Never Laugh As a Hearse Goes By

Penny Brannigan #5

by Elizabeth J. Duncan

The fifth in this enchanting Welsh series which has been likened to the work of Dorothy Cannell and M. C. Beaton


Spa owner and habitual amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan finds herself at a clerical conference at Gladstone’s Library in North Wales. Also attending as a guest speaker is her boyfriend, DCI Gareth Davies, there to give a talk on theft prevention. But behind the ornate red sandstone façade of this most respectable of Victorian buildings, Penny encounters deception, marital and financial infidelity, a sham marriage scam, blackmail for beginners, and someone bent on murder.

When the bishop’s secretary dies of a suspicious case of food poisoning, Davies leads the investigation. At Penny’s suggestion, Florence Semble, a friend from Penny’s adopted hometown, is invited to the Library to decode the secretary’s shorthand notebook in the search for clues. As the conference continues, another body is found in the beautiful library itself, and Penny must once again search for a killer.

Never Laugh As a Hearse Goes By is a fine entry in a series celebrated for its small town charm, Welsh flavor, and loveable characters.    

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Canada, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 29, 2013

About the author

After graduating from Carleton University, Ottawa, with a BA in English, Elizabeth J. Duncan worked as a writer and editor for some of Canada’s largest newspapers, and as a public relations practitioner.

A two-time winner of the Bloody Words Award for Canada's best light mystery, she is the author of two traditional mystery series, Penny Brannigan set in North Wales and Shakespeare in the Catskills featuring costume designer Charlotte Fairfax,
Elizabeth divides her time between Toronto, Canada and Llandudno, North Wales.

Reviews

[Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

Initially, this mystery seemed an exciting find. Engaging plot, dry wit. The novel’s setting in northern Wales appealed to me because I had made repeat visits there, staying with local residents, and the author describes the region and its people in interesting ways. A spa/hair salon is also an interesting setting -- the tenacious heroine gleans clues from the customer and social interactions there that help solve the mystery. In addition, Duncan realistically captures the tensions, ambition, and inner workings of church administration.

However, the author fails at writing non-White characters as human beings, and indeed seems to have a serious grudge against Black people (as well as Southeast Asians, as portrayed in her novel Slated for Death, which I read for comparison). “Never Laugh” includes a one-dimensional Nigerian character who is described simply as being very dark skinned, with contrasting very white teeth -- a description the author repeats in more than one scene, as though her revulsion couldn’t contain itself. She also depicts him as grinning, as though her ability to see Black people is reduced to the hateful stereotypes of certain 18th-c. engravings, and 19th-20th century advertisements with Sambo and Aunt Jemima stereotypes.

During the rather rushed ending of the novel, a police officer spouts a long ‘reverse racism’ speech implying that investigations and legal proceedings are slowed down, and free speech suppressed, because of the fear of being called racist. This is not linked to the action and plot development earlier in the story. It simply gushes out as though the author didn’t want to let the chapter go without trying to spin the false equivalence that speaking up about racism is the same as documented, real-life racist incidents, abuse, and attitudes.

Yes, I have traveled in the UK and I am an African American woman. Most people in Wales were lovely and polite; I even met a Black British woman living in Betwys-Y-Coed during one visit. How sad it is that an intelligent person with a talent for plotting an engaging mystery thinks it necessary to promote racism. I will not buy, nor will I recommend that others buy, works by this author.

[BeParticular · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm tiring of this series. Five books in we should know much more about the characters than we do. And the little we do know is simplistic, boring, and repetitious. Penny (and the rest of the town's characters) have plenty of potential for development, but they've stalled instead. The relationship between Gareth and Penny has become completely ridiculous. I'm of a similar age and situation to Penny, but her concerns about "giving up the life she has built for herself" have no basis in reality. Gareth has given her zero reasons for her concerns. Perhaps if Duncan developed her characters even a tiny bit, reasons might become evident. As it is, Penny comes across as a completely self-centered bore. As for the murder mystery, I found Minty's (terrible character name) instantaneous behavior flip entirely unbelievable. Her murderer's motivation? Even worse. And the continuing side story with Dilys and her hand cream? Just get on with it already. Quit dragging it on and on. Ugh.

[Anna Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knives out adjacent

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Elizabeth Duncan's Penny Brannigan Welsh mysteries. While there's nothing that unusual or different about them, they are well written, well-developed characters set in a small Welsh town. Penny co-owns a spa and dates a policeman. The town has the usual cast of busybodies, a nice clergyman and his wife, and their beloved dog Robbie. These books are all very fast reads, and I love relaxing with Duncan's books. I only wish she wrote two a year, at least, instead of just one.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #5 in the series takes place at Gladstone's Library which is a real library in Wales with 26 boutique bedrooms where you can take one of the 150,000 books to your room! No TV's! The Library is called a "residential library" and the only one like it in the UK. Founded by William Gladstone (1809-1898), it is the only "Prime Ministerial library" and after his death became the national memorial to his life and work. The book's setting made for another enjoyable read, in a place I didn't know existed and which would be fun to visit.

[Valerie Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Laugh As a Hearse Goes by by Elizabeth Duncan is a cosy mystery set in Wales. It is a pleasant book with engaging characters and while there isn't a lot of excitement there are a number of suspenseful twists and turns and the setting is interesting.

The author is Canadian and lives and works in Toronto which is just south of where I live.

[Cynthia Vengraitis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm officially hooked on this series. Nothing exciting, no big surprises but I like having the same characters and a cozy mystery to distract me from the world.

[Redbird · Rating 1 out of 5]

I quit reading this 40% through. Early on, one of the first things that bothered me (this is not a spoiler) was a person talking about an EpiPen as a lifesaver for an allergy. That’s a common misunderstanding. EpiPen’s provide very temporary relief while emergency treatment is on the way, and it sometimes is too little too late. Enough of us have raised children with allergies to be aware of the importance of this, especially peanut allergies.

The story lacks finesse and subtlety. I don’t recall a murder mystery that was so blatant in providing motives. The author seemed to be telling a story by shouting, HOW ABOUT THIS GUY? NOW CHECK OUT HER! The whole story was a subtle as my grandpa whispering about the fat lady at the next table. No finesse and just not worth it.

[Carol Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this terrific 5th entry in a winning series Duncan seamlessly weaves together a cast of memorable characters, old favorites from the village of Llanelen, a full range of emotions and motives, and a multi-layered plot, then places them all into the serene, magnificent setting of the real-life Gladstone's Library in north Wales. The result is a lively, compelling mystery with several plot twists and a most satisfying ending that is sure to please her many fans. Do not miss this outstanding story!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm ticked that Penny has dumped Gareth. Forget the stupid suspense of will she or won't she - she's supposed to be in her 50s for chrissake, she's smart enough to balance independence and companionship. And how about more about her painting which in the first books was a source of income. Why is she just doing the spa thing now - so shallow. And Victoria dropped her harp playing - why? Those were interesting vocations rather than the silly nail stuff. Not all women are like the "real housewives" you know.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Penny Brannigan Mystery, and I liked it. I was a bit surprised that Penny was in her mid-fifties, but why not?! One does not have to be in her twenties to solve a mystery. Actually, the older a protaganast is enables her to have more experience from which to pull out answers that will assist her in solving the mystery. Penny did a great job as sleuth, working woman, and friend to DCI Davies. Well done, Penny!

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between 3.5 and 4 stars. I like this series because it's a quick, simple and enjoyable read. This book was no exception, with a more intricate plot than the previous books. Not much more character development, although there's a glimpse into Penny's background that explains a few things. A little too much inner dialogue, too. But the plot made up for it, and it kept me guessing until the end.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Racism, sexism, agism, and homophobia all in one. See ya.

[Nese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the series uses historical Gladstone library in Wales as the background of this cozy mystery. In addition to the beautifully described landscape and countryside of Wales, the characters’ relationships evolve and the murder mysteries become more complex with each book. I wish one of the murder victims, as imperfect as she is, were not so likeable and relatable. I also would like some of the new characters, like the accountant’s wife and son, become regulars in the series. The only thing I didn’t like about the book is where the author puts mentally ill people and “the deranged people who push a person under a train” in the same category. (Saying mentally ill people are violent is as ridiculous as saying people with heart disease are violent since they are both medical conditions.) Mental illnesses are debilitating and potentially life-threatening medical conditions requiring treatment but because of the stigma attached to this illness, people don’t seek treatment but suffer in silence. (People with violent tendencies which is not same as mental illness, may be also treated with psychotropic drugs.) I hope the author will learn what mental illness really is and write about a mentally ill person in a realistic way in the next books. Four and a half stars.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book, I have read by this Canadian author. I rather enjoyed the story. Penny Brannigan receives a strange phone message from a man regarding an upcoming conference at the Gladstone Library in Northern Wales. As it turns out, Penny is later invited as a guest speaker to a Clerical Conference along with her boyfriend DCI Gareth Davies. During the luncheon, the Bishop’s admin assistant suffers a allergic reaction and later dies in hospital. As the conference continues, Penny discovers a man’s body in the library. Penny is suspicious, are the two murders connected?
I loved the characters and the warm small town charm and welsh humor.

[Patricia O. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series I am reading\listening to.


"It wasn't his good looks that the young man found so appealing. It was more likely the burgundy European passport... And a bountiful benefits that flows from it."

This writer is either racist or in denial of her racism or something. Again we meet a "foreigner", this time from Nigeria. And Penny + boyfriend already assumes the Nigerian young man is with the older unkept white man as a user.

Seriously... I've listened to two books in the series, and both had racist undertones or overtones. I hate the series.

I quit this book in chapter 9. I really don't care about these characters or this writer.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) This is the 5th Penny Brannigan book. Penny is invited to speak to the spouses at a clerical conference sponsored by the bishop to be held at Gladstone’s Library. She is pleased to learn that Gareth has been invited as well to speak on theft prevention. But when the bishop’s secretary ends up dead from anaphylactic shock, it looks like someone was trying to hide a murder. The two work together, with some help from Florence to decipher her shorthand notes to see if they can figure out what is going on, unraveling a host of secrets from the conference attendees.

[EmmyT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Shorthand Dictation Storyline

Nice cozies. One of my go-to series. This story has plot that included shorthand dictation, the skills needed and knowing the symbols. I'm old enough that I took 2 years of shorthand in HS. Always loved knowing this 'secret code'. My mom used to write out her Christmas Gift Lists in shorthand, so no one could figure out what they were getting! I sometimes still scribble the words to TV shows in shorthand on my leg with finger while listening.

[Bridget Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a cozy set in small villages in Wales. The protagonist owns a spa that mostly does manicures. The handsome DCI wants to have a deeper relationship but villagers commented twice that, "she's just not that into him."
The setting and mystery were interesting. The victims were interesting and I wished they stayed around longer.
This is not a series for me because, well, the protagonist? I'm just not that into her.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny and her partner Victoria own a spa in North Wales. Penny's current boyfriend is DCI Gareth Davis and they are attending a clerical conference as guest speakers. The bishop's secretary dies from what people suspect as poisoning as she was allergic to fish and as she was taken ill she kept looking for her epi pen that was always in her purse but this was not found and she collapsed and eventually died. Gareth and Penny search for clues and hunt down the murderer.

[Liz V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gladstone Library is the site of a church conference that both Penny and her boyfriend attend as each is scheduled to give a presentation. At lunch on the first full day, the conference secretary dies of anaphylactic shock when the EpiPen she always carries is no where to be found. Penny, of course, busies herself investigating with the acquiescence of her boyfriend. It does have me wondering about rules of evidence in Wales, but interesting enough mystery.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny Brannigan is invited to a clerical conference at the Gladstone Library to give a talk to the spouses. At the same time DCI Gareth Davies will be attending to give a talk about theft prevention. While they are there, the bishop's secretary dies from an allergic reaction to food she ate. Before her murder can be solved one of the clergy is found stabbed in the library. Are the two deaths connected? What secrets are there among the clergy and their spouses?

[Michelle Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author just keeps on cranking out great books. Her hints never seem forced, and her characters never break character, just to satisfy the plot. This book in particular was fun because it was about a world famous library, the Gladstone Library in North Wales. I love books about books, bookstores and libraries. Amazing work of describing the library, and how it functions, without making it drag on. I'm already into the next book. These read in few hours so buy several at a time.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of this mystery was set in another location, but a most interesting one - and a real one, I understand. Wonderful descriptions, still love the characters, and good plot. I think I'll be finishing this series - what books are currently in it - soon. Hopefully I won't have to wait too too long for another installment!

[Meg Morden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read some of her Shakespeare in the Catskills mysteries, but this is the first of the series set in Wales. I will read more as they are a light, cozy read. A murder takes place during an ecclesiastical conference in the Gladstone library. The setting was suggested by one of Duncan’s readers.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in the Gladstone Library in Wales, which is an interesting location - explore it at https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/. It is a good solid Penny Brannigan plot with enough twists to keep you on your toes, including in her personal and business life.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, see the reviews already here if you want an actual review.

Me, I'm just requesting that somebody quote a line or three from the reverse-racist speech that Z mentions in her review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... Because it apparently went right past my head.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series and would rate it higher if it weren’t for the unnecessary repetitions. A paragraph on one page will be repeated three pages later. I find it a bit annoying. That being said, I enjoyed the characters and storyline.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very convoluted mystery with the murders occurring at Gladstone's Library in North Wales. Penny witnesses the first, and discovers the second, so can't help but feel involved, as surprising secrets are revealed.

[Sarah Hearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This mystery was not as engaging as Duncan’s others. The plot was a bit weak and the ending felt unresolved somehow. Nevertheless, Penny Brannigan and co., are just as pleasant to read about, and as usual, I like the sense of continuity from one book to another.