A review by silenttwg
Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by M.C. Beaton

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Agatha Raisin is stinging from a broken heart and is focused on trying to fix that when she finds herself looped into a publicity round for a new water company and trying to solve the suspicious murder of a local man. With everything she gets roped into, it's a wonder she gets anything laid, done, at all.

This was a book club pick and the cover had my attention. Especially when you read that it's a spring that's supposed to be rejuvenating and healthy that is routed through a wellhead that is designed as a skull. That tickles my morbid sense of humor.

But, I couldn't get into the book. I gave it a 4/5 because it is solid writing, the characters seem to stay true to their previous nature based on other discussions I've had, and you can solve the crime if you're keeping an eye on the clues. 

I personally didn't like the characters (especially Agatha), didn't appreciate the switch of characters in the middle of chapters, and am not intending on reading the rest of the series.

It meets the cozy mystery checklist and is well written, just not my cup of spring water. Would recommend to cozy mystery readers.