you really can start anywhere. No need to go back to book 1.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
I want Agatha and Charles to get married and have a Happily Ever After.
I loved this latest entry in the Agatha Raisin series. The Witches Tree has a great mystery, some truly devious crimes, and it’s just pure fun.
Agatha is maturing. She’s still Agatha (no worries), but in this book she’s becoming more the person her readers know she can be. And her relationship with Charles is getting interesting…in a swoon-worthy way.
No worries – your favorite characters are there and there’s still a lot of nasty under the ‘peaceful’ country exterior.
A fast and fabulously fun read. And as a reminder, if you’re new to Agatha Raisin, you really can start anywhere. No need to go back to book 1.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
July 25, 2023
Oh what the heck ~ this was a fun Agatha book so I am going wild and giving it 4 stars.
January 13, 2018
*3.5 stars rounded up.
I read the last two Agatha Raisin books (#27 and 28) back-to-back and they did not suffer from doing that, although I kept looking for characters introduced in the previous book to reappear.
This story does take place immediately after #27--it is now late fall and the story begins in the village of Sumpton Harcourt in the Cotswolds on a dark and foggy night where a body is found hanging in the witches' tree on the square. Very spooky!
Sir Edward Chumble, a new arrival in the village and devotee of Agatha Christie, hires Agatha Raisin to solve the murder. He pictures himself as the local squire, standing before his fireplace, revealing all to an amazed and admiring crowd of the press, ala Hercule Poirot.
When another body is found hanging in the tree, this time a young policeman, the feeling of menace grows. Is there a witches coven at work in the village? Are they dabbling in some unknown evil?
Agatha bungles along in her haphazard way of investigating. What all-important question has she failed to ask?
And her romantic life plods the same weary ruts. Should she try again with James? Is Charles more than just a friend with benefits? With her highly-sensitive ego, she gets hurt easily but wounds the others in equal doses. And then there is Gustav, Charles' factotum, who cannot stand poor Agatha and does his best to keep them apart. Maybe it's time for her to move on and get a fresh start?
These cozy mysteries are fun, quick reads but hopefully the author will stir in some fresh ideas for Agatha in future outings.
I read the last two Agatha Raisin books (#27 and 28) back-to-back and they did not suffer from doing that, although I kept looking for characters introduced in the previous book to reappear.
This story does take place immediately after #27--it is now late fall and the story begins in the village of Sumpton Harcourt in the Cotswolds on a dark and foggy night where a body is found hanging in the witches' tree on the square. Very spooky!
Sir Edward Chumble, a new arrival in the village and devotee of Agatha Christie, hires Agatha Raisin to solve the murder. He pictures himself as the local squire, standing before his fireplace, revealing all to an amazed and admiring crowd of the press, ala Hercule Poirot.
When another body is found hanging in the tree, this time a young policeman, the feeling of menace grows. Is there a witches coven at work in the village? Are they dabbling in some unknown evil?
Agatha bungles along in her haphazard way of investigating. What all-important question has she failed to ask?
And her romantic life plods the same weary ruts. Should she try again with James? Is Charles more than just a friend with benefits? With her highly-sensitive ego, she gets hurt easily but wounds the others in equal doses. And then there is Gustav, Charles' factotum, who cannot stand poor Agatha and does his best to keep them apart. Maybe it's time for her to move on and get a fresh start?
These cozy mysteries are fun, quick reads but hopefully the author will stir in some fresh ideas for Agatha in future outings.
October 9, 2017
Well, what can I say - not up to the expected standard. The sentences were short, the story jumped from one thing to another - one minute someone was dead, and then he wasn't. Names of people had changed, and the continuity was all out of sync. I felt the story needed bulking out and I was reading the annotated version. There was also too much focus on the love life of poor Agatha instead of focusing on the juicy bits of the story. I felt this was a book written for the fans far too quickly, and to order instead of a well thought out story that evolved over the pages. That being said, I did enjoy the antics of our dear Agatha, but as with the writing, I do think she is past her best. Cruel opinion maybe, but mine, and not necessarily that of the other fans.
November 17, 2017
I guess I am just done with this series. This is the second book in a row of this series that I finished thinking, what a bunch of nasty people and why did I think this was funny?
November 14, 2017
Another little caper with my old friend Agatha. I do wish there were a little progress in the characters' personal lives after 28 books, but all in all, I enjoyed it.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
July 30, 2017
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
After the last book, ‘Pushing up Daisies’, I had hoped that MC Beaton has turned a corner and her Agatha Raisin series would get back to what they had previous been with multiple story lines that bounced back and forth effortlessly. Unfortunately, this book returned to the usual drivel that has become her norm.
Fifty-three year old Agatha is in her usual depressed mood when there is no man in her life and work is the usual boring assortment of missing pets, marital affairs and wayward teens. Agatha is still the “pet hate” for Wilkes since she tends to solve more crime by “bumbling about” then he does. Thus begins the tale of the Witches’ Tree when the body of Margaret Darby is found hanging from a tree that has a curious past.
The story gets a bit twisted with several dead bodies, a coven, and a will that has gone through several revisions, but when it comes down to it, the village of Sumpton Harcourt has some very odd people not to mention too much affinity for Agatha Christy and romance novels.
Things were touched on in the book, involving the wife of the new vicar, that I did not think belonged in a cozy mystery and I was rather surprised to see it brought up here. There were parts that did not seem to be fully addressed by the end of the book and characters that took up more room than they should have. Overall, if you have read the full series to this point, you would not be able to pass by a new Agatha, but if you are just staring out, I suggest that you start at the beginning and develop you own love for the people of Carsley.
After the last book, ‘Pushing up Daisies’, I had hoped that MC Beaton has turned a corner and her Agatha Raisin series would get back to what they had previous been with multiple story lines that bounced back and forth effortlessly. Unfortunately, this book returned to the usual drivel that has become her norm.
Fifty-three year old Agatha is in her usual depressed mood when there is no man in her life and work is the usual boring assortment of missing pets, marital affairs and wayward teens. Agatha is still the “pet hate” for Wilkes since she tends to solve more crime by “bumbling about” then he does. Thus begins the tale of the Witches’ Tree when the body of Margaret Darby is found hanging from a tree that has a curious past.
The story gets a bit twisted with several dead bodies, a coven, and a will that has gone through several revisions, but when it comes down to it, the village of Sumpton Harcourt has some very odd people not to mention too much affinity for Agatha Christy and romance novels.
Things were touched on in the book, involving the wife of the new vicar, that I did not think belonged in a cozy mystery and I was rather surprised to see it brought up here. There were parts that did not seem to be fully addressed by the end of the book and characters that took up more room than they should have. Overall, if you have read the full series to this point, you would not be able to pass by a new Agatha, but if you are just staring out, I suggest that you start at the beginning and develop you own love for the people of Carsley.
October 24, 2017
I thought Pushing Up Daisies was a bit disjointed but this latest Agatha Raisin adventure was even worse. Actually, it read as if two different people had penned it. Disjointed sentences and other grammatical errors that should have been corrected by the editors aside, this novel didn't even make sense at times. Very disappointing.
December 13, 2025
3.5⭐️ = Quite Good.
Hardback.
This was in the usual Agatha style - and being #28 in the series, I know her like the back of my hand!😄.
This one wasn’t my favourite, but decent fun all the same.
Hardback.
This was in the usual Agatha style - and being #28 in the series, I know her like the back of my hand!😄.
This one wasn’t my favourite, but decent fun all the same.
October 23, 2017
In the Goodreads questions section for this title, there's an absolutely brutal commentary on this series. So, anonymous person who doesn't see the point in the series continuing, I have a solution for you. Call it quits with #28 in the series. Is there a reason you're still reading at this point?
No one ever mistook a Big Mac for fine dining, and yet sometimes only a fast food burger will do. That's how I feel about this series. It's literary comfort food, and no matter how ridiculous the plots become, it's still nice to revisit Carsely, where nothing ever changes. I live in hope that Agatha and Charles will end up married. They deserve each other, and it would prevent their reliably horrid behavior from affecting innocent people who wander into their paths.
No one ever mistook a Big Mac for fine dining, and yet sometimes only a fast food burger will do. That's how I feel about this series. It's literary comfort food, and no matter how ridiculous the plots become, it's still nice to revisit Carsely, where nothing ever changes. I live in hope that Agatha and Charles will end up married. They deserve each other, and it would prevent their reliably horrid behavior from affecting innocent people who wander into their paths.
January 31, 2018
It's like someone wrote a first draft/notes, but it got published before a rewrite or editing or proofreading.
November 11, 2017
Agatha Raisin and the Witches' Tree: Agatha Raisin 28
Best read in chronological order because if you start at the end, you might never read the earlier stories which are worth it.
In A Nutshell: There is a lovely atmospheric start to this book. And some pages promise an exciting mystery. But Agatha's love interest(s) and the jerky writing spoil it. The book started with a bang and I felt ended like a damp squid.
The Plot: 'Margaret Darby, an elderly spinster, has been murdered―and the villagers are bewildered as to who would commit such a crime.'
The Protagonist:Agatha is not your run of the mill protagonist. She is on her second successful career, this time as a professional detective. Agatha is financially stable, middle-aged, bright, loyal and even kind. But she is often petty, bitter, jealous, resentful and man mad.
The beginning of this book had me enthralled. It is well written and atmospheric. It kicks off with new characters, even if they are stereotypes. I like the hanging on the witch's tree. I was looking forward to reacquainting myself with Agatha. And when she made her appearance, I thought things were on the up.
But they are not. It is the usual Agatha. Not only does Agatha need a man but she will allow everybody to use her. Then cry herself to sleep. Over 27 books along it would be nice to see some development. Agatha is in her 50’s.
And the ugly cast of regulars, return. As usual, Sir Charles (who has sex with Agatha) says he will accompany Agatha on an appointment, and then he ditches her or is attracted to the client. Roy the camp friend makes his appearance because as usual, he wants something. The self-centered man then leaves without telling Agatha who is left waiting for him. He’s a horrible little man. The former is attracted to her but denies it. The latter is always selfish. And of course, a handsome man likes Agatha but not for herself. I also don’t like the continual thread that all older men are interested in Toni, the young beautiful blonde assistant.
Either the book needs heavy editing, or I have a copy with sections missing. The plots are all over the place. I had to revisit passages because frankly, they did not make sense. Agatha's ex-husband is in the story one minute (detecting) and disappears (after another tragedy) to write travel books that in reality, nobody would want to read.
I read the book until the disappointing end. Do so at your peril.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: u
Language: u
Violent: u
Would I read the next oneor reread?: Please don't ask.
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
As one of the series, and because nothing is outstanding in this story, here is my book rating as a guide.
Best read in chronological order because if you start at the end, you might never read the earlier stories which are worth it.
In A Nutshell: There is a lovely atmospheric start to this book. And some pages promise an exciting mystery. But Agatha's love interest(s) and the jerky writing spoil it. The book started with a bang and I felt ended like a damp squid.
The Plot: 'Margaret Darby, an elderly spinster, has been murdered―and the villagers are bewildered as to who would commit such a crime.'
The Protagonist:Agatha is not your run of the mill protagonist. She is on her second successful career, this time as a professional detective. Agatha is financially stable, middle-aged, bright, loyal and even kind. But she is often petty, bitter, jealous, resentful and man mad.
The beginning of this book had me enthralled. It is well written and atmospheric. It kicks off with new characters, even if they are stereotypes. I like the hanging on the witch's tree. I was looking forward to reacquainting myself with Agatha. And when she made her appearance, I thought things were on the up.
But they are not. It is the usual Agatha. Not only does Agatha need a man but she will allow everybody to use her. Then cry herself to sleep. Over 27 books along it would be nice to see some development. Agatha is in her 50’s.
And the ugly cast of regulars, return. As usual, Sir Charles (who has sex with Agatha) says he will accompany Agatha on an appointment, and then he ditches her or is attracted to the client. Roy the camp friend makes his appearance because as usual, he wants something. The self-centered man then leaves without telling Agatha who is left waiting for him. He’s a horrible little man. The former is attracted to her but denies it. The latter is always selfish. And of course, a handsome man likes Agatha but not for herself. I also don’t like the continual thread that all older men are interested in Toni, the young beautiful blonde assistant.
Either the book needs heavy editing, or I have a copy with sections missing. The plots are all over the place. I had to revisit passages because frankly, they did not make sense. Agatha's ex-husband is in the story one minute (detecting) and disappears (after another tragedy) to write travel books that in reality, nobody would want to read.
I read the book until the disappointing end. Do so at your peril.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: u
Language: u
Violent: u
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
As one of the series, and because nothing is outstanding in this story, here is my book rating as a guide.
January 25, 2020
Not having read any Agatha Raisin books before, I grabbed this one off the library shelf and was interested to see what it was like.
It was an ok read, not exceptional. It was a cozy mystery and read just like you’d expect. I found it entertaining and slightly silly but it also reminded me of the tv series Father Brown which I like to watch from time to time.
I actually guessed who did the murdering before I got to the end which made me realise that it didn’t rock my boat very much.
I noticed that there are lots of these books in the series but whether I’ll read another one I’ll have to wait and see.
It was an ok read, not exceptional. It was a cozy mystery and read just like you’d expect. I found it entertaining and slightly silly but it also reminded me of the tv series Father Brown which I like to watch from time to time.
I actually guessed who did the murdering before I got to the end which made me realise that it didn’t rock my boat very much.
I noticed that there are lots of these books in the series but whether I’ll read another one I’ll have to wait and see.
September 30, 2017
A character in this book moved to the Cotswolds solely because he wanted the Agatha Christie experience. It's really the Jane Marple experience of village life and he was trying to experience that. I realized that is one of the reasons I like this series so much. I too want to live in a little village with other little towns all 5-10 minutes apart and gorgeous scenery. And never a shortage of handsome men, just ask Agatha Raisin.
I always am surprised she makes a living running a detective agency with employees no less in the Cotswolds but she does. Apparently there are more things that need investigating than I envisioned and when people start dying right and left, Agatha investigates. There is one scene where she gets ties up with her assistant, Toni, that is laugh out loud hysterical.
There is a witch's coven thrown in and a restaurant owner who dares to spit into Agatha's food. There is never a dull moment. Agatha even gets Charles out of a big mess in a very fun way. Who isn't rooting for Agatha and Charles to get together? I think they are better suited than James.
It's another fun romp with Agatha that I enjoyed. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this enjoyable read.
I always am surprised she makes a living running a detective agency with employees no less in the Cotswolds but she does. Apparently there are more things that need investigating than I envisioned and when people start dying right and left, Agatha investigates. There is one scene where she gets ties up with her assistant, Toni, that is laugh out loud hysterical.
There is a witch's coven thrown in and a restaurant owner who dares to spit into Agatha's food. There is never a dull moment. Agatha even gets Charles out of a big mess in a very fun way. Who isn't rooting for Agatha and Charles to get together? I think they are better suited than James.
It's another fun romp with Agatha that I enjoyed. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this enjoyable read.
August 27, 2017
Although I have enjoyed this series for all of the previous books, I felt this story line lacked something. In addition, the back and forth between Agatha and Charles seemed a bit pathetic instead of fun. The mystery involved murders occurring in a small, gloomy Cotswold town with a witches' coven. Not my favorite.
October 27, 2018
What a disappointment, even after starting the book three times. With series, I often return to visit with the recurring characters. This book let me down. Agatha was vulgar and lost her appeal.
The plot was all over the place and I gave up trying to follow it. Some have suggested someone else is writing the books.
The plot was all over the place and I gave up trying to follow it. Some have suggested someone else is writing the books.
November 2, 2017
These have always been simple books but this one is very superficial and lacks detail. It rehashes old ideas and cliches from past books. I simply couldn't get into it.
October 29, 2021
Agatha and the Coven
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (October 2017) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (October 2017)
The above quote was the best laugh in the book, the rest continued with the messy and joyless plots of the other recent entries of the series. In The Witches' Tree, Agatha investigates a series of murders which centre around a supposed cursed witches' tree. The number of characters and side-plots were confusing and I have to confess that I lost interest after a while and can't even say for sure who was the villain.
Overall the series feels very tired and repetitive at this point and I'm only pushing through now as I've already read over 95% of them. Somewhere in the most recent books Agatha has started to be described as having "bear-like eyes" which sounds extremely odd. Every book now seems to emphasize it. The later books have become more complicated and nasty, as if to add confusion and malice to the otherwise repetitive plots. The early cozy joy is missing. It will be interesting to see if continuation writer R.W. Green can bring that back.
These cozies are always somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Agatha is definitely more cranky in the books, but her human faults and foibles make us accept and love her nevertheless. The formula is set in stone now for the series. Agatha finds a new man, is jealous of ex-husband James Lacey and occasional lover/friend Sir Charles Fraith, is jealous and meddling with Toni Gilmour's love life, helps Roy Silver out despite his publicity transgressions, gets sympathy from Mrs. Bloxby, is helped by her first village friend Detective Sergeant Bill Wong, etc.
The narration of this book #28 is a part of an extended interregnum for books #25 to #29 by narrator Alison Larkin. Series regular Penelope Keith returns for books #30 to #32. Larkin is fine in the role, but I've grown most used to Keith's manner of adding character to the different voices.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A continuation series Book 32 Down the Hatch was published on October 26, 2021. Down the Hatch is entirely written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas #31 Hot to Trot (2020) was still a collaboration with M.C. Beaton (1936-2019).
Trivia and No Link
The Witches' Tree has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-).
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (October 2017) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (October 2017)
Agatha doubled her rates and then said, “Of course, I halve them for a friend.” - Agatha Raisin in The Witches' Tree
The above quote was the best laugh in the book, the rest continued with the messy and joyless plots of the other recent entries of the series. In The Witches' Tree, Agatha investigates a series of murders which centre around a supposed cursed witches' tree. The number of characters and side-plots were confusing and I have to confess that I lost interest after a while and can't even say for sure who was the villain.
Overall the series feels very tired and repetitive at this point and I'm only pushing through now as I've already read over 95% of them. Somewhere in the most recent books Agatha has started to be described as having "bear-like eyes" which sounds extremely odd. Every book now seems to emphasize it. The later books have become more complicated and nasty, as if to add confusion and malice to the otherwise repetitive plots. The early cozy joy is missing. It will be interesting to see if continuation writer R.W. Green can bring that back.
These cozies are always somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Agatha is definitely more cranky in the books, but her human faults and foibles make us accept and love her nevertheless. The formula is set in stone now for the series. Agatha finds a new man, is jealous of ex-husband James Lacey and occasional lover/friend Sir Charles Fraith, is jealous and meddling with Toni Gilmour's love life, helps Roy Silver out despite his publicity transgressions, gets sympathy from Mrs. Bloxby, is helped by her first village friend Detective Sergeant Bill Wong, etc.
The narration of this book #28 is a part of an extended interregnum for books #25 to #29 by narrator Alison Larkin. Series regular Penelope Keith returns for books #30 to #32. Larkin is fine in the role, but I've grown most used to Keith's manner of adding character to the different voices.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A continuation series Book 32 Down the Hatch was published on October 26, 2021. Down the Hatch is entirely written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas #31 Hot to Trot (2020) was still a collaboration with M.C. Beaton (1936-2019).
Trivia and No Link
The Witches' Tree has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-).
November 8, 2017
This is one of my few remaining light-reading series. I haven’t found it objectionably disappointing and deserted it deep into the series, like I have a bunch of others. And it’s one of the exceptions to 3-stars reflecting that I would have been happier reading something else, or at least that my positive expectations were significantly squashed.
The vinegary, un-charming, age-anxious, man-obsessive, ferociously independent, lonely 50-something ex-PR-exec-turned PI-in-the-Cotswolds is a unique fixture in mystery fiction and I always wonder what she is up to between books, so I keep coming back to them. I forgive them their flaws, because the anti-stereotype Agatha somehow soothes me.
Agatha is bright, successful, clever, and powerful, but foolishly tripping her own flawed self up in ways that make us wince in recognition of all our personal proclivity to stupid-acting and better-judgement leaving.
She has to have a man to embarrassingly obsess over, but in no way are these books in the romance genre thank you.
She romps around cozy country and tea is a feature, but the gin-and-smokes Agatha is not a cozy heroine, thank you again.
She’s a PI, sort of, but the series doesn’t fit the serious PI genre at all.
The series is inherently whimsical and works at being funny, neither of which syncs up with my reading DNA, but somehow I’m not really put off by the whimsy, and even find myself genuinely amused at the humor at times. I’m a serious reader and take my mysteries seriously, but in this case I manage to be fine with the wink wink of it all.
I don’t love the series but I do like it well enough, somehow manage to just enjoy it for what it is rather than fuming over what it isn’t. How is it that Agatha Raisin of all people brings out the zen in my reader soul?
The vinegary, un-charming, age-anxious, man-obsessive, ferociously independent, lonely 50-something ex-PR-exec-turned PI-in-the-Cotswolds is a unique fixture in mystery fiction and I always wonder what she is up to between books, so I keep coming back to them. I forgive them their flaws, because the anti-stereotype Agatha somehow soothes me.
Agatha is bright, successful, clever, and powerful, but foolishly tripping her own flawed self up in ways that make us wince in recognition of all our personal proclivity to stupid-acting and better-judgement leaving.
She has to have a man to embarrassingly obsess over, but in no way are these books in the romance genre thank you.
She romps around cozy country and tea is a feature, but the gin-and-smokes Agatha is not a cozy heroine, thank you again.
She’s a PI, sort of, but the series doesn’t fit the serious PI genre at all.
The series is inherently whimsical and works at being funny, neither of which syncs up with my reading DNA, but somehow I’m not really put off by the whimsy, and even find myself genuinely amused at the humor at times. I’m a serious reader and take my mysteries seriously, but in this case I manage to be fine with the wink wink of it all.
I don’t love the series but I do like it well enough, somehow manage to just enjoy it for what it is rather than fuming over what it isn’t. How is it that Agatha Raisin of all people brings out the zen in my reader soul?
April 21, 2023
Mmmm. This book needed better editing. It jumps around and reading Agatha’s angst over her love life is frankly nauseating. She could do so much better than Charles or James.
The story starts well with an elderly spinster found hanged in a tree. Another murder occurs and Agatha investigates. In the end the motive is money and insanity. I enjoyed the story with its Cotswold eeriness.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The revelation that Bengy and his sister were the murderers was a surprise. I was left wondering how they achieved the first murder after the dinner party. I will read some more of this series but hopefully Agatha will get more confident in her love life.
The story starts well with an elderly spinster found hanged in a tree. Another murder occurs and Agatha investigates. In the end the motive is money and insanity. I enjoyed the story with its Cotswold eeriness.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The revelation that Bengy and his sister were the murderers was a surprise. I was left wondering how they achieved the first murder after the dinner party. I will read some more of this series but hopefully Agatha will get more confident in her love life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2020
Agatha Raisin is on the case! Recently she has become a bit bored. Her cases are all the same and her love life is in a slump. When she learns of some murders in a nearby parish she takes on the case for free. Of course, she is a business woman so as the bodies stack up she finds someone to foot the bill. The story moves around a lot and Agatha comes off as a bit flighty here and there, but it is still loads of fun with interesting characters.
October 12, 2017
Okay, I admit I like Hamish better than Agatha, but The Witches' Tree was not even up to Agatha standards. Oh yes, I read it in one day. It was not awful; it had funny spots; it had a clever idea and plot, but it wasn't put together well. Too jerky, back and forth. I had trouble keeping the various characters together and separate--and I know all the regulars. Driving home from a dinner, the new vicar and his wife, Rory and Molly Devere, see a dead body of an elderly woman hanging from "the witches' tree." In fact the small village in the comfy Cotswolds has its own witches' coven. A couple more bodies turn up, but instead of the previous enthusiasm Agatha has shown for solving the mystery, this poor Agatha just seems tired and ready to hang it up.
Even her love interests drop the sparkle. Ex-husband James is there and quite solicitous of her welfare, but he no longer interests her--and his next-door house burns down. I thought that maybe long-term-friend-with-benefits Sir Charles might get together with her; she does go to Italy to save him from one of his horrible romantic-economic blunders--which briefly impresses even butler Gustav, but just briefly. Both Charles and Agatha seem ready, several times, to break down and confess their lasting interest, but neither actually gets there. Agatha does have a brief infatuation with a new man, vicar Rory's brother-in-law Guy, but it is too brief to even fit well into the story line. She just seems tired.
The story seems more adapted for a series of tweets than a full length video. Choppy plot scenes in sloppy order. Choppy personal relationships in sloppy order. Even the language. Did Beaton use the word "geddit" constantly in her other novels? I don't remember seeing it ever--but in this novel it was repeated over and over.
On the other hand, I did read it in a day. And to be honest, I will get # 29 whenever, and as soon as, it comes out.
Even her love interests drop the sparkle. Ex-husband James is there and quite solicitous of her welfare, but he no longer interests her--and his next-door house burns down. I thought that maybe long-term-friend-with-benefits Sir Charles might get together with her; she does go to Italy to save him from one of his horrible romantic-economic blunders--which briefly impresses even butler Gustav, but just briefly. Both Charles and Agatha seem ready, several times, to break down and confess their lasting interest, but neither actually gets there. Agatha does have a brief infatuation with a new man, vicar Rory's brother-in-law Guy, but it is too brief to even fit well into the story line. She just seems tired.
The story seems more adapted for a series of tweets than a full length video. Choppy plot scenes in sloppy order. Choppy personal relationships in sloppy order. Even the language. Did Beaton use the word "geddit" constantly in her other novels? I don't remember seeing it ever--but in this novel it was repeated over and over.
On the other hand, I did read it in a day. And to be honest, I will get # 29 whenever, and as soon as, it comes out.
January 24, 2018
I honestly question whether she's actually writing these anymore. This book wasn't even proofread let alone given a once over by an editor. Throughout it, there were passages that I had to reread several times, just to understand what was meant, or who was actually speaking. There is a stupid, stupid mistake within the first few pages. A Primark dress seen in Tesco’s. Two separate brands not sold together. (Like H&M being sold in Wal-Mart for US readers)
Agatha appears to have morphed into a different person. Instead of her usual description we now have her with a 'good figure' and 'curvy', instead of the previous dumpy or chunky description. Her eyes remain the same, but perhaps with retrospective revisionism to include the tv series, her hair colour is never described, although it's still 'glossy'.
Agatha has yet another new car, I guess she forgot what she was driving in the previous book (a Mercedes? a BMW?) and now it's a Peugeot. Without a SatNav. Except later when it has one.
At one point Agatha and James are on the train home, then back in the taxi to the station, then back on the train again. A needless plot point of gang rape is introduced, leading to several 'she was asking for it' type comments, vigorously refuted by Agatha, yet later on the victim is twice dismissed as a 'nymphomaniac' by her, and shockingly, Mrs Bloxby! Does anybody outside the 1950s even use such a word anymore? The characters are terribly one dimensional caricatures, with far too many big busted glamourpusses. We get introduced to far too many of them in the first chapter, and then when her old friend Roy appears, he introduces himself TO AGATHA using his full name! Obviously to distinguish himself to the readers, from the Rory character previously introduced. A minor character is killed, then later is simply said to have disappeared. Her cats go to her cleaner, then she goes home to feed them.
In short, a mess.
Agatha appears to have morphed into a different person. Instead of her usual description we now have her with a 'good figure' and 'curvy', instead of the previous dumpy or chunky description. Her eyes remain the same, but perhaps with retrospective revisionism to include the tv series, her hair colour is never described, although it's still 'glossy'.
Agatha has yet another new car, I guess she forgot what she was driving in the previous book (a Mercedes? a BMW?) and now it's a Peugeot. Without a SatNav. Except later when it has one.
At one point Agatha and James are on the train home, then back in the taxi to the station, then back on the train again. A needless plot point of gang rape is introduced, leading to several 'she was asking for it' type comments, vigorously refuted by Agatha, yet later on the victim is twice dismissed as a 'nymphomaniac' by her, and shockingly, Mrs Bloxby! Does anybody outside the 1950s even use such a word anymore? The characters are terribly one dimensional caricatures, with far too many big busted glamourpusses. We get introduced to far too many of them in the first chapter, and then when her old friend Roy appears, he introduces himself TO AGATHA using his full name! Obviously to distinguish himself to the readers, from the Rory character previously introduced. A minor character is killed, then later is simply said to have disappeared. Her cats go to her cleaner, then she goes home to feed them.
In short, a mess.
March 23, 2018
I shouldn’t have wasted precious reading time, but I ever live in hope... .
February 2, 2018
Where do I start on this atrocious book? Please, someone tell me that this was a draft and was published by mistake! Or perhaps, someone else wrote it.
I don't know how else to describe Agatha in this book other than she was just plain nasty. Above and beyond her usual nastiness! She's short-tempered and crabby. She looks at every man as potential husband material and lives dreamy-eyed for several weeks. When the romance either fails to take place or ends, she retreats into herself. She spends most of the plot realizing that she is alone, and also lonely. The repetition gets old.
On one level, this book has it all: sex, date rape drugs, murder, ghosts, witches, spitting on food, temper tantrums, and so much more. You'd think it would be a can't-put-down, stay-up-all-night page-turner. NOPE. It would appear that Ms. Beaton had a contest, and if you had an idea and it appeared in her book, you would get a free copy. There are so many ideas floating around it is hard to keep track of the plot lines. Large groups of dialogues occur, but it's difficult to keep track of who is saying what.
The characters are hard to like. Agatha has turned into a shrew, James is more aloof than usual, and Charles is a jerk. Amazingly, Agatha left Toni alone this time, and the other members of her staff are pretty much out of the picture. The Vicar's wife, Mrs. Bloxby, is still kind but Alf is pretty much MIA. The rest of the cast, in which the plot centers, are so over the top they are merely dysfunctional caricatures of themselves.
I miss my Agatha. I like her feisty, but she was selfish and mean-spirited. Ms. Beaton, please come back, and bring the old Agatha with you!
I don't know how else to describe Agatha in this book other than she was just plain nasty. Above and beyond her usual nastiness! She's short-tempered and crabby. She looks at every man as potential husband material and lives dreamy-eyed for several weeks. When the romance either fails to take place or ends, she retreats into herself. She spends most of the plot realizing that she is alone, and also lonely. The repetition gets old.
On one level, this book has it all: sex, date rape drugs, murder, ghosts, witches, spitting on food, temper tantrums, and so much more. You'd think it would be a can't-put-down, stay-up-all-night page-turner. NOPE. It would appear that Ms. Beaton had a contest, and if you had an idea and it appeared in her book, you would get a free copy. There are so many ideas floating around it is hard to keep track of the plot lines. Large groups of dialogues occur, but it's difficult to keep track of who is saying what.
The characters are hard to like. Agatha has turned into a shrew, James is more aloof than usual, and Charles is a jerk. Amazingly, Agatha left Toni alone this time, and the other members of her staff are pretty much out of the picture. The Vicar's wife, Mrs. Bloxby, is still kind but Alf is pretty much MIA. The rest of the cast, in which the plot centers, are so over the top they are merely dysfunctional caricatures of themselves.
I miss my Agatha. I like her feisty, but she was selfish and mean-spirited. Ms. Beaton, please come back, and bring the old Agatha with you!
December 3, 2017
NOTE: Do not read this review if you plan to read the book. This is only one reader's opinion, and just because I didn't care for it doesn't mean you won't like it!
This is the latest Agatha Raisin. I've read every one in this series, but I think this may be the last for me. Always a very quick read, the series started out light and entertaining but gradually progressed to Agatha being exasperating and now downright annoying. The stories have become quite silly and, in this newest book, almost every page has something vulgar with unrelenting male-bashing, which I find tiresome and borderline offensive. The plot of the original murder becomes difficult to follow because she starts throwing in side stories just one or two pages long about all kinds of characters, and it was actually difficult to figure out where, if anywhere, the story was going.
In answer to the question: Why did you bother to finish it? Well, it's a very short book for one, and two, I have trouble just giving up on a book when I'm halfway through it! I also kept hoping it would get better, but I admit I've read enough books now to know when it's time to give up on one. I am very disappointed, because I have enjoyed Agatha's stories for a long time, but I've pretty much had it with her. From now on, I think I'll stick with Hamish Macbeth!
This is the latest Agatha Raisin. I've read every one in this series, but I think this may be the last for me. Always a very quick read, the series started out light and entertaining but gradually progressed to Agatha being exasperating and now downright annoying. The stories have become quite silly and, in this newest book, almost every page has something vulgar with unrelenting male-bashing, which I find tiresome and borderline offensive. The plot of the original murder becomes difficult to follow because she starts throwing in side stories just one or two pages long about all kinds of characters, and it was actually difficult to figure out where, if anywhere, the story was going.
In answer to the question: Why did you bother to finish it? Well, it's a very short book for one, and two, I have trouble just giving up on a book when I'm halfway through it! I also kept hoping it would get better, but I admit I've read enough books now to know when it's time to give up on one. I am very disappointed, because I have enjoyed Agatha's stories for a long time, but I've pretty much had it with her. From now on, I think I'll stick with Hamish Macbeth!
August 13, 2017
The Witches' Tree, the 28th Agatha Raisin mystery by acclaimed author M.C. Beaton, is so well written that it doesn't matter if one hasn't read all the previous books in the series prior to this one. Personally, I'd only read the first (The Quiche of Death) but did see all the episodes of the television series. Other than the location and some of the characters, new readers to the series should not expect the same warm/fuzzy feeling from the television shows to be evident in the books. The story is very enjoyable - it's a lovely combination of charming, spooky, amusing and it's also a little bit dark. Not one, but two bodies are found hanging from The Witches Tree in the small Cotswolds village of Sumpton Harcourt (near Carsely), and it's up to Agatha and her team to investigate and discover the culprit. There are lots of little behind the scenes antics as well (relationships between Agatha and James, and also between Agatha and Charles), and it does quite well as a standalone. The banter is quick and clever, and there is a little surprise in the epilogue as well. Highly, highly recommended!
January 23, 2018
This was terrible! Terrible. I had no idea it was #28 in a series - my copy from the library looked like a stand alone. Agatha Raisin is a 50ish stylish lady in the Cotswolds who solves mysteries. And in this pretty little town an old lady is found hanging from a tree. Who dunnit!?
It's got the usual suspects of an English small town mystery that we've seen a million times before, which was all fine and good, but the reason I hated it was that all the female characters - literally every single one - was distracted by wishing they had a man. The old lady found swinging was a lonely virgin, Agatha Raisin is the tough PI but who just keeps wishing her sometimes boyfriend Charles would like her already, and a whole host of other women in the book are all various degrees of other stereotypes: young, beautiful thing all the men hit on, young beautiful thing who hits ON all the men, etc. It was weird and distracting and lame.
Agatha Raisin wasn't as cool headed as Miss Marple, not as fun as Nancy Drew & her friends, and not as interesting as, well, anyone else. Yawn.
It's got the usual suspects of an English small town mystery that we've seen a million times before, which was all fine and good, but the reason I hated it was that all the female characters - literally every single one - was distracted by wishing they had a man. The old lady found swinging was a lonely virgin, Agatha Raisin is the tough PI but who just keeps wishing her sometimes boyfriend Charles would like her already, and a whole host of other women in the book are all various degrees of other stereotypes: young, beautiful thing all the men hit on, young beautiful thing who hits ON all the men, etc. It was weird and distracting and lame.
Agatha Raisin wasn't as cool headed as Miss Marple, not as fun as Nancy Drew & her friends, and not as interesting as, well, anyone else. Yawn.
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