Books On Board

Agatha Raisin Books in Order

  • 39 Books
  • 1992 – 2010 Published

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Reading order
2 of 2 reading orders shown

Where to Start with Agatha Raisin

For the best reading experience, you should start with the book that launched the series: The Quiche of Death (1992). This novel introduces Agatha Raisin as a sharp-tongued, recently retired London PR executive who moves to the picturesque Cotswolds village of Carsely, only to find herself investigating a murder linked to a store-bought quiche.

If you prefer to read in absolute chronological order, you can begin with the prequel novella, Agatha's First Case (2015). However, most fans recommend reading this after you have already grown fond of Agatha, as it serves as a fun flashback to her PR days in London rather than the primary entry point to her Cotswolds adventures.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Caveats

We strongly recommend reading the Agatha Raisin books in their publication order. The series is heavily character-driven; reading them sequentially allows you to watch Agatha evolve from an insecure outsider into a seasoned amateur sleuth (and eventually the head of Raisin Investigations). It also keeps the ongoing subplots of her turbulent love life—especially her relationships with James Lacey and Sir Charles Fraith—in the correct order.

While the primary books follow a linear timeline, there are a few short stories and novellas (like Christmas Crumble and Hell's Bells) interspersed. These are brief, festive additions that fit best when read directly between the novels published around the same time.

The Agatha Raisin Series in Order

Below is the complete sequence of the Agatha Raisin books, including the latest additions co-authored or written by R.W. Green following M.C. Beaton's passing in 2019:

  • The Quiche of Death (1992)
  • The Vicious Vet (1993)
  • The Potted Gardener (1994)
  • The Walkers of Dembley (1995)
  • The Murderous Marriage (1996)
  • The Terrible Tourist (1997)
  • The Wellspring of Death (1998)
  • The Wizard of Evesham (1999)
  • The Witch of Wyckhadden (1999)
  • The Fairies of Fryfam (2000)
  • The Love from Hell (2001)
  • The Day the Floods Came (2002)
  • The Case of the Curious Curate (2003)
  • The Haunted House (2003)
  • The Deadly Dance (2004)
  • The Perfect Paragon (2005)
  • Love, Lies and Liquor (2006)
  • Kissing Christmas Goodbye (2007)
  • A Spoonful of Poison (2008)
  • There Goes the Bride (2009)
  • Busy Body (2010)
  • As the Pig Turns (2011)
  • Hiss and Hers (2012)
  • Christmas Crumble (2012 - Novella)
  • Something Borrowed, Someone Dead (2013)
  • Hell's Bells (2013 - Novella)
  • The Blood of an Englishman (2014)
  • Agatha's First Case (2015 - Prequel Novella)
  • Dishing the Dirt (2015)
  • Pushing up Daisies (2016)
  • The Witches' Tree (2017)
  • The Dead Ringer (2018)
  • Beating about the Bush (2019)
  • Hot to Trot (2020 - Continued by R.W. Green)
  • Down the Hatch (2021 - Continued by R.W. Green)
  • Devil's Delight (2022 - Continued by R.W. Green)
  • Dead on Target (2023 - Continued by R.W. Green)
  • Killing Time (2024 - Continued by R.W. Green)
  • Sugar and Spite (2025 - Continued by R.W. Green)
  • Dead Before Teatime (Forthcoming October 2026 - Continued by R.W. Green)

Agatha Raisin Non-Fiction Companion

For die-hard fans looking to dive deeper into the series lore, recipe ideas, and the Cotswolds setting, M.C. Beaton released The Agatha Raisin Companion in 2010. This non-fiction guide serves as a delightful glossary of the characters, places, and humor that make Carsely feel like home.

Frequently Asked

Can I read Agatha Raisin books out of order?

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, we highly recommend reading them in order. Agatha's personal relationships, career changes, and general character growth carry over heavily from book to book.

Who is currently writing the Agatha Raisin series?

Following the death of original creator M.C. Beaton (Marion Chesney) in 2019, the series has been continued by her close friend and writer R.W. Green, starting with Hot to Trot in 2020.

Is the Agatha Raisin television adaptation faithful to the books?

The Acorn TV series starring Ashley Jensen captures the humorous spirit of the cozy mysteries, but it makes several departures. Characters' ages, appearances, and relationship dynamics are modernized compared to M.C. Beaton's original books.

Where does Agatha Raisin live in the books?

Agatha lives in the fictional, idyllic Cotswolds village of Carsely. The books also feature neighboring fictional and real-life Gloucestershire locations such as Mircester and Evesham.

Which Agatha Raisin book is the first one?

The first full-length novel in the series is The Quiche of Death, published in 1992.

Are there any Agatha Raisin novellas?

Yes. The series features short story spin-offs and novellas, including Christmas Crumble, Hell's Bells, and the prequel novella Agatha's First Case.