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Charles Paris #7
Situation Tragedy
West End Television are planning a new situation-comedy series, to be called The Struttters. From the outset, things go horribly wrong with the new series. Odd accidents—if they are accidents—remove, one by one, the sharp-tongued Production Assistant, the self-effacing script-writer, the hearty Floor Manager. Death even takes from us the revolting Yorkshire terrier, Cocky, who’s the idol of the indestructible Dame Aurelia Howarth, theatrical star for fifty years. There’s no discernible pattern in all this, but Simon Brett’s regular sleuth, the bit-player Charles Paris, is confidently on the trail of another mass murderer. But the bizarre solution, brilliantly led up to, surprises even him.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
15 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Simon Brett
331 books551 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 6, 2020
This volume comes quite early on in the sequence of Simon Brett's novels featuring down at heel actor, turned sleuth, Charles Paris, and represented a bit of a lapse from the high quality of the rest of the series. For once the plot is rather flimsy, and came as a bit of a disappointment after I had recently read so many of the other instalments. However, even though it doesn't quite match up to some of its stronger counterparts 'Situation Tragedy' still manages to entertain.
As usual, Brett provides sharp, satirical insight into the world of the jobbing actor. In this outing, Charles Paris has landed a supporting role in The Strutters, a television situation comedy resonant with all the horrors that those two words convey to the thinking man or woman. While the cast relax in the bar at West End Television's centre after having recorded the pilot episode, strident Production Assistant Sadie Reynolds, who has already made a name for herself among the cast and crew as a consequence of her sharp tongue and relentless impatience, falls to her death from a fire escape staircase when the railing gives way. Initially dismissed as an accident, this proves to be merely the first of a series of fatal accidents.
Brett gives us a hilarious introduction to the vacuities of situation comedy writers, the self-aggrandising dreams of young directors and the brittle vanities of television actors. The plot may be a little weak this time, but the book is no less entertaining than ever.
As usual, Brett provides sharp, satirical insight into the world of the jobbing actor. In this outing, Charles Paris has landed a supporting role in The Strutters, a television situation comedy resonant with all the horrors that those two words convey to the thinking man or woman. While the cast relax in the bar at West End Television's centre after having recorded the pilot episode, strident Production Assistant Sadie Reynolds, who has already made a name for herself among the cast and crew as a consequence of her sharp tongue and relentless impatience, falls to her death from a fire escape staircase when the railing gives way. Initially dismissed as an accident, this proves to be merely the first of a series of fatal accidents.
Brett gives us a hilarious introduction to the vacuities of situation comedy writers, the self-aggrandising dreams of young directors and the brittle vanities of television actors. The plot may be a little weak this time, but the book is no less entertaining than ever.
February 4, 2026
Having read some of Simon Brett's Mrs. Pargeter books, I was used to the name — in fact, I was surprised that I had never read any of the Charles Paris stories.
So I was looking forward to reading this book.The main character is a mediocre actor with a drinking problem that finds himself in the midst of a new series with suspicious deaths occurring. And I guess, in his usual fashion, Paris begins to investigate — usually over a beer or scotch.
He never seems to get sloshed, I will say that. And he has the right instincts when production assistant Sadie fell, jumped or pushed off a metal stairwell, and then there was another death ....
All while a new TV series goes through the steps of filming a first season of shows.
The characters are interesting but fairly stereotypical: the aging actress everyone defers to, her devoted but dotty husband, the insecure upcoming actor concerned he is not getting enough attention, a quirky producer, etc.
This is a fun read, light and not really in depth in characterization. Charles Paris is a likeable character but I think, too much of him (and always how much liquor he manages to drink, usually on other's tab) may be a little too much. Still, this was a popular series for Brett does have a magic touch on a mystery as seen in his long career beginning with radio and television as well as four series of detective novels. Charles Paris has been the most popular with 23 books.
So I was looking forward to reading this book.The main character is a mediocre actor with a drinking problem that finds himself in the midst of a new series with suspicious deaths occurring. And I guess, in his usual fashion, Paris begins to investigate — usually over a beer or scotch.
He never seems to get sloshed, I will say that. And he has the right instincts when production assistant Sadie fell, jumped or pushed off a metal stairwell, and then there was another death ....
All while a new TV series goes through the steps of filming a first season of shows.
The characters are interesting but fairly stereotypical: the aging actress everyone defers to, her devoted but dotty husband, the insecure upcoming actor concerned he is not getting enough attention, a quirky producer, etc.
This is a fun read, light and not really in depth in characterization. Charles Paris is a likeable character but I think, too much of him (and always how much liquor he manages to drink, usually on other's tab) may be a little too much. Still, this was a popular series for Brett does have a magic touch on a mystery as seen in his long career beginning with radio and television as well as four series of detective novels. Charles Paris has been the most popular with 23 books.
February 22, 2025
Murder, Mayhem, and Meta Humor
Few authors can blend classic murder mystery with sly industry satire as effortlessly as Simon Brett. Situation Tragedy is an absolute treat—a sharp, knowing look at the world of television production wrapped around a tightly plotted whodunit. Charles Paris, the ever-struggling actor-turned-detective, once again finds himself entangled in a murder investigation, navigating both crime and career misfortunes with his signature wit and wry cynicism.
The brilliance of this novel lies in its tone—Brett’s humor is understated but cutting, revealing the absurdities of the entertainment industry while never losing sight of the mystery at hand. The murder itself is constructed with a classic touch, providing just enough red herrings and hidden motives to keep readers guessing. Charles Paris, with his acerbic observations and self-deprecating charm, makes for the perfect guide through this world of egos and incompetence.
It’s an immensely satisfying read, particularly for those who appreciate their crime fiction laced with humor. Brett knows exactly how to balance satire with suspense, ensuring that both elements work in harmony rather than overshadowing each other. This is the kind of book that feels like an old friend—witty, entertaining, and effortlessly engaging.
Few authors can blend classic murder mystery with sly industry satire as effortlessly as Simon Brett. Situation Tragedy is an absolute treat—a sharp, knowing look at the world of television production wrapped around a tightly plotted whodunit. Charles Paris, the ever-struggling actor-turned-detective, once again finds himself entangled in a murder investigation, navigating both crime and career misfortunes with his signature wit and wry cynicism.
The brilliance of this novel lies in its tone—Brett’s humor is understated but cutting, revealing the absurdities of the entertainment industry while never losing sight of the mystery at hand. The murder itself is constructed with a classic touch, providing just enough red herrings and hidden motives to keep readers guessing. Charles Paris, with his acerbic observations and self-deprecating charm, makes for the perfect guide through this world of egos and incompetence.
It’s an immensely satisfying read, particularly for those who appreciate their crime fiction laced with humor. Brett knows exactly how to balance satire with suspense, ensuring that both elements work in harmony rather than overshadowing each other. This is the kind of book that feels like an old friend—witty, entertaining, and effortlessly engaging.
November 14, 2018
Charles has a bit of luck and gets a role for a sit com called "The Strutters"! This show seems to be the MacBeth of TV, though
December 18, 2018
Charles has got a minor but reoccuring role on a new sitcom. But when people start dropping dead he can't help but try and figure out what's going on because he's sure it can't just be coincidence.
Once again, this is a lot of fun and I thought the solution was really ingenious. What I really am loving more and more about this series is the inside-baseball level of detail about life in the acting profession - after the behind the scenes at the BBC action in the last book, this has got behind the scenes on a tv sitcom. Brett has worked for both the BBC and LWT so he's really got the knowledge to pull this off and it shows.
Lots of fun.
Once again, this is a lot of fun and I thought the solution was really ingenious. What I really am loving more and more about this series is the inside-baseball level of detail about life in the acting profession - after the behind the scenes at the BBC action in the last book, this has got behind the scenes on a tv sitcom. Brett has worked for both the BBC and LWT so he's really got the knowledge to pull this off and it shows.
Lots of fun.
February 18, 2020
I already had a low opinion of this book when well into it Brett presents a bit of a bad mystery novel that is a clue to solving the mystery. He made it up, of course. I don't know that Britt intended this, but it came across to me as "my book may not be much, but it sure beats the hell out of crap like this." Positioning himself as a mystery writer and this book with this contrast came across as a cheap to elevate himself. Yes, there are a couple of the expected Brett Shakespeare quotations, one acknowledged and one not, but you have better things to do with your brain than read this swill.
February 29, 2020
This book's plot reminded me of Peter Dickenson's The Last Houseparty. So I looked at the publication date; Dickenson's in 1982 and Brett's in 1981. So I wonder if, both being Brit mystery writers, they knew each other; if someone proposed the bare bones of a plot, and then each wrote their own take on it. I wonder if there is another, similar, mystery out there. Fun to contemplate. As to this mystery, I did prefer this rendition to Dickenson's.
February 16, 2026
Murder struts its stuff in novel ways
Despite the title, there is nothing tragic about the writing of this book, which is well up to Simon Brett’s standard of mystery and humour. The tragedy lies in the plot, which, with its knot of nostalgia, murder and mania, defies unravelling until its unexpected and poignant end.
PS Later books sometimes mention Charles’s previous tv series 'The Strutters'; this is the book where it happens.
Despite the title, there is nothing tragic about the writing of this book, which is well up to Simon Brett’s standard of mystery and humour. The tragedy lies in the plot, which, with its knot of nostalgia, murder and mania, defies unravelling until its unexpected and poignant end.
PS Later books sometimes mention Charles’s previous tv series 'The Strutters'; this is the book where it happens.
February 23, 2025
( Format : Audiobook )
"Tim's got a thing."
Another deliciously funny aging actor Charles Paris mystery. A must listen story with Charles actually appearing in a lead role until the bodies start to pile up around them. And his agent Maurice moves in with Frances following a skiing accident, much to Charles' displeasure .
"Tim's got a thing."
Another deliciously funny aging actor Charles Paris mystery. A must listen story with Charles actually appearing in a lead role until the bodies start to pile up around them. And his agent Maurice moves in with Frances following a skiing accident, much to Charles' displeasure .
February 18, 2025
Bij de BBC-luisterspelreeks met Bill Nighy wordt de spoeling wel erg dun. De whodunnit is te simplistisch en de humor is vrij flauw en met gierige hand gezaaid. Hoe sterk Bill Nighy ook (eens te meer) acteert.
January 18, 2018
The murderer, the motivation behind the murders were a big disappointment. Way too farfetched! All in all, it was a chore to finish the book anyway.
September 18, 2018
Interesting twist! Not my favourite Charles paris book, but the crime and reasoning behind it was very creative.
September 14, 2020
So many characters introduced early on, plot is OK but it's tough going. Not my bag.
September 24, 2025
Absolutely love all of these
December 12, 2025
picture perfect full cast dramatization with Bill nighy
July 10, 2013
Charles Paris has managed to get himself a recurring part on a sit-com, providing steady employment and a decent income. Neither of these are things Charles is use to. He’s working for W.E.T. now instead of the BBC and as usual, Simon Brett’s behind the scenes insights into the workings of television are an integral part of the pleasure of reading this series.
The mystery starts with the death of a very much disliked Producer’s Assistant. Only Charles seems to feel that the “accident” might have been something more. As the filming of the series goes on and the deaths start to mount up, Charles knows he’s onto something and begins to investigate. While the mystery did take a while for me to solve, the murderer was not surprising or shocking. It had a very satisfactory resolution that gave good closure to the story.
Charles Paris is a flawed but loveable person that you enjoy meeting time and time again. This book, like all in this series, gives such an insight into the working life of actors and the mediums they work in. Brett points up the sheer silliness of the sit com genre and yet you don’t feel like he’s really insulting it, just pointing out the obvious flaws of a guilty pleasure we all indulged in once in a while.
The mystery starts with the death of a very much disliked Producer’s Assistant. Only Charles seems to feel that the “accident” might have been something more. As the filming of the series goes on and the deaths start to mount up, Charles knows he’s onto something and begins to investigate. While the mystery did take a while for me to solve, the murderer was not surprising or shocking. It had a very satisfactory resolution that gave good closure to the story.
Charles Paris is a flawed but loveable person that you enjoy meeting time and time again. This book, like all in this series, gives such an insight into the working life of actors and the mediums they work in. Brett points up the sheer silliness of the sit com genre and yet you don’t feel like he’s really insulting it, just pointing out the obvious flaws of a guilty pleasure we all indulged in once in a while.
February 10, 2024
Just scrapes 3 stars, this is a weaker entry than others I've read.
The plot is wafer thin and the light-hearted misogyny in Paris's relations with women gets quite grating, but the setting in TV sitcom is quite amusingly done and its diverting enough.
The plot is wafer thin and the light-hearted misogyny in Paris's relations with women gets quite grating, but the setting in TV sitcom is quite amusingly done and its diverting enough.
August 5, 2009
read by Simon Pebble On the surface this would appear to be a silly story but one I enjoyed listening to anyway. Charles Paris is a hard-drinking actor who has landed a part as a bartender in The Strutters, West End Television’s new smash comedy. But soon a rash of nasty accidents threatens the show’s success. The cast blames bad luck, but amateur sleuth Charles Paris is sure someone is writing a script for murder.
November 30, 2011
Actor/Amateur Detective Charles Paris joins the cast of a new spin-off sit-com because one of the actors has had a little accident. Then there is another little accident, this one fatal. Then there is another fatal little accident. A very disturbing pattern is developing. Is this a cursed, unlucky show or is someone behind it all?
July 11, 2013
One of the many Charles Paris I've enjoyed, this is up there with the best of them. Paris is such a brilliant character, you could meet him in any profession, it's just that with him being an actor I have a special interest.
www.douglaswatkinson.com
www.douglaswatkinson.com
May 4, 2016
Charles Paris has a job in a sit-com when members of the crew suffer fatal accidents. or are they murder? Charles investigates and uncovers a link to the past.
Full of humour and detail of showbusiness these books delight even with the unlikely plot elements.
3 stars
Full of humour and detail of showbusiness these books delight even with the unlikely plot elements.
3 stars
December 31, 2025
A good one in the series, light on the detective side, but very funny. The letters from the Producer after every new death were gold :))
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews