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Agatha Raisin #10
Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam
When a fortune teller from a previous case informs Agatha Raisin that her destiny--and true love--lies in Norfolk, she promptly rents a cottage in the quaint village of Fryfam. No sooner does she arrive than strange things start happening. Random objects go missing from people's homes, and odd little lights are seen dancing in the villagers' gardens and yards. Stories soon begin circulating about the presence of fairies.
But when a prominent village resident is found murdered, and some suspicion falls on her and her friend Sir Charles Fraith, Agatha decides she's had enough of this fairy nonsense and steps up her sleuthing for a human killer.
The prickly yet endearing Agatha will have fans dangling in suspense: Will she catch her crook--and a husband?
Duration: 05:57:26
But when a prominent village resident is found murdered, and some suspicion falls on her and her friend Sir Charles Fraith, Agatha decides she's had enough of this fairy nonsense and steps up her sleuthing for a human killer.
The prickly yet endearing Agatha will have fans dangling in suspense: Will she catch her crook--and a husband?
Duration: 05:57:26
Audiobook
First published June 1, 2000
About the author
M.C. Beaton
327 books5,698 followersLike her on Facebook!
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
Learn more on her website!
Marion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 616 reviews
June 21, 2024
Ok, Beaton. I see what you're doing now.
I have to say that I thought the author was trying to put James forward as some kind of romantic hero this entire time, and it was kind of pissing me off.
But.
At the end of this, I get what she's trying to say.
He's an asshole. He's narcissistic, cold, and only wants Agatha because she's so full of life that she makes his life more interesting. There's no effort made to woo her, wow her, or make her feel special.
He's that guy who shows up on your doorstep at 9 pm because he's got nothing better to do on a Tuesday night.
And all of her friends can see it.
Which is what makes the ending of this book tolerable.
As for the mystery?
Well, this time around Agatha has taken a vacation to the town of Fryfam, maybe finds fairies in her backyard, runs across a few dead bodies, and solves the case with the help of Charles Fraith.
Speaking of...
I'm really starting to enjoy Charles! I wasn't sure how I felt about him at first because he's your classic wastrel. But he's at least an honest booty call who genuinely likes Agatha and doesn't want to change her into something she's not.
I'm pretty excited for the next book, to be honest. I think it's going to be a complete trainwreck and I can't wait to see how everything resolves itself!
Recommended for fans.
I have to say that I thought the author was trying to put James forward as some kind of romantic hero this entire time, and it was kind of pissing me off.
But.
At the end of this, I get what she's trying to say.
He's an asshole. He's narcissistic, cold, and only wants Agatha because she's so full of life that she makes his life more interesting. There's no effort made to woo her, wow her, or make her feel special.
He's that guy who shows up on your doorstep at 9 pm because he's got nothing better to do on a Tuesday night.
And all of her friends can see it.
Which is what makes the ending of this book tolerable.
As for the mystery?
Well, this time around Agatha has taken a vacation to the town of Fryfam, maybe finds fairies in her backyard, runs across a few dead bodies, and solves the case with the help of Charles Fraith.
Speaking of...
I'm really starting to enjoy Charles! I wasn't sure how I felt about him at first because he's your classic wastrel. But he's at least an honest booty call who genuinely likes Agatha and doesn't want to change her into something she's not.
I'm pretty excited for the next book, to be honest. I think it's going to be a complete trainwreck and I can't wait to see how everything resolves itself!
Recommended for fans.
June 14, 2015
Fair warning: there are going to be a lot of spoilers in this review. Please don't read it unless you want to ruin your reading experience.
I began this book with high hopes. In the previous installment in this series, Agatha Raisin has been making steady progress at moving past her obsession with James Lacey, and is really coming into her own as a mature woman. Of course, like all of us, "Aggie" still has her insecurities, which make her a normal person. However, she is working on moving on with her life, and is growing as a character.
In [u]Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam[/u], Agatha decides to take a trip to Norfolk where she is destined to meet her one true love, as per the prophecy of the Witch of Wyckhadden. Picking a place at random in Norfolk, Agatha lands up in the strange village of Fryfam. There, she meets a whole new cast of characters ranging from the gnarled and crabby Mrs. Jackson, to the smooth and always-well-put-together Rosie Wilden. More than that, Agatha discovers that there may be fairies living in the village, fairies that seem to steal small, everyday items whenever they appear. Soon, an invaluable Stubbs painting is stolen, and after that, Tolly Trumpington-James is found murdered in his manor.
Agatha, unable to decide whether to stay in Fryfam or return to Carsely, chooses to stay and try to see what she can discover of the thefts and murder. Sir Charles Fraith joins her, and they soon end up head over heels in alibis and a convoluted and seemingly untraceable mystery.
Let the spoilers begin.
As I have previously stated, I like Sir Charles Fraith as Agatha's lover/sidekick/partner much more than James Lacy, who I find to be a condescending jerk of a person. Sir Charles may have amoral tendencies and likes to enjoy himself sexually, but he is a funny, lighthearted person, and is the perfect foil for Agatha's vibrant personality! I very much enjoyed his role in the story.
However, at the end of the story, Agatha returns to Carsely to find that James Lacy has returned. Not only has he returned to Carsely, but he is also romantically linked to Melissa Sheppard, a new village resident. Agatha finds herself torn, but with her newfound dignity, refuses to make first contact with James. I can't tell you how much I loved seeing Agatha's struggle, and then witness her making a choice that is completely in tune with her new, mature personality!
Then, horror of all horrors, Ms. Beaton has James show up at Agatha's front door. After coming in and hearing about Agatha's newest adventure, James proposes marriage to Agatha. And what does Agatha do? She accepts his proposal.
What in the world?! I don't understand. I am so irritated by this plot twist, and it makes so LITTLE sense in the grand scheme of things, that it makes me want to give up on the entire series. Why, OH WHY, in the world did you do that, Ms. Chesney?!
Haven't we seen Agatha suffer enough, and learn more about her loneliness, and work hard to make new friends, and grow as a person to be rewarded with a LITTLE BIT of happiness for her?!
*Sigh*
I don't even know what to think any more. I was really happy with the direction the stories were taking. Agatha was becoming herself, and learning about who she is as a character. The stories were evolving, the characters were changing, the world was gaining more depth. And then this disaster.
I am very, very disappointed.
So now, I'm going to read the next book in the series to see if I should continue reading the rest of the series or not.
Wish me luck.
I began this book with high hopes. In the previous installment in this series, Agatha Raisin has been making steady progress at moving past her obsession with James Lacey, and is really coming into her own as a mature woman. Of course, like all of us, "Aggie" still has her insecurities, which make her a normal person. However, she is working on moving on with her life, and is growing as a character.
In [u]Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam[/u], Agatha decides to take a trip to Norfolk where she is destined to meet her one true love, as per the prophecy of the Witch of Wyckhadden. Picking a place at random in Norfolk, Agatha lands up in the strange village of Fryfam. There, she meets a whole new cast of characters ranging from the gnarled and crabby Mrs. Jackson, to the smooth and always-well-put-together Rosie Wilden. More than that, Agatha discovers that there may be fairies living in the village, fairies that seem to steal small, everyday items whenever they appear. Soon, an invaluable Stubbs painting is stolen, and after that, Tolly Trumpington-James is found murdered in his manor.
Agatha, unable to decide whether to stay in Fryfam or return to Carsely, chooses to stay and try to see what she can discover of the thefts and murder. Sir Charles Fraith joins her, and they soon end up head over heels in alibis and a convoluted and seemingly untraceable mystery.
Let the spoilers begin.
As I have previously stated, I like Sir Charles Fraith as Agatha's lover/sidekick/partner much more than James Lacy, who I find to be a condescending jerk of a person. Sir Charles may have amoral tendencies and likes to enjoy himself sexually, but he is a funny, lighthearted person, and is the perfect foil for Agatha's vibrant personality! I very much enjoyed his role in the story.
However, at the end of the story, Agatha returns to Carsely to find that James Lacy has returned. Not only has he returned to Carsely, but he is also romantically linked to Melissa Sheppard, a new village resident. Agatha finds herself torn, but with her newfound dignity, refuses to make first contact with James. I can't tell you how much I loved seeing Agatha's struggle, and then witness her making a choice that is completely in tune with her new, mature personality!
Then, horror of all horrors, Ms. Beaton has James show up at Agatha's front door. After coming in and hearing about Agatha's newest adventure, James proposes marriage to Agatha. And what does Agatha do? She accepts his proposal.
What in the world?! I don't understand. I am so irritated by this plot twist, and it makes so LITTLE sense in the grand scheme of things, that it makes me want to give up on the entire series. Why, OH WHY, in the world did you do that, Ms. Chesney?!
Haven't we seen Agatha suffer enough, and learn more about her loneliness, and work hard to make new friends, and grow as a person to be rewarded with a LITTLE BIT of happiness for her?!
*Sigh*
I don't even know what to think any more. I was really happy with the direction the stories were taking. Agatha was becoming herself, and learning about who she is as a character. The stories were evolving, the characters were changing, the world was gaining more depth. And then this disaster.
I am very, very disappointed.
So now, I'm going to read the next book in the series to see if I should continue reading the rest of the series or not.
Wish me luck.
March 28, 2021
Agatha arrienda una casa en Fryfam, segun ella porque una adivina le dijo que hallaria el amor en Norfolk, a pesar de que todos le advierten en contra del invierno de alli, y con la idea de vender su casa en Cosfolds (James sigue de viaje en Grecia). La casa no tiene calefacción central, y pronto ella se siente solitaria a pesar de sus gatos, y ni siquiera las luces de colores en el fondo del jardin que los lugareños dicen en confidencia que son hadas le atraen en realidad, hasta que ocurre un robo y al poco un homicidio y Agatha decide de nuevo ponerse a investigar.
Creo que todos sentimos lo mismo que la sra Bloxby cuando dice:
You’ll go to Norfolk but he’ll still be there with you until you make an effort to eject him. I hope you don’t get involved in any more murders, Agatha, but there are times when I wish someone would murder James.”
Charles va hacia allá, y comparto lo que dice alguien que hasta es un pelin mejor que James, y se llevan mejor (cuando él suelta la billeterahasta que ella vuelve a meter la pata con James), y por lo menos el baronet es bastante realista cuando le insiste que ella necesita un terapeuta para superar su obsesión con James. Aunque lo más triste de todo, es que ella esta muy consciente de muchas de estas fallas, y que necesita aferrarse a este tipo para sentirse alguien, es una persona que no puede vivir consigo misma.
Instead of being relieved that her obsession was fading, Agatha felt uneasy but did not understand why. The fact was that Agatha Raisin did not like to be left alone in the company of Agatha Raisin, and she obscurely sensed that without her obsession, there would be an emptiness in her brain, a cushion against reality.
El misterio en sí, lleva por sospechas de la esposa (con coartada), y todo el entorno de un hombre de dinero obsesionado con estar con los de dinero 'viejo' y la caza, y las mujeres que se conforman con vivir con vivir dentro de la esfera de un hombre como las amas de casa del lugar. Es dificil sacudirse el statuo quo.
Oh, el gato blanco del ultimo misterio que todos reclaman porque no figuraba al incio, me da la impresion que fue añadido en ultima parte, y fue regalado a Doris la sra que le hace la limpieza.
El final , ya de regreso, saltó como un gazapo y quedamos todos Oo'
Creo que todos sentimos lo mismo que la sra Bloxby cuando dice:
You’ll go to Norfolk but he’ll still be there with you until you make an effort to eject him. I hope you don’t get involved in any more murders, Agatha, but there are times when I wish someone would murder James.”
Charles va hacia allá, y comparto lo que dice alguien que hasta es un pelin mejor que James, y se llevan mejor (cuando él suelta la billetera
Instead of being relieved that her obsession was fading, Agatha felt uneasy but did not understand why. The fact was that Agatha Raisin did not like to be left alone in the company of Agatha Raisin, and she obscurely sensed that without her obsession, there would be an emptiness in her brain, a cushion against reality.
El misterio en sí, lleva por sospechas de la esposa (con coartada), y todo el entorno de un hombre de dinero obsesionado con estar con los de dinero 'viejo' y la caza, y las mujeres que se conforman con vivir con vivir dentro de la esfera de un hombre como las amas de casa del lugar. Es dificil sacudirse el statuo quo.
Oh, el gato blanco del ultimo misterio que todos reclaman porque no figuraba al incio, me da la impresion que fue añadido en ultima parte, y fue regalado a Doris la sra que le hace la limpieza.
El final , ya de regreso, saltó como un gazapo y quedamos todos Oo'
January 6, 2019
Agatha möchte endlich über James hinwegkommen und zieht daher vorübergehend nach Norfolk, nachdem ihr eine Wahrsagerin prophezeit hat, dass sich ihr Schicksal in Norfolk erfüllen soll. Hier, im Osten Englands, sind die Leute ziemlich seltsam. Sie scheinen sogar noch an Elfen zu glauben! Agatha erklärt ihren Aufenthalt in Norfolk damit, ein Buch schreiben zu wollen: einen Krimi mit dem Titel "Tod auf dem Landgut". Dann geschieht auf dem nahe gelegenen Landgut tatsächlich ein Mord! Agatha gerät unter Tatverdacht!
Mein Leseeindruck:
Ich mag die Reihe um Agatha Raisin unglaublich gerne und habe auch diesen Band geliebt. Ich mag einfach den feinen englischen Humor, die schräge Agatha, die sehr direkt, aber trotzdem sympathisch ist, und all die anderen mehr oder wenigen kauzigen Charaktere. Auch dieser Band ist wieder ein echter Wohlfühlkrimi, den ich mit Genuss gelesen habe!
Mein Leseeindruck:
Ich mag die Reihe um Agatha Raisin unglaublich gerne und habe auch diesen Band geliebt. Ich mag einfach den feinen englischen Humor, die schräge Agatha, die sehr direkt, aber trotzdem sympathisch ist, und all die anderen mehr oder wenigen kauzigen Charaktere. Auch dieser Band ist wieder ein echter Wohlfühlkrimi, den ich mit Genuss gelesen habe!
August 1, 2010
I found myself thoroughly enjoying and devouring this 10th installment of the Agatha Raisin series. Another book where Agatha is not in Carsley- this time opting for a cottage in Norfolk to get away from James Lacey her neighbour in Carsley who Agatha has become a tad obsessed with over the course of the series. Therefore some of our usual friends are a rather absent in this book, however that didn't spoil my enjoyment, as there were plenty of strange characters in Fryfam for Agatha to investigate, and in this, she is joined by her irrepressible friend Sir Charles Fraith. Another fun and enjoyable installment - which right at the end left me wanting to reach for the next one right away - which I do have but I will resist for a little while at least.
March 2, 2021
This was a great recommendation from Beata as a cozy mystery and it was just fun and funny to read. Agatha Raisin is so snarky and snappy in personality that she made me laugh out loud. Short and to the point. GREAT in between.
Agatha leaves her cottage because the love of her life left and she needs a break. She rents a cottage out in the country of Fryfam and suddenly she starts seeing little lights fluttering about in the garden and things start disappearing. Then there is the murder of the richest resident in the area. Agatha must figure out if the fairy lights are connected to the murder and the robberies.
Will definitely read more of these.
Agatha leaves her cottage because the love of her life left and she needs a break. She rents a cottage out in the country of Fryfam and suddenly she starts seeing little lights fluttering about in the garden and things start disappearing. Then there is the murder of the richest resident in the area. Agatha must figure out if the fairy lights are connected to the murder and the robberies.
Will definitely read more of these.
July 9, 2020
Viegla lasāmviela atslodzei. Kad negribas iespringt cozy detective ir mana labāka izvēle. Patīk arī Agata (bijusī Londonas PR speciāliste, kura pārcēlusies uz nelielu ciematiņu Anglijā). Klasiskais "who done it" detektīvs ar kolorītiem tēliem.
February 27, 2022
3⭐= Average
This is #10 in the series and not really my favourite, if I'm honest . The characters had all their usual humour, so maybe it was the storyline itself that let this one down a little.
Never mind... onto the next one! 👍
This is #10 in the series and not really my favourite, if I'm honest . The characters had all their usual humour, so maybe it was the storyline itself that let this one down a little.
Never mind... onto the next one! 👍
April 22, 2024
Mein Fanherz wurde wieder befriedigt. Agatha bleibt einfach meine allerliebste Kratzbüste.
November 9, 2023
Great entertaining read. Charles and Agatha investigate a murder in the village of Fryham in Norfolk. Agatha is still obsessed with James Lacey who is not in this outing until the end.
Tolly the lord has f the manor is murdered and his wife Lucy inherits. Blackmail, adultery and bad tempered Agatha all make at times a comedic touch. There is also the mystery of the fairies at the bottom of Agatha’s garden.
Tolly the lord has f the manor is murdered and his wife Lucy inherits. Blackmail, adultery and bad tempered Agatha all make at times a comedic touch. There is also the mystery of the fairies at the bottom of Agatha’s garden.
July 29, 2021
Agatha and the Lights in the Garden
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (January 2013) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (June 2000)
The Fairies of Fryham finds Agatha Raisin renting a cottage in Fryham after a fortune teller in the previous book The Witch of Wyckhadden told her that she would find her true love in Norfolk. Her garden appears to show signs of fairy lights at night, but no one in the village will speak about it. Soon there is a murder and Sir Charles Fraith shows up to help Agatha investigate.
I'm continuing to enjoy the fun of this cozy series which is somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Sir Charles is much more of a recurring character and occasional love interest than he is in the screen adaptation and his cheap and chintzy manners are played up quite a bit. The narration by regular reader Penelope Keith is always excellent in all voices.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A posthumous Book 32 Down the Hatch is yet to be released, and is expected to be published in October 2021.
Trivia and Link
The Fairies of Fryham was adapted as Episodes 3 & 4 of Series 2 for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). A trailer can be seen on YouTube here.
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (January 2013) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (June 2000)
The Fairies of Fryham finds Agatha Raisin renting a cottage in Fryham after a fortune teller in the previous book The Witch of Wyckhadden told her that she would find her true love in Norfolk. Her garden appears to show signs of fairy lights at night, but no one in the village will speak about it. Soon there is a murder and Sir Charles Fraith shows up to help Agatha investigate.
I'm continuing to enjoy the fun of this cozy series which is somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Sir Charles is much more of a recurring character and occasional love interest than he is in the screen adaptation and his cheap and chintzy manners are played up quite a bit. The narration by regular reader Penelope Keith is always excellent in all voices.
Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A posthumous Book 32 Down the Hatch is yet to be released, and is expected to be published in October 2021.
Trivia and Link
The Fairies of Fryham was adapted as Episodes 3 & 4 of Series 2 for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-). A trailer can be seen on YouTube here.
October 28, 2016
Agatha needs to get away again, so she sticks a pin in a map and ends up in a small village....
I guess this village is in a part of England where the weather is worse than it is where she lives? Sorry I'm not really familiar with different parts of England... and it really doesn't make a difference, it was just part of the story, they kept complaining about the weather....
Anyways, one of her first night in this village she sees strange lights and here's weird voices in the backyard, and is told that they are fairies... fairies that are also petty thieves... soon and expensive painting is stolen, and then guess what? Somebody gets killed..... Charles comes to help out Agatha solve the crime... Agatha is still obsessing on James.... and I have to say I did not see the end of this one coming at all.....
I guess this village is in a part of England where the weather is worse than it is where she lives? Sorry I'm not really familiar with different parts of England... and it really doesn't make a difference, it was just part of the story, they kept complaining about the weather....
Anyways, one of her first night in this village she sees strange lights and here's weird voices in the backyard, and is told that they are fairies... fairies that are also petty thieves... soon and expensive painting is stolen, and then guess what? Somebody gets killed..... Charles comes to help out Agatha solve the crime... Agatha is still obsessing on James.... and I have to say I did not see the end of this one coming at all.....
August 12, 2010
Man, I loathe Agatha Raisen. Does she have ANY redeeming qualities to make one like her at all? No. Are these mysteries detailed and interesting enough to continue reading them although one despises the main characters? No.
Read Laurie R. King instead. Or Ngaio Marsh. or Ms. Sayers. or ANYONE. If you have to have Beaton's "popcorn for the soul" then read the Hamish Macbeth series instead. At elast there the characters aren't terribly stupid and annoying and self centered. Or not as much as Agatha is. If you don't love the detective, and the writing's not spectacular, what is tehre left to read?
Read Laurie R. King instead. Or Ngaio Marsh. or Ms. Sayers. or ANYONE. If you have to have Beaton's "popcorn for the soul" then read the Hamish Macbeth series instead. At elast there the characters aren't terribly stupid and annoying and self centered. Or not as much as Agatha is. If you don't love the detective, and the writing's not spectacular, what is tehre left to read?
May 6, 2022
3.5 stars, but rounding up. This story takes us out of Carsely once again - this time to a rented cottage in Norfolk with fairies at the bottom of the garden, strange goings-on and the usual murders. This time Agatha teams up with Sir Charles Fraith to investigate, which I always prefer, as I’m not too keen on James Lacey.
November 3, 2022
Absolutely enjoyed this. Listened to as an audiobook. Duration - 5 hrs, 57 mins
.
If you like Agatha Christie books, you will like these although Agatha Raisin is very harsh on her words, so there is a bit of swearing.
Penelope Keith is the voice over for the audio I listened to.
Genre
Audiobook
Mysteries
Crime & Thriller
.
If you like Agatha Christie books, you will like these although Agatha Raisin is very harsh on her words, so there is a bit of swearing.
Penelope Keith is the voice over for the audio I listened to.
Genre
Audiobook
Mysteries
Crime & Thriller
November 5, 2020
Agatha and her sidekick Charles are back, but James Lacey still isn't, so Agatha decides to spend the winter away from the Cotswolds and travels to Norfolk.
Agatha is not sure she's made the right decision. The cottage she's rented has no central heating. The village is small and seemingly inbred.
To top it all off, her first night in the cottage, she sees a little circle of lights at the far end of her garden, but when she rushes down to the end, they are gone. Then insignificant pieces of furniture in the house are missing.
The villagers know its fairies, but Agatha is skeptical.
Agatha at first is alone and depressed. She can't stop thinking about James Lacey, even when Charles shows up at her doorstep. Ah, to be a rich baronet and come and go where you like, when you please.
Agatha and Charles are friends, but Charles is "amoral" as Agatha calls it and is not above friends with benefits, if it alleviates a boring winter evening. Nevertheless, Agatha and Charles are fond of each other and fight more like siblings or an old married couple than anything else.
Agatha and Charles meet the local squire, a London "incomer" who is eager to meet the titled Sir Charles. Charles is less impressed.
But "Tolly" as the squire has titled himself is soon murdered and acquires an irresistible attraction to both Agatha and Charles.
In the meantime they and we meet the interesting and suspicious cast of characters that reside in the village.
So who killed Old Tolly and why?
Agatha is not sure she's made the right decision. The cottage she's rented has no central heating. The village is small and seemingly inbred.
To top it all off, her first night in the cottage, she sees a little circle of lights at the far end of her garden, but when she rushes down to the end, they are gone. Then insignificant pieces of furniture in the house are missing.
The villagers know its fairies, but Agatha is skeptical.
Agatha at first is alone and depressed. She can't stop thinking about James Lacey, even when Charles shows up at her doorstep. Ah, to be a rich baronet and come and go where you like, when you please.
Agatha and Charles are friends, but Charles is "amoral" as Agatha calls it and is not above friends with benefits, if it alleviates a boring winter evening. Nevertheless, Agatha and Charles are fond of each other and fight more like siblings or an old married couple than anything else.
Agatha and Charles meet the local squire, a London "incomer" who is eager to meet the titled Sir Charles. Charles is less impressed.
But "Tolly" as the squire has titled himself is soon murdered and acquires an irresistible attraction to both Agatha and Charles.
In the meantime they and we meet the interesting and suspicious cast of characters that reside in the village.
So who killed Old Tolly and why?
January 14, 2023
Sans doute le plus mauvais que j'ai lu jusque là. Beaton tourne en rond, ces enquêtes n'ont pas de profondeur et sont comme toujours tirées par les cheveux. J'aime juste retrouver l'ambiance de ces petits villages anglais et Agatha raisin qui est tout de même un personnage vraiment atypique et moin des clichés que l'on retrouve trop souvent dans les policiers. Mais si vous souhaitez lire la suite vous serez obligé de lire celui ci. Je n'en dit pas plus ...
February 15, 2021
Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam, the 10th Agatha book by M.C. Beaton finds Ms. Raisin grumpy and disconsolate and missing her on again, off again boyfriend James Lacey. I've skipped a bit in the series but suffice it to say that there has been some sort of disagreement and James has taken off and Agatha has decided to go to Norwich (town of Fryfam) to get away for awhile. She is considering moving there but can't bear the thought of leaving Carsley permanently so rent a cottage in the village.
Agatha is disappointed in the village and the climate, cold and miserable. Meeting the locals, she visits a rich couple who have moved from London. There is a death (murder) and Agatha begins her investigation, along with surprising and somewhat unwelcome visitor, Lord Charles (with whom she'd had a brief fling after her wedding to James fell apart in a previous book). The village is suspicious of Agatha and Charles, the cops suspect them, but the two persevere. Throw in a suspicion of fairies in the bottom of her garden, creatures that seem to be robbing homes, and you've got the basics.
There are an grouping of characters that Agatha must navigate, local villagers who've attached themselves to her, the beautiful owner of the only pub in town, the local hunt master, and of course, irritated police who want Agatha to keep her nose out of their business and you've got an entertaining story. Similar themes to the other Agatha Raisin stories; her ongoing doubt and love for Lacey (many phone calls to Mrs. Bloxby back in Carsley) and her doubt about herself and her general grumpiness, plus an entertaining mystery and you've got a cozy, entertaining story. (3 stars)
Agatha is disappointed in the village and the climate, cold and miserable. Meeting the locals, she visits a rich couple who have moved from London. There is a death (murder) and Agatha begins her investigation, along with surprising and somewhat unwelcome visitor, Lord Charles (with whom she'd had a brief fling after her wedding to James fell apart in a previous book). The village is suspicious of Agatha and Charles, the cops suspect them, but the two persevere. Throw in a suspicion of fairies in the bottom of her garden, creatures that seem to be robbing homes, and you've got the basics.
There are an grouping of characters that Agatha must navigate, local villagers who've attached themselves to her, the beautiful owner of the only pub in town, the local hunt master, and of course, irritated police who want Agatha to keep her nose out of their business and you've got an entertaining story. Similar themes to the other Agatha Raisin stories; her ongoing doubt and love for Lacey (many phone calls to Mrs. Bloxby back in Carsley) and her doubt about herself and her general grumpiness, plus an entertaining mystery and you've got a cozy, entertaining story. (3 stars)
September 29, 2016
Oh, Aggie. Love her and all her brashness. She never 'just let's things go.' She keeps digging until it blows up in her face. Everyone looks past the fairies, but not our Agatha. She wants answers. Murders, thefts, flirting husbands. Answers, or else!
If only she would tackle her romantic relationships with the same logical thinking she tackles the mysteries around her.
If only she would tackle her romantic relationships with the same logical thinking she tackles the mysteries around her.
June 9, 2018
Another light Agatha to get me through a day of cooking.
April 22, 2019
In this book, Agatha again leaves Carsley and rents a cottage in Fryfam. Of course she finds herself in the middle of the action again and finally, a murder happens. Agatha, just like every time, sets out to solve the murder.
What I liked most about this book - a point that makes it slightly better than it's forerunners - is, that James didn't play a big role and Agatha spent her time mostly with Charles, whom I like so much more. And there was a little fairy-mystery that I quite enjoyed.
The end, which I will not spoiler here, really makes me want to read the next book, even though I think I already know what will happen after this twist.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and think that it is one of the better ones of the series.
What I liked most about this book - a point that makes it slightly better than it's forerunners - is, that James didn't play a big role and Agatha spent her time mostly with Charles, whom I like so much more. And there was a little fairy-mystery that I quite enjoyed.
The end, which I will not spoiler here, really makes me want to read the next book, even though I think I already know what will happen after this twist.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and think that it is one of the better ones of the series.
September 7, 2020
This was a second or third read. Poor Agatha still longs for James, while Charles is the one who is loyal to her. Agatha leaves her home for this adventure. It is entertaining in an Agatha Raisin sort of way.
August 4, 2017
I've had this short book on my to read list for several years, and I'm glad I finally got to it. Remember, 3 stars means I liked it - the Agatha books are always easy comfort reads for me :)
April 21, 2023
Well Agatha finally landed her man but will it be all it’s cracked up to be?
May 6, 2018
Toujours impayable ! Mais les cinq dernières minutes sont la garantie d'une bonne crise de nerfs... argh, Agatha !!!
http://blogclarabel.canalblog.com/arc...
http://blogclarabel.canalblog.com/arc...
August 2, 2018
Encore une fois bien divertis et pour la première fois la final me donne hâte de lire le suivant!!
January 19, 2022
Dearest Aggie solved the case and captured her man. Ugh. He’s a bore! I am looking forward to the moment she realizes she deserves better.
April 8, 2024
In the summer of 2020, I read all of the books in M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series. I had such a fun time with this series that I’ve been slowly accumulating a collection of the books. I’m re-reading them in the order I acquire them.
In the past, I have said these books can be read in any order by those new to the series. But my recent experience reading Death of a Spy , book 36 in M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth series, has me second guessing this claim. M.C. Beaton does a good job of introducing Agatha and her backstory in the first few pages of each of these books, but I don’t think they would be nearly as enjoyable read out of order. Each book has a murder investigation that gets resolved within the book, but Agatha’s personal life carries on from the previous title.
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, let’s talk about Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam.
Still upset about her failed relationship with next door neighbour, James Lacey, Agatha Raisin rents a cottage in the village of Fryfam after a fortune teller informs her that Agatha will find her true love in Norfolk. But once ensconced in a cottage without the basic necessities of surviving the chilly Norfolk winter, romance is the last thing Agatha finds. Small things like mysterious lights at the end of the garden, and a stolen vase, have Agatha feeling frightened and uneasy.
Then a Stubbs is stolen from the manor house, the local squire is murdered, and the first chapter of Agatha’s novel, Death at the Manor, gets confiscated by the police. Oh, Agatha! She probably shouldn’t have taken out her frustration with the snobby Tolly Trumptington-James by basing a character on him and then killing that character off in the first chapter of her book! But how was she to know the man would get himself murdered?
I really enjoyed the Norfolk setting with the late autumn weather turning to winter. And I love this series! These books are just the thing for when you are feeling a bit under the weather, or just don’t have the brain space for anything too taxing. The perfect cosy read!
In the past, I have said these books can be read in any order by those new to the series. But my recent experience reading Death of a Spy , book 36 in M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth series, has me second guessing this claim. M.C. Beaton does a good job of introducing Agatha and her backstory in the first few pages of each of these books, but I don’t think they would be nearly as enjoyable read out of order. Each book has a murder investigation that gets resolved within the book, but Agatha’s personal life carries on from the previous title.
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, let’s talk about Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam.
Still upset about her failed relationship with next door neighbour, James Lacey, Agatha Raisin rents a cottage in the village of Fryfam after a fortune teller informs her that Agatha will find her true love in Norfolk. But once ensconced in a cottage without the basic necessities of surviving the chilly Norfolk winter, romance is the last thing Agatha finds. Small things like mysterious lights at the end of the garden, and a stolen vase, have Agatha feeling frightened and uneasy.
Then a Stubbs is stolen from the manor house, the local squire is murdered, and the first chapter of Agatha’s novel, Death at the Manor, gets confiscated by the police. Oh, Agatha! She probably shouldn’t have taken out her frustration with the snobby Tolly Trumptington-James by basing a character on him and then killing that character off in the first chapter of her book! But how was she to know the man would get himself murdered?
I really enjoyed the Norfolk setting with the late autumn weather turning to winter. And I love this series! These books are just the thing for when you are feeling a bit under the weather, or just don’t have the brain space for anything too taxing. The perfect cosy read!
June 25, 2016
Needed something light and breezy and Agatha Raisin always fits the bill. In this episode, Agatha has fled to Fryfam, a hamlet in Norwich and her buddy Sir Charles Fraith joins her. Of course, there are several murders and awful town folk. This was a better than recent books in the series. I enjoy Agatha's edge and it was on full display in this episode as she brusquely question the people in this small closed town.
November 27, 2018
I think I might be getting sick of this series. The aspects that used to make me chuckle are getting a bit stale, and this is only book 10. I don't care AT ALL about Agatha's obsession with James and how it fuels every action. I'm sick of her being wishy-washy about Charles. I keep coming back for the mysteries, but the characters are getting a bit boring. Maybe I'll skip to the later books and see if it gets spiced up at all.
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