Customer Reviews

Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage

Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage is the fifth book in the series written by M C Beaton.
Continuing from Beaton's previous novel Agatha is about to marry her neighbour James Lacey but at the last moment Agatha's secret is discovered - she is already married! Many deaths follow, and Agatha and James, once again, become amateur sleuths much to the annoyance of the local police force.
Once again Beaton gives us many insights into the lives of Carsley's inhabitants. I for one cannot wait to read the next instalment.
For those readers new to Agatha Raisin, when the books were recommended it was suggested to start with the first book Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death and read the series in order. I would offer the same recommendation.

A dramatic start. Agatha's wedding to James is wrecked by the sudden appearance of drunkard husband Jimmy, he not seen for thirty years. In front of all, Agatha threatens to kill him - later to be arrested when he is found dead.

In this fifth book the usual ingredients are shaken up a bit: Agatha's cottage sold; nice DS Bill Wong infatuated with ambitious DC Maddie Hurd; Agatha and James drifting apart and frequently sparring. Simply to clear their own names, they uneasily join forces to try solve the murder - only for several they question to be dead within hours. Not for the first time, undertakers are going to be busy....

An enjoyable, involving first half. Sadly the novel then begins to rely on creaking contrivances (oh dear, the two resorting to another totally unconvincing break-in!) and increasingly ludicrous aspects - not least a heavily disguised Agatha slumming it with London's down-and-outs. On the plus side are further glimpses of Agatha's vulnerability. Behind that tough facade is someone desperately lonely, longing for true love, the chance to settle down and to be happy.

Entertaining enough, but perhaps not as greatly as many would wish.

This was my first Agatha Raisin book, and I loved it. I work at a library, and now I've read nearly all of them. You'll love the village and the recurring characters.

A reasonable romp with our Aggy. I like to read these books between more 'serious' stuff as they raise a smile and distract one from the turmoils of life under this government. Not my favourite so far but worth a read. Looking forward to the next adventure, she is becoming a friend.

I've read quite a few of the Agatha Raisin books and rate this one as average. The story was fairly entertaining but I thought it was too obvious who the killer was from about halfway through the book. It was interesting to see and find out more about Agatha's husband Jimmy though. That was probably the best thing about this book, the worst being that the relationship between Agatha and James Lacey takes center stage. I don't get what the attraction is (for either), and also don't find it plausible that they would ever get to the wedding stage. Overall though, it was a decent read.

Read anything by MC Beaton or Marion Chesney you can get your hands on. She's got great character development in every slim volume that she publishes. What a gem!

Agatha Raison is in excellent form in this book. It is a very amusing and engrossing read. I would thoroughly reccommend it.

ideal to read between weightier tomes. The world of Agatha Raisin is perfect to dip into before a deeper read. This type of book is excellent for me to use in this way.

When you find something you like you stick to it. Agatha is no different, but each book brings something new.

With Agatha you always know what you are going to get and I think she is a great character. Read it!