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Mrs Pargeter #10
Mrs Pargeter’s Past
A gambler on the run. A widow with deep pockets. A pair of criminal brothers with a secret agenda. The new instalment of the quirky, inventive and charming mystery series featuring widow Mrs Pargeter – whose late husband was absolutely NOT one of the most notorious villains in Essex (the very idea). Mrs Pargeter’s friends know two important details about her marriage to her late husband. First, that it was blissfully happy. And second, that Mr Pargeter was not a man to bring his work home with him.
So, while the chance of her ever being asked by the police what he did for a living is, naturally, remote, Mrs Pargeter would be able to reply, in all honesty, that she doesn’t know. What she does know is that Mr Pargeter’s former associates are all respectable members of society, and if they were ever criminals, they are now 100% reformed. So when she learns that Short Head Shimmings, her late husband’s former accountant, has fallen on hard times, she springs into action, chequebook at the ready.
But Short Head has borrowed from the wrong people, and the infamous Batinga Brothers aren’t out for his money – they’re out for blood. The only way to save Short Head is to dismantle their criminal empire. But how can the highly law-abiding Mrs Pargeter, whose only weapons are her charm, her quick wits and her little black book of Mr Pargeter’s contacts, hope to do such an impossible thing?
So, while the chance of her ever being asked by the police what he did for a living is, naturally, remote, Mrs Pargeter would be able to reply, in all honesty, that she doesn’t know. What she does know is that Mr Pargeter’s former associates are all respectable members of society, and if they were ever criminals, they are now 100% reformed. So when she learns that Short Head Shimmings, her late husband’s former accountant, has fallen on hard times, she springs into action, chequebook at the ready.
But Short Head has borrowed from the wrong people, and the infamous Batinga Brothers aren’t out for his money – they’re out for blood. The only way to save Short Head is to dismantle their criminal empire. But how can the highly law-abiding Mrs Pargeter, whose only weapons are her charm, her quick wits and her little black book of Mr Pargeter’s contacts, hope to do such an impossible thing?
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Published October 7, 2025
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About the author
Simon Brett
329 books532 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 39 reviews
October 15, 2025
In every one of the previous nine volumes in this clever, humorous series featuring the redoubtable widow Melita Pargeter, the action occurs after the death of her shadowy but beloved husband, Lionel Pargeter. In this novel, author Brett gives us a glimpse of their early life together.
Mrs. Pargeter, always protective her husband’s former employees, seeks to rescue accountant “Short Head” Shimmings from the grasp of the murderous criminal kingpin Damone Batinga and his psychopathic brother Como. But we learn that Mrs. Pargeter encountered these villains 30 years earlier, when she and Mr. Pargeter were newly married. That Mrs. Pargeter would best these two is never in doubt; the excitement comes in seeing just how the clever widow manages it.
I absolutely adored this 10th novel in the series: Humorous, cleverly plotted, plenty of suspense and a lovable cast of characters, what more could anyone want? Five stars!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Severn House in exchange for an honest review.
Mrs. Pargeter, always protective her husband’s former employees, seeks to rescue accountant “Short Head” Shimmings from the grasp of the murderous criminal kingpin Damone Batinga and his psychopathic brother Como. But we learn that Mrs. Pargeter encountered these villains 30 years earlier, when she and Mr. Pargeter were newly married. That Mrs. Pargeter would best these two is never in doubt; the excitement comes in seeing just how the clever widow manages it.
I absolutely adored this 10th novel in the series: Humorous, cleverly plotted, plenty of suspense and a lovable cast of characters, what more could anyone want? Five stars!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Severn House in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2025
I’ve just completed Mrs. Pargeter’s Past, and it’s been another enjoyable read. The coziest of mysteries, almost too much so for my taste this time, but still worth picking up. Mrs Pargeter and her husband’s former ( extremely) loyal employees all band together to help save one of their own who has a gambling addiction and in serious debt to a pair of criminals. This is the kind of feel-good mystery series that doesn’t involve descriptions of real trauma or grisly moments. Just a group of people who are working together to help a friend.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. Opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. Opinions are my own.
June 22, 2025
I come to Mrs Pargeter late to the party, having received this 10th volume in the series as a review copy. Mrs Pargeter is a wealthy widow, whose husband may have done things for a living which are best not discussed in polite society and whose associates, should they ever have stepped on the wrong side of the law, are most definitely pillars of society these days. Her mission is to complete any unfinished business her husband left behind (details in his little black book), and if that means fighting a gang of criminals using charm and wit alone, in order to get former dodgy accountant Short Head Shimmings out of a hole, so be it.
It’s fun and light, easy to read. The characters were engaging, though all were very lightly drawn caricatures based around their amusing nicknames. This is a good Radio 4 comedy series in waiting. For me the joke that Mrs P had no idea that her husband was the head of a crime syndicate began to wear a little thin by the middle of the book. It was unnecessarily over-used.
Thank you to NetGalley for making an advance copy of this book available for review. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own, following a full read of the novel.
It’s fun and light, easy to read. The characters were engaging, though all were very lightly drawn caricatures based around their amusing nicknames. This is a good Radio 4 comedy series in waiting. For me the joke that Mrs P had no idea that her husband was the head of a crime syndicate began to wear a little thin by the middle of the book. It was unnecessarily over-used.
Thank you to NetGalley for making an advance copy of this book available for review. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own, following a full read of the novel.
July 8, 2025
Rating: 2.3/5
If you have read any of Simon Brett's work previously then you will have a pretty good idea what you are going to get. There is nothing pretentious about his cosy mysteries. They are easy to read, entertaining and don't take themselves too seriously - but there is usually a sound mystery structure at the heart of things.
This tenth and latest offering from the Mrs Pargeter series is slightly different in that there is no real mystery. It is a predominantly character-driven story set comically in the criminal underworld. There is plenty of light-hearted humour as the mystery is investigated by the eponymous Mrs Pargeter and there are some nice social observations and commentaries along the way too. That said, on the whole, this particular offering feels a bit tired. There are witty moments, but for the most part the same jokes are done to death, re-done and then done again.
"Mrs Pargeter's Past" is far from awful and is a pleasant enough way to pass some time, but this is probably one for the true stalwarts of the Mrs Pargeter series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
If you have read any of Simon Brett's work previously then you will have a pretty good idea what you are going to get. There is nothing pretentious about his cosy mysteries. They are easy to read, entertaining and don't take themselves too seriously - but there is usually a sound mystery structure at the heart of things.
This tenth and latest offering from the Mrs Pargeter series is slightly different in that there is no real mystery. It is a predominantly character-driven story set comically in the criminal underworld. There is plenty of light-hearted humour as the mystery is investigated by the eponymous Mrs Pargeter and there are some nice social observations and commentaries along the way too. That said, on the whole, this particular offering feels a bit tired. There are witty moments, but for the most part the same jokes are done to death, re-done and then done again.
"Mrs Pargeter's Past" is far from awful and is a pleasant enough way to pass some time, but this is probably one for the true stalwarts of the Mrs Pargeter series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
September 11, 2025
Great fun, with a wonderful cast of engaging characters
Our main character is a loving wife who is deliberately oblivious to her husband’s occupation - which is just as well, as he leads a gang of criminals who regularly come up against a rival crew.
The suitably-monikered characters provide the reader with great entertainment, and Simon Brett has a wonderful turn of phrase for conveying descriptions and relating exploits.
This book is great fun and very easy to read. I look forward to reading more about Mrs P.
Thank you to Severn House, NetGalley and the author for providing this advance copy.
Our main character is a loving wife who is deliberately oblivious to her husband’s occupation - which is just as well, as he leads a gang of criminals who regularly come up against a rival crew.
The suitably-monikered characters provide the reader with great entertainment, and Simon Brett has a wonderful turn of phrase for conveying descriptions and relating exploits.
This book is great fun and very easy to read. I look forward to reading more about Mrs P.
Thank you to Severn House, NetGalley and the author for providing this advance copy.
September 26, 2025
We finally get to meet Mr P !!!
As I’ve mentioned before, I was thrilled to see Simon Brett start writing new titles in his Mrs Pargeter series again a few years ago, after a pause of about fifteen years. And I have enjoyed the after-hiatus titles just as much as the pre-hiatus ones. Which includes the newest book, coming soon, on October 7, 2025.
First off is a bit of a warning: if you want a nicely plotted Agatha Christie-ish murder mystery, the Mrs Pargeter series isn’t for you. Or if you want a gritty thriller, again, not for you. But if what you want is a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek gangster pastiche, sometimes a bit weak on plot but always long on madcap giggles, then you will love these books.
Mrs Pargeter is the widow of (wait-for-it) Mr Pargeter, a criminal mastermind who was VERY good at compartmentalizing his work and his home life. To the extent, in fact, that Mrs P officially knew nothing at all about his doings. But what she still has is Mr P’s little black book, filled with contacts who are all happy to help her out when needed, solely based on their gratitude to her late husband. And who could fail to love characters with names like Jukebox Jarvis (now largely superseded by his daughter, who sadly doesn’t seem to have a nickname of her own), Concrete Jacket (and his ever-patient wife, Tammy), Hedgeclipper Clinton, and Truffler Mason. Even if their morals seem to be quite flexible.
In earlier books, although we have gotten a pretty good picture of Mr P, we’ve never actually met him. But in this latest book, aptly titled, Mrs Pargeter’s Past, we finally do, because, although the story opens in the present time, it rather quickly goes into an extended flashback. And there Mr P is, along with many of his “colleagues”. Of course, the story eventually moves back to the present and the echoes of the past come to roost, as Mrs P (seemingly unknowingly) dismantles a rival gang. But to me, the biggest treat was finally meeting Mr P in person.
A couple of additional notes: First, I just want to state that I am more-than-half-in-love with Mrs Pargeter – who has all the nerve and self-confidence to wear a bright yellow dress when everyone else is in black, and pulls it off with panache. And second, as fun as it was to meet Mr P, I did feel the plot – specifically the ending – was a little more deus-ex-machina than normal, so I did give this four-and-a-half stars (rounded up to five here) instead of my usual five for Mrs P titles. But, please keep in mind that for me, anything over four stars is still a definite “read this book” rating.
And finally, my thanks go to Severn House and NetGalley for my advance review copy!
As I’ve mentioned before, I was thrilled to see Simon Brett start writing new titles in his Mrs Pargeter series again a few years ago, after a pause of about fifteen years. And I have enjoyed the after-hiatus titles just as much as the pre-hiatus ones. Which includes the newest book, coming soon, on October 7, 2025.
First off is a bit of a warning: if you want a nicely plotted Agatha Christie-ish murder mystery, the Mrs Pargeter series isn’t for you. Or if you want a gritty thriller, again, not for you. But if what you want is a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek gangster pastiche, sometimes a bit weak on plot but always long on madcap giggles, then you will love these books.
Mrs Pargeter is the widow of (wait-for-it) Mr Pargeter, a criminal mastermind who was VERY good at compartmentalizing his work and his home life. To the extent, in fact, that Mrs P officially knew nothing at all about his doings. But what she still has is Mr P’s little black book, filled with contacts who are all happy to help her out when needed, solely based on their gratitude to her late husband. And who could fail to love characters with names like Jukebox Jarvis (now largely superseded by his daughter, who sadly doesn’t seem to have a nickname of her own), Concrete Jacket (and his ever-patient wife, Tammy), Hedgeclipper Clinton, and Truffler Mason. Even if their morals seem to be quite flexible.
In earlier books, although we have gotten a pretty good picture of Mr P, we’ve never actually met him. But in this latest book, aptly titled, Mrs Pargeter’s Past, we finally do, because, although the story opens in the present time, it rather quickly goes into an extended flashback. And there Mr P is, along with many of his “colleagues”. Of course, the story eventually moves back to the present and the echoes of the past come to roost, as Mrs P (seemingly unknowingly) dismantles a rival gang. But to me, the biggest treat was finally meeting Mr P in person.
A couple of additional notes: First, I just want to state that I am more-than-half-in-love with Mrs Pargeter – who has all the nerve and self-confidence to wear a bright yellow dress when everyone else is in black, and pulls it off with panache. And second, as fun as it was to meet Mr P, I did feel the plot – specifically the ending – was a little more deus-ex-machina than normal, so I did give this four-and-a-half stars (rounded up to five here) instead of my usual five for Mrs P titles. But, please keep in mind that for me, anything over four stars is still a definite “read this book” rating.
And finally, my thanks go to Severn House and NetGalley for my advance review copy!
October 7, 2025
I would say that reading this series requires you to tuck the more sceptical side of your nature firmly under your pillow for the duration. The fact that wealthy widow, Mrs Pargeter, is absolutely clueless about her former husband’s work, even though many of his employees are clearly on the dodgy side of the law and she’s supposed to be highly intelligent is the major obstacle to overcome. If you can surmount that hillock/mountain – depending on your inclination – then this book is all sorts of enjoyable fun.
I always like the names Brett comes up with – and the fact that Mr Pargeter’s former accountant is called Short Head, is because he has a gambling habit and his horses generally lost by a short head. Yep, I know – it’s corny. But also quite funny. Until he went and borrowed far too much money with extortionate interest rates from the Batinga Brothers…
The other pleasure I had in this book is Brett’s evocation of the 1970s. There is a section in the book that takes us back to when Mr Pargeter was alive and the two of them regularly enjoyed going out to restaurants. I’d forgotten the pleasures of prawn cocktail starters, steak Diane and baked Alaska, all washed down with the likes of a Rose Mateus or Blue Nun. Until Brett reminded me.
But my highlight has to be the banquet of one of the new London Livery companies (according to Simon Brett) of the Cozoners and Usurers, which Mrs Pargeter has to attend as part of the plot. Her increasing boredom and acidic observations regarding the self-congratulatory speeches, toasts and patronising attitudes to anyone not themselves makes me think that Brett has probably sat through a few too many similar occasions. In amongst these set pieces is plenty of action, all very much tongue-in-cheek which had me grinning throughout.
All in all, these books put me in mind of the Ealing comedies, with the wordplay and Mrs Pargeter’s apparent ignorance of any wrongdoing regarding her late husband’s activities. If you enjoy such capers, then tuck into one of these adventures. While I’m sure you get an ongoing narrative if you read them in order – you can dive into each one at will without any floundering and still have loads of fun. Recommended for fans of cosy crime with a British setting. While I obtained a copy of Mrs Pargeter’s Past from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
I always like the names Brett comes up with – and the fact that Mr Pargeter’s former accountant is called Short Head, is because he has a gambling habit and his horses generally lost by a short head. Yep, I know – it’s corny. But also quite funny. Until he went and borrowed far too much money with extortionate interest rates from the Batinga Brothers…
The other pleasure I had in this book is Brett’s evocation of the 1970s. There is a section in the book that takes us back to when Mr Pargeter was alive and the two of them regularly enjoyed going out to restaurants. I’d forgotten the pleasures of prawn cocktail starters, steak Diane and baked Alaska, all washed down with the likes of a Rose Mateus or Blue Nun. Until Brett reminded me.
But my highlight has to be the banquet of one of the new London Livery companies (according to Simon Brett) of the Cozoners and Usurers, which Mrs Pargeter has to attend as part of the plot. Her increasing boredom and acidic observations regarding the self-congratulatory speeches, toasts and patronising attitudes to anyone not themselves makes me think that Brett has probably sat through a few too many similar occasions. In amongst these set pieces is plenty of action, all very much tongue-in-cheek which had me grinning throughout.
All in all, these books put me in mind of the Ealing comedies, with the wordplay and Mrs Pargeter’s apparent ignorance of any wrongdoing regarding her late husband’s activities. If you enjoy such capers, then tuck into one of these adventures. While I’m sure you get an ongoing narrative if you read them in order – you can dive into each one at will without any floundering and still have loads of fun. Recommended for fans of cosy crime with a British setting. While I obtained a copy of Mrs Pargeter’s Past from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
September 11, 2025
Oh, the Mrs Pargeter books by Simon Brett do make me laugh - and Mrs Pargeter's Past didn’t disappoint me. Unusually, we get a flashback to the early years of the Pargeters’ blissfully happy marriage. Mr and Mrs P are out dining, when they meet a work connection of Mr P’s: Mr Smith. Funnily enough, the restaurateur, Lennie, calls Lionel Pargeter Mr Smith as well – what a coincidence! It’s as if neither man wants to use his real name when out on personal business. Mr P, of course, is a highly successful businessman, although Mrs P is unsure exactly what his business is, because he never brings work home. The other Mr Smith, however, looks like an unpleasant criminal.
One of the impressive things about these books is the deadpan way in which Simon Brett never states that the late Lionel Pargeter was one of the biggest villains in Essex, but everyone apart from Melita Pargeter seems to believe that to be the case. Of course, no-one would dream of accusing her late husband of such a role, as Mrs P would look astonished and then highly affronted that anyone could imagine such a thing. This contrast in views results in some wonderful dialogue.
Because Lionel left his wife a phenomenal amount of money, Mrs Pargeter has the luxury of always having enough money to handle problems. That gives the author the freedom to write of innovative solutions to situations. In this book, however, Short Head Shimmings has bilked the Batinga Brothers and they value their fearsome reputation far above money. They have to make an example of Short Head so that the world knows it must always pay debts to the Batinga Brothers in full and on time. Money cannot save Short Head. However, Mrs Pargeter has a plan – all she has to do is to dismantle the Batinga Brothers’ empire…
This book is light and funny – a book to cheer one up and make a dark day seem much brighter – just what is needed as we move towards dreary winter evenings.
#MrsPargetersPast #NetGalley
One of the impressive things about these books is the deadpan way in which Simon Brett never states that the late Lionel Pargeter was one of the biggest villains in Essex, but everyone apart from Melita Pargeter seems to believe that to be the case. Of course, no-one would dream of accusing her late husband of such a role, as Mrs P would look astonished and then highly affronted that anyone could imagine such a thing. This contrast in views results in some wonderful dialogue.
Because Lionel left his wife a phenomenal amount of money, Mrs Pargeter has the luxury of always having enough money to handle problems. That gives the author the freedom to write of innovative solutions to situations. In this book, however, Short Head Shimmings has bilked the Batinga Brothers and they value their fearsome reputation far above money. They have to make an example of Short Head so that the world knows it must always pay debts to the Batinga Brothers in full and on time. Money cannot save Short Head. However, Mrs Pargeter has a plan – all she has to do is to dismantle the Batinga Brothers’ empire…
This book is light and funny – a book to cheer one up and make a dark day seem much brighter – just what is needed as we move towards dreary winter evenings.
#MrsPargetersPast #NetGalley
December 19, 2025
This is the latest installment of a long running series, in which the criminals are ever so careful to observe the social amenities – right up until they commit their crimes.
In Mrs Pargeter Brett has created a vivid and captivating character who manages to be prim and proper while behaving in the most appalling way. She makes me laugh, admire her, and sneakily wish to be just a bit more like her.
Mrs Pargeter’s beloved – and now departed – husband spent their marriage preserving her deniability. She’ll look at you in wide eyed innocence if you ask anything about her husband’s business. Yet she doesn’t blink an eyelid at his many criminal acquaintances, and manages a variety of illegal activities while somehow preserving an air of genteel ignorance.
This particular novel spends a substantial period back in the early days of Mrs Pargeter’s marriage. In most Mrs Pargeter novels Mr Pargeter is off stage, referred to but never seen. So it was interesting here to spend some time with him, getting to know both him and Mrs Pargeter better.
I really enjoy the Mrs Pargeter novels, and this one was no exception. There’s a quiet but very very funny humor that runs through the novel, touching plot, characters, and action alike. The novel manages to be both subtle and overt at the same time (quite the achievement), rather like Mrs Pargeter and her devoted friends.
It’s a very English kind of humor, with everyone saying one thing while doing something quite contrary. It works brilliantly. Brett has the perfect touch for this kind of novel. This isn’t a very long novel, and the writing style makes it an easy read. The tone is consistently sustained, both in terms of the language and the antics of the characters.
This was a great novel to sink into. It’s not too demanding, but it’s diverting and delicious. Highly recommended for fans, but new readers could also step into the novel and enjoy every word. It stands alone.
In Mrs Pargeter Brett has created a vivid and captivating character who manages to be prim and proper while behaving in the most appalling way. She makes me laugh, admire her, and sneakily wish to be just a bit more like her.
Mrs Pargeter’s beloved – and now departed – husband spent their marriage preserving her deniability. She’ll look at you in wide eyed innocence if you ask anything about her husband’s business. Yet she doesn’t blink an eyelid at his many criminal acquaintances, and manages a variety of illegal activities while somehow preserving an air of genteel ignorance.
This particular novel spends a substantial period back in the early days of Mrs Pargeter’s marriage. In most Mrs Pargeter novels Mr Pargeter is off stage, referred to but never seen. So it was interesting here to spend some time with him, getting to know both him and Mrs Pargeter better.
I really enjoy the Mrs Pargeter novels, and this one was no exception. There’s a quiet but very very funny humor that runs through the novel, touching plot, characters, and action alike. The novel manages to be both subtle and overt at the same time (quite the achievement), rather like Mrs Pargeter and her devoted friends.
It’s a very English kind of humor, with everyone saying one thing while doing something quite contrary. It works brilliantly. Brett has the perfect touch for this kind of novel. This isn’t a very long novel, and the writing style makes it an easy read. The tone is consistently sustained, both in terms of the language and the antics of the characters.
This was a great novel to sink into. It’s not too demanding, but it’s diverting and delicious. Highly recommended for fans, but new readers could also step into the novel and enjoy every word. It stands alone.
June 17, 2025
Wealthy widow Mrs. Melita Pargeter is back with book #10 in the series, which was revived in recent years after eight Mrs. Pargeter Mysteries were published from 1986 to 1998. Mrs. Pargeter's beloved husband left her a wealthy woman, but she was never interested in knowing exactly what he did for a living (we readers have our strong suspicions). Not only does she live in style, but whenever she needs some help with a sticky problem, she need only look into the little black notebook willed to her by her husband, and she is sure to find an expert with the particular skills she is seeking. Some of them have questionable pasts, it's true, but all claim to be aboveboard in their current occupations.
In Mrs. Pargeter's Past, It is one of these problems that leads her to try to rescue her husband's former accountant, Short Head Shimmings who has significant gambling debts. Although Mrs. P offers to pay off his debts, the real issue is that the loan shark brothers cannot tolerate a challenge to their reputation, and one of them would be thrilled to make a deadly example of the hapless Short Head. Nothing less than a dismantling of the criminal brothers' extensive empire will solve the problem. And while Mrs. P feels confident she can achieve that goal, she suddenly has reason to wonder if the brothers, under assumed names, might have had something to do with a dangerous situation she found herself in years ago.
In this book, we get a glimpse of Mrs. Pargeter's life when her husband was alive. As always, it is a quick read, with an interesting cozy mystery and very little violence, sparkling dialogue, and a lot of whimsy.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
In Mrs. Pargeter's Past, It is one of these problems that leads her to try to rescue her husband's former accountant, Short Head Shimmings who has significant gambling debts. Although Mrs. P offers to pay off his debts, the real issue is that the loan shark brothers cannot tolerate a challenge to their reputation, and one of them would be thrilled to make a deadly example of the hapless Short Head. Nothing less than a dismantling of the criminal brothers' extensive empire will solve the problem. And while Mrs. P feels confident she can achieve that goal, she suddenly has reason to wonder if the brothers, under assumed names, might have had something to do with a dangerous situation she found herself in years ago.
In this book, we get a glimpse of Mrs. Pargeter's life when her husband was alive. As always, it is a quick read, with an interesting cozy mystery and very little violence, sparkling dialogue, and a lot of whimsy.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
July 13, 2025
Simon Brett’s Mrs. Pargeter’s Past blends the structure of a crime mystery with the ease and wit of a cozy humor, making for a brisk and rewarding read. Mrs. Pargeter, stylish and composed, is the sort of heroine who floats through danger with martini-worthy poise. She’s smart, sexy, and often plays up her cluelessness just enough to keep everyone wondering how much she really knows. If you’re hooked on Mrs. Pargeter’s capers, there's an entire series to dive into.
The plot kicks off when Mrs Pargeter tries to help an old acquaintance, Short Head Shimmings, who’s gotten himself into trouble with the wrong sort of people. What follows is a whirlwind of schemes, secrets, and a criminal empire that needs dismantling—preferably without breaking a nail.
What I loved most was Mrs. Pargeter herself. She’s sexy, sharp, and often pretends to be more clueless than she is, which makes her all the more fun to follow. The book is a perfect weekend read—short enough to finish in a day, but packed with enough twists and dry humor to keep things interesting.
That said, the story does get a bit tangled. There are a lot of characters with quirky names, and the narrative jumps between scenes and perspectives in a way that occasionally left me flipping back to reorient myself. Also, the author's vocabulary can be a bit obscure—thank goodness for Kindle’s dictionary feature.
Still, these are minor bumps in an otherwise entertaining ride. If you enjoy mysteries with a touch of British eccentricity and a heroine who’s always one step ahead (even when she pretends not to be), this one’s worth picking up.
Thank you Severn House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The plot kicks off when Mrs Pargeter tries to help an old acquaintance, Short Head Shimmings, who’s gotten himself into trouble with the wrong sort of people. What follows is a whirlwind of schemes, secrets, and a criminal empire that needs dismantling—preferably without breaking a nail.
What I loved most was Mrs. Pargeter herself. She’s sexy, sharp, and often pretends to be more clueless than she is, which makes her all the more fun to follow. The book is a perfect weekend read—short enough to finish in a day, but packed with enough twists and dry humor to keep things interesting.
That said, the story does get a bit tangled. There are a lot of characters with quirky names, and the narrative jumps between scenes and perspectives in a way that occasionally left me flipping back to reorient myself. Also, the author's vocabulary can be a bit obscure—thank goodness for Kindle’s dictionary feature.
Still, these are minor bumps in an otherwise entertaining ride. If you enjoy mysteries with a touch of British eccentricity and a heroine who’s always one step ahead (even when she pretends not to be), this one’s worth picking up.
Thank you Severn House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2025
Mrs Pargeter's Past by Simon Brett is a highly recommended, entertaining, and very British cozy mystery. This is the tenth book in the Mrs Pargeter series but it can be read as a standalone novel.
Mrs Pargeter and her late husband were very happily married. Mr Pargeter, was not a man to bring his work home with him so she has no idea what he did for a living, but when he passed away he left her very, very wealthy. His associates are all respectable members of society now, and if they were ever criminals, they are now reformed. When Short Head Shimmings, her late husband’s former accountant, needs help, Mrs Pargeter naturally offers to do so, but his problems can't be solved with a check. He has angered the Batinga Brothers and they are out for blood. Mrs Pargeter turns to her husband's former associates for assistance to resolve the situation.
This is a well-written, clever, enjoyable caper where the seemingly clueless but secretly clever Mrs Pargeter plans to dismantle the Batinga Brother's criminal empire while also protecting Short Head Shimmings. She turns to her husbands black book of contacts and finds assistance from a group of people who all have nicknames, like Concrete Jacket for example. Hedgeclipper Clinton, Truffler Mason, and Jukebox Jarvis are there to help along with others and Gary is always available to chauffeur Mrs. Pargeter as she sets the plan into motion.
Mrs Pargeter's Past is a good choice for anyone who is interested in reading a lighthearted cozy mystery. Thanks to Severn House for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...
Mrs Pargeter and her late husband were very happily married. Mr Pargeter, was not a man to bring his work home with him so she has no idea what he did for a living, but when he passed away he left her very, very wealthy. His associates are all respectable members of society now, and if they were ever criminals, they are now reformed. When Short Head Shimmings, her late husband’s former accountant, needs help, Mrs Pargeter naturally offers to do so, but his problems can't be solved with a check. He has angered the Batinga Brothers and they are out for blood. Mrs Pargeter turns to her husband's former associates for assistance to resolve the situation.
This is a well-written, clever, enjoyable caper where the seemingly clueless but secretly clever Mrs Pargeter plans to dismantle the Batinga Brother's criminal empire while also protecting Short Head Shimmings. She turns to her husbands black book of contacts and finds assistance from a group of people who all have nicknames, like Concrete Jacket for example. Hedgeclipper Clinton, Truffler Mason, and Jukebox Jarvis are there to help along with others and Gary is always available to chauffeur Mrs. Pargeter as she sets the plan into motion.
Mrs Pargeter's Past is a good choice for anyone who is interested in reading a lighthearted cozy mystery. Thanks to Severn House for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...
July 22, 2025
3.75 stars
I am a long-time fan of these tales featuring the widowed Mrs. Pargeter, who is anything but a staid older woman. Her late husband was a hugely successful businessman who operated outside the law and was much beloved by his associates, who still band together to take care of Mrs. P. She claims to have had no knowledge of his shadowy work and freezes out anyone who tries to bring it up. Mrs. Pargeter is self-confident, smart and quite savvy.
The nicknames of the criminal circle are reason enough to read the book: Jukebox Jarvis, Hedgeclipper Clinton, Truffler Mason and Shot Head Shimmings are but a few. This book is a bit different from others in that it goes back to the past when Mr. P was still alive. Mrs. P gets abducted in a gang war but is unruffled as she is certain her husband will find and rescue her. We get to see the late Mr. Pargeter in action as he takes on some rivals, a despicable pair of creepy brothers.
Although this happened many years ago, those same criminal brothers are now again causing problems for Mrs Pargeter's friends and she is determined to ruin them. These stories are lighthearted, dryly humorous and great fun. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am a long-time fan of these tales featuring the widowed Mrs. Pargeter, who is anything but a staid older woman. Her late husband was a hugely successful businessman who operated outside the law and was much beloved by his associates, who still band together to take care of Mrs. P. She claims to have had no knowledge of his shadowy work and freezes out anyone who tries to bring it up. Mrs. Pargeter is self-confident, smart and quite savvy.
The nicknames of the criminal circle are reason enough to read the book: Jukebox Jarvis, Hedgeclipper Clinton, Truffler Mason and Shot Head Shimmings are but a few. This book is a bit different from others in that it goes back to the past when Mr. P was still alive. Mrs. P gets abducted in a gang war but is unruffled as she is certain her husband will find and rescue her. We get to see the late Mr. Pargeter in action as he takes on some rivals, a despicable pair of creepy brothers.
Although this happened many years ago, those same criminal brothers are now again causing problems for Mrs Pargeter's friends and she is determined to ruin them. These stories are lighthearted, dryly humorous and great fun. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
Simon Brett is one of my favorite British cozy mystery writers, and I've loved the Mrs. Pargeter series. Mrs. Pargeter's Past, however, is not his best.
Mrs. Pargeter (a mashup of Judy Holliday and Jennifer Hart) is the Essex-based widow of a London gangster whose mission in life is balancing a life of ease (her husband left her lots of loot) with good works. So when a former associate of her husband is kidnapped by Italian gangsters from her husband's past, Mrs. Pargeter and her team of high-end crooks are on the case. Soon, the gang's back together and the caper is on.
Although I was happy to join in the fun, it was work climbing through the cast of characters. I found myself bookmarking pages and making note of who was whom--which took away from the joy of being immersed in the story. Having said that, a visit with Mrs. Pargeter and her team of smooth operators is always a treat. Simon Brett's astute observations on how crime and legitimacy are often a matter of perspective are more relevant than ever.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to review an ARC.
Mrs. Pargeter (a mashup of Judy Holliday and Jennifer Hart) is the Essex-based widow of a London gangster whose mission in life is balancing a life of ease (her husband left her lots of loot) with good works. So when a former associate of her husband is kidnapped by Italian gangsters from her husband's past, Mrs. Pargeter and her team of high-end crooks are on the case. Soon, the gang's back together and the caper is on.
Although I was happy to join in the fun, it was work climbing through the cast of characters. I found myself bookmarking pages and making note of who was whom--which took away from the joy of being immersed in the story. Having said that, a visit with Mrs. Pargeter and her team of smooth operators is always a treat. Simon Brett's astute observations on how crime and legitimacy are often a matter of perspective are more relevant than ever.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to review an ARC.
July 17, 2025
In MRS. PARGETER’S PAST, written by Simon Brett, Mrs. Pargeter is a widow who loves her deceased husband despite the possibility of his criminal inclinations. She has his little black book containing the names of his previous associates. One of those associates, Short Head Shimmings (an unofficial bookmaker), owes money to the Batinga Brothers (loan sharks). Short Head Shimmings hasn’t paid up, and the Batinga Brothers are after him. He seeks help from Mrs. Pargeter. How does Mrs. Pargeter help Short Head Shimmings?
Mrs. PARGETER’s naïveté is on display in this interesting and humorous tale. The humor is evident from the beginning with the introduction of characters with names like Short Head Shimmings, Hedgeclipper Clinton, and Jukebox Jarvis. I find myself laughing aloud when reading about some of Mr. Pargeter’s prior associates. I like the way Mr. Pargeter has set up ways to protect Mrs. Pargeter. The plot progresses logically as it moves to a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to reading other books in the Mrs. Pargeter mystery series. Thank you, Severn House and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MRS. PARGETER’S PAST.
Mrs. PARGETER’s naïveté is on display in this interesting and humorous tale. The humor is evident from the beginning with the introduction of characters with names like Short Head Shimmings, Hedgeclipper Clinton, and Jukebox Jarvis. I find myself laughing aloud when reading about some of Mr. Pargeter’s prior associates. I like the way Mr. Pargeter has set up ways to protect Mrs. Pargeter. The plot progresses logically as it moves to a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to reading other books in the Mrs. Pargeter mystery series. Thank you, Severn House and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MRS. PARGETER’S PAST.
October 2, 2025
Mrs Pargeter’s friends know two important details about her marriage to her late husband. First, that it was blissfully happy. And second, that Mr Pargeter was not a man to bring his work home with him. So, while the chance of her ever being asked by the police what he did for a living is, naturally, remote, Mrs Pargeter would be able to reply, in all honesty, that she doesn’t know. So when she learns that Short Head Shimmings, her late husband’s former accountant, has fallen on hard times, she springs into action, chequebook at the ready. But Short Head has borrowed from the wrong people, and the infamous Batinga Brothers aren’t out for his money – they’re out for blood.
The tenth outing for Mrs Pargeter & another entertaining cosy mystery. The pages sped by & I often found myself laughing out loud. I liked that there was the flashback so that I actually got to meet Mr Pargeter & learned more of his life. I love that Mrs P is blissfully unaware of her husband’s occupation & this led to some wonderful witty banter. I love this tongue in cheek series & look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The tenth outing for Mrs Pargeter & another entertaining cosy mystery. The pages sped by & I often found myself laughing out loud. I liked that there was the flashback so that I actually got to meet Mr Pargeter & learned more of his life. I love that Mrs P is blissfully unaware of her husband’s occupation & this led to some wonderful witty banter. I love this tongue in cheek series & look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
October 13, 2025
2 1/2 stars. A witty but unbelievable tale of a widow who has know idea her husband was once a high level criminal who has left her a little black book with plenty of contacts if she ever needs anything. And she will need all the help she can get when an old associate is in deep with mobsters because of his gambling addiction who just happen to have a past with Mrs Pargeter.
It is a fast paced tale and it was interesting to see how once Mr Pargeter was not able to totally keep his wife isolated from his dealings. However, it did get a bit old the harping on about how innocent Mrs Pargeter was of her husband's work. But everything ends up happy in a way that is also quite unrealistic but nice to see it happen once in a while. We know far to often these things don't end up that way in real life.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
It is a fast paced tale and it was interesting to see how once Mr Pargeter was not able to totally keep his wife isolated from his dealings. However, it did get a bit old the harping on about how innocent Mrs Pargeter was of her husband's work. But everything ends up happy in a way that is also quite unrealistic but nice to see it happen once in a while. We know far to often these things don't end up that way in real life.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 22, 2025
In a serendipitous turn of events, the day I had wondered if there would ever be a new book in Simon Brett’s Mrs. Pargeter series, Mrs. Pargeter’s Past magically appeared. It is a delight to see her and her eclectic comrades again. Much is familiar—Mrs. P’s schtick of ignorance about the work of her late husband and the collection of uniquely talented individuals she inherited from him, the sticky wickets in which Mrs. P. finds herself—past and present, and the seemingly effortless way in which she turns the table and comes out on top. As noted in earlier reviews in the series, if you are a stickler for plausibility, this series is not for you, but if you like a clever caper with entertaining companions, then look no further.
August 10, 2025
A friend suddenly needs help after racking up gambling debts with the wrong people, and what seems like an ordinary episode in the world of Mrs. Pargeter, widow of popular crime boss Mr. Pargeter, turns into a chance for Mrs. Pargeter to get closure on a traumatic experience from years ago.
This is a great next book in the series, filling in more details about the Pargeters and their lives. There is probably enough information in this one to not be lost if you have not read the whole series first, but if you can I'd recommend reading the whole series to get a better understanding of the characters and situations in this book.
This is a great next book in the series, filling in more details about the Pargeters and their lives. There is probably enough information in this one to not be lost if you have not read the whole series first, but if you can I'd recommend reading the whole series to get a better understanding of the characters and situations in this book.
October 5, 2025
Mrs Pargeter's husband has had a charitable side to his character in helping some criminals to have successful 'legitimate' careers with the help of his wife.
After his death with the help of his black book she has been able to use the skills and advice of these people whose loyalty to him cannot be questioned
When one of his charity cases has a target on his head from a pair of unscrupulous, vicious brothers, she arranges for him to go into hiding and ries to work out a way in which she can bring down these criminals.
What she doesn't know is that many years before she had met these brothers and that one of them has never forgotten her.
Chaos reigns as usual in this entertaining book.
After his death with the help of his black book she has been able to use the skills and advice of these people whose loyalty to him cannot be questioned
When one of his charity cases has a target on his head from a pair of unscrupulous, vicious brothers, she arranges for him to go into hiding and ries to work out a way in which she can bring down these criminals.
What she doesn't know is that many years before she had met these brothers and that one of them has never forgotten her.
Chaos reigns as usual in this entertaining book.
October 7, 2025
I first came across A Nice Class of Corpse, the very first Mrs. Pargeter book, while on a canal holiday in the mid-nineties—wonderful memories of sitting at the front of the boat, completely absorbed in the story. Having read every single Mrs. Pargeter book since, I was thrilled to return for this tenth instalment. Mrs. Pargeter tackles a tricky situation with Short Head Shimmings with her usual wit and poise, and the glimpses into her early married life add delightful depth. The eccentric cast of associates remains a joy, making this another thoroughly engaging read for long-time fans.
Many thanks to Severn House, Simon Brett and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
Many thanks to Severn House, Simon Brett and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
October 24, 2025
Mr Pargeter loved Mrs Pargeter and, when he died, he left her with a lot of money and a little black book of contacts. His former associates are close friends and they all support each other so when Short Head Shimmings finds his life threatened Mrs Pargeter determines to protect him and deal with the criminals. Little does she realise that her relationship with the Batinga Brothers actually goes back a long way.
I like these stories from Brett. It is important to get into the rhythm of the writing as the books are rather idiosyncratic but it definitely pays off. This is cosy crime with a really witty twist.
I like these stories from Brett. It is important to get into the rhythm of the writing as the books are rather idiosyncratic but it definitely pays off. This is cosy crime with a really witty twist.
July 17, 2025
Mrs Pargeter's Past by Simon Brett covers both the present and the past of Mrs. Pargeter's life. When helping one of her reformed, sort of, associates who has gotten in trouble with the wrong people, the story goes back to when the Pargeters were newlyweds. The story goes back and forth in time but without being hard to follow. As more of the Pargeter history is reveled, the odds of catching the miscreants of both timelines gets better. As always, the tongue in cheek writing and the characters introduced make this a very fun series to enjoy.
October 2, 2025
Mrs Pargeter is a wealthy widow, her husband left her very well off and she likes to look after the people who used to work for him. Of course she had no idea what her husband did for a living, as he kept his home life and work life separate. One of his ex employees has managed to get himself in debt with some notorious money lenders and he has missed the deadline for repayment, so they want him dead, and he asks Mrs Pargeter for help.
A really enjoyable tale of cosy criminals and my thanks go to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
A really enjoyable tale of cosy criminals and my thanks go to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
October 5, 2025
Mrs Pargeter’s Past is Simon Brett’s latest offering in his wonderful series of what might be described as cosy, light-hearted criminal escapades. This Runyonesque tale devotes a sizeable section to Mrs Pargeter’s back story, and that of her late husband, and once against features an entertaining cast of nefarious characters with colourful nick names that perfectly capture the nature of their criminality. The plot might be slightly preposterous but who cares? The joy of this series is in the witty writing and the engaging characters. Top notch escapist entertainment.
October 12, 2025
I have read others in this series all equally enjoyable. I particularly liked that this one went back to when Mrs. Pargeter first met her husband. It’s somewhat unbelievable that she has no idea that he is involved in criminal enterprises, even when she is kidnapped.
The past intersects with the present to very good effect. I read this in one day. There are a variety of funny characters and I could see this being made into a TV series.
I read an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publishers. Thoroughly recommended series of novels.
The past intersects with the present to very good effect. I read this in one day. There are a variety of funny characters and I could see this being made into a TV series.
I read an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publishers. Thoroughly recommended series of novels.
June 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Seven House for the eARC.
No. 10 in the Mrs. Pargeter series is another charming, quirky addition to the series.
With a cast of fun characters (former associates of the deceased Mr. Pargeter), who have mainly gone straight, and the financial help of Mrs P., the group tries to save one of theirs from a nasty demise, the result of owing a huge gambling debt.
Another fun read!
No. 10 in the Mrs. Pargeter series is another charming, quirky addition to the series.
With a cast of fun characters (former associates of the deceased Mr. Pargeter), who have mainly gone straight, and the financial help of Mrs P., the group tries to save one of theirs from a nasty demise, the result of owing a huge gambling debt.
Another fun read!
December 14, 2025
This is book 10 in the Mrs. Pargeter series. I have read several in the series and had no problems keeping up with the characters. Mrs. Pargeter and her loyal employees are again helping a "friend" of her late husband and his business associates. Short Head has borrowed money from the wrong people and they want him dead as a lesson to other borrowers. Now Mrs. Pargeter must negotiate or end their business enterprise. Funny and a good read.
June 13, 2025
Fun, quick read with a look at Mrs. Pargeter's marriage and early days married to Mr. Pargeter, a master criminal (about which Mrs. Pargeter remains, at least publicly, determinedly unknowing). Best for fans of the series who do not need an introduction to the characters. 3-4 star range. Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 5, 2025
Mrs Pargeter's Past is the tenth book featuring the widow of Mr Pargeter, who definitely wasn't one of the biggest crooks in Essex. This time out Mrs P is coming to the assistance of one of her husband's former associates who has got himself into a touch of trouble because of his gambling problem. This leads us to some more of Mrs Pargeter's backstory because the nasty characters who Short Head is entangled with are some of the same nasty customers that Mr P had some run ins with. Not that Mrs P knows about that.
I really enjoyed this - Mrs P and her deliberate refusal to acknowledge her husband's past while making extensive use of his little black book of contacts will never not be funny to me, and in this one Simon Brett has found a way to bring in lots of the regular assistants in their various guises to help out with the mystery. I said when I wrote Major Bricket and the Circus Corpse that Mrs P is at the least realistic end of the contemporary-set Brett oeuvre and it does push on that, but it's so funny and wry and I have a history with the characters that means that I don't mind it really at all. Possibly not the place to start your adventures with Mrs P, but if you've already enjoy any of the books in the series I think it'll work for you. I'm still hoping for another Charles Paris though.
*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
I really enjoyed this - Mrs P and her deliberate refusal to acknowledge her husband's past while making extensive use of his little black book of contacts will never not be funny to me, and in this one Simon Brett has found a way to bring in lots of the regular assistants in their various guises to help out with the mystery. I said when I wrote Major Bricket and the Circus Corpse that Mrs P is at the least realistic end of the contemporary-set Brett oeuvre and it does push on that, but it's so funny and wry and I have a history with the characters that means that I don't mind it really at all. Possibly not the place to start your adventures with Mrs P, but if you've already enjoy any of the books in the series I think it'll work for you. I'm still hoping for another Charles Paris though.
*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
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