A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans - Invited to a Private View of the work of controversial artist Denzil Willoughby, the good citizens of Fethering are not quite sure what to expect. And it turns out to be a lively affair, culminating in several embarrassing confrontations. But what no one could have anticipated was that the evening would end in sudden, violent death. The police seem happy to accept that it was suicide, but Fethering residents Carole and Jude remain unconvinced . . .
Guns in the Gallery (A Fethering Mystery)
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Brett picks a perfect spot for his trademark blend of social satire and cozy mystery: an art gallery positioned on the High Street of the West Sussex village of Fethering. The gallery is giving a“Private View” showing of a controversial artist who uses guns and ammo for shock value. The showing draws a Restoration comedy’s worth of characters from different worlds—artists, socialites, would-be artists and socialites, members of the middle and upper-middle classes of Fethering, and the workers who set it all up. At the showing, the twentysomething daughter of a nouveau riche couple lashes out at the artist, once her lover, and is later found dead. Since the young woman had a history of depression, her slashed wrists are seen by police as a suicide method. Enter Brett’s avocational detective duo, Jude and Carole (Jude is a New Age healer, Carole an uptight, retired Home Office worker), who sense that the dead woman was murdered. Brett expands the action from Fethering to a lavish country house to an artist’s studio in London. As always, he pinions pretension perfectly—perhaps the most shocking detail in a mystery full of shocks is how the nouveau riche parents try to cover up any investigation of their daughter’s death, so it won’t interrupt their social climbing and the opening of their other daughter’s “glamping” (glamorous camping) site. Readers of the Fethering series get both another distinctive cozy and a wonderful narrative arc tracing Jude and Carole’s relationship and, especially, Carole’s gradual thawing. Brilliant, biting, and fun. --Connie Fletcher
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Mimbelina
Format:Hardcover
The private showing of a contemporary "concept artist's" work, which revolves around gun violence, isn't exactly Carole Seddon's cup of tea, but she reluctantly joins her friend and neighbor, Jude, for the evening's chance to learn more about the gallery's eccentric owner. The night's premier is upstaged, however, by the dramatic argument between the artist and a former lover, which is quickly followed by an explosive row between the gallery owner and a rival artist. As always seems to happen in Fethering, one of the participants is soon found dead, apparently by her own hand. With her history of bipolar disorder and unhappy relationships, it's easy for most people to accept suicide as an explanation. Carole and Jude aren't convinced, however, and they set about to uncover the truth behind the girl's early death. Was she really murdered? And, if so, by whom? One of her ex-lovers? Her jealous sister? Maybe even her mother? As the women probe deeper into the girl's family and past, they discover a tangle of relationships and affairs that leave them bewildered. But, never fear, they eventually stumble onto the truth and it's quite a surprise to them both.
I always enjoy a Simon Brett novel. His wit and dry humor never fail to amuse me. I found this one a bit lacking in those qualities, however, and was a bit disappointed. Too, the ending just seemed more contrived than I would have expected from this author. Though I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it, I'd give the warning that the other Fethering novels are much better than this one and should be read first!!
I always enjoy a Simon Brett novel. His wit and dry humor never fail to amuse me. I found this one a bit lacking in those qualities, however, and was a bit disappointed. Too, the ending just seemed more contrived than I would have expected from this author. Though I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it, I'd give the warning that the other Fethering novels are much better than this one and should be read first!!
By Dr. Larry
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've read all the Fethering mysteries, so couldn't pass up this one. Carole and Jude are always entertaining. It's a quick and light cozy series, but not enough depth for a 5 star rating. The never-before-mentioned town art gallery was an interesting twist. You either enjoy the interplay between the two main characters or not, they really don't change much from book to book. If you like other British cozy series, you will probably enjoy the Fethering mysteries.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Brett's series about two fifty something women never fails to please. This series is on my must be read pile.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Modern Agatha Christie style 'nice' murder.
Carol and Jude are great with their various idiosyncrasies. Its a nice light read for bed time without too many gory details to keep one awake and the plot zips along. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Katherine Keane
4.0 out of 5 stars
Guns in the Gallery
Another good Simon Brett with the ladies from Fethering. They solve the mystery again. Definitely worth a light hearted read.
Published 5 months ago by fizzgigg
