Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
I have seen most of the Agatha Raisin TV episodes, so I thought I would try one of the books. Just like the TV show, fun, entertaining but mostly fluff. This one is set in Cyprus, the Turkish speaking part of the island. All the victims are British tourists, who did it. Locals or other tourists?
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My least favorite so far. The British tourists in this book are awful and it’s painful to hear it described so detailed. (This is not to say other tourists aren’t awful as well. Tourists in general are awful because they think because they spend so much money everyone should treat them like kings and queens and they don’t need to remember any civility or decent manners.) But the claim that the Turkish people should learn English for the British tourists is still mind boggling to me.
Also, please let this be the end of James Lacey. The relationship is excruciatingly awful. That horse is dead, beaten, and dragged. Let’s give it some dignity by moving on.
This series is best when it deals with the local scene. But can we stop with the Bill Wong, “the Chinese detective. His almond eyes. Or the unmarried mother (I forgot her name). Every time they enter the scene there’s these cringe descriptions that aren’t necessary. Given they have internet and email, they shouldn’t need to be focused on descriptions that don’t have anything to do with the plot. I know this is fluff, but I think we can hold this genre to a higher standard. High fructose syrup isn’t needed in our food and antiquated prejudicial descriptions aren’t needed in our stories. And yet, I’ll still read this series because it’s still entertaining for me. Sigh.
Also, please let this be the end of James Lacey. The relationship is excruciatingly awful. That horse is dead, beaten, and dragged. Let’s give it some dignity by moving on.
This series is best when it deals with the local scene. But can we stop with the Bill Wong, “the Chinese detective. His almond eyes. Or the unmarried mother (I forgot her name). Every time they enter the scene there’s these cringe descriptions that aren’t necessary. Given they have internet and email, they shouldn’t need to be focused on descriptions that don’t have anything to do with the plot. I know this is fluff, but I think we can hold this genre to a higher standard. High fructose syrup isn’t needed in our food and antiquated prejudicial descriptions aren’t needed in our stories. And yet, I’ll still read this series because it’s still entertaining for me. Sigh.
Oh yes, I, too, get exasperated with Agatha’s obsession with James Lacey. “WHY?!?!?” I cry, along with Mrs. Bloxby and Bill Wong and all the rest.
So, yes, traipsing off to Cyprus after this dreadful man almost buggers belief.
Still, though, Ms. Beaton is SUCH a masterful writer, and her books are such a delight, I am thoroughly in love. And truly, Agatha herself is so expertly crafted, so sympathetically created… I am completely addicted.
Another delicious tale that offered the perfect entertainment and escape and left me licking my chops for more!
So, yes, traipsing off to Cyprus after this dreadful man almost buggers belief.
Still, though, Ms. Beaton is SUCH a masterful writer, and her books are such a delight, I am thoroughly in love. And truly, Agatha herself is so expertly crafted, so sympathetically created… I am completely addicted.
Another delicious tale that offered the perfect entertainment and escape and left me licking my chops for more!
I love Aggie! She's a hot mess and I find myself yelling at her, but I love her all the same.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Totally disgusting. Not the least bit of respect for the reader's mind. Agatha was dying for James yet throwing herself into any male. The discrepancies in the story are flagrant, and filling pages with unnecessary parts of tourist guide books was another level of cheapness.
And don't get me started on the political interference in to the 2 most explosive issues in the region.
And don't get me started on the political interference in to the 2 most explosive issues in the region.
Agatha raisin is a terrible tourist! Going abroad and being mad that things like maps, and TV aren’t in English, really?! James worse than ever, not just emotionally distant but verbally abusive. I missed every day village life, and the constant change of locations was more annoying than anything. Okay murder investigation but not the best. I’ll keep reading with the hope James is out of the picture and Agatha makes better choices of lovers.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I quite enjoyed this book although, perhaps not as much as some of the others.
I did enjoy the setting and the historical information; but I did find that I cared little for any of the characters and the situation between Agatha and James started to irritate me.
However, as a cosy murder mystery - it was an easy and enjoyable read.
I do look forward to the next in the series.
I did enjoy the setting and the historical information; but I did find that I cared little for any of the characters and the situation between Agatha and James started to irritate me.
However, as a cosy murder mystery - it was an easy and enjoyable read.
I do look forward to the next in the series.