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Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death | M C Beaton
When Mrs. Agatha Raisin decides to retire early to the English Cotswolds, she envisions herself enjoying all that country life has to offer: garden parties, tea at the vicarage, and a cozy home far from the noise and smell of London. Life in the village of Carsley is not as Agatha anticipated, however. Much to her surprise, she doesn't attract much interest among the villagers. No one comes to call; there are no invitations to tennis or tea. A miserable Agatha is forced to acknowledge that she is but another newcomer to the well-established Carsley society. Agatha didn't succeed in business by being a shrinking violet, though, so she shakes off her doubts and resolves to make her mark on the village: She will enter Carsley's Great Quiche Competition and win! The fact that Agatha has never baked so much as a potato in her life doesn't stop her; she submits a delectable store-bought quiche as her own. Having dusted off her mantlepiece to accommodate her silver cup, Agatha is stunned to see the award go to another entry. Her surprise turns to horror, however, when the contest judge drops dead - from poison the police trace to Agatha's "homemade" spinach pie. Agatha is now the talk of the town - though not exactly in the manner she had hoped. In an effort to clear her name, she turns amateur sleuth - as Beaton introduces a witty and well-crafted new mystery series peopled with quirky characters and all endearingly eccentric sleuth.
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Delightful! Funny and clever with a quaint English town full of characters that I can‘t wait to get to know better! Big pups when it is a 30 year old series, all the ebooks are available with no wait! #BookspinBingo

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Julsmarshall
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Finally reading an Agatha Raisin! Feels kinda perfect t for a lazy Independence day!

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CogsOfEncouragement
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Pickpick

This has been on my tbr for quite some time. I‘m glad I finally jumped in. I liked this one so much I‘m going straight into book two without a break.

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CogsOfEncouragement
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#FirstLineFridays I‘ve had this on my tbr for ages. Finally started it this week and enjoying it.

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humouress

Just finished listening to 'Quiche of Death' full cast audio (including brass band sound effects). Love hearing Penelope Keith's voice. Though I enjoyed watching Ashley Jensen in the TV adaptation, those 'To the Manor Born' tones are great to hear and suit the character well. 😃
On to 'Vicious Vet'!

charl08 Yes, another fan of PK here! 11mo
humouress @charl08 😍 Yay! 11mo
humouress 'Vicious Vet' - though it was a bit upsetting as it's about - in fact, opens with - a vet who puts animals to sleep unnecessarily. He's the first murder victim so at least there's not much of that.
I did find Agatha bossing around her new neighbour, ex-colonel James Lacey, hilarious as I pottered around, listening to the audio. He doesn't seem to mind too much - until he's neck-deep in mud.
11mo
4 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Nebklvr
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Mehso-so

Interesting character and funny situations but went on just a bit too long.

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Librarybelle
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Pickpick

This was a reread for me, but first time listening to the book!

I enjoy Agatha Raisin for her sarcasm, her wit, her strong will, and also her vulnerability. Beaton‘s mysteries are fast paced with eccentric characters, and I think I‘m going to enjoy listening to Agatha Raisin‘s escapades.

In the first in the series, Agatha enters her village‘s baking contest, supplying a store bought entry as her own. But, her quiche may have caused a death…

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MonicaLoves2Read
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Pickpick

Loved this first book in the Agatha Raisin Series. The audiobook was good. I liked Roy. I thought he was funny and over the top. #MarvellousMarch Readathon 3 book out of 4

#MarchMadnessBingo (Start a new series) @Andrew65 @DieAReader
#ISpyBingo (Windows) @Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks
#SeriesLove 2023 @TheSpineView @Andrew65
@BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheSpineView Awesome! 2y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 I love this series, especially for the laugh out loud moments. 2y
Clwojick Well done 👍 2y
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
18 likes5 comments
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MonicaLoves2Read
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Started this on audio. Just figured out I could listen to audiobooks through the Libby App🤦 To think I could have been doing this all along.🤷 That I would post this in case others didn't know

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Bklover
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Well. So much for no-more-kindle-on-sale-books-in-2023.
There‘s always 2024!

CoffeeNBooks 😂 2y
Liatrek Love this series so much!! 2y
LeslieO Same here! I almost got this one but opted for The Little Beach Street Bakery. And felt very virtuous in choosing the one that was $1.99 over the $3.99.😆 2y
actualdisneyprincess I told myself “NO-SPEND JANUARY!!!!!” …tell that to my Amazon and UPS drivers. 😬 At least we all have each other. 😂 2y
Bklover @LeslieO Heck, I didn‘t see that one or I‘d have probably gotten it too!🙄 2y
60 likes5 comments
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janeycanuck
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Time to finally dive into this series in 2023! I‘ve read the first book recently and enjoyed it - but there are 31 more! I will aim for a book a month but maybe I‘ll get through more.

Thanks for the great challenge, @Andrew65 and @TheSpineView

#SeriesLove2023

Andrew65 I think they only get better as you get to know the characters well. She is not the most likeable person but despite this can‘t help loving these books for the situations she gets herself into and this leads to many laugh out loud moments.

Never yet seen the tv series.

Great to have you join us on the Readathon that @TheSpineView and I are now leading on together.
2y
TheSpineView Looks like a great series. This one is new to me. I look forward to what you think about it 2y
janeycanuck @Andrew65 Oh, good to know. I quite enjoyed the first one so I‘m looking forward to reading more! My library has the tv series so I may try to squeeze some of it in, too! 2y
janeycanuck @TheSpineView it‘s been on my list forever. This is the perfect kick-in-the-pants to dive in! 2y
Andrew65 @janeycanuck I‘ve read all the series that M C Beaton wrote, plus one after the new author took up the challenge of continuing the series on her request. They are quite quick reads as you will know from the first one. (edited) 2y
22 likes5 comments
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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
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Pickpick

My first Agatha Raisin and I loved it! I like Agatha's emotional ups and downs and realness, and found the writing entertaining and well done. So happy I finally got around to it.

EvieBee Welcome to the Raisinhood! 2y
45 likes1 comment
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fredamans
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Eggs Sweet! 2y
26 likes1 comment
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fredamans
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fredamans
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Pickpick
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PuddleJumper
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#AlphabetGame #LetterQ

This was my only Q book and well ... it is what it is. These books have not aged particularly well, there's a certain amount of sexism and general 80s/90s attitudes that can be a little frustrating.

The series is easy cosy murder

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing! 2y
19 likes1 comment
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Tineke
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Pickpick

Found this too at the bookmarket in Deventer. I remembered people enjoyed it and this also turned out to be the first in the series, so yay for me. Read it immediately.
I loved that the protagonist was unlikeable, you don't see that very often. Enjoyed the story and I won't mind reading others in the serie.
TBR since August 7th. 2022; 272 pages.

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Angitron
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Pickpick

These Agatha Raisin mysteries are fun diversions from my usual SFF reading. I came from watching the show first, so even though most of the characters are described quite differently from the actors that play them on the show, I can‘t help but insert the visuals of the series. Light, good fun.

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majkia

Very cute cozy. I'll probably read more of the series. Agatha is socially awkward and bossy. But she grows on one.

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BookedBySunrise
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Pickpick

This book was such a Hoot! I love and adore Agatha and the villagers of Cotswolds!

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majkia
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majkia
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Laughterhp
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Pickpick

I woke up early this morning, which means time to post!

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Sometimes I forget how much I can actually enjoy them. I can see why there are so many Agatha Raisin books. This was a great first book in a series. I definitely plan to continue reading this one. I always love a book set in a small English village.

MidnightBookGirl I love this series, although Agatha drives me crazy sometimes, I've just decided to find it charming. 3y
Victoria_Clyne Snap I started the Potted Gardener this morning, the third in the series. I've been really enjoying them. 3y
DanaManiac I love this series!! I‘m holding out on the the last two because I just can‘t believe it‘s over 3y
50 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Liatrek
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Pickpick

Absolutely delightful cozy mystery. I loved Agatha and all the inhabitants of the little village. The narrator for this audio was excellent. I‘m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

DanaManiac Penelope is my favorite narrator for the Agatha Raisin series! 4y
yourfavouritemixtape Love this series! 4y
76 likes2 comments
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RamsFan1963
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I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description or reason for wanting to read the book. Some are old and some will be new. Don't judge me - I have a lot of books.
Day 216

#tbrmountain #bookbuyingdiet

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janeycanuck
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Pickpick

A delight of a cozy mystery. The villagers are fun without being unbelievable or over-the-top and Agatha is a grumpy delight of a woman. The mystery did seem to take a back seat sometimes but that may be because this is a first in a series and needs to set the stage. It was a light read, which is exactly what I needed.

Also, I didn‘t know M.C. Beaton and Marion Chesney were the same person. Man, she was prolific!

Jaimelire I love these books and the tv show too! 4y
janeycanuck @Jaimelire I‘m looking forward to reading more! I don‘t know where to watch the show where I am but should I read the books first? 4y
Jaimelire I actually started the tv series first and then I found out it was based on books, so I read the books after. It‘s a British show. They had the DVDs at my library. 4y
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BookishMarginalia I have to admit I love the tv series better than the books. Book Agatha grates on me. @Jaimelire 🤷🏻‍♀️ 4y
Jaimelire @BookishMarginalia I also prefer the TV show👍 4y
janeycanuck @Jaimelire looks like my library has them, too! I‘ll have to put my request in soon ☺️ 4y
janeycanuck @BookishMarginalia oh, I like her crankiness 😂 4y
29 likes7 comments
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GardenJess
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Pickpick

This was a super fast read for me. I‘ll be seeking out more of Mrs. Raisin! #mystery #cozymystery #heartpotatosayshi

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monalyisha
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@katy4peas THANK YOU for my #cozyswap package! I don‘t know how you could have intuited this...but breakfast is my absolute FAVORITE! We even had Breakfast for Dinner instead of chicken & prime rib at our wedding. 😅 The quiche & coffee theme of the books is perfect. Two chocolates means I can share with my husband (he‘ll be THRILLED). And the warm gloves (as modeled by Skelly) are my library‘s signature color! I can wear them to work in style. 🍁

monalyisha P.S. I tried to make it home from work before the sun went down so I could take a decently-lit photo but...it wasn‘t in the cards. Ah, well! Such is Fall! I‘m happy I have a new genre to dive into to help me brighten up my days. 🌞 (edited) 4y
Chrissyreadit 🧡🎃🍎🎃🧡 4y
katy4peas Haha! That‘s too funny that you love breakfast and your library color is red! 🤯 My Library color is lime green. Glad you like your goodies! I hope you enjoy the adventure into a new genre. 😁 it‘s one of my favorites! 🧡🍁🎃 (edited) 4y
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bookgem That is so sweet 💀🎃👻 4y
Avanders 😍❤️🧡💛🎃🍁🎃 And I love those gloves!! 4y
monalyisha @Avanders Me too! @katy4peas Did you make them?! 4y
katy4peas Yes I did! They are perfect for warming up your hands but keeping your fingers free for typing and handling library cards 😉 my library is always cold. If your hand is warm, the rest of your body will warm up too! @monalyisha @Avanders 😁 4y
monalyisha That makes them *even* cooler, @katy4peas! Thank you so much! 4y
katy4peas You are very welcome!! 😊 4y
85 likes9 comments
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Andrew65
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Agatha Raisin can be a very #Abrasive character. She may not be the most likeable character but there are many amusing moments in these books and very much enjoyed reading these, she grows on you!

#AboutAugust

rubyslippersreads I would read these just for the adorable covers! 4y
Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads They are good covers and short quick reads. 4y
CBee The Quiche of Death! I love it 😂😂😂 4y
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Andrew65 @CBee It is a great title. 4y
Ruthiella Here I‘ve only seen the TV show which is cute...an awful lot of corpses however for such a small village! (edited) 4y
Andrew65 @Ruthiella Yes those English villages are deadly, just look at Midsomer Murders or Agatha Christie‘s St Mary Mead. 4y
CBee @Andrew65 it‘s perfect 😁 4y
LeahBergen @Ruthiella Me, too (and ditto about the heaps of corpses 😆). 4y
Eggs Mega-multiple cover Love 💝💕💖 4y
erzascarletbookgasm These covers are so fun! 4y
Deblovestoread I think Kissing Christmas Goodbye is the last one I‘ve read....I think I am a little behind 🤪 4y
jewright I‘m reading the first one now. It‘s ok. I‘m not quite sure I will read more. 4y
Andrew65 @jewright It does take a few books to get into the series, but not for everybody. 4y
72 likes13 comments
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raeintheworld
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Pickpick

Did some back-to-back Agatha Raisin listening. I love her crossness and abrasiveness. I loved her little village in the Cotswolds as well!

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PurpleTulipGirl
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Pickpick

Agatha retires to the Cotswolds, where she immediately stumbles into intrigue when her quiche is blamed for the death of a local man. Mayhem ensues, as it usually does in these sorts of books,

Sadly, Overdrive doesn‘t have the next 20 or so books in the series. I may have to actually go to my local library!

Andrew65 A good series. 4y
17 likes1 comment
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JenlovesJT47
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Pickpick

I‘m happy I found a cozy mystery series with plenty of books to read (close to 30!). Agatha Raisin is not super likable at the beginning of the book, but I love to see how much she has grown even in this first story. The setting has tons of quirky characters and I‘m looking forward to getting to know them better. 4⭐️

#Mystery
#AgathaRaisin

kezzlou85 I love this series. She really does grow on you through the books. Some are better than others. 4y
KathyWheeler There are a few of these I didn‘t like and Agatha can be irritating at times, but overall this is a solid series. I‘ve read all the ones my library has. 4y
70 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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MallenNC
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Catching up on #BoundTogetherJune for yesterday. When I want a #mellow read, I go for cozy mysteries. I love these Agatha Raisin novels, and the show is fun too (thought the characters are a little different than described in the books).

OriginalCyn620 Cute covers! 5y
veritysalter My favourite escapist author. They got me through some really tough times. 5y
33 likes1 stack add2 comments
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KimHM
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Also—how great is Libby for audiobooks??? 📚💚📚💙📚❤️📚💜📚🧡📚💗📚💛📚💙📚❤️📚💜

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beaconhillbooks
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Pickpick

Little cozier than I usually read but given coronavirus I needed this light headed mystery

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twinkletoes74
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Pickpick

These books by M.C. Beaton always cheer me up. I‘ve read this one numerous times.

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valeriegeary
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Well, we've moved from bed to couch and I made a cuppa which I'm finding to be rather soothing. Also I discovered this Agatha Raisin cozy mystery sitting in a stack of recent library check-outs and it's turning out to be just the kind of story I need right now. English countryside, a plot that's interesting enough but not over-complicated, quirky characters, murder by quiche... Yes I think this will do just fine.

valeriegeary Of course as soon as I post this, the next chapter starts with a horrible racist description of one of the responding constables. And come on! This book was published in 1992! Do better! 😥😠🤦🏼‍♀️ 5y
Lynnsoprano I read this recently, I know what you‘re talking about, but Agatha is such an interesting, complex character that I pressed on. 5y
See All 7 Comments
Crazeedi Sounds like you're under the weather, sending get well soon thoughts!! 5y
valeriegeary @Lynnsoprano I'm finishing the book too. I'm still completely baffled by the author's decision, considering the rest of the book and how Agatha and Bill become friends. So frustrating that anyone thought that kind of description was okay to put in a book. Especially considering it's a fairly contemporary book. 5y
valeriegeary @Crazeedi thank you! I think I'm through the worst of it! 5y
Crazeedi @valeriegeary good to hear! 5y
67 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Lynnsoprano
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Pickpick

Agatha Raisin is very different from a lot of female sleuths, but I think that‘s what makes her so interesting. It was fun to read the first book in this series and get all her back story. This is an interesting mystery in a setting (the Cotswolds) that I really want to visit. Thanks again @BlameJennyJane for introducing me to Agatha. I‘d never known about these books without Litsy. No pictures of quiche, so it‘s just my peach crumb pie.

Bookzombie That looks yummy! 5y
kspenmoll Looks delicious!!! 5y
kspenmoll Great review! I have never read this series. 5y
BlameJennyJane You are so sweet! 🤗 I am so happy you love Aggie! ❤️ And I want that pie!! 🥧 5y
kezzlou85 Love the Agatha Raisin series. 5y
61 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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Lynnsoprano
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#Litsypartyofone Good morning, party goers. Trying to get some reading in while I can, but it‘s going to be a crazy day. My weekly WW meeting this morning, plus the AC technician and the phone repair person (our phone line went down yesterday, too) due after lunch. Plus, it‘s Penn State football this afternoon! I‘m loving reading all your posts 😘 #Hostpost #MrBook1inMillion #24b4Monday

rockpools We‘re using matching bookmarks today 🎵🎶🎵 5y
Andrew65 Wow! Busy day! 5y
Lynnsoprano @Andrew65 I swear life in retirement is just as busy as when I was working 😄 5y
See All 15 Comments
Lynnsoprano @RachelO Great minds think alike 😘 5y
MamaGina Hope that AC gets fixed ASAP! 🤞🏼 (I‘ve got the heat on here in NC, perfect readathon weather 🥶) 5y
Slajaunie Yes to football! Enjoy the game and the book! 5y
Lynnsoprano @Slajaunie 👍 If I tried to read during a Penn State game it would probably be grounds for divorce 🤣 5y
Lynnsoprano @MamaGina The AC tech called and he‘s on his way 😄 5y
Eggs That bookmark 💗💗💗💗 5y
MrBook You a Nittany Lion alum, as well?! 😳🤗 Good luck with all that havoc today! 5y
Lynnsoprano @MrBook I‘m not but hubby is. I‘m a Moravian College grad. But I was once introduced to the Penn State president as an alum, so I claim honorary status 🤣 5y
MrBook 😂👏🏻 Moravian, I know that campus well. 😎 5y
Linsy Love Agatha Raisin!!! 5y
MamaGina @Lynnsoprano 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 5y
Lynnsoprano @mrbook Why do I think there‘s a story there?😂 5y
79 likes15 comments
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Kshakal
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Mehso-so

Overall not my favorite cozy.... some funny moments but didn‘t really hold my attention.

BookishMarginalia I had a problem with the use of “Oriental” and “effeminate.” Overall, I did like it (I listened to the audiobook). (edited) 5y
34 likes1 comment
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Lynnsoprano
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#Litsypartyofone #MrBook1inaMilliion. I succumbed to the call of the Halloween candy, and to Agatha Raisin. I bought this last week, which includes the first two Agatha mysteries, so I‘m going to start the tagged book. I figure Agatha would like to party. 😂
#24b4Monday

Clwojick I love the cover on this one. 5y
Andrew65 Oh yes, Agatha would but would regret it afterwards. 😂 5y
MrBook 😂👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 5y
55 likes3 comments
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Halechr
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Cozy blankets, cozy socks and a cozy read. The perfect end to my night 🥰

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

It was a fine cozy mystery. Some funny bits. Thanks to other Litsy folk, have the first series (season) of the TV show waiting for me at the library. The book kept me company while I was puttering around the house today, culminating in starting a new jigsaw puzzle tonight.

KaylaD How many pieces is this???💜💜💜 5y
rather_be_reading 👏👏 5y
ReadingOver50 I didn‘t know this was a tv show. I need to look it up. 5y
JoyBlue @KaylaD While they aren't all pictured, there are 1000. 5y
JoyBlue @ReadingOver50 I didn't either! 😀 5y
60 likes5 comments
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Librarybelle
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Agatha is considered a #MardyBum by quite a few people. I think she‘s a riot, especially as she tries to make nice with her new neighbors. Poisoned quiche, anyone? This is the first in the Agatha Raisin series - they‘re quick, Agatha‘s cantankerous yet hysterical, and she seems to stumble into murder wherever she goes. #Ayupaugust

squirrelbrain I‘ve never read any of these but they sound great! 👍😁 5y
82 likes4 stack adds1 comment