Simon Brett Books in Order: Every Major Mystery Series and Novel
Simon Brett writes mysteries with a distinctly British sense of humor. His detectives are not always conventional professionals: Charles Paris is a struggling actor who keeps stumbling into murder investigations, Mrs Pargeter is a resourceful widow with an unusual inheritance of criminal connections, and the Fethering mysteries pair two very different amateur sleuths in a quiet Sussex village.
His bibliography is extensive, and some books are separated by years or decades within the same series. The most reliable approach is to read each series in publication order. Below, you’ll find the principal novels, their publication years, and guidance on where to start.
1. Charles Paris Books in Order
The Charles Paris mysteries follow a frequently unemployed actor whose theater jobs and social connections repeatedly lead him into murder investigations. The series combines classic crime fiction with backstage drama, sharp observations about show business, and plenty of dry humor.
There are 20 main Charles Paris novels in the publication sequence listed below.
1. Cast, in Order of Disappearance (1975)
Charles Paris accepts acting work that places him close to a suspicious death. His theatrical career gives him access to people and situations that help him investigate the crime.
2. So Much Blood (1976)
A theater production and its surrounding personalities provide the setting for another mystery. Charles finds himself drawn into an investigation in which performance and reality are not easy to distinguish.
3. Star Trap (1977)
Charles becomes involved in a murder investigation connected to the world of acting. The novel combines theatrical rivalries with the familiar complications of his precarious career.
4. An Amateur Corpse (1978)
Another acting assignment places Charles near a suspicious death. His curiosity and experience around performers make him an unlikely but persistent investigator.
5. A Comedian Dies (1979)
The death of a comedian draws Charles into a case involving performers and the pressures of professional entertainment. The mystery explores the difference between public appearances and private behavior.
6. The Dead Side of the Mike (1980)
Charles finds himself involved in a crime connected to broadcasting. The entertainment industry’s personalities and rivalries again provide the background for the investigation.
7. Situation Tragedy (1981)
Charles becomes involved in a case linked to the world of television comedy and theatrical production. The investigation reveals how professional relationships can conceal personal grudges.
8. Murder Unprompted (1982)
A theatrical setting provides the backdrop for another murder mystery. Charles’s work gives him access to the people involved, but sorting through their conflicting accounts proves challenging.
9. Murder in the Title (1983)
Charles is drawn into another suspicious death amid the professional rivalries and complications of the entertainment business.
10. Not Dead, Only Resting (1984)
Charles’s acting career once again brings him close to a mystery in which appearances may be misleading. His informal investigative skills become useful as he tries to establish the truth.
11. Dead Giveaway (1985)
A new acting job leads Charles into another case involving suspicious behavior and conflicting motives.
12. What Bloody Man Is That? (1987)
Charles becomes involved in a murder investigation shaped by the personalities and rivalries surrounding his work. His theatrical experience gives him an unusual perspective on the suspects.
13. A Series of Murders (1989)
A succession of suspicious events draws Charles into a case that requires him to look beyond the obvious explanations.
14. Corporate Bodies (1991)
Charles finds himself investigating a crime in a corporate environment rather than the familiar theater world. The novel retains the series’ blend of mystery and social comedy.
15. A Reconstructed Corpse (1993)
A suspicious death leads Charles into another investigation involving people whose stories do not entirely add up.
16. Sicken and So Die (1995)
Charles becomes involved in a murder case connected to the world around him. As usual, his informal approach and personal observations help him make sense of the evidence.
17. Dead Room Farce (1997)
The seventeenth main novel returns to the series’ mix of theatrical complications, personal rivalries, and crime.
18. A Decent Interval (2013)
After a long publishing gap, Charles returns in a mystery connected to the entertainment world. His professional and personal circumstances have changed, but his ability to become entangled in murder has not.
19. The Cinderella Killer (2014)
Charles becomes involved in a new investigation involving a suspicious death and the complicated people surrounding it.
20. A Deadly Habit (2018)
The twentieth main novel brings Charles into another murder investigation, continuing the series’ mixture of crime, show business, and wry humor.
Recommended starting point: Begin with Cast, in Order of Disappearance and follow publication order. The individual mysteries can be enjoyed separately, but the sequence provides the fullest picture of Charles’s life and career.
2. Fethering Books in Order
The Fethering mysteries feature Carole Seddon, a retired civil servant, and Jude, her more unconventional neighbor. The two women investigate suspicious deaths in and around the fictional Sussex village of Fethering.
This series is a particularly good choice for readers who enjoy traditional British village mysteries, amateur detectives, and character-driven crime fiction.
1. The Body on the Beach (2000)
Carole discovers a body on the beach, setting off an investigation that introduces her partnership with Jude. Their different personalities become an asset as they begin asking questions the authorities may have overlooked.
2. Death on the Downs (2001)
Carole and Jude investigate a suspicious death connected to the surrounding countryside. Their curiosity draws them into the lives and secrets of local residents.
3. The Torso in the Town (2002)
A disturbing discovery leads the pair into another investigation. The case reveals the secrets and tensions beneath the apparently ordinary life of the community.
4. Murder in the Museum (2003)
A museum becomes the setting for a mystery involving people with different interests and competing explanations. Carole and Jude attempt to determine what lies behind the crime.
5. The Hanging in the Hotel (2004)
A suspicious death at a hotel draws the amateur detectives into an investigation involving the people staying and working there.
6. The Witness at the Wedding (2005)
A wedding provides the backdrop for a mystery in which relationships, family tensions, and conflicting accounts complicate the search for the truth.
7. The Stabbing in the Stables (2006)
A crime connected to a stable brings Carole and Jude into another investigation, where local relationships and hidden motives become important clues.
8. Death Under the Dryer (2007)
A murder connected to a hair salon introduces the pair to another collection of suspects and secrets.
9. Blood at the Bookies (2008)
The world of betting and racing provides the setting for a case in which money, loyalty, and suspicious behavior all matter.
10. The Poisoning in the Pub (2009)
A poisoning turns a familiar social setting into the center of an investigation. Carole and Jude must work through the relationships surrounding the victim.
11. The Shooting in the Shop (2010)
A shooting at a shop leads to another local mystery, bringing the detectives into contact with people whose accounts may not match the evidence.
12. Bones Under the Beach Hut (2011)
A discovery near a beach hut opens up questions about the past. The case draws Carole and Jude into a mystery that reaches beyond the immediate crime scene.
13. Guns in the Gallery (2011)
An art gallery becomes the setting for another investigation, where the people involved and their relationships provide clues to the crime.
14. The Corpse on the Court (2012)
A body discovered in a sporting setting prompts Carole and Jude to investigate a case involving the people connected to the venue.
15. The Strangling on the Stage (2013)
Theater provides the backdrop for a suspicious death. The setting allows Brett to combine the mystery with the rivalries and personal dramas of performers.
16. The Tomb in Turkey (2014)
A journey to Turkey introduces a different setting for the Fethering characters and a mystery involving the people they encounter.
17. The Killing in the Café (2015)
A café becomes the center of a murder investigation. As Carole and Jude examine the people connected to the crime, everyday relationships begin to look less straightforward.
18. The Liar in the Library (2017)
A library and its community provide the setting for a case involving deception and suspicious behavior. The pair must determine which accounts can be trusted.
19. The Killer in the Choir (2018)
A choir brings together people whose relationships and private disagreements become relevant to a murder investigation.
20. Guilt at the Garage (2020)
A garage becomes the focus of a new mystery, with Carole and Jude investigating the people and circumstances connected to the crime.
21. Death and the Decorator (2022)
A decorator’s work brings the amateur detectives into contact with another suspicious situation. As they look beyond the obvious explanations, personal relationships prove important to the case.
22. Death in the Dressing Room (2025)
The latest Fethering novel returns Carole and Jude to the familiar territory of community secrets and suspicious deaths. It is the twenty-second book in the series.
Recommended starting point: The Body on the Beach introduces Carole and Jude and establishes the series’ distinctive partnership.
3. Mrs Pargeter Books in Order
Mrs Pargeter is a wealthy widow who knows that her late husband had an unusual collection of friends and associates. She is willing to use those connections when a mystery needs solving, making her series a blend of cozy crime, social comedy, and unconventional detective work.
1. A Nice Class of Corpse (1986)
Mrs Pargeter discovers that her husband’s past may be more complicated than it appeared. Her resourcefulness and knowledge of his associates become useful when a suspicious death requires investigation.
2. Mrs., Presumed Dead (1988)
Mrs Pargeter becomes involved in a mystery in which questions about identity and a person’s presumed fate complicate the search for answers.
3. Mrs. Pargeter’s Package (1990)
A package brings unexpected complications into Mrs Pargeter’s life. Her connections and determination help her investigate the situation.
4. Mrs. Pargeter’s Pound of Flesh (1992)
Mrs Pargeter investigates a case involving money, obligations, and people connected to her late husband’s past.
5. Mrs. Pargeter’s Plot (1996)
A new mystery draws Mrs Pargeter into another situation where personal relationships and carefully concealed information matter.
6. Mrs. Pargeter’s Point of Honour (1998)
Mrs Pargeter becomes involved in a case involving reputation, loyalty, and the question of what people are prepared to do to protect their interests.
7. Mrs Pargeter’s Principle (2015)
After a long gap, Mrs Pargeter returns in a new mystery. Her principles and practical approach help her navigate another situation involving suspicious behavior.
8. Mrs Pargeter’s Public Relations (2016)
Mrs Pargeter finds herself involved in a case where appearances, reputation, and public image play an important role.
9. Mrs Pargeter’s Patio (2023)
A seemingly ordinary home improvement project provides the starting point for another mystery. Mrs Pargeter must determine what lies beneath the surface of the situation.
10. Mrs Pargeter’s Past (2025)
This installment returns to the history surrounding Mrs Pargeter and her late husband. It is the latest published novel in the series.
Recommended starting point: Begin with A Nice Class of Corpse. The series is enjoyable in publication order, especially if you want to follow Mrs Pargeter’s evolving understanding of her husband’s former associates.
4. Blotto and Twinks Books in Order
Blotto and Twinks are aristocratic siblings who find themselves involved in comic mysteries, often involving international adventures, eccentric characters, and elaborate plots. The books are lighter in tone than Brett’s Charles Paris and Fethering novels.
1. Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter (2009)
Blotto and Twinks become involved in an adventure involving a royal daughter and a complicated set of circumstances. The novel establishes the series’ playful combination of mystery, comedy, and aristocratic absurdity.
2. Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess (2010)
The siblings investigate a mystery involving a dowager duchess, with the usual collection of eccentric characters and unexpected complications.
3. Blotto, Twinks and the Rodents of the Riviera (2011)
Blotto and Twinks head to the Riviera, where an adventure involving suspicious characters and a complicated mystery awaits them.
4. Blotto, Twinks and the Bootlegger’s Moll (2012)
The siblings become involved in a case connected to bootlegging and the people surrounding it. The story combines a historical setting with the series’ comic style.
5. Blotto, Twinks and the Riddle of the Sphinx (2013)
A journey involving the Sphinx gives the pair another mystery to solve. Their adventure brings them into contact with unusual characters and puzzling circumstances.
6. Blotto, Twinks and the Heir to the Tsar (2015)
Blotto and Twinks become entangled in a mystery involving a potential heir to the Russian throne. The case leads them into another eccentric international adventure.
7. Blotto, Twinks and the Stars of the Silver Screen (2017)
The siblings enter the world of film and its personalities, where a new mystery emerges amid the glamour and complications of the silver screen.
8. Blotto, Twinks and the Intimate Revue (2018)
A theatrical revue provides the setting for another comic mystery. Blotto and Twinks must make sense of the personalities and intrigues surrounding the production.
9. Blotto, Twinks and the Great Road Race (2019)
The siblings become involved in a road race that leads to an adventure full of eccentric characters and unexpected turns.
10. Blotto, Twinks and the Maharajah’s Jewel (2021)
A valuable jewel and a mysterious situation lead Blotto and Twinks into another international adventure.
11. Blotto, Twinks and the Suspicious Guests (2022)
The siblings encounter suspicious visitors and must work out what is happening behind the seemingly ordinary circumstances.
12. Blotto, Twinks and the Conquistadors’ Gold (2023)
A mystery involving conquistadors’ gold leads to another comic adventure, with the siblings caught up in a complicated search for answers.
13. Blotto, Twinks and the Phantom Skiers (2024)
Blotto and Twinks find themselves involved in a mystery connected to phantom skiers. It is the thirteenth book in the series.
Recommended starting point: Start with Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter and read in publication order.
5. Decluttering Mysteries Books in Order
The Decluttering Mysteries feature Ellen Curtis, a professional declutterer who helps people sort out their homes and belongings. Her work can expose secrets, unexpected discoveries, and suspicious circumstances that lead to murder investigations.
1. The Clutter Corpse (2020)
Ellen’s decluttering work takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a suspicious death. The case reveals that the objects people keep can sometimes conceal more than sentimental memories.
2. An Untidy Death (2021)
Ellen becomes involved in another mystery in which a person’s possessions and living arrangements offer clues to what may have happened.
3. Waste of a Life (2022)
A new assignment leads Ellen into a case involving a death and the complicated history surrounding it. Her professional eye for overlooked details becomes useful to the investigation.
4. A Messy Murder (2024)
Ellen’s work brings her into contact with another suspicious situation. As she sorts through the physical clutter, she must also make sense of the secrets and relationships behind the case.
5. A Disorganised Death (2026)
The fifth installment continues Ellen’s investigations, showing how a seemingly ordinary decluttering job can uncover a far more troubling situation. It is the latest book in the series.
Recommended starting point: Begin with The Clutter Corpse. The novels are connected by Ellen’s profession and character, making publication order the clearest way to read them.
6. Major Bricket Books in Order
Major Bricket is a retired intelligence officer who enjoys keeping up with village gossip. His knowledge of secrets and his instinct for investigation become useful when a murder disrupts the quiet life of his Suffolk village.
1. Major Bricket and the Circus Corpse (2025)
Major Bricket finds himself investigating a mystery involving a corpse and a circus. His background in intelligence and his knowledge of human behavior help him examine the strange circumstances surrounding the death.
2. Major Bricket and the Body in the Bell Tower (2026)
After a church service, Major Bricket discovers a body at the bottom of the bell tower. The dead man is dressed in a suit and dog collar, and the villagers seem more concerned with ordinary parish business than the murder. Bricket must rely on his trusted friends and investigative skills to discover who the victim was and who killed him.
Recommended starting point: Read Major Bricket and the Circus Corpse first, followed by Major Bricket and the Body in the Bell Tower.
7. Standalone Novels by Simon Brett
Simon Brett has also written novels outside his recurring detective series. These can be read independently and are a good option for readers who want to sample his writing without committing to a long sequence.
A Shock to the System (1984)
A dark comic thriller about an ordinary man whose life changes after a personal crisis. The story explores frustration, revenge, and the consequences of crossing a moral line. It was adapted into a film starring Michael Caine.
Dead Romantic (1985)
A standalone novel exploring romance and the complications that can arise when relationships become entangled with deception and personal ambitions.
Singled Out (1995)
A standalone work that examines relationships and the social expectations surrounding them, reflecting Brett’s interest in human behavior and comic observation.
The Christmas Crimes at Puzzle Manor (1991)
A festive mystery built around a country-house setting. It is a useful choice for readers who enjoy traditional puzzle mysteries and seasonal crime fiction.
The Penultimate Chance Saloon (2006)
A standalone novel that explores relationships and personal complications with Brett’s characteristic wit.
The Tomb in Turkey (2014)
Although commonly listed among the Fethering mysteries, this title is worth noting for readers looking for the series’ more travel-oriented investigations. It belongs in the Fethering reading order rather than the standalone list.
8. Short Stories, Anthologies, and Other Writing
Not everything Simon Brett has published is a full-length crime novel. He has written short stories, comedy, plays, children’s books, and nonfiction, and has edited or contributed to multi-author anthologies.
A Box of Tricks (1985)
A collection of short stories that gives readers a chance to explore Brett’s shorter fiction.
Crime Writers and Other Animals (1997)
A collection of stories reflecting Brett’s interest in crime writing and the people who inhabit its world.
A Crime in Rhyme, and Other Mysterious Fragments (2000)
A collection of short, playful pieces combining mystery and literary humor.
Lines of Enquiry, and Other Literary Oddities (2002)
Another collection of literary and humorous fragments, useful for readers interested in Brett beyond his detective novels.
Seriously Funny, and Other Oxymorons (2017)
A humorous work exploring language and contradiction through Brett’s characteristic comic perspective.
The Sinking Admiral (2016)
A collaborative crime novel written by members of the Detection Club and edited by Simon Brett. It is a group project rather than a solo novel.
Readers interested in Brett’s radio and television work may also explore After Henry, which began as a comedy series. His theatrical writing includes mystery plays and stage adaptations, so his bibliography extends well beyond novels.
Which Simon Brett Series Should You Read First?
The best series depends on the type of mystery you enjoy.
- For classic British crime and show-business humor: Start with Cast, in Order of Disappearance, the first Charles Paris novel.
- For cozy village mysteries: Begin with The Body on the Beach, which introduces Carole Seddon and Jude.
- For an unconventional widow detective: Try A Nice Class of Corpse, the first Mrs Pargeter novel.
- For lighthearted comic mysteries: Start with Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter.
- For a modern amateur detective with an unusual profession: Read The Clutter Corpse, the first Decluttering Mystery.
- For a new village detective series: Begin with Major Bricket and the Circus Corpse.
If you are unsure where to begin, Fethering is an especially accessible choice. Carole and Jude’s partnership provides a consistent thread through the novels, while each book centers on its own mystery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books has Simon Brett written?
Simon Brett’s official bibliography lists more than 120 published titles across novels, short-story collections, plays, comedy, children’s books, nonfiction, and collaborative works. The total depends on whether anthologies, reissues, and shorter works are counted separately.
What was Simon Brett’s first book?
Cast, in Order of Disappearance, published in 1975, was his first Charles Paris mystery and the first book in his best-known crime series.
Should I read Simon Brett books in publication order?
For each series, yes. Publication order is the simplest way to follow recurring characters and their development. Most of the mysteries can be understood individually, but reading in order provides additional context.
How many Charles Paris books are there?
There are 20 main Charles Paris novels in the current series bibliography, beginning with Cast, in Order of Disappearance and ending with A Deadly Habit.
How many Fethering books are there?
There are 22 Fethering mysteries, from The Body on the Beach (2000) to Death in the Dressing Room (2025).
What is the latest Simon Brett book?
As of October 2026, the newest books on his official bibliography are A Disorganised Death, the fifth Decluttering Mystery, and Major Bricket and the Body in the Bell Tower, the second Major Bricket mystery.
Are Simon Brett’s books cozy mysteries?
Many of his books fit comfortably within traditional British mystery fiction, particularly Fethering and Mrs Pargeter. However, his work also includes darker crime novels, psychological thrillers, comic mysteries, and other genres.
Can I read the Charles Paris books as standalones?
Yes. Each book has its own investigation, and new readers can generally follow the central mystery without reading every previous installment. Starting at the beginning is still recommended if you want the fullest view of Charles’s career and personal life.
Are Blotto and Twinks books suitable for younger readers?
The Blotto and Twinks novels are comic historical mysteries with a lighter tone than many of Brett’s adult crime novels. They may appeal to a broad audience, but readers should check the content and publisher descriptions for individual books.
What is Simon Brett best known for?
He is best known for the Charles Paris, Fethering, Mrs Pargeter, and Blotto and Twinks mystery series. His career also includes radio and television comedy, stage plays, short fiction, and nonfiction.
Final Note
Simon Brett’s bibliography offers something for several kinds of mystery readers. Charles Paris is ideal for those who enjoy theatrical settings and dry humor, Fethering suits readers who like village mysteries and amateur sleuths, and Mrs Pargeter offers a more unconventional detective with unusual connections.
Start with the first book in whichever series appeals to you most, then follow its publication order. With decades of writing behind him, Brett offers a substantial reading list for anyone who enjoys British crime fiction.
Leave a Reply