Kristin's Bookshelf

A Disorganised Death
by Simon Brett
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my first book in The Decluttering Mysteries series, and I have some thoughts.

Let’s start with the audiobook. I really wish I had read this one instead. Simon Brett narrates in first person as Ellen, and while he has a lovely voice, it just didn’t land for me as a middle-aged woman. It pulled me out of the story more than once. Add in some distracting production issues (sniffling, throat clearing, mouth sounds), and it made for a less-than-ideal listening experience.

Now the story itself …

I was 76% of the way through before I felt fully invested. That’s a tough sell. The frustrating part? The last quarter was actually really strong. I just wish that energy had been there from the beginning.

There’s a lot happening here. There are multiple mysteries, complicated family dynamics, touches on racism (care of Fleur), Ben’s mental health struggles, Ellen’s budding romance, and a pretty significant violation of trust within Jules and Tyrique’s relationship. At times, it felt like the book was trying to do too much without going deep enough into any one thread.

The family dynamics especially felt … off. Lots of interaction, but not much warmth or connection, which made it hard to fully buy into their relationships.

That said, the dual mysteries involving the wills were wrapped up in two completely different and satisfying ways, which I appreciated. And again, that final stretch really delivered.

Would I continue the series? Maybe. But next time, I’m picking up a physical copy.

(And forgive any misspelled names … audiobook life.)