Another book that I read 15-20 years ago but have now revisited in audiobook format. Huge love for Penelope Keith and her mellifluous tones!
Agatha Raisin takes early retirement from her PR job in London and moves to the little village of Carsley. She throws herself into country life including entering the quiche compeition. Except she cheats and buys a quiche before the judge ends up dead…
Agatha Raisin and The Quiche of Death is the first book in a series that now has over 30 books!
Agatha’s life has changed dramatically but she is still quite formidable. She finds friendships a bit tricky due to her forthright nature so is desperate to get off to a good start in her new village. This fails miserably when she cheats in a quiche making competition and the judge is murdered. She becomes the prime suspect and has to prove her innocence which she sets about with gusto.
It is difficult to like Agatha initially as she is quite prickly. However I also admired her determination and think the social commentary about age and gender are important and relevant despite this book now being decades old. The narration by Penelope Keith is wonderful and brings the English countryside and village idiosyncracies to life. There is a lighthearted tone to the writing style and I enjoyed Agatha’s dramas with a wry smile.
I look forward to revisiting and continuing this cosy murder mystery series and reacquaint myself with Agatha and her escapades.
Book blurb
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Then her recipe for social advancement sours when Judge Cummings-Browne not only snubs her entry–but falls over poisoned dead!
