Warning! This series is addictive!

Any additional comments?

Last night I finished the first Agatha Raisin audiobook. This morning in the car on my way to work I thought, "I will start the second book!" And then, panic!! I realized that I had not downloaded another Agatha Raisin book.

These books are dangerous to the consumer! They are good for audible.com but for us listeners they present a dilemma. You see, I bought the first Agatha Raisin novel outside of my regular monthly credits. Today, I know that I will buy several more before I get any more credits for the month. At first, I thought that I might not like the stories. But then I was drawn in by the variety of interesting characters, the beautiful descriptions of the old English countryside, and the intriguing situations in which Agatha Raisin found herself involved.

Many times during the book I laughed out loud. Many times I was so worried about how in the world Agatha Raisin would get out of the difficult situation she had gotten into. Some of Agatha's difficult situations were the kind that you and I would struggle with, for example embarrassment, regret at having been prideful front of other people, or things like that. Some of the situations were ones with which few of us would ever find ourselves having to deal. Some of them were horrifying. Others were zany. In addition to the oddball characters in the book, there were also several very comforting characters who I was always happy to have come on scene.

If you have read and enjoyed other books by MC Beaton and, also, if you have enjoyed books like the Number One Ladies Detective Agency, the Stephanie Plum mysteries by Janet Evanovich, and the Poor Relations series, and even the free Whodunnit books available on Audible, I believe you will enjoy Agatha Raisin.

I recently listened to the audible.com Dave Barry book Insane City. Insane City is kind of "way out there" with some of the characters and situations and the language. But if you enjoyed that one, and don't mind something a little more tame, I think you would also enjoy Agatha Raisin.

This morning, as I dictate this review into my iPhone, my only regret is that instead of doing this review I could have been listening to the second Agatha Raisin book had I only thought last night to buy and download it. Next time I will plan better!

P.S. These books seem to be best read in order. I hope Audible can soon get a hold of the several in the series that are "not currently available for purchase"!

61 people found this helpful

Smiling from the start!

What made the experience of listening to Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death the most enjoyable?

I like to listen to cozy mysteries while I knit. I like to feel relaxed yet inquisitive. This book really read like a movie. I loved the description of London, the settings overall, I really could smell the smells and see the sights. On top of this is a main character that made me grin throughout and even laugh out loud. Can't WAIT to try the rest of the series.
Since knitting can be monotonous at times, this series will get me through those moments no problem because the book was so diverting. LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!
Agatha Raisin is my hero :)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Agatha Raisin. She is a character who, although aggressive to a fault (but we don't mind at all and in fact applaud it), she also has a self-reflective side and a vulnerability to her. Very well done.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had a permagrin on my face through many parts of this book. Then I would run and tell my husband, "guess what she did now!?".

Any additional comments?

Very cozy, clean, and happy little mystery.

28 people found this helpful

Maybe she will grow on you?

Any additional comments?

I generally like cozy novels for an occasional light read but this one.... not so much. I had a difficult time deciding on how many stars to apply because the writing and performance was good. The main character is completely unlikable; arrogant, self-centered and manipulative. Even in her softer more vulnerable moments I couldn't feel sympathy. If I can't like the main character, I can't like the book. I scored the performance without regard to the characters, I scored the story knocking off only one star because of the main character. I think I'm being fair, if I were to score it on strictly my reading enjoyment it would have gotten an overall score of 2 stars. This is a long running series so perhaps she had mellowed over time but I'm not curious enough to read through more of her adventures to find out.

27 people found this helpful

I suffered so much secondhand embarrassment

The headline probably summarizes it all. This entire novel, while funny, is a comedy of errors so painfully avoidable perpetuated by a character who really should learn to censor herself that I was torn between laughter and cringing in almost physically debilitating mortification the longer I attempted to endure.

Backing up a step, I probably should have prefaced this review by informing the reader that I was lured in by the title (and a deep and abiding love for British mystery novels) but, really, Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death is a wonderfully ludicrous title and I feel that I really can't be faulted for either my curiosity or the fact that it set my schadenfreude senses tingling. All of these things turned out to be true, right down to the absurdity but I won't be finishing the series because Agatha Raisin is a marvelously incurable disaster; a true menace to herself and everyone near her. This could be funny if it weren't so painfully self inflicted because, Ms. Raisin really, really needs to learn to swallow her dubious pride and lie a little less often.

I wanted to enjoy the book but I fear that it just doesn't jive with my own sense of humor. Instead I am left with a chronic case of secondhand embarrassment.

That being said, the narration was spot on, right down to Miss Raisin's bewilderment at her own foibles.

30 people found this helpful

Penelope Keith steals the show

If you could sum up Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death in three words, what would they be?

This was our first Agatha Raisin. Drawn to it because it was on a BOGO sale and because we enjoyed PK in To the Manner Born. We were not disappointed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Agatha to be sure.

What about Penelope Keith’s performance did you like?

Perfect: PK is Agatha Raisin.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Not taking retirement well?!

11 people found this helpful

I love Agatha!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Agatha is a wonderfully flawed character, full of hilarious insecurities and stubborn enough to keep going.

If you’ve listened to books by M. C. Beaton before, how does this one compare?

Well, who couldn't love the "quiche of death"?

What does Penelope Keith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voices are wonderful, every character is so distinct.

10 people found this helpful

Lady Snoop with Spunk

I liked Agatha even for her faults. She is what she is and not at all ashamed of it. As the story progresses she becomes a bit mellow but still feisty. The mystery keeps you listening until the end as she solves a poisoning by pastry. This is new series for me and I can't wait to listen to the others.

11 people found this helpful

Cleaver Title

Agatha is struggling with her retirement, wondering if she will stay in her cottage in a small village,or return to London.

1 person found this helpful

Delightful!

I've read a bunch of the MC Beaton novels starring Hamish MacBeth. Agatha Raisin is a quite different character---but absolutely delightful. Sort of a grumpy, crotchety woman who takes risks and is sharp. Lots of funny little moments in this book as well.

I'm ready for read and listen to more of them staring Ms. Raisin!

5 people found this helpful

Awesome narration and great series!

I downloaded this series because my mother recommended it. I was not sorry! Agatha Raisin is a funny character and always getting in trouble. I wish all of the series was available on audible. They are great light hearted stories to do while working out or doing house work!

9 people found this helpful