Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death

Book 22 of 2018 is Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by M.C. Beaton.

I do love this series and this book did not disappoint. After months away from this series, this was a wonderful snap back.

Agatha is independent and in love with James but not changing her life for him. You go, girl!

This is a series you should read if you like Christie.

4 shoes in the mud out of 5.

Should I read this? Only if you like Agatha Christie.
What did I learn? Read ALL the things!

Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist

Book 4 of 2018 is the 6th in the Agatha Raisin series, Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist by M.C. Beaton.

Still loving this series. This is book six in that series and although her obsession with her male neighbour/almost husband/ex-fiance irks me in its pathetic neediness, I love their crime solving.

In a book that reminded me that timing is everything, jealousy is always the reason and that happiness is participating in life, my love for this series grew stronger.

It's light and lighthearted but always a fun ride.

4 international murders out of 5.

Should I read this? Only if you like a light series. I like to read this when I am deciding what to read next. It's a filler series for sure.
What did I learn? Independence is grand.

Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage

Book 3 of 2018 is the 5th in the Agatha Raisin series, Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage by M.C. Beaton.

I am so very glad I went on to the 5th book in this long series. This is one of the best books I've read since the first book and it is grand. Nothing goes well but many things do. It's what I like about the reality of this fantasy.

This is a series I am already continuing by consuming the sixth book right after.

4 complicated men out of 5.

Should I read this? Again, yes. For the Agatha Christie fans.
What did I learn? I love this style of mystery. So easy. So enjoyable.

Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley

Book 52 is the 4th book of the Agatha Raisin series - Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley by M.C. Beaton.

This is my favourite in-the-middle series at the moment. It satisfies my Agatha Christie cravings in a very modern way.

The last book was lacking and that made me worry about persisting in this saga but this reaffirmed my enjoyment of this genre and author.

I can't tell you anything or I will spoil it. Read it but do read all the bits before.

4 fields of canola out of 5.

Should I read this? Yeah, it's fun.
What did I learn? Some people have far too much spare time.

Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener

Book 45 of 2017 is Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener which is book 3 of the Agatha Raisin Mysteries by M.C. Beaton.

Book 3 in the series continues in the same sleepy village with the same neighbours and dramas that Agatha has become part of.

This mystery wasn't too hard to solve but the character growth is fun to read.

So as not to ruin this or any prior books in the series, I won't say too much more.

4 murdered gardens out of 5.

Should I read this? Again, if you like a Ms Marple style murder mystery.
What did I learn? A nice series that breaks up some of the more serious things I read, is a good idea.

The Vicious Vet

Book 43 of 2017 is The Vicious Vet which is book two from the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton.

After enjoying the first book, I've quickly returned to the second and can see myself dispersing the next 26 in the series between the books I read over the next few years. That is assuming the series stays strong and honours its Miss Marple roots.

The love interest bores me a little but that might be my dismissive-of-all-lovey-dovey-rubbish stage of life. Actually, that may be why I like the main character so much. She's secure, no-nonsense and independent, even when she has a love interest. The character that is her love interest bores me. Too British and reserved for my liking.

This series is worth the read if you have read every Agatha Christie book ever written multiple times and need something that you don't know the ending to.

4 suspicious neighbours out of 5.

Should I read this? For all the Miss Marple fans.
What did I learn? Not all crimes are planned out.

The Quiche of Death

Book 36 of 2017 is The Quiche of Death which is book one from the Agatha Raisin series by M. C. Beaton.

Another free book that has me hooked on a series. This series will take the place of me not getting to watch the BBQ regularly since moving to the US.

It is obviously a modern take on Agatha Christie's Miss Marple but done tongue in cheek through flowing prose.

Like Miss Marple, this all takes place in a sleepy little hamlet with nosey neighbours, helpful police one step behind our heroine and baking competitions of death.

With 27 books in the series, this will give me my Agatha Christie fix at regular intervals between other books.

4 baked goods from ovens other than the ones claimed out of 5.

Should I read this? For Christie fans the world over, yes.
What did I learn? Old habits die hard.