Simon Brett’s mysteries often have a light touch and always entertain. Think of the Charles Paris novels about a slightly down-on-his-luck actor solving crimes or the Mrs. Pargeter books featuring a seemingly innocent widow with a surprisingly adventurous past.
If you enjoy that kind of British cozy mystery with a dash of humor and strong characters, you may be looking for authors who create something similar. Here are a few authors you might find interesting.
M.C. Beaton is a writer known for cozy mysteries with lively characters and clever plots. Readers who appreciate Simon Brett’s mysteries might enjoy Beaton’s “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death.”
This engaging book introduces Agatha Raisin, a spirited amateur detective who moves to a quiet English village to retire.
After entering a baking contest with a store-bought quiche, Agatha’s plan to impress her neighbors goes off the rails when the judge dies after tasting her dish. To clear her own name, Agatha investigates and discovers secrets and quirky personalities among the villagers.
Humorous dialogues, charming settings, and intriguing puzzles make An Agatha Raisin Mystery an enjoyable read that fans of Simon Brett could appreciate.
Readers who appreciate Simon Brett’s cozy mysteries filled with wit and gentle humor may also enjoy Alexander McCall Smith. His book, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” introduces Precious Ramotswe, a warm and wise private investigator in Botswana.
With delightful storytelling and engaging characters, McCall Smith reveals Precious Ramotswe’s clever approach to solving mysteries—from missing husbands to con artists. Each case unfolds in a laid-back style, full of insight into human nature and African traditions.
The warm, humorous tone and genuine compassion throughout the story offer readers a refreshing departure from darker crime fiction.
Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s mysteries might also appreciate Ellis Peters’ thoughtful and atmospheric tales. Peters is best known for the “Brother Cadfael” series, set in medieval England.
A great example is “A Morbid Taste for Bones,” the first novel introducing Brother Cadfael, a monk living in Shrewsbury Abbey. Cadfael isn’t your typical monk—he’s a former crusader and a skilled herbalist who uses his worldly experience to unravel mysteries.
In this story, Cadfael becomes involved in the Abbey’s plans to relocate the relics of a Welsh saint, which leads to a suspicious death.
Ellis Peters crafts a clever plot filled with detailed historical settings and memorable characters, perfect for readers who like thoughtful crime fiction with a touch of history.
Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s clever mysteries full of quirky characters and sharp plot twists may also find a lot to love in Agatha Christie’s classic detective stories.
Christie is famous for her intricate murder mysteries and memorable detective figures such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
In “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” Christie presents a unique case narrated by Dr. Sheppard, a village doctor who becomes Poirot’s partner as they investigate the murder of wealthy Roger Ackroyd.
The quiet English village setting, the hidden secrets, and Christie’s brilliant twist-ending combine into a mystery you’ll think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
Dorothy L. Sayers was an English crime writer famous for her clever detective stories featuring Lord Peter Wimsey. If you enjoy Simon Brett’s mysteries that blend humor and wit, you’ll probably appreciate Sayers’ book “Whose Body?”.
This story introduces the intriguing Lord Peter Wimsey—an amateur detective who stumbles on a curious case. A body appears in a bathtub, wearing nothing but a pair of expensive glasses, while a wealthy financier vanishes without a trace the same night.
Lord Peter untangles clues and follows an amusing cast of characters through twists and surprises that keep readers curious until the last page.
P.G. Wodehouse is a master of sharp humor and engaging farce, perfect for readers who enjoy the comedic mysteries of Simon Brett.
His novel “The Code of the Woosters” introduces Bertie Wooster, a hapless and charmingly clueless gentleman, whose schemes consistently end up tangled.
Bertie’s loyal and ever-resourceful valet Jeeves steers him expertly through trouble, mishaps, and misunderstandings involving eccentric relatives, stolen cow-creamers, and overbearing magistrates.
The playful narrative cleverly weaves intrigue and wit, providing delightful surprises on every page. Fans of clever dialogue and humorous scenarios filled with quirky characters will enjoy Wodehouse’s memorable creation.
Cyril Hare was an English mystery writer who specialized in smart, character-driven detective stories with a witty edge. If you enjoy Simon Brett’s clever mysteries and well-crafted plots, then Hare’s “An English Murder” might be a great choice.
The story takes place in a snowbound country estate during Christmas, where a wealthy family gathers as tensions rise beneath a refined exterior. Events quickly turn darker when someone is murdered.
Hare gives his detective, Dr. Bottwink, a keen sense of social observation and sharp logic, creating an intriguing puzzle set among well-defined characters.
The book captures English social mores and class tensions with humor and insight that many Simon Brett readers would likely appreciate.
If you enjoy Simon Brett’s witty and charming mysteries, Marion Chesney (also known as M.C. Beaton) might be a perfect discovery. Chesney’s writing style blends cozy mystery, humor, and intriguing plots effortlessly.
For instance, her book “Death of a Gossip” introduces readers to the quirky Scottish village of Lochdubh and its laid-back constable, Hamish Macbeth.
When a nosy and unpleasant gossip columnist meets an untimely end during a local fishing school event, Hamish must sort through the villagers’ secrets to solve the crime.
Chesney’s warm characters and clever storytelling make this book enjoyable for those who appreciate Simon Brett’s engaging mysteries and lively character interactions.
Books by Margery Allingham are perfect for readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s blend of humor, mystery, and memorable characters.
Allingham is best known for her detective Albert Campion, an eccentric yet capable amateur sleuth who solves intriguing mysteries in an elegant English setting.
In “The Crime at Black Dudley,” Campion makes his debut at a remote country house, where guests gather for what they think is just a weekend party. Instead, they find themselves trapped inside a sinister game that leads to murder.
Campion arrives as an odd but charismatic figure who cleverly navigates danger and suspicion to unravel the puzzling events. The story combines suspense and wit, giving readers a satisfying mystery with a classic British charm.
Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s clever detective novels might find Ngaio Marsh equally engaging. Marsh was a celebrated author from New Zealand known for her sharp wit, memorable characters, and intricate whodunits featuring Inspector Roderick Alleyn.
In “A Man Lay Dead,” Marsh introduces readers to Alleyn as he investigates a murder committed during a weekend party game gone terribly wrong.
Set in a classic English country house, the plot creates suspense through multiple suspects, secret motives, and hidden tensions—perfect for fans of carefully constructed mysteries.
If you enjoy Simon Brett’s cozy mysteries set in charming English villages, Ann Purser might be your next favorite author. Her book “Murder on Monday” introduces Lois Meade, a practical, no-nonsense house cleaner who finds herself involved in solving local crimes.
Lois discovers clues hidden behind closed doors and beneath the comfortable facade of village life. The story offers a mix of quirky neighbors, suspicious behavior, and a cleverly unfolded mystery.
Purser brings warmth, humor, and a touch of suspense to an engaging plot you’ll settle into comfortably.
If you enjoy Simon Brett’s cozy mysteries with a touch of humor, Carola Dunn might be a perfect match for your bookshelf. Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple series, set in the 1920s, blends intrigue and charm in a style readers of Brett will appreciate.
In “Death at Wentwater Court,” Daisy visits an elegant estate to write an article for a magazine, but soon stumbles upon a suspicious death. Her curiosity draws her into the investigation alongside the patient and methodical Inspector Alec Fletcher.
This witty murder mystery features delightful characters, excellent period detail, and a gently suspenseful plot you’ll find hard to put down.
Rhys Bowen is a great choice for readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s cozy mysteries with humor and well-drawn characters. Bowen’s mystery series “Her Royal Spyness” combines charm, wit, and intrigue in 1930s London.
The first book, also titled “Her Royal Spyness,” introduces Lady Georgiana, a penniless royal who must fend for herself without servants or money.
When a murder accusation falls upon her brother, Georgiana cleverly uncovers clues throughout high-society parties and exclusive clubs.
Bowen provides vivid period detail, sharp dialogue, and gentle satire on aristocratic life, which makes the story entertaining from start to finish. Fans of Simon Brett’s fun mysteries set within British society will appreciate Bowen’s engaging storytelling and consistent humor.
Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s clever blend of mystery and humor will find a similar charm in Catherine Aird’s detective stories. Known for her Inspector Sloan series, Aird crafts witty, well-plotted mysteries set in English villages full of quirky characters.
In “The Religious Body,” Inspector Sloan investigates the puzzling murder of a nun at a convent isolated from the outside world. Sloan must piece together subtle clues, unravel contradictions, and navigate the unique challenges of convent life.
Fans of methodical puzzle solving and gentle satire will appreciate the thoughtful plotting and amusing observations found throughout Aird’s novels.
Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s clever mysteries filled with wit and charm may appreciate Elizabeth Peters. Peters combines archaeology, humor, and quirky detective stories beautifully.
One of her most entertaining novels is “Crocodile on the Sandbank,” featuring Amelia Peabody, a fiercely independent woman in Victorian times.
Amelia travels to Egypt, meets a host of lively characters, and soon discovers herself caught in an intriguing case involving unexplained events, archaeological digs, and even a mysterious mummy.
With sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and a satisfying plot, Peters crafts a mystery that’s both playful and absorbing.