Agatha's investigation business is doing well, but she is now bored by the usual missing pet and adultery cases. She welcomes the intrigue when a wealthy widow hires Agatha because she's convinced a member of her family is trying to kill her. Before the investigation has begun, the widow dies, and Agatha wonders who could have hated the old lady enough to poison her?

In order that she might devote more time to this intriguing case, Agatha hires a new, young trainee. A girl who seems born to the job, with a lucky streak, youth, and stamina on her side. Agatha becomes the girl's benefactress and mentor, but the girl makes vain Agatha feel old and unfit. Agatha's usual assortment of friends are all present. Roy Silver, who once worked with Agatha when she was a PR consultant, Bill Wong, her young policeman friend, Mrs. Bloxby, the vicar's wife, Sir Charles Fraith, and the detective agency's assortment of odd and unusual staff. As is usual in this series, Agatha solves the case almost by accident. Her predictable unpredictability is yet another of her endearing traits.

True to the genre, Kissing Christmas Goodbye combines all the elements one would expect: The English manor house, the death of the person in the family who controls the purse strings, and a picturesque Cotswold setting. Once again, Agatha Raisin in all her middle-aged glory does not disappoint. The unusual, almost terse writing style of the Agatha Raisin series might not appeal to some. However, in my opinion the style helps to create the character that is Agatha Raisin. Kissing Christmas Goodbye is in keeping with the previous novels in this light and cozy series in that it will make you giggle at the same time it makes you look forward to Agatha's next exploit.