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Mrs Pargeter #4
Mrs. Pargeter's Pound of Flesh
Mrs. Pargeter doesn't much like diets. She never felt any need to change her own pleasingly ample figure, but she's happy enough to accompany her slimming-obsessed friend Kim Thurrock for a few days' stay at the exclusive Brotherton Hall health spa. There's one condition, however.
Mrs. Pargeter must receive a special "allergy treatment" featuring the choice delicacies of a cordon bleu chef and an excellent wine list. Suitably assured of rich food and drink, she relaxes and looks forward to a luxurious rest.
Until ... she sees two men wheeling away a young girl's body. Never one to let a murder go unsolved, Mrs. Pargeter sets off on a dangerous trail of inquiry through the pretensions and occasional charlatanism of the health-and-fitness game. It's a trail that brings her up against many of her late husband's "business associates" - among them, the lugubrious private eye Truffler Mason, journalist Ellie Fenchurch, Brotherton Hall's manager "Ankle-Deep" Arkwright, surgical specialist "Jack the Knife," and the enigmatic Stan the Stapler.
But can she trust them all, or were some involved in the notorious betrayal of the late Mr. Pargeter summed up in the one ominous word "Streatham"? In typically unflappable style, Mrs. Pargeter rides through the investigation - from Brotherton Hall to London's King's Cross, through Cambridge University to a Dead Sea mud bath - in search of the villain.
Justice will prevail. One way or another, Mrs. Pargeter will get her pound of flesh. The fourth excursion for this irrepressible widow, Mrs. Pargeter's Pound of Flesh is bound to bring even more enthusiastic fans to Simon Brett's masterly series of mysteries.
Mrs. Pargeter must receive a special "allergy treatment" featuring the choice delicacies of a cordon bleu chef and an excellent wine list. Suitably assured of rich food and drink, she relaxes and looks forward to a luxurious rest.
Until ... she sees two men wheeling away a young girl's body. Never one to let a murder go unsolved, Mrs. Pargeter sets off on a dangerous trail of inquiry through the pretensions and occasional charlatanism of the health-and-fitness game. It's a trail that brings her up against many of her late husband's "business associates" - among them, the lugubrious private eye Truffler Mason, journalist Ellie Fenchurch, Brotherton Hall's manager "Ankle-Deep" Arkwright, surgical specialist "Jack the Knife," and the enigmatic Stan the Stapler.
But can she trust them all, or were some involved in the notorious betrayal of the late Mr. Pargeter summed up in the one ominous word "Streatham"? In typically unflappable style, Mrs. Pargeter rides through the investigation - from Brotherton Hall to London's King's Cross, through Cambridge University to a Dead Sea mud bath - in search of the villain.
Justice will prevail. One way or another, Mrs. Pargeter will get her pound of flesh. The fourth excursion for this irrepressible widow, Mrs. Pargeter's Pound of Flesh is bound to bring even more enthusiastic fans to Simon Brett's masterly series of mysteries.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
431 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Simon Brett
330 books536 followersSimon 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 14, 2021
This is not my favorite of the series so far, but it delivers a good deal of light entertainment with regard to the world of diet, exercise and plastic surgery... Not for Mrs. Pargeter, of course, but for a friend of hers. Her friend wishes to lose some fat and tone up before her husband returns home after a stay in the world of barred cells. Their stay at a health spa is a mix of hilarious scenes but also crime, leading to a reunion with a number of the late Mr. Pargeter's old chums. Mrs. Pargeter ends up in a face off with pistol in hand. Will she survive triumphant?
Loan from Friend - Thank You!
Loan from Friend - Thank You!
March 18, 2015
I really used to enjoy Simon Brett's books and I think that I have read most of the Charles Paris and The Fethering series. I thought that, perhaps not suprisingly, the latter books of both sets were starting to show signs of age.
I have certainly enjoyed some of this series before but as it must be over 20 years ago, I cant remember if I have read this one before or not.
It doesnt really matter. Although it is a who-done-it, the enjoyment is in reading the story itself, rather than finding the culprit.
The reader falls for dear Mrs Pargeter as you would a favourite aunt and, to a lesser extent, you feel for the dear departed lovable rogue Mr Pargeter. You certainly hope that when we die, we will leave as many friends as he did.
The book was written in 1992 and I see that three more were written after it, including one after a 17 year gap in 2015. That intrigues me and I have all three on my reading list.
A very easy read, most enjoyable.
I have certainly enjoyed some of this series before but as it must be over 20 years ago, I cant remember if I have read this one before or not.
It doesnt really matter. Although it is a who-done-it, the enjoyment is in reading the story itself, rather than finding the culprit.
The reader falls for dear Mrs Pargeter as you would a favourite aunt and, to a lesser extent, you feel for the dear departed lovable rogue Mr Pargeter. You certainly hope that when we die, we will leave as many friends as he did.
The book was written in 1992 and I see that three more were written after it, including one after a 17 year gap in 2015. That intrigues me and I have all three on my reading list.
A very easy read, most enjoyable.
March 14, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series - this is the fourth that I've read so far this year. The mysteries can be a bit thin (certainly this one is) but as with any good series, the real pleasures come from revisiting the characters.
And these characters are quite colorful, Brett peppers his plots with droll asides and a welcome bohemian bonhomie, and he keeps business moving briskly along in these short novels. It makes me a little sad that I'm more than halfway through the series... fortunately, he has two other (longer!) series that will keep me pleasantly diverted for years to come.
And these characters are quite colorful, Brett peppers his plots with droll asides and a welcome bohemian bonhomie, and he keeps business moving briskly along in these short novels. It makes me a little sad that I'm more than halfway through the series... fortunately, he has two other (longer!) series that will keep me pleasantly diverted for years to come.
July 9, 2025
Mrs Pargeter is persuaded to accompany a friend to a health farm, here it soon becomes apparent that there are sinister goings on. And of coeure some useful friends of the late Mr a pargeter are around to help her to solve the mystery of what is happening.
I thought this one rather far fetched, and there were a lot of rathe silly things happening. The rather overworked cliche of the person who goes to a health farm to lose,weight but secretly eats large meals has been done too often. Mildly entertaining.
I thought this one rather far fetched, and there were a lot of rathe silly things happening. The rather overworked cliche of the person who goes to a health farm to lose,weight but secretly eats large meals has been done too often. Mildly entertaining.
January 31, 2025
Mrs Pargeter has accompanied a friend to a health spa, but has no intention of taking exercise or following the cottage cheese and salad diet. When she sees two ambulance men removing the body of a young girl from one of the rooms, she decides her time would be better spent investigating.
This was good fun with its light hearted look at the diet and fitness fads of the 80s/90s. Mrs Pargeter is likeable as always, and Truffler Mason the lugubrious private eye is a great character. In this episode we find out a little more about the late Mr Pargeter’s career and of course meet more of his former ‘colleagues’ who are eager to help his widow in any way they can.
This is a pleasant series, there is a danger that the running jokes are becoming repetitive and a little tiresome, but there was enough to enjoy in the mystery to make me overlook this.
This was good fun with its light hearted look at the diet and fitness fads of the 80s/90s. Mrs Pargeter is likeable as always, and Truffler Mason the lugubrious private eye is a great character. In this episode we find out a little more about the late Mr Pargeter’s career and of course meet more of his former ‘colleagues’ who are eager to help his widow in any way they can.
This is a pleasant series, there is a danger that the running jokes are becoming repetitive and a little tiresome, but there was enough to enjoy in the mystery to make me overlook this.
September 24, 2020
Mrs. Pargeter treats a friend to a stay at a health spa. The friend goes full tilt with the program but Mrs. Pargeter, as exercise-averse as ever, has a special routine. With time on her hands, she sees events not meant for guests' eyes, such as the body of a young woman carried from the premises.
April 28, 2022
Delightful Mrs. Pargeter!
Now I have come to the fourth installment of these delicious stories. Mrs. Targeted is charming, as usual, and surrounded by characters from her past. Thus seems like a walk back into a simpler tumer. Loved it!
Now I have come to the fourth installment of these delicious stories. Mrs. Targeted is charming, as usual, and surrounded by characters from her past. Thus seems like a walk back into a simpler tumer. Loved it!
March 27, 2023
These are short books set in the 1980s
Now Mrs Pargeter, a physically imposing woman, is drafted by a wife of one of her late husband’s accomplices err business associates to attend a slimming spa
As Mrs Pargeter sees no need for herself to lose an ounce she convinces the owner of the spa, an associate of Mr Pargeter to allow her to enjoy gourmet foods and wines and read and rest
Meanwhile here friend is being absorbed into the cult of Mind over Fatty Matters run by a dubious woman
However there’s more going on than meets the eye and bodies are falling faster than pounds
Activating Mr Pargeter’s cohorts she’s soon in the thick of another investigation.
Now Mrs Pargeter, a physically imposing woman, is drafted by a wife of one of her late husband’s accomplices err business associates to attend a slimming spa
As Mrs Pargeter sees no need for herself to lose an ounce she convinces the owner of the spa, an associate of Mr Pargeter to allow her to enjoy gourmet foods and wines and read and rest
Meanwhile here friend is being absorbed into the cult of Mind over Fatty Matters run by a dubious woman
However there’s more going on than meets the eye and bodies are falling faster than pounds
Activating Mr Pargeter’s cohorts she’s soon in the thick of another investigation.
August 1, 2022
My first book in the series. An absolute delight. Mrs Pargeter is an original, unlike any I've read before. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 31, 2022
2022 bk 77. I enjoyed this better than the 2nd of the series. Mrs. Pargeter takes a friend with her for a visit to a Health Spa and finds murder. She again calls upon old friends to track down 'who done it' and seek revenge upon.... that would be telling, wouldn't it. Great play on the weightloss schemes of the late 1980's.
August 3, 2020
Didn't really enjoy this novel as much as previous ones :((
June 2, 2024
This series has been a joy to read primarily because of the irrepressible Mrs. Pargeter. She’s a widow who is perfectly happy with her ample body. Nevertheless, she agrees to accompany her friend, Kim, to a health spa where Kim hopes to lose a few pounds before her husband comes home from prison.
Let me digress here to point out that my hatred for cottage cheese is beyond legendary. I’m certain I’ve not met anyone who despises the stuff with the same vehemence as I do. But the fictional Mrs. Pargeter’s hatred for the horrific stuff equals or perhaps even barely edges out mine. That’s another reason to keep reading the series. Anyone who can say the kind of disparaging things she does about cottage cheese is a close and forever friend of mine even if she’s fictional.
Because of her “allergies” to diet food and exercise equipment, the spa owner, a friend of her former husband, insists that she eat gourmet food prepared by a first-rate chef and assiduously avoid the exercise room. She’s quite happy with that food plan.
On a sleepless night, Mrs. Pargeter watches as spa workers surreptitiously move the body of a painfully thin young woman from the premises. The woman is thoroughly dead, and Mrs. Pargeter begins to suspect the spa and its workers.
Her investigation gets more complex when another young woman, a spa worker, drowns in a mud bath.
This is good stuff. The author allows Mrs. Pargeter to get revenge on a former associate of her late husband’s—the one who betrayed Mr. Pargeter, as a matter of fact.
You absolutely do not have to have read previous books in the series to appreciate this one. Every book is set in a different location with largely different characters. Jump into this anywhere you like and enjoy.
Let me digress here to point out that my hatred for cottage cheese is beyond legendary. I’m certain I’ve not met anyone who despises the stuff with the same vehemence as I do. But the fictional Mrs. Pargeter’s hatred for the horrific stuff equals or perhaps even barely edges out mine. That’s another reason to keep reading the series. Anyone who can say the kind of disparaging things she does about cottage cheese is a close and forever friend of mine even if she’s fictional.
Because of her “allergies” to diet food and exercise equipment, the spa owner, a friend of her former husband, insists that she eat gourmet food prepared by a first-rate chef and assiduously avoid the exercise room. She’s quite happy with that food plan.
On a sleepless night, Mrs. Pargeter watches as spa workers surreptitiously move the body of a painfully thin young woman from the premises. The woman is thoroughly dead, and Mrs. Pargeter begins to suspect the spa and its workers.
Her investigation gets more complex when another young woman, a spa worker, drowns in a mud bath.
This is good stuff. The author allows Mrs. Pargeter to get revenge on a former associate of her late husband’s—the one who betrayed Mr. Pargeter, as a matter of fact.
You absolutely do not have to have read previous books in the series to appreciate this one. Every book is set in a different location with largely different characters. Jump into this anywhere you like and enjoy.
February 14, 2019
I had fun with this book, and even though it was fourth in the series, I had no difficulty in following the characters. Mrs. Pargeter is a widow. Her much-beloved husband was in business, and it's not long before the reader discovers his business was criminal in nature. Because he was such a nice guy, there are many crooks around who would do anything for Mrs. Pargeter. It's charming that these former (mostly) criminals are so willing to be at her beck and call.
Mrs. Pargeter's friend, Kim, is eagerly looking forward to the release of her husband, but she's worried he won't find her attractive, since she's gained weight in the years he's been gone. Mrs. Pargeter checks them both into Brotherton Hall, a health spa that will help Kim get in shape for her husband's return. (Mrs. Pargeter thinks Kim looks fine as she is, but she wants to help.)
Once there, the giggles keep coming. While Kim works her butt off and exists on lettuce and cottage cheese, Mrs. Pargeter makes arrangements for a special course treatment to deal with her "allergies", which includes steak, good wine, and the option to avoid all exercise. She can do this because the owner of Brotherton Hall is a former colleague of her husband, as is the spa's chef.
After overhearing some disturbing conversation, she witnesses two orderlies wheeling out the body of an extremely thin dead girl. Mrs. Pargeter makes up her mind to find out what's happening.
Alongside the mystery, Brett gives a humorous commentary about the manipulative methods used by weight-loss gurus to guilt women into using their product.
A fun read.
Mrs. Pargeter's friend, Kim, is eagerly looking forward to the release of her husband, but she's worried he won't find her attractive, since she's gained weight in the years he's been gone. Mrs. Pargeter checks them both into Brotherton Hall, a health spa that will help Kim get in shape for her husband's return. (Mrs. Pargeter thinks Kim looks fine as she is, but she wants to help.)
Once there, the giggles keep coming. While Kim works her butt off and exists on lettuce and cottage cheese, Mrs. Pargeter makes arrangements for a special course treatment to deal with her "allergies", which includes steak, good wine, and the option to avoid all exercise. She can do this because the owner of Brotherton Hall is a former colleague of her husband, as is the spa's chef.
After overhearing some disturbing conversation, she witnesses two orderlies wheeling out the body of an extremely thin dead girl. Mrs. Pargeter makes up her mind to find out what's happening.
Alongside the mystery, Brett gives a humorous commentary about the manipulative methods used by weight-loss gurus to guilt women into using their product.
A fun read.
October 3, 2020
Mrs. Pargeter doesn't much like diets. She never felt any need to change her own pleasingly ample figure, but she's happy enough to accompany her slimming-obsessed friend Kim Thurrock for a few days' stay at the exclusive Brotherton Hall health spa. There's one condition, however.
Mrs. Pargeter must receive a special "allergy treatment" featuring the choice delicacies of a cordon bleu chef and an excellent wine list. Suitably assured of rich food and drink, she relaxes and looks forward to a luxurious rest.
Until ... she sees two men wheeling away a young girl's body. Never one to let a murder go unsolved, Mrs. Pargeter sets off on a dangerous trail of inquiry through the pretensions and occasional charlatanism of the health-and-fitness game. It's a trail that brings her up against many of her late husband's "business associates" - among them, the lugubrious private eye Truffler Mason, journalist Ellie Fenchurch, Brotherton Hall's manager "Ankle-Deep" Arkwright, surgical specialist "Jack the Knife," and the enigmatic Stan the Stapler.
But can she trust them all, or were some involved in the notorious betrayal of the late Mr. Pargeter summed up in the one ominous word "Streatham"? In typically unflappable style, Mrs. Pargeter rides through the investigation - from Brotherton Hall to London's King's Cross, through Cambridge University to a Dead Sea mud bath - in search of the villain.
Justice will prevail. One way or another, Mrs. Pargeter will get her pound of flesh. The fourth excursion for this irrepressible widow, Mrs. Pargeter's Pound of Flesh is bound to bring even more enthusiastic fans to Simon Brett's masterly series of mysteries.
Mrs. Pargeter must receive a special "allergy treatment" featuring the choice delicacies of a cordon bleu chef and an excellent wine list. Suitably assured of rich food and drink, she relaxes and looks forward to a luxurious rest.
Until ... she sees two men wheeling away a young girl's body. Never one to let a murder go unsolved, Mrs. Pargeter sets off on a dangerous trail of inquiry through the pretensions and occasional charlatanism of the health-and-fitness game. It's a trail that brings her up against many of her late husband's "business associates" - among them, the lugubrious private eye Truffler Mason, journalist Ellie Fenchurch, Brotherton Hall's manager "Ankle-Deep" Arkwright, surgical specialist "Jack the Knife," and the enigmatic Stan the Stapler.
But can she trust them all, or were some involved in the notorious betrayal of the late Mr. Pargeter summed up in the one ominous word "Streatham"? In typically unflappable style, Mrs. Pargeter rides through the investigation - from Brotherton Hall to London's King's Cross, through Cambridge University to a Dead Sea mud bath - in search of the villain.
Justice will prevail. One way or another, Mrs. Pargeter will get her pound of flesh. The fourth excursion for this irrepressible widow, Mrs. Pargeter's Pound of Flesh is bound to bring even more enthusiastic fans to Simon Brett's masterly series of mysteries.
January 23, 2025
The fourth Mrs. Pargeter mystery was first published in 1992, but felt to me more like a novel set in the 1980's. It involves a comfortably sized Mrs. Pargeter visiting Brotherton Hall, a health spa, run by Mr. Arkwright. Of course, Mr. Arkwright was once a colleague of the late Mr. Pargeter, while she visits with her friend, Kim, whose husband is recently returning from prison and also worked for Mr. Pargeter.
Although I did enjoy this outing, I am becoming less enamoured with the constant protestations of how much people owe Mr. Pargeter and how they are willing to do anything for Mrs. Pargeter. That aside, this is a fun story. Shortly after arriving, Mrs. Pargeter gets out of any exercise or diet aspects of the stay, allowing her to rest and relax. It is as she avoids the evening weigh-in that she sees a young girl's starved body being removed from an upstairs room and vows to find out what is going on.
This is a light and humorous mystery. There is the awful diet guru, Sue Fisher, and I have warmed to Truffler, Mrs. Pargeter's lugubrious private eye. However, some of the jokes are wearing thin and the coincidences a little too fast and furious. Still, I am still enjoying the series and will read on.
Although I did enjoy this outing, I am becoming less enamoured with the constant protestations of how much people owe Mr. Pargeter and how they are willing to do anything for Mrs. Pargeter. That aside, this is a fun story. Shortly after arriving, Mrs. Pargeter gets out of any exercise or diet aspects of the stay, allowing her to rest and relax. It is as she avoids the evening weigh-in that she sees a young girl's starved body being removed from an upstairs room and vows to find out what is going on.
This is a light and humorous mystery. There is the awful diet guru, Sue Fisher, and I have warmed to Truffler, Mrs. Pargeter's lugubrious private eye. However, some of the jokes are wearing thin and the coincidences a little too fast and furious. Still, I am still enjoying the series and will read on.
April 28, 2024
Very enjoyable, if a tad bit fluffy; it’s totally made up for by author Brett’s sharpened sword skewering the entire health & weight loss industry - books and videos, “health” spas and clinics, and more! Really, makes me feel like having an extra pork chop at supper tonight!
Mrs. Pargeter does a favor for a friend who’d like to lose weight for her husband after his long time “away” (read: in prison) but can’t afford the residential clinic price, turning it into something she herself would like and asking the giftee to accompany her for companionship. Of course, losing weight is not even on Mrs. Pargeter’s radar, but they no sooner arrive than she finds something to attract her interest - unhealthy weight-loss practices leading to illness and even, in one case, death, well concaled as an “accident” by the clinic.
With her characteristic zeal and her large stable of helpers, she’s off to the races! It was just fun to tag along for the ride, and the climax was nicely handled - even the death erased! Read this in one sitting and was well entertained.
Mrs. Pargeter does a favor for a friend who’d like to lose weight for her husband after his long time “away” (read: in prison) but can’t afford the residential clinic price, turning it into something she herself would like and asking the giftee to accompany her for companionship. Of course, losing weight is not even on Mrs. Pargeter’s radar, but they no sooner arrive than she finds something to attract her interest - unhealthy weight-loss practices leading to illness and even, in one case, death, well concaled as an “accident” by the clinic.
With her characteristic zeal and her large stable of helpers, she’s off to the races! It was just fun to tag along for the ride, and the climax was nicely handled - even the death erased! Read this in one sitting and was well entertained.
February 18, 2017
Simon Brett keeps surprising me. His Mrs. Pargeter is hardly any kind of political icon: she is the widow of crime mogul (although one with an impeccable ethic of loyalty, kindness, and generosity towards his associates). She is not influenced by societal attitudes towards how women should look; she has an old-fashioned and quite "feminine" style, in that, even though she is plump, she is always attractively dressed and she loves herself just the way she is. (Truly a feminist trait indeed.)
But in this episode, the author starts putting forth his observations a bit more didactically--specifically, the commercial trend toward extreme fitness for the purposes of achieving an unattainable goal of unreasonable thinness, and the trendiness of exercise franchises' tendency to merchandize themselves mercilessly to the public.
I agree with these observations, but I was surprised to see him put them forth.
However, nothing can spoil a Mrs. Pargeter novel. She is just a great companion.
But in this episode, the author starts putting forth his observations a bit more didactically--specifically, the commercial trend toward extreme fitness for the purposes of achieving an unattainable goal of unreasonable thinness, and the trendiness of exercise franchises' tendency to merchandize themselves mercilessly to the public.
I agree with these observations, but I was surprised to see him put them forth.
However, nothing can spoil a Mrs. Pargeter novel. She is just a great companion.
February 9, 2021
I think it was the setting for this Mrs. Pargeter mystery that didn't make this a four star for me. The murders occurred at a manor home turned into a health/fitness spa. There was plenty of talk about vanity and the pitfalls of said vanity. I enjoyed Mrs. Pargeter as always. The fawning over the late Mr. Pargeter seemed even more over the top in this one as well. We certainly get that Mr. Pargeter helped many people in their lives and those people felt completely devoted to him even after death. The mystery was predictable but that doesn't ruin it for me, but it was a little on the bland side. The characters weren't as interesting or colorful as some of the earlier books. It's a solid Mrs. Pargeter mystery but not my favorite.
March 29, 2023
Another fine mystery by Simon Brett, who also reads this audiobook. There is some fun in every Mrs. Pargeter, but there is peril, too, and several lives are at stake in this one where Mrs. P. accompanies a friend to a slimming hotel. The hotel is owned by a "colleague" of her late husband who led many such, er accomplices? on a multitude of let's call them enterprises. These friends pop up throughout the series and show their gratitude to his widow for his generous leadership by assisting her in her investigations. In this episode, Mrs. Pargeter has overheard a disturbing conversation, and later witnesses the removal of a body, yet know one seems to know about a death. When a second death occurs, and it's ruled an accident, Mrs. P. feels she must find the truth.
April 7, 2022
WARNING: Do not read while eating or drinking, you will be in danger of possibly choking. I found this out the hard way.
Another brilliant book from author Simon Brett, this time targeting the weight loss industry (and incidentally revealing a few unknown secrets such as the whereabouts of the much looked for Lord Lucan) in a humerous yet accurate manner.
Like Charles Paris Mrs Pargeter is someone so ordinary as to be any one of us, yet with a background which gives her the ability sift her way through the facts and come up with an accurate answer to 2+2 while managing to help a surprising number or people and obtain retribution in a manner which is impeccable.
Another brilliant book from author Simon Brett, this time targeting the weight loss industry (and incidentally revealing a few unknown secrets such as the whereabouts of the much looked for Lord Lucan) in a humerous yet accurate manner.
Like Charles Paris Mrs Pargeter is someone so ordinary as to be any one of us, yet with a background which gives her the ability sift her way through the facts and come up with an accurate answer to 2+2 while managing to help a surprising number or people and obtain retribution in a manner which is impeccable.
September 4, 2023
Mrs. Pargeter is a widow whose husband was a “businessman”, shall we say, and now his associates are eager to help her out in any way they can. In this case, she’s attending a weight-loss spa with a friend - though she has no intention of participating herself - when she witnesses a dead body being spirited off. She’s quickly calling up her late husband’s former employees to get to the bottom of it.
I quite liked this one. Mrs. P and her cronies are loyal to a fault and it was fun watching them track down the culprit. Everything tied together nicely with a few fun twists and turns and surprises along the way. I really enjoyed all of the secondary characters too.
I quite liked this one. Mrs. P and her cronies are loyal to a fault and it was fun watching them track down the culprit. Everything tied together nicely with a few fun twists and turns and surprises along the way. I really enjoyed all of the secondary characters too.
January 20, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this, which I found as an ebook. I enjoy humorous/ light mysteries, which seem to be very scarce, or very badly written, lately. Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series is good, but I disliked the one Thursday Murder Club I tried. So I'm seeking out unread books from older series. Sadly, I've read all of Colin Watson, and all the Catherine Aird I can find. Any suggestions welcome!
Mrs. Pargeter, the widow of a successful criminal gang leader, solves mysteries with the help of old friends who were her husband's henchmen. Totally not realistic, but she is an irresistibly clever, ruthless, blue-rinsed lady. In this book she takes on nefarious doings at a heslth spa.
Mrs. Pargeter, the widow of a successful criminal gang leader, solves mysteries with the help of old friends who were her husband's henchmen. Totally not realistic, but she is an irresistibly clever, ruthless, blue-rinsed lady. In this book she takes on nefarious doings at a heslth spa.
July 16, 2025
Number 4 in the series has Mrs Pargeter accompanying her friend to a health spa where Mrs P sees the body of a skeletal young lady being moved out of one of the rooms. Ever suspicious, and not trusting the high sales push for weight loss classes, pills and books, widowed Mrs P is soon bringing her husband’s previous acquaintances to help figure out what is going on at the spa. This book did finally confirm that Mr Pargeter had been a criminal and not a James Bond type. Listened to it via a combination of Kindle and Alexa the mechanical voice wasn’t great but if seemed like the only way I could find this older book.
November 11, 2025
Simon Brett writes cozy mysteries that are humorous and a challenge to solve which is a good combination for me. My only objection is that he repeats the basic premises about the deceased Mr. Pargeter and his wife's and colleagues' attitudes toward him in every episode, sometimes more than once. Maybe he should write one version for those who are reading the series in order and another for those who just pop in to read one book. Readers with a very poor memory could also opt for the latter type.
Still, this series has a place on my Kindle. It is almost as excellent at gently lulling me to sleep as watching Midsomer Murders.
Still, this series has a place on my Kindle. It is almost as excellent at gently lulling me to sleep as watching Midsomer Murders.
December 20, 2021
Brett, Simon Mrs. Pargeter’s Pound of Flesh. Mrs. Pargeter No. 4. Penguin, 1992.
While construction work is being done on her new home, Mrs. Pargeter accompanies a friend to a fat farm called Mind over Fatty Matter. Mrs. Pargeter, who never takes exercise or diets and is perfectly comfortable in her 60-year-old zaftig body, is intrigued that the joint is run by Ankle-Deep Arkwright, an old colleague of the late Mr. Pargeter. When dead bodies start appearing on the premises, Mrs. P feels compelled to investigate. Brett’s satirical intent is more obvious than usual here. Cozy fun. 3.5 stars.
While construction work is being done on her new home, Mrs. Pargeter accompanies a friend to a fat farm called Mind over Fatty Matter. Mrs. Pargeter, who never takes exercise or diets and is perfectly comfortable in her 60-year-old zaftig body, is intrigued that the joint is run by Ankle-Deep Arkwright, an old colleague of the late Mr. Pargeter. When dead bodies start appearing on the premises, Mrs. P feels compelled to investigate. Brett’s satirical intent is more obvious than usual here. Cozy fun. 3.5 stars.
May 6, 2024
I feel like this book needs to come with a trigger warning for eating disorders. I realize the author was being kind of tongue-in-cheek about extreme diet fads, but wow he took both ends (the dieters as well as Mrs. Pargeter's excess) to extremes. I know that the book was written in a very different era. But I guess I feel like putting something here in my review might be worth it.
I enjoyed the book overall (except for the food issues), but felt it wasn't quite as strong as some of the other Mrs. Pargeter stories. Still worth a read and I'm looking forward to the next one.
I enjoyed the book overall (except for the food issues), but felt it wasn't quite as strong as some of the other Mrs. Pargeter stories. Still worth a read and I'm looking forward to the next one.
August 2, 2022
Meh...
Honor among thieves comes to mind as there is constant homage paid to Mrs. Pargeter's apparently "good" criminal husband. Even though he is deceased, his cohorts continue to honor his memory and aid his widow whenever and however necessary. While the premise sounds okay and obviously appeals to many readers, I felt I was reading a so so tribute to a pseudo Mrs Pollifax.
Honor among thieves comes to mind as there is constant homage paid to Mrs. Pargeter's apparently "good" criminal husband. Even though he is deceased, his cohorts continue to honor his memory and aid his widow whenever and however necessary. While the premise sounds okay and obviously appeals to many readers, I felt I was reading a so so tribute to a pseudo Mrs Pollifax.
November 16, 2022
Good bedtime read
The Mrs.Targeter novels (an old English name for a plasterer incidentally!) are far fetched you have to admit. She has more skilled friends than Miss Marple, who provide her with services slightly outside the law, free, gratis and willingly. Gumshoe heaven! The stories are told in a delicate and refined way so it all seems perfectly acceptable and won't wake you up in the middle of the night with bad dreams!
The Mrs.Targeter novels (an old English name for a plasterer incidentally!) are far fetched you have to admit. She has more skilled friends than Miss Marple, who provide her with services slightly outside the law, free, gratis and willingly. Gumshoe heaven! The stories are told in a delicate and refined way so it all seems perfectly acceptable and won't wake you up in the middle of the night with bad dreams!
September 5, 2023
3.5*
Very entertaining; I enjoyed the author taking his pound of flesh from the weight-loss industry via Mrs. Pargeter. Light & fun, I'll read more of these when I get time.
Mrs. P is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin but she goes to stay in a health spa as a favour to a friend. As you can imagine, there's a bit of skulduggery afoot, not least when it comes to Mrs. P's allergies. I loved the character sketches & the nicknames - Ankle-deep is a classic.
Very entertaining; I enjoyed the author taking his pound of flesh from the weight-loss industry via Mrs. Pargeter. Light & fun, I'll read more of these when I get time.
Mrs. P is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin but she goes to stay in a health spa as a favour to a friend. As you can imagine, there's a bit of skulduggery afoot, not least when it comes to Mrs. P's allergies. I loved the character sketches & the nicknames - Ankle-deep is a classic.
November 27, 2023
Mrs Pargeter and her adventures are highly recommended for light but intelligent entertainment. Her late lamented husband ran a highly successful business empire on the wrong side of the law, which Mrs P would never deign to discuss. When she feels the need to investigate the occasional dead body, she can call on a host of ex-burglars, safe crackers, getaway car drivers, etc. who were in her husband's debt. Humorous and fun.
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