This was a perfect read for me. Classic Agatha.

Also any Beaton mystery about nuptials gone awry is always dramatic gold.

Agatha and the Kleptomaniac
Review of the Blackstone Audio Inc. audiobook edition (September 2013) of the original St. Martin's Press Minotaur hardcover (September 2013)

Something Borrowed, Someone Dead has Agatha investigating the murder of Donna French, who was known for her good works in the village of Piddlebury, but who also had a kleptomania and a "borrowing and not returning" habit. French's murder sets off an epidemic of elderberry wine poisonings and Agatha is met with antagonism by the village locals. Meanwhile, Agatha's ex-husband James Lacey and Agatha's protegee Toni Gilmour begin a flirtation which of course infuriates Agatha.

I'm enjoying the fun of these cozies which are always somewhat different from the TV-series which I saw first. Agatha is definitely more cranky in the books, but her human faults and foibles make us accept her nevertheless. The formula is pretty much set in stone now for the series. Agatha finds a new man, is jealous of ex-husband James Lacey and occasional lover/friend Charles Fraith, is jealous and meddling with Toni Gilmour's love life, helps Roy Silver out despite his publicity transgressions, gets sympathy from Mrs. Bloxby, etc.

The narration of this book #24 is a brief return to the series of regular Penelope Keith who I find is the best at adding character to the different voices.

Most (28 of 32) of the Agatha Raisin audiobooks are free on Audible Plus. A continuation series Book 32 [b:Down the Hatch|56268978|Down the Hatch (Agatha Raisin #32)|M.C. Beaton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1627893353l/56268978._SY75_.jpg|87659550] is yet to be released, and is expected to be published in October 2021. Down the Hatch is apparently entirely written by continuation writer [a:R.W. Green|20458757|R.W. Green|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] whereas #31 Hot to Trot was a collaboration with M.C. Beaton.

Trivia and No Link
Something Borrowed, Someone Dead has not yet been adapted for the currently ongoing Agatha Raisin TV series (2016-).

I love Agatha, I truly do, but this is her weakest effort. The book was a giant ramble. The fixation on controlling Toni the fixation on her love life is super super odd. The plot wasn't very strong at all either. Not the usual Raisin standard.

cozy Cotswold mystery par excellence.