annieb123
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Messy Murder is the fourth book in the decluttering mystery series by Simon Brett. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by Severn House, it's 192 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in May 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
The author writes entertainingly and well. All the parts (and they are varied and numerous) fit together and do precisely what they're meant to do. The characters are believable and well rendered. The dialogue works and is never clunky or awkward. Although this series isn't fluffy enough to fit firmly into the cozy mold, it's not at all gritty, either. In short, it's a modern British murder mystery with a well plotted story arc, some not-too-graphic crimes, some humour, and an interesting/edgy denouement and resolution.
A fair bit of the book does revolve around mental illness (expectedly since the protagonist is a de-clutterer and works with professional local social services to help clients). The author manages to treat the subjects sensitively, but some readers could conceivably find some of the subject matter and situations triggering.
North American readers should be aware that it's written in British vernacular (wellies, lift, flat, etc), but this shouldn't pose any problems in context.
Four stars. Quite well done. With four books currently extant in the series and such a prolific author, this would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read. Recommended for fans of not-terribly-fluffy modern cozies. Fans of M.C. Beaton, G.M. Malliet, and Anthony Horowitz will likely enjoy these also.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.