What do you think?
Rate this book
Agatha Raisin #17
Cache-cache à l'hôtel
Entre son agence de détective qui tourne au ralenti et les réunions des dames de Carsely, Agatha s’ennuie. Aussi est-elle enchantée lorsque son ex-mari James Lacey l’invite pour des vacances mais – horreur ! – sa conception d’un séjour idyllique est le petit hôtel décrépi de Burryhill-on-Sea où, enfant, il passait ses étés.
Et tout va de mal en pis : quand un autre client de l’hôtel est assassiné, Agatha est la principale suspecte et se voit obligée de résoudre l’affaire depuis sa cellule de prison !
Avec plus de 800 000 exemplaires vendus, Agatha Raisin, l’héritière très spirituelle de Miss Marple version rock, a imposé sa personnalité loufoque et irrésistible. Vous reprendrez bien un peu de Worcestershire sauce dans votre thé ?
« C’est comme si la célèbre détective d’Agatha Christie avait rajeuni, adopté des mœurs de cougar, un humour caustique, et mangé de la vache folle. On est en Angleterre... C’est un régal. »
Le Point
Et tout va de mal en pis : quand un autre client de l’hôtel est assassiné, Agatha est la principale suspecte et se voit obligée de résoudre l’affaire depuis sa cellule de prison !
Avec plus de 800 000 exemplaires vendus, Agatha Raisin, l’héritière très spirituelle de Miss Marple version rock, a imposé sa personnalité loufoque et irrésistible. Vous reprendrez bien un peu de Worcestershire sauce dans votre thé ?
« C’est comme si la célèbre détective d’Agatha Christie avait rajeuni, adopté des mœurs de cougar, un humour caustique, et mangé de la vache folle. On est en Angleterre... C’est un régal. »
Le Point
324 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2006
362 people are currently reading
2591 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Beaton
328 books6,004 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 612 reviews
April 14, 2023
Agatha Raisin hat mich tatsächlich von Beginn an begeistern können; das Setting, die schrullige (Hobby-)Ermittlerin und auch die Nebencharaktere. Ich mag sie alle :)
Dieses ist nun bereits der 17. Band, und ich muss zugeben, ein klein wenig hat die Serie ihren Zauber für mich eingebüßt, aber ich mag sie dennoch sehr gerne und werde sie auch weiterverfolgen.
Dieser Band war wieder angenehm chaotisch, gemütlich und unterhaltsam. Spannend auch durchaus, aber nicht vordergründig.
Dieses ist nun bereits der 17. Band, und ich muss zugeben, ein klein wenig hat die Serie ihren Zauber für mich eingebüßt, aber ich mag sie dennoch sehr gerne und werde sie auch weiterverfolgen.
Dieser Band war wieder angenehm chaotisch, gemütlich und unterhaltsam. Spannend auch durchaus, aber nicht vordergründig.
November 27, 2024
Going on holiday with your ex is never a good idea.
Especially if you're Agatha Raisin and corpses pop up around you like daisies.
Agatha gets into a hissing match with an obnoxious woman and her family who are sitting in the hotel restaurant, causing James to get into an actual fistfight outside the hotel.
Later Agatha mislays her scarf.
Yes, the scarf that is then found wound tight around the neck of the same obnoxious woman the next morning when she's discovered dead on the beach.
Well, then.
That doesn't look good, does it?
Of course, if you've made it to book #17, you're not really worried that Agatha is going to do hard time for some annoying woman's murder.
You know what your are worried about?
JAMES LACEY.
Agatha! Take your sexy legs on a walk and use your beady bear eyes to find a guy who isn't a human-sized turd.
Recommended.
Especially if you're Agatha Raisin and corpses pop up around you like daisies.
Agatha gets into a hissing match with an obnoxious woman and her family who are sitting in the hotel restaurant, causing James to get into an actual fistfight outside the hotel.
Later Agatha mislays her scarf.
Yes, the scarf that is then found wound tight around the neck of the same obnoxious woman the next morning when she's discovered dead on the beach.
Well, then.
That doesn't look good, does it?
Of course, if you've made it to book #17, you're not really worried that Agatha is going to do hard time for some annoying woman's murder.
You know what your are worried about?
JAMES LACEY.
Agatha! Take your sexy legs on a walk and use your beady bear eyes to find a guy who isn't a human-sized turd.
Recommended.
August 14, 2015
I can’t believe I’m already up to book #17 in this series. After the first two, I wasn’t sure how long I’d continue because Agatha wasn’t a very nice person. Now, although she’s still rough around the edges, she has won me over. There’s just something about her that makes me care about her. I still wish she didn’t act like a love struck teenager and I still wish people didn’t carry on like she’s almost 100 years old instead of her mid-50’s. But, she’s amusing and, for the most part, an intelligent amateur sleuth.
In this one, Agatha’s former husband is back, unfortunately. James Lacey is probably supposed to be hero material, but I haven’t liked him since book one. LOL Oh well, things aren’t always working out well for him, so I will be satisfied with that :)
It’s really amazing how murder cases literally seem to fall at Agatha’s feet. Plus, it makes me laugh how she always shows up the police. She’s so much better at investigating than they are. LOL As I’ve said before, adding a P.I. business to Agatha’s life complete with an additional set of new characters is one of the best ideas yet.
As you can tell by my review, I’m more involved in the characters than I am in the actual mysteries. They are good, simple and – as simple as they can be – I still never seem to figure out whodunit.
The good thing is these are so short that I can usually finish listening to them in just one week during my commute to/from work. It’s onto the next one now…
In this one, Agatha’s former husband is back, unfortunately. James Lacey is probably supposed to be hero material, but I haven’t liked him since book one. LOL Oh well, things aren’t always working out well for him, so I will be satisfied with that :)
It’s really amazing how murder cases literally seem to fall at Agatha’s feet. Plus, it makes me laugh how she always shows up the police. She’s so much better at investigating than they are. LOL As I’ve said before, adding a P.I. business to Agatha’s life complete with an additional set of new characters is one of the best ideas yet.
As you can tell by my review, I’m more involved in the characters than I am in the actual mysteries. They are good, simple and – as simple as they can be – I still never seem to figure out whodunit.
The good thing is these are so short that I can usually finish listening to them in just one week during my commute to/from work. It’s onto the next one now…
June 11, 2017
If I am ever on vacation and Agatha Raisin shows up at the hotel, I am quickly checking out!!!
Nothing against Agatha personally, but people seem to get killed around her at a quick pace.... this is the 17th book in the series, so clearly I enjoy the series, Agatha has grown on me throughout these books, and the ridiculous love triangle of sorts is the least annoying love triangle of all fiction..... James is back and of course because Agatha is not showing any interest, now he is interested.... and Charles is, well Charles, just extremely self-absorbed.... and of course Agatha goes on vacation and people are murdered, and her friends are around her to help solve the crime.... Love picking up these books, I know just what I'm getting, and there is some definite comfort in that....
Nothing against Agatha personally, but people seem to get killed around her at a quick pace.... this is the 17th book in the series, so clearly I enjoy the series, Agatha has grown on me throughout these books, and the ridiculous love triangle of sorts is the least annoying love triangle of all fiction..... James is back and of course because Agatha is not showing any interest, now he is interested.... and Charles is, well Charles, just extremely self-absorbed.... and of course Agatha goes on vacation and people are murdered, and her friends are around her to help solve the crime.... Love picking up these books, I know just what I'm getting, and there is some definite comfort in that....
April 24, 2018
What the hell does Agatha see in the self-centered jackass James Lacey? The only downside of the Agatha Raisin books is that Agatha doesn't know how special and unique she is.
July 3, 2018
Maybe it’s because I’ve been reading these books all in a row but I’m so done with James Lacy! Move on Aggie!
October 17, 2023
No, this instalment didn't do it for me. The plot is refreshingly different in that we are led to believe that the conclusion comes at about half, but the drawn out ending is just hugely disappointing. The story of the love interest James wore thin a long time ago now, but the misunderstandings and near misses of getting it back on are just annoying now.
October 24, 2012
It appears that Agatha has put on her big girl panties and she is no longer going to be ex-husband James Lacey’s doormat. He cannot suddenly appear in her life and on a moment’s notice assume that she is going to drop everything and follow him on a whim.
OK, well maybe after this one trip.
After seventeen books, we all know Agatha pretty well, she puts on a strong face, but deep down she is desperate for a man’s attention, even if the said man of the moment does not treat her very well. This time it is going to be different, James has unexpectedly arrived on her doorstep and wanting a traveling companion for his next assignment, as a travel book writer, he has invited Agatha on holiday.
Unfortunately, the idyllic resort that James remembered from his youth has seen better days. As James is remembering a perfect vacation from his childhood, Agatha is seeing an old hotel crumbling into the sea. She wants to go home; she wants to be back in her garden with her cats.
Agatha is devastated at the turn of events and showing her disappointment, takes her anger out on a fellow guest. The next day when said guest turns up strangled with Agatha’s scarf the police quickly jump to their inept conclusions and arrest Agatha. This cannot be happening. Unless she can get to the bottom of this fiasco, she will be spending the rest of her days in a cell in a pathetic little town.
Luckily, for Agatha, there is no shortage of suspects and the reader has to pay attention as to who is related to whom. What motivation each of them has and will a most fortuitous glimpse into a draw blow the case wide open.
For me, once again, Mrs. Bloxby is the perfect character in this book. You can see her growing and having more fun than the typical lot of a vicar’s wife. In a way, I think she lives vicariously through Agatha and at the same time, has the astute insight that keeps all of the townspeople of Carsely in line.
OK, well maybe after this one trip.
After seventeen books, we all know Agatha pretty well, she puts on a strong face, but deep down she is desperate for a man’s attention, even if the said man of the moment does not treat her very well. This time it is going to be different, James has unexpectedly arrived on her doorstep and wanting a traveling companion for his next assignment, as a travel book writer, he has invited Agatha on holiday.
Unfortunately, the idyllic resort that James remembered from his youth has seen better days. As James is remembering a perfect vacation from his childhood, Agatha is seeing an old hotel crumbling into the sea. She wants to go home; she wants to be back in her garden with her cats.
Agatha is devastated at the turn of events and showing her disappointment, takes her anger out on a fellow guest. The next day when said guest turns up strangled with Agatha’s scarf the police quickly jump to their inept conclusions and arrest Agatha. This cannot be happening. Unless she can get to the bottom of this fiasco, she will be spending the rest of her days in a cell in a pathetic little town.
Luckily, for Agatha, there is no shortage of suspects and the reader has to pay attention as to who is related to whom. What motivation each of them has and will a most fortuitous glimpse into a draw blow the case wide open.
For me, once again, Mrs. Bloxby is the perfect character in this book. You can see her growing and having more fun than the typical lot of a vicar’s wife. In a way, I think she lives vicariously through Agatha and at the same time, has the astute insight that keeps all of the townspeople of Carsely in line.
June 5, 2021
Endlich geschafft! Dies war der 13. und letzte "Agatha Raisin"-Krimi auf meinem SUB und ich muss gestehen, ich bin froh, dass es vorbei ist. Die beiden letzten Bände waren mit Agathas Detektivagentur wieder ein wenig spannender, aber ansonsten dreht sich die Reihe leider im Kreis. Agatha lernt nicht aus ihrem Hin und Her zwischen James und Charles und wenn man endlich denkt, sie hätte doch endlich ein wenig Männerverstand entwickelt, dann wirft sie diesen wieder mutwillig fort. Seufz. Das darf sie gerne weiter machen ... aber ohne mich.
December 19, 2011
Oh my...I'm not sure where to start. The title is great. Best thing about the book actually, even though I failed to see any connection to the dreadful story starring the stout little temptress Agatha. Oh wait...no one was tempted. The entire book wasted valuable story time with Agatha and James' pathetic relationship. The relationship couldn't even really be classed as "on again/off again" because it was never turned on. Oh, and the bit about Agatha's "filmy" underwear. That was just sad. Agatha's friendship/whatever with Charles was just as bad...maybe worse...he was supposed to be a friend. This could've been a good read. The mystery was okay...except the part about the guy's wrists. Really? He had strong wrists?
Though the title of the book was great, and the premise of the book wasn't bad, I could not recommend this to any one. I spent most of the time wanting to bitch slap Agatha, and that's not usually a reason to read more about them.
Though the title of the book was great, and the premise of the book wasn't bad, I could not recommend this to any one. I spent most of the time wanting to bitch slap Agatha, and that's not usually a reason to read more about them.
July 3, 2008
She is not nice in the conventional sense and she has none of the homemaking qualities one associates with good village women. And yet there is something about her insecurities, her imperfect pitch in the hum of relationships, and her dazzling self-involvement (coupled with almost no self-awareness) that makes her a wonderful protagonist in the perfect-picture setting of these novels. M.C. Beaton again develops a believable and funny cast of characters, some of whom are quite disposable, and sets in motion a plot with more twists than your average village ramble. It may be the best book yet in this enjoyable series, with the finger of accusation pointing at... well, it would not do to tell. My only complaint is that Agatha Raisin is always "high carb" reading; the book ends while I am still craving more, more...
February 13, 2018
#17! Wow, I have a serious addiction to these audiobooks! Thanks to the online library for having this whole series on its Always Available Audiobooks (at least, for the time being). I keep promising myself that I will pick up something else to read and come back, but I can't help listening to the next one as it's only a few phone clicks away to downloading the next installment. As for this particular book: James is back, and just like Agatha, I don't give a flying fig. Thankfully, some people get murdered.
February 11, 2022
“Love, Lies, and Liquor” Earns 5+/5 Seaside Conundrums…Clever!
Life is boring without a bit of ‘Agatha’ in it! Agatha still cares for James Lacey, her ex-husband, but it may be over after a dinner party fiasco. So, partly an apology, partly jealousy seeing Sir Charles Frait a frequent visitor at Agatha’s cottage, James suggests a little holiday. His, now, travel writer focus has Agatha thinking an exotic locale. When they arrive at the Palace Hotel in Snoth-on-Sea, however, she’s tempted to turn around and go home. The struggling, seen-better-days village is not the same place James had visited often as a child and hoped to share with Agatha, but after a horrible encounter with bad food and loud mouth guests that included fists-to-cuffs, they decided to pack up and leave. Heading out, James sees blue flashing lights in the rear-view mirror and pulls over to let them pass, but they stop, and forcibly announce Agatha is being brought in for questioning in the murder of Geraldine Jankers…What?! The subsequent investigation puts a serious strain on Agatha’s relationship with James, brings out past felonies, exposes lots of suspects, and continues to put Agatha in danger.
I greatly enjoyed, “Love, Lies, and Liquor,” the sixteenth book in the Agatha Raisin series, with the entertaining style, humor, real language, and suspense directly from M.C. Beaton herself. The multiple murder mystery is clever, complex, and engaging as it weaves various ideas from past felonies, dubious property sales, multiple murders, and several “Oh my! That was great!” moment. The story also delights as it delves more into the dynamics between Agatha and James, Agatha and Charles, and Agatha and her agency team. I really enjoy getting a more detailed story and true vision of Beaton’s characters since my first introduction to Agatha Raisin was through the television production. So worth reading…Different personalities. Additional characters. Slightly different roles. More scenes to enjoy. More crimes to explore. Maximum fun, and plenty of differences to the television adaptation to make this totally engaging! I highly recommend M.C. Beaton’s book, but “listening” to the story narrated, as are many of the Agatha Raisin books, by one of my favorite British actresses, Dame Penelope Keith, is priceless! Her natural voice is pleasant, so very enjoyable as she goes beyond a traditional reading with exciting emotions, gender and age tone, and spot on with several accents and dialects. How does she do it…she’s brilliant!
Life is boring without a bit of ‘Agatha’ in it! Agatha still cares for James Lacey, her ex-husband, but it may be over after a dinner party fiasco. So, partly an apology, partly jealousy seeing Sir Charles Frait a frequent visitor at Agatha’s cottage, James suggests a little holiday. His, now, travel writer focus has Agatha thinking an exotic locale. When they arrive at the Palace Hotel in Snoth-on-Sea, however, she’s tempted to turn around and go home. The struggling, seen-better-days village is not the same place James had visited often as a child and hoped to share with Agatha, but after a horrible encounter with bad food and loud mouth guests that included fists-to-cuffs, they decided to pack up and leave. Heading out, James sees blue flashing lights in the rear-view mirror and pulls over to let them pass, but they stop, and forcibly announce Agatha is being brought in for questioning in the murder of Geraldine Jankers…What?! The subsequent investigation puts a serious strain on Agatha’s relationship with James, brings out past felonies, exposes lots of suspects, and continues to put Agatha in danger.
I greatly enjoyed, “Love, Lies, and Liquor,” the sixteenth book in the Agatha Raisin series, with the entertaining style, humor, real language, and suspense directly from M.C. Beaton herself. The multiple murder mystery is clever, complex, and engaging as it weaves various ideas from past felonies, dubious property sales, multiple murders, and several “Oh my! That was great!” moment. The story also delights as it delves more into the dynamics between Agatha and James, Agatha and Charles, and Agatha and her agency team. I really enjoy getting a more detailed story and true vision of Beaton’s characters since my first introduction to Agatha Raisin was through the television production. So worth reading…Different personalities. Additional characters. Slightly different roles. More scenes to enjoy. More crimes to explore. Maximum fun, and plenty of differences to the television adaptation to make this totally engaging! I highly recommend M.C. Beaton’s book, but “listening” to the story narrated, as are many of the Agatha Raisin books, by one of my favorite British actresses, Dame Penelope Keith, is priceless! Her natural voice is pleasant, so very enjoyable as she goes beyond a traditional reading with exciting emotions, gender and age tone, and spot on with several accents and dialects. How does she do it…she’s brilliant!
September 12, 2021
Agatha and the Bitter Vacation
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (February 2013) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (September 2006)
Love, Lies and Liquor finds Agatha Raisin going off on vacation with ex-husband James Lacey for what she hopes will be a rekindled relationship. Instead they turn up at Snoth-On-The-Sea, a former resort town that had seen better days in the time of James' youth. Agatha gets into an argument with a loud-mouthed woman at a restaurant and later on the woman is found murdered with Agatha's scarf. As usual, Agatha has to solve the case and clear her own name as well. Meanwhile, the relationship with James goes back downhill and Sir Charles shows up to add to the antics.
I'm continuing to enjoy the fun of these cozies which are somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Sir Charles is much more of a recurring character and occasional love interest than he is in the screen adaptation and his cheap and chintzy manners are played up quite a bit. The narration by regular reader Penelope Keith is always excellent in all voices. Keith is as perfect a voice fit for the audiobooks as Ashley Jensen is to the TV role.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A continuation series Book 32 Down the Hatch is yet to be released, and is expected to be published in October 2021. Down the Hatch is apparently entirely written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas #31 Hot to Trot was a collaboration with M.C. Beaton.
Trivia and No Link
Love, Lies and Liquor has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). It is possibly in the running to be part of Series 4 which will probably be aired late in 2021 as they have been adapting the books roughly chronologically.
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (February 2013) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (September 2006)
Love, Lies and Liquor finds Agatha Raisin going off on vacation with ex-husband James Lacey for what she hopes will be a rekindled relationship. Instead they turn up at Snoth-On-The-Sea, a former resort town that had seen better days in the time of James' youth. Agatha gets into an argument with a loud-mouthed woman at a restaurant and later on the woman is found murdered with Agatha's scarf. As usual, Agatha has to solve the case and clear her own name as well. Meanwhile, the relationship with James goes back downhill and Sir Charles shows up to add to the antics.
I'm continuing to enjoy the fun of these cozies which are somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Sir Charles is much more of a recurring character and occasional love interest than he is in the screen adaptation and his cheap and chintzy manners are played up quite a bit. The narration by regular reader Penelope Keith is always excellent in all voices. Keith is as perfect a voice fit for the audiobooks as Ashley Jensen is to the TV role.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A continuation series Book 32 Down the Hatch is yet to be released, and is expected to be published in October 2021. Down the Hatch is apparently entirely written by continuation writer R.W. Green whereas #31 Hot to Trot was a collaboration with M.C. Beaton.
Trivia and No Link
Love, Lies and Liquor has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). It is possibly in the running to be part of Series 4 which will probably be aired late in 2021 as they have been adapting the books roughly chronologically.
April 7, 2021
A good old romp at the seaside for Agatha this time. 5 stars.
Agatha is finally going on holiday with the man of her dreams - James Lacey - she married him, they split, they're friends?! So now why not go on holiday. Aggie packs for her perfect getaway, perhaps the south of France of the coast of Italy.... James takes her to.... Snoth-on-sea? Huh?
Agatha isn't happy to say the least and lets James know this. They decide to stay for a little while and then maybe move on. But while they are there, a murder occurs and the victim is the lady Agatha had a bust up with over breakfast. So with Agatha being accused of murder, James does what he does best and flees. He's useless.
So, on her own Agatha decides to get the agency involved and try to solve the murder - to clear her name and also redeem her reputation. Problem is she has to stay in Snoth-on-sea to do it.
Loved this. It has all the usual Agatha Raisin quirks. Her undying love for a man who mistreats her, her standoffish attitude to everyone around her, her snobbery, her temper. She is great :)
Read this one for a bit of fun, a cosy murder mystery, something light and refreshing.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
Agatha is finally going on holiday with the man of her dreams - James Lacey - she married him, they split, they're friends?! So now why not go on holiday. Aggie packs for her perfect getaway, perhaps the south of France of the coast of Italy.... James takes her to.... Snoth-on-sea? Huh?
Agatha isn't happy to say the least and lets James know this. They decide to stay for a little while and then maybe move on. But while they are there, a murder occurs and the victim is the lady Agatha had a bust up with over breakfast. So with Agatha being accused of murder, James does what he does best and flees. He's useless.
So, on her own Agatha decides to get the agency involved and try to solve the murder - to clear her name and also redeem her reputation. Problem is she has to stay in Snoth-on-sea to do it.
Loved this. It has all the usual Agatha Raisin quirks. Her undying love for a man who mistreats her, her standoffish attitude to everyone around her, her snobbery, her temper. She is great :)
Read this one for a bit of fun, a cosy murder mystery, something light and refreshing.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
March 22, 2019
Agatha Raisin really thinks the tides have finally turned. Her ex-husband has been sniffing around her recently and has now come up with the glorious idea of taking her away on a wonderful holiday. All she knows is that she has to go shopping immediatly for new holiday gear!! So it's a bit of a let-down when they arriv, not in Cannes or the Riviera, but in the seaside town of Snoth - on - Sea. Apparently it was James's favourite place when he was a child...
Aggie is furious, and about to leave James in it. But she decides to hold out for one evening. Of course on the first evening she ends up threatening a stuck-up and rude guest who is soon found strangled on the shore with Agatha's scarf... What is she to do? Can James clear her name, or does she have to call on Charles Fraith to help her out? We know she'll be okay regardless.
I LOVED this one!
Aggie is furious, and about to leave James in it. But she decides to hold out for one evening. Of course on the first evening she ends up threatening a stuck-up and rude guest who is soon found strangled on the shore with Agatha's scarf... What is she to do? Can James clear her name, or does she have to call on Charles Fraith to help her out? We know she'll be okay regardless.
I LOVED this one!
January 10, 2020
I haven’t totally read these in order as I am missing some, but I find that I have read enough that it isn’t a problem. Although this one definitely had more twists than most of the others in the series, I found it wound on a little longer than I would have liked. And the whole back and forth with James and Charles is getting old with me. I still very much enjoy these books though.
In this one, Agatha and James are off on holiday to a town James used to go to as a boy. One of the other guests gets murdered, and as us, James and Agatha are suspect so they have to prove their innocence and more crimes take place in the process.
Not my favorite one in the series, but I will definitely keep reading them :)
In this one, Agatha and James are off on holiday to a town James used to go to as a boy. One of the other guests gets murdered, and as us, James and Agatha are suspect so they have to prove their innocence and more crimes take place in the process.
Not my favorite one in the series, but I will definitely keep reading them :)
August 21, 2024
Read as an audiobook via Bolinda Audio.
Read by Penelope Keith
Duration - 6 hrs 15 minutes.
Cosy Mystery set in England, a bit more grouchy than Agatha Christie, but hey, well worth listening to, lol.
Read by Penelope Keith
Duration - 6 hrs 15 minutes.
Cosy Mystery set in England, a bit more grouchy than Agatha Christie, but hey, well worth listening to, lol.
February 6, 2021
I have nothing to add to other reviews. A fast, fun read. I must say, I do like Agatha's hired detectives and their role in helping her solve cases. They all have their own unique personality: Patrick, the hard boiled ex-cop; Harry, the young college student who can turn himself into a punk or goth or biker to suit the role called for; Phil the seventies something old who still proves himself a help with detective work...plus a whole cast of friends, Sir Charles; James Lacey, ex-husband, Mrs. Bloxby good friend and Roy Silver another young man who helps Agatha with detective work when he's visiting from London.
For a single woman, Agatha somehow manages to surround herself with men, even if most of them make up her surrogate family.
The recurring characters is what makes these stories, whichare a bit formulaic, enjoyable.
For a single woman, Agatha somehow manages to surround herself with men, even if most of them make up her surrogate family.
The recurring characters is what makes these stories, whichare a bit formulaic, enjoyable.
December 19, 2010
Tried this series after much time away, since the main character is not really very likeable.
Unfortunately, I've found she really is not better than I expected. She is not static - she has developed, but in baby steps. It's very disappointing.
Maybe, however, this is how life really is. In reality, we all evolve, grow, expand in baby steps, and I haven't realized this yet and am taking it out on this character.
Agatha Raisin is very self-centered and selfish character. Everything revolves around her and what is best for her and her detective agency. She is also a bit delusional - harboring a demented obsession with her ex-husband, who is much like her - self-centered and in love with himself.
I enjoyed the mystery, itself - not the characters.
Unfortunately, I've found she really is not better than I expected. She is not static - she has developed, but in baby steps. It's very disappointing.
Maybe, however, this is how life really is. In reality, we all evolve, grow, expand in baby steps, and I haven't realized this yet and am taking it out on this character.
Agatha Raisin is very self-centered and selfish character. Everything revolves around her and what is best for her and her detective agency. She is also a bit delusional - harboring a demented obsession with her ex-husband, who is much like her - self-centered and in love with himself.
I enjoyed the mystery, itself - not the characters.
December 6, 2018
Well 17 books in and I think I'm starting to tire of Agatha now.
Its obvious the writer has seriously run out of ideas. This one has some seriously corny moments and the James on/off/on/off is just getting boring now.
In this one, the suspects were all so similar and dull that I often got them mixed up and the final reveal just came out of nowhere and then was pretty much forgotten about again straight away.
And if someone can explain why 'Liquor' is in the title, it would be much appreciated.
I'll carry on with the series but I'm hoping to get some interesting new characters soon and not the standard, by the numbers, James-Charles-James-Charles-.. again and again and again.....
Its obvious the writer has seriously run out of ideas. This one has some seriously corny moments and the James on/off/on/off is just getting boring now.
In this one, the suspects were all so similar and dull that I often got them mixed up and the final reveal just came out of nowhere and then was pretty much forgotten about again straight away.
And if someone can explain why 'Liquor' is in the title, it would be much appreciated.
I'll carry on with the series but I'm hoping to get some interesting new characters soon and not the standard, by the numbers, James-Charles-James-Charles-.. again and again and again.....
February 5, 2023
More fun with Mrs. Raisin!
This book kept up the faster pace, more adult themes, and more complex plot lines, that the previous book presented the reader.
And then it gave us some crazy drama times!
Wow.
But it I liked it.
This book kept up the faster pace, more adult themes, and more complex plot lines, that the previous book presented the reader.
And then it gave us some crazy drama times!
Wow.
But it I liked it.
May 29, 2022
The book read kinda hectic 😳 but I liked it and plan on reading more Agatha Raisin. Quick read, interesting characters, felt like I was on a ride getting belted with info and murders but it was fun.
March 1, 2024
On the “surface” of things, these books are so far from what I usually like to read, and I was mystified about what made them so attractive to me and started my “addiction.” First of all, I listened to them on the way to work (audible), and the way Penelope Keith is narrating them adds so much depth to the characters. The plot is usually far-fetched, unbelievable, and stretches the limits of your imagination. Still, the main characters and their archetype personalities, with their flaws and quirks, make books so engaging. Once I listen to all the stories, I will probably have difficulty moving on to something else. I will miss the exaggerated, over-the-top, dramatic tales and their characters that came to life through all their shortcomings and failures that made them so real and still somehow likable.
August 9, 2021
I can’t stop reading this series! As much as I live Agatha though I just don’t understand her feelings when it comes to James Lacey. I really liked him in the beginning, but can not stabs him now!
I enjoyed the mystery in this one, but I think I’ve read too many in a row because the plots are basically the same with Agatha almost dying a handful of times. That being said, I still can’t get enough of this series
I enjoyed the mystery in this one, but I think I’ve read too many in a row because the plots are basically the same with Agatha almost dying a handful of times. That being said, I still can’t get enough of this series
September 15, 2019
I love the series but like the book before I have given it a 2 star rating. The previous book had Charles with twin children when the book before that said that his ex-wife had tricked him and was indeed not pregnant. James comes back and nothing is said about why he is back and why he didn't take his vows as he intended to at the monastery. Are there different people writing these books and not paying attention to the details?
August 15, 2016
Snoth? Really? And enough with James Lacey. Enough. Also with all the random raging. Meh. Time to read something else for a bit, take a break from our Aggie.
December 22, 2022
4⭐ =Good.
#17 in the series.
Another humorous romp with Agatha Raisin.
Always puts a smile on my face.
#17 in the series.
Another humorous romp with Agatha Raisin.
Always puts a smile on my face.
June 25, 2024
I think Massacre at Snoth-on-Sea would have been a better title. Once again Agatha is chasing James Lacey her ex husband and next door neighbor. He invites her on the holiday from hell in Snoth-on-Sea near Brighton. James thinks it will be like it was when he was a kid and idyllic but it turns out to be shambolic.
At the hotel they are staying in a woman who Agatha threatened to kill is found strangled with her scarf on a nearby beach. Then the bodies keep piling up. Charles also arrives sending James off in a huff and of course Agatha is kidnapped.
James returns pursued by Deborah a new resident of Carlsey. Deborah is mistaken for Agatha which results in her losing her head. A drug kingpin tries to kill Agatha and is killed by a shard of glass from a broken window during a storm which breaks a window in the hotel bar. Finally the woman’s husband confesses to Agatha he killed her and then proceeds to commit suicide.
Way too many bodies in quiet Sussex and surely the police cannot be that inept. Overall entertaining if ludicrous but also very funny.
At the hotel they are staying in a woman who Agatha threatened to kill is found strangled with her scarf on a nearby beach. Then the bodies keep piling up. Charles also arrives sending James off in a huff and of course Agatha is kidnapped.
James returns pursued by Deborah a new resident of Carlsey. Deborah is mistaken for Agatha which results in her losing her head. A drug kingpin tries to kill Agatha and is killed by a shard of glass from a broken window during a storm which breaks a window in the hotel bar. Finally the woman’s husband confesses to Agatha he killed her and then proceeds to commit suicide.
Way too many bodies in quiet Sussex and surely the police cannot be that inept. Overall entertaining if ludicrous but also very funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
ENGLISH VERSION BELOW
----------------------------
Ich hab hier leider erst vor Kurzem die Verfilmung gesehen, die ja doch teils sehr abweicht, da sie sich nur in der Grundidee an den Büchern orientiert. Das Buch fand ich ein wenig enttäuschend im Vergleich zur Fernsehfolge. Dennoch war es wieder nett, Agatha und ihren Spleens beim Einschlafen zu lauschen.
----------------------------
----------------------------
Unfortunately, I only recently saw the adaptation, which does deviate in parts, since it follows only the basic idea of the books. I found the book a bit disappointing compared to the TV episode. Nevertheless, it was nice again to listen to Agatha and her quirks while falling asleep.
----------------------------
Ich hab hier leider erst vor Kurzem die Verfilmung gesehen, die ja doch teils sehr abweicht, da sie sich nur in der Grundidee an den Büchern orientiert. Das Buch fand ich ein wenig enttäuschend im Vergleich zur Fernsehfolge. Dennoch war es wieder nett, Agatha und ihren Spleens beim Einschlafen zu lauschen.
----------------------------
----------------------------
Unfortunately, I only recently saw the adaptation, which does deviate in parts, since it follows only the basic idea of the books. I found the book a bit disappointing compared to the TV episode. Nevertheless, it was nice again to listen to Agatha and her quirks while falling asleep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 612 reviews