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Fethering #18
The Liar in the Library
Fethering has everything a sleepy coastal town snug English pubs, cosy cottages, a little local library � and the occasional murder . . .Bestselling author Burton St Clair, complete with soaring ego and wandering hands, has come to town to give a talk. But after his corpse is found slumped in his car, he won’t be leaving. Jude is the prime suspect; she was, after all, the last person to see Burton St Clair alive. If she is to prove her innocence, she will have to dust off her detective skills and recruit her prim and proper neighbour (and partner-in-sleuthing) Carole to find the real culprit.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2017
96 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Simon Brett
389books512followersSimon 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 284 reviews
November 21, 2021
2.5 stars
In this 18th book in the 'Fethering' series, amateur sleuths Jude and Carole investigate when a man is murdered at the library. The book can be read as a standalone.
Jude Nicholls and Carole Seddon are friends who live next door to each other in the English seaside village of Fethering. Jude - who's a hippyish free spirit - works as a healer and Carole - who's a bit starchy - is a retired civil servant who worked for the Home Office.
Jude and Carole are local amateur sleuths who enjoy solving murders and drinking glasses of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Carole also likes to spend time with her young granddaughters, Lily and Chloe.
As the story opens, Jude is attending an 'Author's Evening' at the Fethering Public Library. The speaker is Burton St. Clair, author of a recent bestseller called 'Stray Leaves in Autumn' - a literary romance. As it happens Jude knew the writer many years ago when he was married to her friend Megan and his name was plain old Albert Sinclair. At that time, the writer penned unsuccessful crime novels.
In the question and answer session after St. Clair's talk it's clear that some of the evening's attendees have issues with the author - either resenting his success or considering him a phony. Moreover, St. Clair is one of those guys who'll grope any woman within reach. When St. Clair offers Jude a ride home, he gets handsy.....and she slaps his face and walks off. The next day, Jude gets a visit from the local police - St. Clair was found dead in his car, which is still in the library parking lot.
It turns out St. Clair had a walnut allergy and died from anaphylactic shock. Moreover, when the police detectives speak to the writer's ex-wife Megan, she tells them that Jude had an affair with St. Clair - which broke up their marriage - and that Jude knew all about his walnut allergy. Jude denies ALL of this, but she still becomes the prime suspect for St. Clair's murder.
When Jude starts to investigate St. Clair's killing in an attempt to clear her name, she's warned off by the cops. So Jude gets Carole to take over the inquiries. Jude and Carole discuss the possible suspects (over glasses of wine) and think of several people who might have wanted to get rid of St. Clair, including: his ex-wife; his current wife; a failed science fiction writer; women he harassed; and more. In fact the sleuths discover many local people who knew St. Clair in the past, and might not have wished him well. Eventually Jude gets back on the case, and the friends work together to solve the crime.
One of the most amusing characters in the story is Professor Nessa Perks, an expert in 'golden age mysteries.'
Perks believes she can solve real crimes by comparing them to her beloved vintage detective stories, and thinks the cops should solicit her help. Perks will tell anyone within earshot about her theories, which - for St. Clair's murder - include the following scenarios: WKH (wife kills husband);
Or MKL (mistress kills lover);
or WAMKH (wife and mistress kill husband). Ha ha ha.
Another interesting character is poet Nemone Coote, who - when chatting with Jude - drops the humorous names of her self-published poems and collections, such as Divergent Parallels and A Partridge in a Parent.....none of which Jude has read (or heard of).
Several characters discuss problems associated with library funding, xenophobia among Fethering's residents, and alcohol/drug abuse - which are real life problems in many communities today. So that feels very current.
The Liar in the Library is a simple cozy with no huge complications or plot twists. Actually, it feels like the author didn't expend much energy on the book, which is a shame.....because it's been a decent series. Still, the book is okay for an afternoon's light reading, with well-known characters that are fun.
Though the book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone with no problems.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Simon Brett) and the publisher (Crème de la Crime; First World Publication) for a copy of the book.
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May 30, 2019
3.5 stars, actually.
If it involves a library, it's likely to get my attention; holding that attention is another matter entirely. Clearly, it's a solid series - this is the 18th in the Fethering Mystery books, so just as clearly, plenty of readers are enthusiastic. And fact is, I can't say I didn't enjoy it - I did, and I'd definitely say yes to reading the next one. But for whatever reason, I just didn't feel much snap, crackle or pop.
The story begins at the Fethering Library in West Sussex, where reasonably successful author Burton St. Clair has been invited to speak and promote his popular book. A long-ago friend of Jude Nicholls, who lives in the area, he invites her to attend (part of their long-ago friendship includes a brief affair, but that's not something on which Jude wishes to dwell). She's long since moved on, both figuratively and literally, and she's now a "healer" who uses potions and a touch of psychology to make her clients feel better.
The meet-and-greet session has its ups and downs, the latter of which include a couple of gropes by the not-so-honorary guest; he also manages to antagonize a few others in attendance. That's all well and good and everyone goes home to forgive and forget - all, that is, except one: St. Clair makes it out of the building to his car, but that's as far as he gets before getting very dead.
Needless to say, several people at the library event are not inclined to mourn his demise, including Jude. In fact, once her prior relationship to St. Clair comes to light, she ends up the primary suspect. That, of course, is not okay with Jude; to help ferret out the truth, she enlists the help of her neighbor, Carole Seddon. Apparently, the two women have a history of solving crimes, but their strange, sometimes adversarial relationship was more than a little off-putting to me. Maybe it's because Carole seemed, well, stuffy, while Jude leaned more toward the flower child personality with which it's much easier for me to identify.
The police don't charge Jude with the crime, but they threaten to lock her up if she doesn't back off the investigation (warning the heroine to mind her own business seems to be a staple of the cozy mystery genre). Unlike most of those heroines, though, Jude pays attention; but that warning doesn't apply to Carole, who keeps on digging around. Nor does it stop Jude from investigating the mystery of a missing Polish uncle (a diversion I took to be a clue that the disappearance and St. Clair's murder just might somehow be connected).
Any more details and I'll be in danger of tripping over the spoiler line, so I'll just leave it at that. I will add that while this book stands alone well, I'm pretty sure reading previous books in the series would have added to my enjoyment. And of course, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
If it involves a library, it's likely to get my attention; holding that attention is another matter entirely. Clearly, it's a solid series - this is the 18th in the Fethering Mystery books, so just as clearly, plenty of readers are enthusiastic. And fact is, I can't say I didn't enjoy it - I did, and I'd definitely say yes to reading the next one. But for whatever reason, I just didn't feel much snap, crackle or pop.
The story begins at the Fethering Library in West Sussex, where reasonably successful author Burton St. Clair has been invited to speak and promote his popular book. A long-ago friend of Jude Nicholls, who lives in the area, he invites her to attend (part of their long-ago friendship includes a brief affair, but that's not something on which Jude wishes to dwell). She's long since moved on, both figuratively and literally, and she's now a "healer" who uses potions and a touch of psychology to make her clients feel better.
The meet-and-greet session has its ups and downs, the latter of which include a couple of gropes by the not-so-honorary guest; he also manages to antagonize a few others in attendance. That's all well and good and everyone goes home to forgive and forget - all, that is, except one: St. Clair makes it out of the building to his car, but that's as far as he gets before getting very dead.
Needless to say, several people at the library event are not inclined to mourn his demise, including Jude. In fact, once her prior relationship to St. Clair comes to light, she ends up the primary suspect. That, of course, is not okay with Jude; to help ferret out the truth, she enlists the help of her neighbor, Carole Seddon. Apparently, the two women have a history of solving crimes, but their strange, sometimes adversarial relationship was more than a little off-putting to me. Maybe it's because Carole seemed, well, stuffy, while Jude leaned more toward the flower child personality with which it's much easier for me to identify.
The police don't charge Jude with the crime, but they threaten to lock her up if she doesn't back off the investigation (warning the heroine to mind her own business seems to be a staple of the cozy mystery genre). Unlike most of those heroines, though, Jude pays attention; but that warning doesn't apply to Carole, who keeps on digging around. Nor does it stop Jude from investigating the mystery of a missing Polish uncle (a diversion I took to be a clue that the disappearance and St. Clair's murder just might somehow be connected).
Any more details and I'll be in danger of tripping over the spoiler line, so I'll just leave it at that. I will add that while this book stands alone well, I'm pretty sure reading previous books in the series would have added to my enjoyment. And of course, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
January 16, 2018
I liked this book and thought the characters were enjoyable but didn't see anywhere this was the 18th in a series. With that being said, I felt like I missed some of the backstory. While I thought the characters were enjoyable they still seemed a little underdeveloped. The book had nice humor and was overall a good read. I just wished I would have read the previous books in the series first so that I could grow a better connection with the characters.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2017
It shows that no matter how many crime books you read you can always find a new author. It happened in my case as it turns out this is book 18 of the series! It doesn't matter though as this book can easily be read as a stand alone story.
It's a simple cosy murder story, not too taxing on the brain and the story flows along really quickly and easily. If I wasn't reviewing it 5 days before Christmas I'd say it was a perfect beach read.
The characters are well defined as you'd expect by the 18th novel and the secondary characters are just as interesting. I worked out the whodunnit quite early on but there were enough twists and turns to stop the book becoming dull. I did like the fact that for most of the book Jude is investigating this time to prove she is not the murderer. That added a nice dynamic to this.
Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend this
Free arc from netgalley
It's a simple cosy murder story, not too taxing on the brain and the story flows along really quickly and easily. If I wasn't reviewing it 5 days before Christmas I'd say it was a perfect beach read.
The characters are well defined as you'd expect by the 18th novel and the secondary characters are just as interesting. I worked out the whodunnit quite early on but there were enough twists and turns to stop the book becoming dull. I did like the fact that for most of the book Jude is investigating this time to prove she is not the murderer. That added a nice dynamic to this.
Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend this
Free arc from netgalley
April 26, 2019
This is the eighteenth book in the Fethering Mystery series by Simon Brett. I haven’t read them all, but I’ve read at least half of them and this one is an excellent example of the series. The books feature Jude, a free spirited healer whose life experiences are broad and characterized by her frequent ability to say yes to whatever life offers. Contrasting Jude, the other partner in this crime duo is Carol, who has retired from government service and is the picture of a person who has followed the rules all her life and suspects any and all who color outside the lines.
In THE LIAR IN THE LIBRARY, Jude is the primary protagonist which is understandable as she is also the prime suspect for the police. This is somewhat a departure for the series as all the books I have read previously have had Jude and Carol combining forces almost from the beginning, despite their differences in how they approach life. Through their efforts to solve murders they have become unlikely and uneasy friends who spend time together but perhaps don’t exactly enjoy each other’s company.
Jude has gone to a lecture at the library featuring a former acquaintance and, although Carol was invited she quickly declined as she is sure lecture series are not for her. In her opinion, the library is really only good for books and things that she can get to entertain her two grandchildren. Unfortunately, after the lecture is over, Jude is the last person seen with the victim and the police quickly fix on her as their number one suspect.
It doesn’t help any that the victim’s first wife has developed this unshakable belief that Jude and her former husband had an affair and that was the reason for their divorce. Although Jude assures everyone this isn’t true, the police seem determined to believe the ex-wife, even without any proof.
Forced to try and extricate herself from as sticky situation, Jude first teams up with a handsome man she met at the lecture series. They begin to investigate, but are warned off by the detective in charge. In behavior that is totally foreign to Jude, she backs off and allows herself to become unnerved by the activity around her. Finally, she decides she needs to do something to solve the murder so she enlists Carol’s help. Initially, Carol begins to investigate alone, a task she thoroughly enjoys as it allows her to become queen bee in her own mind. Before she can get too far along in her investigation, Jude has a change of heart and decides she will not allow the police to dictate her into a shrinking violet personality, and she joins Carol as the investigation proceeds.
It is typical of Carol that she resents Jude’s presence as she was enjoying being top detective, a slot she has felt too often has been designated to Jude. However, they begin to work together and fall into their typical relationship pattern of investigating in tandem and then discussing what they have learned over a glass each of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, their wine of choice.
This book fits well into the series which is characterized by quiet investigations, interesting dynamics between the two primary protagonists, and a little local color to add substance. It is well plotted and has good red herrings and clues. I did solve this one prior to the end, although the twist is a nice one. If you are looking for a gentle read, one that has no violence to speak of (other than the initial murder) and insight into two older women who are vastly different and yet find ways to grow a friendship of sorts, this may be one you would enjoy. The book stands alone and there is little reason to read the series in order. Carol and Jude’s life change slightly over the course of the series, however, not in ways that are significant to developing the characters.
Simon Brett as two other series as well, one featuring Charles Paris, an aging actor, and one featuring Mrs. Pargeter, the widow of a former burglar. All three series are unique in their own way and all are well plotted. While I have my favorite, this review cannot be enhanced by my outlining it hear other than to say all three series have merits and are worth exploring. Thank you to NetGalley and Black Thorn Books for providing me an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
In THE LIAR IN THE LIBRARY, Jude is the primary protagonist which is understandable as she is also the prime suspect for the police. This is somewhat a departure for the series as all the books I have read previously have had Jude and Carol combining forces almost from the beginning, despite their differences in how they approach life. Through their efforts to solve murders they have become unlikely and uneasy friends who spend time together but perhaps don’t exactly enjoy each other’s company.
Jude has gone to a lecture at the library featuring a former acquaintance and, although Carol was invited she quickly declined as she is sure lecture series are not for her. In her opinion, the library is really only good for books and things that she can get to entertain her two grandchildren. Unfortunately, after the lecture is over, Jude is the last person seen with the victim and the police quickly fix on her as their number one suspect.
It doesn’t help any that the victim’s first wife has developed this unshakable belief that Jude and her former husband had an affair and that was the reason for their divorce. Although Jude assures everyone this isn’t true, the police seem determined to believe the ex-wife, even without any proof.
Forced to try and extricate herself from as sticky situation, Jude first teams up with a handsome man she met at the lecture series. They begin to investigate, but are warned off by the detective in charge. In behavior that is totally foreign to Jude, she backs off and allows herself to become unnerved by the activity around her. Finally, she decides she needs to do something to solve the murder so she enlists Carol’s help. Initially, Carol begins to investigate alone, a task she thoroughly enjoys as it allows her to become queen bee in her own mind. Before she can get too far along in her investigation, Jude has a change of heart and decides she will not allow the police to dictate her into a shrinking violet personality, and she joins Carol as the investigation proceeds.
It is typical of Carol that she resents Jude’s presence as she was enjoying being top detective, a slot she has felt too often has been designated to Jude. However, they begin to work together and fall into their typical relationship pattern of investigating in tandem and then discussing what they have learned over a glass each of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, their wine of choice.
This book fits well into the series which is characterized by quiet investigations, interesting dynamics between the two primary protagonists, and a little local color to add substance. It is well plotted and has good red herrings and clues. I did solve this one prior to the end, although the twist is a nice one. If you are looking for a gentle read, one that has no violence to speak of (other than the initial murder) and insight into two older women who are vastly different and yet find ways to grow a friendship of sorts, this may be one you would enjoy. The book stands alone and there is little reason to read the series in order. Carol and Jude’s life change slightly over the course of the series, however, not in ways that are significant to developing the characters.
Simon Brett as two other series as well, one featuring Charles Paris, an aging actor, and one featuring Mrs. Pargeter, the widow of a former burglar. All three series are unique in their own way and all are well plotted. While I have my favorite, this review cannot be enhanced by my outlining it hear other than to say all three series have merits and are worth exploring. Thank you to NetGalley and Black Thorn Books for providing me an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
June 14, 2019
In the 18th novel in Brett's long-running Fethering mystery series, Jude attends a talk given by best-selling author Burton St Clair at the Fethering Library. It just so happens, she knew him many years ago when he was married to a good friend of hers. He was a philanderer then and nothing much has changed except wives. He offers Jude a ride home after the event and is found dead in his car the next morning. Jude seems to be the chief suspect. How to prove she had nothing to do with his murder?
Jude and her friend and neighbor Carol make a fun and rather odd couple of amateur sleuths. Several other eccentric characters fill out the cast.
I thought this was a well-plotted cozy mystery that moves along at a nice pace and keeps you guessing to the end. An enjoyable and quick read.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review. Many thanks.
Jude and her friend and neighbor Carol make a fun and rather odd couple of amateur sleuths. Several other eccentric characters fill out the cast.
I thought this was a well-plotted cozy mystery that moves along at a nice pace and keeps you guessing to the end. An enjoyable and quick read.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review. Many thanks.
October 27, 2018
When pretentious author and constant womanizer Burton St. Clair gets murdered after a presentation at the Fetherington Library, Jude Nicholls has the misfortune of being the last person to have seen him alive -- and, due to some history with him and his first wife, she is also the prime suspect. It’s up to her and her neighbor, Carole, to apply their amateur sleuthing skills to solve the mystery and clear Jude’s name.I grabbed this for the title (the word “library� is catnip to me). And also because I read another of Simon Brett’s short mysteries a couple years ago and enjoyed it.
This did not disappoint. It’s Number 18 in a series about Jude and Carole, but that didn’t matter one bit; it stands alone just fine. The story was fast-paced, provided lots of clues and guesses as to what had really happened, and featured a colorful cast of characters. The ending surprised me, and was maybe a little bit of a cheat, but I enjoyed the story enough to forgive slight imperfections.
Recommended if you’re looking for a quick, tight, cozy-type mystery that doesn’t require too much time or concentration. Perfect for a flight or a weekend when you’re housebound due to bad weather or the like.
March 26, 2019
This is my first Simon Brett. It's an easy read and an obvious whodunnit from the start. Fethering could be Midsomer or any of the quaint southern English villages that Agatha Christie was fond of using as a setting. There are many references to the Golden Age of crime writing and because I'm not familiar with the author, I wondered if he was just having fun with this genre - he certainly enjoys poking fun at other authors and aspiring authors - but then I read other ŷ reviews and discovered this is the 18th in a series. Although there was clearly a back story, I was really surprised as even the lead characters are fairly two dimensional. It was entertaining but I don't think I'll be reading any of the others.
With thanks to NetGalley and Black Thorn publishers for a review copy.
With thanks to NetGalley and Black Thorn publishers for a review copy.
May 16, 2018
I usually adore Simon Brett’s Feathering mysteries, happy to be reunited with odd couple Jude Nichols and Carole Sedding; however, The Liar in the Library, the 18th entry in the series, wasn’t up to Brett’s usual high standard.
A murder in the library leads police to suspect Jude of having killed an arrogant author who flirts � and worse � with every woman he encounters. That’s despite their being a number of more likely suspects. The ending at first threatens to be implausible, although readers will find that not to be the case. A so-so Brett novel is still pretty decent, but caveat emptor.
A murder in the library leads police to suspect Jude of having killed an arrogant author who flirts � and worse � with every woman he encounters. That’s despite their being a number of more likely suspects. The ending at first threatens to be implausible, although readers will find that not to be the case. A so-so Brett novel is still pretty decent, but caveat emptor.
December 15, 2018
I have read all 18 books in this wonderful series. It is with pleasure I read them, and this latest book is perhaps one of the best Brett has written.
There is a clever pattern here which demands that the two old biddies investigation the murder has some scope and licence to ask probing questions. It also assumes the witnesses to the crime recognise Carole and Jude as having some status and authority to act in this way. Finally it requires that the professional police investigation is not as efficient as our private sleuths.
Yet time and time again he gets the formula to work and little belief has to be surrendered for the duration of the story.
In this case Jude is a little too close to the victim and initially everyone kind of believes she’s the prime suspect. This kind of puts a curb on her own freedom to interview witnesses and brings in Carole almost as an after thought to try and save the day.
The differences between these two strong women makes for a comedic partnership and author Simon Brett is evidently enjoying this series still.
The story is fresh and with intelligent humour, sharp wit and social concerns.
I loved the fact that library closures are debated, issues of loneliness after a partner leaves or dies are outlined through different characters.
There may be a sense of sleepy Fethering mysteries but the murders are quite brutal at times and the scope for death and violence is very real.
What is the outstanding enduring quality of this novel is that it doffs its cap to the Golden Age of Crime. Brett has written a memorable and fitting tribute to that time and clearly kept his two amateurs rooted in the twenty-first century.
There is a clever pattern here which demands that the two old biddies investigation the murder has some scope and licence to ask probing questions. It also assumes the witnesses to the crime recognise Carole and Jude as having some status and authority to act in this way. Finally it requires that the professional police investigation is not as efficient as our private sleuths.
Yet time and time again he gets the formula to work and little belief has to be surrendered for the duration of the story.
In this case Jude is a little too close to the victim and initially everyone kind of believes she’s the prime suspect. This kind of puts a curb on her own freedom to interview witnesses and brings in Carole almost as an after thought to try and save the day.
The differences between these two strong women makes for a comedic partnership and author Simon Brett is evidently enjoying this series still.
The story is fresh and with intelligent humour, sharp wit and social concerns.
I loved the fact that library closures are debated, issues of loneliness after a partner leaves or dies are outlined through different characters.
There may be a sense of sleepy Fethering mysteries but the murders are quite brutal at times and the scope for death and violence is very real.
What is the outstanding enduring quality of this novel is that it doffs its cap to the Golden Age of Crime. Brett has written a memorable and fitting tribute to that time and clearly kept his two amateurs rooted in the twenty-first century.
April 13, 2019
Boring! The description I read on NetGalley mentioned an inspector. I did not realize this was a late installment in a cozy series. A man allergic to walnuts meets his death from something laced with walnuts. For those new to the series, the characters are not well-enough developed in this book to make it enjoyable. I did not enjoy it and really wish it had been a police procedural instead of a cozy. I received an advance electronic book through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.
June 12, 2019
Set in a small village literally a stone’s throw from where we live in Littlehampton, which is mentioned several times in the book, I’ll freely admit that one of the attractions with this entertaining whodunit is the fact that I recognise the towns they visit. It is rather fun to so clearly visualise the setting during the investigation, even if the village of Fethering is a construct. Of course, the book would be a downright trudge if that was the only thing going for it, so the fact that I really like Jude and her relationship with her rather prickly neighbour, Carole. It’s a bonus they are both retired and of a certain age � while I haven’t yet retired, I’m also well into middle age and it’s a solid pleasure to read a book with two female protagonists who reflect my own age-group. It doesn’t happen all that often�
Jude is a thoroughly likeable protagonist, who during the story becomes the chief suspect in the murder. These days, with our overloaded justice system, it’s all too believable to see a scenario where she could be imprisoned for perpetrating a crime she didn’t commit, so the stakes in this case are far higher than terminal boredom. What turns this readable adventure into pure delight, however, are the acidic observations Jude and Carole both have on the world and the characters around them. Brett doesn’t hold back from having a pop at the state of the publishing industry and the struggles rural libraries are having to keep going, amongst other aspects of life in modern England � as well as the protagonists� observations about the other characters they come into contact while on the case. Several times I giggled aloud at a nicely pithy phrase.
I found the ending not only satisfying, but unexpectedly poignant. If you are looking for an entertaining cosy mystery with a thoroughly modern take on the genre, then go looking for this offering � it reminded me all over again why I enjoy Brett’s writing so much. While I obtained an arc of The Liar in the Library from Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
Jude is a thoroughly likeable protagonist, who during the story becomes the chief suspect in the murder. These days, with our overloaded justice system, it’s all too believable to see a scenario where she could be imprisoned for perpetrating a crime she didn’t commit, so the stakes in this case are far higher than terminal boredom. What turns this readable adventure into pure delight, however, are the acidic observations Jude and Carole both have on the world and the characters around them. Brett doesn’t hold back from having a pop at the state of the publishing industry and the struggles rural libraries are having to keep going, amongst other aspects of life in modern England � as well as the protagonists� observations about the other characters they come into contact while on the case. Several times I giggled aloud at a nicely pithy phrase.
I found the ending not only satisfying, but unexpectedly poignant. If you are looking for an entertaining cosy mystery with a thoroughly modern take on the genre, then go looking for this offering � it reminded me all over again why I enjoy Brett’s writing so much. While I obtained an arc of The Liar in the Library from Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
September 14, 2020
The Liar in the Library (Fethering, #18) by Simon Brett.
File this book under my favorites. I've been reading and following this series for years and this story is the ultimate in the series. So well done with character development as well as depth in plot development. I was once again transported to the community of Fethering and the duo of Jude and Carole.
There's an author's presentation of his current novel...a so-called success (in comparison to his previously published books). Burton St. Clair is giving a talk about Stray Leaves in autumn with questions to follow. It's a well turned out audience although mostly comprised of an older crowd of women. There is one amongst them whose voice has become unnecessarily loud and contrary to St. Clair's achievement.
It's at this time or shortly thereafter that a murder is committed. It appears that Jude was the last person to be with that victim. Detective Inspector Rollins and Detective Sargeant Knight seem relentless in their pursuing Jude as their main suspect in this crime.
Highly recommended as a series and may be read separately.
File this book under my favorites. I've been reading and following this series for years and this story is the ultimate in the series. So well done with character development as well as depth in plot development. I was once again transported to the community of Fethering and the duo of Jude and Carole.
There's an author's presentation of his current novel...a so-called success (in comparison to his previously published books). Burton St. Clair is giving a talk about Stray Leaves in autumn with questions to follow. It's a well turned out audience although mostly comprised of an older crowd of women. There is one amongst them whose voice has become unnecessarily loud and contrary to St. Clair's achievement.
It's at this time or shortly thereafter that a murder is committed. It appears that Jude was the last person to be with that victim. Detective Inspector Rollins and Detective Sargeant Knight seem relentless in their pursuing Jude as their main suspect in this crime.
Highly recommended as a series and may be read separately.
September 25, 2017
This is the latest installment in the Fethering Mysteries series and even though it follows a familiar pattern I still found it very enjoyable. It's like returning to a well-loved location and knowing you're going to have a great time.
Aside from the murder mystery, there were several themes running through the book such as funding of libraries, and attitudes to foreigners which added to the contemporary feel of the book. This was balanced by references throughout to Golden Age Detective fiction which the author had a lot of fun with. Obviously it's a subject Simon Brett knows a lot about and one that is dear to his heart but that doesn't stop him sending up the genre to a certain degree, or at least those who take it a little too seriously like Professor Vanessa Perks. I also enjoyed the conversation with the poet Nemone Coote where she insists on name checking all her books with their obscure and entertainingly named publishers.
Thank-you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing the book for review.
Aside from the murder mystery, there were several themes running through the book such as funding of libraries, and attitudes to foreigners which added to the contemporary feel of the book. This was balanced by references throughout to Golden Age Detective fiction which the author had a lot of fun with. Obviously it's a subject Simon Brett knows a lot about and one that is dear to his heart but that doesn't stop him sending up the genre to a certain degree, or at least those who take it a little too seriously like Professor Vanessa Perks. I also enjoyed the conversation with the poet Nemone Coote where she insists on name checking all her books with their obscure and entertainingly named publishers.
Thank-you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing the book for review.
October 5, 2017
Such cozy cute mystery. I was actually transported to the age of non voilent , slowly unwrapping , investigative stories of gone by era. Loved the realistic characterization of the leading ladies and all the other cast. I could not understand some of the literary references but the way the author included the working of the publishing industry and the life in a small town , its too charming. After a while I was more engrossed in knowing about the library , the conversations more than finding the killer. Ooh and the title is much clever. This is such an enjoyable read and one that can be easily finished in a few sittings. It is that engrossing in all ways, specially with the wit and sharp prose. I am going to soon check previous books by Simon.
Thanks Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book.
Thanks Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book.
June 16, 2019
The cover attracted my attention and the synopsis sound good so I requested it. This The first book I have read from this author, although it is the 18th book in the Fethering series, it work quite well as a standalone.
Fethering in is a small town in England. Two sleuths, Carol and Jude work together to solve mysteries.
Jude is host to an author affair by Burton St Clair who is an author of a bestselling book. He has made many enemies as he is womanizer and has a strong ego. He made a pass at Jude who publicly slaps him. When he found dead the next day Jude is at the top of the suspect's list. She works with Carol to clear her name. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks too Black Thorn for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Fethering in is a small town in England. Two sleuths, Carol and Jude work together to solve mysteries.
Jude is host to an author affair by Burton St Clair who is an author of a bestselling book. He has made many enemies as he is womanizer and has a strong ego. He made a pass at Jude who publicly slaps him. When he found dead the next day Jude is at the top of the suspect's list. She works with Carol to clear her name. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks too Black Thorn for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 29, 2019
I hadn't come across these cosy crime mysteries before, but I'd be happy to read more. Light-hearted amateur sleuthing that was funny and very easy to read. Carole and Jude are an unlikely duo, but then I guess the best detective pairings always are. I didn't feel lost coming in so late into a series, but at the same time it made me want to go back & read the first books to learn about Carole & Jude's beginnings.
Being a Librarian, I liked the Library setting!
Thank you Netgalley!
Being a Librarian, I liked the Library setting!
Thank you Netgalley!
June 29, 2019
I enjoyed The Liar in the Library, a very clever murder mystery with entertaining characters. This is the first Fethering book I have read by this Author. Although this is book #18 it can be read as a stand alone. Jude and Carole are amateur sleuths. Jude finds herself right in the middle of a murder and is the #1 suspect, Carole helps Jude deduce the crime. Looking forward to reading more from this Author.
I give The Liar in the Library 4 stars for its entertaining read.
I would recommend this book to Mystery Fans.
#TheLiarInTheLibrary #NetGalley
I give The Liar in the Library 4 stars for its entertaining read.
I would recommend this book to Mystery Fans.
#TheLiarInTheLibrary #NetGalley
December 17, 2017
A suspicious death occurs after an author talk at the local library. Jude becomes a prime suspect, and must solve the case to clear her name.
This book was a bit of a tribute to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. The classic whodunit solved by amateur sleuths. Lots of references to the formula of a classic detective story.
Jude and her neighbor, Carole, are amateur sleuths in the small, fictional English village of Fethering. This is the 18th book in the series, but the first one I have read. It was okay as a standalone read, but I think I may have understood the recurring characters more if I had read some of the previous books.
I enjoyed the mystery part of the story, but it was light on character development. I wasn't a fan of the main characters, and didn't see any chemistry to keep me reading the series.
A light read. Good for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those set in England and/or with middle-aged protagonists.
I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a bit of a tribute to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. The classic whodunit solved by amateur sleuths. Lots of references to the formula of a classic detective story.
Jude and her neighbor, Carole, are amateur sleuths in the small, fictional English village of Fethering. This is the 18th book in the series, but the first one I have read. It was okay as a standalone read, but I think I may have understood the recurring characters more if I had read some of the previous books.
I enjoyed the mystery part of the story, but it was light on character development. I wasn't a fan of the main characters, and didn't see any chemistry to keep me reading the series.
A light read. Good for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those set in England and/or with middle-aged protagonists.
I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
did-not-finish
November 28, 2020I tried to read this one on five different occasions. Unfortunately, I barely made it anywhere any time. While reading, I felt this moved nowhere any time. The writing rambled. I just stopped before I can give this any rating at all.
June 22, 2019
A fabulously written book. Elements of the past who dunnit author legends of the past. With fresh whit, humour and wisdom. A really well written book that I throughly enjoyed.
June 11, 2019
Death, by walnut, of an insufferable writer is about to be pinned on Jude. So she must find the real killer in Liar in the Library.
I’ve read most of the author’s Charles Paris series of behind-the-stage-door mysteries and enjoyed them. When I saw this book, the 18th in the Fettering mysteries but my first, on NetGalley, I snatched it up. Maybe I had too high of expectations but the Liar in the Library didn’t hold my interest. The murderer was too easy to detect. In addition, I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. Overall, it was a disappointment that I can’t recommend. 2. 5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.
Thanks to Black Thorn Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve read most of the author’s Charles Paris series of behind-the-stage-door mysteries and enjoyed them. When I saw this book, the 18th in the Fettering mysteries but my first, on NetGalley, I snatched it up. Maybe I had too high of expectations but the Liar in the Library didn’t hold my interest. The murderer was too easy to detect. In addition, I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. Overall, it was a disappointment that I can’t recommend. 2. 5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.
Thanks to Black Thorn Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 21, 2018
2.5 stars. The story was well thought out and the characters were instantly likeable. This was a solid 3.5 stars and maybe even a 4 stars as I was enjoying reading it. However, it really fell down with the ending as for me it seemed completely out of place (the reaction of the police did not make sense to me). I also felt that the final chapters were a little rushed. However, I shall probably try to read the rest of the series as it was a strong story let down by a rushed ending.
September 15, 2019
This installment seemed "off" to me. I suppose that was largely the way that Jude, as chief suspect, interacted with the police. Felt I had to suspend disbelief that they would hash out the case details with her the way a prosecutor might with a defense attorney. Also, the thread (not really enough to count as a subplot) regarding Uncle Pavel seemed "tacked on" to me; seemed to be there to increase author page count?
November 6, 2024
If Simon Brett was going to go meta I wish he'd gone all in and set this story during the crime-writing course (and hold it over a weekend in a country house).
May 1, 2019
The Liar in the Library is a crime novel which, ironically, dissects crime novels. There's a murder in the Fethering Library and all of the people in the small town become "amateur sleuths", trying to find the killer, while at the same time, some of them are also suspects in the murder.
The book borders with obsession when it comes to the crime genre. It goes into the depths of the perfect murder according to the Golden Age crime novels. In fact, it focuses so deeply on how the murder should be solved, that it kills the suspense, because everyone is rambling on and on about how hard it is to be a crime book author, how crime books are written, what would crime book characters do and so on. For God's sake... this is a crime book, give it a rest.
It felt suspiciously as if the author was describing his personal struggles as such, as well as the problems of the publishing world, and his own love for "the Golden Age". Be it so, or not, it was exasperating, because it made the book a lot less thrilling and a lot more methodical. If you're still unsure what I mean, imagine porn but with your biology teacher from middle school in the background narrating about the act of inserting the penis into the vagina.
Another thing that quite frankly annoyed me was that the author was supposedly being judgmental about the negative attitude of some British people toward Polish immigrants, all the while also writing the following:
"(...) Then he changes, you know, like Jekyll and Hyde." [this is Zosia, the only Polish character that speaks in the book]
Jude was impressed by the girl's command of British literature, as she went on (...)
It's so impressive that a Polish person happens to know about one of the most famous books in the world? I would say that a vast majority of the Polish people most probably have a better grasp of British literature than a lot of British people do. Frankly, I found this sentence quite hypocritical, considering how the author is also trying to defend the Poles, both before and after that offhand statement. If there's a proof of xenophobia, it's found exactly in such remarks, said without much thought or deliberation. And bear with me, I'm not an easily offended person at all . I do, however, happen to be living in Poland, and all we see of British people here is (ALL the time), and yet, I haven't allowed that to form my opinion of all British people.
That little rant aside, the story itself was also kind of bland, the murderer's motive kind of convoluted and the main characters, Jude and Carole, kind of bitchy. Not my cup of tea.
September 11, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy of The Liar in the Library, the 18th novel in the Fethering series.
Jude goes to the library to hear author Burton St Clair speak about his latest bestseller, although when Jude knew him 20 years ago he was plain Al Sinclair. Unfortunately his name is the only thing that has changed as he is still the same egocentric Casanova and Jude takes great delight in repulsing his advances (again). When he is found dead in his car and witnesses say she was the last person seen with him she comes under suspicion, leaving Carole to clear her name.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Liar in the Library and although it has been a while since I visited Fethering on the south coast of England not much has changed, apart from a Costa Coffee replacing the cozy tearoom.
The murder mystery is fairly simple with plenty of suspects, an ingenious if unoriginal cause of death and amateur sleuths in the form of Jude and Carole but it allows Mr Brett to inject his trademark humour and take a few accurate potshots. With the action starting in the library and a death by poison it allows him to take aim at the publishing industry, funding cuts in libraries and golden age detective novels but as it is all done with humour he can make his point without it turning into a diatribe.
I like Mr Brett's take on middle class life in Fethering. He has a sharp eye for its prejudices and hypocrisies, like the aforementioned coffee shop, and uses his humour to expose it in all its glory. I also love his caricatures like Burton St Clair, the awful academic, Nessa Perks and the poet Nemone Coote - the names say it all.
The Liar in the Library won't tax your brain but it will make you giggle so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Jude goes to the library to hear author Burton St Clair speak about his latest bestseller, although when Jude knew him 20 years ago he was plain Al Sinclair. Unfortunately his name is the only thing that has changed as he is still the same egocentric Casanova and Jude takes great delight in repulsing his advances (again). When he is found dead in his car and witnesses say she was the last person seen with him she comes under suspicion, leaving Carole to clear her name.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Liar in the Library and although it has been a while since I visited Fethering on the south coast of England not much has changed, apart from a Costa Coffee replacing the cozy tearoom.
The murder mystery is fairly simple with plenty of suspects, an ingenious if unoriginal cause of death and amateur sleuths in the form of Jude and Carole but it allows Mr Brett to inject his trademark humour and take a few accurate potshots. With the action starting in the library and a death by poison it allows him to take aim at the publishing industry, funding cuts in libraries and golden age detective novels but as it is all done with humour he can make his point without it turning into a diatribe.
I like Mr Brett's take on middle class life in Fethering. He has a sharp eye for its prejudices and hypocrisies, like the aforementioned coffee shop, and uses his humour to expose it in all its glory. I also love his caricatures like Burton St Clair, the awful academic, Nessa Perks and the poet Nemone Coote - the names say it all.
The Liar in the Library won't tax your brain but it will make you giggle so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
September 15, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC.
I have read all of the Fethering Mysteries published to date. This, number 18 in the series, is the poorest and thinnest to date.
The plot is very obvious- no excuse to say it is based on one in a fake Golden Age detective novel- and the culprit clear from an early stage, although there was no discernible motive.
Jude is subjected to police suspicion on flimsy evidence and the police behave in an unfeasibly unprofessional way. Carole has become even more of a caricature, and there was little here of the interaction between the neighbours which usually spices the books.
The writing was rather formulaic and the pot shots at trifling pseudo- academic studies, “serious� poetry, the publishing industry, and golden age detectives, were relentlessly unfunny. The author also does not seem to know that e-books can be annotated and ‘handled� in ways similar to print copies.
Serious subjects such as library underfunding and European migrants crop up but they appear ‘bolted on� as the sort of concerns that middle class South of England residents might have.
This is a light and easy read and many will be entertained by it. My view is that this series has had its day.
I have read all of the Fethering Mysteries published to date. This, number 18 in the series, is the poorest and thinnest to date.
The plot is very obvious- no excuse to say it is based on one in a fake Golden Age detective novel- and the culprit clear from an early stage, although there was no discernible motive.
Jude is subjected to police suspicion on flimsy evidence and the police behave in an unfeasibly unprofessional way. Carole has become even more of a caricature, and there was little here of the interaction between the neighbours which usually spices the books.
The writing was rather formulaic and the pot shots at trifling pseudo- academic studies, “serious� poetry, the publishing industry, and golden age detectives, were relentlessly unfunny. The author also does not seem to know that e-books can be annotated and ‘handled� in ways similar to print copies.
Serious subjects such as library underfunding and European migrants crop up but they appear ‘bolted on� as the sort of concerns that middle class South of England residents might have.
This is a light and easy read and many will be entertained by it. My view is that this series has had its day.
January 6, 2018
I enjoyed The Liar In The Library very much. Like so much of Simon Brett's work, it is entertaining and witty, but also has some excellent characterisation and some acute observations on modern life.
The plot? It's not really the important thing, but after a talk in the library at to Fethering, a small, affluent village on the English South Coast, a successful author is found dead in his car. Jude becomes a suspect and she and Carole investigate in their usual way. It's a decent if slightly silly story with a lot of nods to Golden Age crime, which it acknowledges fully in the story. What makes it so enjoyable is Brett's writing.
His style is easy to read and has a quiet excellence about it. Jude and Carole's slightly spiky friendship works very well and there are some witty sallies at pretension in modern literary life � for example, "...the fact that his novel was just an old-fashioned romance with a happy ending had been disguised by enough tricks of postmodernism and magical realism for the literati not to feel they were demeaning themselves by reading it." There are also some enjoyable, skewering portraits of a pompous author, a ridiculously arrogant academic and so on. Brett also makes some quiet but important points about subjects like library closures, homelessness, xenophobia and so on which give the book rather more weight than you might expect.
In short, this isn’t Great Literature but it's witty, thoughtful in places and a very good read. Recommended.
(I received an ARC via NetGalley.)
The plot? It's not really the important thing, but after a talk in the library at to Fethering, a small, affluent village on the English South Coast, a successful author is found dead in his car. Jude becomes a suspect and she and Carole investigate in their usual way. It's a decent if slightly silly story with a lot of nods to Golden Age crime, which it acknowledges fully in the story. What makes it so enjoyable is Brett's writing.
His style is easy to read and has a quiet excellence about it. Jude and Carole's slightly spiky friendship works very well and there are some witty sallies at pretension in modern literary life � for example, "...the fact that his novel was just an old-fashioned romance with a happy ending had been disguised by enough tricks of postmodernism and magical realism for the literati not to feel they were demeaning themselves by reading it." There are also some enjoyable, skewering portraits of a pompous author, a ridiculously arrogant academic and so on. Brett also makes some quiet but important points about subjects like library closures, homelessness, xenophobia and so on which give the book rather more weight than you might expect.
In short, this isn’t Great Literature but it's witty, thoughtful in places and a very good read. Recommended.
(I received an ARC via NetGalley.)
July 23, 2018
I have been a fan of Mr Brett's work for a very long time. Certainly before I rediscovered the joys of reading he was one of the authors that I could rely on to make my long car journeys more endurable through the audio tapes of his work that I used to devour.
I believe that I have either listened to or read, most of the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter and Fethering works.
Unfortunately, and perhaps not surprisingly, after writing 20 books in the Charles Paris series over an amazing 43 years, and 8 in 30 about Mrs P, I had felt that the latest had lost their 'edge'. I am so pleased to say that this 18th book about Carol and Jude in Fethering ( which must be the murder capital of the West Sussex coast) continues in the same gentle charming manner as it started 18 years ago.
The stories are all stand alone but not to start this series from the beginning would miss much of the history of the village which adds the depth and warmth to the tales.
As the title suggests the action here centres on the village library . The struggle with the council spending cuts and the reasons behind them must be familar territory to most of us but without our small town library all those years ago, I wouldnt have found my first Simon Brett audio book and be writing this now.
I believe that I have either listened to or read, most of the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter and Fethering works.
Unfortunately, and perhaps not surprisingly, after writing 20 books in the Charles Paris series over an amazing 43 years, and 8 in 30 about Mrs P, I had felt that the latest had lost their 'edge'. I am so pleased to say that this 18th book about Carol and Jude in Fethering ( which must be the murder capital of the West Sussex coast) continues in the same gentle charming manner as it started 18 years ago.
The stories are all stand alone but not to start this series from the beginning would miss much of the history of the village which adds the depth and warmth to the tales.
As the title suggests the action here centres on the village library . The struggle with the council spending cuts and the reasons behind them must be familar territory to most of us but without our small town library all those years ago, I wouldnt have found my first Simon Brett audio book and be writing this now.
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