Dead on Target by M.C. Beaton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Carsely is having their harvest fete and Agatha takes an interest in the archery demonstration. She even tries her hand at it, unfortunately, a lost puppy from the dog show distracts her and she totally flubs her first try. But we know everything Agatha is done perfectly and successfully so her second attempt is a bullseye shot. While she's trying to discreetly eat a sausage roll, the puppy makes another appearance. The puppy drags Agatha into the tree line where she discovers a dead body with an arrow shot through the heart.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

September 2023; Minotaur Books; 978-1250898647
audio, ebook, print (256 pages); cozy mystery

I enjoy the occasional Agatha Raisin novel. I hadn't read any of them in a while when I picked up the last book Devil's Delight (read my review). It was the first one I read since Beaton died and I really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to reading this new book Dead on Target.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this quite as much. It's mostly because Agatha is so obsessed with how she looks and the comments she makes about other people's appearance - it just got old real fast. She even makes the comment about how it makes her sound shallow and self-centered. The other character assured her it didn't but all I could think was it so does. But we also see that she isn't truly shallow - that she cares deeply about people.

I'm not sure how I feel about the mystery. It was interesting but involved a bunch of people I didn't know or care about. I'm also not a fan of bringing all the "suspects" together in one room and revealing the killer. 

It is a quick, light read. And for the most part, I enjoyed it. Whether you are an Agatha Raisin fan or just want a fun read, then be sure to put this book on your reading list.

Buy Dead on Target at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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