Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener

Agatha Raisin, Book 3

By: M. C. Beaton

Narrated by: Penelope Keith

When Agatha returns home after a sojourn in the capital, she finds a new woman ensconced in the affections of her attractive bachelor neighbor, James Lacey. The newcomer, Mary Fortune, is superior to Agatha in every way, especially when it comes to gardening. With Carsely Open Day approaching, Agatha longs for some fascinating crime to remind James of her genius for investigation and to distract him from Mary. Soon a series of assaults on the finest gardens is followed by murder when Mary herself is discovered buried upside down in a terracotta pot....

©1994, 2003 M. C. Beaton. All rights reserved. ; 2012 AudioGO

I can't get enough of Agatha Raisin!

I'm a very fickle reader. I rarely read more than a couple of books in a series before moving onto another series. I switch my series a lot. However, I've now listened to three Agatha Raisin books almost back-to-back. This is a clear indicator that I'm loving this series so much!

In the third book in the series Agatha Raisin has returned from a holiday abroad to find that her neighbour, James Lacey, is dating newcomber, Mary Fortune. Mary seems to be perfect - a great baker, a fantastic gardener and everyone is talking about her. Not only has she stolen James from her (even though James and Agatha have not dated - yet!) and she is now the center of attention from all the villagers in Carsely. However, when Mary turns up dead it would seem that not everyone is Mary's biggest fan. James and Agatha join forces again to try and solve the mystery.

Agatha, Agatha, Agatha! She talks her mind, and has no problem swearing and saying "crap". Her emotions certainly go through through the ringer in this book. She has such strong affections for James and it breaks my heart that he doesn't return her affections. Instead he almost flaunts Mary in her face. Poor Agatha!! Because of his relationship with Mary, I almost despised James in this book. He wants Agatha as a friend, Mary as a lover and yet he seems excited by the fact that he knows that Agatha adores him. It will be interesting to see whether I like James in the next book.

This series is so perfect for me. There is village gossip, murder and the fabulous Agatha and I absolutely can't get enough of her!

I was so thrilled that Penelope Keith was back to narrate in this third book. She is by far the best narrator of this series. Her delivery is flawless and I can't ever imagine anyone else voicing the impetuous Agatha. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series.

Love this series!

when will we see this made onto a movie or a television series? An absolutely delightful series of mysteries!

Liked it

Agatha strikes again with attitude. I like the people in her little village and the hint of romance.

Love this series

I have enjoyed every book in this series and am hoping there are more than 3. Very enjoyable listen. The narrator is perfect, as well. Go Agatha Raisin!

Another great book in a great series

I'm very pleased with this series. The books are priced out right which is good because I can't wait to listen to the next up in the series.
I just love the characters, but especially the main character Agatha. There is a delicious tension between Agatha and James that feels all too real. It makes it very easy to empathize with the characters because we've all been in the tortured world of unrequited love and I sit here and listen, pulling for Agatha to get her man.
The other supporting characters are also wonderful. I just love the Vicar's wife and the development of that character. We're getting a greater insight on DC Wong and the villagers, with the villagers acting like an ensemble cast. Don't hesitate getting this series. I'm flying through these books and enjoying every minute of it.