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The Vicious Vet: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition

by M. C. Beaton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.3 3,519 ratings

Book 2 of 35: Agatha Raisin Mysteries

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

A PURR-FECT CRIME IN THE COTSWOLDS
Former London PR agent, Agatha Raisin still hasn't adjusted to village life where the only prospect for a hot evening out is a meeting of the Ladies Society. And since her overtures toward James Lacey—the retired military man next door—have failed, Agatha jumps at the chance to visit the new vet, who's single and good-looking. Although Agatha's tabby hasn't a thing wrong with him, Hodge endures having a thermometer shoved up his bum in the name of romance. Unfortunately his sacrifice is all for naught when the vet is soon found dead next to a high-strung horse.

The police call the vet's demise a freak accident, but Agatha convinces the hard-to-get James Lacey, who's also bored in the Cotswolds, that playing amateur detective might be fun. Unfortunately, just like curiosity killed the cat, Agatha's inept snooping is soon a motivation for murder...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author of the estimable Hamish Macbeth mysteries falters with this second story (after Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death ) to feature London PR executive Agatha Raisin, who has recently retired in the Cotswolds. When handsome veterinarian Paul Bladen dies from a drug injection intended for a horse, Agatha decides it was murder and calls on her bachelor neighbor James Lacey to help investigate. Although her friend, Detective Sgt. Bill Wong, believes the death was an accident and cautions her against overdramatizing life in their village, Agatha proceeds . She discovers an angry former client of the vet whose cat had died at his hands and claims she has information about Bladen. But when Agatha shows up for their meeting, the woman is dead; another accident, suggest the police as Agatha cries murder once more. Pursuing men and clues with abandon, Agatha finally ferrets out the murderer but loses her male quarry in the process. Stretching for charm, Beaton here unexpectedly scants characterization and plot--both of which are amply supplied in Constable Macbeth's Scottish Highland adventures.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Still on break from her Hamish Macbeth series, Beaton adds to her Agatha Raisin opus ( Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death , St. Martin, 1992). Constantly shunned by the man next door, Agatha turns her attention to the handsome new veterinarian--only to become involved in investigating his suspicious death.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Fifty-ish Agatha Raisin, the author's amateur second-string sleuth (Hamish MacBeth being the pro), has yet to feel comfortably settled in the Cotswold village of Carsely, where neighboring bachelor James Lacey eludes her romantic overtures and life is dull (Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, 1992). The arrival of handsome vet Paul Bladen, however, provides a new object for the chase--until he dies of an injection meant for the horse he was about to operate on. Agatha is sure it was murder, not accident, and sets about talking to everyone who had dealings with Bladen, most of them women he was conning out of money for a never-to-be- built veterinary hospital--a scheme his partner, Peter Rice, seemed unaware of. Lacey, bored with the military history he's trying to write, joins in Agatha's detecting forays--proving to be considerably more adept than she. A second death and the kidnapping of Agatha's cats lead her, solo, to a near-fatal meeting with a killer. Clumsy plotting, a clutch of listless characters, and the singularly charmless Agatha Raisin--in one of Beaton's least attractive outings. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review

“A lively and entertaining tale.” ―BookLoons

"Anyone interested in a few hours' worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin."
―The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"I simply love mysteries that have all the requirements necessary to make them great―the characters, the action, the plots, and that thing we call humanity. Beaton has them all in spades."
--Tulsa World

From the Inside Flap

"A glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame and Lucille Ball with a tad of pit bull tossed in. She's wonderful." St. Petersburg Times
Feisty Agatha Raisin, until recently a public-relations executive in London, has retired to peaceful Cotswold, where a romance is budding with the attractive new village vet, Dr. Paul Bladen. But Bladen accidentally kills himself while attending to Lord Pendlebury's horse, and Agatha must turn to her distinguished neighbor, the retired military man James Lacey, for comfort. Together, the odd couple begin to investigate Dr. Bladen's death . . . and the curious lack of sorrow shown by his divorced wife. But will they succeed in unmasking a killer before suffering an "accident" of their own?

From the Back Cover

Beloved author M.C. Beaton has delighted readers and fans alike with her Agatha Raisin mysteries. Now here is the second novel in the series that started it all…

A PURR-FECT CRIME IN THE COTSWOLDS
Former London PR agent, Agatha Raisin still hasn't adjusted to village life where the only prospect for a hot evening out is a meeting of the Ladies Society. And since her overtures toward James Lacey―the retired military man next door―have failed, Agatha jumps at the chance to visit the new vet, who's single and good-looking. Although Agatha's tabby hasn't a thing wrong with him, Hodge endures having a thermometer shoved up his bum in the name of romance. Unfortunately his sacrifice is all for naught when the vet is soon found dead next to a high-strung horse.

The police call the vet's demise a freak accident, but Agatha convinces the hard-to-get James Lacey, who's also bored in the Cotswolds, that playing amateur detective might be fun. Unfortunately, just like curiosity killed the cat, Agatha's inept snooping is soon a motivation for murder...

"Anyone interested in a few hours' worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin."
―The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"I simply love mysteries that have all the requirements necessary to make them great―the characters, the action, the plots, and that thing we call humanity. Beaton has them all in
spades."
--Tulsa World

About the Author

M. C. Beaton has been hailed as "the new Queen of Crime." She is The New York Times bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin mysteries, including As the Pig Turns and Busy Body, set in the English Cotswolds, as well as the Hamish Macbeth mysteries set in Scotland. She has also written historical romance novels and an Edwardian mystery series under the name Marion Chesney. Before writing her first novels, Beaton worked as a bookseller, a newspaper reporter, a fashion critic, and a waitress in a greasy spoon. Born in Scotland, she currently divides her time between Paris and a village in the Cotswolds. She was selected the British Guest of Honor for the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention in 2006.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003J48BM8
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Paperbacks (April 1, 2007)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2007
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1736 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #87,196 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #703 in Traditional Detective Mysteries (Kindle Store)
- #1,558 in Cozy Animal Mystery
- #2,161 in Cozy Animal Mysteries

Customer Reviews:
4.3 3,519 ratings

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M. C. Beaton

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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.

For updates, follow M.C. Beaton at facebook.com/MCBeatonAuthor. You can find complete book lists and sign up for her exclusive fan newsletter at her website, www.MCBeaton.com.

Customer reviews

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jtass

The further adventures of Agatha Raisin

Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2007

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This is the second book in the Agatha Raisin series following the debut novel, AGATHA RAISIN AND THE QUICHE OF DEATH.

Agatha Raisin had clawed her way to the top of the London PR business, and once she was on top Agatha had decided to quit while she was ahead and had sold her business and retired to a village in the Cotswolds fulfilling a childhood dream. Once there she discovered that she did not know what to do with her free time. Fortunately for Agatha she stumbled onto new interests, solving murders and the attractive man next door, James Lackey. She had thought that one would be a one-time thing and hoped that the other would lead to something more permanent.

As THE VICIOUS VET opens Agatha has taken a Caribbean vacation, one that would just happen to put her in proximity of James Lackey who she is quite actively pursuing. Alas, poor Agatha's plans fall apart, and she returns home in a foul mood. To her delight she finds that a new vet office has opened up in her sleepy little village and the vet is a charming, handsome man. Agatha has set her sights on a new quarry even after she discovers that his patient skills are somewhat lacking. Before she can make much headway in her new romance the doctor dies under, what seem to her at least, some questionable circumstances. Agatha finds herself paired with James as they once again attempt to uncover the truth.

This is a typical cozy series mystery. The main attraction here is not a clever mystery to challenge the reader but rather a pleasant visit to a lovely spot filled with charming characters. The mystery takes second place to the amusing (mis)adventures of Agatha and the other village inhabitants. This is a light, charming, quick read, a great book to curl up with for a few hours of pleasant escapism.

5 people found this helpful

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Patto

Agatha goes silly over men

Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022

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In this second Agatha Raisin book, two attractive men appear in the neighborhood. The new vet is so handsome that every single woman with a cat or dog can be found in his waiting room when it opens. Among them is Agatha with her cat, who has nothing wrong with him. His office becomes less popular when it becomes clear he doesn’t like dogs and cats, but rather likes race horses and farm animals.

Then a very attractive middle aged man moves into the cottage next door to Agatha. Her attempts to attract him are over the top. I realize this is high comedy, but I didn’t like seeing Agatha reduced to a spinster who goes silly over men.

Nonetheless, the book gets interesting when the vet dies a very odd death. Agatha hopes it’s murder so she can play detective again (as in the first book). She does manage to entice her good-looking neighbor into sleuthing with her.

Despite Agatha’s ridiculous behavior, I found The Vicious Vet entertaining. I particularly like the character of young Police Officer Wong, who is Chinese descent and charmingly tolerant of Agatha’s foibles. I can see this series is going to be very light reading, but amusing.

3 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🎎

Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024

Verified Purchase

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2

As a fan of M C Newton I had listened or read books available so I am so happy to find the series on Kindle Unlimited.

Agatha is happy when a new vet opens a surgery plus all the other women in the village. Then he is dead. Was it an accident or murder? Agatha is asking questions when a woman dies. Then strange events are occurring. Then it all comes together.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024

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Molon Latte

Agatha Raisin mysteries

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022

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I really hope Agatha’s character develops in a more positive way over the next few books. I bought several of these thinking that I would like them as much as the tv series. Unfortunately, I do not like them very much at all. Agatha’s character has very few redeeming qualities. I don’t see what the point of writing a main character this unlikeable would be. The supporting characters are okay but it’s not enough to hold interest. Too bad.

One person found this helpful

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MattIM

Agatha Raisin Is Very Funny

Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022

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And interesting. This is the second installment of M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin Mysteries. The primary characters, such as Detective Bill Wong, the vicar’s wife Mrs. Bloxi, next door neighbor and fantasy man (of Agatha) are more defined and provide interest to Agatha’s character.

M.C. Beaton’s story telling is superb.

2 people found this helpful

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Another Book Lady

Agatha Strikes Again!

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2022

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While Agatha was not the salty bitty she was in the first book, what I loved about her in this book was the very slight, but obvious growth. MC Beaton clearly worked on some character development for Agatha. Losing that bit of the hard edge by living in the Cotswolds has made her more likable in my opinion (although I already liked her when she was more hard-core). Making friends and trying to get her handsome neighbor to take notice of her gave her some new personality traits.
I really understood her feelings of insecurity, and her hilarity when she tries to better a bad situation and only ends up making it worse.
I like that the books are basically one day reads. Again I followed along with the audible narration-this time read by Diana Bishop.

One person found this helpful

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Bob Poynton

A fun read

Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2022

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Agatha is a most annoying woman, insecure, bossy, obnoxious, understanding, good friend, self interested, generous and smart. No reason why I should love her, but if Mrs. Bloxby can, I guess you can, too. Enjoy!

2 people found this helpful

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Janet L. Fritsche

Nosey Agatha strikes again!

Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021

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So far I am really enjoying this series. Agatha is quite the character. I’m so tired of “perfect” protagonists that always do and say the right thing! Agatha is a work in progress, an evolving woman who can make some serious social blunders but in the end, she does the right thing.
The storyline in this book was interesting and full of twists. The usual gang of characters from the village make an appearance which is another thing I like in these books. I think it helps to flesh out the main character and give that sense of familiarity that I like in a series.

3 people found this helpful

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Elaine Frost

good value ,quick delivery

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2024

Verified Purchase

book was as described , only remark is that it is a bit well used otherwise O.K.

Client d'Amazon

Inconditionnels

Reviewed in France on July 15, 2023

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Achèté en Anglais , on adore le côté : je me mêle de tout d’Agatha
Pour ceux qui aiment le genre , bon moment assuré

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Susan burgess

What a hoot!

Reviewed in Canada on September 2, 2020

Verified Purchase

I do so enjoy Agatha Raisin mysteries, anything M.C. Beaton. Every story entertains and makes me want more.

Carol

A little bit boring

Reviewed in Spain on August 24, 2021

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I've read several Agatha Raisin books and I usually enjoy them quite a lot. This one was a little disappointing, to me. I didn't care much for the mystery and the Agatha/James dynamic felt a little boring, this time. Still, I intend to read more books in the series. I really appreciate the writer's wit and sense of humour.

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The Vicious Vet: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition

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