M C Beaton – Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

Carrying on with the crime theme that seemed to dominate my holidays, I tried out this book after hearing that M C Beaton’s crime novels regularly top the most borrowed lists in British libraries. I also used to read Marion Chesney dodgy Regency romances as a teenager. I was particularly interested in the fact that the Agatha Raisin books are set in a fictional Cotswold village but have lots of references to the surrounding area which I love. This is the obviously original inspiration for the not very good Mud Muck and Dead Things novel that I read and did not enjoy very much last year.

Agatha Raisin is an ex-PR agent from London, who moves to the Cotswolds to start a new life. She enters a local baking contest to try to get to know the locals.   She enters a quiche that she bought in London; not only does she not win, but her quiche kills one of the judges. In order to prove her innocence, Agatha begins investigating the crime herself. It’s not great literature but its an enjoyable little read if you like the Cotswolds and a bit of lighthearted crime.

Mud, Muck and Dead Things (Campbell & Carter Mystery 1) – Ann Granger

I picked this up at work for sale on the 1€ stall.  I chose Mud, Muck and Dead Things  because it had a lovely cover and was set in the Cotswolds, from whence I hail.  I wanted to like it but unfortunately there was no tension in solving the murder of a young girl found in a barn.  The second murder and the finale was massively underwhelming.  Sorry.

A quick read on the beach but don’t expect much more.  I will not be waiting to see how Inspector Campbell and Superintendent Carter carry on, but I am willing to bet they  snog each other in the next installment.