Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton (aka Marion Chesney)

The book that introduced the world to Agatha Raisin!
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely, and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Despite the fact that Agatha has never baked a thing in her life, she is sure the pie she has secretly bought from an upper-crust London quicherie will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when the judge not only snubs her entry - but falls over dead! We are introduced to the major characters of this series, Harry Wong, Mrs. Bloxby, Roy Silver and meet James Lacey (who is much more promident in the next book).

Agatha Raisin is one my favorite series that every few years I re-read. I decided to listen to this on CD in the car and it was a fun and fresh as the first time I read it back in 2001. I love re-reading favorite series as it's like visiting old friends.