If you enjoy reading novels by Simon Brett then you might also like the following authors:
M.C. Beaton wrote entertaining mystery novels filled with humor and interesting characters. She became popular for her detective series featuring Agatha Raisin.
In “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death,” Agatha moves from the busy London life to a calm English village but finds herself at the center of suspicion after a baking contest causes the death of a local judge.
The investigation tests her amateur sleuthing skills and exposes hidden secrets within the village community. Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s humorous mysteries may also appreciate Beaton’s amusing style and lively detective adventures.
Alexander McCall Smith writes gentle mysteries filled with humor and warmth. His famous book “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” introduces Precious Ramotswe, a detective in Botswana who solves everyday cases with sensitivity.
In one case, Mma Ramotswe cleverly deals with suspicions about a husband’s fidelity, and in another she quietly investigates a missing boy.
Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s calm yet amusing style may appreciate Smith’s relaxed rhythm and thoughtful storytelling in a unique African setting.
Ellis Peters was a British mystery author who wrote the popular Brother Cadfael series. Her stories take place in medieval England and feature Cadfael, a Benedictine monk who solves crimes.
In the novel “A Morbid Taste for Bones,” Brother Cadfael travels to a Welsh village to collect the bones of Saint Winifred. But when a local villager turns up dead, Cadfael suspects foul play.
He carefully looks for clues within his quiet monastic community and the cautious village residents. Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s mysteries might appreciate the thoughtful way Peters builds her characters and cleverly plots out her mysteries.
Agatha Christie wrote mysteries in a clear, easy-reading style. One of her popular books is “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” The story takes place in a quiet English village where someone murdered Roger Ackroyd. Hercule Poirot steps in to solve the case.
Christie included many interesting details and clues that let readers try guessing the murderer. Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s cozy mysteries would likely enjoy “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”
Dorothy L. Sayers was an English fiction writer known for her clever detective stories and carefully plotted mysteries. If you enjoy Simon Brett’s well-paced, humorous mysteries, you might find Sayers’ books enjoyable too.
A good example to start with is “Whose Body?”, which introduces Lord Peter Wimsey as a witty amateur detective. The story opens when a stranger’s body unexpectedly appears in a bathtub.
Wimsey soon becomes involved in solving the case with the help of his valet, Bunter, who has his own special talents. Through lively dialogue and entertaining characters, the novel leads readers through puzzling details toward an engaging solution.
If you’ve enjoyed Simon Brett’s humorous and entertaining detective stories, you might also like P.G. Wodehouse’s novels. Wodehouse wrote books filled with humor and clever situations set mostly among English high society. One good example is “The Code of the Woosters.”
The story follows Bertie Wooster and his trusted servant Jeeves as they deal with strange problems caused by Bertie’s family and friends. Bertie must retrieve a silver cow-shaped cream pitcher from a pushy antique collector.
As usual, things go wrong quickly, and Jeeves steps in to keep Bertie out of real trouble. If you like amusing plots, sharp dialogue, and funny character interactions, you might enjoy reading “The Code of the Woosters.”
Cyril Hare was an English crime writer who wrote smart detective novels set in the classic style. Readers familiar with Simon Brett might find Hare appealing due to his well-crafted plots and subtle humor.
One good example is “An English Murder,” which follows a group of guests stuck in a country house during Christmas as a snowstorm blocks all ways out. Tensions rise after the host, Lord Warbeck, is found dead.
A guest named Dr. Bottwink, a sharp-minded historian with a dry wit, steps up to unravel the crime. The story moves at a steady pace, puzzles the reader with its clues and offers a satisfying conclusion.
Marion Chesney wrote many cozy mysteries filled with clever characters and entertaining plots. Her book “Death of a Gossip” introduces a small Scottish village policeman named Hamish Macbeth. Hamish solves crimes quietly and cleverly, without trying to stand out.
In this story, during a local fishing school in the Scottish Highlands, a rude gossip columnist is found murdered. Hamish must look into the personal lives of villagers and visitors to find the killer.
The mystery has good humor, plenty of charm, and characters easy to care about. If you’ve enjoyed Simon Brett’s mysteries, especially the easy-going approach and sharp wit of his detective stories, Marion Chesney offers something similar in “Death of a Gossip.”
If you’re a fan of Simon Brett and enjoy reading traditional English mysteries, Margery Allingham may appeal to you as well. Her detective Albert Campion has humor, charm and cleverness. A good start is “The Crime at Black Dudley.”
In this story Campion finds himself in an old English country house—a common setting for a murder mystery. What begins as a casual weekend game with friends quickly goes wrong; the supposed harmless dagger ritual turns into murder.
The characters soon realize they are trapped in the house. Campion then uses his wit and detective skills to unravel events, reveal dark motives and solve the crime.
Ngaio Marsh was a crime writer from New Zealand who created the detective Roderick Alleyn. Alleyn is a bit like Simon Brett’s Charles Paris, sophisticated but approachable, and Marsh’s books often feature smart dialogue and carefully thought-out plots.
In her novel “A Man Lay Dead,” guests at a country house play a mock murder game, but suddenly the game turns real when someone actually ends up dead. Inspector Alleyn arrives on the scene to find each guest has secrets and a strong motive for murder.
Marsh puts together an intelligent puzzle, and readers will find the investigation smooth and satisfying.
If you enjoy Simon Brett’s cozy mysteries set in small English towns, you may also like Ann Purser’s books. Ann Purser writes the “Lois Meade” mystery series which often centers around village life and everyday family issues. One title in this series is “Murder on Monday.”
It follows Lois Meade, a house cleaner and amateur sleuth who keeps an eye on the quiet community she works in. When a local murder occurs, Lois finds herself caught up in the investigation, even though solving crimes is not part of her normal housekeeping duties.
The story has lots of quirky characters and detailed village scenes that fans of Simon Brett’s work would probably appreciate.
Carola Dunn writes mysteries set mostly in England during the 1920s. Her style is cozy and easy-going, perfect for readers who have enjoyed Simon Brett’s crime novels.
In “Death at Wentwater Court,” Daisy Dalrymple arrives at a wealthy family’s country estate to write a magazine article. Soon a quiet weekend turns complicated when one guest ends up dead.
Daisy starts asking questions and discovers secrets hidden beneath polite manners and fancy dinners. Dunn’s stories feel friendly and entertaining, built around interesting characters and clever puzzles.
Rhys Bowen writes mysteries that are gentle and entertaining, similar to Simon Brett. In her book “Her Royal Spyness,” Bowen introduces Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a young woman who is far down the royal line but struggles financially.
Set in London during the early 1930s, the story follows Georgiana as she tries to make a living quietly. When someone turns up dead at her home, suspicion falls on Georgiana herself. She decides to investigate secretly to clear her name and find the real culprit.
The story is filled with humor, charm and an enjoyable cast of aristocratic characters.
Catherine Aird is a British author who writes crime novels with engaging mysteries and subtle wit. In her novel “The Religious Body,” Inspector Sloan arrives at a convent to handle a difficult task.
A nun has been murdered, and Sloan must uncover what really happened inside a peaceful, quiet place that is not always as it appears. Sloan interviews nuns, questions their accounts, and notices small details others overlook.
Fans of Simon Brett who enjoy his puzzle-style mysteries and careful police work will find “The Religious Body” entertaining and clever.
Elizabeth Peters wrote mystery novels with a good sense of humor and memorable characters. Her book “Crocodile on the Sandbank” introduces readers to Amelia Peabody, an archaeologist in Victorian times who travels to Egypt.
In Egypt, Amelia finds herself involved in a mystery around a mummy that appears to come alive. The story has funny dialogue, clever clues and plenty of interesting historical details.
Readers who enjoy Simon Brett’s entertaining style and character interactions will likely find Elizabeth Peters’ novels enjoyable too.