There Goes the Bride (Agatha Raisin Series #20)

by M. C. Beaton Narrated by Penelope Keith

Overview

Bossy, impulsive, yet hopelessly romantic, Agatha is dreading the upcoming marriage of her ex-husband, James Lacey. Although she has set her sights on a handsome and beguiling new Frenchman, she can't quite stop obsessing about James. Her best intentions to move on with her life are put on hold when James's young bride is shot to death just minutes before saying “I do” and Agatha is named the prime suspect.

Agatha's sleuthing sidekick Toni stands ready to help find the real killer, but the case proves trickier than ever. Will her name be cleared, or has the outrageous Agatha finally had her last romp?

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Near the start of bestseller Beaton's splendid 20th Agatha Raisin mystery (after 2008's A Spoonful of Poison), the lovelorn middle-aged detective reluctantly attends the wedding of her ex-husband, James Lacey, in the market town of Hewes. But before James can tie the knot with the lovely, much younger Felicity Bross-Tilkington, the bride is shot to death. Felicity's mother hires Agatha and her young detecting associate, Toni Gilmour, to find the monster responsible, despite the disapproval of Felicity's real estate whiz father, George. As other corpses connected to George begin turning up, his visiting friend, the debonair Sylvan Dubois, flirts shamelessly with Agatha. Sylvan's deadly charm puts Agatha in harm's way after she figures out the Frenchman and George are involved in illegal activities. Some Beaton fans may wish her heroine will find lasting romance and happiness, but a closing twist or two suggests Agatha is unlikely to settle down with one man anytime soon. (Oct.)

Library Journal

In Beaton's 20th Agatha Raisin mystery, trouble comes with an invitation to ex-husband James's engagement party. Agatha is reluctant to attend but can't stand appearing jealous of the young bride. The party is a disaster, with angry words for everyone from the bride, barely dressed waiters, and a beleaguered groom. But when the wedding is canceled, it's because the bride has been fatally shot at the altar. As soon as she's cleared of suspicion, Agatha begins her own investigation into the murder, providing the police with solid clues and a few suspects, including a debonair Frenchman she'd like to date. But she can't stop questioning herself and her choices. Agatha's insecurity over her looks, her sleuthing skills, and her appeal to men soften her gruff personality, allowing readers to root for a happy ending for her no matter what trouble she starts. VERDICT Beaton and cozy fans will want this one. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 6/1/09.]—Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

Kirkus Reviews

Detective agency owner Agatha Raisin's ongoing obsession with her ex-husband lands her in the soup. About to marry the young and beautiful Felicity Bross-Tilkington, James Lacey doesn't want to see his ex-wife again, especially outside the happy couple's Crimea hotel. He accuses her of stalking him, a charge Agatha hotly denies. After all, despite her tough exterior and bossy demeanor, she's once again busy falling for the wrong man. This time it's suave Frenchman Sylvan Dubois, a friend of the bride's parents. When Felicity is found shot dead, Agatha and James are high on the suspect list, Agatha for obvious reasons and James because-belatedly realizing that dazzled by youth and beauty, he'd ignored his fiancee's extreme lack of intelligence-he tried to cancel the wedding. First accused of murder, then hired by Felicity's mother to find the killer, Agatha has plenty of help from the detectives who work for her agency and a former employee, clever young Toni Gilmour. Always seeking the limelight, Agatha, jealous of Toni's talent and good looks, had encouraged her to start her own agency. Now in financial difficulties, Toni returns to work for Agatha. Suspecting that the bride's father and Dubois may be involved in some illegal enterprises, the sleuths delve deeper. As the bodies pile up, Agatha wonders whether she'll escape her latest misadventure with her life. Agatha (A Spoonful of Poison, 2008, etc.) is as overbearing and abrasive as ever. But she does have her good points, as does this meandering tale.

From the Publisher

Splendid.” —Publishers Weekly

“A riot. Fans, old and new, will be delighted.” —RT Book Reviews

“As a longtime fan of M. C. Beaton —- and Agatha Raisin in particular —- I have to say that THERE GOES THE BRIDE really is one of the most fun novels in the series. As always, there are the expected twists, turns and close calls as Agatha plunges ever forward to solve the crime. In addition, Beaton includes priceless moments regarding Agatha’s personal life —- laugh-out-loud moments that only a character like Agatha can engender. Pick this one up now! You won’t be disappointed.” —Bookreporter.com

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169862416
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	10/01/2009
Series:	Agatha Raisin Series , #20
Edition description:	Unabridged

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