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The Village Narcissist
A body is found hanging from a noose made from a bell rope! Is this just the start of things to come?
The deceptively quiet remote village is shattered after a brazen obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage - strange disappearances occur. It wasn’t until the gruesome village history was revealed - that the baffled police could solve the chilling mysteries connected to the bell tower.
The fictitious villager's characters play a colourful and humorous part in this book - bringing the small village to life - it's a gripping murder mystery, injecting the gruesome, spine-chilling history of this remote village into its final sinister twists and turns.
The deceptively quiet remote village is shattered after a brazen obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage - strange disappearances occur. It wasn’t until the gruesome village history was revealed - that the baffled police could solve the chilling mysteries connected to the bell tower.
The fictitious villager's characters play a colourful and humorous part in this book - bringing the small village to life - it's a gripping murder mystery, injecting the gruesome, spine-chilling history of this remote village into its final sinister twists and turns.
181 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2020
1 person is currently reading
6593 people want to read
About the author
Glenis Kellet
4 books76 followersMy story:
I was 8-9 years of age when my teacher introduced my class to writing books. Our library lesson was all about choosing a topic from the school library and writing our own little booklets! I won 1st prize for the numerous books I wrote on all sorts of topics. I loved it! I still have many of the booklets I wrote!
Another passion was a love of ponies, I always longed for a pony of my own. I didn't come from a wealthy family, so I began helping out on a local farm at the age of 10 - I was taught how to ride and 7 years later had the opportunity to buy my very own pony!
By the time I was 28 years old; I owned and managed a thoroughbred stud, I bred a few winning race horses! I became a partner in my husband's dairy/arable farm, we had two daughters.
Later in life I established a coarse fishery and sold it as a going concern.
I cared for my elderly mother for 10 years until she passed away; I supported myself by trading successfully on the financial markets. I always wanted to write but never had the time with the hectic life I led - until I retired - Now I write exciting fast-paced, easy to read fiction novels. I've had 4 books published so far - all murder mysteries with romance and plenty of emotional turmoil!- Faith in Love, Falsely Accused of the Unthinkable, The Village Narcissist and Lethal Revenge.
I was 8-9 years of age when my teacher introduced my class to writing books. Our library lesson was all about choosing a topic from the school library and writing our own little booklets! I won 1st prize for the numerous books I wrote on all sorts of topics. I loved it! I still have many of the booklets I wrote!
Another passion was a love of ponies, I always longed for a pony of my own. I didn't come from a wealthy family, so I began helping out on a local farm at the age of 10 - I was taught how to ride and 7 years later had the opportunity to buy my very own pony!
By the time I was 28 years old; I owned and managed a thoroughbred stud, I bred a few winning race horses! I became a partner in my husband's dairy/arable farm, we had two daughters.
Later in life I established a coarse fishery and sold it as a going concern.
I cared for my elderly mother for 10 years until she passed away; I supported myself by trading successfully on the financial markets. I always wanted to write but never had the time with the hectic life I led - until I retired - Now I write exciting fast-paced, easy to read fiction novels. I've had 4 books published so far - all murder mysteries with romance and plenty of emotional turmoil!- Faith in Love, Falsely Accused of the Unthinkable, The Village Narcissist and Lethal Revenge.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 9, 2020
‘We don’t generally have visitors coming to our village as it’s so remote’ - A terrific mystery!
British author Glenis Kellet has life experiences in managing thoroughbred horses, diary and crop farming, creating (and marketing) a coarse fishery, dealing with the financial markets, and now returns to her childhood passion for writing. Her books to date – FAITH IN LOVE, FALSELY ACCUSED OF THE UNTHINKABLE, and now THE VILLAGE NARCISSIST.
Dedicating her new book to the victims of COVID-19, Glenis immediately latches on to our respect. She further offers a tip to her readers – ‘Nothing symbolises the supposed-innocent nature of the UK better than its villages. I wanted to turn one village upside down, in a story that retains the murder mystery hallmarks readers cry out for, while also weaving together a unique narrative led by its unconventional characters.’ And that goal she most assuredly has attained in this finely wrought mystery, embroidered with her unique gift for infusing humor into an otherwise dark tale.
The story zips open with a discovery, and in Glenis’ fine prose that event is as follows: ‘A shrill piercing scream vibrated through the still, silent air. A plump middle-aged woman ran down the wooden steps form the bell tower – breathless and terrified at what she had just witnessed. She ran into the nave of the old church, running towards the voices and hurried steps she had heard coming from the vestry. “There’s a woman hanging from the bell rope,” she screamed, pointing back to the way she had come. Her face was ashen in colour due to her terrible shock; she visibly shook from the sight of the horrific scene…’ With that, the author pulls us into her little Deadend village.
The plot is well paced and full of unexpected twists that encourage the reader to untangle. The plot – ‘A body is found hanging from a noose made from a bell rope! Is this just the start of things to come? The deceptively quiet remote village is shattered after a brazen obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage - strange disappearances occur. It wasn’t until the gruesome village history was revealed - that the baffled police could solve the chilling mysteries connected to the bell tower.’
Written in a most engaging style, this new novel by Glenis Kellet places her solidly in the arena of important contemporary authors. Very highly recommended.
British author Glenis Kellet has life experiences in managing thoroughbred horses, diary and crop farming, creating (and marketing) a coarse fishery, dealing with the financial markets, and now returns to her childhood passion for writing. Her books to date – FAITH IN LOVE, FALSELY ACCUSED OF THE UNTHINKABLE, and now THE VILLAGE NARCISSIST.
Dedicating her new book to the victims of COVID-19, Glenis immediately latches on to our respect. She further offers a tip to her readers – ‘Nothing symbolises the supposed-innocent nature of the UK better than its villages. I wanted to turn one village upside down, in a story that retains the murder mystery hallmarks readers cry out for, while also weaving together a unique narrative led by its unconventional characters.’ And that goal she most assuredly has attained in this finely wrought mystery, embroidered with her unique gift for infusing humor into an otherwise dark tale.
The story zips open with a discovery, and in Glenis’ fine prose that event is as follows: ‘A shrill piercing scream vibrated through the still, silent air. A plump middle-aged woman ran down the wooden steps form the bell tower – breathless and terrified at what she had just witnessed. She ran into the nave of the old church, running towards the voices and hurried steps she had heard coming from the vestry. “There’s a woman hanging from the bell rope,” she screamed, pointing back to the way she had come. Her face was ashen in colour due to her terrible shock; she visibly shook from the sight of the horrific scene…’ With that, the author pulls us into her little Deadend village.
The plot is well paced and full of unexpected twists that encourage the reader to untangle. The plot – ‘A body is found hanging from a noose made from a bell rope! Is this just the start of things to come? The deceptively quiet remote village is shattered after a brazen obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage - strange disappearances occur. It wasn’t until the gruesome village history was revealed - that the baffled police could solve the chilling mysteries connected to the bell tower.’
Written in a most engaging style, this new novel by Glenis Kellet places her solidly in the arena of important contemporary authors. Very highly recommended.
August 12, 2020
Had thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books by Glenis Kellet and couldn't wait to read this latest one. I wasn't disappointed, and completely agree with other reviews that this is the best one yet. Got deep into the story right from the start, and couldn't put it down - in a way I was disappointed when I finished the book. Looking forward to more books written by Glenis!
May 15, 2021
The Village Narcissist: Audacious, Abhorrent Murder Mystery Rings In. Think Village Life is Peaceful…?
Glenis Kellet’s ‘The Village Narcissist’ is a captivating novel – it's a twisted and enthralling murder mystery set in a picture-perfect village. An idyllic place readers would dream of living in, until an obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage and placid life descends into something much more reminiscent of the dark, bloodied past. One critic wrote, “Gripped immediately! The thrilling complicated plots and twists compelled me to read it to the end. Never guessed what it's conclusion would be and it came as a real shock! It was riveting!”
Millions of Brits dream of village life. A place where neighbours are few but friendly, where the local pub is the epicentre of the action and crime wouldn’t dream of showing its face. Oh, the dream…
The characters in Glenis Kellet’s latest novel also shared that vision, until their remote village becomes the playground of sinister twists and turns, symbolised by the ever-ringing bell tower.
‘The Village Narcissist’ uniquely blends humour and dark mystery as Kellet crafts a place unlike anywhere else – inviting readers to step inside.
Synopsis:
A body is found hanging from a noose made from a bell rope! Is this just the start of things to come?
The deceptively quiet remote village is shattered after a brazen obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage - strange disappearances occur. It wasn’t until the gruesome village history was revealed - that the baffled police could solve the chilling mysteries connected to the bell tower.
The fictitious villager's characters play a colourful and humorous part in this book - bringing the small village to life - it's a gripping murder mystery, injecting the gruesome, spine-chilling history of this remote village into its final sinister twists and turns.
“Nothing symbolises the supposed-innocent nature of the UK better than its villages,” explains the author. “I wanted to turn one village upside down, in a story that retains the murder mystery hallmarks readers cry out for, while also weaving together a unique narrative led by its unconventional characters.”
Continuing, “It was a lot of fun to create the village and its residents from scratch. The characters are both amusing and vulnerable, I suppose perfectly mirroring real-world society itself. I won’t say too much more about the book here, other than you will turn the last page with your jaw on the floor.”
Readers agree, leaving five-star reviews. Lynne writes, “Glenis’s books are getting better each time. She has a really fast-paced style, and a talent for interesting and unusual storylines. This book especially rang true to me, as I have lived in small village and recognise her true to life descriptions of characters and events! I am a lover of mysteries with a twist in the tail, and am really looking forward to the next one.”
Other comments and reviews - “I was instantly hooked!” - “Keep writing, this is your best book yet!” - “Great imagination! plenty of plot and dialogue here. I find your books very plot-driven, plenty happening and this one is no exception.” - “The Village Narcissist arrived to day brilliant could not put it down had to finish it and wow the end did not disappoint fantastic book well done. - Just ordered other 2 books.” - “The vivid description made me feel I was actually there!”
Glenis Kellet’s ‘The Village Narcissist’ is a captivating novel – it's a twisted and enthralling murder mystery set in a picture-perfect village. An idyllic place readers would dream of living in, until an obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage and placid life descends into something much more reminiscent of the dark, bloodied past. One critic wrote, “Gripped immediately! The thrilling complicated plots and twists compelled me to read it to the end. Never guessed what it's conclusion would be and it came as a real shock! It was riveting!”
Millions of Brits dream of village life. A place where neighbours are few but friendly, where the local pub is the epicentre of the action and crime wouldn’t dream of showing its face. Oh, the dream…
The characters in Glenis Kellet’s latest novel also shared that vision, until their remote village becomes the playground of sinister twists and turns, symbolised by the ever-ringing bell tower.
‘The Village Narcissist’ uniquely blends humour and dark mystery as Kellet crafts a place unlike anywhere else – inviting readers to step inside.
Synopsis:
A body is found hanging from a noose made from a bell rope! Is this just the start of things to come?
The deceptively quiet remote village is shattered after a brazen obnoxious outsider purchases The Old Vicarage - strange disappearances occur. It wasn’t until the gruesome village history was revealed - that the baffled police could solve the chilling mysteries connected to the bell tower.
The fictitious villager's characters play a colourful and humorous part in this book - bringing the small village to life - it's a gripping murder mystery, injecting the gruesome, spine-chilling history of this remote village into its final sinister twists and turns.
“Nothing symbolises the supposed-innocent nature of the UK better than its villages,” explains the author. “I wanted to turn one village upside down, in a story that retains the murder mystery hallmarks readers cry out for, while also weaving together a unique narrative led by its unconventional characters.”
Continuing, “It was a lot of fun to create the village and its residents from scratch. The characters are both amusing and vulnerable, I suppose perfectly mirroring real-world society itself. I won’t say too much more about the book here, other than you will turn the last page with your jaw on the floor.”
Readers agree, leaving five-star reviews. Lynne writes, “Glenis’s books are getting better each time. She has a really fast-paced style, and a talent for interesting and unusual storylines. This book especially rang true to me, as I have lived in small village and recognise her true to life descriptions of characters and events! I am a lover of mysteries with a twist in the tail, and am really looking forward to the next one.”
Other comments and reviews - “I was instantly hooked!” - “Keep writing, this is your best book yet!” - “Great imagination! plenty of plot and dialogue here. I find your books very plot-driven, plenty happening and this one is no exception.” - “The Village Narcissist arrived to day brilliant could not put it down had to finish it and wow the end did not disappoint fantastic book well done. - Just ordered other 2 books.” - “The vivid description made me feel I was actually there!”
September 18, 2020
The Village Narcissist, by author Glenis Kellet first caught my eye before I even opened the book. The striking cover displays a black bell against a midnight blue background. (An omen of things to come?). At the top of the cover are the names of Kellet’s first two books: ‘Faith in Love’ and ‘Falsely Accused of the Unthinkable,’ the latter of the two I have already ordered; anticipating another thrilling reading experience!
I was drawn to ‘The Village Narcissist’ from the first page and had quite the adventure, experiencing the story along with the villagers and the detectives who finally solved the mystery. I felt as if I was part of the story!
The plot is fast paced and full of unforeseen surprises that challenge the reader to solve the mystery along with the detectives. From the first line ‘A shrill piercing scream vibrated through the still, silent air,’ you’ll be hooked and won’t be able to put the book down.
The story begins in an idyllic English village, where images of unspoiled beauty, fresh air, hospitable, hard-working people, and a serene way of life come to mind. A place far removed from the big cities: a place where nothing bad ever happens. That all changed when a pompous, overbearing stranger moved into the village. But, the worst was yet to come when the villagers discover that their close-knit community is not immune to murder and treachery, and an element among them threatens to unravel the bonds of unity and trust that has been part of village life since time began.
Be prepared for a reading experience like no other, as the author creates an elaborate rollercoaster of twists and turns; leaving you wanting more after each chapter. In the end, the villagers realize just how vulnerable they were to evil finding their quiet village, and their lives are forever changed by the events of a single day.
Dare Rogers
I was drawn to ‘The Village Narcissist’ from the first page and had quite the adventure, experiencing the story along with the villagers and the detectives who finally solved the mystery. I felt as if I was part of the story!
The plot is fast paced and full of unforeseen surprises that challenge the reader to solve the mystery along with the detectives. From the first line ‘A shrill piercing scream vibrated through the still, silent air,’ you’ll be hooked and won’t be able to put the book down.
The story begins in an idyllic English village, where images of unspoiled beauty, fresh air, hospitable, hard-working people, and a serene way of life come to mind. A place far removed from the big cities: a place where nothing bad ever happens. That all changed when a pompous, overbearing stranger moved into the village. But, the worst was yet to come when the villagers discover that their close-knit community is not immune to murder and treachery, and an element among them threatens to unravel the bonds of unity and trust that has been part of village life since time began.
Be prepared for a reading experience like no other, as the author creates an elaborate rollercoaster of twists and turns; leaving you wanting more after each chapter. In the end, the villagers realize just how vulnerable they were to evil finding their quiet village, and their lives are forever changed by the events of a single day.
Dare Rogers
August 25, 2020
Glenis Kellet writes a very creative murder-mystery tale. Anyone who dreams of the perfect UK place usually thinks of a small, close-knit town. Kellet brings this town to life with her words. There is strong writing skill here, though there were some spots that had me scratching my head and seemed out of place (like the men taking over the scene and letting the person that found the body go in the beginning, or the fact that they write off a concerned sister as “delayed by something or was chatting”. However, I will say that since the main character is framed as a visitor that they are wanting to keep happy, it feels natural the way it’s told.
Kellet does a great job of jumping right into the action. I mean, the body IS found in the first paragraph. Though there is a bit of exposition, it seems to flow well. This isn’t a long book, less than 200 pages. It’s well worth the read.
Kellet does a great job of jumping right into the action. I mean, the body IS found in the first paragraph. Though there is a bit of exposition, it seems to flow well. This isn’t a long book, less than 200 pages. It’s well worth the read.
May 15, 2021
Having known too many narcissists in my life, I’ll admit, it was the title of this book that got my attention. (I couldn't help but wonder -- was it someone I know?) I'm kidding of course, but I will say that the title did not disappoint.
From the first page, the author pulled me and the action never stopped. As the story evolves, secrets are revealed as innumerable questions and scenarios begin to mount. Well-paced writing and colorful village characters kept my mind alive with possibilities until the very end.
There’s more I could say, but as this is a mystery, I’m just going to leave it here. I did find the ending to be quite clever and satisfying!
From the first page, the author pulled me and the action never stopped. As the story evolves, secrets are revealed as innumerable questions and scenarios begin to mount. Well-paced writing and colorful village characters kept my mind alive with possibilities until the very end.
There’s more I could say, but as this is a mystery, I’m just going to leave it here. I did find the ending to be quite clever and satisfying!
September 17, 2020
Glenis’s books are getting better each time. She has a really fast-paced style, and a talent for interesting and unusual storylines. This book especially rang true to me, as I have lived in small village and recognise her true to life descriptions of characters and events! I am a lover of mysteries with a twist in the tail, and am really looking forward to the next one.
October 8, 2020
Bought this book for my mother ,she started to read it late at night , then said I'd better put it way or I won't go to bed , I know iam going to like this book,
We have all 3 books this lady has wrote , 2nd book mum thoughly enjoyed , loaned it to her sister who also loved the book , and now also has bought the other 2 books , looking forward to the 4th book
We have all 3 books this lady has wrote , 2nd book mum thoughly enjoyed , loaned it to her sister who also loved the book , and now also has bought the other 2 books , looking forward to the 4th book
September 15, 2020
Gripped immediately! The thrilling complicated plots and twists compelled me to read it to the end. Never guessed what it's conclusion would be and it came as a real shock! It was riveting!
September 14, 2021
I have wanted to read this book for some time, and am glad I finally did.
An odd, mysterious village populated by memorable characters makes the backdrop for an engaging mystery. Missing persons, vanishing bodies and curious events draw you in. Glenis Kellet writes with a distinctive style that is both easy to become immersed in and keeps the focus on the important parts of this story, the mystery right up until the logical and satisfying solution. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
An odd, mysterious village populated by memorable characters makes the backdrop for an engaging mystery. Missing persons, vanishing bodies and curious events draw you in. Glenis Kellet writes with a distinctive style that is both easy to become immersed in and keeps the focus on the important parts of this story, the mystery right up until the logical and satisfying solution. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
May 24, 2021
A very entertaining read, keeps you guessing until the end. Living in a country village will never be the same again 😊
March 28, 2025
I had high hopes for The Village Narcissist, as the premise was intriguing, and the character development in the first half of the book showed promise. The story did a great job of portraying a manipulative and self-absorbed protagonist whose influence over the village created tension and drama. However, as the novel progressed, the plot started to drag, and the character interactions became repetitive.
The biggest disappointment, though, was the ending. After all the buildup, I expected a strong resolution—perhaps a dramatic downfall or a clever twist—but instead, the conclusion felt rushed and unsatisfying.
While the writing had its moments, the lackluster ending overshadowed the novel’s strengths. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re okay with an anticlimactic finish.
Happy Reading 💜📚
The biggest disappointment, though, was the ending. After all the buildup, I expected a strong resolution—perhaps a dramatic downfall or a clever twist—but instead, the conclusion felt rushed and unsatisfying.
While the writing had its moments, the lackluster ending overshadowed the novel’s strengths. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re okay with an anticlimactic finish.
Happy Reading 💜📚
October 29, 2024
Came across this author/book on social media and was immediately drawn in by the title.
The reader is drawn into the action and this fast-paced tale kept me turning the pages.
There are breadcrumbs of clues littered throughout the story – although not necessarily glaringly obvious of course – but the author manages to keep you guessing right to the end before the mystery completely unravels – with a very nice twist!
It really is a great read! I highly recommend.
The reader is drawn into the action and this fast-paced tale kept me turning the pages.
There are breadcrumbs of clues littered throughout the story – although not necessarily glaringly obvious of course – but the author manages to keep you guessing right to the end before the mystery completely unravels – with a very nice twist!
It really is a great read! I highly recommend.
July 15, 2021
A murder mystery with a good plot. It's set in a small village where everything one does is watched and judged by the community. So, just how do the villagers manage people who don't meet their standards? That is the question! The village narcissist kept me guessing!
July 10, 2022
Enjoyed the bell ringing descriptions, however, couldn't get past the writing style. It was a little too 'easy to read' for me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews