While I appreciate RW Green's efforts to keep Agatha and the crew alive, this book and the previous one have a different tone that is not true to the Agatha that I have come to love over the years. A major difference that I'm sure others will notice is the length of the chapters. I can't ever remember an Agatha book with a 22-page chapter! Beaton wrote short, energetic, and often very nutty character-driven scenes. It was one of the things that made the characters infuriating and loveable at the same time. My Agatha is gone and I will miss her, but she had a damn good run.

I was absolutely crushed to learn of the passing of M.C. Beaton. After all, I had established a relationship with her for decades, through multiple series, and more than 50 books. Something like that is not easy to let go. Fortunately, a hero has emerged in the form of R.L. Green, who, provided by ideas and a wonderful character in Agatha Raisin, has, most thankfully, brought her back to life.

I have to hand it to Green, he has really captured the essence of Agatha Raisin. Not only that, but he corrected his mistake in the previous book wherein Mrs. Bloxby uncharacteristically referred to Agatha by her first name. So, not only has he replicated the style of our much beloved M.C. Beaton, but he listens to her fans as well. I like that in an author. But, in this, the second of his collaborative books, a new Agatha has started to emerge. One that is the combination of the original, cantankerous Agatha, paired slightly with the more whimsical version from the successful Acorn TV show. Combined, the result is a delightful character and one to whom I wish a long life.

In this book, Agatha stumbles upon yet another dead body on a Bowling Green. Dismissed by Wilkes as something other than a murder, the tenacious Agatha knows otherwise, and is soon to be proved right. A variety of overlapping mysteries appear in this book, each adeptly solved by our favorite Carsley detective, and the usual cast of characters that’ll we can all come to know and love. Fences have been mended, view pathways are formed, and I can’t wait for next adventure. I didn’t think it was possible, but Green has given these stories a new life, Lord above, I love a man who writes “sneak“ instead of the non-word “snuck.“ I have just one question for you, Mr. Green, how do you feel about Hamish McBeth?

An utter delight from beginning to end, many thanks to NetGalley, R.L Green, and the publisher, for providing me with an advance copy of this wonderful book.

There are more than thirty entries in the popular Agatha Raisin series that was penned by M C Beaton. Luckily for the reader, R W Green has stepped up to work on the stories.

Fans of Agatha Raisin now have both the novels and a TV series on Acorn TV for enjoyment of the unique Ms. Raisin. Those who love her will surely want to read this book.

In this entry, Agatha has taken up walking. Since trouble has a way of following her, naturally Agatha runs into an elderly couple and a victim. Why was this (disagreeable) man known as the Admiral murdered? And, as they say, Who Did It? Agatha will, in her own inimitable way, be on the case.

Agatha fans will no doubt welcome this latest novel. New readers may also enjoy getting to know this unique character.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Having read the entire Agatha Raisin series as well as being an ardent viewer of the tv series, I always look forward to a new title. Down the Hatch is representative of the series, except that Agatha seems to be a kinder, gentler version of herself--more reflective and likable than recent iterations. Her relationship with James seems to be rekindled and she is less abrupt in her dealings with her co-workers.

The murder mystery is well done and a nice escape for the reader.

A visit with Agatha is always as welcome as a cup of tea.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Another delightful addition to the Agatha Raisin series! A great cozy mystery that, as always, was entertaining and provided the antics and chuckles that only Agatha Raisin can give!

#DowntheHatch #Series #NetGalley
I love this series and with the death of M. C. Beaton, I was sure it would become not as good, but I am proud to say it still has some spark! Please, pick this one up!

Loved this! Another fun Agatha mystery. Lots of last characters pop up and there’s a bit of Charles.

Roy in bowling whites! James narrating history of things as usual hah. Agatha and Toni are one of my favorite combos in this series.

Thanks to RW Green for keeping the Agatha series going. And well done!

As always this last book by M.C. Beaton is a delight. Great characters. Great engaging plot.
A must read for those M.C. Beaton fans as Agatha Raisin once again entertains the reader along on one of her mysteries. As always Agatha does not agree with Chief Inspector Wilkes and continues to investigate the crime with a most satisfying conclusion.
I have received a copy of this book from NetGalley to voluntarily review.

Even though the death of talented author M.C. Beaton is noticeable in the continuation of these books, the current author seems to be doing a fine job.
I do believe that the character of Agatha Raisin, private investigator extraordinaire, needs to make a big splash story wise, otherwise I feel she's getting to be a bit stagnant.

This is the second Agatha Raisin book written by R.W. Green and as with his first, he is doing a magnificent job of carrying the torch forward. His Agatha is the Agatha of M.C. Beaton but also is changed in subtle ways that are intriguing and delightful. He brings a freshness and zest to Agatha as well as keeping all of her traits that we know and love.
In this book, she comes across a dead body while “power walking” and suspects it is not an accidental death. She becomes embroiled in the hunt for the killer. The victim was Admiral Nelson a pompous git who will not be missed by many. There is no shortage of suspects as he was not well-liked and Agatha must sort out who had the greatest motive.
In the meantime, she is also dealing with a woman who says that strangers keep appearing in her living room. A man who says he has grinning rats in his backyard. A problematic friend of Sir Charles’ and various and sundry other characters and subplots. And a group of crooks into a few schemes and scams. And she wants to help her old friend Bill Wong along the way.
It is a very well-written book and one that is very enjoyable and compelling reading the reader is engaged from the first page to the last when one must bid a reluctant farewell to the characters in the book. Speaking of the end it is an amazing ending, one that is completely unexpected very cleverly done.
The various subplots are skillfully and seamlessly woven into the action-packed narrative and it is continually engaging.
I think that Agatha is in good hands with Mr. Green and I look forward to reading many more by him. His writing is wonderfully satisfying and captivating.

It's another deadly day in a cozy village when the fearless, witty, Private Detective Raisin comes upon a dead body. Agatha suspects foul play and when she receives an anonymous typewritten note stating, 'NOT SUICIDE. NOT AN ACCIDENT. THE ADMIRAL WAS MURDERED!' the chase is on and nothing can stop her because catching murderers is what Agatha does.

With Agatha on at work and on in her love life, this is a satisfying addition to the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books/ St. Martin’s Press for my advance copy of another Agatha Raisin adventure.

Keeping a series going after the death of its author is a challenge. I'm very glad to report that Rod Green, the writer who has taken up Beaton's two long-running series (Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth) is doing a wonderful job.
This new Agatha Raisin story will bring joy to the hearts of all her fans. Written in the Beaton brisk and snappy style, the story includes familiar characters, a solid main plot, and a bit of smoothing of a few of Agatha's long-standing sharp edges and neuroses. Here we have a more mature Agatha, a bit weary with the strife of her up and down life, but still up to snuff in her detecting game. Agatha finds herself on the spot when an elderly man dies suspiciously at a senior residential home. Not content to have the police declare it an accidental death, Agatha gets deeply involved, of course!
I preferred this story to the previous one - Hot to Trot - the first published with the help of Rod Green. This story is a bit more believable (not that all the Agatha stories can claim to be believable!) and takes up from the last one. For full enjoyment of the Agatha Raisin experience, it is always best to start this wonderful series from the beginning. And this one is the 32nd one! Mr. Green knows Beaton's work intimately, as an old friend, and it shows. This is a seamless transition for fans.

Back in the day I was a huge fan of MC Beaton. I started with her Agatha Raisin series and read almost every one. They were fun, light-hearted reading. I was excited to see a new release on NetGalley and my request was granted. What I didn't know wha that MC Beaton (Marion Chesney) died a few years back. In the prologue R,W,Green (who is married to the late authors publisher) was a friend and help Beaton write her last book. It seems the torch has been handed down for him to take over her books, including the Scottish detective Hamish McBeth.
Down the Hatch is another fun interweaving-plotline cozy that Raisin lovers will enjoy. James Lacey (Agatha's ex), Charles Fraith and the obligatory appearance by Roy Silver are all back for this mystery that (for me) rambles all over the place. No sooner is one plot line established then whoosh--here comes another.....then another. The end disappointed me, Let Agatha go,

This was another fantastic entry in the Agatha Raisin series. After the passing of author MC Beaton, I was worried about the future of the series, but RW Green has come through marvelously once again. ALL of my favorites characters were back again in this one, and it was truly a delight to read. The mystery moved along quickly, and I'm always pleasantly surprised at how fresh the Agatha Raisin books feel. I think it's because they're not very long and don't meander, so they have a great pace and lots of fun and adventure. I really hope that there will be more books after this one because RW Green is doing a great job at continuing with Ms Beaton's legacy, and I can't wait to see what antics Agatha gets up to next time.

I am a long-time fan of this series but this book just does not measure up. The absence of MC Beaton (following her death) is clearly felt.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley on Kindle for review. It is an intriguing read with characters who are somewhat likeable at times. Try this one...getting to the why and what will be a fun read. This story moves slowly, but it is a book one can put down and pickup without wondering what has happened.

Another wonderful Agatha Raisin book well written as usual the characters come alive.I really enjoyed spending time with Agatha and the other characters.#netgalley #st.Martins

Agatha and Toni getting arrested at a strip club for assault after being asked if they were auditioning as a mother daughter act? Yup...R.W.Green has proven to know Agatha and the cast of characters created by M.C.Beaton.
That being said, the only complaint I have is that I feel Green is still trying to sell us on the idea that they are capable of continuing on with Agatha's adventures. I'm sold. Now keep 'em coming, because we all need Bill and Alice's wedding some day in the future!

Another very entertaining Agatha Raisin book. A perfect summer read with a pot of tea and sitting in the sunshine.

Private detective Agatha Raisin, having recently taken up power-walking, is striding along a path in Mircester Park during her lunch break when she hears a cry for help. Rushing over, she finds an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Swinburn, in the middle of the green—with the body of an old man lying at their feet. And Agatha has another mystery to solve. Hopefully without getting herself or any of her sidekicks murdered in the process. This is Agatha at her best. I have loved this series from book one and this story does not disappoint. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.