The Dead Ringer 

by M.C. Beaton

I always look forward to a new Agatha Raisin mystery. Aggie is a brash, prickly, complicated, character and her adventures in the English Cotswolds are always fun. This time around Agatha is involved with mischief and mayhem in the village of Think Magna. This village is known for the medieval church of St. Ethelred and its famous bells. The whole town is aflutter over the impending visit of the handsome Bishop, Peter-Salver-Hinkley. The bell -ringers in Think Magna are practicing furiously so the bishop will be suitably impressed. The bishop is building an old folks home and trying to raise money for it and on the surface he seems like a good man. However, Aggie is convinced that he was involved in the disappearance of his former fiancee, a wealthy heiress, who disappeared years ago and her body has never been found. She convinces one of the bell- ringers, an attorney, to hire her to investigate. 

Soon Agatha is embroiled in a dangerous situation when there is a murder, then another murder and she is targeted. Will she be next? The handsome, charismatic bishop seems to be romancing everyone in the town, including the wealthy spinster twins, and Agatha but she is convinced that he isn't what he appears to be.

Agatha once again gets involved with an unsuitable man and James, her ex- husband, and Sir Charles are both there to pick up the pieces. But Aggie might find happiness after all with the surprising twist at the end of the book. 

Although this 29th book in the Agatha Raisin series hasn't had the best reviews from readers, I liked it. No, it isn't the best book that I have ever read and the series might be getting a little tired but it was still an enjoyable cozy book and I love the character of Agatha.  I have listened to all of the Agatha Raisin books on audio and Alison Larkin's narration was enjoyable too.