Beating About the Bush is the 30th (!!!) Agatha Raisin mystery by M.C.Beaton. Released 3rd Dec 2019 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 256 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

For readers familiar with the irrepressible, abrasive, deeply funny, often crass Agatha Raisin, this is more to love. For readers who are looking for a genuinely humorous cozy series with heavy doses of whimsy and sarcasm, there's a lot to love here. The mysteries, including this one, are all standalones with a central ensemble cast of Agatha's assistants, ex-husband, lovers, and loyal others, orbiting the gravity well which is Aggie herself.

This installment sees Aggie & co. involved in investigating industrial espionage. The plot is ridiculous (including a prank involving a severed leg in bramble bushes), the situations are funny, there's a miscellany of suspects, and Agatha is her own brash self. The denouement was deliciously silly and satisfying. This would make a wonderful weekend read with wine and chocolate.

Fun fun fun! Four stars. Long live Agatha Raisin!

What can one say about Agatha Raisin? She is quirky, smart witted (and mouthed), smart and doesn't take guff from anyone. I will say my first foray into the world of mysteries in the Cotswolds was through the television show but the books give so much enjoyment than the show as they often do.

I received a complimentary copy of Beating About the Bush from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was apparently one of a series. I enjoyed the book as a stand alone, but feel that it may be beneficial to have read more from the series. Loud-mouthed and quirky, the heroine, Agatha Raisin, runs her own detective agency. Believing she can do no wrong and that she is in control, she blunders into some interesting situations. Development of this character is actually likely the most endearing quality of this series. I found the over-confidence of the woman quite humourous. This novel follows her investigation into a murder as well as her exploits with an innocent donkey. Cute book!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Beating Around The Bush is the "30th" book in this beloved series by mystery author M.C. Beaton. This is a award winning long running series that is well loved by cozy mystery readers all over the globe. The author also has written the long running "Hamish McBeth" series that is so charming and equally loved by her fans. I was so thrilled to receive this for review. My grateful thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read before publication. I have read all of the books in both series by the author and love returning to the world of Agatha Rasin in this next in series. I am grateful as a reader that we have a 30th Agatha Rasin to enjoy ! Agatha is so loved that a popular TV show is now in its 3rd season.

Our beloved Agatha is back and she is as feisty and humorous as ever. In this book she is feeling more attraction for her long term lover Charles and wondering if they have a future together. Charles has wanted a long term relationship with Agatha but she has held him at arms length for years. They are quite fond of each other and readers wonder will they end up together after all ?

After she makes a terrible discovery of dismembered body parts she is involved in yet a second murder investigation through her detective agency. She is hired to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory and soon another murder occurs. Agatha then finds herself the subject of ridicule as she is put once again in the national spotlight after a incident with a donkey ! This had me laughing out loud and I have to thank the author for this wonderful humorous event in the book. Her investigations are in peril as she forges ahead as only Agatha can with steely determination and humorous antics we love. Only Agatha has more savvy investigative skills then people expect and as she questions local villagers she soon finds she is in danger when close to solving both murders.

I loved this book and read it cover to cover. Agatha is a long time favorite of mine having read all 30 books in the series. I love this charcters and though I do understand the author will retire Agatha soon, we all have hope for at least one more book for Agatha and Hamish ! Very well done to the author. This is a brilliant series that readers adore all over the world.

This Agatha Raisin mystery was like a fast running wheel, even her romantic liaisons seem to be that way too. Agatha and Toni sleuthing is a bit patchy, there is no clear pattern and it seems like they bumble their way through most of the time. It mildly exciting with an interesting twist.

I've been an Agatha Raisin fan for a long time, and this was a fun reunion with characters I enjoy, even when their obnoxiousness is part of the amusement. I enjoyed the adventure in this one and felt like there were some moments of great charm, clever banter, and growth for some characters, even while I wished Ms. Raisin herself would have some more lasting moments of growth as well. It was a fun book to read and an enjoyable mystery to solve.

3.5 Stars

Private Investigator Agatha Raisin and her assistant Toni Gilmour are looking into a possible case of industrial espionage at a local battery factory. She and Toni come across what appears to be a severed leg and report it to the police. Agatha becomes a laughing stock when the leg is discovered to be fake. However, things get serious when one of factory employees is murdered, and Agatha is dismayed when the police say the prime suspect is a donkey! Agatha believes the woman is the victim of a two-legged killer and is determined to find the real murderer and bring that person to justice.

Beating About the Bush is the thirtieth book in this long-running series. I am a huge fan of the earlier books in the series, but the most recent books have not been up to Beaton’s usual standards. I’m pleased that this book, while not as good as those earlier books, is a big improvement over the last couple installments. It starts out a little rough, but gets better after the first few chapters. Agatha hits her stride by the middle of the book and is much more like the “old Agatha” – tough and opinionated, but intelligent and resourceful. She and Toni continue to bring out the worst in each other for much of the book, but I enjoy the moments when they connect. There are also some great scenes with Agatha and her friend Mrs. Bloxby, who unlike Toni brings out the best of Agatha.

The murder mystery is interesting and I enjoyed Agatha’s questioning of all the various witnesses and suspects. The parts of the story involving the donkey are silly, but are entertaining. Some of the things may be unbelievable if this was real life, but are typical situations for Agatha to get herself into. I was surprised by the solution to the murder once it was revealed. In the romance department, it’s no surprise that Agatha is once again at cross-purposes with Sir Charles Fraith. The two can’t seem to recognize and admit their feelings for the other. In addition, Charles can’t help put be tempted by wealthy women looking for a title since their money would help him run his large estate. Agatha continues to become infatuated with any good-looking man who turns her head. Her latest man, Chris, seems to be a good guy, but it’s too soon to tell. The latest developments in the love lives of both Agatha and Charles are left up in the air when the book ends.

There is enough information about important events that occurred in prior books that new readers or those who haven’t kept up with the series won’t feel lost. New cozy readers who enjoy the book will definitely want to pick up some of the first books in the series and get to know Agatha from her first days in the Cotswolds, Fans of the series will be glad to catch up with Agatha and her latest case.

~ Christine

This is a quality piece of work from M.C. Beaton that follows along with her other Agatha Raisin mysteries. Agatha finds herself being used in a family plot and corporate malfeasance. Beaton continues to develop characters who are likeable and sympathetic, even crotchety Agatha! Enjoyable read!

The irascible Agatha Raisin is back in this 30th installment to the popular series. This time around Agatha and her assistant Toni Gilmour are hired by Albert Morrison, the head of a company that manufactures batteries, to investigate possible corporate sabotage. When Morrison’s secretary Mrs. Dinwiddy is found murdered, police lay the blame at the “hoofs” of Mrs. Morrison’s pet donkey Wizz-Wazz. Agatha soon sets out to prove Wizz-Wazz’s innocence and bring the real murderer to justice!

As in the previous books, Agatha’s brashness and lack of tact makes enemies of those who encounter her, but those close to her know that beneath that tough exterior is a heart of gold. Loyalty to her friends as well as her luckless love life keep readers sympathetic and always coming back. This is an enjoyable cozy series with offbeat characters and intriguing mysteries. So, settle in with a plate of fish and chips, a glass of gin and tonic and enjoy the ride!

Beating About the Bush by M.C. Beaton is vintage Agatha Raisin. Agatha is so popular because she is a real mature woman with all the self-doubt and self-recrimination one faces with the aging process firmly ensconced in her life. She has a second career as a private investigator, a successful one supporting several employees but it is not high profile. She is used to being in the spotlight, the worst thing for an investigator trying to be low key. She is happy, but lonely and she thinks about it constantly. Now she discovers her friend and sometime bedmate, Charles, is engaged to a much younger woman. Not good for the ego. What's a gal to do?

She has been hired by Morrison's, a high profile and cutting edge battery manufacturer, to look into possible industrial espionage involving a fire in their R&D department, where a new battery was being developed. Such a bunch of odd personalities as Agatha has ever met, including a donkey named Wizz-Wazz. The more they investigate, the odder the situation becomes until Agatha questions whether there is a new battery at all. Then there is a murder. It looks like and accident, though until Agatha looks further. There are many interesting characters and subplots in this story, all woven together to make Agatha Raisin fans very satisfied. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of Beating About the Bush from Negalley. #netgalley #beatingaboutthebush

Private Investigator Agatha Raisin and her assistant Toni Gilmour are looking into a possible case of industrial espionage at a local battery factory. She and Toni come across what appears to be a severed leg and report it to the police. Agatha becomes a laughing stock when the leg is discovered to be fake. However, things get serious when one of factory employees is murdered, and Agatha is dismayed when the police say the prime suspect is a donkey! Agatha believes the woman is the victim of a two-legged killer and is determined to find the real murderer and bring that person to justice.

"Beating About the Bush" is the thirtieth book in this long-running series. I am a huge fan of the earlier books in the series, but the most recent books have not been up to Beaton’s usual standards. I’m pleased that this book, while not as good as those earlier books, is a big improvement over the last couple installments. It starts out a little rough, but gets better after the first few chapters. Agatha hits her stride by the middle of the book and is much more like the “old Agatha” - tough and opinionated, but intelligent and resourceful. She and Toni continue to bring out the worst in each other for much of the book, but I enjoy the moments when they connect. There are also some great scenes with Agatha and her friend Mrs. Bloxby, who unlike Toni brings out the best of Agatha.

The murder mystery is interesting and I enjoyed Agatha’s questioning of all the various witnesses and suspects. The parts of the story involving the donkey are silly, but are entertaining. Some of the things may be unbelievable if this was real life, but are typical situations for Agatha to get herself into. I was surprised by the solution to the murder once it was revealed. In the romance department, it’s no surprise that Agatha is once again at cross-purposes with Sir Charles Fraith. The two can’t seem to recognize and admit their feelings for the other. In addition, Charles can’t help put be tempted by wealthy women looking for a title since their money would help him run his large estate. Agatha continues to become infatuated with any good-looking man who turns her head. Her latest man, Chris, seems to be a good guy, but it’s too soon to tell. The latest developments in the love lives of both Agatha and Charles are left up in the air when the book ends.

There is enough information about important events that occurred in prior books that new readers or those who haven’t kept up with the series won’t feel lost. New cozy readers who enjoy the book will definitely want to pick up some of the first books in the series and get to know Agatha from her first days in the Cotswolds, Fans of the series will be glad to catch up with Agatha and her latest case. I would rate the book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Minotaur Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Beating About the Bush by MC Beaton is the 30th book in the Agatha Raisin series. I have read all the books in this cozy mystery series. I love that Agatha is a strong woman, but can be whiny and has a low self esteem, she sees every man as a possible husband. She is outspoken and can be dominating, but she seems to be mellowing, at least a little, with age, maybe. As with all Agatha Raisin books, it has more twists and turns, that kept me reading page after page. It feels like I dropped in for a visit and catching up on all the gossip. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries and I highly recommend this book. To get the most out of this series, I would start book one and read them all in order, but this can be read as a stand alone.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you.

Agatha Raisin is back in fine style literally (or in a book would it be literarily?) Beating about the Bush and finding a severed leg. Or is it severed? Or is it even a leg?

Raisin Investigations is hired by an electric car battery company to determine who is perpetrating industrial espionage on their new, longer lasting battery. Before their investigation has even begun, Agatha and her trusted assistant Toni find a leg in a hedgerow that appears to be wearing the shoe of the company president’s secretary, Mrs. Dinwiddy.

Soon Agatha and Toni are investigating a death by donkey. Agatha, of course, is siding with the donkey. Perhaps they feel a sisterhood in attitude?

In the meantime, Agatha’s on again-off again with Sir Charles takes a wild turn. Toni’s romance with a young doctor has its problems. Good thing that they have the battery company’s cast of suspects to keep them busy.

Wow, this is the best Agatha Raisin in a while. At number thirty in a slowly declining series that is truly amazing!

Beating about the Bush is as good as the first few in the series. If you have given up on them awhile back, it is well worth your time to check out this excellent mystery. Fans of the show will also enjoy catching up with a slightly older, but probably not much wiser, Agatha and her friends. With such great and even iconic cozy mystery characters plus two puzzling mysteries, you can’t miss with this book. 5 stars!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.

This was my first Agatha Raisin book. Although it is part of a series (book 30!), I had no issues reading this without having read the previous books.

Agatha is hired to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory. From the beginning, nothing seems right about this company or employees. What starts off as an industrial espionage investigation, quickly turns into a murder case.

I thought this was a fun book, a humorous murder mystery. Agatha Raisin is a fun character, she's mouthy and opinionated and not very good at comforting anyone. She comes of as quite rude, but I found myself laughing at her outbursts.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book for a review!

Thank you NetGalley, Minotaur Books and M.C. Beaton for the ARC to review. I am a Agatha Raisin fan from watching her on Acorn TV and have wanted to start reading the books. When this book came up on NetGalley, I just had to request. I loved it. I felt at home reading it, like I was with old friends. I plan on starting from book one. I can't wait. This and all the Agatha Raisin books are a must read. Well done, Ms. Beaton.

"When private detective Agatha Raisin comes across a severed leg in a roadside hedge, it looks like she is about to become involved in a particularly gruesome murder. Looks, however, can be deceiving, as Agatha discovers when she is employed to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory where nothing is quite what it seems.

The factory mystery soon turns to murder and a bad-tempered donkey turns Agatha into a national celebrity, before bringing her ridicule and shame. To add to her woes, Agatha finds herself grappling with growing feelings for her friend and occasional lover, Sir Charles Fraith. Then, as a possible solution to the factory murder unfolds, her own life is thrown into deadly peril. Will Agatha get her man at last? Or will the killer get her first?"

One of my friends thinks that M.C. Beaton's books are now being ghostwritten. Discuss!

Agatha may not be everybody's cup of tea but her attitude and her relationships with men are what make her stand out from the usual cozy detective story. She and her partner in detecting, Toni, are hired to investigate a case of possible industrial espionage. The company has some security concerns. I was so surprised when Agatha becomes smitten with the company's donkey, Wizz-Wazz. On top of that, the poor donkey has been accused of homicide. And that's just the start. Things heat up when Agatha refuses to believe the donkey is in any way responsible for the woman's death. The police are ready to close the case but Agatha is determined and that has unforeseen consequences.
Reading time spent with Agatha and the rest of the usual supporting cast is always fun. Maybe not always believable but always funny. Sometimes I think I'm reading them more for the characters than the mystery. Now if she could only sort out her relationships with certain men.
It's amazing that this is #30 in the series and it was nice to see that neither Agatha nor her creator have lost one tiny bit of their spark.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

How is it possible that this is Agatha’s 30th book! I have read them all and as much as I have loved most of them, this one is a big favorite. Classic Agatha! She’s politically incorrect, man crazy, and smart as can be. Now I am strumming my fingers waiting for the next one. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I am happy to say that I truly enjoyed it!

Every time a new Agatha raisin book comes out I’m always excited. I know I can look forward to Agatha’s craziness in so many forms. James is still out off somewhere, Charles is acting funny and Agatha is on the hunt for a new man. When she gets a new case, it plunges her into industrial hijinks, a crazed donkey, and the chance to meet a handsome mechanic. This book was full of the fun that keeps us long time readers coming back!

I love Hamish Macbeth, M C Beaton’s other series protagonist, but I adore Agatha Raisin. There is something about Agatha, with her insecurities, her confidence, her truculence, and her kindness, that is just so attractive. Except for the cigarettes, I would love to sit down with her over a cup of tea, or a gin and tonic, and just listen to her.

“Beating About the Bush” is the thirtieth outing of Agatha Raisin, and it is just swell, vintage Agatha. Her private detective agency is hired to investigate a case of industrial espionage, there is a murder, a donkey who takes a shine to her, and all sorts of goings-on. I don’t like spoilers, so I won’t say any more. The book moves along at a rapid pace; you cannot be bored by Agatha, and it never drags.

I really enjoyed “Beating About the Bush,” and whether you are an Agatha devotee, or have never read any of the preceding books, I predict you will like this one. All of the Agatha Raisin books are fun, and this one is no exception. Heartily recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions are my own.