Review by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of the book and links to purchase it.
A girl should be two things: who and what she wants. —Coco Chanel
A mantra well lived by Agatha Raisin. She’s pretty
much done what she wants, when she wants, and with whom she wants, and spiced
it all up in a fashionable, color-coordinated package. One of her more
uncompromising decision was to open up Raisin Investigations; she found not
only an interest (better described as nosiness) but a skill in all types of
investigations from finding missing people to divorce cases, from uncovering
secrets to uncovering murderers, from suspected poltergeists to phantom
“poopers.” But, despite her outwardly confident and independent image, she’s
disappointed, even sadden, by the announcement that Sir Charles Fraith,
long-time friend with the occasional benefits, is marrying the much younger
wealthy socialite, Mary Darlinda Brown-Field, in an extravagant affair.
It may be a marriage of convenience, but it’s more
her convenience than his. She has the money; he has a more respected peerage.
The bride’s demanding, often threatening, manner along with the major changes
she plans to implement for the Barfield House estate are a source of great
concern. But despite Agatha’s questions about “why” and a desire to protect
Charles from making a huge mistake, the two tie the knot, and not even the
bride’s evil stare at Agatha and James’s uninvited appearance dampened the
festivities. But, the next day’s surprise “stay away or else” visit by the
bride resulting in a physical altercation, and later, the bride’s tantrum at an
elaborate Versailles-themed party resulting in a spray of condiments are
problematic when the Lady-zilla ends up dead!
Image Source Minotaur
Hot to Trot earns 5/5 Powdered Wigs...Entertaining “Let Them Eat Cake” Fun!
I’ve read three Agatha Raisin Mystery books and watched every “based on” television episode, so I have a working knowledge of the style, manner, characters, and personalities that Beaton had created. This thirty-first drama, penned by Rod Green, is a tad shorter than other books I’ve read, but not short on the wit, clever banter, and some karmic delight fans expect from Agatha! It is important to note, this book has the Beaton seal of approval. Green’s writing style fills the pages with descriptive language painting clear pictures of the setting and characters and dialogue that does well to illustrate tone and personalities. The drama is quite engaging including a wide reaching suspect pool with motives that envelop the fascinating competitive equestrian community, the victim’s past foes, and her dysfunctional family, and of course, pointing fingers at Agatha and Charles is a dramatic element that adds to the imperative nature to find the killer ending with a “Yeah!” final reveal. The other cases with which the Agatha’s investigative team is involved are intriguing, funny, and had potential for some entertaining side stories, but some were resolved off the page. It would have added more pages to the story which I would have greatly enjoyed. From a technical perspective, I did feel there were more than a few issues with the transition between events that could have been managed by altering the size of the chapters; the passing of time and changes of setting are more easily portrayed with an end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It didn’t effect my enjoyment...I couldn’t put it down!
I love Agatha! With Green’s pen she continues to be bold, impulsive, brilliant, and like us women of a “certain age,” she worries about her aging appearance. She has friends and colleagues who admire her, love her, and battle with her strong-willed manner. She contends with a delightful triangle with ex-husband James, who ponders their relationship post divorce, ex-lover Charles, who ponders his feelings for Agatha despite the ring on his left hand, and ex-wannabe boyfriend Chris who ponders a life with Agatha should she agree to a California destination. And along with all the reoccurring characters, Green has done well to keep up the image for fans continued enjoyment. Agatha Raisin is in good hands!
But I do have one question. Who will rescue Hamish MacBeth from oblivion?
Rest In Peace...Marion Chesney (aka M.C. Beaton)
It was such a sad moment learning of the passing of Marion Chesney (M.C. Beaton, among other pen names) last December, and worrisome, too, not knowing whether the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series would conclude or continue. But, prior to her passing, she passed the torch to Rod W. Green, a personal friend and collaborator, to continue the Agatha Raisin series. Be sure to read the “Forward” by R.W. Green, offering pleasant insights into his friendship and working partnership with “Marion,” and the “An Introduction from M.C. Beaton on the Agatha Raisin Series” with its delightful behind-the-scenes take. These two articles offer additional insights into Rod Green: Female First, about knowing and working with M.C. Beaton, and The Sunday Post, insights into his own literary career and thoughts on continuing M.C. Beaton’s popular series.
To enter to win a copy of Hot to Trot, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "trot,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 12, 2020. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. BE AWARE THAT DUE TO THE CURRENT CRISIS THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN SHIPPING THE WINNING BOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week.
You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteFirst time hearing of this series, sounds good! tWarner419(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to this one, thanks for the chance to win a copy of Hot to Trot!! crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great series! I have read numerous books in the Agatha Raisin series and enjoyed them all. I would love to read this one too!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Would really like to read. Love the cover. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteWe have a winner!
ReplyDelete