Kay Black
Agatha Raisin is her same unlovable, yet lovable self – snapping at everyone, nasty to most, and yet so willing to please....Agatha embodies the characteristics of many middle-aged women who feel that life is passing them by. There is no equivalent to Agatha, with her acid tongue, in all of the mystery world....Long live Agatha Raisin!
— The Mystery Reader.com
Library Journal
While her neighbor and sometime love interest James Lacey gallivants on the continent, Agatha (Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist, LJ 9/1/97) grows bored in the English village of Carsely. After witnessing the fearful reactions of several women to her choice of a talented and charismatic new hairdresser in nearby Evesham, she's ready to attach some nefarious plot to the man. With the help of friend Sir Charles, she begins nosing about, purposely leaving herself open to possible blackmail and economic exploitation. Her plans backfire when someone kills the hairdresser and torches his home. Another delightful cozy featuring Cotswolds surroundings, a bit of history, and buoyant characters, this will fit well in any collection.
Kirkus Reviews
Agatha Raisin, the author's self-absorbed heroine, gets trouble from all sides this time out (Agatha Raisin and The Wellspring of Death, 1998, etc.). Living now in the village of Carsely after retirement from a p.r. career in London, Agatha finds her love life in shreds. James Lacey, her neighbor and onetime suitor, has left town without a goodbye. Detective Bill Wong, her friend and sometime fellow sleuth, is on holiday and hasn't bothered to call. Even the off/on interest of Sir Charles Fraith is casual and tepid. On top of all this, Agatha discovers gray in her hair. So it's off to Evesham and the salon of Mr. John, called a wizard by his customers, although some of them seem almost afraid of him. Agatha is the willing target of Mr. John's blue-eyed charisma, to the point of discussing a possible partnership with him. Then one day in his salon Mr. John collapses and dies-of an exotic poison, as it turns out. Agatha grabs the chance to steal his keys and search his house, looking for clues, and barely escapes with her life when the place goes up in flames. Now Charles joins Agatha in a round of nosy interviews with Mr. John's customers, one of whom becomes a second murder victim. Agatha finally pinpoints the killer, but Sir Charles gets the credit-a final cruel blow. Agatha grows ever more charmless, and Beaton's plotting ever more absurd. Perhaps this heroine would benefit from a long, very long vacation. .
From the Publisher
M.C. Beaton, aka Marion Chesney, spins another tale of mystery and droll humor.” —RT Book Reviews
“A Beaton mystery is a hoot to read! Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham is one of Beaton's best. Long live Agatha Raisin!” —TheMysteryReader.com
“All of the quaintness of Agatha Christie but with modern twists to keep you even more entertained.... M. C. Beaton weaves a tale that will delight Christie fans as well as lure in a whole new crowd to the cozy subgenre.” —ReviewingtheEvidence.com
RT Book Reviews
M.C. Beaton…spins another tale of mystery and droll humor.”
