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Publisher's Summary

Cotswolds inhabitants are used to inclement weather, but the night sky is especially foggy as Rory and Molly Devere, the new vicar and his wife, drive slowly home from a dinner party in their village of Sumpton Harcourt. They strain to see the road ahead - and then suddenly brake, screeching to a halt. Right in front of them, aglow in the headlights, a body hangs from a gnarled tree at the edge of town. Margaret Darby, an elderly spinster, has been murdered - and the villagers are bewildered as to who would commit such a crime.

Agatha Raisin rises to the occasion (a little glad for the excitement, to tell the truth, after a long run of lost cats and divorces on the books). But Sumpton Harcourt is a small and private village, she finds - a place that poses more questions than answers. And when two more murders follow the first, Agatha begins to fear for her reputation - and even her life. That the village has its own coven of witches certainly doesn't make her feel any better....

Cover design by David Baldeosingh Rotstein.

©2017 M. C. Beaton (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

What members say

Average Customer Ratings

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Audible.com.au reviews
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Ozzie
  • 27-03-2018

Great book!

Another thoroughly entertaining story by M.C. Beaton featuring Agatha Raisin, superbly narrated by Penelope Keith. Love these books.

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Karen
  • 17-12-2017

Woeful!

I have every Agatha Raisin audiobook that is narrated by Penelope Keith, and have greatly enjoyed the escapism and beautiful narration.

This book is just a mess. The once beautiful character interaction has become sour, and some personalities have completely changed. Agatha is lacklustre.

There are also so many editing errors. One example: after a conversation between Charles and Agatha regarding her having bought a car without Sat Nav, a little further on in the book Agatha is being directed by her Sat Nav. This is one of so many discrepancies. Also the main character Mrs Bloxby’s first name has changed from Margaret to Sarah!

The narrative wanders off on irrelevancies that seem to have no point, or make any sense.

I forced myself to keep reading, although I was tempted to quit so many times. Please concentrate on writing the best of Agatha Raisin without rushing - perhaps two books a year is too many. Forget the amusing but lacking TV series, and go back to the intelligent writing of Agatha Raisin’s adventures.

At the beginning of the book I wondered why Penelope Keith didn’t seem to have her heart and soul into the narration. Now I understand - imagine having to read this appalling book with gusto!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Cathy Swanson
  • 02-12-2017

Most Enjoyable

M C Beaton does it again. a thoroughly enjoyable read. A storey with good pace, twists and turns and the meticulous unearthing of the culprits. Agatha Raisen never disappoints.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • KI Girl
  • 23-03-2018

A slight disappointment, but I want more Agatha !

Any additional comments?

I came to the Agatha Raisin novels via the TV series, having enjoyed that immensely, although there has been much said by others on other forums about the change in age and appearance of Agatha from book to screen...but as Agatha herself would say... " that's just television !..."

I spent the first half of 2017, on my long drives to and from work listening to the delightful Penelope Keith throughout M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series to date. She kept me entertained with tales of Agatha's adventures and misadventures, the ups and downs of her love life, and her uncanny ability to 'solve' crimes, so it was with great anticipation that I pre-ordered Book 28 The Witches Tree....

Penelope Keith did not disappoint, she IS the indefatigable Agatha Raisin.

The story was not as strong as some of the earlier books, and in particular I felt the absence (or lack of presence - not sure which - will have to re-listen !) of a couple of previous key supporting characters. But it was still thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait for the next installment. I will, no doubt enjoy a re-listen of The Witches Tree, along with the earlier Agatha Raisin tales in the coming months whilst waiting...

As one of the earlier reviewers put it - long may Agatha Raisin never age !

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Amazon Customer
  • 29-11-2017

Brilliant

I have waited so long for this book to come out and I was not disappointed. I can not wait for the next one. Fantastic story which gave me several giggles and Dame Penelope Keith is just awesome to listen to.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • AndreaW
  • 28-11-2017

Another good tale from M.C. Beaton.

Agatha and friends solve another murder mystery. All carried along at the usual pace with bodies and failed romances along the way. Most enjoyable. Roll on the next one, may she never age.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Salter
  • 01-05-2018

Dull, weak storyline....

Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one at all. I thought the storyline was weak, it deviated a lot into some strange ramblings, and overall it was generally dull. I felt this could have been so much better, but there wasn't much to the characters, and I couldn't get to grips with who Agatha was (other than a broody middle aged woman!).
I don't think I'll be actively seeking out more from this series.
Good Performance by Penelope Keith.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Queenie75
  • 03-02-2018

Really dull & silly

I love Penelope Keith - she reads beautifully but I’m afraid this book was not my cup of tea. The story was weak and predictable & the characters just didn’t come to life for me. I still love Penelope Keith though.....!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • MKMcD
  • 03-04-2018

Disappointed

Having read quite a few of the Agatha Raisin stories I was very disappointed with this one. The story was all over the place and to be honest I was glad when it finished!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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  • Brenda
  • 02-04-2018

Perfect book for an insomniac

I made it to chapter 4 before losing the will to live.
No idea what had happened up to that point and no longer cared.
The first of hundreds of listens that I’ve not managed to complete.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sharron
  • 03-02-2018

Another mad murder

Would you listen to Agatha Raisin: The Witches' Tree again? Why?

I enjoy all of M C Beaton characters and can listen to her stories on repeat as long as I leave it a couple of years between listens.

What did you like best about this story?

Everyone has such an evil side interspersed with true kindness, as in real m fe

What about Penelope Keith’s performance did you like?

I am a fan of Penelope Keith so anything read by her is for me, a bonus

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I frequently laugh

Any additional comments?

Please let Agatha meet someone who truly loves her!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Mr. P. Hoggan
  • 07-08-2018

A Cracking good listen!

After catching snatches of an Agatha Raisin story on BBC R4 Extra, this was my introduction to a full work. The story keeps moving along and kept me listening. Penelope Keith's dramatisation of Agatha and the other characters is wonderful - I felt I was listening to a full cast recording. Now just bought my second Agatha Raisin and looking forward to it.