Agatha Raisin and the Dead Ringer

A disappointing instalment

I’ve written rave reviews about Agatha Raisin in the past. I understand that the stories are generally quite gentle and lacking in gore and massive plot twists but that has always been part of their charm.

This time, I start to feel like the series might be running out of steam. The plot was shallow, but historically that’s not been a deal breaker for Ms Raisin’s capers. This one, though, lacked any of the charm that previous instalments have. The characters were unlovely; Agatha herself was all over the place; there were few belly-laugh moments and Agatha’s (dare I suggest Ms Beaton’s?!) prejudiced and very old-fashioned views on any number of topics really began to make for uncomfortable listening (again, I feel bad for criticising the book now for something that has always been a feature, but it seems more pronounced now and less like a deliberately-written character flaw of the often curmudgeonly protagonist)

I was so pleased to see that the new Agatha Raisin had been released and really looked forward to a weekend of listening to Agatha’s latest antics... sadly it really failed to live up to expectation.

I feel like a real cow for saying this but Penelope Keith even seemed aware that the book wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders as her, usually excellent, narration seemed a bit lacking too.

All in all, if you’re a die-hard fan then go for it, but don’t expect it to be as enjoyable as its predecessors. If you’ve not heard of Agatha before now then I strongly recommend that you go back to the start and listen to Quiche Of Death, which is much more fun than this one.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Cannot have been written by MC Beaton!

Bitterly disappointing! I have all 28 Agatha Raisin books on audible and like other friends been through them 3 times now so know them well. I had looked forward very much to the latest book but it is completely different. Its as though someone else has taken up pieces of a jigsaw and made a completely new ill fitting picture!
Agatha is terrible and over exaggerated - and the lovely Mrs Bloxley unrecognisable. The story is disjointed and odd and badly written. It has obviously been put together by someone else. I just so hope MC Beaton is alright - we would miss her writing terribly. All good wishes to her xx

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Disappointing

I have read every one of The Agatha Raisin Books and I honestly couldn’t understand the plot. It went all over the place. I listened to the end because I love Penelope Keith. I hardly recognised any of the characters as they all seemed to have changed personalities. Very disappointing.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

struggled to finish this book

I found this book most distasteful. Far too much whingeing, whining and rudeness which detracted from the already thin and improbable storey line. Sad as I have purchased and enjoyed all other books in this series.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bit muddled

I usually love the AR series but found this story a bit irritating with a focus on soppy story lines and losing the murder plot in the tangles. Ok but not one of the best.

Ringing the changes

I've waited in anticipation for this the latest in the Agatha Raisin mysteries... but I'm disappointed. The tone of M.C.'s writing and the tone of Penelope Kieth's narration have changed in this lastest adventure. And not for the better. There's more vitriol from the characters than ever: and gone are the glimpses of Agatha's nature which makes us soften our attitude to her overtly brittle personality. The voice characterisations of Mrs. Bloxby the vicars wife: in some novels called 'Sarah' and in others appears to be called 'Margaret: and of Sir Charles Fraith, Roy Silver and Agatha herself don't match those of the previous dramatisations. They're off kilter. Because of M.C. Beaton's seniority Agatha might soon be permenantly retired, therefore I'm hoping that with repeated listenings I'll get to like this title more than I do after the first listen.

Very disappointed

Was so looking forward to the new Agatha Raisin story but certainly way below the usual standard. Silly and very far fetched. Won't want to listen again unlike earlier books. Didn't enjoy this one at all.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Agatha Raisin

Another enjoyable book by this author. Never fails to make me smile, keep them coming.

Weak

I have enjoyed previous books but this is more of a film tv plot and just very lame. Same Agatha but the characters are lame and very stereotyped for an American audience. Only for firm fans

Agatha Raisin and the Dead Ringer

Another classic by M C Beaton, the ups and downs of Agatha Raisin and her life as a detective in the Cotswolds, murder, dispersing women, love and a few laughs along the way.

1 of 3 people found this review helpful