Brett has a bit of fun with the political system, the aristocracy of the Brits, and the people most of us worship in one way or another: the aging pop stars who take the place of royalty in this country and the forever updated reality TV stars. If you are a fan of Sunday night PBS TV, and the Upstairs /Downstairs show and To the Manor Born, you will like this book immensely.

The Hanging in the Hotel brings together the Pillars (an English businessmen's society) and a historic hotel and some rather wayward spirits who just won't be stilled, or rather won't be lured out into daylight and would more preferably be restless in the darkness. Some think the death is a suicide, but from the very start, Jude doesn't think so. She has to go about proving what she is thinking.

Carole, Jude's friend and reluctant partner in this escapade, rustles up a flirtation with one of the Pillars in order to find out what is really happening. They both get more than they bargained for and the suicide turns into murder. All in all, a very charming, entertaining read, that will not put a person into la-la land. Enjoyable and easy, but with lots of subtle depth.

Brett has a way of writing that makes one want to read more, so grab the next one or the one before this (there are quite a few to chose from), and you will have something good to read well into the end of the year and all the while you will feel a sort of coziness and a very real longing to visit the places he writes about.