I like the show based on these books so I thought I’d give the series a go. Obviously I knew it was gonna be quite different, so I’m not too disappointed over those changes (well. What feels like changes to me, from TV to book, while obviously it’s the opposite). Definitely a cut above the recent cozies I’ve read. Agatha is harder to like in this than in the show, but I kinda loved that about her. She’s older, more brunt, bossy, and judgy than most heroines of these series (or at least the ones I’ve read so far), and I like that too. Give me an older female sleuth any day. There are some things about it that feels a little dated but not enough to be too much of her bother. It captures perfectly this sort of quality of British village kookiness that you expect in this kind of media. I think the side characters are more charming in the show—especially Roy—but I’m hoping these book ones will grow on me because I’ll definitely read more of the series.

3.5/5

It was fine, I just didn’t love it. I don’t mind unlikable characters, but Agatha was just a bit too much for me, and I didn’t love the mystery or writing enough to overcome it.

I decided to read this after watching a telemovie version of this story. The TV show was more (broadly) humorous, the plotting was tighter and Agatha was more likeable (and younger). However, I think I prefer the book Agatha. An entertaining tale in both versions.

3.5

I realize this is the first in a series, and I’m assuming (hoping!) the main character improves as the series goes along, but I don’t think I’ll be reading any more to see. Granted, I don’t believe she’s supposed to be a warm and cuddly character. However, Agatha Raisin was just so unlikeable that this book was tiring to read. Critical of everyone around her, and with a potty mouth I don’t particularly care for, Agatha was one I had a hard time pulling for as she nosed around to discover the murderer. I almost put it down a few times, but kept plodding through just to say I’d finished it. If you’ve read on in the series, please let me know if it gets better. I doubt I’ll try another anytime soon. My TBR pile is too tall to spend on books I don’t particularly enjoy.