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Charles Paris #19
The Cinderella Killer
Landing a minor part in the Empire Theatre Eastbourne's Christmas production of Cinderella, Charles Paris soon discovers that his main role is to gently introduce the show's baffled American star, famous sitcom actor Kenny Polizzi, to the bizarre customs of English pantomime.
During their convivial sessions in the local pub, Charles finds himself increasingly caught up in Polizzi's tangled affairs as the American fends off a vengeful soon-to-be-ex-wife, an obsessed groupie, and a barely-controlled drink problem. But Charles is about to be far more involved than he might wish when he stumbles across a body beneath Eastbourne Pier, a neat bullet hole in the centre of the forehead.
As the world's press descends on Eastbourne, the pantomime rehearsals descend into chaos and he himself comes under suspicion, it's up to Charles to put his renowned sleuthing skills to the test to find out who really killed his fellow cast member and why.
During their convivial sessions in the local pub, Charles finds himself increasingly caught up in Polizzi's tangled affairs as the American fends off a vengeful soon-to-be-ex-wife, an obsessed groupie, and a barely-controlled drink problem. But Charles is about to be far more involved than he might wish when he stumbles across a body beneath Eastbourne Pier, a neat bullet hole in the centre of the forehead.
As the world's press descends on Eastbourne, the pantomime rehearsals descend into chaos and he himself comes under suspicion, it's up to Charles to put his renowned sleuthing skills to the test to find out who really killed his fellow cast member and why.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2014
50 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Simon Brett
329 books532 followersSimon Brett is a prolific British writer of whodunnits.
He is the son of a Chartered Surveyor and was educated at Dulwich College and Wadham College, Oxford, where he got a first class honours degree in English.
He then joined the BBC as a trainee and worked for BBC Radio and London Weekend Television, where his work included 'Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and 'Frank Muir Goes Into ...'.
After his spells with the media he began devoting most of his time to writing from the late 1970s and is well known for his various series of crime novels.
He is married with three children and lives in Burpham, near Arundel, West Sussex, England. He is the current president of the Detection Club.
He is the son of a Chartered Surveyor and was educated at Dulwich College and Wadham College, Oxford, where he got a first class honours degree in English.
He then joined the BBC as a trainee and worked for BBC Radio and London Weekend Television, where his work included 'Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and 'Frank Muir Goes Into ...'.
After his spells with the media he began devoting most of his time to writing from the late 1970s and is well known for his various series of crime novels.
He is married with three children and lives in Burpham, near Arundel, West Sussex, England. He is the current president of the Detection Club.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 6, 2021
In this 19th book in the 'Charles Paris' series, the actor/amateur sleuth investigates deaths in the theater. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Charles Paris, stage actor and amateur sleuth, is cast in a pantomime (musical comedy/skit show) of "Cinderella" in Eastbourne.
The rest of the cast consists of semi-famous TV actors, veterans of the stage, dancers, a boxer, and the star of the show - American actor Kenny Polizzi who headlined a smash TV comedy years before. Kenny, who’s been known to abuse alcohol and drugs, is on the wagon and ending an acrimonious marriage.
Acting rehearsals for the pantomime are difficult, with cast members jostling for good lines and good skits while being given no guidance from the director/choreographer who only cares about dance routines.
Kenny, naturally, has carved out a large part for himself that includes bits and pieces from his old TV show.
Thus the set seethes with jealousy and hard feelings and – to top it off - a couple of the actors appear to have a unfortunate history with the star. To add to the mayhem, Kenny’s stalker and his hostile wife soon show up in Eastbourne - as does his agent, who’s been known to enable Kenny’s bad behavior.
Charles and Kenny become friendly, hitting the pub after rehearsals and chatting about life's travails. Charles behaves as he does in all the books in the series, drinking glass after glass of Bell's whiskey or beer and neglecting his estranged wife Frances.
Soon enough cast members start to die and Charles has the bad luck to find the bodies. He decides to help the police by doing his own investigation of the crimes.
Charles' antics are mildly amusing in this light mystery. The parts I liked best (and which made me laugh) were the snippets of critics' reviews of Charles' shows. Seems the poor guy hasn't done a good job yet. This is an okay mystery, a pleasant way to wile away a few hours.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
December 23, 2016
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b083r...Description: A job in Panto seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for Charles, but the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of Panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory. It's not long before the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation and Charles as always can't help doing some sleuthing of his own.
Charles Bill Nighy
Frances Suzanne Burden
November 22, 2017
Another in the short little books about Charles Paris, a second rate actor with a drinking problem who likes to solve mysteries....it seems to give his life some meaning. You get three murders in this one, or is it four? Lots packed into a very few pages but good enough that I always return to this series when I need a light read which also has some humor thrown in. Nothing serious but a "in between" book or one for the lunch table..
January 30, 2020
A nice light read. A typical Simon Brett. Some tongue in cheek and a bit predictable. Enjoyable though.
February 5, 2015
For the majority of the book it didn't seem like a mystery book. The imagery wasn't good and I didn't like the character development. The characters were boring too. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never happened. I kept waiting for a major twist and it never happened. All of a sudden the killer was revealed and that was basically it. The author revealed what happened with the Cinderella production and what happened with the characters. Boring book that didn't seem like a mystery.
November 12, 2016
This one was phoned in. Shallow characters, boring "mystery", and an utter failure to develop the recurring characters, only two of whom (Charles and Frances Paris) appear, Frances only on the telephone. I also recommend to British writers that they have the dialogue of their American characters reviewed by an American. They would learn, for example, that in America "mean" means cruel, not stingy.
September 4, 2014
I have been reading the Charles Paris mysteries for several years. It’s great to see that author Simon Brett has begun writing a few new books in this classic series. The Charles Paris we love, flaws and all, lands a part in a Christmas production of Cinderella, but ends up investigating a murder. Charles has a few heartfelt conversations with his long-suffering wife Frances, but Charles being Charles, alcohol always seems to get in the way of his good intentions.
The book entertains on three different levels. The murder mystery itself is interesting. Then the jokes from the play at the beginning of the chapters are a lot of fun, and the excerpts from reviews of other performances by Charles are all hilarious. I love author Simon Brett’s sense of humor and laughed throughout the book. Even with all the humor, there are also bittersweet moments to the book. Charles is intelligent and great fun, but doesn’t always make the wisest choices and it’s sad to see him have to deal with the consequences.
This book also gives readers an interesting look at British pantomime, which I was unfamiliar with before reading this book. Readers who have read other books in the series will be delighted to spend time with Charles. New readers can still enjoy the story and will be intrigued enough to check out earlier books in the series.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The book entertains on three different levels. The murder mystery itself is interesting. Then the jokes from the play at the beginning of the chapters are a lot of fun, and the excerpts from reviews of other performances by Charles are all hilarious. I love author Simon Brett’s sense of humor and laughed throughout the book. Even with all the humor, there are also bittersweet moments to the book. Charles is intelligent and great fun, but doesn’t always make the wisest choices and it’s sad to see him have to deal with the consequences.
This book also gives readers an interesting look at British pantomime, which I was unfamiliar with before reading this book. Readers who have read other books in the series will be delighted to spend time with Charles. New readers can still enjoy the story and will be intrigued enough to check out earlier books in the series.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2022
I'm not sure if this qualifies for GoodREADS as I listened to this as an audio book in the car on a journey recently. I have read a lot of the series but didnt remember this one and from the background story, I am a little out of touch with Charles' private life.
I had enjoyed the earlier books very much with Charles as quite a likeable character but towards the end of my reading of this series the humour was harder to found and through his drinking he had turned into quite a tragic figure , I thought.
This seems to be quite a new chapter in his life as his agent finds him a job in a panto of Cinderella. Obviously not a job that a trained actor would welcome but it was far better and got him out of being a Santa Claus.
Hearing the part read by Bill Nighy ( excellent choice) brought the story more to life and made the 2 hour journey, quite a pleasurable experience. May be I should revisit this series.
I had enjoyed the earlier books very much with Charles as quite a likeable character but towards the end of my reading of this series the humour was harder to found and through his drinking he had turned into quite a tragic figure , I thought.
This seems to be quite a new chapter in his life as his agent finds him a job in a panto of Cinderella. Obviously not a job that a trained actor would welcome but it was far better and got him out of being a Santa Claus.
Hearing the part read by Bill Nighy ( excellent choice) brought the story more to life and made the 2 hour journey, quite a pleasurable experience. May be I should revisit this series.
July 15, 2018
Listened on audio. Absolutely loved Bill Nighy as Charles Paris! Plot was a bit contrived and cliched but who cares, it was just what I wanted at the time!
December 16, 2025
A quick read, ends with more energy than it starts with. Charles Paris has taken on a role in a pantomime, and the star attraction is an American TV star who is popular but whose fame is starting to fade. About 1/3rd of the way in, murder of a this star occurs. Gradually Paris gets more involved in trying to figure out who killed the star. There is also some really great theatrical moments where you watch what goes on behind the scenes (and having worked in theater a bit) sound pretty much like what happens. As he mingles with the various performers in the show, he reveals some of the heart ache of the biz, and also gets bits of information about the murder. In the end, he does know who the killer is. You’ll have to read it to find out how that all played out.
December 23, 2016
From BBC Radio 4:
by Jeremy Front
Based on Simon Brett's novel
Directed by Sally Avens
A job in Panto seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for Charles, but the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of Panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory. It's not long before the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation and Charles as always can't help doing some sleuthing of his own.
Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Skylight, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) stars as Charles.
Simon Brett OBE has written 19 Charles Paris novels as well as many other detective novels. Jeremy Front is a dramatist and comedic writer; he has won awards for his adaptation of 'Sword of Honour' and co-writes and stars in the series 'Incredible Women' with his sister, Rebecca.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b083r...
by Jeremy Front
Based on Simon Brett's novel
Directed by Sally Avens
A job in Panto seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for Charles, but the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of Panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory. It's not long before the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation and Charles as always can't help doing some sleuthing of his own.
Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Skylight, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) stars as Charles.
Simon Brett OBE has written 19 Charles Paris novels as well as many other detective novels. Jeremy Front is a dramatist and comedic writer; he has won awards for his adaptation of 'Sword of Honour' and co-writes and stars in the series 'Incredible Women' with his sister, Rebecca.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b083r...
March 19, 2017
Not Charles Parris at his best
Having read all the Charles Parris books I was so looking forward to this. While it was enjoyable, I still found it run of the mill with an ending that felt tacked on
Having read all the Charles Parris books I was so looking forward to this. While it was enjoyable, I still found it run of the mill with an ending that felt tacked on
February 1, 2016
A nice cozy series if you want a quick enjoyable read
March 27, 2020
Possibly marking this up a bit because it's nice to see Charles Paris bumbling around again, and the setting is v suited to the season.
December 19, 2024
The first few chapters of the book were good. It explained to an American character (and thus the American audience) what British Pantomime is (i.e. awesome).
Then the interesting character dies, and the boring character (Charles Paris) investigates the murder. At first, Charles is a suspect, which gives some reason he might want to help the investigation. But he's pretty soon cleared, and then keeps investigating... for no reason. He has no motivation for anything throughout the book, just... does stuff.
The author doesn't do a good job of describing characters, which is generally fine... except when we go for a whole book with no real description of "Jasmine del Rio" and later have "some blond girl"... well, I had Jasmine del Rio as having dark hair, so was confused when they were one and the same.
The American characters in the book seem to speak with an awful lot of Britishisms, suggesting a severe lack of dialog research and poor editing (or the author overrode good editing).
Not having read any of the other books featuring Charles Paris, I say that the presence of Frances in this book was... baffling. She did nothing for the story, which, well, is true of almost every other character. The last member to be added to the cast didn't really relate to the story, other than to make you feel better about the production.
At some point the killer confesses. The confession makes no sense. While trying to rationalize it, I thought "ooooh, Charles is going to get murdered in the face at the end of this confession", but, nope. Sadly.
Also, the author seems to think that almost every reference (including in dialog) to a character should be by full name (Charles Paris, Kenny Polizzi; vs Charles, Kenny). Reading the story aloud, this felt very clunky.
Then the interesting character dies, and the boring character (Charles Paris) investigates the murder. At first, Charles is a suspect, which gives some reason he might want to help the investigation. But he's pretty soon cleared, and then keeps investigating... for no reason. He has no motivation for anything throughout the book, just... does stuff.
The author doesn't do a good job of describing characters, which is generally fine... except when we go for a whole book with no real description of "Jasmine del Rio" and later have "some blond girl"... well, I had Jasmine del Rio as having dark hair, so was confused when they were one and the same.
The American characters in the book seem to speak with an awful lot of Britishisms, suggesting a severe lack of dialog research and poor editing (or the author overrode good editing).
Not having read any of the other books featuring Charles Paris, I say that the presence of Frances in this book was... baffling. She did nothing for the story, which, well, is true of almost every other character. The last member to be added to the cast didn't really relate to the story, other than to make you feel better about the production.
At some point the killer confesses. The confession makes no sense. While trying to rationalize it, I thought "ooooh, Charles is going to get murdered in the face at the end of this confession", but, nope. Sadly.
Also, the author seems to think that almost every reference (including in dialog) to a character should be by full name (Charles Paris, Kenny Polizzi; vs Charles, Kenny). Reading the story aloud, this felt very clunky.
August 24, 2022
I'll admit--I picked this book up on a whim at the library, based on the title and the premise of a murder happening during a production of a play adaptation of "Cinderella". I did not know it was part of a series.
That being said, this book was pretty miserable and tough to get through. The main character, Charles Paris, is a boring jerk, and I found myself hoping he would be murdered by the end of the story. Regrettably, he wasn't. The rest of the cast were not much better, and it was a chore to get through this book because I did not care for any of the characters. The murder mystery nearly takes a backseat to this, and its wrap-up felt sloppily thrown in, just so there would be a conclusion.
Side note, I don't know if this a staple of the series or not, but there was a HEAVY emphasis on sex in this book when it had no bearing on story or the mystery, and it just left me wondering WHY it was put in this book?
0/10, would not recommend.
That being said, this book was pretty miserable and tough to get through. The main character, Charles Paris, is a boring jerk, and I found myself hoping he would be murdered by the end of the story. Regrettably, he wasn't. The rest of the cast were not much better, and it was a chore to get through this book because I did not care for any of the characters. The murder mystery nearly takes a backseat to this, and its wrap-up felt sloppily thrown in, just so there would be a conclusion.
Side note, I don't know if this a staple of the series or not, but there was a HEAVY emphasis on sex in this book when it had no bearing on story or the mystery, and it just left me wondering WHY it was put in this book?
0/10, would not recommend.
December 10, 2021
I picked up The Cinderella Killer for a bit of a palate cleanser after I finished a particularly gruesome horror, and a quick read. It didn’t disappoint.
The pantomime setting gives it a nice festive quality, without screaming ‘Christmas’, and I really enjoyed the sections surrounding the panto and rehearsals. It made me really nostalgic thinking about the times my dad would take me to the panto when I was a child, which definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.
This isn’t a long book, but the writing style is enjoyable, the characters are likeable (or perhaps detestable, in some cases), and it packs in quite a few murders and enough intrigue to keep the pace quick.
All in all, a cosy little mystery, and I’ll definitely be turning to Charles Paris next time I’m in the market for something similar.
I received a review copy of this book in order to provide my honest opinion.
The pantomime setting gives it a nice festive quality, without screaming ‘Christmas’, and I really enjoyed the sections surrounding the panto and rehearsals. It made me really nostalgic thinking about the times my dad would take me to the panto when I was a child, which definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.
This isn’t a long book, but the writing style is enjoyable, the characters are likeable (or perhaps detestable, in some cases), and it packs in quite a few murders and enough intrigue to keep the pace quick.
All in all, a cosy little mystery, and I’ll definitely be turning to Charles Paris next time I’m in the market for something similar.
I received a review copy of this book in order to provide my honest opinion.
April 24, 2020
I was looking for another book in Simon Brett's Fethering series to download though my library. (Right now the physical library is closed due to Corona Virus lock down.) When I clicked on The Strangling on the Stage it sent me to this book in Library2go. Same author, but a different series. The book is not a bad distraction, but I prefer the the Fethering women as amateur sleuths to a heavy drinking bed hopping actor.
November 14, 2025
He's behind you!
This has proved one of my favourites. Charles is in Eastbourne, in a pantomime, cue so many pantomime cliches and jokes. Despite there being a murder, this is a strangely happy story. Simon Brett knows his theatre and it shows. Plot? Oh, yes, leading actor, American, from long-running popular show. Seems nice. Suspicious. But what does that matter, it's 'the play's the thing' so to speak? I laughed all the way through and had a jolly good time. Yes, Charles is an incorrigible drunk and occasional (if he gets a chance) womanizer but nobody's perfect and I'd still share a drink or two or.... Recommended. Make it one of your Christmas treats.
This has proved one of my favourites. Charles is in Eastbourne, in a pantomime, cue so many pantomime cliches and jokes. Despite there being a murder, this is a strangely happy story. Simon Brett knows his theatre and it shows. Plot? Oh, yes, leading actor, American, from long-running popular show. Seems nice. Suspicious. But what does that matter, it's 'the play's the thing' so to speak? I laughed all the way through and had a jolly good time. Yes, Charles is an incorrigible drunk and occasional (if he gets a chance) womanizer but nobody's perfect and I'd still share a drink or two or.... Recommended. Make it one of your Christmas treats.
August 21, 2017
It's been a while since I've read a Charles Paris mystery and it was a pleasure to be back with this hapless actor as he rehearses the pantomime, Cinderella. The world-class American actor Kenny Polizzi has been booked to play a role and takes to Charles, so much so that he calls on him for help in his moment of need. Simon Brett is an entertaining mystery writer, not relying solely on the whodunnit aspect but bringing a whiff of modern Britain in dialect and attitudes, some of which are downright hilarious.
August 6, 2017
Another job, another murder for Charles Paris to investigate. Set backstage of a Pantomime
I love the atmosphere and detail of the settings of the Charles Paris books.
The Mystery is a good one with all sorts of shady characters to keep you guessing.
Again, it loses one star for the ending. Charles just doesn't like reporting to the Police what he finds out and lets the murderer walk.
4 stars
I love the atmosphere and detail of the settings of the Charles Paris books.
The Mystery is a good one with all sorts of shady characters to keep you guessing.
Again, it loses one star for the ending. Charles just doesn't like reporting to the Police what he finds out and lets the murderer walk.
4 stars
July 2, 2022
Simon Brett mysteries are the perfect summer read. Although my favorite series oh his are the Fethering mysteries, the Charles Paris series is also highly enjoyable. Paris, a definite non celebrity actor, seems to run across bodies wherever he is performing, in this case a Christmas pantomime.
Brett obviously knows the theater and theater personalities which makes for interesting plots and a lot of humorous and astute observations on actors and acting.
Brett obviously knows the theater and theater personalities which makes for interesting plots and a lot of humorous and astute observations on actors and acting.
November 4, 2024
I like Charles Paris and have enjoyed this series but I found this book to be a little sad. This used to be a light hearted series about a second rate actor who drinks too much who still manages to solve mysteries however there is less humour in this story. However it is not as depressing as the following book "A deadly habit".
Charles is appearing in pantomime at Eastbourne when the star (a well known actor from the USA) is murdered. Three more people die before the end.
Charles is appearing in pantomime at Eastbourne when the star (a well known actor from the USA) is murdered. Three more people die before the end.
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December 27, 2024Charles was drinking a large Bell's with ice. Kenny had a sparkling mineral water, without even ice or lemon. Though he had been through the phases of hellraising, alcohol and other substance abuse required for the CV of a major star, all that was now apparently behind him. The body of the new squeaky clean Kenny Polizzi was a temple (whereas that of Charles Paris was more like a small deconsecrated chapel in need of restoration).
October 4, 2018
We’re spoiled with the amount of murders in this book. It’s like Christmas has come early ;-)
I do hope Brett writes more Charles Paris books. Charles needs some sort of final resolution with Francis one way or the other.
I do hope Brett writes more Charles Paris books. Charles needs some sort of final resolution with Francis one way or the other.
December 8, 2021
I like Charles Paris books and this must be the 19th I have read. They are an easy read, dont expect a pyschological thriller here, the murders are almost glossed over as just a way for Charles to move through the book.
November 29, 2024
Another enjoyable Charles Paris adventure. Charles manages to solve the murders of three people despite what is clearly a drinking problem. Humorous and well-plotted, with a good portrayal of the British pantomime.
August 13, 2017
Shocking!! Charles seemed almost to be like a proper detective without accusing everyone else on sight.
November 12, 2017
This was my first introduction to Charles Paris and it made my Christmas last year as it just made me laugh out loud, if you like a good mystery with humour you can't go wrong with this.
November 23, 2017
slow and sometimes boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews