Customer Reviews

The Torso in the Town (Fethering Mysteries)

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I'm not so keen on the Charles Paris books, but loved the first couple of the Mrs Pargeter series Nice Class of Corpse, A when she first came on the scene, although I found the originality of the character was not sustained in later episodes. Sadly the first one seems to be out of print (bring it on for Kindle, publishers!)

However, the Fethering series is very enjoyable and easy to read, nice for bedtime or when you don't want your intellect to be too challenged. That is not to denigrate Simon Brett's powers as a writer, for he can produce some good prose and interesting insights when he chooses, as in: 'Grant's capitulation provided an interesting sidelight on his marriage. Like many egotists and control freaks, Grant Roxby could be cut down to size quite easily by the right person. The balance of power in the relationship between him and his wife was not as it appeared from the outside.'

I like the way Simon Brett writes, there are never any lapses of grammar, you know you are reading a novel conscientiously and professionally produced. And he has a deft sense of humour. All right, they aren't masterpieces of literature, but they are a jolly good read and you aren't up to your armpits in gore or terrified out of your wits. You know the main characters are still going to be there in one piece for the next in series - and I enjoy them! I would urge you to start at the beginning of the the series with The Body on the Beach: A Fethering Mystery so that you understand the background of the 'detective' duo.