Agatha Raisin & the Haunted House

***Agatha Raisin & the Haunted House*** is the first episode of the third season of *Agatha Raisin*. The episode was written by Julia Gilbert and directed by Carolina Giammetta. It aired October 28, 2019 as a Halloween special on Acorn TV.

The episode is based on the *Agatha Raisin* book of the same name.

## Synopsis

Carsely is bursting with excitement over the launch of Agatha’s new detective agency. However, when the agency fails to attract any clients Agatha is left devastated. Unable to bear seeing Agatha so heartbroken, James suggests they investigate the haunting of Ivy Hall, a mystery that has baffled locals and treasure hunters alike for centuries, as the perfect way to drum up business.

## Plot

Carsely is bursting with excitement over the launch of Agatha’s new detective agency. However, when the agency fails to attract any clients Agatha is left devastated. Unable to bear seeing Agatha so heartbroken, James suggests they investigate the haunting of Ivy Hall, a mystery that has baffled locals and treasure hunters alike for centuries, as the perfect way to drum up business.

When Agatha learns that the owner of Ivy Hall, Olivia Witherspoon, has been left terrified by the hauntings and the police are refusing to help, it’s all the motivation she needs to spring into action.

As they arrive at Ivy Hall Agatha and James are shocked to find that Olivia Witherspoon isn’t the timid old lady they were expecting, but a ferocious battle-axe of a woman. Olivia takes an instant dislike to Agatha accusing her of having low morals and even lower necklines. Olivia’s wrath is only placated when Agatha promises to solve the mystery and learn what secrets lie hidden in Ivy Hall. In need of serious back up, Agatha turns to Sarah and Roy for help. Sarah and Roy promise to check out the local pub for any clues on who might have a vendetta against Olivia, whilst Agatha and James stakeout Ivy Hall.

As Sarah and Roy enter the pub, they’re surprised to find it bursting with civil war re-enactors. Initially thrown by all the costumes, they learn from the pub landlord that the local historical society The Cross Swords are hosting their latest re-enactment at Sir Charles’ estate after falling out with Olivia. Probing the landlord for more details, it isn’t long before they discover that Olivia is universally despised by the locals for her abrasive and meddling nature. Even her own children despise her after she disowned them for failing to live up to her exacting standards. With the entire village seemingly having a personal connection and motive for wanting Olivia gone, it’s clear that solving the mystery of Ivy Hall will be anything but simple.

Meanwhile, the stakeout proves short-lived when a ghostly apparition leaves the two intrepid detectives terrified and running for their lives. Regrouping at the cottage, Agatha is horrified to find it looking like it’s been ransacked. Fearing that someone has broken in to search for evidence, Agatha is instead perplexed to find Gemma’s cousin, Toni, standing sheepishly in the lounge. Confessing that Gemma has sent her to clean in her absence, but things didn’t quite go to plan, Agatha is about to fire her when she discovers Toni has a unique gift. Sensing an opportunity, Agatha doesn’t waste a moment in recruiting a new member of the gang to help with the investigation.

When a body is found the next day, Agatha and James have their work cut out for them as they attempt to track down the killer. As they delve deeper into the mystery it becomes apparent that the killer’s obsession with the treasure stretches back further than anyone first thought possible.

## Cast

* Mathew Horne as Roy Silver
* Jason Merrells as Sir Charles Fraith
* Jamie Glover as James Lacey
* Matt McCooey as DC Bill Wong
* Lucy Liemann as Sarah Bloxby
* Jason Barnett as DCI Wilkes
* Jodie Tyack as Toni Gilmour
* Marcia Warren as Mrs. Boggle
* James Dreyfus as Harry Witherspoon
* Claire Cox as Carol Witherspoon
* Mark Aiken as Florian Devere
* David Newman as Percy Fleming
* Joe Sims as Barry Briar
* Clare Holman as Robin Barley

## Gallery

* Episode stills
* Promotional shots
* Behind the scenes

## Videos

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House Official Trailer
## Trivia

* The episode was filmed during March and April of 2019.
* Exterior shots of Bladon Antiques were filmed in the town of Corsham in Wiltshire.
* This episode was promoted as a Halloween special and first aired in late October, 2019; as such, it can be assumed that the events of this episode also took place during October of 2019.
* The Crossed Swords were played by members of the real life reenactment society, The Sealed Knot.
* The French premiere of this episode was originally scheduled to air May 30, 2021 but was delayed by a week due to the French Open tennis tournament (which was in turn postponed a week due to COVID-19 measures).

### Continuity

* Having previously announced her intentions to become a professional private investigator, Agatha has now earned her private detective license. (TV: *Agatha Raisin & the Curious Curate*)
* Olivia Witherspoon's extensive notes about her calls to the police name PC Beech. (TV: *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*)

### Cultural references

* Agatha mentions feeling like Brigitte Bardot driving through the French Riviera while James compares her to Marilyn Monroe speeding down Route 66.
	+ Agatha consequently names her new car Marilyn.

## International premieres

* Australia
	+ February 8, 2020 (Part 1)
	+ February 15, 2020 (Part 2)
* Nordic region (Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark)
	+ February 11, 2020 (Part 1)
	+ February 18, 2020 (Part 2)
* UK
	+ June 10, 2020 (Parts 1 & 2)
* Netherlands
	+ June 29, 2020 (Part 1)
	+ July 6, 2020 (Part 2)
* Germany
	+ August 7, 2020 (Parts 1 & 2)
* South Africa
	+ August 7, 2020 (Part 1)
	+ August 14, 2020 (Part 2)
* Spain
	+ April 26, 2021 (Part 1)
	+ May 3, 2021 (Part 2)
* France
	+ June 6, 2021 (Parts 1 & 2)