A Spoonful of Poison
An Agatha Raisin Mystery
By M. C. Beaton
(Minotaur Books, Hardcover, 9780312349127, 288pp.)
Publication Date: September 30, 2008
Categories: Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths
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Cranky but lovable sleuth Agatha Raisin’s detective agency has become so successful that she wants nothing more than to take quality time for rest and relaxation. But as soon as she begins closing the agency on weekends, she remembers that when she has plenty of quality time, she doesn’t know what to do with it. So it doesn’t take much for the vicar of a nearby village to persuade her to help publicize the church fete---especially when the fair’s organizer, George Selby, turns out to be a gorgeous widower.
Agatha brings out the crowds for the fete, all right, but there’s more going on than innocent village fun. Several of the offerings in the jam-tasting booth turn out to be poisoned, and the festive family event becomes the scene of two murders.
Along with her young and (much to her dismay) pretty sidekick, Toni, Agatha must uncover the truth behind the jam tampering, keep the church funds safe from theft, and expose the nasty secrets lurking in the village---all while falling for handsome George, who may have secrets of his own.
M. C. Beaton has been hailed as the “new Queen of Crime” (The Globe and Mail). Chosen as the British guest of honor at Bouchercon 2006, she is the author of eighteen previous Agatha Raisin novels, the Hamish Macbeth series, and an Edwardian mystery series published under the name Marion Chesney. Born in Scotland, she currently divides her time between Paris and the English Cotswolds.
Acclaim for M. C. Beaton and Agatha Raisin:
“Few things in life are more satisfying than to discover a brand-new Agatha Raisin mystery.” ---The Tampa Tribune
“[Agatha] is a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball, with a tad of pit bull tossed in. She’s wonderful.” ---St. Petersburg Times
“Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha.” ---Chicago Sun-Times
“Anyone interested in...intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin.” ---The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“M. C. Beaton has a foolproof plot for the village mystery.” ---The New York Times Book Review
“[M. C. Beaton] is Britain’s successor to Dame Agatha Christie. If you’ve never read an Agatha Raisin novel, it’s time to start.... All of them are cunningly plotted, beautifully written, and more fun than you can imagine.” ---The Globe and Mail
“Outwardly bossy and vain, inwardly insecure and vulnerable, Agatha grows more endearing with each installment.” ---The Cleveland Plain Dealer
“Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series just about defines the British cozy.” ---Booklist
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