M C Beaton

[Debfrank]

I have just finished reading the complete Agatha Raisin series and the complete Hamish Macbeth. I am now looking for a similar author - writes a series of books with one main character, easy read, gentle humour and, if possible, a hint of crime. Would be so grateful for any suggestions.

[dr pop]

i KNOW ITS NOT AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION BUT WHAT ARE THE AGATHA RAISIN BOOKS LIKE?I bought the first one-the quiche of death- but have not got around to reading it yet.Have read all the Hamish MacBeth books which I find a great ,nice easy read.Have also read the same author`s Edwardian Mystery Murder books-both of which are excellent.

[shaneystar2]

Agatha Raisin is great ..nice gentle english village type murder mysteries .
Try the Ellie Quicke ones by Veronica Heley starting with
Murder At the Altar..I have read them all ..very enjoyable
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/veronica-h eley/

[Golem]

The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.

There are about 5 or 6 in the series.

[Hellion]

The Marcus Didius Falco books by Lyndsey Davies - he's an ancient roman 'private eye' (sounds odd but trust me), first one is 'The Silver Pigs' try and read them in order as the books do progress. They tick all your boxes and you learn quite a lot about ancient romans!!

Also the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich arevery funny, a good dose of romance but a little edgier as far as crime goes. Again read them in order titles have numbers in them.

[puddycat]

You could try Southern Sisters Mysteries by Anne George or, Diane Mott Davidson's catering mysteries or, Carolyn Hart's Death on Demand mysteries.

[librarywitch]

Have you ever tried the Miss Pargeter books by Simon Brett. I found them a bit similar to the Agatha Raisin ones in that the lead character is an older lady!! Very easy to read.

[greenrook]

following what librarywitch said, (with which I agree) didn't Simon Brett also write about an alcoholic actor called Charles Paris or Parris with a penchant for detective work?

[Debfrank]

The Agatha Raisin books are a wonderful read - very addictive - try to read them in order as there are characters that stay throughout the series. If you do a search on M C Beaton, you can get a list of them in order.

[shaneystar2]

Simon Brett did indeed write the Charles Paris books,greenrook ...which reminds me that he has also written another excellent series The Fethering mysteries.These feature a couple of amateur sleuths ,a retired civil servant and her dotty neighbour who live on the coast in the fictional small town of Fethering.
The first one is The Body on the Beach.A very good read.
Another series best read in order though.
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/simon-bret t/

[Debfrank]

Many thanks Shaneystar2. I am going to give the Veronica Heley books a shot - they look to be just what I was looking for.

Once again - Thanks.