
Member Reviews

I love the AR novels. I’ve read every single one of them. So I was very excited to read this latest offering from R W Green via netgalley. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very good. The characters fell flat. The plot was thin. If this was my first ever foray into the world of AR, I would struggle to see how it has become such a successful series. I do not recommend this particular title in the series and I will not be purchasing my own copy of it. I’m not sure if I’ll read anymore of the RW Green books now. I think maybe the series should have ended when MC Beaton sadly passed away.

I have been following Agatha Raisin for a long time and this new mystery does not disappoint. Agatha will make you smile as she investigates a Robin Hood style murder. She cannot help getting into trouble and there are plenty of visits to hospital. The local police DCI Wilkes just wants to arrest Agatha, but she uses all her resources and guile to find her murderer.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Little Brown Book Group) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I am a big fan of M.C. Beaton and the Agatha Raisin stories, and was worried now that the author had sadly passed away, that there would be no more Agatha Raisin stories, so it is a delight to be able to review this book and confirm that the Agatha Raisin we have all come to know and love is still going strong thanks to R.W. Green. I couldn't put the book down and all the usual characters make an appearance in the story. I look forward to reading more of Agatha's adventures!

Another fun adventure with Agatha. I’ve read all this series and never tire of her antics and mayhem that she causes. It’s a blast!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Rating: 3.2/5
It isn't easy stepping into another writer's shoes and continuing to write books featuring a well established and popular central character. R.W. Green deserves to be acknowledged for managing to do that pretty successfully and convincingly with the Agatha Raisin series.
"Dead on Target" is the 34th outing for Agatha Raisin, but you could also enjoy this mystery if you were completely new to these books, although you would probably be able to appreciate them a little more if you do have some prior background knowledge of the key protagonists, because the story is very much character driven. Although there is a mystery to be solved within this novel, it does seem to something of an aside for large portions of the book, as the focus is on Agatha and her close acquaintances. The mystery itself is perfectly okay - it is a little far-fetched, but certainly within the parameters of what is acceptable for a mystery of the cosy type.
As a slight aside, I found the "Foreword" at the beginning of this book to be both interesting and enlightening. This, coupled with the inclusion of the section from M.C. Beaton describing how she became a novelist and created the character of Agatha Raisin (and others) makes for an appealing introduction to the book. An entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

Dead on Target is the newest book featuring private investigator Agatha Raisin. Whilst attending a village fête Agatha discovers the body of Sir Godfrey Pride who has been hit by an arrow and she soon finds herself accused of his murder. She therefore takes on the task of solving the murder herself and discovers many of the Pride family’s secrets along the way.
I absolutely adored this book and couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it. The mystery elements was done immaculately and I enjoyed seeing how all the pieces of the puzzle came together at the end. I loved the characters and despite not having read the rest of the series, they all felt very well developed and believable. The pacing was done really well and I loved that we were constantly finding new clues or exploring new theories. I liked the Cotswold setting and the general cozy atmosphere created throughout the book.
My only complaint is that we are introduced to a lot of side characters very quickly and if this is the first Agatha Raisin novel that you’re reading it can get slightly confusing.
Overall I loved this book and will definitely be going back to read the rest of the books in the series!

The latest instalment of Agatha Raisin. This time she is involved with archers at a fete. This book follows the usual Agatha Raisin formula which is well tried and tested and found to be popular.Agatha seems a little less obnoxious in the story which puts her through an emotional mill. You don't have to have read previous books to enjoy this story. Perfect for fans of cosy mysteries with a little bit of a bite.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - you'll find other reviews like that out there already!
I've read most of the previous "Agatha Raisin" novels, originally by MC Beaton, and was a little worried that I might not enjoy the books once MC Beaton's chosen successor took over (as sadly Marion is no longer with us). However I need not have worried, as Marian made sure to pass on her own insights into Agatha and the cast to her successor, and on the whole I feel he is doing a good job.
In this latest adventure, Agatha is the same as ever - though her character seems more thoughtful and at times slightly vulnerable (even wistful), which I think adds to her character.
Many well known characters from the earlier books also appear in this novel, together with some new and interesting characters. I found the character of Wilkes to be slightly over played - would anyone be allowed to be so vindictive in his position? But that aside, I really enjoyed the book.
I love the touches of humour interwoven with the plot, and look forward to reading about Agatha's future adventures.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I’ve been a long time fan of Aggie (except don’t let her hear you call her that, she’s Agatha all the way..!) and this one was an absolutely fab addition to the series. I’ve found I’ve got more and more into Mrs Raisin the more I keep reading, and I have to say, I think this one may be my favourite to date! In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s been my most enjoyable Aggie so far.
She’s such a lovable grump and it’s been great to see her ingratiate herself into the village over time. And with the return of all our old favourites, Mrs Bloxby, Roy Silver and James, it was great to ride the drama of the story. And of course, Agatha will always bring the drama!
It had a great plot and one that made for very easy and compelling reading. I found is super enjoyable and had everything in it that I’ve come to know and love from an Agatha Raisin novel. Seriously it was written so well. Dead on Target was certainly dead on target for me!

Another triumph for Agatha Raisin and, as a long standing lover of the series, I would say that MC Beaton would be very happy at how Agatha is portrayed by RW Green (collaborator previously and now author).
In usual Agatha style she is selected at the village fete to try her hand at archery. While an amateur at this she stumbles into a body later at the fete, a gentleman that had previously approached her regarding her detective work and who is found with an arrow in his chest.
The usual cast of characters are seen and it is great to see Bill Wong now happily married and Agatha with a new man, still pondering past relationships. The warmth of this cozy and hilarious detective series is a gem and I feel that the characters are being well represented by the new writer. We don’t see much of some of them in this book, such as Sir Charles snd Gustaph, but I hope they will feature in future books.
I would highly recommend anyone to start at the beginning of this series to enjoy the characters and their backgrounds from the start, however all of the books can be read as stand alones.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Typical Agatha Raisin!!
I've read a couple now with RW Green and thought this is obviously not MC Beaton, however this one felt like a return to old. It was perfect and very typical Agatha.
I now can't wait for the book 35!

I really love this series, the humour and the characters. Agatha seems to have ‘grown up’ a bit in this book, showing how much she cares for those close to her. I think this is a great character development, as is her slow burning passion for the men around her, instead of the almost teenage stalker type behaviours. I thought this book was one of the best in the series, witty, amusing and solidly plotted. Cosy crime in the Cotswolds at its best.

Loved every bit of this book, real easy read but totally entertaining and enthralling. Loved Agatha's softer side coming through more and all the usual characters making an appearance. Brilliant.

FROM THE COVER📚
A visit to the local village fete for a spot of fun and relaxation turns into a nightmare for Agatha Raisin when she discovers the body of the local landowner in the woods - with an arrow in his chest and his trousers round his ankles.
At first her old adversary, Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes, declares the death a tragic accident, believing the victim has been hit by a stray arrow from an archery demonstration. Agatha is convinced the man was murdered and is shocked when Wilkes eventually agrees... particularly as he considers her to be his prime suspect!
Determined to clear her name and find the real killer, Agatha launches her own investigation, quickly becoming involved with a family at war, an unscrupulous gangster -- and a murderer who is determined to make her the next victim...
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️
I always look forward to the latest Agatha Raisin, they are my guilty pleasure. So thank you very for the ARC
This book is what fans will expect and know well. The certain cut and paste type of writing, the outrageous fun plot and characters, the same plot points/format/style and Agatha being a bit of pain in the bum but nonetheless likeable.
However that being this is one of the poorer books in the series. You can really tell it’s written by a different author, there is all usual M.C traits but they muddled in with the new writers traits, I found there was a sense of the ever growing wokeness/PC rules thrown in but then contrast there was some of the usual very not PC humdingers it becomes too much of one extreme to another making for confusing reading. I feel the full book lacked any punch, it was lazy written with very little sub plots, background character development and Agatha wasn’t Agatha. It’s a real shame I can’t say this was any pleasure to read at all never mind a guilty one.
I think it would be good to retire Agatha now she has has good innings.
Fans will buy it for sure but they might not get the usual Agatha bang for their buck, any new readers will wonder why the series is so popular not the best at all. I’ll still read the next instalment purely cause my nose would bother me

Number 34 of Agatha’s adventures and her skills are only getting sharper. It’s a reminder that creator MC Beaton is no longer with us, but RW Green shares an exciting, pacy tale of Agatha, a village fete that turns fatal and an archery demonstration. The lead police officer only wishes Agatha is responsible for the local landowner’s demise – he’s found with an arrow to the chest – and, keen to clear her name, she does whatever is possible to find the culprit. Of course, that means landing herself in danger, potentially putting her loved ones in peril. It’s funny at times, a bit frightening at others but it’s very clear that Agatha continues to throw herself at life no matter the consequences. If you’ve never read this type of cosy crime with a sardonic grin (and a taste for gin), I advise you to do so.