Picked this up at Bouchercon. Hadn't read any others in the series, but I was delighted that didn't matter. Mrs. Pargeter, widow of a man who was patron to a large number of people in useful but questionable careers, finds a body under her patio. The writing was light and witty. My only difficulty was the supposed innocence of Mrs. Parteger in understanding the career choices of her criminal companions, who try to protect her from knowing nasty truths. How much she knew about her husband's career seemed to shift throughout the story. Other than that, it was a fun read, very diverting. ( )

Picked this up at Bouchercon. Hadn't read any others in the series, but I was delighted that didn't matter. Mrs. Pargeter, widow of a man who was patron to a large number of people in useful but questionable careers, finds a body under her patio. The writing was light and witty. My only difficulty was the supposed innocence of Mrs. Parteger in understanding the career choices of her criminal companions, who try to protect her from knowing nasty truths. How much she knew about her husband's career seemed to shift throughout the story. Other than that, it was a fun read, very diverting. ( )

Not having read a book by Brett before, it only took a few pages for me to realise I was really going to enjoy this book. I was a smidge concerned, this not being my first Mrs Pargeter mystery, that I might be a bit at sea, not knowing what's gone before, but this is perfectly stand-alone.

This is a cozy mystery, Mrs P being a present-day Miss Marple (a rather startling discovery under her patio requires her enlisting the assistance of her late husband's 'business associates'.) It's very well written, wonderfully tongue in cheek and a joy from start to finish. (I will forgive the erroneous use of 'less' for 'few' and the 'head nodding' tautology.)

Having subsequently discovered Brett's written dozens of books, I wanted to shelve all the books on my TBR and just zip through all of his, but I shall honour my reading list and settle for punctuating with the occasional Brett penmanship!

Wonderful characters with wonderful names and some wry humour in sparkling dialogue: just a lovely, entertaining read. I can't wait to read more. ( )