Killing Time by MC Beaton and RW Green
In MC Beaton’s Killing Time (Minotaur), Agatha Raisin again proves that no one can outsmart her; not her friend and former lover Sir Charles Fraithe, her assistant Toni, her BFF Roy Silver, or the many criminals trying to best her in her 35th mystery.
When, at a friendly dinner, Sir Charles entices Agatha to return to her PR roots and plan the “event of the Cotswold season” launching his Chateau Barfield wine, Charles seduces her with an ancient mystery. He spins a tale of a 16th-century unsolved murder mystery, “The Campden Wonder,” which piques Agatha’s interest and segues into a discussion of his upcoming event.
Unable to refuse the chance of being the center of attention, Agatha agrees to coordinate Charles’ soiree. She has massive plans for hot-air balloon rides, a fashion show, and a charity auction to top off the event, enlisting her old pal Roy Silver as her aide. As research, Agatha and Roy attend an auction, which turns out to be the experience of a lifetime for Agatha. She gets swept up in a bidding war and becomes the high bid on an unexpected purchase — an unusual antique clock displaying dancing partners. The clock reminds her of her latest love and dancing partner, John Glass, and she simply must have it for her mantle. Little does she know that her extravagant purchase will instigate dangerous activities affecting her life.
Death Threats and Murder Investigations
However, soon she juggles her detective and party planning duties. Amid it all, Agatha begins receiving death threats in the form of riddles. Then, she’s nearly kidnapped, she’s asked to investigate the murder of her neighbor, an antiques dealer, and to investigate a series of burglaries of the local Carseley businesses. While her nemesis, Chief Inspector Wilkes, is convinced these events are unrelated, Agatha begs to differ. Her crew takes the death threats seriously, but crafty, obstinate Agatha dismisses the threats as nonsense.
Finally persuaded about the severity of the danger, Agatha flees Carseley for a romantic shipboard excursion with John, presently a dancing instructor on a cruise ship docked in Mallorca. Naturally, the tryst does not proceed as planned, leaving Agatha marooned in Mallorca. An enterprising woman, she turns lemons into lemonade and uses the opportunity to recharge her mind and spirit at a nearby swanky hotel. Before she returns home, she needs to solve the mysteries plaguing her life and determine who has been sending the death threats. Who attempted to abduct her, and why? And who killed poor Mr. Tinkling, the antique dealer?
After 35 novels, the latest Agatha Raisin mystery is a fresh take on the series, while remaining true to its roots. The wacky Carseley gang, The Raisin Agency staff, James, Charles, and Roy all return, but Beaton reintroduces fresh blood as Claudette Duvivier, a vintner friend of Charles. Claudette becomes Agatha’s charming champion and confidante as she navigates the mysteries at the heart of the plot. Also, Beaton finally exports Agatha from the Cotswolds, allowing her fun in sunny Spain, while she tends to her broken heart.
Readers shouldn’t fear that tragedy or heartbreak will ever set Agatha back for long. She bounces back, stronger than ever, and proves her sharp mind and wit will solve any crime thrown her way. Even ones that date back five hundred years in history.
Once again, readers will enjoy this latest Agatha Raisin romp, Killing Time, and will appreciate the wonderful investment of their own time in the delightful mystery.
A Trio of Questions for R.W. Green
After 35 mysteries, to what do you attribute the longevity of the wildly popular Agatha Raisin series?
Really, the only way you can explain the longevity of a series like Agatha Raisin is through the characters. The characters who appear are wonderful. When MC Beaton (“Marion”) created Agatha Raisin and the characters who support Agatha Raisin in the novels, she did such a fantastic job, and it’s been my privilege to carry on working on the characters she created. People love the characters. And people get upset when I don’t include every single character in every book. It’s not always possible to give them such a big role in every book. And people do get upset when their favorites don’t get as much of a mention as they would like. We have to spread the stardust around a little bit.
In Killing Time you reintroduce a character, Claudette Duviver, into the story. What was your motivation in bringing Claudette into the Agatha Raisin universe?
Claudette is a character I came up with because I wanted Agatha to go to France. I wanted her to have a French connection. Claudette will crop up again, but she’s never going to be one of the cool team. I needed someone who could come between Agatha and Sir Charles Fraithe, and Claudette, who turned out to be a red herring in one of the past books, was ideal to add a bit of glamor. She first appeared in “Hot to Trot,” and because the Agatha Raisin books sell so well and are so popular in France, it seemed like a good idea to bring in a French Character.
What’s next for Agatha Raisin?
Next up, Agatha is dealing with a very local case that revolves around three women, who are practically sisters and who’ve grown up with each other. Their relationship is quite tempestuous, so they’re a force to be reckoned with. Agatha, of course, takes the bait, and gets involved when she sees something going on that other people don’t necessarily agree is happening. It’s a murder mystery, and it’s far more localized than the last book. At the moment, the title is “Sugar and Spite,” which is based on the children’s nursery rhyme, and refers to the three women who are not quite as sweet as little girls.
Related Posts:
RW Green Continues MC Beaton’s Legacy in Cozy Agatha Raisin Mystery, “Dead on Target”
About M.C. Beaton and R.W. Green:
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.
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.
