Down the Hatch: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin Mysteries, 32)

An elderly man is spotted lying dead on the bowling green. The rum bottle toppled beside him contains lethal weed killer. Bowlers are tut-tutting in sympathy or mumbling ‘Good riddance!’ Private detective Agatha Raisin witnesses the scene and, always on the lookout for a new murder mystery, sees she has found a doozie. Soon, she gains support for her theory of murder, not an accidental death, and learns in a bizarre sub-plot that quokkas, spotted by a panicky caller, are exotic animals and not crazy make-believe.

Longtime fans will enjoy the usual characters: Charles, the rich, on-and-off boyfriend and his glamorous guests James, her still bewitching ex-husband, Bill Wong, the young cop who supports her nosey interference in police cases, and his senior officer who does not. Her loyal staff supply dedicated support in tracking down the villains despite the customary mishaps and death threats.

So is there a minor flaw in this latest romp, too many adjectives? Too many extra characters who don’t quite fit in? Rod Green, the late M.C. Beaton’s co-author, pretty much completely captures her tone and spirit. Come again soon, Agatha, your persistent quest to look good and find adventure are always welcome!