AGATHA RAISIN AND THE VICIOUS VET (Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet - M.C. Beaton)

Member Name: MissBez

Product:	Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet - M.C. Beaton
Date:	16/08/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A quick, easy, light-hearted read

Disadvantages: Not worth buying full-price

Well, where to start. It's not big or clever but... I REALLY did enjoy reading it. The plot is simplistic, the characters are simplistic, the sentence structure is simplistic, and yet... there's a lot to like.

Having read the first of the Agatha Raisin series I was looking forward to getting my hands on the next. I find it difficult to explain why because they aren't exactly literary classics. For some reason this doesn't matter and I think it's because the books aren't trying too hard. They are supposed to be a simple romp through a loosely plotted murder mystery. As long as you are prepared to suspend your disbelief when a pair of middle-aged amateur detectives manage to break into the branch of a bank(?!?) it is an enjoyable and relaxed read.

The Cotswold village setting is clearly there to hook those who like their murder quaint a la Midsummer Murders or The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Speaking of which, the book is clearly written with television in mind. The story is punctuated with mildly comical dialogue which neatly side-steps anything that could be deemed offensive and there's enough slap stick routines (middle-aged, overly made-up lady standing on a sink in a public toilet - "oh look it's broken and she's got water shooting up her skirt - such fun!") for some formulaic Sunday night family viewing.

The best way of describing this book is "moreish". I will reluctantly start searching through charity shops for the next instalment because charmed as I am I would not recommend paying full price for this book, or indeed any from the Agatha Raisin series. If you are a fan of mystery writing, and by that I mean you'll give anything a go once, then please do read this book, but borrow it from the library, don't part with hard-earned cash.

Summary: A fun summer read despite a murdered vet!