What do you think?
Rate this book
Fethering #11
The Shooting in the Shop
Christmas can be murder... Carole Seddon hates Christmas – it all seems rather a waste of time. So when her neighbour and best friend, Jude, drags her along to go shopping at a local store called Gallimaufry, she can feel her inner-Scrooge knocking. But the sales are on and even Carole can’t resist a bargain. Then, a few days later, Gallimaufry is burnt down and a body is discovered in the ashes. It seems like a tragic accident, but no-one can die of natural causes when a gun is involved. The victim was young, pretty and in a long-term relationship – who could possibly want her dead? With a host of suspicious characters – the infamous womanizer Ricky Le Bonnier with a string of ex-wives; Piers Duncton, a comedy writer who just isn’t that funny; or Anna Carter, the lonely dog walker – the lady detectives know they have their work cut out for them. And as they dig deeper they discover a host of half-truths and lies. It seems that someone in Fethering has a deep, dark, deadly secret – and is prepared to kill to keep it.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2010
37 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 14, 2025
The Shooting in the Shop is the eleventh Fethering Mystery. True to form it is a light-hearted murder mystery, perfect for a lazy day's reading. There is nothing here to overly tax the brain, or shock the sensibilities.
It features "Fethering's two favourite sleuths", as the local pub's landlord calls them, Carole Seddon and her unlikely friend and neighbour Jude. Carole is the spiky one with a tendency to tartness. Conservative to the core, reserved and judgmental, she has taken "not-so-voluntary" retirement from her job at the Home Office. Jude is her exact opposite; a "dippy hippy" of an ex-model, ex-actress, ex-restaurateur, currently a surprisingly effective (to Carole's eyes) New Age healer. The sparks which fly between these two, the snorts of derision from the one, set against the alternative lifestyle of the other, which is just quirky enough to hint at hidden depths, provide an engaging and lively read.
It is this pairing which is the attraction with this series. The current story is about a possible arson and murder which has taken place in "Gallimaufry", a local shop selling knick-knacks. It has taken place around Christmas, with all the attendant festivity and stresses of the season. The action involves the music, entertainment and acting industry which Simon Brett knows so well, and there are plenty of eccentric characters. One lives in a beach hut; another is a superannuated larger than life Svengali, a third is probably harmless but a seriously deluded person who sees auras and refers to "devil women". None of the main characters this time are familiar from previous books, except for Carole and Jude. There are a few references to previous novels, but they are sparing and do not intrude.
The author lives in the area, near the South Downs, and although "Fethering" is fictitious, it seems very authentic. There are a few similar towns on the South Coast, although since both Worthing and Brighton are mentioned, it is clearly neither of these!
It is a bit of a puzzle as to why Simon Brett uses his titles as spoilers. The "shooting" in the title does not happen until right at the end of chapter 12, and even then it is merely a reported incident. Perhaps the alliterative titles come first, and then the novel is written to fit, so to speak! As usual the plot is not complicated, but the reader is happy to go along with Carole and Jude, as they piece together the answers, although it has to be said that sometimes we do get there before them. And with a fun read like this, that can feel very satisfying. It is an entertaining, non-demanding read.
It features "Fethering's two favourite sleuths", as the local pub's landlord calls them, Carole Seddon and her unlikely friend and neighbour Jude. Carole is the spiky one with a tendency to tartness. Conservative to the core, reserved and judgmental, she has taken "not-so-voluntary" retirement from her job at the Home Office. Jude is her exact opposite; a "dippy hippy" of an ex-model, ex-actress, ex-restaurateur, currently a surprisingly effective (to Carole's eyes) New Age healer. The sparks which fly between these two, the snorts of derision from the one, set against the alternative lifestyle of the other, which is just quirky enough to hint at hidden depths, provide an engaging and lively read.
It is this pairing which is the attraction with this series. The current story is about a possible arson and murder which has taken place in "Gallimaufry", a local shop selling knick-knacks. It has taken place around Christmas, with all the attendant festivity and stresses of the season. The action involves the music, entertainment and acting industry which Simon Brett knows so well, and there are plenty of eccentric characters. One lives in a beach hut; another is a superannuated larger than life Svengali, a third is probably harmless but a seriously deluded person who sees auras and refers to "devil women". None of the main characters this time are familiar from previous books, except for Carole and Jude. There are a few references to previous novels, but they are sparing and do not intrude.
The author lives in the area, near the South Downs, and although "Fethering" is fictitious, it seems very authentic. There are a few similar towns on the South Coast, although since both Worthing and Brighton are mentioned, it is clearly neither of these!
It is a bit of a puzzle as to why Simon Brett uses his titles as spoilers. The "shooting" in the title does not happen until right at the end of chapter 12, and even then it is merely a reported incident. Perhaps the alliterative titles come first, and then the novel is written to fit, so to speak! As usual the plot is not complicated, but the reader is happy to go along with Carole and Jude, as they piece together the answers, although it has to be said that sometimes we do get there before them. And with a fun read like this, that can feel very satisfying. It is an entertaining, non-demanding read.
December 21, 2024
Definitely a Holiday mystery. The series has two ladies who investigate a murder and are able to piece together information that points to who and how it was done. While the two are seeking physical proof (which is the most difficult to find) they are able to piece together a motive of sorts which means they have a better idea getting that information than the police. The ladies don’t interact with the police in this besides an interview of what they saw at a party one was holding. (In case you were wondering if was half police procedural.)
The wonderful thing about this story is the telling. Jude and Carole are opposites of personalities but they are fleshed out so well you feel you could touch them. Many of the other characters in the book just are so well described that again- they feel like they are alive outside the book. Actually I feel like I’ve met a couple of them in life.
I also like the fact that the story contains older women as the leads; and they aren’t incapable of taking on this task - or continuing to grow as human beings.
Will definitely be looking for more by this author.
The wonderful thing about this story is the telling. Jude and Carole are opposites of personalities but they are fleshed out so well you feel you could touch them. Many of the other characters in the book just are so well described that again- they feel like they are alive outside the book. Actually I feel like I’ve met a couple of them in life.
I also like the fact that the story contains older women as the leads; and they aren’t incapable of taking on this task - or continuing to grow as human beings.
Will definitely be looking for more by this author.
February 10, 2013
A nice easy read. Simon Brett, not surprisingly, writes decent books with believable dialogue and entertaining plots with a nice thread of humour. In this one Feathering's ill-matched amateur investigators are distracted from the horrors of Christmas by a case of insurance arson complete with dead body...
March 8, 2022
This is another entertaining book in the Fethering series. The time is around Christmas. The two friends and neighbors Carole and Jude have festivities planned. Jude is having an open house. Carole can't understand Jude's planning. How many guests? Whoever shows up. What time is it over? When the alcohol runs out. This all makes Carole nervous.
Carole is nervous already as she is having Christmas dinner for her son, daughter in-law and grand daughter. She has the usual gifts that she gives every year. They are two dress shirts for her son and lily of the valley c0l0gne for her daughter in law. Jude is appalled and suggests they go shopping together to look for alternatives.
They go to a new gift store in Fethering and Jude helps Carole find some fun gifts. One can imagine Carole grumbling under her breath the whole time about these gifts. Besides being neighbors and friends, they are amateur sleuths. They have solved many crimes around the Fethering area.
Soon a mysterious store fire happens and a body is found inside. To add to the mystery, the corpse has a bullet in its body. Jude and Carole take an interest in solving this crime and starts to investigate.
There were many suspects and red herrings. Just when you think you have it solved, you probably don't. I had an inkling who I thought was the murderer. I can't tell you why or it could be a spoiler. Then I kept changing my mind. It was like a magician having you guess which hand the coin is in. You are sure and when it is revealed, it is in another. I should have kept my initial guess as I was right. This book was another good read in the series. Good to be back with the Fethering twosome.
Carole is nervous already as she is having Christmas dinner for her son, daughter in-law and grand daughter. She has the usual gifts that she gives every year. They are two dress shirts for her son and lily of the valley c0l0gne for her daughter in law. Jude is appalled and suggests they go shopping together to look for alternatives.
They go to a new gift store in Fethering and Jude helps Carole find some fun gifts. One can imagine Carole grumbling under her breath the whole time about these gifts. Besides being neighbors and friends, they are amateur sleuths. They have solved many crimes around the Fethering area.
Soon a mysterious store fire happens and a body is found inside. To add to the mystery, the corpse has a bullet in its body. Jude and Carole take an interest in solving this crime and starts to investigate.
There were many suspects and red herrings. Just when you think you have it solved, you probably don't. I had an inkling who I thought was the murderer. I can't tell you why or it could be a spoiler. Then I kept changing my mind. It was like a magician having you guess which hand the coin is in. You are sure and when it is revealed, it is in another. I should have kept my initial guess as I was right. This book was another good read in the series. Good to be back with the Fethering twosome.
December 4, 2020
This is actually a reread. Simon Brett describes people and situations so well! Carole, with her up-tight worries about Jude's casual party. Her presents to her son and his family (from M&S, so they can be changed). The small town/village High Street.
I keep laughing out loud while reading it, and am having a hard time not reading every other sentence to my husband, but he's on another Christmas book at the moment and will be rereading this one next, so I have to restrain myself!
I keep laughing out loud while reading it, and am having a hard time not reading every other sentence to my husband, but he's on another Christmas book at the moment and will be rereading this one next, so I have to restrain myself!
August 1, 2020
As with most of the other books in the Fethering series, I enjoyed this one. The formula follows neighbor women in their 50's as they meet someone new who almost immediately dies. Murder or suicide? Carole and Jude meet a lot of interesting characters with interlocking lives and eventually piece together the puzzle. A nice little distraction.
December 12, 2017
This is the first of this series thatI have read. I had no idea it was a series and I am not sure I will bother reading any others. The two 'detectives' are so different that I found it difficult to believe in their friendship for the duration of one book - let alone imagine it being credible through a whole series of books. I disliked Carole intensely and could find nothing about her to hang a bit of liking on! or if I did, it was too far into the book to retrieve the situation. What a boring, smug little curmudgeon she was. Jude was much more likeable but I could not imagine for one moment that she would put up with a sourpuss like Carole.
I found the plot and the other main characters poorly drawn and I now wonder whether this is an example of a writer keeping a successful series going beyond it's lifespan or whether all the books were like this one. I guess I will have to read the first and see if that appeals more! It wasn't a bad book but my lack of fondness for one of the detectives really did spoil it for me.
I found the plot and the other main characters poorly drawn and I now wonder whether this is an example of a writer keeping a successful series going beyond it's lifespan or whether all the books were like this one. I guess I will have to read the first and see if that appeals more! It wasn't a bad book but my lack of fondness for one of the detectives really did spoil it for me.
March 2, 2024
I bid a fond farewell to Fethering. I’m going to miss Carole, a 50 year old persnickety woman and her friend Judy, same age but a carefree spirit. This was one of the best stories in the series and I’ll look forward to their next book.
March 25, 2012
Another chapter in the life of the amateur private investigators who often succeed where normal Police procedure fails. Based on a direct approach using their combined skills, sometimes together but often alone, before comparing notes afterwards, the two lady have forged an unlikely alliance that always gets to the truth.
With a wide cast of characters Simon Brett brings alive the seaside town of Fethering. Here a family is broken apart by the murder of one of its number and the loss of their business enterprise over the Christmas period. A gentle read that sucks you in and pleasantly with increasing speed takes you along the satisfying conclusion.
I love crime fiction and I'm not embarrassed to include this series as part of my enjoyment of this genre.
With a wide cast of characters Simon Brett brings alive the seaside town of Fethering. Here a family is broken apart by the murder of one of its number and the loss of their business enterprise over the Christmas period. A gentle read that sucks you in and pleasantly with increasing speed takes you along the satisfying conclusion.
I love crime fiction and I'm not embarrassed to include this series as part of my enjoyment of this genre.
May 2, 2018
Running out of my charity shop 'chiclits' (it's my year of living in a state of magical thinking - world and the UK in chaos and crisis. Reading for FUN!) - so back to some light detective fiction... As with the previous 'Fethering' mystery, I loved this Simon Brett - as I usually do. Nice, gentle read about murder, suffering and loss.
Again!
Again!
February 6, 2017
Not high art something, or literary anything, but the books in the Fethering Mysteries series are always a great cosy crime read.
March 3, 2019
Always enjoy this series. Simon Brett’s books are a joy to read.
January 10, 2022
The 11th book in the Fethering series. Carole and Jude investigate a Christmas murder. Light cozy mystery.
February 12, 2022
An amazing twist to this one. I really enjoyed it.
March 28, 2022
Another great addition to this cozy series
September 28, 2023
Good read, of the 3 I read by the Author was the best
November 2, 2023
Carole and Jude are back to investigate another murder. Another enjoyable story.
December 20, 2023
One of the better books in this series. Brett shifts the suspicion from character to character very skillfully.
May 29, 2023
Ahh, it’s always nice to pay a visit to Fethering and Carole and Jude.
These “laid-back” stories are just so easy to read, and they’ve got all the things one wants in a mystery: a murder of course, quirky and entertaining protagonists, lots of machinations and highjinks both personal and professional, a good plot with interesting developments, and a satisfying denouement.
As with most of the Carole and Jude stories, our girls are not interrupted much by those meddling police and in this outing they hardly even enter. Probably not realistic, but it gives our heroines wide scope to do the investigating their way, and do they ever! Here we have old-time actors & actresses, record producers, comedians and playwrights and fractured family dynamics, all jostling together until the friction results in a local “gift shop” being set afire, to include a body discovered within, moreover one which had been shot prior to being immolated. But who did what to whom? Ah, trust the intrepid pair to keep sticking their noses into everybody’s business until they find the answers.
Most satisfying, look forward to my next trip to Fethering.
These “laid-back” stories are just so easy to read, and they’ve got all the things one wants in a mystery: a murder of course, quirky and entertaining protagonists, lots of machinations and highjinks both personal and professional, a good plot with interesting developments, and a satisfying denouement.
As with most of the Carole and Jude stories, our girls are not interrupted much by those meddling police and in this outing they hardly even enter. Probably not realistic, but it gives our heroines wide scope to do the investigating their way, and do they ever! Here we have old-time actors & actresses, record producers, comedians and playwrights and fractured family dynamics, all jostling together until the friction results in a local “gift shop” being set afire, to include a body discovered within, moreover one which had been shot prior to being immolated. But who did what to whom? Ah, trust the intrepid pair to keep sticking their noses into everybody’s business until they find the answers.
Most satisfying, look forward to my next trip to Fethering.
November 26, 2023
Hadn't read any of his series for some years. It was pleasant to be back in the company of Carole and Jude as they unfurl another of the mysteries in the seaside town of Fethering, and this one was spent over the Christmas period.
Christmas is different this year for Carole, as she is spending the day with her son, his wife and their baby girl, and Jude has talked her into buying some more frivolous presents for her family. The downside is that her ex husband phones, but it doesn't spoil the day. The presents that Carole gives are down to the fact that Jude had taken her along to a shop of an acquaintance, where there were bargains to be had. Later this shop has caught fire and a body is found in the flat above, but the body is also the victim of a bullet, and so Carole and Jude investigate. This brings in a lot more characters to the story. It also means that Carole is making more acquaintances in the town.
I enjoyed the book and the mystery as usual, along with the contrast of characters of Carole and Jude.
Christmas is different this year for Carole, as she is spending the day with her son, his wife and their baby girl, and Jude has talked her into buying some more frivolous presents for her family. The downside is that her ex husband phones, but it doesn't spoil the day. The presents that Carole gives are down to the fact that Jude had taken her along to a shop of an acquaintance, where there were bargains to be had. Later this shop has caught fire and a body is found in the flat above, but the body is also the victim of a bullet, and so Carole and Jude investigate. This brings in a lot more characters to the story. It also means that Carole is making more acquaintances in the town.
I enjoyed the book and the mystery as usual, along with the contrast of characters of Carole and Jude.
January 4, 2025
This book got off to a slow start, and I really needed it to pick up the pace. Thankfully, it eventually did—and once it took off, it didn’t slow down. It was so good! The story was intriguing, exciting, and packed with suspense. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. Sure, I had my suspicions about the character, but the twists kept me guessing.
That said, I didn’t enjoy Carol’s character as much. She came across as self-absorbed and full of herself, acting like she was better than everyone else. It was frustrating at times, but in the end, she redeemed herself by proving to be an excellent investigator.
Overall, this is a fantastic book for murder mystery lovers like me. The suspense, unexpected twists, and strong finish make it a must-read. I highly recommend it—100%!
That said, I didn’t enjoy Carol’s character as much. She came across as self-absorbed and full of herself, acting like she was better than everyone else. It was frustrating at times, but in the end, she redeemed herself by proving to be an excellent investigator.
Overall, this is a fantastic book for murder mystery lovers like me. The suspense, unexpected twists, and strong finish make it a must-read. I highly recommend it—100%!
February 19, 2018
A most enjoyable entry in this south coast seaside village current-day whodunnit series featuring the chalk and cheese pairing of formal Carole and touchy-freely Jude. Simon Brett understands a wide range of characters, here delving into the world of acting and pop.
The GR blurb:
'Carole Seddon hates Christmas. So her neighbour and best friend, Jude, drags her along to go shopping at a local store called Gallimaufry. Then, a few days later, Gallimaufry is burnt down and a body is discovered in the ashes. It seems like a tragic accident, but no-one can die of natural causes when a gun is involved.'
The GR blurb:
'Carole Seddon hates Christmas. So her neighbour and best friend, Jude, drags her along to go shopping at a local store called Gallimaufry. Then, a few days later, Gallimaufry is burnt down and a body is discovered in the ashes. It seems like a tragic accident, but no-one can die of natural causes when a gun is involved.'
January 28, 2018
Simon Brett has a delicious and purely English way with domestic crime and murder,it is witty,easy and a delight when you need something almost wholesome.He does not mince his murders nor his words.Every so often nothing else will do .just let the most accomplished writer take you on a journey The Fethering Series are my favourites with two amateur and insightful sleuths caught in the middle of a crime.This time it is all very close to home and yet involves celebrities ,indeed National Treasures.Let Fethering waft over you as Christmas approaches and all is certainly not peaceful.
November 21, 2022
Carole is fretting over her first Christmas hosting her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Never a fan of the holidays, she reluctantly allows Jude to take her to a new shop called Gallimaufry to look for some unique presents. Lola, the owner, turns out to be a friend of Jude and the shop appears to be thriving. When a fire occurs in the shop and a body is discovered in the ashes, Jude and Carole decide that, Christmas or not, they need to help Lola find the killer.
October 19, 2025
Fethering mystery no.11. I know what to expect of this series by now and this one did not disappoint. When the stepdaughter of a music producer is found in the burnt out remains of her stepmother's shop, Jude and Carol again decide to investigate.
The two main characters continue to develop and I feel I know them even better. There cast of this mystery are interesting, the plot develops well with most of the characters having a motive for the killing.
I look forward to number 12.
The two main characters continue to develop and I feel I know them even better. There cast of this mystery are interesting, the plot develops well with most of the characters having a motive for the killing.
I look forward to number 12.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
This is a really bleak Christmas book! Carol is enjoying her first Christmas with her grandchild at High Tor and actually gets out of the house for a couple of parties, but then there is a death. And the victim is someone that I began to like in the book, so not a very nice Christmas book for me. haha Still a good mystery.
September 2, 2019
Christmas can be stressful, and typically, Carole over analyzes every moment, while Jude grasps the joy. At Judez's open house, Carole has a surprisingly good time talking with the step-daughter of a music mogul. Days later, the young woman is dead, and Carole and Jude intend to find out why.
September 29, 2024
This book "The Shooting in the Shop" by Simon Brett is part of A Fethering Mystery series. The crafty characters, London, England setting, and a creative ending will entice readers to search for more stories by this author. copy right 2010 439 LP pages
March 5, 2025
In the early part of the book, it is actually boring and slow-paced but it got better. And i already had a clue who killed that poor Polly but i just cant figure out how.
But my question. WHO KILLED RICKY??? Can anyone help me? Or I missed that part?!
But my question. WHO KILLED RICKY??? Can anyone help me? Or I missed that part?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
love this series
I am just buying one after another! Easy reading, cozy mysteries with well drawn characters!
I take a break, read a different author, but these ideal bedtime reading.
I am just buying one after another! Easy reading, cozy mysteries with well drawn characters!
I take a break, read a different author, but these ideal bedtime reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews