M.C. Beaton is the internationally bestselling author of both the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series, as well as numerous Regency romances. Her books have been translated into 17 languages and her Agatha Raisin mysteries have been made into an Acorn/Sky TV series starring Ashley Jensen. M.C. Beaton is consistently the most borrowed UK adult author in British libraries. Dame Penelope Keith, DBE, DL is an English actress, who became a household name in the UK for her roles in sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born. Keith joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963, and went on to win a 1976 Olivier Award for the play Donkeys' Years. She has also won two BAFTA TV Awards for her performances in The Good Life and The Norman Conquests. Since 2000, Keith has worked mainly in the theatre, including performances in Blithe Spirit and The Importance of Being Earnest.
'M. C. Beaton's imperfect heroine is an absolute gem.' -- Publishers Weekly 'The detective novels of M. C. Beaton, a master of outrageous black comedy, have reached cult status.' -- The Times 'The Miss Marple-like Raisin is a refreshing, sensible, wonderfully eccentric, thoroughly likeable heroine.' -- Booklist