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Decluttering Mysteries #2
An Untidy Death
When the body of a prospective client is discovered in her burned-out home, declutterer Ellen Curtis is drawn into a baffling investigation where nothing is as it first appears.
"My mother's going to kill herself . . . That is, if I don't kill her first." When Alexandra Richards approaches professional declutterer Ellen Curtis to ask her to help sort out her mother's chaotic flat, Ellen gets the impression Alexandra doesn't like her mother very much. But when Ingrid Richards' body is discovered in her burned-out home, Alexandra's exasperated words don't seem such a joke. Due to the hazardous state of the victim's over-cluttered residence, the police are inclined to dismiss her death as an unfortunate accident. Ellen's not so sure. Could Alexandra's resentment towards her mother have escalated into outright violence? The more she discovers about the dead woman's remarkable past, the more convinced Ellen becomes that there's something decidedly suspicious about her death. At least she can console herself that clearing out widower Edward Finch's bungalow will be a straightforward job in comparison. But in this assumption, Ellen couldn't be more wrong . . .
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
51 people are currently reading
255 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 116 reviews
October 18, 2021
An Untidy Death (hardcover) by Simon Brett.
This is the 2nd in S.B Decluttering Mysteries. I've been enjoying this author's Fethering books and decided to continue with this latest series. This series hits reality in the face with the not so easy life of Ellen Curtis. Still coping with her husband's suicide, if one can cope with so devastating a loss, and attempting to work out a relationship with her son Ben and daughter Jools, this story begins. The author weaved these basic facts so well into the background of Ellen's life.
Ellen's work with her Spacewoman Decluttering Services has brought her to the home of Ingrid Richards. Ingrid remains a world famous journalist and more than a run of the mill risk taker as proven by her near death experience in Beirut. Now in her 70's her looks may have faded a bit but never her spunk. Ellen finds Ingrid a most interesting client...but then again does Ingrid require assistance?
Perhaps not, but an incident will require Ellen to do a little more investigating other than cleaning out a closet.
Totally enjoyed this down to earth book and highly recommend it. This author has a gift for bringing the reader into the reality of his work.
This is the 2nd in S.B Decluttering Mysteries. I've been enjoying this author's Fethering books and decided to continue with this latest series. This series hits reality in the face with the not so easy life of Ellen Curtis. Still coping with her husband's suicide, if one can cope with so devastating a loss, and attempting to work out a relationship with her son Ben and daughter Jools, this story begins. The author weaved these basic facts so well into the background of Ellen's life.
Ellen's work with her Spacewoman Decluttering Services has brought her to the home of Ingrid Richards. Ingrid remains a world famous journalist and more than a run of the mill risk taker as proven by her near death experience in Beirut. Now in her 70's her looks may have faded a bit but never her spunk. Ellen finds Ingrid a most interesting client...but then again does Ingrid require assistance?
Perhaps not, but an incident will require Ellen to do a little more investigating other than cleaning out a closet.
Totally enjoyed this down to earth book and highly recommend it. This author has a gift for bringing the reader into the reality of his work.
November 14, 2021
I adored The Clutter Corpse, Simon Brett’s debut novel in a new series that introduced us to widow Ellen Curtis, an inquisitive declutter expert in Chichester, England. In this second novel, a famous television war correspondent goes up in flames, but Ellen suspects it’s not an accident. As always with Brett, plenty of twists and turns, but in this series, he also provides an empathetic look at the dangers of clinical depression. I devoured this book!
January 11, 2023
An Untidy Death is the second book in the Decluttering Mysteries series, written and read by British author, Simon Brett. It’s not unusual for decluttering expert, Ellen Curtis to be contacted by someone concerned about a family member’s safety, although she does wonder about the sincerity of Alexandra Richards’ concern for her mother: there is clearly not a lost of love lost between them. Alexandra describes Irene as a chain-smoking, whiskey-drinking hoarder of papers.
But when Ellen visits Irene, she finds the former war correspondent in an organised mess, but with all her faculties intact and, after an in-depth chat, is reassured that Irene presents no danger to herself, and has no need of Ellen’s services. “Untidiness does not always indicate lack of control.” When Irene’s flat, with her in it, goes up in flames mere days later, Ellen is not convinced that it is accidental.
Remarks that Alexandra made when she engaged Ellen’s services, and her reaction to her mother’s death, have Ellen wondering if she was set up to corroborate claims of an unsafe environment to cover a murder.
Then she is contacted by the man who, through a brief liaison with Irene ended up being Alexandra’s father. Niall Connor was also a war correspondent, and Ellen recalls Irene’s vitriol towards Niall and his wife, that she was in the process of writing a warts-and-all memoir that was bound to upset some in the business, and it crosses her mind that this could be a motive for murder.
It’s almost a relief to take a call from retired teacher and widower of ten months, Edward Finch. Edward admits that his hoarding has worsened since the death of his wife, but the state of his house doesn’t gel with that of a typical hoarder: untidy but way too clean. Edward confesses that a friend from his teaching days helps with cleaning and cooking. And then he confesses something else…
Filling Ellen’s time between cases is her worry over her sensitive son, distraction by her disparaging mother and dismay at her disconnect from her daughter. What amounts to social work also keeps her busy: “Some of my clients, particularly the elderly ones, need a lot of aftercare, and I have to watch it that I don’t spend too much unpaid time looking after them” and it’s in the aftermath of one of these visits that her friend and avid recycler, Dodge is attacked.
Ellen’s inner monologue is enjoyable and sentiments like “The jeans had splits at the knees which made me feel my age. I know, it’s a generational thing, but I will never understand a fashion which actually makes people look shabby” will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage.
Some reviewers have noted a depressing undercurrent to this instalment; it’s true that depression does feature, as does PTSD and coercive control. And while this might be classified as cosy mystery, the resolutions tend towards realistic rather than happy-ever-after. Brett does throw in a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and more of Ellen Curtis will be welcome.
But when Ellen visits Irene, she finds the former war correspondent in an organised mess, but with all her faculties intact and, after an in-depth chat, is reassured that Irene presents no danger to herself, and has no need of Ellen’s services. “Untidiness does not always indicate lack of control.” When Irene’s flat, with her in it, goes up in flames mere days later, Ellen is not convinced that it is accidental.
Remarks that Alexandra made when she engaged Ellen’s services, and her reaction to her mother’s death, have Ellen wondering if she was set up to corroborate claims of an unsafe environment to cover a murder.
Then she is contacted by the man who, through a brief liaison with Irene ended up being Alexandra’s father. Niall Connor was also a war correspondent, and Ellen recalls Irene’s vitriol towards Niall and his wife, that she was in the process of writing a warts-and-all memoir that was bound to upset some in the business, and it crosses her mind that this could be a motive for murder.
It’s almost a relief to take a call from retired teacher and widower of ten months, Edward Finch. Edward admits that his hoarding has worsened since the death of his wife, but the state of his house doesn’t gel with that of a typical hoarder: untidy but way too clean. Edward confesses that a friend from his teaching days helps with cleaning and cooking. And then he confesses something else…
Filling Ellen’s time between cases is her worry over her sensitive son, distraction by her disparaging mother and dismay at her disconnect from her daughter. What amounts to social work also keeps her busy: “Some of my clients, particularly the elderly ones, need a lot of aftercare, and I have to watch it that I don’t spend too much unpaid time looking after them” and it’s in the aftermath of one of these visits that her friend and avid recycler, Dodge is attacked.
Ellen’s inner monologue is enjoyable and sentiments like “The jeans had splits at the knees which made me feel my age. I know, it’s a generational thing, but I will never understand a fashion which actually makes people look shabby” will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage.
Some reviewers have noted a depressing undercurrent to this instalment; it’s true that depression does feature, as does PTSD and coercive control. And while this might be classified as cosy mystery, the resolutions tend towards realistic rather than happy-ever-after. Brett does throw in a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and more of Ellen Curtis will be welcome.
August 26, 2021
An Untidy Death is the second book in the Decluttering Mysteries series by British author, Simon Brett. It’s not unusual for decluttering expert, Ellen Curtis to be contacted by someone concerned about a family member’s safety, although she does wonder about the sincerity of Alexandra Richards’ concern for her mother: there is clearly not a lost of love lost between them. Alexandra describes Irene as a chain-smoking, whiskey-drinking hoarder of papers.
But when Ellen visits Irene, she finds the former war correspondent in an organised mess, but with all her faculties intact and, after an in-depth chat, is reassured that Irene presents no danger to herself, and has no need of Ellen’s services. “Untidiness does not always indicate lack of control.” When Irene’s flat, with her in it, goes up in flames mere days later, Ellen is not convinced that it is accidental.
Remarks that Alexandra made when she engaged Ellen’s services, and her reaction to her mother’s death, have Ellen wondering if she was set up to corroborate claims of an unsafe environment to cover a murder.
Then she is contacted by the man who, through a brief liaison with Irene ended up being Alexandra’s father. Niall Connor was also a war correspondent, and Ellen recalls Irene’s vitriol towards Niall and his wife, that she was in the process of writing a warts-and-all memoir that was bound to upset some in the business, and it crosses her mind that this could be a motive for murder.
It’s almost a relief to take a call from retired teacher and widower of ten months, Edward Finch. Edward admits that his hoarding has worsened since the death of his wife, but the state of his house doesn’t gel with that of a typical hoarder: untidy but way too clean. Edward confesses that a friend from his teaching days helps with cleaning and cooking. And then he confesses something else…
Filling Ellen’s time between cases is her worry over her sensitive son, distraction by her disparaging mother and dismay at her disconnect from her daughter. What amounts to social work also keeps her busy: “Some of my clients, particularly the elderly ones, need a lot of aftercare, and I have to watch it that I don’t spend too much unpaid time looking after them” and it’s in the aftermath of one of these visits that her friend and avid recycler, Dodge is attacked.
Ellen’s inner monologue is enjoyable and sentiments like “The jeans had splits at the knees which made me feel my age. I know, it’s a generational thing, but I will never understand a fashion which actually makes people look shabby” will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage.
Some reviewers have noted a depressing undercurrent to this instalment; it’s true that depression does feature, as does PTSD and coercive control. And while this might be classified as cosy mystery, the resolutions tend towards realistic rather than happy-ever-after. Brett does throw in a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and more of Ellen Curtis will be welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Canongate Books/Severn House
But when Ellen visits Irene, she finds the former war correspondent in an organised mess, but with all her faculties intact and, after an in-depth chat, is reassured that Irene presents no danger to herself, and has no need of Ellen’s services. “Untidiness does not always indicate lack of control.” When Irene’s flat, with her in it, goes up in flames mere days later, Ellen is not convinced that it is accidental.
Remarks that Alexandra made when she engaged Ellen’s services, and her reaction to her mother’s death, have Ellen wondering if she was set up to corroborate claims of an unsafe environment to cover a murder.
Then she is contacted by the man who, through a brief liaison with Irene ended up being Alexandra’s father. Niall Connor was also a war correspondent, and Ellen recalls Irene’s vitriol towards Niall and his wife, that she was in the process of writing a warts-and-all memoir that was bound to upset some in the business, and it crosses her mind that this could be a motive for murder.
It’s almost a relief to take a call from retired teacher and widower of ten months, Edward Finch. Edward admits that his hoarding has worsened since the death of his wife, but the state of his house doesn’t gel with that of a typical hoarder: untidy but way too clean. Edward confesses that a friend from his teaching days helps with cleaning and cooking. And then he confesses something else…
Filling Ellen’s time between cases is her worry over her sensitive son, distraction by her disparaging mother and dismay at her disconnect from her daughter. What amounts to social work also keeps her busy: “Some of my clients, particularly the elderly ones, need a lot of aftercare, and I have to watch it that I don’t spend too much unpaid time looking after them” and it’s in the aftermath of one of these visits that her friend and avid recycler, Dodge is attacked.
Ellen’s inner monologue is enjoyable and sentiments like “The jeans had splits at the knees which made me feel my age. I know, it’s a generational thing, but I will never understand a fashion which actually makes people look shabby” will certainly resonate with readers of a certain vintage.
Some reviewers have noted a depressing undercurrent to this instalment; it’s true that depression does feature, as does PTSD and coercive control. And while this might be classified as cosy mystery, the resolutions tend towards realistic rather than happy-ever-after. Brett does throw in a few twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and more of Ellen Curtis will be welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Canongate Books/Severn House
October 18, 2021
AN UNTIDY DEATH
Simon Brett
This book offers a bunch of contradictions. It seems like it would be funny, but it deals with such serious issues, depression, hoarding, abuse, and murder. All along I was reading it and thinking about its happy bright little cover, while Ellen is concerned that her son might be dangerously sucked down into dark depression. All the while, poor Ellen has a new client that has just died in a house fire, was it an accident?
Hard to think so when the woman's daughter tells Ellen that her mother is going to "kill herself . . . That is if I don't kill her first." But it is a great cover when your house is full to the top of crap (says a great deal about cleaning out your mess) and the fire in your house could be considered an accident. But then the suspect list gets longer and thicker and it seems that there are more than a couple of people that might want her dead.
Despite the heavy issues presented, the book reads like a cozy murder. I enjoyed it and laughed in a couple of places.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Simon Brett
This book offers a bunch of contradictions. It seems like it would be funny, but it deals with such serious issues, depression, hoarding, abuse, and murder. All along I was reading it and thinking about its happy bright little cover, while Ellen is concerned that her son might be dangerously sucked down into dark depression. All the while, poor Ellen has a new client that has just died in a house fire, was it an accident?
Hard to think so when the woman's daughter tells Ellen that her mother is going to "kill herself . . . That is if I don't kill her first." But it is a great cover when your house is full to the top of crap (says a great deal about cleaning out your mess) and the fire in your house could be considered an accident. But then the suspect list gets longer and thicker and it seems that there are more than a couple of people that might want her dead.
Despite the heavy issues presented, the book reads like a cozy murder. I enjoyed it and laughed in a couple of places.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
July 27, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed An Untidy Death. You normally know pretty much what you’re going to get with Simon Brett; a witty, very readable cosy mystery with some amusing characters and a decent, plot which makes for a light, diverting read. This offered rather more.
It is the second in the Decluttering Mysteries series, whose central character is Ellen who is based in Chichester and works helping people declutter and overcome hoarding behaviour. In the course of this work she becomes involved in solving a suspicious death of a potential client. It’s an ingenious device and sounds like a typical Brett set-up, which in a way it is. However, he offers much more than usual in the way of psychological insight and compassionate understanding into the origins of hoarding behaviour and approaches to helping. In addition, Ellen’s personal circumstances include a depressive husband who eventually killed himself and a son who has inherited some of his father’s depression. This, too, is handled with both insight and understanding so that I found it a genuinely interesting, thoughtful facet of the book, rather than just the sort of standard, unconvincing bit of Complicated Personal Life which crops up too often in crime novels.
I see that some reviewers found this too miserable, but I certainly didn’t. For me it elevated a frothy bit of light fiction to a much more rewarding read without ever getting bogged down in gloom. Brett’s prose is excellent in that it carries you along completely naturally in Ellen’s narrative voice, he gives us some terrific, neatly painted portraits of minor characters and, on a personal note, I am delighted to find a character who says, “I always prefer the words ‘die’ and ‘death’ to any of the popular euphemisms. ‘Passed’ and ‘passed away’ are just attempts to sanitize the reality.” Amen to that.
I’m surprised to find myself giving a Simon Brett book five stars; they’re normally a solid four for me, but this deserves more. I can warmly recommend it, and I’ll be catching up on the first in the series very soon.
(My thanks to Canongate Books for an ARC via NetGalley.)
It is the second in the Decluttering Mysteries series, whose central character is Ellen who is based in Chichester and works helping people declutter and overcome hoarding behaviour. In the course of this work she becomes involved in solving a suspicious death of a potential client. It’s an ingenious device and sounds like a typical Brett set-up, which in a way it is. However, he offers much more than usual in the way of psychological insight and compassionate understanding into the origins of hoarding behaviour and approaches to helping. In addition, Ellen’s personal circumstances include a depressive husband who eventually killed himself and a son who has inherited some of his father’s depression. This, too, is handled with both insight and understanding so that I found it a genuinely interesting, thoughtful facet of the book, rather than just the sort of standard, unconvincing bit of Complicated Personal Life which crops up too often in crime novels.
I see that some reviewers found this too miserable, but I certainly didn’t. For me it elevated a frothy bit of light fiction to a much more rewarding read without ever getting bogged down in gloom. Brett’s prose is excellent in that it carries you along completely naturally in Ellen’s narrative voice, he gives us some terrific, neatly painted portraits of minor characters and, on a personal note, I am delighted to find a character who says, “I always prefer the words ‘die’ and ‘death’ to any of the popular euphemisms. ‘Passed’ and ‘passed away’ are just attempts to sanitize the reality.” Amen to that.
I’m surprised to find myself giving a Simon Brett book five stars; they’re normally a solid four for me, but this deserves more. I can warmly recommend it, and I’ll be catching up on the first in the series very soon.
(My thanks to Canongate Books for an ARC via NetGalley.)
December 31, 2021
Ellen Curtis helps people declutter. Usually they hire her themselves, so it's a little unusual when the daughter of a famous journalist interviews Ellen to determine her suitability. Ellen passes muster and has an interesting discussion with Ingrid Richardson, former war reporter. Not long after, Ingrid's flat goes up in flames, killing her. Of course it's just an accident, hardly unexpected in the home of a smoker/hoarder who likes to drink. Or is it?I've enjoyed a few of Simon Brett's other short, fast-paced mysteries. But this one left me a bit cool.
The mystery itself was well done and kept me guessing. And I liked sensible, pragmatic Ellen. But the background plots were depressing and heavy (Ellen's anxiety about her son's depression; lingering issues following her husband's suicide years ago; mother-daughter problems between Ellen and her mother, Ellen and her daughter, and Ingrid and her daughter; and a sleazy potential customer). It all dragged this book down for me.
Then the ending was flat-out depressing.
I'm willing to read more of this author's immense back catalog, but I have no desire to continue with this particular series. Ellen's life is just a little too gritty and gloomy for me.
June 14, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of An Untidy Death, the second novel to feature professional declutterer Ellen Curtis, set on the south coast of England.
Alexandra Richards asks Ellen to consult with her mother, Ingrid, on decluttering her flat, which Alexandra believes is a fire hazard, too much paper and too many Gauloises. Then Ingrid is found burned to death in the flat. The police see an accident, Ellen sees something else and her curiosity is aroused.
I enjoyed An Untidy Death, which is a warm jaunt around Ellen’s not quite conventional life with a puzzling mystery thrown in as a bonus. The novel is told from Ellen’s first person point of view and outwardly she is a conventional woman, not overly familiar with her clients and preferring a professional distance, with a sensible, no nonsense, yet supportive attitude. That is only half the story, however, as she is a widow dealing with her self centred mother and two disaffected adult children and emotionally supporting a series of former clients. She doesn’t seem to have much time for herself, unless you count indulging her curiosity by unofficially investigating suspicious deaths. I like her as a narrator because she’s smart and tenacious but kind and doesn’t take herself too seriously. She brings warmth to the novel, even if her comments on the people she meets are acute.
The plot isn’t particularly exciting in terms of action and big set pieces, although it has its understated moments, like the actions of Eddie Finch, a client with an unusual approach. It is, nevertheless, compulsive reading as Ellen works through the mystery of Ingrid’s death and various other problems in her life. It isn’t laugh out loud funny, but it’s warm and amusing.
An Untidy Death is a good read that I can recommend.
Alexandra Richards asks Ellen to consult with her mother, Ingrid, on decluttering her flat, which Alexandra believes is a fire hazard, too much paper and too many Gauloises. Then Ingrid is found burned to death in the flat. The police see an accident, Ellen sees something else and her curiosity is aroused.
I enjoyed An Untidy Death, which is a warm jaunt around Ellen’s not quite conventional life with a puzzling mystery thrown in as a bonus. The novel is told from Ellen’s first person point of view and outwardly she is a conventional woman, not overly familiar with her clients and preferring a professional distance, with a sensible, no nonsense, yet supportive attitude. That is only half the story, however, as she is a widow dealing with her self centred mother and two disaffected adult children and emotionally supporting a series of former clients. She doesn’t seem to have much time for herself, unless you count indulging her curiosity by unofficially investigating suspicious deaths. I like her as a narrator because she’s smart and tenacious but kind and doesn’t take herself too seriously. She brings warmth to the novel, even if her comments on the people she meets are acute.
The plot isn’t particularly exciting in terms of action and big set pieces, although it has its understated moments, like the actions of Eddie Finch, a client with an unusual approach. It is, nevertheless, compulsive reading as Ellen works through the mystery of Ingrid’s death and various other problems in her life. It isn’t laugh out loud funny, but it’s warm and amusing.
An Untidy Death is a good read that I can recommend.
April 20, 2022
Brett is a prolific author of mysteries; his name is familiar from libraries and bookshops. An Untidy Death is the second in a series, ‘The decluttering mysteries’, I haven’t read the first one, but I suspect it’s not necessary as Brett efficiently brings the new Reader up to date. Ellen Curtis is a professional declutterer, an occupation her mother witheringly refers to as cleaning, and investigates suspicious deaths. In this case Ingrid Richards, famous war correspondent, now in her 70s. Given Brett’s experience, this is a disappointing read; some of the characters are clichéd to the point of embarrassment, and everyone seems to want to unburden themselves to Ellen, and not to have qualms about the fact that Ellen interrogates rather than interacts with people. The mystery element is desultory: not recommended.
Two stars for its blessed brevity.
Two stars for its blessed brevity.
November 1, 2022
These are chilly reads characters have real psychological issues that are well-explained by Ellen who keeps getting pulled into mysteries when she shows up to clean up other people's messes. There's not much joy these tales of Ellen's struggles - to recover from her husband's suicide, to help her son deal with the crippling depression that killed his father, to reach her daughter who has emotionally barricaded herself with mounds of cheap fashion and may be developing a serious hoarding problem. - ironic when her mother's path in life is to deal with those kind of messes. The worst relationship Ellen has is with her selfish, narcissistic, undermining mother who deserves to be packed up and boxed away. Ellen is a patient soul and insightful on other people's problems but can't seem to move forward with solving her own. The mystery becomes insignificant next to those - perhaps that's realistic but not very entertaining.
September 5, 2021
I don't know if this book can be classified as cozy mystery but i don't care to be honest. It's poignant, emotionally charged and heartbreaking at times.
I'm used to think of Simon Brett's book as humorous but this one is totally different as it deals with depression, women abuse, gaslighting, dysfunctional families.
It's the second in a new series and I loved it even if it was quite unexpected.
Ellen is a great characters, she's the one telling the story and her voice is always matter of fact and there's no pietism or sentimentalism in this story.
There are some lighter moments and there's a mystery even if it often takes the backseat.
It's an excellent book and I loved the empathy of the author toward the victims and how he deals with the social issues.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I'm used to think of Simon Brett's book as humorous but this one is totally different as it deals with depression, women abuse, gaslighting, dysfunctional families.
It's the second in a new series and I loved it even if it was quite unexpected.
Ellen is a great characters, she's the one telling the story and her voice is always matter of fact and there's no pietism or sentimentalism in this story.
There are some lighter moments and there's a mystery even if it often takes the backseat.
It's an excellent book and I loved the empathy of the author toward the victims and how he deals with the social issues.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 24, 2021
It was quite a bit dull, and Ellen seemed to be void of any other personality aside from being a mom and a wife. Her internal monologues were also robotic, and I hoped to feel much more emotion than the very strange bluntness in which the book implied about her. The story flow was good though, it was cohesive and not cliche.
January 16, 2022
Ellen has several clients for her South England decluttering business. The most tantalizing is determining whether long-time famous journalist Ingrid is safe to stay in her apartment filled with old newspapers while smoking and drinking as much as she does. Then there's the abused wife whose husband destroyed the contents of their small house in a fit of jealousy. And the simple-seeming case of a man who can't throw his dead wife's clothes away. But when Ingrid is found dead in her apartment, Ellen snatches upon the problem as a way to stop thinking about the problems of her mentally-fragile son.
January 1, 2022
In her business as a professional declutterer, it is not unusual for Ellen Curtis to be contacted by a friend or family member of the hoarder. In extreme cases, she is also referred jobs by social agencies. So, Ellen is not surprised when Alexandra Richards asks her to meet with her mother to assess whether or not her flat was a fire hazard. Ellen bonded with the mother, Ingrid Richards, and was saddened to hear a few days later that Ingrid had died in a fire. But Ellen also questioned whether this fire was an accident or something more serious. Ingrid had confided that the piles of paper on the floor surrounding her desk were for a tell-all memoir that she was planning to write. "When the memoir's published, it won't only be from my cupboard that the skeletons come rattling out." As one of the last people to spend time with the victim, the police are interested in speaking to Ellen. While she is not personally under suspicion, Ellen does want to solve this mystery. It is her belief that Ingrid Richards was murdered. So Ellen does some digging of her own into the case. I would probably have rated this book higher if it hadn't spent so much time dwelling on depression. Ellen's husband had suffered from this condition and had committed suicide. She fears that her son has inherited too many of his father's issues and spends a lot of time and energy worrying about it. Kind of depressing.
June 13, 2023
There were plenty of reasons for me not to like this book. I'm not keen on first person narratives for starters. Most of the other reasons relate to the main character, Ellen Curtis. Maybe based on the Japanese de-clutter guru Marie Kondo? But nothing like her? Frankly, I have no idea how she stays in business, she wastes so much time on non-starters. She never seems to be able to stand up for herself on anything. We hear her say various times " I can't drink any more, I need my license". Next thing she drives to the home of a potential client, and accepts multiple glasses of whiskey. We suffer through two chapters covering this visit, the most incredible time wasting which proves she is no true business person. Yet another time - Client: "My friends call me Eddie." Ellen: Let's stick with Edward. I like to keep things professional." LOL!!
I could go on and on, but I won't. This woman is just all over the place. She visits the home of a potential client ONCE, and later the police try to blame her for not recognising a fire trap. Was she supposed to have done something?
Her family don't think much of her, and treat her with maximum disrespect, well deserved no doubt, as she seems to have no boundaries.
I certainly won't be looking for any more in this series. The stress from constantly feeling annoyed would be bad for my health.
I won't bother to give this dog a rating.
I could go on and on, but I won't. This woman is just all over the place. She visits the home of a potential client ONCE, and later the police try to blame her for not recognising a fire trap. Was she supposed to have done something?
Her family don't think much of her, and treat her with maximum disrespect, well deserved no doubt, as she seems to have no boundaries.
I certainly won't be looking for any more in this series. The stress from constantly feeling annoyed would be bad for my health.
I won't bother to give this dog a rating.
May 31, 2021
Thank you Canongate Books and Seven House for the eARC.
Ellen Curtis, Professional Declutterer, is approached by Alexandra Richards to help sort out her mother's messy flat and Ellen is left with an uneasy impression: Alexandra really doesn't like her mum. "My mother is going to kill herself, if I don't kill her first". Is that just a throwaway phrase of frustration or something more ominous?
When her mum's body is discovered in her burned-out flat, the police, considering the state of the messy home, decide it was an accident. Ellen, finding out the past of the dead woman, isn't so sure. There's more to this than just an unfortunate accident. However, at least her next job, clearing out a widower's bungalow, will be a case of going back to normal. Or will it?
I love Ellen, loved the first in the series and loved this one ... More please!
Highly recommended.
Ellen Curtis, Professional Declutterer, is approached by Alexandra Richards to help sort out her mother's messy flat and Ellen is left with an uneasy impression: Alexandra really doesn't like her mum. "My mother is going to kill herself, if I don't kill her first". Is that just a throwaway phrase of frustration or something more ominous?
When her mum's body is discovered in her burned-out flat, the police, considering the state of the messy home, decide it was an accident. Ellen, finding out the past of the dead woman, isn't so sure. There's more to this than just an unfortunate accident. However, at least her next job, clearing out a widower's bungalow, will be a case of going back to normal. Or will it?
I love Ellen, loved the first in the series and loved this one ... More please!
Highly recommended.
August 9, 2021
You can usually count on Simon Brett for a cozy British mystery with enough humor and wit to keep you turning pages. This is the second in a series about decluttering expert Ellen Curtis, and it was a little darker and more serious. Ellen seems to be an unofficial a social worker as she helps her clients find a way to clear out their homes and resist their hoarding tendencies. An interesting story, full of quirky characters.
May 9, 2023
It’s always a red flag when a FMC is written by a male author but this book truly goes above and beyond with that rule. Has this author ever met a single woman? Ever? I’m his life? Based on the way he writes Ellen, I’m gonna guess no. Would give zero stars if I could.
I will not ever read other book by this author again. Hope this helps!
I will not ever read other book by this author again. Hope this helps!
June 24, 2021
Thin, unrealistic and with an overwhelming sense of misery.I haven't read any of the author's other novels and, based on my experience of this one, I won't be reading any more of them.
August 9, 2021
mystery was ok, but overall dreary and depressing with the mc's personal life.
September 30, 2021
I loved this one – indeed, it’s on my Outstanding Reads of the Year list. Ellen is a lovely character, who is briskly efficient and clearly extremely intelligent. She also has dealt with a devastating tragedy in her life with fortitude and resilience. And yes… I know she’s fictional, but I finished this book full of warmth towards this wonderful, three-dimensional protagonist. Brett is an accomplished, experienced author whose main characters are often a bit larger than life, but Ellen isn’t one of those. Her thoughtful, quieter outlook drew me right into the story as she tries to unpick what appears to be an accidental death that she increasingly feels is something else.
Ellen is also surrounded by a strong supporting cast – I love her relationship with her ebullient mother, who is clearly dissatisfied with Ellen’s life choices and delights in emphasising her closeness with Ellen’s daughter. Unlike so many fictional families, they don’t get to hurl hurtful truths at each other that in real life would probably cause complete estrangement. And I also found Ellen’s relationship with her son, who suffers from clinical depression, achingly realistic.
I’m conscious that I’ve managed to make this one sound a rather fraught, dreary read – and it’s nothing of the sort. Set in my neck of the woods, I found myself spluttering with laughter at Brett’s pithy descriptions of local settings. Meanwhile, the murder mystery is beautifully plotted. The pacing is spot on, there are a satisfying number of potential suspects – and of course, I’d spotted the perpetrator. Until halfway through the denouement scene, when I realised it wasn’t who I thought it was… Nicely done! All in all, this is by far the best written murder mystery I’ve read this year and while I’d recommend that you grab the first book, just because it’s also a cracking read – it isn’t necessary to appreciate this gem. Very highly recommended. While I obtained an arc of An Untidy Death from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
Ellen is also surrounded by a strong supporting cast – I love her relationship with her ebullient mother, who is clearly dissatisfied with Ellen’s life choices and delights in emphasising her closeness with Ellen’s daughter. Unlike so many fictional families, they don’t get to hurl hurtful truths at each other that in real life would probably cause complete estrangement. And I also found Ellen’s relationship with her son, who suffers from clinical depression, achingly realistic.
I’m conscious that I’ve managed to make this one sound a rather fraught, dreary read – and it’s nothing of the sort. Set in my neck of the woods, I found myself spluttering with laughter at Brett’s pithy descriptions of local settings. Meanwhile, the murder mystery is beautifully plotted. The pacing is spot on, there are a satisfying number of potential suspects – and of course, I’d spotted the perpetrator. Until halfway through the denouement scene, when I realised it wasn’t who I thought it was… Nicely done! All in all, this is by far the best written murder mystery I’ve read this year and while I’d recommend that you grab the first book, just because it’s also a cracking read – it isn’t necessary to appreciate this gem. Very highly recommended. While I obtained an arc of An Untidy Death from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
February 12, 2025
Second of the series - I really enjoy Simon Brett and this series is great too. As a declutter Ellen Curtis gets involved in a lot of different people. This time she is introduced to a world famous journalist whose is found dead as a result of an arsonist. Why and who all while dealing with her home life that is cluttered in a different way. Brett’s writing can be quite funny and his mysteries aren’t straightforward yet manages to stay cozy.
November 16, 2021
A quirky, cozy mystery with some amusing characters - this book didn't have "humor" this author is known to write but a more serious look & thought provking subjects all put together - short but will written.
December 2, 2021
I’m a “suspense” fan, and I’ve often wondered how to describe the differences between mystery and suspense. I’m still not sure what they are, but I know this book was a “mystery,” something I seldom read. I think it has something to do with the story being more direct and less complicated. At any rate, this was a pleasant book. I picked it up because of the main character being someone who helps hoarders. I liked that the story didn’t end with everything being tied up in a nice bow, but was more realistic than that. This is the second in a series, and I may go back and read the first.
September 14, 2021
Strange. Real people being creepy. Hoopla via dpl. I picked this up because of authors connection to Douglas adams
December 16, 2021
A neat little mystery. Very enjoyable. I liked Ellen Curtis aka SpaceWoman a lot. Being prone to clutter, I felt a kinship!
September 15, 2021
“I always prefer the words ‘die’ and ‘death’ to any of the popular euphemisms. ‘Passed’,‘passed away’ are just attempts to sanitize the reality.” - Ellen Curtis.
My thanks to Canongate Books Severn House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘An Untidy Death’ by Simon Brett in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second in Brett’s series of semi-cosy ‘Decluttering Mysteries’, featuring professional declutterer and amateur sleuth, Ellen Curtis.
SpaceWoman, Ellen’s business, is keeping her busy and in this second book she undertakes a few cases helping people to declutter their homes for various reasons. It seems that part of her work is to also function as an informal psychotherapist. There’s also a few family issues going on, especially concerning her son, Ben, who is suffering from depression.
I have enjoyed all of the novels that I have read to date by Simon Brett. Here he effortlessly moves between a number of Ellen’s current cases while developing his central and supporting characters.
I consider it a semi-cosy as alongside its lighter aspects and quirky characters there are more serious themes. These include mental illness, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, loneliness, death and bereavement. I felt that Brett addressed all with sensitivity. It takes skill to balance drama with more comedic themes.
Of course, there is also the suspicious death of a potential client in a fire that Ellen decides to investigate.
Aside from being an engaging mystery both this and the previous book, ‘The Clutter Corpse’, also contain a few tips on decluttering! Overall, a great combination and I hope for more decluttering mysteries in the future.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
My thanks to Canongate Books Severn House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘An Untidy Death’ by Simon Brett in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second in Brett’s series of semi-cosy ‘Decluttering Mysteries’, featuring professional declutterer and amateur sleuth, Ellen Curtis.
SpaceWoman, Ellen’s business, is keeping her busy and in this second book she undertakes a few cases helping people to declutter their homes for various reasons. It seems that part of her work is to also function as an informal psychotherapist. There’s also a few family issues going on, especially concerning her son, Ben, who is suffering from depression.
I have enjoyed all of the novels that I have read to date by Simon Brett. Here he effortlessly moves between a number of Ellen’s current cases while developing his central and supporting characters.
I consider it a semi-cosy as alongside its lighter aspects and quirky characters there are more serious themes. These include mental illness, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence, loneliness, death and bereavement. I felt that Brett addressed all with sensitivity. It takes skill to balance drama with more comedic themes.
Of course, there is also the suspicious death of a potential client in a fire that Ellen decides to investigate.
Aside from being an engaging mystery both this and the previous book, ‘The Clutter Corpse’, also contain a few tips on decluttering! Overall, a great combination and I hope for more decluttering mysteries in the future.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
August 20, 2021
I enjoy mysteries, especially when the characters, whether or not you like them, are interesting people (regardless of species). I enjoy decluttering shows--sometimes horrifying, but there is something about order, of a sort, being wreaked amidst chaos. Brett's series brings these two together. I don't usually like cozies, but come on--dead bodies and hoarding!
In the series, Ellen Curtis, our declutterer, becomes enmeshed in puzzling homicides. Partly, this is because the bodies are found in homes she's been called to sort out. Partly, it's because she is a busy-body and just can't help poking around. Of course she has an assistant who is a bit of a character, but very good at what he does. She has a mother one might prefer to avoid, but Ellen doesn't do that, horrid though this mother is. There are also a son and daughter and various other folks.
Don't look for the meaning of life here, but if you want a fun read, try this.
In the series, Ellen Curtis, our declutterer, becomes enmeshed in puzzling homicides. Partly, this is because the bodies are found in homes she's been called to sort out. Partly, it's because she is a busy-body and just can't help poking around. Of course she has an assistant who is a bit of a character, but very good at what he does. She has a mother one might prefer to avoid, but Ellen doesn't do that, horrid though this mother is. There are also a son and daughter and various other folks.
Don't look for the meaning of life here, but if you want a fun read, try this.
March 6, 2024
I was very disappointed with this new series. Ellen is not nearly as interesting as Jude and Carole, Charles, Parris, and the inimitable Mrs Pargeter. I would love to see new Mrs Pargeter books; her storylines were so tongue in cheek and amusing as well as having a good plot line. This book is not so much a “cosy” as a “somnolent”; even the murder and Ellen’s gentle, meandering investigation barely causes a ripple. Although Ellen is well fleshed out as a character, the people surrounding her - a depressive son, a daughter in denial, and a pointless, self-involved mother - are not so much. We’re given sort of snapshots of the people she encounters daily, but I really felt unattached to any of them.
July 9, 2021
Second in a Simon Betts new Decluttering mystery series. I am along time fan of this author , especially the Fethering series. Ellen has just started a new business called SpaceWoman helping hoarders declutter and organize.
The murder came about a third into the book which seemed a little long to me. Almost half of the book dealt with Ellen's two adult children and mother, who I did meet in the 1 st book. While I enjoyed reading that it did take away from the murder investigation. That being said, the mystery itself was very good and I look forward to a third book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Seven House for the opportunity to read and review this book which published 9/7/321
The murder came about a third into the book which seemed a little long to me. Almost half of the book dealt with Ellen's two adult children and mother, who I did meet in the 1 st book. While I enjoyed reading that it did take away from the murder investigation. That being said, the mystery itself was very good and I look forward to a third book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Seven House for the opportunity to read and review this book which published 9/7/321
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