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M. C. Beaton
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The Vicious Vet Mass Market Paperback – August 29, 2006

by M. C. Beaton (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 3,515 ratings
See all formats and editions

Beloved author M.C. Beaton has delighted readers and fans alike with her Agatha Raisin mysteries. Now here is the second novel in the series that started it all…The Vicious Vet.

A PURR-FECT CRIME IN THE COTSWOLDS
Former London PR agent, Agatha Raisin still hasn't adjusted to village life where the only prospect for a hot evening out is a meeting of the Ladies Society. And since her overtures toward James Lacey―the retired military man next door―have failed, Agatha jumps at the chance to visit the new vet, who's single and good-looking. Although Agatha's tabby hasn't a thing wrong with him, Hodge endures having a thermometer shoved up his bum in the name of romance. Unfortunately his sacrifice is all for naught when the vet is soon found dead next to a high-strung horse.

The police call the vet's demise a freak accident, but Agatha convinces the hard-to-get James Lacey, who's also bored in the Cotswolds, that playing amateur detective might be fun. Unfortunately, just like curiosity killed the cat, Agatha's inept snooping is soon a motivation for murder...

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Previous page
  1. Book 2 of 35
    Agatha Raisin Mysteries
  2. Print length
    224 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    St. Martin's Paperbacks
  5. Publication date
    August 29, 2006
  6. Dimensions
    4.21 x 0.59 x 6.73 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0312939450
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0312939458
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A lively and entertaining tale.” ―BookLoons

"Anyone interested in a few hours' worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin."
―The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"I simply love mysteries that have all the requirements necessary to make them great―the characters, the action, the plots, and that thing we call humanity. Beaton has them all in spades."
--Tulsa World

From the Back Cover

Beloved author M.C. Beaton has delighted readers and fans alike with her Agatha Raisin mysteries. Now here is the second novel in the series that started it all…

A PURR-FECT CRIME IN THE COTSWOLDS
Former London PR agent, Agatha Raisin still hasn't adjusted to village life where the only prospect for a hot evening out is a meeting of the Ladies Society. And since her overtures toward James Lacey―the retired military man next door―have failed, Agatha jumps at the chance to visit the new vet, who's single and good-looking. Although Agatha's tabby hasn't a thing wrong with him, Hodge endures having a thermometer shoved up his bum in the name of romance. Unfortunately his sacrifice is all for naught when the vet is soon found dead next to a high-strung horse.

The police call the vet's demise a freak accident, but Agatha convinces the hard-to-get James Lacey, who's also bored in the Cotswolds, that playing amateur detective might be fun. Unfortunately, just like curiosity killed the cat, Agatha's inept snooping is soon a motivation for murder...

"Anyone interested in a few hours' worth of intelligent, amusing reading will want to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Agatha Raisin."
―The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"I simply love mysteries that have all the requirements necessary to make them great―the characters, the action, the plots, and that thing we call humanity. Beaton has them all in
spades."
--Tulsa World

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Paperbacks (August 29, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312939450
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312939458
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.21 x 0.59 x 6.73 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 3,515 ratings

About the author

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M. C. Beaton

M. C. Beaton

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M.C. BEATON (1936-2019) was the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Agatha Raisin novels -- the basis for the hit show on Acorn TV and public television -- as well as the Hamish Macbeth series and the Edwardian Murder Mysteries featuring Lady Rose Summer. Known as the “Queen of Crime” (The Globe and Mail), she was born in Scotland and started her career writing historical romances under several pseudonyms as well as her maiden name, Marion Chesney.

For updates, follow M.C. Beaton at facebook.com/MCBeatonAuthor. You can find complete book lists and sign up for her exclusive fan newsletter at her website, www.MCBeaton.com.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
3,515 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

jtass
5.0 out of 5 stars The further adventures of Agatha Raisin
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2007
Verified Purchase
This is the second book in the Agatha Raisin series following the debut novel, AGATHA RAISIN AND THE QUICHE OF DEATH.

Agatha Raisin had clawed her way to the top of the London PR business, and once she was on top Agatha had decided to quit while she was ahead and had sold her business and retired to a village in the Cotswolds fulfilling a childhood dream. Once there she discovered that she did not know what to do with her free time. Fortunately for Agatha she stumbled onto new interests, solving murders and the attractive man next door, James Lackey. She had thought that one would be a one-time thing and hoped that the other would lead to something more permanent.

As THE VICIOUS VET opens Agatha has taken a Caribbean vacation, one that would just happen to put her in proximity of James Lackey who she is quite actively pursuing. Alas, poor Agatha's plans fall apart, and she returns home in a foul mood. To her delight she finds that a new vet office has opened up in her sleepy little village and the vet is a charming, handsome man. Agatha has set her sights on a new quarry even after she discovers that his patient skills are somewhat lacking. Before she can make much headway in her new romance the doctor dies under, what seem to her at least, some questionable circumstances. Agatha finds herself paired with James as they once again attempt to uncover the truth.

This is a typical cozy series mystery. The main attraction here is not a clever mystery to challenge the reader but rather a pleasant visit to a lovely spot filled with charming characters. The mystery takes second place to the amusing (mis)adventures of Agatha and the other village inhabitants. This is a light, charming, quick read, a great book to curl up with for a few hours of pleasant escapism.
5 people found this helpful
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Patto
4.0 out of 5 stars Agatha goes silly over men
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022
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In this second Agatha Raisin book, two attractive men appear in the neighborhood. The new vet is so handsome that every single woman with a cat or dog can be found in his waiting room when it opens. Among them is Agatha with her cat, who has nothing wrong with him. His office becomes less popular when it becomes clear he doesn’t like dogs and cats, but rather likes race horses and farm animals.

Then a very attractive middle aged man moves into the cottage next door to Agatha. Her attempts to attract him are over the top. I realize this is high comedy, but I didn’t like seeing Agatha reduced to a spinster who goes silly over men.

Nonetheless, the book gets interesting when the vet dies a very odd death. Agatha hopes it’s murder so she can play detective again (as in the first book). She does manage to entice her good-looking neighbor into sleuthing with her.

Despite Agatha’s ridiculous behavior, I found The Vicious Vet entertaining. I particularly like the character of young Police Officer Wong, who is Chinese descent and charmingly tolerant of Agatha’s foibles. I can see this series is going to be very light reading, but amusing.
3 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🎎
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
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This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2

As a fan of M C Newton I had listened or read books available so I am so happy to find the series on Kindle Unlimited.

Agatha is happy when a new vet opens a surgery plus all the other women in the village. Then he is dead. Was it an accident or murder? Agatha is asking questions when a woman dies. Then strange events are occurring. Then it all comes together.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024
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Molon Latte
3.0 out of 5 stars Agatha Raisin mysteries
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
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I really hope Agatha’s character develops in a more positive way over the next few books. I bought several of these thinking that I would like them as much as the tv series. Unfortunately, I do not like them very much at all. Agatha’s character has very few redeeming qualities. I don’t see what the point of writing a main character this unlikeable would be. The supporting characters are okay but it’s not enough to hold interest. Too bad.
One person found this helpful
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MattIM
5.0 out of 5 stars Agatha Raisin Is Very Funny
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2022
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And interesting. This is the second installment of M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin Mysteries. The primary characters, such as Detective Bill Wong, the vicar’s wife Mrs. Bloxi, next door neighbor and fantasy man (of Agatha) are more defined and provide interest to Agatha’s character.

M.C. Beaton’s story telling is superb.
2 people found this helpful
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Another Book Lady
4.0 out of 5 stars Agatha Strikes Again!
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2022
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While Agatha was not the salty bitty she was in the first book, what I loved about her in this book was the very slight, but obvious growth. MC Beaton clearly worked on some character development for Agatha. Losing that bit of the hard edge by living in the Cotswolds has made her more likable in my opinion (although I already liked her when she was more hard-core). Making friends and trying to get her handsome neighbor to take notice of her gave her some new personality traits.
I really understood her feelings of insecurity, and her hilarity when she tries to better a bad situation and only ends up making it worse.
I like that the books are basically one day reads. Again I followed along with the audible narration-this time read by Diana Bishop.
One person found this helpful
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Bob Poynton
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun read
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2022
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Agatha is a most annoying woman, insecure, bossy, obnoxious, understanding, good friend, self interested, generous and smart. No reason why I should love her, but if Mrs. Bloxby can, I guess you can, too. Enjoy!
2 people found this helpful
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Janet L. Fritsche
5.0 out of 5 stars Nosey Agatha strikes again!
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021
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So far I am really enjoying this series. Agatha is quite the character. I’m so tired of “perfect” protagonists that always do and say the right thing! Agatha is a work in progress, an evolving woman who can make some serious social blunders but in the end, she does the right thing.
The storyline in this book was interesting and full of twists. The usual gang of characters from the village make an appearance which is another thing I like in these books. I think it helps to flesh out the main character and give that sense of familiarity that I like in a series.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Elaine Frost
5.0 out of 5 stars good value ,quick delivery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
book was as described , only remark is that it is a bit well used otherwise O.K.
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Client d'Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Inconditionnels
Reviewed in France on July 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
Achèté en Anglais , on adore le côté : je me mêle de tout d’Agatha
Pour ceux qui aiment le genre , bon moment assuré
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Susan burgess
5.0 out of 5 stars What a hoot!
Reviewed in Canada on September 2, 2020
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I do so enjoy Agatha Raisin mysteries, anything M.C. Beaton. Every story entertains and makes me want more.
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Carol
3.0 out of 5 stars A little bit boring
Reviewed in Spain on August 24, 2021
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I've read several Agatha Raisin books and I usually enjoy them quite a lot. This one was a little disappointing, to me. I didn't care much for the mystery and the Agatha/James dynamic felt a little boring, this time. Still, I intend to read more books in the series. I really appreciate the writer's wit and sense of humour.
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carlo
5.0 out of 5 stars Arrivato nei tempi previsti
Reviewed in Italy on July 30, 2021
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Ottimo venditore:da Inghilterra arrivato nei tempi previsti e tutto ok.
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