I am a big fan of murder mysteries. I didn’t know they can be light reads too but this novel, the first to feature Agatha Raisin, turned out to be just that.
Agatha Raisin has worked hard in her life, and at last, she has realized her dream. She has always wanted a cottage in the Cotswolds, and she now had it, in the village of Carsely. When she moves there, she wants to make an impression. She has, almost always, gotten what she wanted. But it’s harder to make a first impression. To that end, she enters into the village baking competition, even though she has not cooked before. When the judge is found dead the next day, suspicion falls on Agatha. But the old lady is determined to find the poisoner, even when the police think it’s likely an accidental death.
Why is this a light read?
This is a light read mainly for two reasons. The first is because Agatha Raisin is not exactly a private detective or a professional crime solver. She’s just a retired lady trying to fit into a new society she’s moved to. The second is because the crime solving happens not by meticulous assessment of clues and evidence, but through an interpretation of gossip. It is nice to see the determination of Raisin to solve the mystery, but the repercussions of her intervention end up comical more often than not.
Other interesting aspects…
I loved the interaction between Raisin and Roy, and how their friendship develops. The same can be said about the friendship between Raisin and Wong. Though I suspected the criminal and the motive, I couldn’t predict it confidently till Raisin puts the pieces together toward then end. Quaint British villages seem to be the favored settings for many crime fictions, and this setting worked for this novel for sure. On the flipside, it might seem a bit longer than it needs to be. For sure, I’m going to read the other books in the series.
This is the 10th year of the #AtoZChallenge and my tenth year attempting it. My theme this year is Books – Read and Loved. As evident by the theme, I am going to write on books I’ve read and loved.
Liked this? Read some of my earlier posts written about Books.
Vinay Leo R.
19. 04. 2019
Vinay Leo R.
Poetry & writing are to me, a breath of fresh air in a life that is sometimes covered by the smoke of sorrow or self doubt. They also become the sweets I share to celebrate when life offers me a reason to. But most of all, they are to me, my life. For each word I write is a piece of my heart, a thought that just had to find its way into the world.
You’re the second blogger I’ve seen this Q day that has suggested this book! It does sound interesting. And the cover is making me hungry.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
(J Lenni Dorner recently posted… Occurrences #AtoZChallenge #Writing #BookReviews as an #Author and #WEPFF Jewel Box)
It’s a cozy mystery, Lenni 🙂 Quite enjoyable.