December's Books

Agatha Raisin, a fifty-something retired public relations director, now runs a private detective agency. On her way to investigate a case of industrial espionage, she finds what looks to be a severed leg along the roadside. While her case goes sideways, she becomes a national celebrity from her encounter with a bad-tempered donkey. She also discovers that her off-again on-again love, Sir Charles Fraith, has become engaged. Latest in a long-running series by a master of the humorous British cozy.

 


An Accidental Woman by Barbara Delinsky
Fat Ollie's Book by Ed McBain
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
Hit Me by Lawrence Block
Beating About the Bush by M.C. Beaton
Tricky Business by Dave Barry
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Crime Travel edited by Barb Goffman

March's Books

In Pushing Up Daisies, Lord Bellington, a wealthy land developer, wants to turn the local community garden into a housing estate. Agatha Raisin, a retired successful businesswoman turned private detective, confronts him, but he bellows at her, “Do you think I give a damn about what a lot of pesky villagers want?”

When he dies two weeks later, possibly by poison in his crème de menthe, the list of suspects is sizable. It includes his son, Damian, who has no intention carrying through his father’s plans; his daughter, who wants to fund an animal sanctuary; the ex-wife, and most of the village.

A long-running, humorous series, which hasn’t lost any of its charm. Agatha is the village busybody you love to hate.

 
 
Flashfire by Richard Stark
Compromised by James R. Scarantino
Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton
The Penultimate Chance Saloon by Simon Brett
Best. State. Ever. A Florida man defends his homeland by Dave Barry
Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: four women undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott
Good Vibrations: my life as a Beach Boy by Mike Love

Love, Lies and Liquor by M.C. Beaton

In ten words or less: Agatha joins James on romantic holiday, complete with body on beach.

Review: Agatha Raisin has convinced herself she is better off without her ex-husband, James Lacey. After all, she has her detective agency to keep her busy, and the meetings of the Carsley Ladies' Society. When James asks her to go on holiday with him, Agatha relents. The destination is a secret, but with visions of tropical beaches and other exotic sights--James is a travel writer--she backs bathing suits and sundresses.

When they arrive in Snoth-on-Sea, Agatha is not amused. The seedy resort town, remembered fondly by James from his childhood holidays, has seen better days. The hotel is barely habitable, and Agatha quarrels with an unpleasant woman in the dining room. When the body of the quarrelsome woman is discovered on the beach, Agatha is considered a prime suspect by the local police.
Why bother? Agatha Raisin is self-centered, outspoken, and vain. If you knew a person like her in real life, you'd run the other way when she heads in your direction. She's the boss from hell. But her ability to interfere in police investigations while alienating those around her make for entertaining reading. There are twenty two books in this series to date.