English Mysteries Club discussion

Our group read for February will be A Nice Class of Corpse by Simon Brett, which won our poll with a resounding lead!

It is the first in Simon Brett's fun series about Mrs. Pargeter. We begin on February 1st and finish on 28th.

Who's in for this one?

I read this years ago, but have just borrowed an audio reading, to join in. I'm really looking forward to everyone's thoughts on this one! I do love Simon Brett's light touch and gentle humour 😊

I just read this a few weeks ago, and loved it!

I hadn’t realized that it was the same author as Charles Paris. I’d stumbled across the BBC radio broadcasts by Bill Nighy a few years ago and absolutely loved them.

Looking forward to more Mrs. Pargeter mysteries!

Like you Lisa I enjoy the Charles Paris on audio. I shall definitely give this one a go.

I'm looking forward to reading this, will be my first Simon Brett.

Yes, I never knew why these weren't dramatised like the Charles Paris ones .... but there are only half a dozen I think, so perhaps that's why.

Bill Nighy was perfectly cast as the slightly disreputable louche Charles, so it will be fun to "cast" Mrs. Pargeter!

Bill Nighy was made for the role. :)

Have to rack my brain as to who would be equally perfect to voice Mrs. P!

My first Mrs. Pargeter, looking forward to it.

I am in and am so looking forward to it!

I will also look for the BBC recordings. Bill Bight is always excellent!

I already have my copy and this series sounds interesting. I will read this while on a cruise ship in February!

I purchaised the ebook on Amazon at a very cheap price and I'm going to start it this very night. It's not a good moment and I really hope it will help me to free my mind.

Many thanks for the tip about the Bill Nighy BBC recordings! I'm thrilled to find Charles Paris's "A Doubtful Death" on YouTube. I first saw Bill Nighy onstage in Blue/Orange, playing a semi-deranged psychologist part written for him, & have been a huge fan ever since. Can't wait to listen to him in this role, & read my first Mrs Pargeter.

I think we are going to have a few more fans of Simon Brett by the sound of these comments - and should probably read one of his books featuring Charles Paris at some stage too!

What a great suggestion, Jean!

I enjoy Simon Brett's Fethering series as well.

Me too Ruth :) But I'm not keen on the Blotto and Twinks ones, and haven't tried the latest "decluttering" series.

We begin this today!

Mrs Pargeter and the over-genteel landlady are really making me laugh so far! "Pargetting" is a traditional way of applying plaster to the outside of houses in Essex, so I suspect she comes from there.

I just started and am loving the humor, and also that the protagonist is 67. since I am in my 60s I get tired of so many books where the "older" protagonist is maybe 40, where as a woman of 67 would act and be seen as "old".

Oh yes! I do like the characters in the hotel 😁

Just discovered this included in my Kindle unlimited membership. Happy days. I'll join in just as soon as I've finished reading the next book in my Inspector Morse marathon Last Seen Wearing Will catch up with you all later next week

I'm on chapter 11 now, and I think we know what Mr. Pargeter's profession was 😊

Started this yesterday and it opened fun memories. I must have read some of the Mrs. Pargeter stories quite a while ago. Can't remember any specific titles but I do remember Mrs. Pargeter. What a treat!

And what a great opening for a tale introducing Mrs. Pargeter. Wish I could guess how old she is supposed to be — as I've gotten older, I hope that I am as spry and sharp as she is.

That's what I've come to expect from Simon Brett Galowa. Ideal reading if you are a bit under the weather!

Pamela - I think Jackie picked up that she is 67.

@ Galowa:

I'm so sorry you caught covid! I had it on Christmas week and I felt pretty bad and reading our December pick helped me to spend my time. I hope you're recovering.

Oh Galowa - your fifth week sick with Covid sounds horrendous! 😮I do hope you're nearly through it now.

Yes, sometimes the writing in the Fethering mysteries has felt a bit too simplistic, but I have to admit I'm thoroughly enjoying this Mrs. Pargeter one on audio. The narrator has got the intonation of the different characters perfectly, and sometimes I laugh out loud!

Bionic Jean wrote: "That's what I've come to expect from Simon Brett Galowa. Ideal reading if you are a bit under the weather!

Pamela - I think Jackie picked up that she is 67."

Just ran across that as I finished reading the book — yes, I pretty much spent the entire afternoon reading it to see how she solves the mystery. What a fun read!

Stay warm if you can Galowa x

Pamela - these are one of my "secret pleasures" when necessary!

Galowa, I would have automatically agreed 3 years ago but seem to have aged 20 years since then so I guess it varies. For sure with good health and enough money to live on I think it can be true.

I hope you are feeling better every day?

I am on chapter 31 and will finish soon - turns out it's a re-read for me but darned if I remember who the murderer is...I *think* I do.

Me neither, Jackie 😀

Yes, she's 67. I think she mentions her age a couple of times. What I particularly like about that is how at the end of the novel when she compares herself to the other residents of the Devereux Hotel, who have come there "to spiral down to a genteel death," she resolves to leave. "No," she tells herself, "Im not finished yet."
That was in 1986, when the novel was published. If written today, Brett would have to put her in her 80s.
Bravo, Mrs. P!

Absolutely, Maurice!

Maurice wrote: "Yes, she's 67. I think she mentions her age a couple of times. What I particularly like about that is how at the end of the novel when she compares herself to the other residents of the Devereux Ho..."

agree!

As usual when the author is skilled, I followed all her red herrings and thought the murderer was exactly who she wanted me to think it was.

And so I was wrong, over and over, until it seemed that (view spoiler)[ Mr. Dawlish was the one for sure! (hide spoiler)] But that's what a mystery is supposed to do, right?

I really enjoyed the characters and the humor and look forward to more in this series. This was exactly what I want in a cozy mystery.

I think part of the problem here is that Simon Brett is extremely prolific!

I suspect that if you write like that, you tend not to edit much, or agonise about literary worth. As well as editing, producing and being involved at every stage of many BBC radio projects over the years, he has written at least 4 sitcom series, also radio comedies, and narrates his own audio books.

The Charles Paris series has 20 books, Mrs Pargeter 8, Fethering 21, Blotto and Twinks 10, Decluttering 3, as well as a lot of standalones. He's written 10 plays and compiled around 20 anthologies (I got tired of counting!!) And he's not finished yet. Maybe compare this with your favourite whodunnit/comedy authors?

Name-dropping a bit here, but when my husband won a BBC radio comedy award for which Simon Brett was one of the judges (yes, something else he does!) he said to him: "Once the BBC has got its hands on you, they won't let go!" I thought that was quite revealing really ...

I think Simon Brett knows exactly where his talents lie. His writing is fairly formulaeic, unambiguous; his plots work and the writing is lively. He writes quickly, and writes books which can be read in just a day if you set your mind to it, and like to. He does not try to write great literature, but knows the sort of light fiction that English people enjoy. (They are, I have to say, very English!)

I've read a lot of them, but only reviewed a few (as it's since I joined GR) and suspect my average rating is 2-3 stars. I wouldn't pretend they are original, and some series go on where he should perhaps have started another ... but I think they are great fun!

Having read the reviews on GR, I would be interested to hear specific criticisms, if there are any I have not mentioned. Or perhaps it's a question of not liking the genre? (English comedy whodunnits)

I've read authors that were prolific and popular that I didn't like; M.C. Beaton comes to mind. I tried her and found that the writing was uneven and I'd be skimming along when a bit of dialog just went clunk or something.
I don't think Simon Brett has that problem: his books may be written to a formula, but it's done well in my opinion.

Galowa wrote

It was just SO not my cup of tea that I actually had to force myself to finish it.

I know you wrote that it was too easy a read for you and that doesn't hold your interest and that's just something I can't relate to after the last few years.

my life and health have been so chaotic and hard that even reading at all was not possible for some time and when I was able to get back to it I could only tolerate books I'd read before or children's books. Focus is an issue.

so this author seems to me the perfect combo of not needing too much effort to keep track of what's happening and yet well-written.

and for my in-person book club I can and do force myself out of my comfort zone and read something more challenging.

Hi Galowa,

You're a newish member so will only have seen 3 group reads, but I'm pleased to say we read all sorts of English mysteries here 😊

Simon Brett's are cosy, with no swearing and no overt violence. Many readers regard that as a positive. People find these light and funny. Some also like to know there are many more books to work through by an author, perhaps in a series. We frequently read the first in a series, or a projected series. Others prefer more originality; we read stand-alones too.

Please don't think I'm getting at you in any way ... I'm just trying to nail this.

As I've said, usually Simon Brett's novels get between 2-3 stars from me. I'm not a hardcore fan, as I find them a little formulaic (as are many detective stories) but I do enjoy reading them! You say "heaven-knows-what motivation in mind". I think it's purely entertainment! Is that so bad? Don't some of your favourite authors - the ones you are in specialist groups of - also want to entertain? The books I've read by them seem to fit into that category. And don't we all sometimes need something to relax with, as Jackie said, rather than something to challenge us?

In fact I've described their pros and cons (as I see it) at some length.

What I'm intrigued by is the vehemence of your dislike, Galowa, and that's why I asked for specifics, as you do not say in your review. Of course you may link to your review here, by the way! Your opinion is just as valid as anyone else's but I'd like to know why you loathe the book so much. Do you dislike (view spoiler)[ or disapprove of (hide spoiler)] Mrs. Pargeter herself, perhaps? You do imply that you wished Mr. Pargeter had still been alive, but otherwise you just repeatedly say you don't like it ... in various different - admittedly witty - ways 😊

That's absolutely fine, and entertaining to read, but surely (at least here) people Iike to know why. Simon Brett must have something, or he wouldn't be so popular! What I've described is a massive body of work. Offhand I can't think of anyone who has written more.

"I'll never need restate my views on Brett here again," ... but you haven't given any criticism here - constructive or otherwise - yet! I hope you do.

Perhaps you don't like cosy mysteries at all? Or dislike the references, or the humour? There must be something that really annoys you! Is his writing too lively and flippant, perhaps?

And do feel free to nominate a book whose style you might prefer anyone ... we're taking golden age nominations right now!

I'm up to chapter 12 now, and Mrs. Pargeter's brain is really starting to tick! (view spoiler)[ Her exploration of the dead woman's room secretly with a torch was intriguing - and I think we know now what her husband did for a living - and why he had so many protracted absences! (hide spoiler)]

It looks like we are building up to the trope of every single resident having a motive, à la Agatha Christie, perhaps?

No umbrage has been taken by anyone, Galowa. Neither did Jackie take offence - she merely stated her own preferences - and the reasons for them. I am sorry you both rubbed each other up the wrong way, but it's probably because of the difficulties of communicating on the Net. It will pass 😊

Sadly though, we have got right off the topic 😕 I realised that I had asked you to give your reasons, but then remembered that not everyone is as analytical as I am. It was unfair, so I got up again (it's nearly 1.30 am here) and came downstairs intending to delete my comment ...

Yes, I do tend to read reviews to get someone's opinion on a book. They tend to be more considered than discussion comments in groups. It had honestly never occurred to me that you would not want me to read yours! And I promise you that I have read all 44 comments that you have made in the group. That's how I know your taste runs to Josephine Tey (Oh, if only she had written more! We chose one by her for our first group read when I relaunched the group a few years ago!)

I'd also forgotten that for some readers, a review is a place to put their gut reaction. (Yes, that was where you were vehement.)

No, you do not have to justify your strong reaction. I'd just mistakenly assumed you would want to! Sorry for the misunderstanding.

I know some are loving this book, and I'd wondered about Adrian (or someone else) leading another ongoing buddy read, maybe of the Fethering mysteries. They are quite different - rather more involved light mainstream mysteries - with less humour. Still very English though.

Anyway, let's get back to A Nice Class of Corpse ... (and perhaps I can go back to bed!)

I didn't take offense and I'm sorry if that's the way it looked. It's been my experience that some of the best discussions have been when people are not in agreement, which is why I pointed it out.

I finally got hold of a copy and look forward to starting it tonight. Now I wonder if that will be a hard switch from John LeCarre's Silverlight. I've been enjoying Bill Nighy's audio Charles Paris, but the pace is glacial. (Old glacial, not current glacial.)

I'm looking forward to starting this - I am currently reading Verdict of Twelve for a difference GR group challenge and it is quite grim, well written but a sad theme, so something lighter will be what I need afterwards I think.

Jackie wrote: "... some of the best discussions have been when people are not in agreement ..."

Oh yes! I think so too. It's one of the things I enjoy most in groups - that sharing of opinions. I love to hear all views on a topic, so that I can consider - or rethink - mine! Certainly I'd rather hear why someone loves, or hates a book, rather than them think, "Oh l'm in the minority here, so I'd better keep quiet". It makes me sad to think that anyone might feel threatened and unable to criticise - or enthuse - about a book, in one of the groups I moderate. We are honest but friendly and respectful.

Some of my reviews of books such as Gone Girl, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Wolf Hall - or even Wuthering Heights - have been wildly at odds with received opinion, but I still write them to explain why.

But as moderator I do have to have an eye to keeping the peace too!

Galowa - I'm glad we're on the same *page* now as it were - and will be interested to see what you think of the more quirky authors we've read recently such as Edmund Crispin. We read one by Georgette Heyer last year too! I know from your groups that you like her 😊

C.J. - They updated the Charles Paris books for radio considerably. In fact the very first one: Cast, in Order of Disappearance - had entirely different characters and events! It was completely rewritten! I go into this in my review LINK HERE. I enjoy both, but the earlier ones are very different from the books.

I have finally started A Nice Class of Corpse!

This is my first novel by Simon Brett. So far, I am enjoying the characters of Miss Naismith and Mrs. Pargeter. I can already see this won't be everyone's cup of tea, but of course, nothing is.

So far, I am reminded a bit of reading Crome Yellow, probably just because things are so frothy and ridiculous.

Jean, thanks for this fascinating insight & the additional explanation in your review. I wonder if, when he started working with the BBC, Simon Brett indulged the author's common itch to see how the book would have gone if he'd followed a different plot twist early on. Or if Bill Nighy's wonderfully sardonic performance expanded Brett's ideas about the character.

Jennifer - I've not read Crome Yellow yet - what a surprising connection!

C.J. - Thank you! Both of these seem possibilities, don't they?

(Apologies everyone, if some of these later comments seem disjointed. A member has deleted all their posts.)

The next post has been deleted.

Eeek I haven't got that far yet ... could you put some of this under spoiler tags please Maurice? Like this:

"I found good things in the Brett novel, and some not so good. One of the things I liked is the way he uses misdirection, quite effectively tricking the reader (at least this reader) into thinking something's happening other that what actually is. Like (view spoiler)[the near certainties about who the diarist is (Mrs. Mendlingham writing in a notebook, until we get thrown when she herself gets bumped off (hide spoiler)]--apologies to those who haven't gotten that far yet), then Newth, then ..."

I didn't dare read any more!

The top right of the box tells you how to do spoiler tags ... Then all you need to do is say the chapter - or whereabouts the spoiler happens - so people know whether they can reveal it. Thanks!

Thanks, Jean. I'm appalled that I may have spoiled your or anyone's reading of the novel. Hopefully you all will somehow be able to forget what I said, as you go on reading. And I'll be careful not to make that slip again. Or, in future, I'll hold such comments until the very end of the month's read.

I've messaged you Maurice.

Edit - now all sorted 😊