''Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life'' Entertainment Weekly

An unexpected hike to the Other Side . . .

After time away, Agatha Raisin returns to her beloved Cotswold village of Carsely - and to her handsome neighbour, James Lacey. True, James seems less than thrilled to see her, but Agatha is soon distracted by a sensational murder. The victim, found in a field, is young hiker Jessica Tartinck, who spent her life enraging landowners by insisting on her right to roam. Hope springs eternal in Agatha''s breast as she lures the reluctant James into her investigation. There are so many leads to follow, for Jessica''s fellow walkers - not to mention the landowners - all seem able to commit murder.

Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:

''A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed'' Daily Mail

''The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status'' The Times

''I''m not sure I wouldn''t back Agatha against Reacher in a fight. She has the ruthlessness. The cunning. And the poisoned quiche'' Daily Telegraph

''Agatha is like Miss Marple with a drinking problem, a pack-a-day habit and major man lust. In fact, I think she could be living my dream life'' Entertainment Weekly

An unexpected hike to the Other Side . . .

After time away, Agatha Raisin returns to her beloved Cotswold village of Carsely - and to her handsome neighbour, James Lacey. True, James seems less than thrilled to see her, but Agatha is soon distracted by a sensational murder. The victim, found in a field, is young hiker Jessica Tartinck, who spent her life enraging landowners by insisting on her right to roam. Hope springs eternal in Agatha''s breast as she lures the reluctant James into her investigation. There are so many leads to follow, for Jessica''s fellow walkers - not to mention the landowners - all seem able to commit murder.

Praise for the Agatha Raisin series:

''A Beaton novel is like The Archers on speed'' Daily Mail

''The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status'' The Times

''I''m not sure I wouldn''t back Agatha against Reacher in a fight. She has the ruthlessness. The cunning. And the poisoned quiche'' Daily Telegraph