Busy Body (Agatha Raisin Mystery, 21) - Softcover

Beaton, M. C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 031253650X ISBN 13: 9780312536503

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2011

Synopsis

Busy Body continues the tradition in M. C. Beaton's beloved Agatha Raisin mystery series—now a hit show on Acorn TV and public television.

Agatha Raisin has always been ambivalent about holiday cheer, but her cozy little village of Carsely has long prided itself on its Christmas festivities. But this year Mr. John Sunday, a self-important officer with the Health and Safety Board, has ruled that the traditional tree on top of the church is a public menace; that lampposts are unsafe for hanging illuminations; that May Dimwoody's homemade toys are dangerous for children… Things have reached such a desperate pass that the Carsely Ladies' Society joins forces with the ladies in the neighboring village of Odley Cruesis to try to put a stop to Mr. Sunday's meddling—only to find that someone has literally put a stop to him with a kitchen knife.

Agatha's detective agency is on the case, but when a man has made as many enemies as John Sunday, it's hard to know where to start…

About this title

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.

From the Back Cover

This Christmas, be careful what you wish for…

Cranky yet lovable Agatha Raisin has always been ambivalent about holiday cheer, though her cozy village of Carsely has long prided itself on its Christmas festivities. Until now. This year, local Health and Safety Board officer John Sunday is threatening to undo some of Carsley's most time-honored traditions. The tree on top of the church? A public menace. The decorations hanging on the lampposts? Hazardous. Even May Dimwoody's homemade toys are deemed unsafe for the children. Bah humbug! The Carsely Ladies Society is in an uproar and will do anything to put a stop to this Scrooge—only to find that someone else has done it for them…with a kitchen knife. Soon Agatha's detective agency is on the case. But when a man has made as many enemies as Mr. John Sunday, it's hard to know where to start—or how to stop the killer from striking again.

"Beaton does a brilliant job…Agatha's struggles…continue to tantalize."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Agatha scores again with a cunning mix of satire and mystery."—Kirkus Reviews

Edition details

• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 031253650X
• ISBN 13: 9780312536503
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 294