The Clutter Corpse

Set in Chichester, England, this gentle series launch from Brett (the Fethering mysteries) introduces Ellen Curtis, a widow with two grown children who runs her own business called SpaceWoman, which offers decluttering and interior restyling. As Ellen goes about a typical workday, she chats engagingly about her clients, her friends, her actor mother, her children, her deceased husband, and her adventurous youth. However, her afternoon takes an unexpected turn when she stops in at the cluttered apartment of Maureen Ogden, whose grown son, Nate, has recently been released on parole from prison where he was serving time for his live-in girlfriend’s murder. Amid the stacked newspapers and piles of debris, Ellen finds the body of an emaciated young woman. Could Nate be the killer? Ellen decides to investigate. The languid lead-up to the body’s discovery turns out to be necessary preparation for another murder and the denouement. The appealing Ellen is fortunate to pursue a profession that allows her to enter into the homes and minds of her clients. She is sure to win many loyal fans. Agent: Lisa Moylett, CMM Agency (U.K.). (June)