Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener

Agatha Raisin Mystery: 3

ISBN: 0736649980 Order from: Books on Tape

A quirky and very plausible protagonist, mild humor and a steady pace keep this short English Village mystery entertaining and amusing.

Reviewed by David on November 29, 2002

Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth, English Village, Cozy)

Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener. Agatha Raisin, once a successful advertising consultant, has retired to Carsley, a pleasant but quiet village in the Cotswolds. Her desire to attract a handsome neighbor is equalled only by her pride and sense of competition. Thus, despite Agatha's lack of experience, she enters a gardening society, hoping to impress all and sundry with her results.

Alas, her ambitions seem to be frustrated: her plants are dying, and a pretty newcomer is setting aim at the elusive James Lacey.

However, it's a whiff of crime that really energizes Agatha. She may not be the best gardener, but Agatha is determined to be the best detective.

Full Review: Agatha is a wonderfully flawed character—intelligent, vain, cruel and compassionate. Just as the reader gets exasperated by Agatha Raisin's imperfections, she does something intelligent or empathetic. Combined with constant but understated humor, the narrative keeps the reader's attention, arriving at somewhat predictable resolution, but not without many interesting twists on the way.

This is a pleasant, light-weight entertainment which leaves the reader anticipating more of Agatha.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0736649980 Order from: Books on Tape