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Decluttering Mysteries #4
A Messy Murder
Ellen Curtis - professional declutterer, amateur sleuth and woman of a certain age - investigates the puzzling death of a TV personality who's past his primeProfessional declutterer Ellen Curtis doesn't need to like her clients to help them sort their homes out. Aging TV personality and curmudgeon Humphrey Carter might have a chip on his shoulder the size of England about the decline of his career, but a job's a job.But when Ellen arrives the morning after Humph's eightieth birthday party, primed and ready to tackle his study - no matter his protests - she gets the shock of her life. Humph's dead . . . and all signs point to him having taken his own life.Did the egotistical chat show host really die by suicide? His wife is adamant he's been murdered, and the more Ellen looks, the more dirt on Humph she digs up . . . and the more suspects she uncovers. Can she track down a killer - if there even is one? And, just as importantly, can she keep herself from killing not only her own infuriating mother, but also her two grown-up children, who all seem determined to destroy her peace of mind?This thoroughly engaging contemporary mystery is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janice Hallett and M.C. Beaton.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published May 27, 2025
30 people are currently reading
141 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 67 reviews
August 12, 2024
A Messy Murder is the fourth book in the Decluttering Mysteries series by British author, Simon Brett. Having met Theresa Carter and found her to be practical and easy to get on with, decluttering expert, Ellen Curtis is looking forward to getting started at Staddles, even though the husband, former journalist, TV presenter and chat show host, Humphrey Carter seems less enthusiastic.
She arrives on the Monday after Humph’s eightieth birthday lunch to find the man quite dead in his study, a bottle of Famous Grouse at his elbow. On the desk, an article he wrote years earlier espousing voluntary euthanasia at age eighty, which the police interpret as a suicide note. One thing that seems strange is that he overdosed on pills that were crushed and put into his favourite tipple.
But many people Ellen speaks to express disbelief at the idea that egotistical Humph would kill himself. A bit later, Theresa asks Ellen to watch the recording of the speech that he made during his celebratory lunch, in which he comprehensively insulted, patronised and denigrated every member of his family, and his closest friend and former producer. Does that represent a motive for at least five people?
Ellen is pleased to have her daughter Jools working with her in Spacewoman, bringing in and handling new clients, and taking the business in a new, innovative direction. But distracting her from this intriguing case are her mother’s concerned calls about her partner’s possibly failing health, social media reports of her son Ben’s liaison with a high-maintenance Hollywood blonde who doesn’t look at all his type, and worries over her daughter’s unresolved financial issues.
Regards the latter, Ellen makes a major faux pas that takes some redeeming. For Ben, she worries about the impending crash likely to come after his current high. She is also surprised by a request from her friend Dodge that involves laying a trap…
Ellen does some excellent deductive work to identify the killer, although the denouement takes several turns before the truth is revealed. There’s a promise of some romance for at least one of the characters, and more of this cast will be most welcome. Another enjoyable cosy mystery.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Canongate Books/Severn House
She arrives on the Monday after Humph’s eightieth birthday lunch to find the man quite dead in his study, a bottle of Famous Grouse at his elbow. On the desk, an article he wrote years earlier espousing voluntary euthanasia at age eighty, which the police interpret as a suicide note. One thing that seems strange is that he overdosed on pills that were crushed and put into his favourite tipple.
But many people Ellen speaks to express disbelief at the idea that egotistical Humph would kill himself. A bit later, Theresa asks Ellen to watch the recording of the speech that he made during his celebratory lunch, in which he comprehensively insulted, patronised and denigrated every member of his family, and his closest friend and former producer. Does that represent a motive for at least five people?
Ellen is pleased to have her daughter Jools working with her in Spacewoman, bringing in and handling new clients, and taking the business in a new, innovative direction. But distracting her from this intriguing case are her mother’s concerned calls about her partner’s possibly failing health, social media reports of her son Ben’s liaison with a high-maintenance Hollywood blonde who doesn’t look at all his type, and worries over her daughter’s unresolved financial issues.
Regards the latter, Ellen makes a major faux pas that takes some redeeming. For Ben, she worries about the impending crash likely to come after his current high. She is also surprised by a request from her friend Dodge that involves laying a trap…
Ellen does some excellent deductive work to identify the killer, although the denouement takes several turns before the truth is revealed. There’s a promise of some romance for at least one of the characters, and more of this cast will be most welcome. Another enjoyable cosy mystery.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Canongate Books/Severn House
September 11, 2024
A Messy Murder (Decluttering Mysteries #4) by Simon Brett.
Simon Brett is an author I grown to trust through his Fethering and Mrs. Pargeter mysteries. I've read them all and now this is his and my 4th in the Decluttering Mysteries. Once again enjoyable and a fun read.
All new set of characters and circumstances with a selfish once famous has been at the center. Due to Humph's crude remarks against others in his immediate family and beyond there are several suspects in his 80th birthday top off...or was it murder. Of course it was murder! Everyone concerned including the police have decided Humphrey Carter topped himself. That is not including Ellen Curtis and Teresa Carter, Humph's wife.
Teresa asks Ellen to investigate as only she can into the possibility of her husband's murder. That's when Humph's secret life comes into view. How much of a part did that play in his demise?
A trusted author who has never let me down.
Simon Brett is an author I grown to trust through his Fethering and Mrs. Pargeter mysteries. I've read them all and now this is his and my 4th in the Decluttering Mysteries. Once again enjoyable and a fun read.
All new set of characters and circumstances with a selfish once famous has been at the center. Due to Humph's crude remarks against others in his immediate family and beyond there are several suspects in his 80th birthday top off...or was it murder. Of course it was murder! Everyone concerned including the police have decided Humphrey Carter topped himself. That is not including Ellen Curtis and Teresa Carter, Humph's wife.
Teresa asks Ellen to investigate as only she can into the possibility of her husband's murder. That's when Humph's secret life comes into view. How much of a part did that play in his demise?
A trusted author who has never let me down.
September 11, 2024
After Book 3, which I personally didn't care for, I wasn't really looking forward to this one - thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised and this one was a very good read and I really enjoyed it. In fact, my only issue with this one was the mystery itself as I guessed it very early on, but I loved the very ambiguous ending, if only because I think it happens more than we realize in real life.
Ellen and Co. are in top form [how DOES she keep from strangling her mother?? ERGH!], things have improved between Ellen and Jules and honestly, I really enjoy reading about a character that genuinely cares about her friends, her clients [long after the job is finished], and her family [even her deeply problematic mother] - it is so refreshing and reminds me that it costs nothing to be kind and caring and her attitude about life is what keeps me reading.
Looking forward to Book 5!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon Brett, and Severn House for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ellen and Co. are in top form [how DOES she keep from strangling her mother?? ERGH!], things have improved between Ellen and Jules and honestly, I really enjoy reading about a character that genuinely cares about her friends, her clients [long after the job is finished], and her family [even her deeply problematic mother] - it is so refreshing and reminds me that it costs nothing to be kind and caring and her attitude about life is what keeps me reading.
Looking forward to Book 5!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon Brett, and Severn House for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2024
A fun & cozy murder mystery with Ellen Curtis ( who has a declutterring business, Spacewoman) finding the dead body of one of her clients. Shes solved a murder before so she begins looking into the death.
I enjoyed the story as well as how kind of complicated her family was. It was a fun, short read- I felt like the murder/mystery was pretty easily solved. And somehow in the midst of a murder mystery it was fun & had some feel good moments. Even at the beginning reading Ellen describe or talk about herself had me laughing.
Definitely worth the read- and as the 4th installment in the series definitely bingeable!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc- this is my honest review.
I enjoyed the story as well as how kind of complicated her family was. It was a fun, short read- I felt like the murder/mystery was pretty easily solved. And somehow in the midst of a murder mystery it was fun & had some feel good moments. Even at the beginning reading Ellen describe or talk about herself had me laughing.
Definitely worth the read- and as the 4th installment in the series definitely bingeable!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc- this is my honest review.
August 26, 2024
I can't think of anything by Simon Brett that I haven't enjoyed.
This was the first of the Decluttering Mystery series that I have read. The story is told from the first person perspective of Ellen, who runs a decluttering agency called Spacewoman. She has also become something of an amateur detective, due to the fact that she has previously helped solve murders that she has come across during her work. This, the fourth book in the series, centres on the death of an author and celebrity (more in his own head than in reality!) on the occasion of his 80th birthday, and the suspects are his family and friends. Alongside this, Ellen has family problems of her own. Her husband committed suicide and her son and daughter are also showing signs of mental fraility, so she worries a lot about them.
I found the characters interesting and relateable, and it was fun to try and work out the murderer and their motive. I also liked the way that Ellen's family problems allow the issues of mental health and family relationships to be discussed and the fact that there were no easy answers given, because life is messy and more grey than black and white. However, these two threads didn't really come together for me, and I very much felt as if I was getting a (too short) snapshot of Ellen's life. The murder seemed almost secondary and the whole thing was wrapped up a bit too neatly at the end.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, but I was left wanting more.
Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to have a copy via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
This was the first of the Decluttering Mystery series that I have read. The story is told from the first person perspective of Ellen, who runs a decluttering agency called Spacewoman. She has also become something of an amateur detective, due to the fact that she has previously helped solve murders that she has come across during her work. This, the fourth book in the series, centres on the death of an author and celebrity (more in his own head than in reality!) on the occasion of his 80th birthday, and the suspects are his family and friends. Alongside this, Ellen has family problems of her own. Her husband committed suicide and her son and daughter are also showing signs of mental fraility, so she worries a lot about them.
I found the characters interesting and relateable, and it was fun to try and work out the murderer and their motive. I also liked the way that Ellen's family problems allow the issues of mental health and family relationships to be discussed and the fact that there were no easy answers given, because life is messy and more grey than black and white. However, these two threads didn't really come together for me, and I very much felt as if I was getting a (too short) snapshot of Ellen's life. The murder seemed almost secondary and the whole thing was wrapped up a bit too neatly at the end.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, but I was left wanting more.
Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to have a copy via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
My second Simon Brett book. The pace is slow, but not tedious. The two I’ve read certainly fit the mystery category, but they are not “cozy” mysteries in the sense that there are often moralizing passages that don’t fit this light reading category. The main character gives long-winded advice, this book took a passage in the first chapter to promote euthanasia and to stress the importance of old people voluntarily ending their lives to make way for the younger - contending that “a legal lifespan limit for the elderly” would solve problems and would be money better spent to save the planet from manmade destruction…promoting a redistribution of assets.
Does no one else find this disturbing?! “Many people argue that we have much to learn from the old, but that is really crap. Nobody over eighty has ever done anything very useful for the world…descendants…would feel nothing about the ancient relative’s demise except relief.”
Does no one else find this disturbing?! “Many people argue that we have much to learn from the old, but that is really crap. Nobody over eighty has ever done anything very useful for the world…descendants…would feel nothing about the ancient relative’s demise except relief.”
September 8, 2024
This is my favorite Simon Brett series. I love Ellen and her decluttering business. Her daughter is now working with her and she'll hopefully stay. Her son Ben is in Hollywood, dating a famous actress. Unfortunately, her relationships with both kids is still uneasy, I wish they'd appreciate her more.
This time one of her clients is a has-been television star and writer, who's arrogance hasn't abated a bit. It seems he has committed suicide on his 80th birthday, but Ellen is suspicious and decides to take a closer look at the death.
Another highly enjoyable read and, as usual, I can't wait for the next in the series!
This time one of her clients is a has-been television star and writer, who's arrogance hasn't abated a bit. It seems he has committed suicide on his 80th birthday, but Ellen is suspicious and decides to take a closer look at the death.
Another highly enjoyable read and, as usual, I can't wait for the next in the series!
August 11, 2024
thank you to netgalley for the ARC
I thought this book was cute, though I wish it was longer. I liked it enough to want to read the others in the series, as this was my introduction to it. however, the cliff hanger ending was not my favorite. and by not my favorite, i mean i hated it.
I thought this book was cute, though I wish it was longer. I liked it enough to want to read the others in the series, as this was my introduction to it. however, the cliff hanger ending was not my favorite. and by not my favorite, i mean i hated it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
I love the characters in this series. The mysteries are good, too, but Ellen, Fleur, Ben and Jools really spice up these narratives. I cringe each time Fleur enters the picture. I picture Ellen murdering her one day and stowing the body away under tons of newspapers and magazines. Probably won't happen. The murdered character in this episode is an 80 year old former chat TV host who still believes he has it within him to be famous. Lots of candidates for his murder, but most want the police to declare suicide. Meanwhile, both Jools and Ben have startling new twists in their lives, which drives Ellen almost as crazy as the interludes with her mother. Brett has written an very fine relationship series, although from a mystery point of view, it would be termed cozy.
August 30, 2024
I’m not sure why I haven’t read this series before, but this book is so good it makes me want to go back and check out the first three installments. Main character Ellen Curtis is a “professional declutterer,” a job that sounds very silly but really isn’t. As the story begins she’s working for a husband and wife looking to downsize, with the wife being all for it and the husband, a fading former TV host, not so enthusiastic. Ellen is a widow, having lost her husband to suicide, and when the husband, “Humph” to his friends, dies, apparently a suicide as well, Ellen’s skills and familiarity with grief come to the fore.
My sister is always informing me that hoarding is all about grief, and indeed, it seems to be an emotion that Ellen deals with on a daily basis. The hoarders she is helping to declutter have deeper issues that extend well beyond simply saving magazines. In the case of Humph’s widow, Theresa, the two bond over their similar traumatic experience, and Ellen agrees not only to continue the decluttering, but to go ahead and investigate Humph’s apparent suicide, which Theresa is sure is murder. She may just be right – this is, after all, a murder mystery.
This book is both cozy and traditional – Ellen’s job is certainly a typical cozy element, but veteran writer Brett deals with some more serious issues as well. Along with being a widow, Ellen is saddled with a needy mother, the demanding and egotistical Fleur, a semi-retired actress. She also has two children – Jools, who now works with her, and Ben, who is presently in California dating an up-and-coming movie star. (Fleur is delighted by this development.) This is background, but it’s not only interesting, but well developed and even deep, giving Ellen’s relationships with her children real resonance.
In the foreground, of course, is the investigation into Humph’s death, which finds Ellen interviewing members of his not extremely bereaved family. Brett has the golden age skill of sketching a character quickly and indelibly in a very few strokes. Characters then stay with you as you read on, gaining real life as more details are added. He’s also funny, adding another underrated golden age ingredient, humor, into his classic mix.
Ellen also deals with a few other clients, along with a mystery about her daughter’s former neighbor. Her compassionate skills are such that you may feel like looking up declutterers in your area as the book makes it sound like the perfect thing for loneliness and grief. An added bonus is that the junk is often reused or recycled rather than simply being discarded.
The clever central mystery has a satisfying wrap up which demonstrates another golden age skill – you’re left guessing the identity of the killer until practically the very last moment. I found this to be one of the best written and enjoyable mysteries I’ve read all year. Simon Brett has produced almost 80 books to this point, and he remains a great gift to all of us who love the genre.
My sister is always informing me that hoarding is all about grief, and indeed, it seems to be an emotion that Ellen deals with on a daily basis. The hoarders she is helping to declutter have deeper issues that extend well beyond simply saving magazines. In the case of Humph’s widow, Theresa, the two bond over their similar traumatic experience, and Ellen agrees not only to continue the decluttering, but to go ahead and investigate Humph’s apparent suicide, which Theresa is sure is murder. She may just be right – this is, after all, a murder mystery.
This book is both cozy and traditional – Ellen’s job is certainly a typical cozy element, but veteran writer Brett deals with some more serious issues as well. Along with being a widow, Ellen is saddled with a needy mother, the demanding and egotistical Fleur, a semi-retired actress. She also has two children – Jools, who now works with her, and Ben, who is presently in California dating an up-and-coming movie star. (Fleur is delighted by this development.) This is background, but it’s not only interesting, but well developed and even deep, giving Ellen’s relationships with her children real resonance.
In the foreground, of course, is the investigation into Humph’s death, which finds Ellen interviewing members of his not extremely bereaved family. Brett has the golden age skill of sketching a character quickly and indelibly in a very few strokes. Characters then stay with you as you read on, gaining real life as more details are added. He’s also funny, adding another underrated golden age ingredient, humor, into his classic mix.
Ellen also deals with a few other clients, along with a mystery about her daughter’s former neighbor. Her compassionate skills are such that you may feel like looking up declutterers in your area as the book makes it sound like the perfect thing for loneliness and grief. An added bonus is that the junk is often reused or recycled rather than simply being discarded.
The clever central mystery has a satisfying wrap up which demonstrates another golden age skill – you’re left guessing the identity of the killer until practically the very last moment. I found this to be one of the best written and enjoyable mysteries I’ve read all year. Simon Brett has produced almost 80 books to this point, and he remains a great gift to all of us who love the genre.
September 10, 2024
There are some instances where if you pick up a book midway through the series, you spend too long trying to work out who is doing what to whom. This isn’t one of them. Given the quality of the storyline and the success of the previous books, my firm advice is to read the previous three offerings as they’re a solid treat. But if you decide not to do so, it won’t unduly impede your enjoyment as Brett is very deft at filling in necessary details without holding up the narrative. I would just mention that this book discusses at length a probable suicidal death, which may be triggering.
Poor old Ellen is having all sorts of problems with her family. She has a difficult relationship with her demanding, egotistical mother, Fleur – and it doesn’t get any easier in this book. Her son, Ben, who suffers with mental health issues, has moved to the States where there is more employment and opportunities for him. While Julie, her daughter, has returned to live with Ellen after having been badly trolled online, where she was hoping to become a fashion influencer. At present, she is working alongside Ellen in Ellen’s decluttering company.
I’ve been a huge fan of Ellen since the first book, after having learnt of her tragic backstory. She is compassionate and strong, without being sickeningly good and struggles with family relationships without coming across as inept or a victim. That’s a lot harder to pull off than Brett makes it look and I’m a huge fan of Ellen’s philosophy and approach to life.
As for the main plot – if I have a grumble about this book, it’s that the murder mystery is a little flat. I’d successfully guessed whodunit quite early on – not only that, but it doesn’t feel like the major narrative thread powering the story. If this were a romance, or a contemporary novel about family life in general, that would be fair enough – but it’s a murder mystery. So I’ve knocked off a mark. If the book wasn’t peopled by a cast of strong characters, led by one of my favourite protagonists, I’d have had more of a problem. But I kept turning the pages, always engrossed, so it wasn’t a dealbreaker. The whole series comes very highly recommended for fans of modern murder mysteries that aren’t too gritty or gory – but neither are they particularly cosy. While I obtained an arc of A Messy Murder from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
Poor old Ellen is having all sorts of problems with her family. She has a difficult relationship with her demanding, egotistical mother, Fleur – and it doesn’t get any easier in this book. Her son, Ben, who suffers with mental health issues, has moved to the States where there is more employment and opportunities for him. While Julie, her daughter, has returned to live with Ellen after having been badly trolled online, where she was hoping to become a fashion influencer. At present, she is working alongside Ellen in Ellen’s decluttering company.
I’ve been a huge fan of Ellen since the first book, after having learnt of her tragic backstory. She is compassionate and strong, without being sickeningly good and struggles with family relationships without coming across as inept or a victim. That’s a lot harder to pull off than Brett makes it look and I’m a huge fan of Ellen’s philosophy and approach to life.
As for the main plot – if I have a grumble about this book, it’s that the murder mystery is a little flat. I’d successfully guessed whodunit quite early on – not only that, but it doesn’t feel like the major narrative thread powering the story. If this were a romance, or a contemporary novel about family life in general, that would be fair enough – but it’s a murder mystery. So I’ve knocked off a mark. If the book wasn’t peopled by a cast of strong characters, led by one of my favourite protagonists, I’d have had more of a problem. But I kept turning the pages, always engrossed, so it wasn’t a dealbreaker. The whole series comes very highly recommended for fans of modern murder mysteries that aren’t too gritty or gory – but neither are they particularly cosy. While I obtained an arc of A Messy Murder from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
November 27, 2024
A Messy Murder is the fourth book in the Decluttering Mysteries series, written and narrated by British author, Simon Brett. Having met Theresa Carter and found her to be practical and easy to get on with, decluttering expert, Ellen Curtis is looking forward to getting started at Staddles, even though the husband, former journalist, TV presenter and chat show host, Humphrey Carter seems less enthusiastic.
She arrives on the Monday after Humph’s eightieth birthday lunch to find the man quite dead in his study, a bottle of Famous Grouse at his elbow. On the desk, an article he wrote years earlier espousing voluntary euthanasia at age eighty, which the police interpret as a suicide note. One thing that seems strange is that he overdosed on pills that were crushed and put into his favourite tipple.
But many people Ellen speaks to express disbelief at the idea that egotistical Humph would kill himself. A bit later, Theresa asks Ellen to watch the recording of the speech that he made during his celebratory lunch, in which he comprehensively insulted, patronised and denigrated every member of his family, and his closest friend and former producer. Does that represent a motive for at least five people?
Ellen is pleased to have her daughter Jools working with her in Spacewoman, bringing in and handling new clients, and taking the business in a new, innovative direction. But distracting her from this intriguing case are her mother’s concerned calls about her partner’s possibly failing health, social media reports of her son Ben’s liaison with a high-maintenance Hollywood blonde who doesn’t look at all his type, and worries over her daughter’s unresolved financial issues.
Regards the latter, Ellen makes a major faux pas that takes some redeeming. For Ben, she worries about the impending crash likely to come after his current high. She is also surprised by a request from her friend Dodge that involves laying a trap…
Ellen does some excellent deductive work to identify the killer, although the denouement takes several turns before the truth is revealed. There’s a promise of some romance for at least one of the characters, and more of this cast will be most welcome. Another enjoyable cosy mystery.
She arrives on the Monday after Humph’s eightieth birthday lunch to find the man quite dead in his study, a bottle of Famous Grouse at his elbow. On the desk, an article he wrote years earlier espousing voluntary euthanasia at age eighty, which the police interpret as a suicide note. One thing that seems strange is that he overdosed on pills that were crushed and put into his favourite tipple.
But many people Ellen speaks to express disbelief at the idea that egotistical Humph would kill himself. A bit later, Theresa asks Ellen to watch the recording of the speech that he made during his celebratory lunch, in which he comprehensively insulted, patronised and denigrated every member of his family, and his closest friend and former producer. Does that represent a motive for at least five people?
Ellen is pleased to have her daughter Jools working with her in Spacewoman, bringing in and handling new clients, and taking the business in a new, innovative direction. But distracting her from this intriguing case are her mother’s concerned calls about her partner’s possibly failing health, social media reports of her son Ben’s liaison with a high-maintenance Hollywood blonde who doesn’t look at all his type, and worries over her daughter’s unresolved financial issues.
Regards the latter, Ellen makes a major faux pas that takes some redeeming. For Ben, she worries about the impending crash likely to come after his current high. She is also surprised by a request from her friend Dodge that involves laying a trap…
Ellen does some excellent deductive work to identify the killer, although the denouement takes several turns before the truth is revealed. There’s a promise of some romance for at least one of the characters, and more of this cast will be most welcome. Another enjoyable cosy mystery.
October 3, 2024
I loved this cover; it drew me in. The summary sounded like a perfect cozy mystery.
However, there was more talking to the reader....than showing the reader. There was a lack of scene progression. It came across as too dry and pretentious with it's language. Of times using more words than necessary. It seemed more procedural mystery than cozy - except there is no police officer, so there cannot be an intriguing procedural process to follow.
For example:
"And every time my career made another advance, Humph showed less interest in it. I mean, this show is only a stepping stone. Already I've been booked to make a series of documentaries on, you know, serious issues. And I've been in talks with some industry people about actually fronting a chat show"
Could have been slimmed down to a more concise:
"And every time my career made another advance, Humph showed less interestin it. I mean,> this show is only a stepping stone. Already I've been booked to make a series of documentaries on, you know, serious issues. And I've been in talks with some industry people about actually fronting> regarding a chat show"
Doing strong editing like this in every section would have allowed for better scene progression in the ones that were there. It got much stronger in the end. I would have liked more scenes in the beginning - either pulling forward some of Ellen's family drama earlier (like going to her daughters apt) may have helped with the pacing.
This was consistently occurring. I also had a play-by-play of Ellen (our MCs) every thought. And her overthought. Which somewhat drove me crazy...when the mystery itself was good, but lost often in Ellen's overthought making it feel like it was dragging out at some points.
The mystery had potential to shine better and be stronger but there needs to be some strong editing to improve language for relatability to all readers. Not everyone has a high education. This had so much potential to be a strong cozy mystery and have a wider general appeal.
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the free ARC.
However, there was more talking to the reader....than showing the reader. There was a lack of scene progression. It came across as too dry and pretentious with it's language. Of times using more words than necessary. It seemed more procedural mystery than cozy - except there is no police officer, so there cannot be an intriguing procedural process to follow.
For example:
"And every time my career made another advance, Humph showed less interest in it. I mean, this show is only a stepping stone. Already I've been booked to make a series of documentaries on, you know, serious issues. And I've been in talks with some industry people about actually fronting a chat show"
Could have been slimmed down to a more concise:
"And every time my career made another advance, Humph showed less interest
Doing strong editing like this in every section would have allowed for better scene progression in the ones that were there. It got much stronger in the end. I would have liked more scenes in the beginning - either pulling forward some of Ellen's family drama earlier (like going to her daughters apt) may have helped with the pacing.
This was consistently occurring. I also had a play-by-play of Ellen (our MCs) every thought. And her overthought. Which somewhat drove me crazy...when the mystery itself was good, but lost often in Ellen's overthought making it feel like it was dragging out at some points.
The mystery had potential to shine better and be stronger but there needs to be some strong editing to improve language for relatability to all readers. Not everyone has a high education. This had so much potential to be a strong cozy mystery and have a wider general appeal.
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the free ARC.
October 31, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Messy Murder is the fourth book in the decluttering mystery series by Simon Brett. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by Severn House, it's 192 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in May 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
The author writes entertainingly and well. All the parts (and they are varied and numerous) fit together and do precisely what they're meant to do. The characters are believable and well rendered. The dialogue works and is never clunky or awkward. Although this series isn't fluffy enough to fit firmly into the cozy mold, it's not at all gritty, either. In short, it's a modern British murder mystery with a well plotted story arc, some not-too-graphic crimes, some humour, and an interesting/edgy denouement and resolution.
A fair bit of the book does revolve around mental illness (expectedly since the protagonist is a de-clutterer and works with professional local social services to help clients). The author manages to treat the subjects sensitively, but some readers could conceivably find some of the subject matter and situations triggering.
North American readers should be aware that it's written in British vernacular (wellies, lift, flat, etc), but this shouldn't pose any problems in context.
Four stars. Quite well done. With four books currently extant in the series and such a prolific author, this would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read. Recommended for fans of not-terribly-fluffy modern cozies. Fans of M.C. Beaton, G.M. Malliet, and Anthony Horowitz will likely enjoy these also.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Messy Murder is the fourth book in the decluttering mystery series by Simon Brett. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by Severn House, it's 192 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in May 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
The author writes entertainingly and well. All the parts (and they are varied and numerous) fit together and do precisely what they're meant to do. The characters are believable and well rendered. The dialogue works and is never clunky or awkward. Although this series isn't fluffy enough to fit firmly into the cozy mold, it's not at all gritty, either. In short, it's a modern British murder mystery with a well plotted story arc, some not-too-graphic crimes, some humour, and an interesting/edgy denouement and resolution.
A fair bit of the book does revolve around mental illness (expectedly since the protagonist is a de-clutterer and works with professional local social services to help clients). The author manages to treat the subjects sensitively, but some readers could conceivably find some of the subject matter and situations triggering.
North American readers should be aware that it's written in British vernacular (wellies, lift, flat, etc), but this shouldn't pose any problems in context.
Four stars. Quite well done. With four books currently extant in the series and such a prolific author, this would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read. Recommended for fans of not-terribly-fluffy modern cozies. Fans of M.C. Beaton, G.M. Malliet, and Anthony Horowitz will likely enjoy these also.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 2, 2024
In A Messy Murder, professional declutterer Ellen finds another dead body.
Humph was a D List celebrity with a chat show cancelled long ago. A copy of an article published by him explaining why humans should stop taking up resources when they turn 80 years old is found near his body. Humph had just celebrated his eightieth birthday the night before. The police quickly ascertain that his cause of death was prescription sleeping pills ground up in his liquor bottle. They assume it is a simple case of suicide.
But is it really suicide or could it be murder? Humph’s wife thinks Humph was murdered. Because of Ellen’s previous publicity about solving another murder, she asks Ellen to investigate. Ellen’s investigation will bring up family secrets left long buried.
While the mystery was good, it was relatively easy to solve—though some of the motives of the suspects were fairly convoluted. Because of this simplicity, the book fills up two thirds of its pages with Ellen’s relationships with her two adult children and elderly mother. There is also a side story about a man she knows who believes wood is being stolen from his house. Both of these asides serve only to clutter up the book. They add nothing at all to the main mystery. For that reason, I dropped my rating to 3 stars. A Messy Murder is a good, but not great, cozy mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for providing me with an advanced review copy.
Humph was a D List celebrity with a chat show cancelled long ago. A copy of an article published by him explaining why humans should stop taking up resources when they turn 80 years old is found near his body. Humph had just celebrated his eightieth birthday the night before. The police quickly ascertain that his cause of death was prescription sleeping pills ground up in his liquor bottle. They assume it is a simple case of suicide.
But is it really suicide or could it be murder? Humph’s wife thinks Humph was murdered. Because of Ellen’s previous publicity about solving another murder, she asks Ellen to investigate. Ellen’s investigation will bring up family secrets left long buried.
While the mystery was good, it was relatively easy to solve—though some of the motives of the suspects were fairly convoluted. Because of this simplicity, the book fills up two thirds of its pages with Ellen’s relationships with her two adult children and elderly mother. There is also a side story about a man she knows who believes wood is being stolen from his house. Both of these asides serve only to clutter up the book. They add nothing at all to the main mystery. For that reason, I dropped my rating to 3 stars. A Messy Murder is a good, but not great, cozy mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for providing me with an advanced review copy.
August 27, 2024
Ellen is a professional 'declutterer'. No, I didn't know that was a thing either. She helps clear houses of clutter, such as people downsizing. It is whilst on such a job that she discovers a dead body. An apparent suicide using sleeping pills.
Ellen, having solved crimes before, presumably from the previous three books in the series, is invited by the widow to investigate the death.
What follows is some very willing suspects who seem very forthcoming. Intertwined with her investigations is her personal life regarding her secretive daughter, and her eccentric actress and self-proclaimed star of a mother.
I found the book at its best when dealing with Ellen's personal life and declutterring business instead of the actual investigation. I wanted to know what secrets her daughter was keeping, hiw was she paying her rent, what has caused her breakdown. Instead, we have a murder where everything seemed a little too convenient for her. I felt the plot was not interesting enough. The police were completely absent in this book. Only mentioned in passing and never making an appearance.
I didn't feel any need to find out who did it.
It sounded like this story would be right up my street but I found it lacking substance. Perhaps because it's only around 200pages long
My thanks to the publishers and netgalley for this review copy. All opinions are my own.
Ellen, having solved crimes before, presumably from the previous three books in the series, is invited by the widow to investigate the death.
What follows is some very willing suspects who seem very forthcoming. Intertwined with her investigations is her personal life regarding her secretive daughter, and her eccentric actress and self-proclaimed star of a mother.
I found the book at its best when dealing with Ellen's personal life and declutterring business instead of the actual investigation. I wanted to know what secrets her daughter was keeping, hiw was she paying her rent, what has caused her breakdown. Instead, we have a murder where everything seemed a little too convenient for her. I felt the plot was not interesting enough. The police were completely absent in this book. Only mentioned in passing and never making an appearance.
I didn't feel any need to find out who did it.
It sounded like this story would be right up my street but I found it lacking substance. Perhaps because it's only around 200pages long
My thanks to the publishers and netgalley for this review copy. All opinions are my own.
January 4, 2025
In this decluttering mystery series entry Ellen of Space Woman (her decluttering company which services hoarders and down sizers and the just totally messy) is distracted from her investigating by her mother, her son, her daughter, a former client, and a taciturn friend. Still once she starts trying to determine if the purported suicide might have been murder, she can’t stop. Who might be guilty ? Family ? Friends ? Colleagues ? Her travels as she hunts for answers on all fronts take her from Chichester into the English countryside and to London and its environs.
This brief story (180 pages) is packed with interesting characters and many plot twists and turns - both of which drive its enticing presentation. A great read for a cold winter’s day - or an afternoon under a beach umbrella ! Then go home and look at your clutter !
This brief story (180 pages) is packed with interesting characters and many plot twists and turns - both of which drive its enticing presentation. A great read for a cold winter’s day - or an afternoon under a beach umbrella ! Then go home and look at your clutter !
August 21, 2024
I'm admittedly a fan of this series which sees Ellen solve crimes even as she helps clients "declutter" but know that each one is fine as a standalone. This time out, she's shocked to find her client Humph dead in his study and takes on the case when his widow declares he must have been murdered. Turns out Humph gave a speech at his birthday party that insulted a lot- a lot- of people. That's classic cozy but what's especially interesting in these novels is Ellen's relationship with her family, which is often bumpy, and the sensitive approach to mental health issues. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A good read.
August 25, 2024
I usually enjoy these books, but this one felt like it ended abruptly. It was incredibly short—a mere 180 pages on my NetGalley app—, and could have been padded out a bit more. I have also started to wonder why Ellen’s relationships are so strangely strained with her children. It will be interesting to explore Ellen through Jool’s eyes, now that she’s part of SpaceWoman. Also, can we have less of Fleur in these books? She serves no purpose other than to irritate Ellen and, by transference, us the readers. 2.5/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for letting me read an ARC of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for letting me read an ARC of this book.
September 14, 2024
I have been eager for new Simon Brett mystery. I really enjoy both the Fethering and Decluttering series. I recently gave Mrs. Pargeter a try again, but found that series just does not do it for me. Neither does the Charles Paris series. A Messy Murder in the Decluttering Series does not disappoint. Simon Brett does an excellent job on the audio book, bringing all the characters to life. As usual, Ellen is called in to help a family declutter and again finds a body. Was it an accident? Suicide? Murder? Ellen needs to know and works toward that end while juggling the troubles with her closest relatives.
October 14, 2024
This is such an interesting series, and I think this is one of the best so far. I'm finding the insights into the decluttering occupation fascinating, and Ellen, the main character, is very appealing as she struggles with family issues while trying to solve mysteries occasioned by her clients. I thought the solution to the main mystery in this book a little weak , but otherwise really enjoyed watching Ellen unravel the various secrets posed in this book.
November 25, 2024
Hard for me to believe that I’ve missed this series. I intend to start at the beginning and read each delightful tale as soon as possible. Declutterer, Ellen Curtis, is on the job when a death on the site brings out the investigator in her. She can’t help herself. Something isn’t right and her inquisitive mind doesn’t want to leave it be. That’s fine with me! What follows is a cozy tale of family, work troubles, decluttering and getting to the truth of it all. The story filled in background for the reader and leads you to want to read the next. No cliffhangers or abrupt endings at all. Characters are wonderful and relatable. Looking forward to reading more in this series in future.
February 20, 2025
Ellen is called in to declutter a property, the owner is a famous talk-show host who is past his prime and cannot accept it. His death looks accidental but something doesn't sit right with Ellen. Meanwhile, her daughter, Jules, is keeping busy decluttering student accommodation in Worthing. Ellen does some snooping as there is something fishy about Jules' flat in Herne Hill. Ben is in America and has a new girlfriend, which Ellen's mother is over the moon about. Dodge is concerned about theft of special wood he keeps in his house.
It's nice to see the characters and their relationships develop. The side stories add interest and colour. I really enjoy this series.
It's nice to see the characters and their relationships develop. The side stories add interest and colour. I really enjoy this series.
September 3, 2024
There's something heartbreaking in this series and some funny or lighter one.
I love Ellen and love her complex family and her story. The mysteries are always well done and there's some elements that are thought provoking.
It's not my favorite Brett's series but it's one I always want to read as it deals with serious issues.
This is a good one and there's a cliffhanger that let me wonder.
Well plotted and solid, a good and engrossing read
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I love Ellen and love her complex family and her story. The mysteries are always well done and there's some elements that are thought provoking.
It's not my favorite Brett's series but it's one I always want to read as it deals with serious issues.
This is a good one and there's a cliffhanger that let me wonder.
Well plotted and solid, a good and engrossing read
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 5, 2024
I liked the relaxed ease of the first-person narration. The mystery element is fine, but the real appeal is in how the need to declutter unlocks aspects of personality. My favorite was narrator Ellen’s former client, an elderly woman, now living a neat existence, whom Ellen checks up on, taking her snacks and lingering to chat: “She was one of those defiant elderly women who would never admit under torture that she was lonely, but I think she appreciated my company.” Brett slips this character into the mystery plot nicely. He is a writer to admire.
October 18, 2024
The author is a prolific writer and I have read 34 of his books. I enjoyed his books featuring Charles Paris and his series of mysteries set in Fethering but I did not care for his books featuring Mrs Pargeter and I actively disliked Blotto and Twinks.
This is the fourth book in a series featuring Ellen Curtis who runs a decluttering service in Chichester. The story is told in the first person by Ellen. To be honest there is not much of a story nor even much of a mystery but I liked Ellen and found this a charming cosy read. I will definitely look for the earlier books in this series.
This is the fourth book in a series featuring Ellen Curtis who runs a decluttering service in Chichester. The story is told in the first person by Ellen. To be honest there is not much of a story nor even much of a mystery but I liked Ellen and found this a charming cosy read. I will definitely look for the earlier books in this series.
September 1, 2024
Ellen works as a declutter and when assisting the Carters in downsizing, she finds Humphrey dead in his study the day after his 80th birthday. Looking like a suicide, his wife insists he was murdered. Since Ellen previously has solved a murder, she looks into it. This book was promising but I was hoping for more solving and less family drama which there is a lot of. To me the side problems distracted from the main and made it clunky. The twist at the end was shocking and also heartbreaking.
November 4, 2024
Well...Ellen, daughter Jools, a new client, a suicide in the study, the wife not very upset. I enjoyed the first 3 books in this series...this one not so much. More about Ellen and her daughter and a bit about her son. The ending left me cold and seemingly not very real life-like! I'm sure I'll read the fifth installment but not with the enthusiasm I had originally. Kind of a let down truth be told.
November 17, 2024
The fact it was a short book and cover and title drew me in. While I felt the writing was ok, I kept waiting for the story plot to improve. Its not a terrible book, I just couldn't get excited by it. For me the book lacked substance, the characters seemed pitiful and I was very disappointed by the ending. While it may be intresting to people who enjoy Simon Brett's stories, I won't be reading another one.
January 14, 2025
Simon Brett’s decluttering mystery series is so well written and includes so many helpful insights into the many challenges associated with decluttering that at times I forgot this was a mystery!
Mr. Brett’s character development is so well done - it’s hard not to want to know more about them, and where their story lines are going. Beyond the death, other things are going on!
I cannot wait to read what I hope will be many more books in this series.
Mr. Brett’s character development is so well done - it’s hard not to want to know more about them, and where their story lines are going. Beyond the death, other things are going on!
I cannot wait to read what I hope will be many more books in this series.
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