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Down the Hatch: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin Mysteries, 32) Hardcover – October 26, 2021

by M. C. Beaton (Author), R.W. Green (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,269 ratings
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Beloved New York Times bestseller M. C. Beaton's cranky, crafty Agatha Raisin―the star of her own hit T.V. series―is back on the case again in Down the Hatch.

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.

The man, who the coroner determines died by poisoning, was known as "the Admiral," a gardener notorious for his heavy drinking, and Chief Inspector Wilkes writes the death off as an accident caused by the consumption of weedkiller stored in a rum bottle. Agatha is not convinced that anyone would mistake weedkiller for rum but carries on with her work at Raisin Investigations, until she receives an anonymous tip that the Admiral’s death was no accident.

Local gossip points to the Swinburns themselves as the killers, spurred by a feud at the club where they, as well as the Admiral, were members. Distraught at this accusation, they turn to Agatha to clear their name, and she takes the case―despite the warnings of Chief Inspector Wilkes.

Agatha encounters one suspicious character after another, becoming further enmeshed in the Admiral’s own dark and shady past. And when she's run off the road, narrowly escaping with her life, and then another attack occurs, it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want the case closed―and will stop at nothing to prevent Agatha from solving it.

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Previous page
  1. Book 32 of 35
    Agatha Raisin Mysteries
  2. Print length
    240 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Minotaur Books
  5. Publication date
    October 26, 2021
  6. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1250816130
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1250816139
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Trademark Beaton." ―Booklist (starred)

"Green...ably continues the adventures of private detective Agatha Raisin, thorn in the side of conservative Cotswold society, in the diverting 32nd installment of this bestselling series...The prose sparkles as usual."
―Publishers Weekly

"Superb." ―Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Hot to Trot

"Once you meet Agatha Raisin, you'll keep coming back." ―New York Journal of Books

"M.C. Beaton has a foolproof plot for the village mystery." ―The New York Times Book Review

"Beaton has a winner in the irrepressible, romance-hungry Agatha." ―Chicago Sun-Times

"Beaton's Agatha Raisin series just about defines the British cozy." ―Booklist

"Every new Agatha Raisin escapade is a total joy." ―Ashley Jensen, star of the Agatha Raisin TV series

"Winning....Cozy fans with a taste for the silly and the offbeat will be gratified. This long-running series shows no signs of losing steam." ―Publishers Weekly on Beating About the Bush

"As usual, Beaton conceals any number of surprises behind her trademark wry humor." ―Kirkus Reviews on Beating About the Bush

About the Author

M. C. Beaton (1936-2019), the “Queen of Crime” (The Globe and Mail), was the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Agatha Raisin novels -- the basis for the hit show on Acorn TV and public television -- as well as the Hamish Macbeth series and the Edwardian Murder Mysteries featuring Lady Rose Summer. Born in Scotland, she started her career writing historical romances under several pseudonyms and her maiden name, Marion Chesney.

In 2006, M.C. was the British guest of honor at Bouchercon.



A long-time friend of M. C. Beaton, R.W. GREEN has written numerous works of fiction and non-fiction. He lives in Surrey with his family and a black Labrador called Flynn.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Minotaur Books; Media tie-in edition (October 26, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250816130
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250816139
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,269 ratings

About the author

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M. C. Beaton

M. C. Beaton

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

M.C. BEATON (1936-2019) was the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Agatha Raisin novels -- the basis for the hit show on Acorn TV and public television -- as well as the Hamish Macbeth series and the Edwardian Murder Mysteries featuring Lady Rose Summer. Known as the “Queen of Crime” (The Globe and Mail), she was born in Scotland and started her career writing historical romances under several pseudonyms as well as her maiden name, Marion Chesney.

For updates, follow M.C. Beaton at facebook.com/MCBeatonAuthor. You can find complete book lists and sign up for her exclusive fan newsletter at her website, www.MCBeaton.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
3,269 global ratings
Agatha Raisin is back!
4 Stars
Agatha Raisin is back!
“Down the Hatch” (Agatha Raisin #32) by RW Green, writing for MC Beaton (deceased) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Cozy Mystery. Location: The Cotswolds area of England.--The Series: Agatha Raisin sold her successful London PR agency to take early retirement in the Cotswolds village of Carsley. But she kept getting involved in murders and other mysteries, so she opened a private detective agency. Her staff includes the young and beautiful Toni, the easily distracted Simon, ex-police officer Patrick, elderly photographer Phil, and secretary Mrs. Freedman. Agatha’s ex-husband James and sometimes friend and lover Sir Charles tag along and help out.--Book: This 32st book finds Agatha has stopped smoking, started power walking, and is estranged from Sir Charles. But that doesn’t stop her from being first at the scene in another murder case. A highly disliked man dies from drinking weed killer at a local bowls club, which leads to many speculations, red herrings, interviews with 2 possibly hallucinating witnesses, and additional murder attempts. Naturally, the odious Chief Inspector Wilkes declares the original murder an unfortunate accident. In addition, Agatha’s love life is as messed up as ever.--RC Green took over writing these books after the 2019 passing of MC Beaton. I was disappointed in the earlier book, but in my opinion he’s found his way back in this book. Agatha is softer and quieter than in the early books, but she still manages to get her opinion known. Times change-maybe she is finally adjusting to the quiet life of the Cotswolds.--I was happy to read more description of Sir Charles’ elderly aunt and his butler. However, the physical descriptions of places and things ramble on and on and on. Still, as always, this is an easy and cozy read. It’s 4 stars from me for Agatha and her crew.🌵👩🏼‍🦳📚”
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Top reviews from the United States

clove
5.0 out of 5 stars Relaxing
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
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This was an easy and very relaxing read. There are actually 3 stories. I only guessed 1 culprit correctly. FUN
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Not happy!
4.0 out of 5 stars Where is Agatha
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2023
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I was looking forward to another romp with Agatha Raisin, but the old Agatha was not in this book. The story and mystery in and of themselves are good, but, the characters were all off - especially Agatha. RIP
M. C. Beaton. We miss you.
2 people found this helpful
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LY
5.0 out of 5 stars A worthy successor to MC Beaton
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2021
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No one can replace the incomparable MC Beaton, and I am grateful for having found her books. I know how disconcerting change is, but this is a well-written cozy mystery series, and that is what R. Green has given us. He has maintained Beaton's strong sense of place and location whilst maintaining the essence of her familiar, beloved characters.

Moreover, Green has humanized Agatha Raisin. She was becoming a very unsympathetic character, to the point where she often made me cringe. Only Beaton's other writing skills mitigated the horrible behavior and actions of her main protagonist.

I read these books (and this cozy mystery medium) for pleasure and solace. If I want to read about unsympathetic characters, I'll turn to some of the modern American writers who feel it is their responsibility to make certain none of their characters are remotely likable and have no moral compasses.

Give R. Green a chance, and continue to let yourself get lost reading about eccentric English characters in the Cotswolds.
9 people found this helpful
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Shawn Mirigian
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great read.
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
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The Agatha Raisin books are fun to read. They are entertaining and a good source of light reading. I have not been disappointed in the series yet, and have read them for a couple of years.
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R. W. Clinger
5.0 out of 5 stars A cozy worth the read ... and a sip of poison.
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2023
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Once again ... Beaton pulls off the sweetest mystery. Fun, spirited, and with the usual characters you've fallen for in her recent Agatha Raisin series. I don't want to spoil anything, and won't, but this cozy is delightful and NOT going to put you to sleep. On the contrary, it will keep you reading from page to page. Plus ... the ending is a big surprise, and worth your time. I say have at with a few cups of coffee or tea. Enjoy!!!
2 people found this helpful
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Patto
3.0 out of 5 stars “This is all very mushy,” says Agatha Raisin
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2022
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Agatha is right, the tone of the narrative has changed, the storyline has become more conventional and has too many sappy moments. A handsome Frenchman falls in love with Agatha at first sight — unlikely. Her ex-husband James Lacey gets romantic — uncharacteristic. Sir Charles Fraith’s ancient aristocratic aunt gives Agatha kindly advice — unusual to say the least.

The story begins with the murder of an old man, found collapsed on a bowling green. Agatha becomes determined to investigate mostly because the Detective Chief Inspector is equally determined to call it an accident. The plot is lively with lots of carnal misbehavior, more than one murder, and more than one person bent on bumping Agatha off.

R. W. Green is a competent mystery writer, but I probably won’t continue with this series because M. C. Benton’s wacky worldview just can’t be duplicated.
7 people found this helpful
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Diana H. Maine
4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and Fun
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022
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DOWN THE HATCH: AN AGATHA RAISIN MYSTERY.
This title is #32 in the Agatha Raisin Mystery series.
The series was created and written by M.C. Beaton (nee Marion Chesney) but after her death in 2019, new titles were continued and written by R.W. Green.
Private Detective Agatha Raisin (on a lunch-break power walk) is walking along a path in Mircester Park when she hears a cry for help. Rushing to help, she finds an elderly couple in the middle of the Bowling Club Green with a dead body at their feet.
I am quite fond of the Agatha Raisin character.
Often silly; frustrating; narcissistic - Yes to all. Yet her common sense, intelligence, street smarts and kind heart often outweigh her negative characteristics.
The familiar characters have matured over the years and I like that.
Light reading to be sure, but very engaging and lots of fun! ****
3 people found this helpful
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A Wisconsin Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Loads of Fun
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2021
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M C Beaton passed away in December 2019. Fortunately for us she chose a successor. R W Green, to carry on with her Agatha Raisin series. "Down the Hatch" is the first book completely written by Green, and it's a good one. I couldn't tell the difference between this book and the ones written by Beaton, I am happy to say.

I don't like spoilers, so I am not going to give any. Suffice it to say, the gang's all here, and what a pleasure that is. If this is your first Agatha Raisin you will have no trouble keeping up; if this is your thirty-second, you will have a lot of fun.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
34 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Rubi
5.0 out of 5 stars different but better
Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2022
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I love all Agatha Raisin books and read them all more than once
I was hoping that they keep publishing more stories after M. C. Beaton past away, glad they did.
I see the difference in the writing style but love it and I’m glad that the writer kept it very close to what it used to be yet has it’s distinguished charismatic
I do like the more recent books more, they somehow made all book characters a bit more realistic
4 people found this helpful
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C V.
5.0 out of 5 stars Impeccable, envoi rapide
Reviewed in France on April 26, 2024
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Envoi Rapide et efficace et livre en bon etat
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Barbara
5.0 out of 5 stars Giallo
Reviewed in Italy on September 5, 2023
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Super super fan di Agatha Raisin
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BJB
5.0 out of 5 stars Agatha Raisin is at it again
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2023
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Agatha has a way of getting herself mixed up in all sorts of mayhem, and she's at it again in this book. I feel like I know her inside out and if she lived near me I would seriously move away, because I'm sure I'd be the next victim. But it's a great read, and I've now read the full set of her books.
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HopeK
5.0 out of 5 stars Wundervoll
Reviewed in Germany on March 13, 2022
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Zum Glück hab ich das Buch an einem Samstag Abend begonnen, ich konnte es nicht aus der Hand legen - was für ein herrliches Wiedersehen mit Agatha & Co! Der Schreibstil ist ein wenig anders als der von MC Beaton, aber nichtsdestotrotz hat RW Green ein ganz wundervolles Buch geschrieben. Ich hoffe nur, daß wir nicht so lange auf die Fortsetzung warten müssen.
One person found this helpful
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