M C Beaton Agatha raisin and the walkers of dembley

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: 'M.

Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem.

' Publishers Weekly 'The detective novels of M.

Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.

' The Times 'Being a cranky, middle-aged female myself, I found Agatha charming!' Amazon customer review 'I dream of being able to speak out like Aggie .

she's a heroine!' A.

Lucas, Essex, reader review.