The Body on the Beach by Simon Brett

# Of book read so far this year: 7
Title: The Body on the Beach
Author: Simon Brett
Year Published: 2000
Rating (1-10): 9
Date Finished: 02/17/09
Genre: Fiction, cozy mystery
# Of pages: 312
Where did the book come from: PBS
Series: Fethering Mysteries #1

Blurb: Sensible Carole Seddon doesn't have the tolerance to deal with her new bohemian next-door neighbor, Jude, who is quite her opposite in temperment and personality. But Jude doesn't seem so bad when Carole discovers another addition to the neighborhood-a dead body on the beach bearing two wounds on its neck. The odd couple join forces to find the murderer despite the fact that the police force would rather they not be involved.

Other reviews: "A pair of sleuths who are winning enough to make the reader invite them back for more....Holmes and Watson with a dash of Laurel and Hardy." (Toronto Star)

"An impressive debut, marked by the usual attention to wit and detail." (Library Journal)

"The characters are wonderful, and their silliness quite engrossing." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

My Comments: This was a terrific British cozy mystery full of subtle humor (such as the first sentence: "Fethering is on the South Coast, not far from Tarring."). There were many juicy red herrings and more than one body-- one's identity which wasn't revealed until near the end. I especially enjoyed the contrast of the two main characters, Carole and Jude. Carole is staid and very organized in her manner whilst Jude is laid-back and more fluid and untidy. I love the different ways they investigate and I can't wait to read the second in this series, Death on the Downs. Very highly recommended!