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  • Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye

  • Agatha Raisin, Book 18
  • By: M. C. Beaton
  • Narrated by: Penelope Keith
  • Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (863 ratings)
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Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye cover art

Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye

By: M. C. Beaton
Narrated by: Penelope Keith
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Summary

Penelope Keith - who starred as Agatha Raisin in the popular BBC Radio 4 series - reads M. C. Beaton’s entertaining murder mystery.

During the grey days of early December, Agatha is obsessed by only two things: Christmas, and her ex, James Lacey. Although she says she feels nothing for James now, she’s sure that planning the perfect Dickensian Christmas for all her friends will somehow reanimate her love.

Even the murder of Mrs Tamworthy, poisoned with hemlock at the local manor house, does little to distract Agatha from organizing her perfect yuletide celebrations. Yet poor Mrs Tamworthy had written to Agatha, telling her that someone wanted to see her dead before the year was out. Slightly guiltily, Agatha sets out to solve the case with the help of a new recruit, young Toni Gilmour. But as the days march closer to the 25th, Agatha knows she must catch the murderer - because nothing will stop her having her perfect day!

Penelope Keith is probably best known for her roles in To the Manor Born and The Good Life. Her theatre performances include roles in Star Quality, Mrs Warren’s Profession, and Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. She has received several BAFTA awards and has been awarded an OBE.

©2010 M. C. Beaton (P)2015 Audible, Inc

What listeners say about Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A lightweight and enjoyable listen.

This book is similar to the other Agatha Raisin adventures. The books are not challenging or emotionally heavy. If you like Miss Marple or Rosemary and Thyme type stories then these are for you. They make for a comfortable bed-time listen.

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Detective Story

What a great, light, breezy, festive story. Brilliantly read, with that ever seductive voice of Penelope Keith. Almost as if there are several stories (but as with all good detective stories that is how it is), going on at the same time. This is my first Agatha Raisen story and will definitely not be my last - I am now frantically searching for the first one in the series to add to the wish list. Will, no doubt be back with more reviews and so looking forward to listening to more.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Penelope Keith is superb in this seasonal tale.

This is a well constructed story with a good nod to the classic murder mystery fiction of the likes of Agatha Christie. The modern elements are entertaining and ring true. Top this with the superb Penelope Keith and this is a true Christmas cracker. Thanks audible.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Entertaining

What does Penelope Keith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Her narration was exactly what I expected. I could picture Agatha very vividly and the other characters fit her voice as well.

Any additional comments?

I got this book as a part of a Christmas action ages ago and seeing it was book 18 in a series I was a bit reluctant to start it. This Christmas I pulled it out and I did not regret. Even though it is well after the middle of the whole series it can be listened to as a standalone book. Of course you miss some character's development, however you can conclude many things you have skipped in the previous books.
It is a typical murder mystery book with quite a likable main protagonist and a bunch of sympathetic side characters. It does not lack a "mid-life" humor that gives the series its charm. I am not sure if I would be up to listening to all the books but as an occasional entertainment they are nice. Perhaps next time I will go again for one of them again.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Entertaining!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would, but I think the Christmas reference have been 'shoehorned' into a everyday story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye?

The comic events at the marquee! With the snow machine going haywire!

Have you listened to any of Penelope Keith’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes I have- Penelope Keith is an excellent actress and recounts this tale very well

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

not really- I don't suppose its meant to be deep and meaningful but it is quite entertaining with various characters

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Agatha Christmas

Always love her stories and the way she perseveres another silly Christmas and a wonderfully entertaining mystery! Listen to it each Christmas season.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

loved this book, agatha raisin at her best. loved the new characters joining the series

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Easy listen

Typical Agatha Raisin story; murders and mayhem with comic interludes. Penelope Keith reads the story beautifully as always.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Turkey will never be the same again

An excellent murder mystery with all the near disasters you expect from the worlds most jammy private detective.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Another five star performance. Love the Agatha raisin character. Never disappoints. Have listened to the whole series available. Look forward to more on audible.

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1 person found this helpful