recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Jez Bloxby

* Television series
* Book series

"*Agatha decided that the Reverend Bloxby was a rare bird in the much-maligned aviary of the Church of England—a man who believed what he preached.*"
―*Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*
**Jez Bloxby** was a recurring character in the first season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation. Jez is a reimagined version of **Alf Bloxby**, who regularly appears in the original book series.

He is Carsely's reverend.

He is portrayed by Rhashan Stone.

## Biography

### Early life

Jez grew up in Ghana during the civil war. He was enrolled in a school funded by English philanthropist Teddy Ballard but run by the church. His parents were notorious for fighting alongside the government and torturing and murdering innocent people. They were both executed towards the end of the war, leaving him an orphan. He was later brought to England to continue his studies. Once in England he took up an English name and tried to forget his troubled past and family. (TV: *Hell's Bells*)

### Season 1

Jez worked closely with recent incomer Amanda Ballard, who he secretly knew before she moved to Carsely, to organise the restoration of the church's belfry ahead of an upcoming visit from the bishop. (TV: *Hell's Bells*)

Jez performed Agatha Raisin and James Lacey's marriage ceremony. (TV: *The Murderous Marriage*)

### Season 2

Sometime before the events of Season 2 took place, Jez left Carsely to begin missionary work in Nigeria. (The Curious Curate)

### Season 3

Jez was due to return to Carsely but, much to Sarah's dismay, his missionary work was extended further. (As the Pig Turns)

## Appearances

* Television appearances
* Book appearances

* Agatha Raisin & the Quiche of Death

**Season 1 (4/8)*** 1.02 - Hell's Bells
* 1.04 - The Potted Gardener
* 1.06 - The Day the Floods Came
* 1.08 - The Murderous Marriage

## Trivia

* Jez runs marriage counselling courses. (TV: *Agatha Raisin & the Fairies of Fryfam*)
Helen Freedman

**Mrs. Freedman** is a recurring character in the *Agatha Raisin* book series.

She is Agatha Raisin's secretary at Raisin Investigations, where she is largely responsible for handling the company's admin.

## Personality

She is hardworking and efficient, with strong and often accurate instincts. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot*)

## Physical Appearance

Mrs. Feedman is described as a middle-aged woman with a kindly expression. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot*)

## Appearances

Book appearances

* 18 - Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye
* 31 - Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot
Amy Beech

* Television series
* Book series

**Amy Beech** is a character in the third season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*.

She was an employee at Hollies and the ex-wife of Gary Beech.

She was portrayed by Linette Beaumont.

## Biography

### Television series

Amy used to be married to Gary Beech. Since then she turned to working at ‘Hollies’ out of necessity, hoping to save up enough money to start her life again in Florida. She had a difficult relationship with the Marciniak brothers, due to constantly bossing them around. (TV: *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*)

## Appearances

* 3.04 - Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns
* 22 - Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns
Bernard Boggle

* Television series
* Book series

**Mr. Boggle** is a recurring character in the *Agatha Raisin* book series, as well as the subsequent radio adaptation and during the first season of the television series.

He is a long term resident of Carsely.

He was portrayed by Richard Durden.

## Biography

### Season 1

Mr. Boggle and his wife were taken to Bath by Agatha Raisin and Gemma Simpson. (The Quiche of Death)

Agatha later spotted the him with a pair of car keys, leading her to question why Carsely locals take turns driving the couple around. She soon deduced that the pair had acquired a car of their own and were secretly the joyriders who had recently arrived in the village. (The Potted Gardener)

Mr. Boggle and his wife attended the wedding of Agatha and James Lacey. (The Murderous Marriage)

## Physical Appearance

### Book series

Mr. Boggle is described as a a small, spry and wrinkled man. (Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death)

## Appearances

* Agatha Raisin & the Quiche of Death

**Season 1 (2/8)**
* 1.04 - The Potted Gardener
* 1.08 - The Murderous Marriage
* 1 - Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

## Trivia

* He has a Gloucestershire accent. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)
* He has a sister who lives in Moreton. (TV: *The Wizard of Evesham*)
Jack Pomfret

* Television series
* Book series

**Jack Pomfret** is a character in the first season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet*.

He is a public relations executive from London.

He was portrayed by Richard Mylan.

## Biography

### Book series

Taking inspiration from Agatha Raisin, Jack took early retirement from his job in public relations. He and his wife moved to Spain to fulfil his dream of running a bar. However, Jack insisted on opening up an English style bar in the Costa Del Sol, which was unsurprisingly not favoured much by the Spanish locals nor the more upper-class tourists who wished to experience Spanish culture rather than more of their own. The bar also placed a strain on his relationship with his wife, who worked hard cooking in the bar's hot kitchen whilst Jack worked front of house and flirted with customers. After the tourist season ended, the bar's already sparse clientele dried up. Ultimately, Jack was forced to sell up the short-lived business and move back to England with his wife.

Now back in London and struggling financially, the Pomfrets were living in a basement flat in a rundown area. To save face, they justified their quick return home due to the Spanish climate not suiting them. In an attempt to recover financially, he made out that he was interesting in starting up a new PR firm and invited Agatha to meet with him in London to discuss her potential involvement in the business. Although she was initially taken in by his proposal, she soon saw through his scheme. Jack was particularly annoyed as he had already spent money taking Agatha out to an expensive meal and hiring actors to impersonate businessmen at a meeting with her. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet*)

## Physical appearance

### Book series

Jack is described as being slim and having a hair-weave. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet*)

## Appearances

* 1.05 - The Vicious Vet
* 2 - Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
Agatha Raisin and the Perfect Paragon

"*She's practically perfect in every way!*"
―The Perfect Paragon's tagline
***Agatha Raisin and the Perfect Paragon*** is sixteenth book in the Agatha Raisin Mysteries series by M. C. Beaton. The story was published in 2005.

## Synopsis

After being nearly killed by both a hired hit man and her former secretary, Agatha Raisin could use some low-key cases. So when Robert Smedley walks through the door, determined to prove that his wife is cheating, Raisin Investigations immediately offers to help. Trouble is, Agatha hates divorce cases--especially when the client is as pompous as Smedley--but she has a business to run and she's not about to turn away a paying customer. Unfortunately for Agatha, Mabel Smedley appears to be the perfect wife, young and pretty and a regular volunteer at church.

Although Smedley’s case doesn’t look promising, Agatha’s attentions are diverted when she stumbles across the body of missing teenager, Jessica Bradley. In a sudden gesture of kindness (and good public relations), Agatha offers to investigate Jessica’s death free of charge.

As Agatha juggles her two biggest cases, things are turned upside down when Robert Smedley is found poisoned in his office. The prime suspect, his sainted wife Mabel, immediately hires Agatha to find the real killer.

With the help of her old friend, Sir Charles Fraith, and some newly hired staff, Agatha Raisin sets off on another adventure solving crime in the English Cotswolds.

## Characters

* **Agatha Raisin**
* **Charles Fraith**
* **Robert Smedley**
* **Mabel Smedley**
* **Jessica Bradley**

## Adaptations

### Television

*Main article: Agatha Raisin & the Perfect Paragon*
The events of this story have been adapted as part of a future season of the *Agatha Raisin* television series.
Marcia Warren

## External links

***Marcia Warren*** is an English actress. She portrays Beryl Boggle in Sky1's comedy crime drama Agatha Raisin.

## Notable filmography

### Television

* *No Place Like Home* (1983-1986) as Vera Botting
* *Dangerfield* (1996-1998) as Angela Wakefield
* *Vicious* (2013-2016) as Penelope
* *Agatha Raisin* (2014-present) as Beryl Boggle

For an up-to-date filmography, see here.
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (play)

***Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*** is a mystery comedy drama play written by Joseph Robinette based on the novel by M.C. Beaton. The play runs for 120 minutes. The script was published in 2004.

## Synopsis

Agatha Raisin, an irascible but endearing middle-aged dynamo, has impulsively sold her London public relations business and "retired" to the serenity of the Cotswolds, only to discover that it's difficult for an "incomer" to be accepted there.

Determined to make friends quickly, she enters the village quiche-making competition. To increase her odds of winning, Aggy -- whose culinary skills extend as far as the microwave -- secretly buys her quiche at a renowned London quicherie.

Not only does she not win -- the judge falls dead after eating her mysteriously poisoned entry!

What follows is a classic adventure of mystery, intrigue and comedy, as Agatha -- now a suspect -- must admit to the illicit quiche purchase which will surely make her a village outcast. On the other hand, perhaps she can exonerate herself by helping the local authorities track down the murderer.

Witty but sarcastic, lovable but exasperating, dominating but vulnerable, Agatha Raisin is a total delight (and an actress' s dream).

## Characters

### Major characters

* **Agatha Raisin**, a retired public relations director
* **Wilkes**, a detective chief inspector
* **Bill Wong**, a detective constable
* **Roy Silver**, a public relations assistant
* **Joe Fletcher**, landlord of the Red Lion tavern
* **Sheila Barr**, a neighbor of Agatha Raisin
* **Doris Simpson**, a housekeeper
* **Vera Cummings-Browne**, a resident of Carsely
* **Ella Cartwright**, a resident of Carsely
* **Margaret Bloxby**, the vicar’s wife
* **John Cartwright**, Ella Cartwright’s husband

### Minor characters

* Mr. Economides
* Steve
* Reginald Cummings-Browne
* Lord Pendlebury
* Mr. Boggle
* James Lacey
* Mrs. Mason
* Lulu
* Mrs. Boggle
* Marie Borrow
* Barbara James
* Mrs. Josephs

### Offstage voices

* Bert Simpson
* Alf Bloxby
* Mr. Jones
Maria Borrow

* Television series
* Book series

"*You poisoned my future husband.*"
―Maria Borrow in *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*
**Maria Borrow** is a character in the first season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*.

She is a local spinster who fell in love with Andy Cummings-Browne.

She was portrayed by Nichola McAuliffe.

## Biography

### Book series

Maria won the jam-making competition in Upper Cockburn three years in a row under the judging of Reg Cummings-Browne. Her wins were most likely due to the affair she was having with Reg. She loved him and was assured that he was going to divorce his wife to marry her. She believed she was engaged to Reg.

Following Reg's death, reportedly from Agatha Raisin's poisoned quiche, Maria followed Agatha to Warwick Castle. She was caught on Steve's videotape staring menacingly at Agatha, prompting curiosity from Agatha. As Maria expected, Agatha later visited her to find out why she was annoyed with Agatha. (*Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

## Physical Appearance

### Book series

Maria has grey hair and a greyish face with thin lips and pale eyes. (*Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

## Appearances

* Agatha Raisin & the Quiche of Death
* Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Raisin Investigations

**Raisin Investigations** is a freelance detective agency set up by Agatha Raisin during the events of *Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance*.

## Employees

* Agatha Raisin (founder and private detective)
* Toni Gilmour (junior detective)
* Emma Comfrey (secretary, formerly)
* Miss Simms (formerly)
* Mrs. Freedman (secretary)
* Patrick Mulligan (detective)
* Phil Marshall
* Harry Beam
* Simon Black

## Clients

* Mrs. Laggat-Brown (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance*)
* Amy Beech (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*)
* Jessica Brand (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: Hell's Bells*)

## Trivia

* When Toni Gilmour was first employed as a trainee at the agency, she earned six pounds an hour and was able to claim for 'reasonable' expenses. She was not allowed to work overtime. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye*)
* The offices are located above an antiques shop in Mircester. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot*)
* In the television adaptation, the agency is called the 'Agatha Raisin Detective Agency'.
Agatha Raisin: There Goes the Bride (book)

"*Till death does them part*"
―There Goes the Bride's tagline
***Agatha Raisin: There Goes the Bride*** is the twentieth book in the Agatha Raisin Mysteries series by M. C. Beaton. The story was published in 2009.

## Synopsis

James Lacey wandered over to the window of his hotel room. His fiancée, Felicity, was asleep. He was feeling some twinges of unease. What he loved about Felicity was the way she looked at him with her large eyes, appearing to drink in every word.

But on the plane journey, he wondered if she were listening to him. “The order to charge was given,” said James, “and a spaceship landed in the valley and some little green men got out.” “Fascinating,” breathed Felicity. “You weren’t listening!” “Just tired, darling. What were you saying?”

James heard a commotion down below the hotel. He opened the window and leaned out. A woman had tripped and fallen getting into a cab. He only got a glimpse but he was suddenly sure the woman was Agatha. A familiar voice rose on the Crimean air, “Snakes and bastards!”

Bossy, impulsive, yet hopelessly romantic, Agatha is dreading the upcoming marriage of her ex-husband, James Lacey. Although she has set her sights on a handsome and beguiling new Frenchman, she can’t quite stop obsessing about James.

Her best intentions to move on with her life are put on hold when James’s young bride is shot to death just minutes before saying “I do,” and Agatha is named the prime suspect. Agatha’s sleuthing sidekick Toni stands ready to help find the real killer, but the case proves trickier than ever.

Will her name be cleared, or has the outrageous Agatha finally had her last romp?

## Characters

* **Agatha Raisin**
* **James Lacey**
* **Felicity**
* **Toni Gilmour**

## Adaptations

### Television

*Main article: Season 4*
The events of this story were adapted as part of the fourth season of the *Agatha Raisin* television series.

## Other covers

Original UK paperback cover (Jan 2010)French paperback cover (Feb 2020)
Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley

"*Trespassers will be got shot off...*"
―The Walkers of Dembley's tagline
***Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley*** is the fourth book in the Agatha Raisin Mysteries series by M. C. Beaton. The story was published in 1995.

## Synopsis

After six months in London, Agatha Raisin returns to her beloved Cotswold village—and her dashing neighbour, James Lacey. Well, sort of. James might not be so interested in Agatha. But soon enough, Agatha becomes consumed by her other passion: crime-solving. A woman has been found dead in a lonely field nearby. Her name is Jessica Tartinck, a hiker who infuriated wealthy landowners by insisting on her hiking club’s right to trek across their properties.

Now it’s up to Agatha, with James’s help, to launch an investigation. Together, they will follow no shortage of leads; many of Jessica’s fellow Dembley walkers seem all too willing and able to commit murder. But the trail of a killer is as easy to lose as your heart—and your life. So Agatha and James had better watch their every step. . .

## Characters

* **Agatha Raisin**
* **James Lacey**
* **Jessica Tartinck**

## Television adaptation

*Main article: The Walkers of Dembley*
The events of this story were adapted as the first episode of the first season of the Agatha Raisin television series. Notably, the episode sees the early introduction of Mary Fortune as a recurring character in the show.
The Day the Floods Came

***The Day the Floods Came*** is the sixth episode of the first season of *Agatha Raisin*. The episode was written by Chris Niel and directed by Roberto Bangura. It aired July 12, 2016 on Sky One.

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

## Synopsis

Young bride Kylie Stokes is found dead, her body apparently drowned in a flash flood in the area. But as horrid details surrounding her death come to light, Agatha resolves to crack the case herself.

## Plot

The village is in shock when a young bride is found dead in the river, shortly after her wedding at Charles's manor. Despite being warned off by the police and (rather suspiciously) by Charles,  Agatha decides to investigate, posing as a TV producer alongside Roy, Gemma and James to dig up the bride's sordid history.

However, when Agatha is struck down in the street, she starts to question whether she ought to have listened to Bill and Charles's advice. And when a man disappears and a local photography enthusiast offers a vital clue to his whereabouts, Agatha once again walks straight into danger.

## Cast

* Mathew Horne as Roy Silver
* Katy Wix as Gemma Simpson
* Jamie Glover as James Lacey
* Matt McCooey as DC Bill Wong
* Jason Barnett as DC Wilkes
* Lucy Liemann as Sarah Bloxby
* Rhashan Stone as Rev Jez Bloxby
* Jason Merrells as Sir Charles Fraith
* Francesca Zoutewelle as Joanna Field
* Martyn Ellis as Bernie Barrington
* Tom York as Zac Leeson
* Stephanie Schonfield as Freda Stokes
* Ruby Snape as Rita
* Alexander Kirk as News Reporter
* Zina Badran as Phyllis Heger
* Charlie Lees-Massey as Sharon Heath
* Mark Arden as Terry Leeson
* Terrence Hardman as Mr Green

## Gallery

* Episode stills
* Promotional shots

## Trivia

* The events of this episode take place during late September 2016, according to the date given in an issue of The Cotswold Gazette as well as the dates shown on Kylie Stokes's bank statement.

### Cultural references

* When pitching his cover story as a reality show producer to Bernie, Roy mentions *Central Perk*, *The Queen Vic* and the *Rovers Return* from *Friends*, *EastEnders* and *Coronation Street*, respectively, as examples of popular TV hangout spaces.

## International premieres

* March 3, 2017 (Germany)
* July 9, 2017 (France)
* February 22, 2021 (Spain)
Phyllis Tamworthy

* Television series
* Book series

**Phyllis Tamworthy** was a character in the fourth season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye*.

She was the much unliked owner of the village of Lower Tapor, known for treating everyone as if they were below her.

She was portrayed by Maggie McCarthy.

## Biography

### Television series

During the Christmas season, Phyllis invited her two daughters and son over to announce that she will be donating the entirety of her large fortune to a charity. Worried about how both her family and the village might react, Phyllis hired the Agatha Raisin Detective Agency to provide her with protection. Consequently, an undercover Agatha Raisin and Roy Silver were also in attendance at the Tamworthy family celebration along with Phyllis's cook, Doris Crampton, and Mrs. Boggle who had been hired to serve the dinner. That evening, Phyllis was poisoned after her sherry was spiked with hemlock. (Agatha Raisin: Kissing Christmas Goodbye)

## Personality

### Television series

Santa-loving victim Phyllis Tamworthy wasn’t particularly well-liked, neither by her children, her staff nor the local pagans. (Agatha Raisin: Kissing Christmas Goodbye)

## Physical appearance

### Book series

Phyllis is described as a small and stout womam. She had deep wrinkes around her small black eyes but smooth cheecks. (Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye)

## Appearances

* 4.01 - Agatha Raisin: Kissing Christmas Goodbye
* 18 - Agatha Raisin and Kissing Christmas Goodbye
Ella Hamilton

**Ella Hamilton**, better known as her alias **Eirwen Jones**, is a character in the fourth season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation. Ella is a reimagined version of Felicity Bross-Tilkington, from the novel of *Agatha Raisin: There Goes the Bride*.

She was James Lacey's bride-to-be who was shot on the morning of the wedding.

She was portrayed by Elen Rhys.

## Biography

Ella was in a relationship with Monty Jones. The two planned to con Olivia Davies out of her business; this was almost achieved by Monty marrying Olivia and pretending Ella was his daughter, Eirwen. 'Eirwen' could then inherit shares of Olivia's business. However, Ella got tired of pretending to be her boyfriend's daughter. She entered meaningless relationships with other men, even getting engaged to two of them in order to make Monty jealous. This was successful as he would pay off these men to break off their engagements to her before their weddings. This was until she fell in love with James Lacey for real and wanted to end her relationship with Monty.

On the morning of her wedding to James, Monty shot her as he was jealous that he could no longer have her.

## Appearances

**Season 4 (1/4)**
* 4.04 - Agatha Raisin: There Goes the Bride
Upper Cockburn

**Upper Cockburn** is a fictional parish located in the Cotswolds.

## History and traditions

The parish hosts an annual jam-making competition, which had been won three years in a row by Maria Borrow until judge Reg Cumings-Browne's death. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

## Places in Upper Cockburn

* The Farmers Arms pub
* Upper Cockburn church

## Trivia

* Upper Cockburn is 6 miles from Carsely. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)
Winter Parva

**Winter Parva** is a fictional village located in the Cotswolds.

Winter Parva is a picturesque, and therefore touristy, Cotswold village with gift shops, a medieval market hall, and thatched cottages. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*)

The village is roughly twenty miles from Carsely. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*)

## History and traditions

After a disappointing Christmas season one year, the parish council decided to hold a special event in January, complete with old-fashioned costumes, morris dancing, and a pig roast on the village green. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*)

The village has an amateur dramatics society. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Blood of an Englishman*)

## Residents of Winter Parva

* Fiona Richards
* Cezary Marciniak
* Tycjan Marciniak

## Former residents of Winter Parva

* Amy Beech †
* Bert Simple †
* Gwen Simple (moved to Ancombe)
Felicity Felliet

* Television series
* Book series

**Felicity Felliet** is a character in the third season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance*.

She is an occasional stable hand at the Taggat-Brown's manor house and the daughter of George Felliet.

She was portrayed by Elle McAlpine.

## Appearances

* 3.02 - Agatha Raisin & the Deadly Dance
* 15 - Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance
The Walkers of Dembley (radio episode)

**The Walkers of Dembley** is the fifth episode of the first series of the *Agatha Raisin* radio drama. It was adapted by David Semple from M.C. Beaton's book of the same name and directed by Carol Smith. It first aired June 21, 2004 on BBC Radio 4.

## Synopsis

Keen to get closer to James Lacey, Agatha joins his walking group. But she is soon embroiled in a saga of murder, lust and Wellington boots.

## Cast

* Penelope Keith as Agatha Raisin
* Malcolm Sinclair as James Lacey
* Liza Sadovy as Mrs. Bloxby
* Rachel Atkins as Deborah Camden
* Philip Fox as Sir Charles Whitaker
* David Holt as Mr. Boggle
* Alice Hart as Jessica Keller
* Bertie Carvell as Kelvin
Jeff Benson

* Television series
* Book series

**Jeff Benson** is a character in the first season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley*.

He was a teacher and rambler from Dembley.

He was portrayed by Paul Venables.

## Biography

### Book series

(BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley*)

## Personality

### Book series

(BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley*)

## Physical Appearance

### Book series

(BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley*)

## Appearances

* 1.01 - The Walkers of Dembley
* 4 - Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley
George Felliet

* Television series
* Book series

**George Felliet** is a character in the third season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance*.

He is a dance instructor.

He was portrayed by Adam Garcia.

## Biography

### Television series

A former hedge fund manager, and previous owner of the Laggatt-Brown's manor house, who jacked it all in to become a rhythm king tango teacher. (The Deadly Dance)

## Appearances

* 3.02 - Agatha Raisin & the Deadly Dance
* 15 - Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance

## Gallery

* Episode stills
* Promotional shots
Ella Cartwright

* Television series
* Book series

"*Give me a bit o' money for the bingo and I can 'member most things.*"
―Ella Cartwright
**Ella Cartwright** is a character in the first season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*. She appears as **Nancy Cartwirght** in the *Agatha Raisin* radio adaptation.

She is the reigning winner of Carsely's annual Great Quiche Competition.

She was portrayed by Carli Norris, and voiced by Beth Chalmers in the radio adaptation.

## Biography

### Television series

Ella was having an affair with Andy Cummings-Browne and subsequently was crowned the winner of the village's Great Quiche Competition, which Andy judged. (TV: *Agatha Raisin & the Quiche of Death*)

### Book series

Ella was pressured by her father to marry John Cartwright when he impregnated her. The couple raised four kids together.

Ella was having an affair with Reg Cummings-Browne and subsequently was crowned the winner of the village's Great Quiche Competition, which Reg judged. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

## Physical appearance

### Book series

Ella is described as a gypsy looking woman with rough hair, strong arms and dark eyes. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

## Appearances

* Agatha Raisin & the Quiche of Death

Book appearances
* Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

Radio appearances
* The Quiche of Death

## Trivia

* She has a love of the colour pink. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)
* She drives an old Ford Vauxhall. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)
Caroline Langrishe

## External links

***Caroline Langrishe*** is an English actress. She portrays Sheila Barr in Sky1's comedy crime drama Agatha Raisin.

## Notable filmography

### Television

* *Lovejoy* (1993-1994) as Charlotte Cavendish
* *Judge John Deed* (2001-2007) as Georgina Channing
* *Casualty* (2007-2008) as Marilyn Fox
* *Doctors* (2010) as Judith Leicester
* *Agatha Raisin* (2014, 2020) as Sheila Barr

For an up-to-date filmography, see here.
Paul Bladen

* Television series
* Book series

**Paul Bladen** is a character in the first season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet*.

He was Carsely's popular new veterinarian.

He was portrayed by Daniel Ings.

## Biography

### Book series

Paul had been separated from his wife for four years before their divorce came through.

He later partnered with Peter Rice to start a veterinary practice in Mircester. During their first few weeks they were extremely busy, mainly with female clients, but it soon transpired that Paul wasn't the best vet. He wasn't too fond of pets but was more suited to larger farm animals.

At some point after this, Paul set up a small surgery in Carsely. The surgery opened at two o'clock on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As with his previous practice, he initially attracted a large amount of female clients. Shortly after opening in Carsely, Paul met Agatha Raisin one afternoon at the butcher's. One of the first things he noticed about her was that she wore very expensive clothes. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet*)

## Physical appearance

### Book series

Paul was a good looking man with with thick, wavy fair hair, light-brown eyes and a square chin. He was slim and of medium height. According to Miss Simms, he had searching eyes and beautiful hands. Agatha Raisin found his smile sweet and his eyes intimate. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet*)

## Appearances

* 1.05 - The Vicious Vet
* 2 - Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
* 1.01 - The Vicious Vet
Maggie Henderson

**Maggie Henderson** is a character in the second season of Agatha Raisin.

She was portrayed by Elizabeth Carling.

## Biography

Plain, timid, diehard romantic. Until recently trapped in a grey life of routine. Desperately unhappily married to husband Pete who spends his weekends train spotting. The square jawed heroes in her vast collection of romantic novels became reality when Jonny swept her off her feet and into bed with the promise of a new life of excitement with him. But her one night of passion came at a terrible price.

## Appearances

* 2.01 - Agatha Raisin & the Wizard of Evesham
Melissa Sheppard

* Television series
* Book series

**Melissa Sheppard** is a character in the third season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell*.

She was a friend of James Lacey and a fellow author.

She was portrayed by Kelly Adams.

## Biography

Twice divorced, and now living alone. Melissa oozes glamour and seduction. She befriended James whilst on his book tour. As a fellow novelist they bonded over their love of literature, but behind Melissa’s charming nature there’s something far more dangerous and unpredictable.

## Appearances

* 3.03 - Agatha Raisin & the Love from Hell
Simon Black

**Simon Black** is a recurring character in the *Agatha Raisin* book series.

He is a detective at Agatha Raisin's agency.

## Personality

He is known to sometimes lie about his personal life, particularly about his romantic life. He is rather charming and extremely determined. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot*)

## Physical Appearance

Simon has a pale, angular face and a wide grin. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot*)

## Appearances

Book appearances

* 27 - Agatha Raisin: Pushing up Daisies
* 31 - Agatha Raisin: Hot to Trot
Jason Merrells

## External links

***Jason Merrells*** is an English actor. He portrays Charles Fraith in Sky1's comedy crime drama Agatha Raisin.

## Notable filmography

### Television

* *Casualty* (1994-1997) as Matt Hawley
* *Cutting It* (2002-2005) as Gavin Ferraday
* *Waterloo Road* (2006-2008) as Jack Rimmer
* *Lark Rise to Candleford* (2009) as James Dowland
* *Emmerdale* (2010-2014) as Declan Macey
* *Agatha Raisin* (2014-present) as Charles Fraith

For an up-to-date filmography, see here.
The Disappearing Trick

**The Disappearing Trick** is the second episode of the third series of the *Agatha Raisin* radio drama. It was adapted by David Semple from M.C. Beaton's book of the same name and directed by Carol Smith. It first aired November 1, 2006 on BBC Radio 4.

## Synopsis

With her marriage dreams in tatters, Agatha has the small task of returning the wedding presents - and the slightly larger one of clearing her name of murder.

## Cast

* Penelope Keith as Agatha Raisin
* Malcolm Sinclair as James Lacey
* Belinda Lang as Harriet
* Liza Sadovy as Mrs. Bloxby
* Stephen Hogan as DC Wong
* James Holmes as Roy Silver
* Tina Gray as Mrs. Wendle
* Tim Whitnall as Martin
Hemlock

"*The root of poison hemlock looks a good bit like parsnip*"
―DCI Wilkes to Agatha
**Hemlock** is a plant that is highly poisonous if ingested. It is often mistaken for parsely or parsnip due to its leaves and roots, respectively. A strong dose of hemlock can cause symptoms similar to inebriation, loss of balance, slurring, paralysis of vocal chords and limbs.

Fred Instick had a secret hemlock farm in order to supply the plant to local pagans for use in their riutals. Fran Tamworthy stole some from Fred and used it to poison her mother. (Agatha Raisin: Kissing Christmas Goodbye)
M.C. Beaton

Birth Place

**M.C. Beaton (or as her real name is, Marion Chesney)** is the writer of Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth.

## Biography

Marion McChesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, and has worked as a buyer of fiction for a Glasgow bookshop, theater critic, newspaper reporter and editor. She married Middle East Correspondent Harry Scott Gibbons; they had a son Charles.She had lived in the USA. She divides her time between a cottage in the Cotswolds and Paris. Living in the Costwolds is how she got the idea for Agatha Raisin.

## Controversies

When the BBC adapted Hamish Macbeth she was angry by the casting for the role as she said "I wrote a 6' foot Highlander and i got a 5' foot something Glaswegian" on the casting of Robert Carlyle.
Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden

"*A spell of trouble by the seaside...*"
―The Witch of Wyckhadden's tagline
***Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden*** is the ninth book in the Agatha Raisin Mysteries series by M. C. Beaton. The book was published in 2000.

In 2016, the book was adapted as part of the first season of the Agatha Raisin TV series.

## Book description

There is nothing more depressing for a middle-aged lovelorn woman with bald patches on her head than to find herself in an English seaside resort out of season. Agatha Raisin, her hair falling out after a run-in with a hairdresser-cum-murderess from a previous investigation, travels to an old-fashioned hotel in order to repair the damage away from the neighbours in her all-too-cozy Cotswolds village. Unhappy about the slow results and prompted by the elderly residents of the resort, she consults the local witch for help. Agatha purchases a hair tonic (and a love potion, just in case!) and is soon sprouting hairs and capturing the fancy of the village police inspector. But the quiet town is stunned by the murder of the witch. Which one of the graying guests is capable of such a brutal crime? The brassy yet endearing Agatha won't stop until she finds the culprit--and, of course, a little love, too.

## Television adaptation

*Main article: The Witch of Wyckhadden*
The events of this story were adapted as the part of the first season of the Agatha Raisin television series.
Fred Griggs

**Fred Griggs** was a recurring character in the *Agatha Raisin* book series.

He was Carsely's conscientious police constable, known for often being first on the scene when a crime was reported but having little to do with actually investigating any crime.

## Biography

Fred's typical police duties involved looking for stolen cars in the tourist season and charging the odd drunken driver.

However, Fred was first to the scene when Doris Simpson reported the death of Reginald Cummings-Browne at the deceased's residence. Although not adept with death investigations, he quickly recognised the signs of poisoning on Reg's corpse and ensured no one disturbed the body. As more police and detectives arrived, Fred was positioned outside the house to stand guard and ward off any questions from the public, who had began to turn up following the end of the church service across the road.

He later passed on reports of a woman matching Barbara James's description throwing faeces at Agatha Raisin's windows to DC Bill Wong for him to investigate.

When Bill happened upon Agatha after she had been attacked on her bicycle, Fred was called to block off the road where the attack took place. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

Having met Jimmy Raisin in the village, Fred raced to stop Agatha's wedding to James in order to prevent her from committing bigamy. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage*)

## Personality

According to Bill Wong, Fred was a prized gossip. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

## Physical appearance

Fred is described as being a fat, jolly man with a red face. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet*)

## Appearances

Book appearances

* 1 - Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
* 2 - Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
* 3 - Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener
* 5 - Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage
* 7 - Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death
* 8 - Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham
* 9 - Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden
* 11 - Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell

## Trivia

* Fred preferred to patrol the village on foot, rather than in his car, so that he could chat to people. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage*)
* By the events of *Agatha Raisin and the Deadly Dance*, he had retired from the police. Agatha Raisin noted that she missed having him around.
Billy Tulloch

* Television series
* Book series

**Billy Tulloch** is a character in the third season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns*.

He is one of Carsely's most popular police officers.

He was portrayed by Gerry McLaughlin.

## Biography

One of Carsely’s most popular coppers. He has a good working relationship with Bill, and is always keen to help anyone in need. As a fellow Highlander he quickly develops a strong rapport with Agatha as the two bond over their shared upbringing.

## Appearances

* 3.04 - Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns
* 22 - Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns
Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body

"*Better health and safety than sorrow...*"
―The Busy Body's tagline
***Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body*** is the twenty first book in the Agatha Raisin Mysteries series by M. C. Beaton.

## Synopsis

Cranky yet lovable Agatha Raisin has always been ambivalent about holiday cheer, though her cozy village of Carsely has long prided itself on its Christmas festivities. Until now. This year, local Health and Safety Board officer John Sunday is threatening to undo some of Carsley’s most time-honored traditions. The tree on top of the church? A public menace. The decorations hanging on the lampposts? Hazardous. Even May Dimwoody’s homemade toys are deemed unsafe for the children. Bah humbug! The Carsely Ladies Society is in an uproar and will do anything to put a stop to this Scrooge—only to find that someone else has done it for them…with a kitchen knife. Soon Agatha’s detective agency is on the case. But when a man has made as many enemies as Mr. John Sunday, it’s hard to know where to start—or how to stop the killer from striking again.

## Characters

* **Agatha Raisin**
* **John Sunday**
* **May Dimwoody**

## Adaptations

### Television

*Main article: Agatha Raisin & the Busy Body*
The events of this story will be adapted as part of the fifth season of the *Agatha Raisin* television series.

## Other covers

Original UK hardback cover (Jan 2010)French paperback cover (Feb 2020)
Rosie Wilden

**Rosie Wilden** is a character in the second season of Agatha Raisin. She is the landlady at The Green Man in Fryfam.

She was portrayed by Maimie McCoy.

## Biography

Alluring pub landlady accused of seducing the village husbands with her perfume, the keeper of secrets.

## Appearances

* 2.02 - Agatha Raisin & the Fairies of Fryfam
Murder in the Dark

**Murder in the Dark** is the sixth and final episode of the third series of the *Agatha Raisin* radio drama. It was adapted by David Semple from M.C. Beaton's book of the same name and directed by Carol Smith. It first aired November 29, 2006 on BBC Radio 4.

## Synopsis

James follows Agatha to the village of Fryfam, determined to win her back before the killer strikes again.

## Cast

* Penelope Keith as Agatha Raisin
* Malcolm Sinclair as James Lacey
* Liza Sadovy as Mrs. Bloxby
* Rebecca Saire as Lucy Danvers
* Stephen Critchlow as Mr. Popplewell
Taz Skylar

## External links

***Taz Skylar*** is a British actor. He will portray Harry Beam in the upcoming season of Sky1's comedy crime drama Agatha Raisin.

## Career

Taz made his feature film debut as Dawes in *The Kill Team* directed two-time Oscar nominated Dan Krauss. His Stage Debut as Miles in #Warheads at The Park Theatre, in London. Other notable work includes playing the lead role of *Leonard Vole* in Agatha Christie's *Witness For The Prosecution* on The West-End and Jin in Dean Devlin's *The Deal*

## Notable filmography

### Film

* *The Kill Team* (2019) as Sergeant Dawes

For an up-to-date filmography, see here.
Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham

"*A DEAD end... to BAD hair days...*"
―The Wizard of Evesham's tagline
***Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham*** is the eighth book in the Agatha Raisin Mysteries series by M. C. Beaton. The book was published in 1999.

In 2018, the book was adapted as part of the second season of the Agatha Raisin TV series.

## Book description

After a home dye job ruins her hair, Agatha Raisin, the prickly yet lovable amateur sleuth, turns to the wonderful new hairdresser in the neighboring town for help. And as Agatha soon learns, Mr. John is as skilled at repairing her coiffure as he is at romancing her heart. But the charming Mr. John isn't all he appears to be. According to gossip around the salon and the village, some of his former clients seem to be afraid of him. Could Mr. John really be a ruthless blackmailer? When a murderer strikes at the busy salon, Agatha must discover the truth and the killer's identity before it's too late.

## Characters

* **Agatha Raisin**
* **Mr. John**

## Television adaptation

*Main article: Agatha Raisin & the Wizard of Evesham*
The events of this story were adapted as the first episode of the second season of the Agatha Raisin television series.
The Curious Curate

**The Curious Curate** is the first episode of the second series of the *Agatha Raisin* radio drama. It was adapted by David Semple from M.C. Beaton's book of the same name and directed by Carol Smith. It first aired October 10, 2005 on BBC Radio 4.

## Synopsis

When the village curate is found murdered, retired PR guru Agatha Raisin vows to bring his killer to justice, particularly if the investigation also brings her closer to her handsome next-door neighbour, Colonel James Lacey.

## Cast

* Penelope Keith as Agatha Raisin
* Malcolm Sinclair as James Lacey
* Liza Sadovy as Mrs. Bloxby
* Stephen Hogan as DC Wong
* Nicky Henson as Richard Binser
* Tina Gray as Mrs. Wendle
* Ella Smith as Miss Partle
Ancombe

**Ancombe** is a fictional village located in the Cotswolds. The village neighbours Carsely, where the majority of the series' events take place.

Ancombe is known for its natural water spring and is usually the epitome of quiet rural charm.

The village is very small with an old church in the centre, thatched cottages, beautiful gardens and everything with a manicured air. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage*)

## History and traditions

Ancombe is the site of an eighteenth-century ancient spring. A Miss Jakes had discovered the water source in her garden and had it channelled through a pipe in her wall and into a fountain, fashioned in the shape of a skull, to be used by the ‘weary traveller’. It is still thought to have restorative properties and is well used by passing walkers. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death*)

The Ancombe fair is an annual event held in the village during the summertime. The admission charge for the fair is ten pence, with programmes costing an additional ten pence. The fair hosts several competitions; including home baking, terrier racing, show jumping and the prestigious Best of Breed competition. Reg Cummings-Browne judged the Best of Breed competition up until his death, awarding the first place prize to Barbara James and her Scotch Terrier six years in a row.

In addition to the competitions, the fair boasts numerous booths selling old books, country clothes, dried flowers, local pottery, home-baking and local country wines. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)

## Places in Ancombe

Ancombe has a village shop and a church, but little else. The local pub, The Feathers, serves very good food, but is very pricey. (BOOK: *The Agatha Raisin Companion*)

* The Feathers
* The Long Arms

## Residents of Ancombe

* Barbara James
* Ron Allen
* Judith Owens
* Angela Buckley
* Andy Buckley
* Gwen Simple

## Former residents of Ancombe

* Robert Struthers †
* Robina Toynbee †
* Peggy Slither †

## Trivia

* The real life village of South Wraxall was used as the filming location for Ancombe.
* Ancombe is roughly two miles from Carsely. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death*)
* Agatha occasionally took water from Ancombe's wellspring to make tea, as the spring's water was softer than the water which came out the taps in Carsely. (BOOK: *Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death*)
Ted Huxley

* Television series
* Book series

**Ted Huxley** is a character in the third season of the *Agatha Raisin* television adaptation, originating in the novel *Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell*.

He is Carsely’s groovy new Mayor with a passion for smooth jazz, double denim and TV crime shows.

He was portrayed by Robert Daws.

## Biography

### Television series

Shortly after becoming the Mayor of Carsely, Ted appointed Mrs. Boggle as part of the neighbour hood watch.

Along with the Mayoress, he attended the smooth jazz charity concert at Barfield House where he struck up a friendship DCI Wilkes.

It was later discovered that Ted was secretly running numerous drug deals, having teamed up with John Dewey. John would hide the drugs in cheap dolls, which wouldn't draw attention to him as he was the owner of a vintage toy shop. Ted and John would later distribute the drug filled dolls to clients around the village, particularly at the singles night at the Fox and Ferret. (Agatha Raisin & the Love from Hell)

## Appearances

* 3.02 - Agatha Raisin & the Love from Hell
* 15 - Agatha Raisin and the Love from Hell

## Gallery

* Episode stills
* Promotional shots
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