Book Review: Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell by M. C. Beaton (2001)

Synopsis: Despite being warned by literally everyone she knows, Agatha Raisin finally marries James Lacey and, just as everyone she knew warned her, the marriage quickly goes south as James refuses to give up his bachelor ways and criticizes everything she does while they keep their separate cottages just to have space from each other. Furthering complicating things are the brain tumor James is diagnosed with and his affair with the attractive Melissa Sheppard. 

Then, before things between them can be resolved, James goes missing, leaving behind a pool of blood in his cottage. Days later, Melissa is found dead. Despite warnings from the police not to meddle, Agatha, with the help from her friend/sometimes lover Sir Charles, investigates in an attempt to clear both her missing husband of murder and herself.

Review: I grabbed Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell the last time I was at the library because, while her on again/off again romance with James Lacey has been one of the things I've liked least about this book series, I was curious just how her marriage to her neighbor would work out. As it turned out, I was both satisfied with what is hopefully the conclusion to that romance and think this is my favorite book from the series so far.

I thought the mystery was a good one. While the book wastes no time making it clear James is still alive, it does a good job keeping what happened to him a secret, along with his reasons for not staying after he was attacked. Melissa's murder was even more of an enigma because the more Agatha learned about her, the more potential suspects (all of them with alibis) were added to the list. 

Of course, it didn't help that she herself had just as much motive for murder as anyone, offering an additional obstacle, in addition to her crippling depression over her failed marriage. Between that and the people from her past that either hurt her or vice versa, it was hard to imagine her having a clear enough head to solve the mystery.

Some of the suspects were quite interesting too, especially Melissa's doll-obsessed ex-husband who seemed like he would belong in a horror movie. Even if he didn't turn out to be the killer, I wondered if he would eventually be dangerous anyway.

The more I read the series, the more I like the Agatha/Sir Charles pairing. Not so much as lovers because, much like with James, I just don't see a romance between them working out. However, despite his flaws, he seems to genuinely care about her as a friend, and they work well together as a detective team. I am as interested in reading about how that continues to work out as much as any future mysteries.

Final Opinion: It's a strong, entertaining mystery that was both enjoyable to read and finally resolved a relationship story I could have done without. As I said, I think it is my favorite from the series so far and at minimum, it has me wanting to read more.

My Grade: A

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Here are some reviews of other Agatha Raisin mysteries:

Book Review: Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by M. C. Beaton (1998)

Book Review: Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (1992)

Book Review: Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet by M. C. Beaton (1993)

Book Review: Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage by M. C. Beaton (1996)