Read Simon Brett Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 15, 2026

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Simon Brett is a celebrated British author, renowned for his engrossing mysteries and character-driven novels. His books have captivated readers for decades, offering a unique blend of wit, suspense, and intrigue that makes them stand out in the crowded field of detective fiction. While he is perhaps best known for his popular Fethering Mysteries and Charles Paris Mysteries series, Simon Brett’s writing reaches beyond mere crime-solving. His work delves deeply into the intricacies of human nature, relationships, and the small yet telling details of everyday life. Brett’s writing is often praised for its layered plots, memorable characters, and masterful dialogue.

In this guide, we will explore the world of Simon Brett’s books, taking a closer look at his distinct narrative style, his various series, and the order in which to read them. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan of his work, understanding the reading order and the essence of his series will enrich your reading experience.

List Of Simon Brett Books In Order

More On Simon Brett Books In Chronological Order

1. The Body on the Beach (1987)

The first book in the popular ’Fethering’ series introduces us to Carole Seddon, a somewhat staid woman who, while walking on the beach, discovers a dead body. The quirky and unexpectedly adventurous Carole teams up with her far more eccentric neighbor, Jude, to solve the mystery. The book blends classic British cozy mystery vibes with a bit of an edge. It sets the tone for the series, offering a witty, character-driven narrative and a solid mystery to keep you hooked.

2. Death in Devon (1991)

The second installment in the Fethering series takes Carole and Jude out of their quiet coastal town to the picturesque county of Devon. They get embroiled in another puzzling case when Carole’s brother is implicated in a death, and the two women must piece together clues from a tangled family history. Simon Brett’s knack for creating endearing characters and weaving in dark humor really shines here, making it another delightful read for fans of the series.

3. The Hanging in the Hotel (1993)

Carole and Jude find themselves once again caught up in a mystery, this time in the posh setting of a hotel. A guest is found dead under suspicious circumstances, and as usual, Carole’s methodical nature clashes with Jude’s more impulsive approach to sleuthing. It’s a fun, engaging mystery, full of twists and a bit of sharp British wit that Simon Brett is known for.

4. The Graveyard of the Hesperides (2004)

This title is part of Brett’s ’The Cherringham’ series and is a delightful, quirky entry into the world of amateur sleuths. This one dives deep into ancient mysteries and legends, with the graveyard serving as a key to uncovering a centuries-old secret. Brett manages to take historical intrigue and weave it into a modern-day mystery, giving fans a good dose of suspense, charm, and cleverness.

5. Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess (2011)

In this standalone comedy-mystery, Brett introduces us to Blotto, a charming, wealthy young man, and his much more intelligent sister, Twinks. Together, they uncover a baffling murder involving a dowager duchess. Brett’s humor and sharp wit are on full display here, with a tone reminiscent of classic British mysteries but with a more contemporary, slapstick twist. It’s a delightful read with plenty of lighthearted moments amidst the intrigue.

Background On Simon Brett Books

Simon Brett began his career as a writer in the 1970s, making his name initially in the world of radio before transitioning to writing novels. His first series, the Charles Paris Mysteries, introduced readers to the eponymous amateur sleuth, a down-on-his-luck actor who finds himself embroiled in various murder investigations. Brett’s background in radio drama and theatre provides the perfect foundation for creating well-rounded characters who thrive in dialogue-heavy narratives and the kind of whodunnit mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Following the success of Charles Paris, Brett introduced another beloved series, the Fethering Mysteries, which showcases two protagonists, Carole Seddon and Jude, who form an unlikely detective partnership in the small seaside town of Fethering. This series, while retaining the trademark mystery and suspense that readers expect, adds a layer of social commentary on small-town life and the often complex relationships that define it.

What sets Simon Brett apart from other writers in the genre is his ability to combine lighthearted humor with darker, more serious themes. His characters are often flawed, deeply human, and complex, making his books much more than just "whodunnit" novels. They explore themes of identity, self-worth, love, loss, and the passage of time. These themes, alongside Brett’s knack for creating vivid settings and clever plots, make his books a delightful yet thought-provoking read.

Reading Order Explained

The structure of Simon Brett’s books can be slightly daunting for new readers, especially with his two most prominent series – Charles Paris and Fethering Mysteries – each spanning multiple novels. To help make sense of his work, it’s important to understand the correct reading order for each series.

Charles Paris Mysteries

The Charles Paris Mysteries is the longer of Brett’s two major series, beginning with Casting Off in 1975. It follows Charles Paris, a failing actor who, despite his career struggles, has a knack for finding himself at the center of murder investigations. The series is beloved for its dark humor, sharply drawn characters, and behind-the-scenes look at the world of theatre and television.

While the books can be enjoyed individually, the series has a running progression with Charles’s life, career, and personal challenges evolving over time. The novels’ tone ranges from lighthearted to more serious, with each book revolving around a different murder case – often related to the theatrical world.

The reading order for the Charles Paris Mysteries is as follows:

1. Casting Off (1975)
2. Dead Giveaway (1977)
3. The Pantomime (1979)
4. The Body on the Beach (1981)
5. The Alchemist’s Apprentice (2003)
6. The Scent of Danger (2004)
7. The Graveyard Position (2005)
8. The Stabbing in the Stables (2006)
9. The Case of the Missing Wife (2012)
10. A Deadly Habit (2014)
11. Murder in the Museum (2015)
12. A Fatal Inversion (2021)

The series continues to evolve, and the later books, while still centered around murder mysteries, take a more personal approach to Charles’s life and career.

Fethering Mysteries

The Fethering Mysteries series, by contrast, begins with The Body on the Beach in 2000. The books feature Carole Seddon, a retired civil servant who has relocated to the coastal town of Fethering, and her unlikely companion, Jude, a free-spirited woman with a mysterious past. Together, they solve crimes while navigating their own complex, often amusing, relationship.

What makes this series stand out is the setting – Fethering is a quiet, picturesque seaside town with its own set of quirky characters and secrets. As with the Charles Paris books, each entry focuses on a different mystery, but the central relationship between Carole and Jude adds a delightful dynamic, blending humor, suspense, and an exploration of friendship.

The Fethering Mysteries reading order is:

1. The Body on the Beach (2000)
2. Death in Store (2001)
3. The Killings at Kingfisher Hill (2002)
4. The Stabbing in the Stables (2003)
5. The Hanging at the Aegis (2004)
6. The Dying Game (2005)
7. A Scent of Scandal (2006)
8. The Woman in the Mirror (2007)
9. The Killing in the Village (2009)
10. The Day of the Dead (2010)

As with Charles Paris, the Fethering Mysteries can be read as stand-alone novels, but the relationships and character development grow across the series.

What I Like About The Series?

There’s a lot to love about Simon Brett’s writing. What stands out most for me is his ability to blend humor and suspense in a way that few other authors can. His mysteries are engaging not just because of the puzzles they present, but because they offer a glimpse into the lives and minds of his well-drawn characters.

The Charles Paris series, for example, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre world, with all its eccentricities, rivalries, and drama. Brett’s take on the life of an actor is both insightful and hilarious. His depiction of Charles Paris as a man who is often his own worst enemy is both sympathetic and amusing.

In the Fethering Mysteries, I appreciate the dynamic between Carole and Jude. Their contrasting personalities make for a delightful pairing, with Carole’s more methodical approach to life balanced by Jude’s spontaneous, often unpredictable behavior. Their evolving friendship and the way they complement each other adds emotional depth to what might otherwise be a standard detective series.

Brett’s settings, whether it’s the glittering world of theatre or the small-town charm of Fethering, also contribute to the appeal. He excels at creating atmospheres that draw the reader in – his settings feel almost like characters in themselves.

Should You Read Simon Brett Books In Order?

While Simon Brett’s books can generally be enjoyed individually, reading them in order provides a richer experience. In the Charles Paris Mysteries, for example, following the progression of Charles’s career and personal life creates a deeper connection with the character and gives more context to the later books. Similarly, the evolving relationship between Carole and Jude in the Fethering Mysteries is better appreciated when read sequentially.

However, if you’re not keen on starting from the very beginning, you can certainly dive into any book in either series and still enjoy the plot and character dynamics. For new readers, the Charles Paris books are great for fans of classic mystery and theatre, while the Fethering Mysteries might be more appealing if you’re drawn to small-town settings and the complexities of friendship.