Agatha Raisin: Dead on Target

LoveReading Says

Dead on Target, the new novel in the eccentric, charming Agatha Raisin series, sees the quick-quipping private detective in the frame for the murder of a man whose body she finds in the woods. Make yourself a pot of tea, pile the plate high with biscuits, and settle down for an afternoon of escapism, replete with murder mystery intrigue and dollops of characterful social comedy.

The novel opens with a scene of parochial “more tea, vicar?” perfection at the village fete: “Jolly, candy-striped canvas structures stood shoulder-to-shoulder with sun-bleached white bell tents and traditional ridge tents while tall teepees and elaborate marquees mingled with family campers and basic garden gazebos.”

But, after being cajoled into a spot of Robin Hood archery, and trying to retrieve a wandering dog, Agatha finds herself present at the death of Sir Godfrey Pride: “‘Snakes and b*stards!’ she said quietly, crouching once again and reaching out to stroke his forehead. ‘What the hell happened here, Godfrey?’” And why are his trousers around his ankles, and why had he wanted to speak to her?

When Agatha convinces DCI Wilkes that this was no accident, he has her pegged as the main suspect. Cue Agatha diving into an investigation to clear her name and find the true criminal. Fizzing with family tension and the menace of a gangster, happily, this also sees Agatha deliver her characteristic commentary in cutting, no-nonsense style: “All men who feel the need to prove they’re superior to women obviously actually believe that all men are fundamentally inferior. I guess it’s a problem you just have to live with.”

Joanne Owen

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