Book #31 for 2023: Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton
Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this book, Agatha Raisin has another new neighbour, Paul Chatterton, who she promptly starts lusting after, despite the fact that he is married.
Agatha and Paul are asked to investigate a supposedly haunted house by its resident, although it seems apparent that someone is attempting to scare the old lady. In the most farcical moment in the book, Agatha upsets the client, after running away from an "apparition" that turns out to be her wearing a mudpack. The old lady asks them to leave, but is soon after found dead, possibly murdered. The main suspects end up being the woman's son and daughter.
The book felt a bit slow moving at first, with a few too many distractions about Agatha's love life, and her obsession with Paul. However, the plot got more interesting in the second half, particularly after it became apparent that there may have been treasure hidden in the supposedly haunted house. There were multiple murders in this book, which helped to keep things suspenseful, and several red herrings.
Finally, although throughout the book, Agatha was constantly told to stop trying to investigate, it did end with a significant plot development that I hoped would happen soon, and I can't wait to see how it affects her relationships with the other characters in the subsequent titles.
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The first Calendar of Crime book read for June; this month was Marion Chesney Beaton (RIP)'s birth month.
January: 3/10
February: 4/10
March: 2/10
April: 3/10
May: 3/10
1. June in the title
2. Author's birth month
3. Primary action takes place in this month
4. Father's Day
5. Other June holiday (are there any?)
6. Original publication month
7. Book title has word starting with J
8. A father, tie, or anything related to weddings/church bells on the cover
9. Year of the Snake
10. Father or wedding features prominently