Dead Before Tea Time

It’s a pleasure to share that this, the thirty-seventh title in the Agatha series, is as entertaining as any of the preceding titles, if not actually better. White it’s true that some readers recently introduced to the series might benefit from knowing  a bit more of Agatha’s past, Green–and, for decades, Beaton–have continued to develop the Aggie we know and love. And it is quite an achievement! Here, the Cotswolds are in an uproar, with many of the local pubs, which can’t afford  the raise in the rent, being converted into apartments. Add to this the attempts of Sir Charles Fraith to rekindle his passion for Agatha, while in the midst of one of the local historical recreations, this time of the 17th-century, a body is discovered. And the businessman who was shot has a connection with the bar. Could Agatha be the next victim? Cranky, funny, and all too real, this is a delightful tale sure to draw both new and older readers.—Brian Kenney