FM's ratings:
- Premise 7
- Prose 7
- Plot 8
- Characters 8
- Overall 8
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This is another installment of Beaton’s “Agatha Raisin” series, a little less dark than her “Hamish Macbeth” series, a little more “droll,” to use the term more commonly used in the U. K. for humorous, or even tongue-in-cheek. Apparently the only poisonous snake indigenous to the U. K. is the “adder,” which is used as a component in the murders committed in this mystery. Hence, the “Hiss” in the title, though we never get an actual hiss except from Agatha’s cats, who play an oddly miniscule role in this story. The plot seems to veer wildly off course on a regular basis, only to come looping back around to the main idea; disconcerting at times but interestingly effective. The sub-plots in these novels, as well as in the “Hamish Macbeth” series, are essentially the same: the pitiful state of the protagonist’s love life, his/her struggle with aging, antagonistic relationships with superiors, tumultuous relationships with peers, and more. But Beaton manages to keep these elements fresh with humor, changes in setting, and rapid-fire plot twists. I have read four of Beaton’s book in a row, now, and will certainly be back for more at a later date.
This is another installment of Beaton’s “Agatha Raisin” series, a little less dark than her “Hamish Macbeth” series, a little more “droll,” to use the term more commonly used in the U. K. for humorous, or even tongue-in-cheek. Apparently the only poisonous snake indigenous to the U. K. is the “adder,” which is used as a component in the murders committed in this mystery. Hence, the “Hiss” in the title, though we never get an actual hiss except from Agatha’s cats, who play an oddly miniscule role in this story. The plot seems to veer wildly off course on a regular basis, only to come looping back around to the main idea; disconcerting at times but interestingly effective. The sub-plots in these novels, as well as in the “Hamish Macbeth” series, are essentially the same: the pitiful state of the protagonist’s love life, his/her struggle with aging, antagonistic relationships with superiors, tumultuous relationships with peers, and more. But Beaton manages to keep these elements fresh with humor, changes in setting, and rapid-fire plot twists. I have read four of Beaton’s book in a row, now, and will certainly be back for more at a later date.
Here’s the August line-up!
"The Last Olympian," by Rick Riordan [8-5-17]
"Moods," by Louisa May Alcott [8-12-17]
"A Prayer for the Damned," by Peter Tremayne [8-19-17]
"Her Royal Spyness," by Rhys Bowen [8-26-17]
(As always, if there are any books you’d like to recommend for next month, please do so. Also, if you have already read one on our previous lists, you are invited to send your ratings and or comments for that book!)
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