Agatha Raisin and the Curious Curate

Title: Agatha Raisin and the Curious Curate
Author: MC Beaton
Publisher: St. Martin's
Publication Date: August 5, 2004
Format: Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Library
Series:Agatha Raisin #13

For me, the actual murder in the Agatha Raisin books is secondary to the ongoing of the characters involved. With each book you pick up, Agatha finds herself embroiled in another domestic situation, with it being either her missing almost ex-husband James, the new neighbor – which is always an attractive man, Bill Wong – her favorite policeman, or my favorite Mrs. Bloxby. A perfect counterbalance to Agatha, who always keeps things in perspective and possesses the perfect words of wisdom that Agatha needs to hear even if she does not want to.

Since all the Agatha books involve a murder, The Case of the Curious Curate begins with the arrival of a very attractive man - the golden haired Curate Tristan Delon. Though initially beguiled, Agatha starts to wonder if the young man is too good to be true, that is until he is found dead in the Vicar’s study and Agatha must unsnarl the goings on to help her friends the Bloxby’s.

At first blush you would not think that the village of Carsely would be capable to such evildoings, but as the bodies start to pile up. Not only does Agatha needs to dig deeper into this murder to find the killer, but also to prevent further wrong doings and to make sure that the right person is behind bars.

I truly enjoy this series, Agatha to grow on you. She can be the pushiest most annoying character that you run across, but deep down the woman cares for those around her, she just has a harsh and pushy way of showing it.

Start at the beginning and watch Agatha grow as a woman but also as a friend. Under all the gruffness, she is very charming.