A Nice Class of Corpse is only the second mystery by Simon Brett that I’ve read. I read one of his Blotto and Twinks books, but it wasn’t for me, and I just never picked up another one of his books. But, Aubrey Hamilton continued to push the Mrs. Pargeter mysteries. I’m glad I picked up the first in the series.
If you haven’t met Mrs. Pargeter, she’s the sixty-seven-year-old widow of a thief who left her in quite a good position, with enough money, a set of skeleton keys, a gun, and a little black book with a list of accomplices who were asked to look after her. She might need a little help at times, but Melita Pargeter is an intelligent, shrewd woman.
She’s the newest resident of the Devereux Hotel, a seaside retirement home. But, Miss Naismith, the owner, finds that Mrs. Pargeter’s style grates on her, and she doesn’t like her. Mrs. Pargeter doesn’t seem to be the genteel class of woman that Miss Naismith expects in her hotel. Why, the woman treats Miss Naismith as staff, and even plans to keep her own schedule and secrets.
When a resident falls down the stairs, and the dead woman’s jewelry goes missing, Mrs. Pargeter is suspicious. But, Miss Naismith suspects her newest resident, Mrs. Pargeter. Mrs. Pargeter is too wise to fall for Miss Naismith’s accusations and insinuations. Instead, Mrs. Pargeter launches her own investigation.
A Nice Class of Corpse is a delightful mystery with humor and interesting characters. Aubrey is right, though. Mrs. Pargeter is the most interesting person in the book, a perceptive, sharp woman. I’ve already placed a hold at the library on the second book in the series. I’m happy I picked up this book based on Aubrey’s reommendation.
Simon Brett’s website is https://www.simonbrett.com/
A Nice Class of Corpse by Simon Brett. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1986. 181p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
I agree on the Blotto and Twinks books – way too cutesy for me. But I enjoyed the first few Charles Paris books before they got a little samey, and I liked the three Mrs. Pargeter books I read too. Wow; just checked and there are 9 of them now. I haven’t read any of the Fethering books, but there are over 20 of those now too. A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM was a good stand alone, and it was filmed with Michael Caine.
Totally agree with you, Jeff, about Blotto and Twinks. Just never thought I’d like the ones about an alcoholic actor, even though I love theater.
Well, this sounds delightful – I’m on it, thank you!
Oh, I think you’ll like Mrs. Pargeter, Kaye!
Me too! I was able todownload from Libby this morning.
thanks to you and Aubrey.
Really, thanks to Aubrey, MM. I hope you enjoy it!
So great to find older characters, so many book have twenty years old peoples, ignoring that there are 50, 60,70, 80 an 90 year old in this world!
You’re right, Carol. And, even though Mrs. Pargeter is 67, Brett doesn’t make her a doddering old lady.