I was thrilled to receive this galley. However, I'm almost sure M.C. Beaton didn't do the writing on this one. The narrative seems rambling and awkward. I will try to finish but the cat strangler may end things for me.

How M. C. Beaton has managed to get to book thirty without Agatha aging or figuring out her life, is beyond me, yet, I continue to check-in to see what this village sleuth is up to.

Having been called in to investigate industrial espionage, Agatha and assistant Toni Gilmour soon begin to wonder if it is all a set up when strange happenings trigger a deeper look and in doing so, Agatha befriends a bad-tempered donkey, is left contending with a group that have killed to keep their secrets, and to top it off, she realizes Sir Charles Fraith’s upcoming nuptials have put her into an emotional tailspin which is soon relieved by the arrival of a new man -- Chris Firkin.

Every time I finish a book in this series, I find myself exhaling and mumbling “Oh, Agatha”. Not because the case study is all that difficult, or that her bumbling has once again almost cost her her life, but rather when it comes to men, this educated professional woman, will never learn.

Agatha Raisin is a quirky, colorful character who continues to make me laugh.
As part of an investigation, she must go undercover and soon becomes embroiled in a bizarre murder investigation, putting herself in jeopardy once again.

It’s always wonderful to read another installment of this series. A Good mystery plus the indomitable Agatha Raisin, who keeps getting better. As I read, I now picture Ashley Jensen as Agatha, along with the other film actors in their parts, and I enjoy putting their faces on these beloved characters, it gives the books another layer.

Ashley and her assistant Toni have just been hired to thwart industrial espionage against a battery company that has come up with a new invention. With unsavory characters watching their every move, and a donkey who gets out of hand, Ashley is repeatedly led into false clues and kicked around.

Love this series Agatha Raisin is always entertaining love her at times cranky amusing personality.The mysterious happenings she gets involved in keep me turning the pages.#netgalley #st.martinsbooks,

This is the 30th Agatha Raisin mystery in the highly successful series and I have read them all!
Agatha Raisin books are like your favourite cosy jumper on a rainy day - while some are better than others and you know what you are getting, they are always satisfying.
I really enjoyed this installment. Some of the predicaments that Agatha finds herself in are really quite funny and the donkey does steal the show much to Agatha's disgust and the reader's amusement.
Her relationships with assistant Toni and sometimes lover/good friend Sir Charles are really developing and make Agatha more sympathetic than she was in a few of the books. I think this is a series that is back on track and the author has sent up the potential feud with Sir Charles' new fiancee for the future.
This is a great, quick read, cosy Cotsworld mystery perfect for winter nights.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

M C Beaton continues to entertain with Agatha Raisin - a protagonist expressing thoughts most of. Us try to keep to ourselves. All the characters are solidly based in reality. Beaton keeps them real and teaches us the insecurities and desires that motivate behavior.