Order of Agatha Raisin Book Series

The "Agatha Raisin" series, originally created by M.C. Beaton and later continued by Donada Peters and R.W. Green, follows the life of Agatha Raisin, a sharp-witted and somewhat cantankerous private detective. Set in the picturesque English countryside, Agatha is a successful businesswoman who retires to a quaint Cotswold village, only to discover that quiet rural life doesn't come without its own complications.

Renowned for her razor-sharp humor and penchant for getting embroiled in murder mysteries, Agatha often finds herself entangled in baffling cases, ranging from suspicious deaths to hidden secrets of the villagers. With her trusty sidekick, a chaotic team of quirky locals, and her penchant for solving puzzles, Agatha navigates the highs and lows of village life while unmasking culprits and confronting her own personal demons.

The series blends cozy mystery elements with a strong dose of characterization, as Agatha's personal growth and relationships evolve alongside the intriguing plots. Readers are treated to a delightful mix of humor, friendship, and the occasional romantic misadventure, making each installment a captivating and entertaining journey through Agatha's adventures.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Agatha Raisin's escapades, this beloved series offers a charming escape into a world of mystery and wit, where every chapter unfolds new surprises and captivating twists.

The "Agatha Raisin" series is a cozy mystery series created by M.C. Beaton with contributions from Donada Peters (who has narrated audiobooks) and R.W. Green (who took over writing the series after Beaton's passing). Below is a brief overview of each book in the series, focusing primarily on M.C. Beaton's original works.

M.C. Beaton's "Agatha Raisin" Series

1. Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (1992)
   Agatha Raisin, a retired PR agent, moves to a quaint Cotswold village and enters a local baking contest with a quiche that turns out to be deadly. This kicks off her foray into amateur sleuthing.

2. Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet (1993)
   When a local vet is found dead, Agatha must uncover the truth while dealing with her own complicated feelings about her neighbors and the vet himself.

3. Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener (1994)
   Agatha investigates the murder of a garden center owner and finds herself tangled in the gardening interests of the village.

4. Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley (1995)
   While trying to fit in with a walking club, Agatha finds herself involved in a murder investigation after one of the walkers is killed.

5. Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body (1996)
   The village's busybody ends up murdered, and Agatha must sift through the secrets of her neighbors to uncover the truth.

6. Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden (1997)
   A seaside trip brings Agatha to the charming yet eerie Wyckhadden, where she investigates a witch's murder.

7. Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance (1999)
   Agatha reluctantly becomes involved in the dramatic world of ballroom dancing when a contestant is poisoned.

8. Agatha Raisin and the Perfect Paragon (2000)
   Agatha digs into the world of glamorous models when a murder occurs involving one of them.

9. Agatha Raisin and the Case of the Curious Curate (2001)
   In this installment, Agatha looks into the suspicious circumstances surrounding a local curate's death.

10. Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came (2001)
    A flood brings chaos to the village, and Agatha finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation.

11. Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell (2002)
    Agatha's love life is as murky as ever when she gets involved in a heated feud between her neighbors that leads to murder.

12. Agatha Raisin and the Holy Terror (2003)
    During a church service, a murder takes place that puts everyone on edge, including Agatha.

13. Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body (1994)
    A familiar accident unfolds when Agatha crosses paths with a local busybody, leading her into yet another murder mystery.

14. Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage (2004)
    Agatha's long-time crush on her ex-husband turns sour when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case.

15. Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye (2003)
    A holiday setting brings cheer and treachery when a murder disrupts the festivities.

16. Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam (2004)
    A visit to a fairy-tale-like locale leads Agatha to a tangled web of intrigue and murder.

... and many more through the catalog up to approximately 33 books in the series, culminating with the last book published by Beaton before her passing.

Contributions by R.W. Green

Following M.C. Beaton's death, R.W. Green took over the series:

1. Agatha Raisin: The Witches' Tree (2018)
   A new mystery arises involving a local witch and the unexplained death of a villager.

2. Agatha Raisin: The Murder of Mr. Malcolms (2020)
   In this tale, Agatha delves into the suspicious death of a gentleman and the secrets he left behind.

3. Agatha Raisin: The Rat on Fire (2021)
   A fiery mystery unfolds with clues drawing Agatha into a deeper intrigue.

4. Agatha Raisin: Not the Oxy (2022)
   Agatha fights to prove her innocence when a local beauty diva ends up dead.

5. Agatha Raisin: A Spoonful of Poison (2023)
   This newest installment continues to showcase Agatha's charm and wit in unraveling mysterious deaths.

The Agatha Raisin series blends humor, charm, and engaging mysteries, making it a beloved staple in the cozy mystery genre. While M.C. Beaton established the foundational character and storylines, R.W. Green is continuing to enrich Agatha's adventures for a new generation of readers.

The 'Agatha Raisin' series, originally created by M.C. Beaton, follows the adventures of a spirited and somewhat unconventional amateur detective. The main characters throughout the series include:

1. Agatha Raisin: The titular character, Agatha is a feisty and independent middle-aged woman with a sharp wit and a keen sense of justice. She previously worked in public relations in London and moved to the Cotswolds, where she becomes embroiled in various murder investigations. Despite her often abrasive personality, she possesses a caring side and is deeply affected by the mysteries she solves.

2. James Lacey: A dashing war veteran and Agatha's on-again, off-again romantic interest. He is often caught in the complexities of Agatha's life and her amateur sleuthing. While initially drawn to Agatha's charms, their relationship is strained by Agatha's sometimes overbearing nature.

3. Mrs. Bloxby: The vicar's wife and one of Agatha's closest friends, Mrs. Bloxby is a steadying influence in Agatha's life. She often provides sage advice and emotional support, grounding Agatha when her impulsiveness leads to trouble.

4. Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes: A police officer who often finds himself reluctantly working with Agatha on her cases. While he disapproves of her amateur sleuthing, he can't deny the usefulness of her insights, leading to a complicated professional relationship.

5. Charles Fraith: A charming and wealthy friend of Agatha, Charles often serves as her partner in crime (both literally and figuratively). His flirtatious nature and connections in high society add a layer of intrigue to Agatha's investigations.

6. Mr. and Mrs. Raisin: Agatha's parents make occasional appearances in the series, often providing insight into her background and motivations.

As the series progresses, there are also many secondary characters, including quirky locals from the Cotswolds, various suspects, and victims that make Agatha’s investigations colorful and engaging.

The series has been expanded by authors like R.W. Green and Donada Peters, who continue to explore Agatha's character and her entanglements in her small-town life and the mysteries that unfold around her.

The "Agatha Raisin" series features a charming blend of mystery, humor, and relatable characters, primarily following the titular character, a retired PR agent turned amateur detective. Here are some interesting facts about the series and its authors:

1. Creation by M.C. Beaton: The series was created by the late M.C. Beaton, a Scottish author known for her engaging cozy mystery novels. The first book, "Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death," was published in 1992, introducing readers to Agatha's quirky personality and her love for solving mysteries in the Cotswolds.

2. Unique Protagonist: Agatha Raisin is not your typical cozy mystery protagonist. She is often described as sharp-tongued, outspoken, and sometimes unlikable. Her character's flaws make her relatable and add depth to the stories.

3. Long-Running Series: The "Agatha Raisin" series consists of over 30 novels, with new installments continuing to be released even after Beaton's death in 2020. R.W. Green has been tasked with continuing the series, ensuring that Agatha's adventures carry on.

4. Adaptations: The series has been adapted for television, with a popular series that debuted on Acorn TV in 2016. Ashley Jensen stars as Agatha Raisin, bringing the character to life and gaining a following for her comedic portrayal.

5. Setting: The picturesque Cotswolds, a rural area in England, serves as the backdrop for Agatha's sleuthing adventures. The region's charming villages and landscapes play a significant role in setting the tone of the series.

6. Recurring Characters: Throughout the series, Agatha encounters a colorful cast of supporting characters, including her ex-husband, various love interests, and her friends and rivals in the village. These characters add humor and complexity to the stories.

7. Donada Peters: Donada Peters, a British actress and narrator, has lent her voice to audiobook versions of the Agatha Raisin novels. Her narration helps to bring the characters and the humor of Beaton's writing to life for listeners.

8. Themes of Aging and Friendship: The series often explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the importance of friendship. Agatha's journey reflects the challenges and joys of navigating life in her later years while remaining vibrant and active.

9. Culinary Mysteries: Food often plays a prominent role in the Agatha Raisin novels, with various recipes and culinary references throughout the series. This adds another layer of charm and can sometimes serve as a clue in Agatha's investigations.

10. Crossover with Hamish Macbeth: M.C. Beaton's other popular series, featuring the Highland detective Hamish Macbeth, shares the same whimsical and humorous tone as "Agatha Raisin." While the two series are separate, they sometimes include fun references to each other.

These elements contribute to the enduring popularity of the "Agatha Raisin" series, making it a delightful choice for fans of cozy mysteries.