The Poisoning in the Pub: The Fethering Mysteries

Fethering #10

by Simon Brett

Fethering residents, Jude and Carole, get more than they bargained for when a lunchtime meal in their local pub leaves everyone with food poisoning. The landlord is horrified - could it be the end of the road for the Crown and Anchor?

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Audiobook, British Literature, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

Unknown Binding

First published March 12, 2009

About the author

Simon Brett is a prolific British writer of whodunnits.

He is the son of a Chartered Surveyor and was educated at Dulwich College and Wadham College, Oxford, where he got a first class honours degree in English.

He then joined the BBC as a trainee and worked for BBC Radio and London Weekend Television, where his work included 'Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and 'Frank Muir Goes Into ...'.

After his spells with the media he began devoting most of his time to writing from the late 1970s and is well known for his various series of crime novels.

He is married with three children and lives in Burpham, near Arundel, West Sussex, England. He is the current president of the Detection Club.

Reviews

[Bionic Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Poisoning in the Pub is the 10th mystery in Simon Brett's alliteratively titled Fethering Series. This is a neat and clever way of quickly identifying the books in this series. The stories are set in "Fethering", a fictitious village on the South Coast of West Sussex, England, close to the South Downs (and also close to where the author resides.) This lightweight yarn features the familiar chalk-and-cheese duo of Carol Seddon and Jude (of various surnames) - two middle-aged women who are fast becoming rather long in the tooth as this series progresses. Their fascination for amateur sleuthing however shows no sign of abating as they tackle the latest mystery.

Ted Crisp, the landlord of the local pub "The Crown and Anchor", hosts a show by a repulsive stand-up comedian, Dan Poke, who is an old buddy and double-act partner of his. During the act several of his patrons are taken very ill with suspected food poisoning. Even worse, one of his unofficial helpers in the pub, Ray Witchett, a rather simple soul, is murdered.

Jude and Carole immediately set out to try to solve the mystery. This involves tracking down several suspects closely connected with the landlord, his ex-wife, her partner, and Ted's pub trade, which is apparently only just making a profit. Bikers appear on the scene, fights ensue and regular patrons are fast becoming disenchanted with their "local." A national pub chain is keen to add this one to their number. There are also various socially challenged suspects - friends of Ray Witchett, and Greville Tilbrook. He is a delightful character; a ridiculously pompous self-appointed local "guardian of good taste" and civic responsibility. Of course he has his acolytes too. As usual, both Jude and Carole stretch their credentials when asking questions and interviewing anyone they consider connected with the crimes. There is another murder, and possibly a third by the end, although this could be suicide. And there is one definite suicide.

The novel is light and amusing. Although it is a mystery, it is not unduly complicated - none of the "Fethering" series are. They are procedural, with Jude and Carole turning up new evidence bit by bit until the solution is obvious. Simon Brett also lets the reader know what happens to all the main characters in the story during the final chapter. It is all quite formulaic; a reassuring cosy read.

The standing joke in this series is the unlikely friendship between these two old biddies, who are neighbours. Jude is a New-Agey therapist and healer, Carole a retired Home Office official, conservative to the core. It is a stock comic device to have two such contrasting protagonists. All the books in the series so far have been enjoyable quick reads with a fair few giggles. There is still entertainment a-plenty to be had from both their clashing personalities and the situations they find themselves embroiled in, but it has to be admitted that this series is getting a little tired.

[Eilonwy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars, rounded up

When a gastric emergency strikes at the Crown & Anchor despite its meticulous kitchen, Jude and Carole feel compelled to dig around to fins out how it could have happened.

I enjoy Simon Brett's quick mysteries. They're never too long, but still manage to bring in interesting characters with plenty of potential motives to keep me guessing. The "whodunit" in this installment turned out to be a bit unusual, too. It's always fun to spend time in Fethering, aside from the constantly increasing body count!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the sleuthing of the two Fethering neighbors- Jude and Carole. Strange events are happening at the Crown and Anchor, the Fethering pub. The pub owner Ted Crisp is distraught that he might lose and have to sell the pub. Jude and Carole feel that the events are very likely due to sabotage. Who wants to cause havoc for the pub and the pub owner? It doesn't take long and murder also happens.

This is the 10th book in the series of the pair of middle aged amateur sleuths who besides being neighbors are friends. I enjoyed the read and want to continue with the next book.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Simon Brett, love the Fethering series, wish I'd read them in order. Now that Goodreads makes it so easy I plan to go back, start with number 1 and work my way through again. One benefit to aging and less sharp memory - I can reread books with perfect enjoyment and often renewed surprise!

[Ram Kaushik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light and quick read with the odd couple pairing of Jude and Carole stumbling into the solution.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first SB novel but not the last......more British humor. Too much to expect for back to backs reads, but I'll venture back after some gritty crime novels.

[Maria Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm hooked on Simon Brett's Fethering mysteries. He is such a clever, witty writer. Smashed it on this one with his opening line: 'One of the most inauspicious events for any restaurant is to have a customer vomiting on the premises.'
The characters of Carole and Jude, unlikely friends, even more unlikely sleuths, are terrific. Fethering is full of quirky people. If you enjoy cosy crime of the Richard Osman variety, I'd highly recommend this series.

[Phil Schuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tenth book and I am dying of curiosity about what Jude would look like. She is described in so many ways. She is attractive, the kind of woman every man notices and would notice her first and yet she is fat, overweight, chubby, etc. Every adjective has been used. The image of Carole I can summon up in a moment, but Jude, nope. I wish there was more Gulliver or some characters they meet stay on like the Polish bar manager. But I am addicted to Feathering.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carole and Jude help save Ted’s pub after a food poisoning incident, a bike brawl one night, and a murder. As usual, the two go head strong without any plan and get themselves into trouble. At times their lack of a plan is annoying to this reader, but I still think this series is an enjoyable read.

[pennyg · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cosy mystery with all the elements, English village, at least 3 pubs, police are scarce and 2 middle-age amateur sleuths, neighbors, Carol and Jude. This is my first Simon Bret mystery, #10 in the series. I have a feeling the better ones came before because the mystery was a bit weak. However, the dialogue was clever and witty, the characters fun and the best part, the audio was read by the author himself. He did a wonderful job with the audio. I don't think I would have finished otherwise.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I zip through a Fethering mystery in a couple days. Normally I get caught up in whatever Carole and Jude are up to and read in all my spare time. However, I found myself able to put this one down so it took me 5 days to read. The mystery just wasn't as "cozy" with Ted Crisp being targeted.

[Martine Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series. My only bugbear was the voice of the Polish barmaid. She spoke exceptionally good English, loaded with idioms, and then every 20 or so sentences she spoke, Brett would attempt to make her appear clumsy with the language.

[Jon Archer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it as much for references to Worthing as I did for the story in general. Genteel but enjoyable if not outstanding.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

This light-hearted murder mystery is easy to read and cute. It is not very enriching but it passes the time.

[Windy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and entertaining episode. I like how the author tells you at the end what happens next for the characters

[Ellen Dark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amateur sleuths Carole and Jude are at it again, investigating the troubles experience by friend and pub owner Ted Crisp.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 10th book in the Fethering series. Carole and Jude investigate the disasters at the local pub. Light cozy mystery.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great series. Two fiftyish ladies solve murders in a cozy British sea side Village. A pleasure to read. Wonderful reoccurring characters. Great plot and ending

[Eugene · Rating 3 out of 5]

10th in the series. Carole and Jude get upset when their favorite publican, Ted Crisp, admits he’s thinking of selling up. Someone seems to have it in for him and is trying to cost him enough business (via dirty tricks) to get him to throw in the towel. The Crown and Anchor is their regular, and the thought of it being taken over by a faceless corporate chain is unthinkable. Then a motorcycle gang descends on the cafe, a fight breaks out which boils over into the street, and an employee is found stabbed to death in the kitchen.
Knowing now that the intimidation campaign will continue until Ted sells, our girls determine to find out who is responsible and put a stop to it all.
Perhaps I’ll take a break before visiting Jude and Carole again, but it’s nice to know there are a good number more when I’m ready.

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this writer and he narrates his own books superbly. Once again Carol and Jude, the middle aged amateur detectives, have a mystery and a murder to solve. This one, as the title suggests centres around their local public house. No spoilers from me , suffice to say, there are many twists and turns to get to the truth. Simon Brett is not afraid to use a cross section of characters and in this book uses two young characters who have special needs and are learning to live independent lives. Their naivety and innocence makes them delightful young people. Thank you Simon for another fabulous book

[John Frankham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another splendid outing for our chalk and cheese pair of south coast sleuths. This one particularly successful in portraying and integrating a couple of 'mentally-disabled' characters in the plot. Much fun.

The GR blurb:

'Fethering residents, Jude & Carole, get more than they bargained for when a lunchtime meal in their local pub leaves everyone with food poisoning. The landlord is horrified & when a series of disasters start to befall his business it looks like it could be the end of the road for the Crown & Anchor.'

[David Perrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the fictional Sussex village of Fethering, this is a comedy flavoured detective mystery story and #10 in the 'Fethering mysteries' series. However, I was told it could be read as a 'stand alone' so I did and really liked it. The story trots along nicely with plenty of twists & turns and some colourful characters. Thought Jude & Carole were great! Simon has a clever way of combining comedy with mystery and suspense so if you like this sort of stuff would definitely recommend him. Was also good to see my home town Worthing getting a regular mention! 4 stars...

[KayDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When customers at the local Crown and Anchor pub gets hit with a serious bout of food poisoning, it seems like just the beginning of a run of bad luck for the owner. Soon, other mishaps occur culminating in the murder of a local man. Jude and Carole decide to track down the instigator of Ted's bad luck and find themselves knee-deep in leather clad motorcycle gang members and leaked (and untrue) news stories about the pub.

[Liz V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is trouble at the pub, and the owner Ted is refusing to discuss his problems. Carole and Jude, however, refuse to stand by and let the saboteurs go unidentified.

The mystery is interesting enough, but a lot over the skill level of amateur sleuths. Left me wondering whether there are RICO-type laws in England and, if so, what the police were doing--almost to the point of 2 stars.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh ladies, can’t you stay out of mischief? Feathering is full of murders - steer clear of the place. This time Ted is the one in trouble and Jude and Carole lend a helping hand.

I was surprised that Carole didn’t walk away from Dan Poke’s vulgar comedy show - I would have! That cost a star. Cozy and smut don’t go together.

[Dennis Weinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining as ever

Simon Brett's unlikely heroines solve another unlikely murder with their infectious mixture of skill and luck. Looking forward to reading another.

[Paula R. C. Readman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read, with great characters, brilliant plot line. Everything you could want in a cosy crime novel

[John Yerger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading detective book.

[Alex Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing compared to Simon Brett's Charles Paris stories. Transparent plot, repetitive characterisation (bloody Chilean Chardonnay) and just overall a bit meh.

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5