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The Dead Ringer: An Agatha Raisin Mystery    by M. C. Beaton Amazon.com order for
Dead Ringer
by M. C. Beaton
Order:  USA  Can
Minotaur, 2018 (2018)
Hardcover, CD, e-Book
* *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

The Dead Ringer follows The Witches' Tree as the twenty-ninth in M.C. Beaton's popular series starring formidable PI Agatha Raisin, living and working in the Cotswold village of Carsely.

As always lately, our outrageous Agatha is feeling her age, while seeking the very elusive great romance in her life. This time, her interest is briefly aroused by Peter Salver-Hinkley, bishop of Mircester and 'sex on legs'. She has competition from the bell ringers of Thirk Magna that 'boasted one of the finest set of bells in the country.'

Like many of Agatha's lightning infatuations, this one doesn't last long. She concludes that the hot bishop must have murdered his fiancee (a missing heiress), and seeks evidence. There are deaths along the way, including one that really devastates Agatha. She's attacked; her cats are kidnapped and held for ransom; and her exes pair up with other women.

Of course, Agatha solves her case, and this story ends on a high note for her and a low one for Charles. I look forward to reading more of this fascinating new development.

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