Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body

Praise for M.C. Beaton

'The detective novels of M.C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status' The Times

'I'm not sure I wouldn't back Agatha against Jack Reacher in a fight. She has the ruthlessness. The cunning. And the poisoned quiche' Daily Telegraph

Sunday's not a day for rest but for murder!

Agatha Raisin has never been one for enforced holiday cheer, but her friendly little village of Carsely has always prided itself on its traditional Christmas festivities. But this year the bells will not be ringing out Silent Night as Mr John Sunday, an officer with the Cotswold Health and Safety Board, has chosen Christmas as the time to crack down on what he sees as gross misconduct by every man, woman and child in the vicinity.

But finally Mr Sunday goes too far when he rules that there cannot be a Christmas tree atop the church tower this year. Soon after the decree, and just before Christmas, Agatha is sipping a cup of tea and trying to stay awake as minute by minute of the Carsely Ladies Society meeting at the vicarage drones on when a sudden scream wakes her from her stupor. The ladies rush out of the building and into the garden to find Sunday lying face down in the ground, very much dead. Agatha is instantly on the case, but with so many people having threatened the life of the victim, it's almost impossible to know where to start!