I’m a latecomer to M. C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series. To be honest, I’m not a big fan of a character who is man-hungry and doesn’t feel as if she’s complete without a man in her life. I’ve read and reviewed the books when there has been an anniversary, or, in this case, when sent the book for review. But, it’s hard not to feel sorry for Agatha in The Witches’ Tree.
Fans of cozy mysteries should find the opening scene in The Witches’ Tree to be spot-on, and funny. Sir Edward Chumble is a newcomer to the Cotswolds, and he’s moved there, hoping to be lord of the manor, living in an Agatha Christie novel. He throws a dinner part and invites a vicar and his wife, an elderly judge, a married couple, and a friend of his wife’s. When the party falls flat, the vicar and his wife, Molly, leave early, only to discover a body hanging from the witches’ tree in their village. Agatha Raisin only has a slight interest, but when another body is found, she encourages Sir Edward to hire her to find the killer because the police have failed.
Agatha isn’t the most popular person with the police. “She solved cases by bumbling about, often putting herself and everyone else in danger, and then getting to the right conclusion by a flash of intuition.” That’s an accurate summary. While Agatha bumbles about, investigating local witches, she’s also spending her time bemoaning the lack of a man who loves her.
Agatha does have men in her life who love her, in their fashion. Her ex-husband is often available to help with her cases, as is her occasional lover, Sir Charles Fraith, who is always looking for a woman with money. But, Agatha is actually a lonely, pathetic figure. It’s hard to feel sorry for her at times, but, it’s also hard not to feel for her in her loneliness and neediness.
I didn’t exactly summarize the mystery, did I? It’s a typical village mystery in which several people are killed, and the sleuth does bumble into the solution after being attacked and rescued. There’s nothing extraordinary about The Witches’ Tree. It’s for those readers who appreciate Agatha Raisin.
M. C. Beaton’s website is www.mcbeaton.com
The Witches’ Tree by M.C. Beaton. Minotaur Books. 2017. ISBN 9781250057464 (hardcover), 288p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book to review for a journal.
I haven't been able to get into Agatha either, for the same reasons. I also found her mean spirited in the one I tried to read. I had thought about giving the series another shot, but I think Agatha just isn't for me. Every book is not for every reader!
Jeanne
I liked Agatha at the beginning but now I read them out of habit. I feel the same way about the Hamish series as well. I can't help but wonder why M.C. Beaton has not retired either series as both have seemed to go downhill. I did enjoy the Agatha Raisin series on PBS and Acorn.
Interesting that you both feel the same way I do about this series. Very interesting.
Thanks for this review. You have described better than I could why I don't care for this book series. I read them at the beginning but then stopped. I thought I was just too busy to stay caught up but when I tried to pick up again just couldn't get interested. Even when I am able to feel sorry for Agatha or think I understand her motives it's not enough to keep me reading.
Well, four down. Thank you for saying I described it well, Grandma, as did the other readers.