I am a big fan of Agatha Raisin and book 30 in the series didn’t disappoint. This one seemed a bit light on romance for our Aggie though, which was a shame. Another light hearted, easy read from M C Beaton.

Agatha raisin is back with another investigation in this new book! Although sometimes the storyline can feel a bit prescriptive, it is a familiar reassurance to go through the process with her and her friends! Agatha’s language - which has always been a little colourful- seems to have increased this time, much to my amusement and there were times where I laughed out loud at some of her responses! Can’t wait to read the next instalment, maybe her and Charles will have a chance eventually?!

Agatha is like many people who don’t wish to grow old. She is determined to grow old disgracefully lighting up her cigarette at the slightest stress, wearing designer clothes that cannot bring back her youth.. Agatha’s character has many layers. Forever competing with younger blondes like her assistant Tina (she believes she is a mother figure for her). Underneath she has a soft spot taking up the call of a donkey accused of the first death. Agatha believes herself a great amateur detective who steps in when the police don’t see the full story.
She often falls into being at the wrong place by accident but has a sharpe mind that can unearth the important clues. You cannot help care about Agatha a character who life throws everything at. This is the sign of a great story when you connect so strongly to the main character even with all her flaws. This is part of a long running series that is keeping up to a very high standard but you can dip in at any stage.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. Over the years I have read every book in this series and to be honest the last couple of books left me with a feeling that this series had had its day until this one. I am pleased to say that this book is back to Agatha at her best, solving a murder in her own special way. If the following books continue in this vein I will continue reading more.

This is the best Agatha Raisin's instalment I read in some time. Agatha is at her best, quirky and funny.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters Charles, Tony, Bill Wong and all the others.
I had a lot of fun in reading this novel, it's engrossing and entertaining.
I appreciated the humour, the well crafted cast of characters and their development, and a lovely donkey.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
It was a very pleasant and fun read, I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Irrepressible retired London PR supremo turned Cotswold village-based private investigator, Agatha Raisin returns for her thirtieth case. This time she’s been hired to investigate industrial espionage but as always when Agatha’s involved, it’s only a matter of time before she’s investigating subterfuge, murder and spearheading a campaign: championing the cause of a donkey called Wizz-Wazz. She also somehow finds the time for meeting a potential new love interest as on- again off-again (but made for Aggie) suitor, Sir Charles Fraith contemplates his impending engagement to social climber, Mary. All the regular cast of favourites return from Detective Bill Wong, bumbling CI Wilkes, vicar’s wife, Sarah and assistant, Toni. Perfect for curling up on a wintry afternoon with a scone and a cup of tea. This is a light, fun read with everything you’d expect from the glamorous, irascible and sharp-witted Ms. Raisin.

I always enjoy Agatha Raisin's investigations but this one is even better than usual. It's quick and entertaining to read and is a good choice of book for someone wanting to relax or to unwind after a busy or stressful time. And, of course, it's a must-read for fans of Agatha and her adventures.
Many thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

This is a highly successful series about a sleuth Agatha Raisin, and I have loved them all. I never tire of her antics and I really enjoyed this installment. The trouble that Agatha finds herself in is really funny.
In this book a donkey plays a big part much to Agatha's disgust and the reader's amusement.
Agatha's relationships with her colleagues and friends keep me laughing. I hope one day Agatha gets her happy ever after.
This is a great, quick read, but mainly because I couldn't put it down. I look forward to the next installment.

I’m afraid Agatha Raisin and I didn’t get on. This was my first Agatha Raisin and, in spite of all the praise this series has garnered, it will probably be my last.

The plot, for the record, concerns Agatha and her detective partner Toni investigating industrial espionage at a local factory, where all kinds of Odd Things seem to be going on and someone is Out To Get Them. It’s mildly amusing in places, but I found most of the humour clunky and overdone, the characters so caricatured and over-explained as to be tedious clichés rather than witty parodies and the whole thing a bit of a bore, really. After some judicious skimming I didn’t feel I had missed much and I was quite glad to get to the end.

So, it definitely wasn’t for me. Plenty of others, including people whose judgement I respect greatly, find Agatha Raisin very amusing, but personally I can’t recommend Beating About The Bush.

(My thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC via NetGalley.)

Snakes and bastards, this is a great read. One of her best I think; the humour, the suspense, the insight into marketing and PR, the donkey.... especially the donkey. Entertaining and amusing, I love the recurring characters in this series, they all feel like old friends. Perfect way to spend a cold afternoon snuggled up with this book and a hot drink.

Industrial espionage, a severed leg in the bushes, romance and vulnerability.... Agatha is back investigating and doing what she does best

So much to like about this book that once you start reading you just cant put this down

I read with pleasure this latest Agatha Raisin mystery. I’ve been a very loyal fan of the series, and I have to admit that some of the recent novels have missed the mark, but I am happy to say Agatha has her mojo back! Agatha and Toni are up to their usual calamitous antics, and the scenes involving the donkey are priceless. The question is will the new boyfriend last, will Charles tie the knot, looking forward to number 31 in the series.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an an electronic copy.

Agatha and Hamish (also by this author) books are my guilty pleasure. I swoop on each and every one as soon as I can and devour them in just a few sittings. Reading one of these books is like putting on a comfy cardie, snuggling up on your favourite sofa with an indulgent drink. They pretty much read themselves... Just as a cosy should be. Yes, obviously it's better to have started from book one and read in order but with this book being number 30 and new fans on the horizon thanks to the TV series, I appreciate that this could be difficult!
So... Agatha is investigating industrial espionage in a factory that develops and manufactures batteries for the motor industry. After one visit, she is on the way home with Toni when they come across a severed leg that looks like it belongs to the receptionist on the firm they have just left! An so begins a rather bonkers romp for Agatha and the usual cast of extras as she pits her wits against some rather strange people, and a donkey, as she once again risks her life to get to the bottom of things.
The gang is all here in this book, Charles & Roy both pop in to add to the colourful mix of what is going on with the case in hand. There's the usual peppering of Romance for Agatha which adds a whole other layer into the mix... again...! Bill once again has to juggle his job and boss Wilkes as he really sides with Agatha along the way. But as things start to become clear, it begins to look like Agatha really could have bitten off more than Wizz-Wazz the donkey can chew!
I love these books, I've already said that but it's worth saying again. They are so easy and comfortable to read and, even though you know what you are going to get - by book 30 you'd expect that - but the plotting and execution of the main story always differs and is always both interesting and intriguing. Cosy they may be, insipid they most definitely are not!
Flitting between peril and comedy frequently, this book also kept me on its toes throughout as I devoured each and every word. She may come across as a bimbling fuddy-duddy at times but Agatha is one smart cookie and, with the resources her other agency staff provide, she makes short shrift into what is really going on.
Star of the show has to go to Wizz-Wazz though. For why, well you'll just have to read the book to find that out! Me, I'm now hanging for the next Agatha, or maybe it'll be Hamish next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy of the new installment from Agatha Raisin.

I have read all of this series of books and am delighted to say Agatha has finally returned to form. I was disappointed with the last 2 books in the series, so was apprehensive about this, but my doubts disappeared after the first few chapters.

Not only is there is the serious story of the crimes to be solved, but there is her relationship with Charles and hilarity with a donkey.

This was an entertaining, funny and gripping return for Agatha and I look forward to the next installment.

Haha, well *of course* it's ridiculous that Agatha and friends should be employed to uncover a case of industrial espionage but from the moment Aggie discovers a severed leg in the bushes, it's a comic revelry! With death by donkey...

It's nice to see Beaton creating an actual plot again but the real joy is the irascible Aggie alternating between insensitive bossiness and romantic vulnerability all over again. With Charles Fraith back on the scene, a new man for Agatha to pursue, and her continued rivalry with Toni (which also brings out Aggie's rather terrifying maternal side...) this is switch-off reading at its best.

Wow, this was a really wonderful book. I really loved it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have read all of the Agatha Raisin books and enjoyed them, so I was absolutely delighted to get a free copy of this new book, Beating About the Bush, from Netgalley. Thank you so much!

The book was amazing. I found it to be the funniest book I have ever read and I was laughing so much all the way through. I really enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing. It was interesting to see how Agatha's love life developed, which was different from what I thought it would be, but still enjoyable. It was the best Agatha Raisin book I have read and I had a fun 2 days reading it. I felt like I was on a holiday with old friends, having an adventure.

Thanks again to Netgalley, M C Beaton and her publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.