Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my copy of Dead on Target by M. C. Beaton and R. W. Green in exchange for an honest review. It published December 13, 2022.
Here's another in this wacky series written after Beaton's death. It follows all of the formulas and makes for a fun, light read. I did not see the ending coming, and was pretty surprised by the mystery. I definitely foresee buying this series for my mom!

Does this book take place in England or Scotland? Not sure. But the language would indicate that it did. So if you know the English of those who live in England or Scotland, you will enjoy and understand the references made in this book.

The story was interesting and most of the characters were well developed, At first I thought the author went into too much detail on the main character. But by doing that, you have a very strong impression of the character of the main protagonist. The solution to the mystery was interesting. All the characters were assembled in one room as the main protagonist recited why and how each suspect could have committed the crime. I felt like I was watching a murder mystery theater. Very enjoyable. After the solution was revealed, the story continued to let you know what happened next in their lives. A very nice ending to a good book.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy for my honest opinion.

Another intriguing Agatha Raisin tale
Well plotted out intrigue with senior citizen Agatha Raisin. P.I. investigating the mysterious death of a neighbor. The deceased died in her arms off the path with his pants down. Why? She is determined to find out and finds out dirt on many, including the deceased. But who did it? I recommend it to anyone who loves a cozy starring very smart and independent women.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc to peruse gratis and give my opinion in the same.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of 'Dead on Target'.

If you are a fan of M. C. Beaton's detective Agatha Raisin you will not be disappointed in this latest instalment. R. W. Green has succeeded in capturing perfectly Beaton's writing style and the distinctive voices and personalities of all the characters. A fun weekend read. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a low stakes, distinctly British murder mystery.

I have been an Agatha Raisin fan for some time, so I was familiar with the character and the style. I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Learning a bit about archery enhanced the mystery a great deal. Agatha visits the town fete and is introduced to an older man who asks for her help with a case—shortly after offending her with his ogling and inappropriate endearments. The archery theme emerges at the fete, where Agatha is selected as an audience participant in a demonstration of how to use a bow and arrow. Soon after this, Agatha discovers the prospective client she had met earlier; he has been struck by an arrow, and dies before she can even call for help.
The story of the lecherous landowner’s death at the town fete becomes a bit over-complicated for my taste. And some of the characters are so broad as to be close to parody (for example, Wilkes, the inept Chief of Detectives). But all in all I enjoyed this story and was surprised by aspects of the ultimate solution—which is the hope of all mystery readers!

Dead on Target is the first book I’ve read in the Agatha Raisin series. I was able to follow along pretty quickly seeing as I wasn’t familiar with the series. It was a quick, fun read. The Agatha character is very bold, verbally and in her actions. I like how she knows herself, and owns her faults, such as being self-centered at times. She didn’t apologize for who she is. As an American, I enjoyed reading the British lingo. That was fun and interesting. The murder mystery was interesting, with lots of suspects. It was an entertaining read and I’m sure I’ll go back and read others in the series, but not feel like I have to read from book one forward.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s for this ARC. I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. I will post this review to my blog, Goodreads, Bookbub, & Amazon accounts on the publication date, 9/19/23.

Dead on Target
Agatha Raisin is at a village fete when she finds Sir Godfrey Pride shot by an arrow. He dies before she can get help. She doesn’t get along with the Chief Inspector who wants to arrest her for the murder. She needs to find the killer before she gets arrested,. There are several suspects including the dead man’s children. Will Agatha find the killer or be the next victim?
This is my first Agatha Raisin novel. I found it very entertaining. The characters come to life as does the location. It is a traditional British murder mystery. I look forward to reading more.

She’s back! Agatha Raisin has risen from the ashes. The “ghost” writer for MC Beaton has finally found Agatha’s voice. Not too shrill, just paranoid enough. This delightful mystery contains all the usual characters, nicely tucked up together in the Cotswolds. I enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside and manors. The plot ticks right along although some of the outcomes were pretty apparent early on. Nonetheless, I’m pleased as punch to discover Agatha us alive and kicking…ass.

"Beloved New York Times bestseller M. C. Beaton's cranky, crafty Agatha Raisin - the star of her own hit TV series - is back on the case again in Dead on Target.

A visit to the local village fete for a spot of fun and relaxation turns into a nightmare for Agatha Raisin when she discovers the body of the local landowner in the woods - with an arrow in his chest and trousers round his ankles.

Agatha's old adversary, Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes, declares the death a tragic accident, believing the victim has been hit by a stray arrow from an archery demonstration. Agatha is convinced of foul play, however, and is shocked when Wilkes eventually agrees...with her as his prime murder suspect.

Determined to clear her name and find the real killer, Agatha launches her own investigation, quickly becoming involved with a family at war, an unscrupulous gangster - and a killer who is determined to make her the next victim..."

I'm so glad that Agatha Raisin lives on.

Agatha hasn't lost a step in the latest Agatha Raisin novel. At the local fete, an obnoxious local landowner indicates that he wants to hire her. But that becomes out of the question, after Agatha finds him with an arrow in his chest.

The local chief inspector is out to get her. And the evidence looks pretty strong against her. For that reason, she sets out to find out who was responsible for murder and clear her name. Oh, and just because, Agatha Raisin is Agatha Raisin.

In her usual humorous way, Agatha, her new boyfriend inspector and the other members of her private detective agency, set out to solve the mystery.

As always, the plot is thick. The dialogue is witty. And Agatha is Agatha.

Another Agatha Raisin Story. Written the was I like it. The private investigativ Agatha Raisin has to solve a new murder and several other problems. On top her private, entertaining problems. I really like the Book.

It’s clear to the veteran reader of this series that the books are no longer written by Agatha‘s creator, M.C. Beaton. The style is not the same, Agatha seems less prickly, and doesn’t quite seem to get into the comedic situations in which Ms Beaton used to routinely place her in the earlier stories. That makes the books written by R.L. Green to be a bit of a disappointment to those of us who have been with Agatha from the very beginning. That said, God love Mr. Green for continuing this delightful series. As usual, Agatha has spotted another man of interest, she finds herself a suspect in a recent murder, and spars with Inspector Wilkes, always coming out on top.

This is a good story, and Green is a better writer, it turns out, than Beaton. I loved being back in Carsley, enjoyed seeing all of the characters, and continue to harbor a secret crush on, Sir Charles Fraith. The story is a good one, the ending was satisfying, and I look forward to many more. Keep them coming, R.L.!

Agatha Raisin never disappoints! She has a new man in her life, but James, Charles and Roy are still around as are Mrs. Bloxby, Toni and the rest of the regulars. A fun read.

I am quite enjoying the new Agatha as seen through the eyes of R. W. Green. The craziness has been toned down, as has the body count. As usual the mystery in this one is no great shakes; the interactions between the characters in the village are what drive the story.

I will probably keep reading Agatha Raisin (and Hamish Macbeth) stories as long as they are published, but this particular entry would also make a nice series finale for Agatha.

I read an advance reader copy of Dead on Target from Netgalley.

Agatha Raisin has gumption in spades and finds herself having to put all her detective skills to work after finding the dying Sir Godfrey. In the eyes of her nemesis Chief Inspector Wilkes, that makes her the prime suspect, and he’s gleefully trying to pin the murder on her.
This is the third book in the Agatha Raisin series written by Green since Marion Chesney’s, aka M.C. Beaton, death in 2019. So true to Beaton’s original concept that these new books are a seamless transition and a joy to read. If you love humorous cozy British mysteries then you’re sure to love this just as much as I did. 4.25 stars

I’m happy to have more Agatha Raisin stories, even if this is a more likeable Agatha. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me. It’s nice that the series can continue after the loss of MC Beaton. Agatha is still solving mysteries, and is still short tempered and insecurely stylish, and a main suspect in a murder. This Agatha seems a little more of a fully developed character to me, and I enjoyed this development.

I’m so happy that RW Green has continued the Agatha Raisin series and love that they worked together on her vision for Agatha. The murders continue to keep Agatha busy and she’s still feisty, but perhaps a bit more friendly. All the old favorite characters make appearances.

Thanks to Net galley for providing this book in exchange for a fair review. I really enjoyed this book. I have not read many in this series but this piqued my interest to explore earlier effort. The writing was enjoyable and the story moved forward smoothly.

Although Agatha Raisin is perpetually in her early 50’s – the Bart Simpson of cozy mysteries – her creator, M.C. Beaton, is with us no more. R.W. Green has taken over, and here’s the problem:

R.W. Green, unfortunately, knows how to write, and as a result he has humanized some of these characters, including James Lacy, Margaret Bloxby, and Agatha herself, giving them depth and compassion. This isn’t a bad thing for those new to the series, but veteran readers know that Margaret would never actually banter with Agatha or anyone else, and James would never string enough words together to make the long declaration he spoke toward the end of the book. Readers must use their own judgment to decide if they like the new, slightly more human Agatha.

M.C. Beaton, after all, was delightfully, unapologetically terrible as a writer – complete disregard for the passing of time; repetitive description of Agatha’s apperance and other phrases bearlike eyes, glossy brown hair that she often “brushed ’til it shone'” and taking shortcuts by killing people off in two sentences or glossing over six months in five words or less – those were Agatha’s creator’s MO. Also, by the way – brushing one’s hair until it shines is absolutely impossible. Brush your hair that hard and you’ve got hair that sticks to your scalp and crackles with static electricity at the same time. It’s not a good look.

Does this mean I didn’t like the book? No! It’s still a good read. It’s not the first Agatha title that this author has written, and Green is as skilled as M.C. Beaton at world building.

R. W. Green is a good writer, and we just have to learn to live with that.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, which is due out in September 2023. I used the ARC to write this honest review.

RW Green certainly has maintain Beaton’s characterizations of Agstha and her friends. He has incorporated Beaton’s quirkness, shrewdness. and sensibility of her characters into his perception of them, I am glad that the Agatha Raisin series continues on with his widely imaginative plots.