Sugar and Spite

The Agatha Raisin Mysteries, Book 36

Beloved New York Times bestseller M. C. Beaton’s cranky, crafty Agatha Raisin―the star of her own hit TV series―is back on the case again.

When a series of deaths within the small Cotswolds birdwatching community begins to unravel her village, Agatha and her team at Raisin Investigators are certain there has been foul play involved. Now, they must dig up decades’ worth of tempestuous relationships and simmering secrets among the birdwatching enthusiasts of the village in order to prevent any further deaths.

But with Agatha’s own relationship with John Glass on the rocks after he is called away on his job as a cruise ship dance instructor, and Sir Charles Fraith now attempting to step into John’s shoes as her lover, Agatha has her work cut out for her.

Agatha will have to break out her binoculars and embrace her bitter side to solve the murders and wrangle the sickly-sweet temptations in her own life. Will she be able to gather all the breadcrumbs and put together the clues before she becomes a sitting duck herself?

©2025 M. C. Beaton Limited. M. C. BEATON® is a registered trademark of M. C. Beaton Limited (P)2025 Little Brown Book Group Ltd.

Another wonderful Agatha Raisin book.

I love all the characters and the relationships between the characters. This has been my favorite book series for a long time and I am so happy that it is still going strong. Penelope Keith as always does an outstanding performance with the Raisin crew. Please keep more books coming. I am addicted!

Like any Agatha Raisin book except better!

I felt like the entire plot was a bit rushed and each thing that happened could have deserved more time. On the other hand, I really didn’t want to wait for a more drawn out story, to find out what was going to happen at each turn of events in the story. It was a really good story and very interesting. There was some unexpected character development compared to the other books but I can’t say more about that without spoiling what happens for you. I felt like all of the usual characters were presented slightly differently than they usually are. But it was OK. It was a good cozy mystery.

Why would you make me cry, Agatha?

fter journeying through 30+ books with Agatha Raisin, this latest installment felt deeply personal. Over the years, I’ve experienced breathtaking highs and lows with her—laughing, cringing, and sometimes crying right alongside her. But this time, something shifted. It felt like we (yes, we) finally matured beyond the self-doubt, the endless comparisons, and the FOMO that used to haunt us. Agatha is openly affectionate now, on solid footing with nearly everyone—well, except Sir Charles, who’s acting up again, but let’s be honest, he just wants attention.
This book brings us back to the vicarage, with Mrs. Bloxby and a revitalized women’s society hosting guest speakers from another village (yes, there are Twitters involved!). It’s classic cozy mystery fare, but with a sense of growth and emotional depth that hit me right in the heart.
By the end, I was proud of who we’ve become. But M.C. Beaton—why would you make me cry like that? Seriously. XOXO to you, Agatha. Call me if you need to talk or want to grab G&Ts.

Ending

So did not like the ending. Can’t say more than that or will give it away.

MC Beaton would be proud

The adventure continues—even without one of our own. Thank you for picking up the flame!