An Untidy Death

The Decluttering Mysteries, Book 2

By: Simon Brett

Narrated by: Simon Brett

When Alexandra Richards approaches professional declutterer Ellen Curtis to ask her to help sort out her mother’s chaotic flat, Ellen gets the impression Alexandra doesn’t like her mother very much. So when Ingrid Richards’ body is discovered in her burned-out home, Alexandra’s exasperated words don’t seem like such a joke. Due to the hazardous state of the victim’s over-cluttered residence, the police are inclined to dismiss her death as an unfortunate accident. Ellen’s not so sure. Could Alexandra’s resentment toward her mother have escalated into outright violence?

The more she discovers about the dead woman’s remarkable past, the more convinced Ellen becomes that there’s something decidedly suspicious about her death. At least she can console herself that clearing out widower Edward Finch’s bungalow will be a straightforward job in comparison. But Ellen couldn’t be more wrong....

©2021 Simon Brett (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Disappointing wandering story that kept me waiting

I tried to stay interested, but was just happy to have some closure at end.

Comforting mixture of melancholy and humor.

Realistic characters and dialogue, interesting plot and pacing. Simon Brett does an extremely good job narrating his own books. I love this new series and the Fethering ones. Should be a tv series too, IMO

Well structured story

Narrator Simon Brett read his story well but I think a woman narrator would be better because protagonist was a woman. Easier to be empathetic to her.
Also missed Brett’s great sense of humor he has in other writings. This book sarcastic and depressing. No comic relief!!

Twisty, interesting mystery

Love the characters- really unique, insights and voice are terrific. The mysteries are layered, and complex without being overly complicated.

Not my favorite

I really love Simon Brett's work, but I must admit I felt let down on this one. Elements in the plot are duplicates from the first book in this series (I won't go into details, as I don't want to spoil the plot). I finished this with the realization that I really, really miss Charles Paris and the snarky humor from that series. If there is a 3rd book in this series I might buy it but, unless it is a more inspired plot, that will be the last for me.