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.)

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.

Any grizzles? Well, I was rather taken aback at having a crucial scene in the book where Jude is explaining the denouement glossed over in half a page, rather than being given the reactions of the characters involved. As the stakes were so high at this stage, I expected at least the first section to be fully depicted and the fact it wasn’t jarred with me. This is, after all, one of the planks of this particular genre and while Brett often successfully plays with readers’ expectations, this time it didn’t work. However, that is the only niggle and it certainly isn’t a dealbreaker. 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

Another classic Feathering mystery from Simon Brett. This is the 18th book in the series, but I don't think it would matter how many of them you'd read before picking up this book. It's a charming English cozy with a sense of humor, intelligently written and well-plotted with interesting characters.

In this book, Jude goes to her local library to hear Burton St. Clair talk about his latest book. Jude knew him when he was Al Sinclair, and she's interested in how much he's changed (or not). He's found dead in his car the next morning, and it seems Jude was the last to see him alive, which makes her a suspect in his death. Jude's erstwhile partner in crime-solving, Carole, must clear Jude's name.

The book is delightful and I highly recommend it. Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When someone has written over one hundred books - most of them murder mysteries - you know you're in the hands of a competent and experienced plotter and storyteller, and that's exactly what you get with Simon Brett.

I like the Fethering series but I must admit I was pleased that most of the focus was on Jude in this instalment and that Carole took a bit of a back seat as she can (albeit intentionally) be a bit tiresome. The Liar in the Library is another quick-to-read satisfactory whodunit and is prevented from being formulaic by putting Jude in jeopardy and giving her a new amateur sleuth to compare notes with.

The book is full of Brett's signature wry turns of phrase (although there were one or two crass lines I could have done without) and quite a few catty sideswipes, at writers of literary fiction, middle aged men's semi- autobiographical musings and so-called experts in crime fiction as an academic discipline. To that end, a couple of the characters were very caricatured: Burton, Steve and Nessa, but that may have been exactly the point.

I have read many of the Fethering mysteries already (although I prefer Brett's Charles Paris series) and I think you could enjoy this as a standalone, but clearly you'd get more from the characters and setup if you have read at least some of the earlier books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC of The Liar in the Library. 3.5/5 stars.

I have read all of the books in "The Feathering" series and this one was a very good addition to the series that I have come to love.
When reading a series, you get well-acquainted with the character and I must say I was really angry about the way the police suspected one of the main characters [I might be a bit too attached yes? LOL] and turned everything she said into possible guilt without really looking for other suspicious characters. That said, of course, this also makes for really good reading and a very good story, so even though I was upset, I was also enjoying the lead up to the "whodunit" part.

The characters are very believable and interesting and the ending is always a surprise to me - even after 18 of these books!! The downside of this book was all the characters involved and the several side stories; I had a hard time keeping track of everyone [good thing I keep a notebook nearby] and the side stories kind of took away from the main story a bit for me. Regardless, it was a very good read and a good installment in this series.

What can I say about this book I'm quite disappointed with this book.There was too many big words I had to keep looking them up cause didn't understand what they meant on some pages it seem like it was like how many confusing words can they get one one page.there was too much description and the story just rambled was no excitement.

The only reason it isn't a one star rating is that I didn't guess the ending.

He came to the library to do a book presentation of his new novel and to sign books for those who bought. When he offers to give her a ride home because it's cold out, she accepts. Then he gropes her and talks about how long she's wanted him (NOT!) and she slapped him and got out of the car and walked home. In the morning, his car is still in the parking lot and so's he. But he's not breathing...

Severn House and Net Galley gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published January 1st.

He had changed his name but he was the same old Al that screwed around when he thought he had opportunity. Her problem was that she was the last one to see him alive and the cops think she must have killed him. Even if she wanted to, she didn't. It doesn't help when his first wife says she broke up their marriage and slept with him in the past. It's not true but no one believes her except her good friends. She finally decides the only way she's going to move from the suspect list is if she finds the murderer...

As she gathers information, she learns he was the same as he was in the past. Why he made her his scapegoat she doesn't know. She investigates with her neighbor and a man who had been at the library during his presentation. When she finally breaks through to the solution, she's disappointed. It's hard when someone you like does something bad. The only good news is that she is not a suspect anymore...

I enjoyed this book a lot! I haven't read any of the previous book in the series but it wasn't necessary to the enjoyment of this one. The writing is excellent and the characters are interesting and believable. The mystery isn't too complex but it was fun seeing Jude and Carole figure out 'whodunnit'. There was a lot of humor along with the mystery. I found myself laughing out loud at the interviews with Nessa Perks.

This is a fast, easy read without the 'salty' language and violence often found in mysteries. I'll be reading more of this series!

Simon Brett’s latest Fethering mystery makes frequent references to the modern revival of the Golden Age mysteries. The murder plot and its instigator are, indeed, straight out of a classical mystery. Brett seems to be somewhat tired of his characters, though. He doesn’t seem to like either of his amateur detectives very much, nor any of the other characters in this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Severn House for the opportunity to review this book.

I found it to be a perfect fireside whodunnit. An easy read based in a Miss Marple type village where some amateur sleuths attempt to identify the killer of a famous author.

Although, I understand from references made in the book, there are other books in the series, this didn’t hamper my enjoyment and I would confirm that this can be happily read as a stand-alone book.

An easy read.

I'd not read any of the Fethering mysteries by Simon Brett before, but I thought they sounded appealing: witty, cosy crime novels with a pair of amateur lady detectives who solve crimes in their home seaside town. In this novel, a visiting writer is killed after a talk at Fethering Library and it is up to Jude and Carole to try to solve the crime. However, things are complicated by the fact that Jude is the top suspect of the local police.

This was a light and easy read - I liked the small town setting and the fact there wasn't much real peril. It's very much cosy crime, without graphic detail and with the focus being on the process of the investigation. The two amateur investigators were appealing and I liked some of the eccentric characters.

However, I did also find it a little slow in places and I wished that the writer hadn't included so much modern context, for example the discussion of the closure of libraries - I don't think these things really enhanced the story and they felt like the author's political views encroaching on the plot.

Overall, this is an easy read - a few hours spent in Fethering will not be wasted time.

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.

An entertaining cozy. I had not read any of the preceding books but this was fine as a standalone because Brett has created two very nice characters in Jude and Carole. Now we all know Jude did not kill St Clair but who did? Well, there are more suspects than one might imagine. There are some twists but nothing too complicated and it motivated me to look up a few of the mysteries referenced. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This is apparently the 18th in the Fethering series but the first I had read. I enjoyed it very much so the author has clearly been successful in creating something which can be enjoyed as a standalone novel as much as a continuation with well-loved characters for loyal readers.
It is a charming, straightforward detective story, reminiscent of a golden age novel, which is referenced in the passion one character has for this era of detective writing. It isn't without some bite - there are a lot of references to the very 21st century cuts in library services, which are now dependent on volunteers, but overall is a lovely undemanding read - perfect for a winter's afternoon.

2.5 stars

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 this 18th book in the series 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.

Jude of Fethering England, has known Burton (Albert 'Al' Sinclair) St. Clair for over 20 years. He was had been married to her once close friend, Megan Georgeson. He has become a celebrated author and is doing a book signing at the Fethering Library. Burton offers is old "friend" a ride to her home in his "Beamer." Upon getting into the "Beamer" Burton is back to his old ways and hits on Jude. Jude refuses the advances and the ride. The next day, Jude learns she was the last person to see Burton alive and is a murder suspect. Jude believes she should easily be able to get removed from the suspect list, but when she starts asking questions, she is not getting the replies she expects.
The story is quite good and I did enjoy this book, but it took me much longer than normal for a book of this length. When reading it I did enjoy the story, but it was easy to put down and I guess I put it down a lot. I think it was a bit slower paced then I typically enjoy. That was not a good thing for me, but many might enjoy that pacing. Overall I enjoyed the story and would look to give this author a second go.

I chose this book to read as I wanted a break from the psychological thrillers I usually read. I also had just read a rather grim American thriller which had too much graphic detail in it for my taste so this I thought would make a nice change. I was very pleasantly surprised by it. This is the latest in a series which has two middle aged ladies, Jude and Carole as sleuths. They are nicely balanced. Jude is a free spirit and Carole, her friend and neighbour is much more stuffy and conventional. Jude is clearly the dominant partner here so it's not surprising that Carole is quietly pleased when an opportunity arises for her to play leading lady. The case is rather an unfortunate one for Jude. The victim, an author called Burton St Clair is known to her and unfortunately she soon comes under suspicion. I thought the book was nicely written with interesting characters and I found it a warm and witty read. As a writer myself, I found the references to writers' groups and all the petty jealousies that can arise very funny. I'll be looking out for more of this author.

Carole and Jude, unlikely friends, and even more unlikely sleuths are back for another adventure. When one of Jude's old beaux tries to rekindle the love light, she shuts him right down. Unfortunately, he is found dead soon after. Jude is a suspect, so Carole, of course, needs to clear her name. The charm of the series is the contrast between free thinking Jude and straitlaced Carole, but they always work together to find the culprit.

At first I thought that this was the first instalment in a series then discovered it was the 20th. It was a bit hard to understand some of the characters background and the story was quite a classic one without any surprise.
I think I will go back and read the previous books as I am curious even if this one was not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Severn House

This was a enjoyable cozy read. Famous author, Burton St Clair, presents to the patrons of the Fethering Library, and shortly thereafter dies of anaphylaxis. It turns out that an old friend (Jude) of his ex-wife (Megan) was in the audience and had accepted a ride home with him. Jude becomes the prime suspect in his death and finds it necessary to put her skills as a sleuth into play in order to save herself from false arrest. In the process of her investigation, she solves the mystery of the disappearance of a friend's uncle and learns more than she wants to about Golden Age mysteries. There is a very light touch to this book, the 18th in the Fethering Mysteries series, and the plot moves along a good clip. Characterization is also a bit light, but for those who like English cozies, this one will please.