The Witness at the Wedding

Carole Seddon is caught up in the pending marriage of her son Steven, although she is a bit put out that her ex-husband David is also involved, indeed is involved more than she is. Their frequent encounters related to the wedding keep reminding her just why they divorced, but she tries to keep things civil for the sake of her son and Gaby, his fiancée. Meanwhile, Jude is dealing with Gina, an old journalist friend who has fallen into despair and is recovering from a suicide attempt. When Gaby’s father is suddenly murdered in a manner that recalls a tragedy in Gaby’s family some 30 years previously, Carole is eager to investigate and Jude thinks the situation just might help Gina recover her self-confidence. But all that is before show more another murder occurs…. The sixth book in the Fethering series is rather more domestic than the previous ones, not surprisingly as it revolves around Carole’s family and soon-to-be in-laws. She seems to be relaxing a bit more, except around her ex-husband, which is good as she can be a bit of an annoying character with all of her neuroses. We again learn a bit more about the mysterious Jude, and her activities continue to intrigue. I guessed the identity of the criminal fairly early on, but I enjoyed the way the characters slowly figured it out. I’ll definitely keep reading this series; recommended. show less

The opening sentence made me wince:

'Oh, I didn't tell you there's a history of murder in my fiancée's family, did I?'

To me, this seemed clumsy and overly provocative: not a good start. But then, I was already anticipating something a bit dull, since this is 'cosy crime': the sixth in the 'Fethering Mysteries' series, in which two retired women solve crimes by chatting to criminals over large glasses of wine in the local pub. Charged with reading this for my Crime Fiction group, I was really worried that it wouldn't be my cup of tea, and the alliteration in the title (which is true of all the titles in this series) almost convinced me that it would be mass produced rubbish. Clearly, I felt, the writer had spent more time on creating a show more 'clever' title than on a good opening sentence, which never bodes well for the story within. However, the other choices looked far worse, so I grabbed this one quick and prepared for a Midsomer-Murders-esque read. Actually, I really quite like the odd dose of Midsomer Murders, so I was in a fairly positive mood and prepared to suspend some disbelief...

Carole Seddon, the main amateur detective, is an awkward divorcee who is finding it a bit easier to get on with her estranged grown-up son now that he has a fiancée in tow - the lovely Gaby. Gaby, however, clearly does not want to discuss the 'history of murder' which Stephen alludes to at a polite family lunch. Carole is intrigued, but being a thoughtful woman obsessed with the polite nuances of social interaction, she decides that there will be plenty of time to get to know all about Gaby's background, and worries about where the wedding will be held instead. (From my own experience at the moment, I know that weddings are a great topic to fall back on whenever the conversation gets a bit awkward or dries up altogether. 'So...how's it all going?' is a question I've come to dread, albeit because the answer is usually 'no further since last time you asked, actually'.)
Carole's middle class sensibilities make her dreadfully afraid that the wedding might take place in - whisper it - Essex, of all unseemly places, but fortunately, Gaby and her family are keen to hold it in the much more acceptable Worthing, even though it's quite far from where they live. In fact, they're keen to keep it all as quiet as possible, and Gaby's parents are extraordinarily introverted, barely speaking to poor Carole, who awkwardly tries to play nice at an uncomfortable lunch and engagement party.

The blurb reveals the key plot incident that allows our nosy amateur to really get involved in her future daughter-in-law's life: the death of Gaby's father in a burnt out car, and a threat to Gaby herself. Gradually our insistent do-gooder interrogates what remains of Gaby's strange family, and becomes the subject of reluctant and increasingly revealing confidences. Along the way there are some mildly amusing episodes: drinks with a twitchy criminal in the local pub, a warning phone call from the real Detective in charge of the case and an almost unbelievably stereotypical chat with a very gentleman-like prisoner. On the whole, the action is so sedate it's almost funny in itself, especially after the murderer is revealed and - after a short action sequence - Carole gets to relax over a polite meal again.

Middle class preoccupations abound in this novel and Carole is, for instance, not a racist, but simply a woman of a certain age who has been brought up with certain expectations. Given that, the hinges the plot swing on are not surprising, although the murderer's casual justifications seem slightly unreal. I also found the villain was quite predictable, although that might simply be because I have read/watched so many crime capers. It's a gentle read, somewhat balanced by Carole's friend Jude, who investigates alongside her friend, but gets ever so slightly less screen time.

Jude is a hippy - according to Carole. It is amusing to observe their interactions and the distaste Carole has for her friend's occupation, although it made me feel like shaking her by the shoulders and telling her not to be so damned snobby. Jude's more personal, tactile approach is also important in solving the case, as is an old friend of hers, who stirs up a great deal of jealousy in Carole and adds a 'dealing with mental illness' element to the novel.

Overall, I found this a relaxing read and Jude's personable nature balanced out most of Carole's irritating ways. Gaby's history is unremarkable when revealed, but this really is Cosy Crime: there is no bad language here and although danger hovers, you know it'll never really harm the main characters. I haven't read any others in this series and did not feel like that was a problem; this seems to be a discrete addition to an average series, and although I'm not inspired to read another one any time soon, I may do in the future, so something must have appealed! show less

Carole and Jude continue to fight crime without the help of the police. This time, in a story that picks up almost immediately where #5 left off, the two sleuths must (or want to) find out who wants to hurt Carole’s prospective daughter-in-law.

As cozy mysteries go, Fethering is one of the best; the detectives are flawed but earnest, and each installment is engaging – especially as read by Ralph Cosham.

This would be a five-star review, but I guessed the killer very early on, which is generally an automatic one-star reduction. Regardless, I recommend the book, and the series. It’s best to read #5, The Hanging in the Hotel, first, if possible.

Unfortunately, I'm not too keen on the inner machinations of characters. I'd rather been shown, than told that she inwardly winced at this and then that. The story itself was fine and a fun read. I found it interesting that the sidekick is written as practically perfect; gentle, understanding, easy to talk to, etc.. While the main protagonist is not just flawed- but almost unlikable- and I mean almost. She is very set in her ways, and that may be why I retract from her. Though I do agree with her feelings about her ex-husband.. it was difficult just READING his quotes.

I have previously read this in hard copy. The CDs in the series are read by the author, Simon Brett, and he does a fine job with characterisation. Carole Seddon's son Stephen and Gaby Martin announce their engagement and wedding plans get underway. But there is something murky about Gaby's family: they come from Essex, there are hints of murder, and of a person who has just been released from prison. Gaby's brother is a bit of a tearaway too, and then after the engagement party her father disappears. Harold Martin is found dead the next day and Gaby's flat is burgled. Jude and Carole of course get involved. Very satisfying cosy read.

This is the first I've read in the Feathering series and I will read more. The two main characters, neighbors who aren't alike at all, join up to solve a mystery. Interesting characters and a mystery that isn't easy to solve.

A casual read by a decent craftsman of the "cosy" English mystery. Fun.