The Poisoning in the Pub

The Poisoning in the Pub by Simon Brett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ted Crisp’s pub, the Crown and Anchor, starts experiencing an unfortunate run of setbacks. First a bout of food poisoning, then an influx of rowdy bikers, who adopt it as their local. Amateur sleuth Carole Seddon and her sleuthing friend-and-neighbour Jude begin to suspect that someone is orchestrating a campaign of dirty tricks against Ted, a campaign that includes a person being stabbed to death on the premises. But who is behind it and why?

I think I enjoyed this even more than Bones Under the Beach Hut. As a Learning Disabilities teacher, I was particularly impressed by the way Brett drew three of his characters, each of whom has a learning difficulty. I could recognize them all.

I would happily read more of this series, if I can find the time. But that’s just my own humble opinion…what do you think? Do let me know! Read for my 2015 Goodreads reading challenge.


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Bones Under the Beach Hut

Bones Under the Beach Hut by Simon Brett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It’s a very light read, but I loved it. Simon Brett makes the process of writing look effortless.

Amateur sleuth Carole Seddon takes over the use of a beach hut on snooty Smalting beach, only to set in motion a grisly discovery: there are human remains buried beneath it. She and her new age friend Jude investigate, uncovering everybody’s dirty little secrets in the process.

In my favourite part of the book, Carole discovers that one of her neighbours is secretly a writer—well, not quite a writer but a would be writer. It’s a hilarious, cheeky snipe. Oh, he got it so right! If I were to tell you about it, however, it would spoil you discovering it for yourself.

I would happily read more in this series, and probably will.

But that’s just my own humble opinion…what do you think? Do let me know! Read for the Crime & Thrillers reading group that I attend at Canada Water Library, and also for my 2015 Goodreads reading challenge.


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