What do you think?
Rate this book
Fete Fatale
The women of Hexton-on-Weir decide that Father Battersby, the new vicar, cannot remain professionally celibate, but their matchmaking plans run amok when the church gala planned to draw out the vicar is halted by murder. Reprint. IP.
183 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1985
13 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Robert Barnard
202 books88 followersAka Bernard Bastable.
Robert Barnard (born 23 November 1936) was an English crime writer, critic and lecturer.
Born in Essex, Barnard was educated at the Royal Grammar School in Colchester and at Balliol College in Oxford. His first crime novel, A Little Local Murder, was published in 1976. The novel was written while he was a lecturer at University of Tromsø in Norway. He has gone on to write more than 40 other books and numerous short stories.
Barnard has said that his favourite crime writer is Agatha Christie. In 1980 he published a critique of her work titled A Talent to Deceive: An Appreciation of Agatha Christie.
Barnard was awarded the Cartier Diamond Dagger in 2003 by the Crime Writers Association for a lifetime of achievement.
Under the pseudonym Bernard Bastable, Robert Barnard has published one standalone novel and three alternate history books starring Wolfgang Mozart as a detective, he having survived to old age.
Barnard lived with his wife Louise in Yorkshire.
Series:
* Perry Trethowan
* Charlie Peace
Robert Barnard (born 23 November 1936) was an English crime writer, critic and lecturer.
Born in Essex, Barnard was educated at the Royal Grammar School in Colchester and at Balliol College in Oxford. His first crime novel, A Little Local Murder, was published in 1976. The novel was written while he was a lecturer at University of Tromsø in Norway. He has gone on to write more than 40 other books and numerous short stories.
Barnard has said that his favourite crime writer is Agatha Christie. In 1980 he published a critique of her work titled A Talent to Deceive: An Appreciation of Agatha Christie.
Barnard was awarded the Cartier Diamond Dagger in 2003 by the Crime Writers Association for a lifetime of achievement.
Under the pseudonym Bernard Bastable, Robert Barnard has published one standalone novel and three alternate history books starring Wolfgang Mozart as a detective, he having survived to old age.
Barnard lived with his wife Louise in Yorkshire.
Series:
* Perry Trethowan
* Charlie Peace
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 30, 2013
I usually enjoy Robert Barnard, but this story included one of my weaknesses as a reader. When a character Is drawn so well that they become one of your favorite people I don't enjoy the book if they are the murder victim. It makes it all so real when the motive is negligent and it feels like a drive by shooting of an innocent you cared about. So then the humor and the excellent writing is lost to me.
Marcus the vet was a nice, good man who did't deserve his fate at the fete.
Marcus the vet was a nice, good man who did't deserve his fate at the fete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2016
Hexton-upon-Weir is run by the women of the town. They make all the decisions and bully and brow beat the men into submission. Helen Kiterage, wife of the local vet, tries to stand apart from it all and regards the goings on with amusement. She narrates the story in an acerbic and witty style. The town is sent into uproar by the appointment of a High Church vicar who is celibate by choice. High Church is just not acceptable to the women of the town and they vow to get rid of the new incumbent by fair means or foul.
The plotting and planning and whispering in corners come to a head at the local fete which starts off well but ends in tragedy. Can Helen make sense of the events of that day and run the murderer to earth.? I really enjoyed this highly amusing story and loved the narrator and her sharp eye for her neighbours' foibles as well as her own human failings.
I read the book in less than twenty four hours and found I had to keep reading to find out who did it and why. Some of the descriptions of people and events had me laughing out loud. In spite of the amusing and acidic narration the book still contains a serious core and shows how groups of people can get together to impose their views on others and how much strength of will it takes to go against the status quo.
The plotting and planning and whispering in corners come to a head at the local fete which starts off well but ends in tragedy. Can Helen make sense of the events of that day and run the murderer to earth.? I really enjoyed this highly amusing story and loved the narrator and her sharp eye for her neighbours' foibles as well as her own human failings.
I read the book in less than twenty four hours and found I had to keep reading to find out who did it and why. Some of the descriptions of people and events had me laughing out loud. In spite of the amusing and acidic narration the book still contains a serious core and shows how groups of people can get together to impose their views on others and how much strength of will it takes to go against the status quo.
February 24, 2022
"When Father Battersby, the Bishop's appointee to the newly vacant post of vicar in Hexton-on-Weir, turns out to the professionally celibate, the town's female population unites to force him out. As the local veterinarian's wife, Helen Kitteredge, observes. 'It's the women who rule in Hexton.' A vicar without a wife is unthinkable, and certainly unacceptable.
"Helen and her husband agree that Battersby's appearance at the upcoming church fete will put the boycott to the ultimate test. When the event, however, is halted by a most alarming murder, mere intrigue is eclipsed by genuine tragedy. And Robert Barnard proceeds to demonstrate in a witty and ultimately poignant way, that the motives and means fort murder are often found in unexpected places."
~~back cover
A charming book! I do like a mystery set in an English village in yesteryear. And this was a very perplexing mystery: it couldn't possibly have been done. At least, no one saw anything. The victim's relic is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, and so a round of tea and biscuits & sharp questions commences. Only to uncover the murderer at last, in the most unexpectent place.
"Helen and her husband agree that Battersby's appearance at the upcoming church fete will put the boycott to the ultimate test. When the event, however, is halted by a most alarming murder, mere intrigue is eclipsed by genuine tragedy. And Robert Barnard proceeds to demonstrate in a witty and ultimately poignant way, that the motives and means fort murder are often found in unexpected places."
~~back cover
A charming book! I do like a mystery set in an English village in yesteryear. And this was a very perplexing mystery: it couldn't possibly have been done. At least, no one saw anything. The victim's relic is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, and so a round of tea and biscuits & sharp questions commences. Only to uncover the murderer at last, in the most unexpectent place.
October 23, 2019
Like many of Robert Barnard's mysteries, this is set in a small English village. Unlike most of his books, it is told in the first person by a woman who is a keen observer of village life, and she notes that most of the men are dictated to by their wives. Helen's husband is a local veterinarian, and serves as a church warden, which means that he becomes embroiled in church politics. Still, when a murder occurs outside of the annual church fete, it is surprising and requires an insider's knowledge to unravel.
September 7, 2020
Hexton-on-Weir is a small town in the Yorkshire area with a population that tends to be retirees. Helen Kitteredge is married to the local vet, Marcus, and is the narrator.
Though there are many men in town, it seems it is the women who are the driving force. It is the womens’ voices heard most often giving their opinions. And some are extremely opinionated! The Hexton style is the man is the head of house but the wives’ “influence” runs the house — and the town for that matter. The Kitteredge marriage isn’t like that. Each are their own person with respect for the other.
The Reverend Primp, middle-of-the-road, traditional, boring and very predictable minister has passed away and the position of vicar is to be filled by Father Battersby. Shouldn’t be a big thing, but it is to many of the “influencers” of the town. Battersby uses the title Father, wears a cassock and isn’t married or looking to be. No woman to “influence” him, which means the town ladies will have no way to control him!
Helen and Marcus have no problem with it and hope all will settle out. Instead, during the annual church fête, Marcus’ body is discovered floating down the nearby stream. Helen’s focus turns to finding Marcus’ killer and the reason for it. It makes no sense as he is well liked for his pet-side manner and his involvement in the church.
While investigating, quite a few secrets are revealed to Helen; secrets that may explain the behaviour of many of the residents. Some may have to do with what happened and they all are interesting. In a small town, with people with small minds, there is quite a collection of personalities and relationships. Some are humourous, some are poignant and maybe amusing. Life in a small town can be more interesting than expected.
Helen wasn’t a busy-body but a woman looking for answers. Many thought her a bit out-spoken, and the fact that she and Marcus had moved there only twelve years ago made her a bit of an outsider.
I enjoyed the read as it took me to another place, time and people.
Though there are many men in town, it seems it is the women who are the driving force. It is the womens’ voices heard most often giving their opinions. And some are extremely opinionated! The Hexton style is the man is the head of house but the wives’ “influence” runs the house — and the town for that matter. The Kitteredge marriage isn’t like that. Each are their own person with respect for the other.
The Reverend Primp, middle-of-the-road, traditional, boring and very predictable minister has passed away and the position of vicar is to be filled by Father Battersby. Shouldn’t be a big thing, but it is to many of the “influencers” of the town. Battersby uses the title Father, wears a cassock and isn’t married or looking to be. No woman to “influence” him, which means the town ladies will have no way to control him!
Helen and Marcus have no problem with it and hope all will settle out. Instead, during the annual church fête, Marcus’ body is discovered floating down the nearby stream. Helen’s focus turns to finding Marcus’ killer and the reason for it. It makes no sense as he is well liked for his pet-side manner and his involvement in the church.
While investigating, quite a few secrets are revealed to Helen; secrets that may explain the behaviour of many of the residents. Some may have to do with what happened and they all are interesting. In a small town, with people with small minds, there is quite a collection of personalities and relationships. Some are humourous, some are poignant and maybe amusing. Life in a small town can be more interesting than expected.
Helen wasn’t a busy-body but a woman looking for answers. Many thought her a bit out-spoken, and the fact that she and Marcus had moved there only twelve years ago made her a bit of an outsider.
I enjoyed the read as it took me to another place, time and people.
November 1, 2025
This had a brilliant beginning. The comedy of manners was so funny, it made me nostalgic about the time when humour, esp. British humour, was so refreshing. When people were not always feeling offended about something or the other. It turned dark after the end of chapter 5, and I wish it hadn't because I would have enjoyed Helen's narrative of the village and its denizens for the rest of the book rather than her turning detective.
As I went into the book blind, I had no idea about the plot and thus the end of chapter 5 was like a punch to the gut. And Barnard did not really convince me about the murder victim. The motive was extremely weak. The reveal was such a let-down that it seemed to me that the victim was only selected so that the relationship mentioned in the last lines could come about. Not convincing at all and spoiled my enjoyment of the book.
Also, where were the family members? Surely a death in the family would bring some members at least to lend their support.
This was my fourth read of Barnard and he once again flattered to deceive. Three stars only for the brilliant narrative of the first five chapters.
As I went into the book blind, I had no idea about the plot and thus the end of chapter 5 was like a punch to the gut. And Barnard did not really convince me about the murder victim. The motive was extremely weak. The reveal was such a let-down that it seemed to me that the victim was only selected so that the relationship mentioned in the last lines could come about. Not convincing at all and spoiled my enjoyment of the book.
Also, where were the family members? Surely a death in the family would bring some members at least to lend their support.
This was my fourth read of Barnard and he once again flattered to deceive. Three stars only for the brilliant narrative of the first five chapters.
June 5, 2023
3.5/5 - I don't remember how I learned about this book and didn't know what to expect. While different from what I'd usually choose, this does its genre well and was really fun. The protagonist is cheeky, very funny, and perfectly British, which made it easy to slip into the setting of the story immediately. For over half of the book, the tone is a bit sleepy and slice-of-life, which is slow but perfectly sets up the shock of the crime that is committed. Even with a horrible atrocity, the author takes it in stride and continues to write consistently with the characters I came to enjoy. The ending was a nice twist, too!
Given that everyone in the town is pretty similar - that's the point - I did struggle to keep people straight in my mind. It was a bit tedious for me overall, but I do think the choices all fit the story well. I liked it.
Given that everyone in the town is pretty similar - that's the point - I did struggle to keep people straight in my mind. It was a bit tedious for me overall, but I do think the choices all fit the story well. I liked it.
February 24, 2024
i really enjoyed the charming small town vibes in the first part of the book. however, as i got into the second half, it started to feel a bit focused on the investigation and every character was recounting the details of the murder day to the point it got a tad repetitive. still a decent cozy quick mystery though
October 2, 2024
Barnard hit a home run in this book. (Not that there is anything to do with baseball in it.) The first person narrative is very effective, although I did wonder if the person was always informing the police about her suspicions as she tries to unravel the mystery. The motive is certainly unusual, and you won't find another murder mystery with exactly that.
April 29, 2019
Great description of small English village with the customs of a village, where people spend all their lives and have expectations of how to act on any occasion. Clever mystery with surprise ending!
October 29, 2022
Great read!!
April 5, 2023
Another fun one. The first person narrative and the usual unexpected plot twists raise this above the ordinary.
October 31, 2023
A well-written book but with an ending that was somewhat of a letdown. Still worth reading.
March 11, 2025
Robert Barnard consistently delivers great mysteries. The who-done-it is very satisfying and the stories are brilliantly told. He doesn’t disappoint.
June 7, 2014
Robert Barnard's "Fête Fatale" could be classified as a "cozy" mystery if not for the author's occasional usage of his trademark sardonic style (alas, there is way too little of that, for my liking). The story takes place in a rather small and closed community, a woman is the sleuth, and there is not much violence. Fortunately for me (as "cozy" is probably my least favorite genre), the author makes some funny sexual references and a the novel conveys a clear social message: a 1980's woman pitched against a Victorian community.
Hexton, a small town in Yorkshire, needs a new vicar. The candidate selected by the bishop is rejected by the town womenfolk as he is avowedly celibate; after all, "everybody knows" that it is the vicar's wife who is the center of the vicarage. Hexton happens to be ruled by women; men's roles are inconsequential (as the author jokes, the town is a case of "Stepford husbands"). Local vet's wife, Helen, is the narrator of the story.
A murder happens during the Annual Hexton Church Fête; police begin their investigation, yet it is Helen, who does most of the sleuthing - she knows the local "web of customs and conventions, the alliances and animosities" better than the police. I find the denouement disappointing but a bit funny, in a perverse way. Also the penultimate sentence of the novel is absolutely hilarious. Still, the portrayal of Hexton is too exaggerated and, for me, there is too much coziness and not enough sarcasm.
Two and a quarter stars.
Hexton, a small town in Yorkshire, needs a new vicar. The candidate selected by the bishop is rejected by the town womenfolk as he is avowedly celibate; after all, "everybody knows" that it is the vicar's wife who is the center of the vicarage. Hexton happens to be ruled by women; men's roles are inconsequential (as the author jokes, the town is a case of "Stepford husbands"). Local vet's wife, Helen, is the narrator of the story.
A murder happens during the Annual Hexton Church Fête; police begin their investigation, yet it is Helen, who does most of the sleuthing - she knows the local "web of customs and conventions, the alliances and animosities" better than the police. I find the denouement disappointing but a bit funny, in a perverse way. Also the penultimate sentence of the novel is absolutely hilarious. Still, the portrayal of Hexton is too exaggerated and, for me, there is too much coziness and not enough sarcasm.
Two and a quarter stars.
June 12, 2015
This has to be about the most mild-mannered murder mystery on record. Only one murder, no blood, and more than a third of the book given to a lead-in that seems more like a novel of small-town manners than anything with a criminal element. But Barnard strikes home in three areas:
First, with a first-person woman narrator who comes across as a female, whole and decent, even when most feisty and sharp-tongued. She finds the women of her little north England town often insufferable, especially in their opposition to the appointment of a new celibate ecclesiastic and their domination of their husbands.
Second, with a truly shocking choice of the murder victim.
Third, with the almost equally shocking choice of the killer, and that person's likelihood of receiving an understandably short sentence.
It's a tight, fast read with a wide swipe of social commentary and an absurd yet all too human reason for murder.
First, with a first-person woman narrator who comes across as a female, whole and decent, even when most feisty and sharp-tongued. She finds the women of her little north England town often insufferable, especially in their opposition to the appointment of a new celibate ecclesiastic and their domination of their husbands.
Second, with a truly shocking choice of the murder victim.
Third, with the almost equally shocking choice of the killer, and that person's likelihood of receiving an understandably short sentence.
It's a tight, fast read with a wide swipe of social commentary and an absurd yet all too human reason for murder.
November 4, 2010
Robert Barnard's humor, observation and clever plotting made for a satisfying read. I do love a mystery where I can't guess who dunnit, and this story has a particularly clever twist. (BTW, the plot summary given for this book in goodreads is inaccurate)
August 29, 2013
A Barnard oldie (1985.)
One of his small town Yorkshire books, and suitably atmospheric.
However, it was easy to spot who did it fairly early on, not because of clues but for formal reasons. The motive, though, was interesting and a surprise, yet it fit perfectly.
One of his small town Yorkshire books, and suitably atmospheric.
However, it was easy to spot who did it fairly early on, not because of clues but for formal reasons. The motive, though, was interesting and a surprise, yet it fit perfectly.
Want to read
August 12, 2010Somerville Library Reading Club 2010 list
September 9, 2016
Miss Marple would be proud of this quiet, very British village murder.
January 10, 2014
surprising victim, okay mystery
April 19, 2017
A murder mystery with humor. Marcus is killed with a hat pin because he was a vet who could not live with the fact that a dog had entered the country without being quarantined appropriately. Love of dog did the vet in.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews