The Vicious Vet
Series: An Agatha Raisin Mystery Book #2
Author: M. C. Beaton
Publisher: St. Martin’s Publishing Group
Page Count: 224
My Rating:
Book Summary
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…
More Facts for Readers about our Sleuth & Setting:
Main Sleuth: Agatha Raisin
Best friends: None
Physical Description: Agatha is a white female, 53 years old (described as an early retiree), youthful, very fashionable (being from the city, London), no kids, no spouse
Location: The Cotswolds in England
Profession: Previously a Public Relations Agent, retired
Time of Year: Fall?
Pet: None
Love Interest: James Lacey (neighbor)
Family: Phaedra has a younger sister, a mom, dad (married), and Aunt.
Diversity? Yes! The main detective William (Bill) Wong is 30 years old, and is British-Chinese. His parents are Chinese immigrants and we do meet them at some point. There are other side characters that we bump into who are also diverse, although most characters are white British folks.
My Review
Oh Agatha, another funny misadventure in murder unfolds in this second book in the series. This was another fun read (listen on audio book) and it was just as entertaining as book one. I especially like the splash of romantic interest with her neighbor James Lacey, it’s a welcome side-story although we still have no idea if he’ll actually cave into Agatha’s attempts at charm, but it’s a cozy, friendly sidekick situation, and I love it.
It’s fitting for a semi-retirement community in the Cotswolds to have so few kicks that the local veterinarian turns heads for his good looks and then ends up being a victim (and a villain too). He was kind of icky so it as no big loss and made for an yet another entertaining novel. I couldn’t give 5 stars mainly because I feel like we could have had a bit more, this book was on the shorter side (by about 100 pages) so while it was short, sweet, simple, and to the point, it could’ve used a liiiiiiittle bit more added in there.
Once again, Agatha was a riot, Detective Wong was a great ally, and Lacey was being aloof but available in the best ways. Another recommended read!
