This Agatha Raisin book was particularly interesting. I really enjoy Agatha's snarky retorts. I am in love with the characters. The sweet village of carseley is so wonderful. I must admit the twists in this light hearted cozy had me stumped. I was totally surprised at the identity of the killer. I certainly did not expect the ending. This was brilliant! I definitely recommend this series.

With the passing of Marion Chesney, I looked at this book with a bit of apprehension. What will happen with this series, and will her co-author be able to keep the same Agatha feel, but more importantly, will there be more.

As Sir Charles Fraith enters a marriage of convenience, Agatha is unable to help her friend from making the worst decision of his life by marrying the awful Mary Brown-Field and entering a business deal with her insufferable parents. With no way to stop the marriage or save her friend, Agatha finds herself on the sidelines with regret and foreboding. After the final I do’s, Charles escorts Agatha from the masked ball reception when an anguished scream stops them. It appears that Agatha isn’t the only one that disliked the horrible woman.

With a deep dive into the competitive world of international horse shows and behind-the-scenes tomfoolery, Agatha quickly learns that she is in for more than she bargained for when she asks a few too many questions and is about to be thrashed by those who do not like her prying.

There are a few odd moments, and a bit of unnecessary travel, that doesn’t flow as well as it could have, but other than that I think that R. W. Green was able to hold onto the essence of Agatha. It is possible that Agatha may be changing a bit, but I do hope that she will remain her usual feisty self. I still can’t answer my final question as to there being more. The author did some character cleaning up but also left an opportunity for more. Hopefully, that means more for Agatha, more for James, and a world of opportunity for Sir Charles Fraith.

Agatha knows that Charles has no reason to wed Mary but Agatha can't manage to stop the wedding in time. However, the murder of Mary ends the marriage but also puts Agatha on the case.

I loved watching Agatha and friends join forces to find the killer while also solving her other cases. The characters' relationships are shifting a bit over time as do real friendships.

The mystery is top-notch and this is an easy to read book.

The Agatha Raisin books from the beginning have been a joy for me, and I shared them for years with my mother. We hooted over more silly scenes than I can count. I was saddened by the passing of Marion Chesney last year, and while I appreciate Rod Greene's attempt to bring this final book to fruition, something was missing for me in Hot to Trot. I didn't feel the real Agatha ring true, and throughout the book I was missing those angsty internal conversations from her that we've come to love. And Mrs. Bloxby a regular at the pub? I don't think so. I do think the final message that M.C. Beaton wanted to leave us about Agatha and her future was conveyed very well. She will be okay: running around Carsely getting caught up in murder investigations, going to the Red Lion for ploughman's lunches and G&Ts, picking Roy up from the train on the weekend, being jealous of Toni, smoking in her garden with Hodge and Boswell playing nearby in the sun, and we will all just have to imagine it for ourselves.

Agatha Raisin is a private detective in the Cotswolds, and it saddens her to see her one-time lover Sir Charles Fraith getting married to a shrew who hates not only her, but Charles' long-time valet, Gustav. In fact, it seems the woman hates just about everyone. Agatha knows that Mary has a hold on Charles, and sets out to discover what it is; and is surprised to find her nemesis Gustav egging her on.

When Agatha crashes the wedding with her ex-husband James, she sneaks out before there's a confrontation. But it seems it's only postponed when she also sneaks into a masquerade ball (with the help of Gustav) and is recognized by Mary, who throws a fit - and something else at Agatha, causing pandemonium. But when Mary is murdered later that night, her friend policeman Bill Wong warns her to stay out of the investigation, because his boss hates her and has it in for her, and would pin it on her if he could.

But when Charles becomes a suspect, he asks for Agatha's help in proving his innocence. When she starts digging into Mary's past, unsavory aspects come forth. Not only hers, but her father's as well. Will Agatha find the killer, or will Charles be imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit?

I wanted to read this book because I've read the others in the series, and especially the last two, which have led me here. Unfortunately, it seems R.W. Green didn't read either of those. I say this because while the book is written in the style of Ms. Beaton, it's not written in the feel of previous books. This book gives off a different aura for Agatha, and I don't think Charles would be so cavalier to her, since in the last two books things were otherwise. (I do not want to say too much on the subject because I do not wish to spoil those books for readers who have not read them yet).

In this book, it seems that James is less of who he has been. He's rather a pale imitation of himself, as are the others. There's no pretentiousness at all; he's just anyone who walks down the street. Charles isn't charming as he has always been in other books; I didn't feel it and unfortunately, it didn't draw me to him. Agatha herself isn't being Agatha. Where are her heels? Her insecurities? Agatha has changed into someone I don't recognize at all.

Let us just say that this book is taking us down a path I didn't expect nor really relish. Actually, I was hoping that the last two books would lead us to something else; but ah, well. As a book, it was written well and, of course, Agatha discovered the murderer, as we know she must. I will read the next in the series to see where it's going.

Private investigator Agatha Raisin feels betrayed by her friend and ex-lover Sir Charles Fraith who is getting ready to marry a much younger woman. It’s more than jealousy that has Agatha feeling bad about the upcoming wedding. She also feels Mary Larlinda Brown-Field has some hold over Charles, in addition to agreeing to put her family’s money toward the upkeep of Charles’s estate. Agatha crashes both the wedding and the elaborate costume ball the newlyweds host. When Mary is murdered, Agatha and Charles find themselves at the top of the suspect list and Agatha is determined to prove their innocence.

“Hot to Trot” is the thirty-first book in the Agatha Raisin series. As fans of the author will know, M.C. Beaton has passed away but a forward at the beginning explains how R. W. Green got involved with the book. In my opinion, the result is smoother dialogue and a better flow to the story than in the past few books. Agatha, James, Mrs. Bloxby, and Roy all seem to be closer to the version of their characters as portrayed in the television series but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Agatha and James especially are kinder and gentler in this book and I had a renewed affection for James by the time the book ended. Charles, on the other hand, is usually a charming rogue, but in this book comes across as just a jerk. He is usually one of my favorite characters, but I didn't have much sympathy for him in this installment. The book is less cozy than the prior books written by Beaton alone. There are a few instances of stronger language than I remember, but nothing is shocking. There is one scene that is really out of place when a potential suspect retaliates against Agatha during questioning. This really changed the tone and made the book less enjoyable for me.

The mystery of who killed Mary is interesting, and I like how Agatha and her team at Raisin Investigations work together on Mary’s murder as well as a few other cases they’ve been hired to solve. There is a bit of slapstick humor that readers have come to expect to lighten some of the harsher scenes. I was glad to see Agatha and her young, beautiful co-worker Toni getting along better in this book and working well together instead of letting jealousy and resentment get in the way of their friendship and professional teamwork. The book has its ups and downs, but overall I was entertained. I don’t know if Green will write additional books in the series, but if so, I would be willing to give another one a try to see if I can still enjoy the characters and situations as much as I have through the years.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of St. Martin’s Press. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for this free advance copy in return for an honest review.
One must wonder if after 30 books Agatha Raisin will become a bit tired and stale. This 31st book co-authored by Beaton and Rod Greene proves that there still is a lot of spunk left in Agatha!
For her fans, Agatha has always combined humor, sarcasm, a frustrating love life, as well as some endearing friends. What makes this book fun for me is that as a devotee of Agatha Raisin, I have followed her antics and mysteries on the AcornTV series and I can truly see Ashley Jensen and the cast having an absolute blast in this book.
As with all of these books, they take place in and around the Cotswolds, and this time the events surround Agatha’s friend and, sometimes love interest, Sir Charles Fraith. Much to Agatha’s horror, Sir Charles has moved on and is ready to marry one Mary Brown-Field. Is it for love or is it money? Something Charles has little of these days. Mary and her family are part of the horse-crowd. Yes, show jumping, dressage and the entire toot-toot wealthy snob set.
Mary and Agatha are not exactly friends, but nonetheless she crashes both the wedding, as well as a Versailles themed masquerade ball. And, in typical Agatha fashion she gets into a bit of a tussle with the now Lady Mary. Thrown out of both events, Agatha gets pulled in when a murder occurs shortly after this confrontation.
She now has to investigate the Charles Fraith Murder case and there are just a host of suspects, as well as many hilarious predicaments that only Agatha could get herself involved with, and which always show the pluck that Agatha uses to extricate herself, as well as to eventually in her unconventional way to solve the case.
Returning in this book are her loyal friends and employees that are as much a part of the series as Agatha herself. Along the way her Investigating firm gets involved with a mysterious pooper, a poltergeist, a cheating husband, and more. Some of these are just pure fun, and some actually are involved with the murder!
Lady Mary has a host of enemies, many of whom are part of that show-jumping world, and many of her enemies have good reason to want her dead. As Agatha sorts out the clues she takes a side trip to Bordeaux, France for an equestrian event and there almost falls head over heels for a wealthy French aristocrat and winemaker.
“Hot to Trot” is another fun entry in the Agatha Raisin series. When you sit down with this book, as with all of the Agatha Raisin books, you are surrounded by the epitome of both a cozy mystery and a welcomed friend. Originally posted at mysteryandsuspence.com

Hot to Trot is the first book under the new "author". We find Agatha wrapped up in someone else's problem or is she? I enjoyed this one and hope to see Mr. Greene keeping the pace of these novels much like M. C. Beaton would.

I simply can't resist the Cotswolds or Agatha Raisin. After a huge number of books in the series, I would expect to get less exciting to read each new entry, but there's something endearing and hilarious about Agatha and her antics that I just can't wait each time a new one is announced. This is the first book in the series published after the death of M.C, Beaton. While I can't be sure how much of the writing is hers and how much is Rod Greene's, I will say that the writing style seems exactly the same as previous books. The charm and humor flowed continuously, and the mystery was fun too (Even though I always find myself more drawn to the characters and setting for these books).

I have long been a fan of M.C. Beaton and her Hamish McBeth and Agatha Raisin mysteries. This is the first one written after M.C. Beaton’s unfortunate demise. It is written by Rod Greene who was chosen by MS Beaton herself to carry on her Agatha series. She approved of him after reading the sample chapter and this is his first outing “captaining” the series.
Unlike the TV Series which, although not a bad show is not really Agatha Raisin but this book is true to the characters. There are some subtle differences but they actually tend to strengthen the characters rather than dilute or egregiously change them. Agatha is a bit more mellow, Roy a bit more mature, James Lacy a bit more understanding and human, Mrs. Bloxby a bit more relaxed and Toni a bit more settled. The differences make for a strong narrative and provide us with fully fleshed-out characters who are recognizable but just a tad different and the story is better for it.
When Hot to Trot opens Agatha’s friend and sometimes lover Sir Charles Fraith is engaged to be married to a conniving social-climbing parvenu. Agatha must get involved and involved she is as she investigates Miss Mary Brown-Field and her family. Even Gustav, Sir Charles’ majordomo who never took to Agatha wants her to get involved. The fiancé takes a dislike to Agatha who is not one to give up and begins an investigation into the bride and her family which reveals dirty and sneaky dealings. She crashes the wedding with Tony.
The next morning, she gets a call from Charles saying that his wife has been murdered and he is a suspect. Agatha herself becomes a suspect and she must work to clear both herself and sir Charles. The story is off and galloping from there on through the world of horse racing that takes us through two countries at a gallop. It is a great romp and we are introduced to a wonderful cast of characters along the way.
As usual, all is not as it seems and Agatha must untangle the web of intrigue and deceit and ultimately, we are led to a surprising and satisfying denouement.
I thoroughly enjoyed Rod Greene’s first outing and I look eagerly forward to more. He is a most worthy successor to M.C. Beaton. She chose well.

Despite being a bit disappointed in the last Agatha Raisin book I read (The Terrible Tourist), I was super, super excited to read the latest (and last?) book in the series. Unfortunately, I didn't like this one any better.

The first 3/4 of the book was good, but the conclusion came so abruptly that I had to turn back to make sure I hadn't missed a chapter. It felt very disjointed and clumsy.

And, the mean girl physical violence (bordering on sexual assault IMO) that happens in one scene seems way out of place in a book like this.

Despite those things, I do plan to read more of this series because there is a whole lot that happens between book #5 and this one, and I like the character of Agatha enough to want to fill in the middle.

When Private Detective Agatha Raisin learns that her friend and one-time lover Charles Fraith is to be married to a mysterious socialite, Miss Mary Brown-Field, she sees it as her duty to find out what she can about the woman. Coming up empty, Agatha—out of selfless concern for Charles, of course—does the only sensible thing she can think of: she crashes their wedding, which ends in a public altercation. Nursing a hangover the next morning, she gets a phone call from Charles, with even more disturbing news: Mary has been murdered. You can always trust Agatha to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and make a mess of things. Something about this plot seemed familiar and half way through the book I realized why. I won't reveal it here so as not to provide any spoilers but I am interested in whether or not any other readers thought the same thing. As with all the Agatha Raisin books, this was a joy to read. I shall miss M C Beaton but am happy to see that her series will live on. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

An enjoyable story, and a perfect ending to a great series by M. C. Beaton.
This was also co authored by Rod Greene and the story flowed so smoothly, I would never have thought it was written by two people.
Agatha and Charles are my two favorite characters and I have read many of these books several times.

This is a must-read for all fans of the late M.C. Beaton. Our favorite sleuth Agatha Raisin is back on the job, and this time it is truly personal, as she investigates the horrific bride of her longtime friend and lover Sir Charles. All the elements of the Agatha stories are here - unpleasant characters, outrageous behavior, and a puzzling murder. In this last book, however, readers will find the edginess has worn off and a bit of sentimentality has crept in. But that is okay with me - this is the 31st installment - and the last one, unless Beaton's estate selects someone to keep the franchise going. So, if this last story is a tiny bit warm and fuzzy, it is still satisfying and a great adieu to Agatha and her beloved community. Thank you, M.C. Beaton!

This is a satisfying cozy mystery that is light-hearted and entertaining. The world of showhorses is explored and the mystery delves into the lifestyle and privileges of the well-to-do.

For me, the detailed descriptive passages can be overkill but are typical of other works by this author. The book is a good continuation of this series with familiar characters and an intriguing mystery. Highly recommended for fans of MC Beaton and cozy mysteries.

I enjoyed the newest Agatha Raison Cotswold cozy mystery. Hot To Trot, the 31st entry into the Agatha Raison series was co-authored by Rod Greene upon the passing of M C Beaton. There is a very nice intro to this book from M C Beaton describing her writing journey and the selection of Mr Greene to co-author this book. Anytime an author turns over the writing of their books to a fellow author who will “write in the style of” there is bound to be a different feel to the books. I have read many of the previous books in the series and, honestly, felt they had become fairly rote and predictable. While Hot To Trot hews very close to these previous novels I thought this one seemed fresher. The characters, for example the vicar's wife Mrs. Bloxby, didn’t seem quite so stereotypical. I am giving this book a solid 3 stars and look forward to seeing where Mr Greene takes the series in the future.

The final book in this series does not disappoint. MC Beaton will be missed in the world of cozy mysteries.

Rod Greene did a great job here. I enjoyed the explanatory intro and the anecdotes were touching.

This was just as fun as any other Agatha book. Good to see the team back together again. I laughed out loud at quite a few parts. Nice to have Roy back as well. Based on the ending can I expect more Agatha tales? I sure hope so!

I was going to let this percolate for a bit, but I realized there’s no reason to. I can’t see my feelings changing on this one.

This is a perfectly fine book. And Agatha isn’t Agatha anymore.

I realize that M.C. Beaton is dead, and the guy who took over for her really tried, but Agatha is missing so much now. Her tottering high heeled shoes. Her sauciness. Her flirtatiousness. Her romanticism. While Agatha has snark and occasional spite (don’t we all), she also has humor and heart. (And she absolutely would NOT have let a certain character get away with what they did to her in this book!)

This was a pale shadow of her.

Other characters suffered as well. James is lovely and, at times, insufferable. Here, he’s just a guy. Charles is funny and sexy and, at times, insufferable. Here, he’s…slightly insufferable. Roy…oh, don’t even get me started on Roy in this one.

I recognize that there were a whole lot of books prior to this and that it’s incredibly brave to take on such a beloved character who has tons of devoted readers, but this isn’t Agatha.

The plot was perfectly fine. I was curious about our murder. I enjoyed the solution to all that.

I’ll try again with the next book, but I’m honestly feeling that it might just be better to let Agatha Raisin rest with her creator.

*ARC Provided via Net Galley

You are either an Agatha Raisin fan or you are not--there is not much middle ground for this irascible character. I happen to be a fan and was saddened by the death of author M.C. Beaton in December, 2019. Her mantle for this 31st entry into the series has been taken up by co-author Rod Greene.

As usual, Agatha solves not one but several mysteries in this outing, the primary one the murder of Agatha's sometimes lover Sir Charles Fraith's new wife with whom Agatha has quarreled, spectacularly and publicly. Adding to the mix are familiar series favorites: Agatha's ex-husband James, her housekeeper Doris Simpson, vicar's wife Sarah Bloxby, detective Bill Wong, sleazy chief inspector Wilkes, PR guru Roy Silver, and Agatha's employees at her detective agency. The eternal triangle of Agatha, Jame, and Charles is back in full force as well.

No one reads Agatha because she is a "nice" character, but she is an intriguing one because of her many flaws and her in-your-face approach to life.

A fun, satisfying addition to this long-running series.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.