The Clutter Corpse is the first book in the Decluttering Mysteries series by British author, Simon Brett. Ellen Curtis is an experienced declutter expert, but never yet has she come across a dead body. Recommended by her long-time friend, Hilary Boredean, a psychotherapist working with lifers at the point of release, Ellen goes to Maureen Ogden‘s flat late on Friday afternoon to assess what needs to be done in preparation for her son, Nate’s imminent release from Gradewell Open Prison.

With Maureen apparently in hospital, Ellen gets the keys from the Housing Authority, but she doesn’t get far before she discovers the mutilated body of a young woman and has to call the police, then spends a good portion of her evening convincing DI John Prendergast and his sidekick that her presence is coincidental to the murder.

Reading the newspaper story about the murder a few days later, Ellen is shocked to learn that she has met the victim. She had a very unsatisfactory encounter with Kerry Tallis and her dysfunctional family when she first started her Space Woman business: might some consider this a motive? Ellen is less surprised to learn that Nate Ogden failed to return from prison after visiting his mother, and being sought in connection with the murder.

In the interest of covering her own back and satisfying her curiosity, Ellen confers with a trusted associate who had also met the victim and learns some startling facts about her. When they debrief later, Hilary expresses doubts about Nate Ogden’s guilt. As the week progresses, Ellen continues to make subtle enquiries, but is distracted by a family crisis.

What an excellent start this book is to a new cosy mystery series: it is cleverly plotted with the requisite twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader guessing right up to the reveal. Ellen Curtis is a very likeable protagonist with her interesting job that includes a significant proportion of social work, and her entertaining inner monologue. Brett reveals snippets of her backstory gradually, working them seamlessly into the narrative. More of this cast of characters is eagerly anticipated.