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Charles Paris #1
Cast In Order Of Disappearance
Bill Nighy stars as Charles Paris with Martine McCutcheon as Jodie Ricks in this BBC Radio 4 comedy detective drama.
Charles finds himself uncharacteristically employed in a film, having landed the part of Szabec, a middle management vampire in 'The Wreathing'. His co-star is swimwear model turned actress Jodie Ricks and before long, Jodie is using Charles as a confidant.
Poor Jodie is in terrible trouble—not only is she being blackmailed over some compromising photos, but she is also carrying the baby of the film's producer, Elliot Roth, who now wants nothing to do with her. Then things take an even nastier turn when it appears that someone is trying to kill Jodie.
Charles finds himself uncharacteristically employed in a film, having landed the part of Szabec, a middle management vampire in 'The Wreathing'. His co-star is swimwear model turned actress Jodie Ricks and before long, Jodie is using Charles as a confidant.
Poor Jodie is in terrible trouble—not only is she being blackmailed over some compromising photos, but she is also carrying the baby of the film's producer, Elliot Roth, who now wants nothing to do with her. Then things take an even nastier turn when it appears that someone is trying to kill Jodie.
Always keen to help a damsel in distress, Charles sets about trying to solve the mystery ...
Starring Bill Nighy and Martine McCutcheon and dramatised by Jeremy Front.
182 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
186 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Simon Brett
329 books533 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 115 reviews
February 5, 2023
Simon Brett is a radio producer, radio comedy writer and author of four detective fiction series as well as several stand-alone mysteries and thrillers. Cast in Order of Disappearance, published in 1975, is the first in his series of 19 short, light, humorous detective novels featuring Charles Paris, a rather disreputable jobbing actor and occasional amateur sleuth, with a slight drinking problem.
Having read most of these novels many years ago, I was interested to hear a dramatisation by Jeremy Front of this first one, on the radio. It led me to track down a copy of Simon Brett's original book, with the intention of reading the whole series in order. Instantly Charles Paris is there, in character right from this very first book. Simon Brett's trademark dry wit and droll humour is much in evidence. For instance, whenever a play is mentioned in the plot, or Charles Paris is using a disguise, we are privy to his pithy mental quotations from various scathing reviews he once had, in parentheses after the title,
"He was wearing the démodé pinstriped suit he'd got from a junkshop for a production of Arturo Ui ('grossly overplayed' - Glasgow Herald) and the tie he'd worn as Harry in Marching Song ('adequate if uninspiring' - Oxford Mail). He'd walked with the limp he'd used in Richard III ('nicely understated' - Yorkshire Post. He wasn't sure whether to speak in the accent he'd used in Look Back in Anger ('a splendid Blimp' - Worcester Gazette) or the one for When We are Married ('made a meal of the part' - Croydon Advertiser).
Sadly though the novel Cast in Order of Disappearance has not held up well. On the whole there are too many references to events of the time, which would have been meaningful to those living in Great Britain at the time, but now are a distant memory - and must be even more baffling for anyone not living in this country. There is much talk of current events and the political climate of 1974 (when the novel was set) - the 3 day week, the petrol shortages, the power cuts late at night, the dispute with ASLEF, the surprise General Election resulting in a hung Parliament, the public's strong siding with either the Tory's Edward Heath or Labour's Harold Wilson, the trouble in Northern Ireland ... and so on. In retrospect, this now unbalances the novel.
Either Simon Brett or his adaptor must have realised this themselves, as there is little to none of it in the dramatisation. The script has been considerably updated, and much of the story has been changed. (The dramatisation does retain the wonderful title, although this actually bears no relation to the plot in either version!) I am at a loss to explain why most of the characters' names are changed, however. Were they perhaps considered to be dated? In the novel someone kills Marius Steen, a theatrical tycoon with a fortune to leave his young mistress Jacqui, who is expecting his baby. In the dramatisation, the young mistress is an actress called Jodie Ricks, and the tycoon is replaced by film producer, Elliot Roth. In the novel Charles Paris is acting some very amusing scenes as a small-part player in a horror film "The Zombie Walks" when he In the dramatisation he is playing the part of Szabec, a middle management vampire in "The Wreathing".
It seems odd to alter these elements, plus other minor characters, almost amounting to a total rewrite. Yet the story remains basically the same, involving blackmail, at least two murders, incriminating photographs, corruption and inheritance fraud. The cheap and shabby bedsit world is timeless and never dates. Neither does the twilight world of Charles Paris's drinking and mild debauchery, the cheerfully vulgar sex scenes with various willing partners (which were also missed out by the BBC) and the vague worries about his 47 year-old body in terms of attractiveness to the opposite sex (and sexual prowess generally).
Although he is separated from his wife, a teacher, the couple are not divorced, and his wife features regularly in the back stories of all the novels. She is kind, and appears to still have affectionate feelings for him. Charles Paris also has an adult daughter who is married to a rather pompous man in insurance. Both females are eminently capable, professional and sensible. These four characters provide much entertaining contrasts, both of situation and personality, coupled with the myriad of eccentric characters from the stage world, and crime underworld which Charles Paris unwittingly becomes embroiled in. In this way the novels have not dated at all.
All these novels are light, providing many chuckles with their eccentric characters, and having quite a few intricate plot twists. In each novel Charles Paris reluctantly takes on the role of amateur sleuth. They are in the cosy, or "Golden Age" tradition of detective fiction, but with a thread of droll humour running through them, usually expressed through Charles Paris himself as the sardonic viewpoint character. They are well worth a read, but my advice would be to possibly start with another one.
*Please note - I have edited this to include the name of the adaptor of the radio dramatisation, for clarity. I am indebted to JAn for pointing this correction out to me.
Having read most of these novels many years ago, I was interested to hear a dramatisation by Jeremy Front of this first one, on the radio. It led me to track down a copy of Simon Brett's original book, with the intention of reading the whole series in order. Instantly Charles Paris is there, in character right from this very first book. Simon Brett's trademark dry wit and droll humour is much in evidence. For instance, whenever a play is mentioned in the plot, or Charles Paris is using a disguise, we are privy to his pithy mental quotations from various scathing reviews he once had, in parentheses after the title,
"He was wearing the démodé pinstriped suit he'd got from a junkshop for a production of Arturo Ui ('grossly overplayed' - Glasgow Herald) and the tie he'd worn as Harry in Marching Song ('adequate if uninspiring' - Oxford Mail). He'd walked with the limp he'd used in Richard III ('nicely understated' - Yorkshire Post. He wasn't sure whether to speak in the accent he'd used in Look Back in Anger ('a splendid Blimp' - Worcester Gazette) or the one for When We are Married ('made a meal of the part' - Croydon Advertiser).
Sadly though the novel Cast in Order of Disappearance has not held up well. On the whole there are too many references to events of the time, which would have been meaningful to those living in Great Britain at the time, but now are a distant memory - and must be even more baffling for anyone not living in this country. There is much talk of current events and the political climate of 1974 (when the novel was set) - the 3 day week, the petrol shortages, the power cuts late at night, the dispute with ASLEF, the surprise General Election resulting in a hung Parliament, the public's strong siding with either the Tory's Edward Heath or Labour's Harold Wilson, the trouble in Northern Ireland ... and so on. In retrospect, this now unbalances the novel.
Either Simon Brett or his adaptor must have realised this themselves, as there is little to none of it in the dramatisation. The script has been considerably updated, and much of the story has been changed. (The dramatisation does retain the wonderful title, although this actually bears no relation to the plot in either version!) I am at a loss to explain why most of the characters' names are changed, however. Were they perhaps considered to be dated? In the novel someone kills Marius Steen, a theatrical tycoon with a fortune to leave his young mistress Jacqui, who is expecting his baby. In the dramatisation, the young mistress is an actress called Jodie Ricks, and the tycoon is replaced by film producer, Elliot Roth. In the novel Charles Paris is acting some very amusing scenes as a small-part player in a horror film "The Zombie Walks" when he In the dramatisation he is playing the part of Szabec, a middle management vampire in "The Wreathing".
It seems odd to alter these elements, plus other minor characters, almost amounting to a total rewrite. Yet the story remains basically the same, involving blackmail, at least two murders, incriminating photographs, corruption and inheritance fraud. The cheap and shabby bedsit world is timeless and never dates. Neither does the twilight world of Charles Paris's drinking and mild debauchery, the cheerfully vulgar sex scenes with various willing partners (which were also missed out by the BBC) and the vague worries about his 47 year-old body in terms of attractiveness to the opposite sex (and sexual prowess generally).
Although he is separated from his wife, a teacher, the couple are not divorced, and his wife features regularly in the back stories of all the novels. She is kind, and appears to still have affectionate feelings for him. Charles Paris also has an adult daughter who is married to a rather pompous man in insurance. Both females are eminently capable, professional and sensible. These four characters provide much entertaining contrasts, both of situation and personality, coupled with the myriad of eccentric characters from the stage world, and crime underworld which Charles Paris unwittingly becomes embroiled in. In this way the novels have not dated at all.
All these novels are light, providing many chuckles with their eccentric characters, and having quite a few intricate plot twists. In each novel Charles Paris reluctantly takes on the role of amateur sleuth. They are in the cosy, or "Golden Age" tradition of detective fiction, but with a thread of droll humour running through them, usually expressed through Charles Paris himself as the sardonic viewpoint character. They are well worth a read, but my advice would be to possibly start with another one.
*Please note - I have edited this to include the name of the adaptor of the radio dramatisation, for clarity. I am indebted to JAn for pointing this correction out to me.
June 13, 2023
A cozy, frightfully entertaining novel. The blurb says: It’s a light-hearted frolic that is, at the same time, a beautifully ingenious puzzle, and it fizzes with fun and wit. (Ha, I so enjoy the British use of the word frightfully to express something delightful.
The rest of this review was AI-generated. Well, most of it. Enjoy! :-))
The story follows the life of Charles Paris, an aging, down-on-his-luck actor who stumbles into a real-life murder mystery. Set in the world of theater and filled with a cast of eccentric characters, the book immerses readers in the intricate web of deception and hidden motives.
Simon Brett's writing style is a delight. He combines humor and wit with skillful storytelling, creating an engaging narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. The author's deep understanding of the theater industry shines through, adding authenticity to the backdrop against which the mystery unfolds.
One of the highlights of this novel is the characterization of Charles Paris. Brett masterfully portrays him as a flawed but relatable protagonist. Paris's dry sense of humor, his fondness for alcohol, and his struggles with professional and personal relationships make him a memorable and endearing lead. Readers will find themselves rooting for him, despite his flaws.
The supporting cast is equally well-crafted. From ambitious actors to cutthroat producers, each character adds depth and complexity to the story. Brett excels in painting vivid personalities and drawing out their hidden agendas, making every interaction suspenseful and thought-provoking.
Brett excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense and suspicion, making it challenging to predict the culprit. The pacing is well-balanced, and the author skillfully weaves together various subplots, adding layers of intrigue to the overall narrative.
The touch of humor and the lightness in the atmosphere are welcome, for sure.
Conclusion: This book was a frightfully delightful experience.
The rest of this review was AI-generated. Well, most of it. Enjoy! :-))
The story follows the life of Charles Paris, an aging, down-on-his-luck actor who stumbles into a real-life murder mystery. Set in the world of theater and filled with a cast of eccentric characters, the book immerses readers in the intricate web of deception and hidden motives.
Simon Brett's writing style is a delight. He combines humor and wit with skillful storytelling, creating an engaging narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. The author's deep understanding of the theater industry shines through, adding authenticity to the backdrop against which the mystery unfolds.
One of the highlights of this novel is the characterization of Charles Paris. Brett masterfully portrays him as a flawed but relatable protagonist. Paris's dry sense of humor, his fondness for alcohol, and his struggles with professional and personal relationships make him a memorable and endearing lead. Readers will find themselves rooting for him, despite his flaws.
The supporting cast is equally well-crafted. From ambitious actors to cutthroat producers, each character adds depth and complexity to the story. Brett excels in painting vivid personalities and drawing out their hidden agendas, making every interaction suspenseful and thought-provoking.
Brett excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense and suspicion, making it challenging to predict the culprit. The pacing is well-balanced, and the author skillfully weaves together various subplots, adding layers of intrigue to the overall narrative.
The touch of humor and the lightness in the atmosphere are welcome, for sure.
Conclusion: This book was a frightfully delightful experience.
October 3, 2024
Even though the last 1/4 of the book was the most interesting and better paced, I couldn't quite bump this up to 3 stars. In the author's defense, it was his 1975 debut. I was looking for a new cozy mystery and this just didn't quite make the grade. I don't know that I would put it in the cozy category, other than the MC was not a professional law enforcement officer or private detective. Charles Paris is painted as a C-list actor (my words), boozer and womanizer who gets roped into trying to contact a former female friend's baby daddy, Marius Steen. Jacqui seems to have all of a sudden been dropped by the man for no reason and she is financially dependent on him. Jacqui thinks that it may have something to do with some compromising pictures. Charles not only is stymied but soon finds it may involve murder, blackmail, and fraud. His efforts place his and Jacqui's lives in danger. Can Charles connect all the dots before disaster happens? Sounds like all the ingredients for an interesting mystery. The pacing was slow for most of the book and the characters were not fleshed out. I didn't care for most of the characters.
October 1, 2018
I fell in love with “Mrs. Pargeter” due to Simon Brett’s authoring. You have to enjoy characters, their environs, and mystery case but how they are weaved matters the most. There were a number of threads that were not resolved, to my knowledge in “Cast In Order Of Disappearance, 1975. The topic of abortion, especially against anyone's will, is off-putting. However, knowing that Simon writes superbly, at least later and that every author has novels that don’t gel as smoothly as they ought to; here is the reverse. I dislike these characters and find it hard to engage with the premise of this series: an alcoholic, low-income, somewhat famous English actor. I have not tried the “Fethering” series yet but already know that this one is my least favourite.
With respect for authors, I will certainly explain low grades. “Less would have been more”. There were too many directions for 218 pages. Some were intelligently-misleading red herrings and the motive at the pinnacle was completely dependent upon knowing British will laws; that gifts are taxed less, the longer benefactors live after giving them. Retired famous actor, Marius Steen, with an estranged son, is murdered. He, or a blackmailing photography couple could be blamed.
The most interesting avenue is the silliest. Marius planned to marry Jacqui, a friend of Charles Paris but halted contact. People are sure of where they stand at that level. Whether or not he wrote good-bye notes to her, made a poor mystery; as were friends forgetting to produce important papers until the novel closes. Come on! A doctor willing to commit the most abhorrent crime, was not arrested for attempting it, even if he didn't follow through? Subsequent Charles Paris mystery will be better. I own nearly all of Simon’s stories and anticipate them delighting me.
With respect for authors, I will certainly explain low grades. “Less would have been more”. There were too many directions for 218 pages. Some were intelligently-misleading red herrings and the motive at the pinnacle was completely dependent upon knowing British will laws; that gifts are taxed less, the longer benefactors live after giving them. Retired famous actor, Marius Steen, with an estranged son, is murdered. He, or a blackmailing photography couple could be blamed.
The most interesting avenue is the silliest. Marius planned to marry Jacqui, a friend of Charles Paris but halted contact. People are sure of where they stand at that level. Whether or not he wrote good-bye notes to her, made a poor mystery; as were friends forgetting to produce important papers until the novel closes. Come on! A doctor willing to commit the most abhorrent crime, was not arrested for attempting it, even if he didn't follow through? Subsequent Charles Paris mystery will be better. I own nearly all of Simon’s stories and anticipate them delighting me.
March 20, 2013
When I was 15 or 16 we spent Christmas with my older sister who was already married and she gave me one of the coolest Christmas presents I had ever had. She had ordered a "grab bag" from a mystery book catalog. This was where they just put 5 random mysteries in a box and send it to you so you had no idea what you might get. I thought this was so much fun!
I don't remember what 4 of those books were, though I'm certain they are still on my shelves somewhere. The 5th one however, led me to what has become one of my favorite authors and series of all time. That book was So Much Blood by Simon Brett. It's the second in the Charles Paris mystery series.
Simon Brett published 17 books in this series, the last one in 1997. I loved them all. He then went on to write several other series including Mrs. Pargeter and the Feathering series. I assumed, sadly, he was done with Charles Paris. But now, 17 years later, he has a new Charles Paris book coming out on July 1st. I'm starting a re-read of the series in order to get back into his world before I read the new book. I'm so excited!
The first book in this series is Cast, in order of Disappearance. We are introduced to Charles Paris, a chronically out of work London actor. We find out that he drinks too much and is a womanizer. But in my mind, he is a classic British amateur sleuth in the best traditions of classic British amateur sleuths.
In his first outing, he is asked by a young actress he knows to find out why her boyfriend, a prominent figure in British theater, wants nothing to do with her anymore. Charles is reluctant but always influenced by a pretty young thing. Soon the boyfriend turns up dead, blackmail pictures are circulated, the blackmailer turns up dead, it's all just a big mess for Charles. Throw in the blackmailer's wife who comes on to him at every opportunity and a petrol crisis that has all of England thinking twice about their mode of transportation and you've got a complicated puzzle for Charles to figure out.
This book is pure fun, smart, complicated, cozy, intriguing, a little risque at times and witty. The behind the scenes looks at the British theater and the BBC are fascinating throughout the whole series. I'm so glad to see that Charles is coming back!
I don't remember what 4 of those books were, though I'm certain they are still on my shelves somewhere. The 5th one however, led me to what has become one of my favorite authors and series of all time. That book was So Much Blood by Simon Brett. It's the second in the Charles Paris mystery series.
Simon Brett published 17 books in this series, the last one in 1997. I loved them all. He then went on to write several other series including Mrs. Pargeter and the Feathering series. I assumed, sadly, he was done with Charles Paris. But now, 17 years later, he has a new Charles Paris book coming out on July 1st. I'm starting a re-read of the series in order to get back into his world before I read the new book. I'm so excited!
The first book in this series is Cast, in order of Disappearance. We are introduced to Charles Paris, a chronically out of work London actor. We find out that he drinks too much and is a womanizer. But in my mind, he is a classic British amateur sleuth in the best traditions of classic British amateur sleuths.
In his first outing, he is asked by a young actress he knows to find out why her boyfriend, a prominent figure in British theater, wants nothing to do with her anymore. Charles is reluctant but always influenced by a pretty young thing. Soon the boyfriend turns up dead, blackmail pictures are circulated, the blackmailer turns up dead, it's all just a big mess for Charles. Throw in the blackmailer's wife who comes on to him at every opportunity and a petrol crisis that has all of England thinking twice about their mode of transportation and you've got a complicated puzzle for Charles to figure out.
This book is pure fun, smart, complicated, cozy, intriguing, a little risque at times and witty. The behind the scenes looks at the British theater and the BBC are fascinating throughout the whole series. I'm so glad to see that Charles is coming back!
March 4, 2021
Very silly.
January 21, 2020
Cast in Order of Disappearance by Simon Brett is the first book in his Charles Paris mystery series. I've read a couple of others of this series and enjoyed. I've also tried Brett's Fethering and Mrs. Pargeter series, preferring the former I think.
Charles Paris is a jobbing actor, working where he can, sometimes writing radio scripts when he can't find acting jobs. For him, acting has somewhat lost its luster, more of a job now than a career. He drinks too much, lives on his own but still troops back to his wife's residence for some good food, laundry and comforting cuddling. Other times he spends in bars with other actors and friends and also spending time with the odd lady friend. Yup, he's a bit of a player.
Paris has just finished working on a radio play and is between jobs. He spends an evening with a young lady, Jacqui, who is being set up on by various troubles. Her boyfriend is pushing her aside due to an evening they had spent at a sex party (pictures taken) that is now the subject of a major trial. She wants Paris to help, to deliver the pictures to Marius Steen (the boyfriend) to let him know that all is well and that Jacqui has nothing to do with the black mailing.
Events begin to blow up; the black mailer is murdered, the boyfriend is found dead in bed (was he murdered?) and Paris and Jacqui begin to receive threats and actual violence. Paris reluctantly tries to resolve the situation, in the meantime also working on a new job, a movie entitled The Zombie Walks. Paris uses his acting skills (there are a great many nice asides listing critics comments about particular roles) to try and find out more about what has happened. Things move along very quickly with a nicely satisfying ending. Paris is an interesting, curmudgeonly character who has sudden insights into what he is working on. The story is also a fun, entertaining read, with excellent, quirky characters. There is enough sex on the side to provide a nice little bit of titillation as well. Enjoyable read and good introduction to this series. (3.5 stars)
Charles Paris is a jobbing actor, working where he can, sometimes writing radio scripts when he can't find acting jobs. For him, acting has somewhat lost its luster, more of a job now than a career. He drinks too much, lives on his own but still troops back to his wife's residence for some good food, laundry and comforting cuddling. Other times he spends in bars with other actors and friends and also spending time with the odd lady friend. Yup, he's a bit of a player.
Paris has just finished working on a radio play and is between jobs. He spends an evening with a young lady, Jacqui, who is being set up on by various troubles. Her boyfriend is pushing her aside due to an evening they had spent at a sex party (pictures taken) that is now the subject of a major trial. She wants Paris to help, to deliver the pictures to Marius Steen (the boyfriend) to let him know that all is well and that Jacqui has nothing to do with the black mailing.
Events begin to blow up; the black mailer is murdered, the boyfriend is found dead in bed (was he murdered?) and Paris and Jacqui begin to receive threats and actual violence. Paris reluctantly tries to resolve the situation, in the meantime also working on a new job, a movie entitled The Zombie Walks. Paris uses his acting skills (there are a great many nice asides listing critics comments about particular roles) to try and find out more about what has happened. Things move along very quickly with a nicely satisfying ending. Paris is an interesting, curmudgeonly character who has sudden insights into what he is working on. The story is also a fun, entertaining read, with excellent, quirky characters. There is enough sex on the side to provide a nice little bit of titillation as well. Enjoyable read and good introduction to this series. (3.5 stars)
August 13, 2016
Having read "The Dead Side of the Mike," the sixth Charles Paris mystery, and liking it, I was curious to see how it all began, so I purchased a collection of the first four. I was able to find an inexpensive collection of the first four novels, although, curiously, the collection had the novels featured in reverse order.
Charles is separated from his wife, though not divorced, with a small drinking problem, and making a modest living as an actor based in London. When former lover Jacqui asks him to act as a go-between for her current beau, theatrical producer Marius Steen, it seems like a simple favor. But he soon uncovers a blackmail scheme, and the perpetrator of said scheme has been shot to death.
Charles suspects Steen of doing the deed, but things get even more complicated when Steen turns up dead. Though he appears to have died of a heart attack, Jacqui believes Steen was murdered, leaving her in the lurch, pregnant with his baby, so she pressures a reluctant Charles into the role of amateur sleuth to investigate. But his investigation stirs up unexpected trouble, which may threaten the safety of Jacqui and her unborn child.
Published in 1975, the oil crisis is in full bloom, with everyone trying their best to save petrol whenever they can, along with a small mention of Watergate. Establishing Charles Paris' character takes up a lot of the story, and the case for murder is slow going at first. But the trade-off for the slow pace is seeing the life of a working actor, instead of the idealized movie star life we might otherwise imagine.
Paris makes use of his acting talents to aid him in his investigations, and there are occasional (and usually unflattering) references to reviews of his performances. I found it to be a good read, and I'm curious to check out more in the series.
Charles is separated from his wife, though not divorced, with a small drinking problem, and making a modest living as an actor based in London. When former lover Jacqui asks him to act as a go-between for her current beau, theatrical producer Marius Steen, it seems like a simple favor. But he soon uncovers a blackmail scheme, and the perpetrator of said scheme has been shot to death.
Charles suspects Steen of doing the deed, but things get even more complicated when Steen turns up dead. Though he appears to have died of a heart attack, Jacqui believes Steen was murdered, leaving her in the lurch, pregnant with his baby, so she pressures a reluctant Charles into the role of amateur sleuth to investigate. But his investigation stirs up unexpected trouble, which may threaten the safety of Jacqui and her unborn child.
Published in 1975, the oil crisis is in full bloom, with everyone trying their best to save petrol whenever they can, along with a small mention of Watergate. Establishing Charles Paris' character takes up a lot of the story, and the case for murder is slow going at first. But the trade-off for the slow pace is seeing the life of a working actor, instead of the idealized movie star life we might otherwise imagine.
Paris makes use of his acting talents to aid him in his investigations, and there are occasional (and usually unflattering) references to reviews of his performances. I found it to be a good read, and I'm curious to check out more in the series.
August 7, 2020
Who killed Marius Steen, the theatrical tycoon with a fortune to leave his young mistress Jacqui? And who killed Bill Sweet, the shady blackmailer with a supply of compromising photographs? Charles Paris, a middle-aged actor takes to detection as a Scotland Yard Detective-Sergeant. It’s a light-hearted frolic that is, at the same time, a beautifully ingenious puzzle, and it fizzes with fun and wit.I enjoyed the audio of this book and will continue with this series.
June 23, 2024
A lovely first novel, although the title doesn't quite live up to its promise. In any case, the cozy English seventies - cozy mystery, that is - are artfully rendered here. I think the idea of turning an actor into a detective is brilliant. It gives Brett's crime novels a milieu and a perspective that is very refreshing for the genre. There's quite a bit of sex involved, which doesn't necessarily detract from the story, but for England, even in 1970s London, it seems a trifle exaggerated.
October 27, 2024
I'm wondering if I should add a Goodreads shelf for "alcoholism"--Charles Paris definitely has a drinking problem, though he doesn't see it, and it doesn't prevent him from indulging in both clever sleuthing and attempting to rescue damsels in distress. This series is consistently funny and entertaining. I especially like the little capsule reviews of Paris's past acting performances.
January 10, 2019
I quite enjoyed this one and found out it's just he first in a series of books featuring Charles Paris, a hard-drinking, oversexed and aging actor. The idea of having a character actor as the "detective" of a detective story is cool because he gets to flex his theatrical muscles disguising himself and taking on different personas.
The story isn't anything particularly special, though it has the virtue of being less than 200 pages, and I'll read most anything of that length.
I actually picked this one up because of the similarity of the title to "In Order of Disappearance" (Kraftidioten), the Norwegian film that's got an upcoming Liam Neeson remake "Cold Pursuit." But as far as I can tell, it's not actually an adaptation of the book. The title is the only thing in common, and while I've seen that kind of thing happen in the past, I don't think this book is the basis for either film. Just a coincidence.
The story isn't anything particularly special, though it has the virtue of being less than 200 pages, and I'll read most anything of that length.
I actually picked this one up because of the similarity of the title to "In Order of Disappearance" (Kraftidioten), the Norwegian film that's got an upcoming Liam Neeson remake "Cold Pursuit." But as far as I can tell, it's not actually an adaptation of the book. The title is the only thing in common, and while I've seen that kind of thing happen in the past, I don't think this book is the basis for either film. Just a coincidence.
April 15, 2015
I was surprised to learn that this was the first in the Charles Paris series. Reading the book, the narrative seemed to need early knowledge of the character which didn't exist. There are also many very British notations throughout. For the casual reader, this book is likely to be very confusing. Not helping is that the book is very firmly set in 1975.
The story is very good with a great mystery involved. Pay attention and the answer to the riddle is there. The characters are very well written, which helps carry a more shaky narrative.
Overall, it's a rather light book. A perfect book for a weekend outing...with a very British setting.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 of 10 points.
The story is very good with a great mystery involved. Pay attention and the answer to the riddle is there. The characters are very well written, which helps carry a more shaky narrative.
Overall, it's a rather light book. A perfect book for a weekend outing...with a very British setting.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 of 10 points.
March 7, 2025
Slight murder mystery that perfectly captures the vibe of the early 1970s London and UK theatre scene. If you love novels with little or no literary pretensions that are like time machines back to an earlier era, you are in for a treat. Watch out: many of the attitudes expressed are toe-curlingly racist, sexist, misogynist, homophobic ... oohh, have I covered everything? I can imagine a modern editions must expend many paragraphs on trigger-warnings and apologies ... But trust me, it's worth it. You'll feel like you're there, in 1974 ... And it's a refreshing reminder that, however bad today may seem -- the "good old days" were not that good ...
First few pages in, and I was very dubious about this -- Charles Paris is an unlovable rogue. A hopeless drunk, in complete denial about his alcoholism. (On balance, he decided he probably wasn't. He could do without a drink. But he wouldn't like to have to.) A man who walked out on his wife and daughter because they were too boring -- but still manages to force himself to let his ex-wife cosset him with hot meals and friends-with-benefits duties. A B-list (or D-list) actor of questionable talents, although still steadily working (The lack of matinee-idol good looks which had kept him from being a star in the Fifties was no longer a disadvantage.) A "lady's man" -- shorthand for a genteel misogynist, creep and predator on vulnerable women young enough to be his daughter.
As if it couldn't get any worse, the victim is no better (I don't think that's a spoiler -- although it takes a while to get into the mystery-proper, it should be pretty obvious to anyone but Charles Paris that Marius Steen is not having a quiet weekend, reading scripts at his country house ...) Empresario Steen is a bargain-basement Harvey Weinstein, with a predator's eye for girls young enough to be his granddaughter. Who are, of course, delighted to be the lust objects of such a fine specimen, and who suffer no long term damage by being seduced, pressured into having abortions and otherwise abused by him, because it's all just a bit of fun, isn't it ...
Twenty pages, and I was all ready to give up: who needs that? And then, I hit these lines:
Frances produced the food very quickly. It was a dish with frankfurters and sour cream. Something new. Charles felt jealous at the the thought that she was developing, learning new things without him ...
If, at the mention of "a dish with frankfurters and sour cream," you gagged a little then, yes, I think you remember the 70s. I think I was served that dish, hell, I think I may have even tried to make it -- so edgy, and slightly exotic!! I think I still have PTSD from exposure to that dish.
I was immediately bounced back to 1974 -- my first year in the UK! Petrol rationing! The three day week, brown outs and Edward Heath!!-- and I realised that the way to read this was not as a novel, but as a historical document, a message in a bottle from a lost (thank goodness) past. So many, many excruciating artefacts of a bye-gone age, from the modern-build, young-wouldbe-executive home of Charles' depressingly 21-going-on-40 daughter (complete with ...the marine blue bath, matching the marine blue wash-basin and separate lavatory*) to Charles going on and on and on about being old at -- gasp -- 47.
As such it has been hard to rate: as a mystery, it's just ok. A little slow to get going, and the solution depending on some tedious blathering about petrol rationing and financial shenanigans intended to avoid crippling death duties. But it is remarkably well-written -- Simon Brett had a way with words and (as Producer of Light Entertainment for the BBC and ITV in the late 60s and 70s) he knew the world, and the characters, he was writing about, for better or for worse. There are some very funny bits -- a chapter in which Paris visits the elderly survivor of a vaudeville double act, to get inside information on Steen, is both hilarious and touching. Think Ernie Wise, after Eric Morecambe went to the Great Palladium in the Sky -- proud of his legacy, bereft without his old partner, baffled by modern tastes in entertainment:
They don't have variety now. Not even the word. Variety with a big V. Used to mean something ... it's not Variety any more, it's Light Entertainment -- now that's a different thing altogether. (Which is particularly funny, given Simon Brett's day job, as he was writing this.
My usual metric is that if something is readable, and is better than it needs to be, it gets a boost in the ratings -- hence 4 stars. Trust me, this ain't great literature, but as a window to a past I remember -- it's worth a read.
* I was only sorry it wasn't an avocado bathroom suite. Or that tooth-achingly pink shade you still find in some houses of that era ...
An aside: I ordered this from the library because I saw that BBC Radio has audio adaptations of several (all?) of the Charles Paris novels with the wonderful Bill Nighy as Paris. I don't really like radio plays, so I decided to do the next best thing, and read the book, if I could get my hands on it. How Old School am I? Bill Nighy is inspired casting as Charles Paris -- I can just hear him drawl the lines, so I can see that I need to change my thinking on radio plays ... (they are available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FhUb...)
At some point (can't track down when) BBC Radio did adaptations with the Blessed Francis Matthews as Charles Paris. (Must have been before Francis Matthews sadly passed away in 2014. I LOVED Francis Matthews in 1970s "dramedies" like Trinity Tales and Don't Forget to Write, and he would have been perfect as Charles Paris ....
First few pages in, and I was very dubious about this -- Charles Paris is an unlovable rogue. A hopeless drunk, in complete denial about his alcoholism. (On balance, he decided he probably wasn't. He could do without a drink. But he wouldn't like to have to.) A man who walked out on his wife and daughter because they were too boring -- but still manages to force himself to let his ex-wife cosset him with hot meals and friends-with-benefits duties. A B-list (or D-list) actor of questionable talents, although still steadily working (The lack of matinee-idol good looks which had kept him from being a star in the Fifties was no longer a disadvantage.) A "lady's man" -- shorthand for a genteel misogynist, creep and predator on vulnerable women young enough to be his daughter.
As if it couldn't get any worse, the victim is no better (I don't think that's a spoiler -- although it takes a while to get into the mystery-proper, it should be pretty obvious to anyone but Charles Paris that Marius Steen is not having a quiet weekend, reading scripts at his country house ...) Empresario Steen is a bargain-basement Harvey Weinstein, with a predator's eye for girls young enough to be his granddaughter. Who are, of course, delighted to be the lust objects of such a fine specimen, and who suffer no long term damage by being seduced, pressured into having abortions and otherwise abused by him, because it's all just a bit of fun, isn't it ...
Twenty pages, and I was all ready to give up: who needs that? And then, I hit these lines:
Frances produced the food very quickly. It was a dish with frankfurters and sour cream. Something new. Charles felt jealous at the the thought that she was developing, learning new things without him ...
If, at the mention of "a dish with frankfurters and sour cream," you gagged a little then, yes, I think you remember the 70s. I think I was served that dish, hell, I think I may have even tried to make it -- so edgy, and slightly exotic!! I think I still have PTSD from exposure to that dish.
I was immediately bounced back to 1974 -- my first year in the UK! Petrol rationing! The three day week, brown outs and Edward Heath!!-- and I realised that the way to read this was not as a novel, but as a historical document, a message in a bottle from a lost (thank goodness) past. So many, many excruciating artefacts of a bye-gone age, from the modern-build, young-wouldbe-executive home of Charles' depressingly 21-going-on-40 daughter (complete with ...the marine blue bath, matching the marine blue wash-basin and separate lavatory*) to Charles going on and on and on about being old at -- gasp -- 47.
As such it has been hard to rate: as a mystery, it's just ok. A little slow to get going, and the solution depending on some tedious blathering about petrol rationing and financial shenanigans intended to avoid crippling death duties. But it is remarkably well-written -- Simon Brett had a way with words and (as Producer of Light Entertainment for the BBC and ITV in the late 60s and 70s) he knew the world, and the characters, he was writing about, for better or for worse. There are some very funny bits -- a chapter in which Paris visits the elderly survivor of a vaudeville double act, to get inside information on Steen, is both hilarious and touching. Think Ernie Wise, after Eric Morecambe went to the Great Palladium in the Sky -- proud of his legacy, bereft without his old partner, baffled by modern tastes in entertainment:
They don't have variety now. Not even the word. Variety with a big V. Used to mean something ... it's not Variety any more, it's Light Entertainment -- now that's a different thing altogether. (Which is particularly funny, given Simon Brett's day job, as he was writing this.
My usual metric is that if something is readable, and is better than it needs to be, it gets a boost in the ratings -- hence 4 stars. Trust me, this ain't great literature, but as a window to a past I remember -- it's worth a read.
* I was only sorry it wasn't an avocado bathroom suite. Or that tooth-achingly pink shade you still find in some houses of that era ...
An aside: I ordered this from the library because I saw that BBC Radio has audio adaptations of several (all?) of the Charles Paris novels with the wonderful Bill Nighy as Paris. I don't really like radio plays, so I decided to do the next best thing, and read the book, if I could get my hands on it. How Old School am I? Bill Nighy is inspired casting as Charles Paris -- I can just hear him drawl the lines, so I can see that I need to change my thinking on radio plays ... (they are available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FhUb...)
At some point (can't track down when) BBC Radio did adaptations with the Blessed Francis Matthews as Charles Paris. (Must have been before Francis Matthews sadly passed away in 2014. I LOVED Francis Matthews in 1970s "dramedies" like Trinity Tales and Don't Forget to Write, and he would have been perfect as Charles Paris ....
August 13, 2018
I love Simon Brett's Mrs. Pargeter series and when I found this book at a bargain price in my local used book store I snapped it up. While not as good as his Mrs. Pargeter series, Simon Brett's series starring Charles Paris is a nice little excursion back into the seventies. The book was written in 1975 and contains lots of seventies atmosphere. Charles Paris is a jaded actor with questionable morals but his own peculiar code of honor. Charles is drawn into the affairs of his former lover and friend, Jacqui, when her paramour dies under suspicious circumstances. Simon Brett is famous for his dry wit and almost satirical mysteries and this book is no exception.
October 20, 2017
I freely admit that I listened to this because it was narrated by the wonderful Bill Nighy. I caught a little bit of it on Radio 4 one day while I was driving and decided to seek out the rest of it. It's very light entertainment, but it passed a couple of hours in the car.
I also got my hands on the original book and read the first few chapters of it, just to see how different it was. The radio adaptation is fairly loosely "based on" the original book. I probably won't continue to read the rest of the series, but as I've got the audio version now, I might stick it on in the car next time I've got a drive of a reasonable length on my own.
I also got my hands on the original book and read the first few chapters of it, just to see how different it was. The radio adaptation is fairly loosely "based on" the original book. I probably won't continue to read the rest of the series, but as I've got the audio version now, I might stick it on in the car next time I've got a drive of a reasonable length on my own.
August 18, 2022
3.5 stars marked up to four by Goodreads.
Had never read anything by Simon Brett, so started with this, the first of his “Charles Paris” series. Paris is an actor with talent but not much work, a penchant for alcohol, and a generous libido. In this tale he finds himself helping and consoling a former (very young) fling who is in love with a powerful theatrical impressario, an older man who seems to have dumped her. Characters very good — well-developed and diverse. Action fast-moving and plausible. Would read another in the series (and right now, since I have an omnibus volume with the first four Charles Paris novels).
Had never read anything by Simon Brett, so started with this, the first of his “Charles Paris” series. Paris is an actor with talent but not much work, a penchant for alcohol, and a generous libido. In this tale he finds himself helping and consoling a former (very young) fling who is in love with a powerful theatrical impressario, an older man who seems to have dumped her. Characters very good — well-developed and diverse. Action fast-moving and plausible. Would read another in the series (and right now, since I have an omnibus volume with the first four Charles Paris novels).
Want to read
March 25, 2011I noticed the synopsis for this book is incorrect. For some reason the synopsis for"Killer Pancake" A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery is showing instead of Cast, In Order of Disappearance.
April 21, 2024
DNF for some reason I couldn’t get passed “pleasant thought of nubile young girls being displayed at Sotheby’s crossed his mind.” 🤦🏽♀️
September 4, 2025
I always find it interesting to revisit the first outings of characters who subsequently go on to feature in lengthy novel sequences. Ian Rankin’s celebrated detective, John Rebus, is very different in his early outings from the thrawn, beer and whisky drinking rock and roll fan of the later novels. In Hide and Seek, the second book in the series, he favours cultivated jazz music, and shows signs of developing into a wine snob. Rankin was careful, however, to ensure that Rebus aged in real time, and that process of ageing, and growing disgruntlement, was central to his considerable success and verisimilitude as a character.
Another character who went on to enjoy a long career of detection is Simon Brett’s marvellous creation, Charles Paris. As the series developed, Charles Paris also underwent a metamorphosis, although his development seemed to occur without any aging process. In the later books in the series, Charles is a down at heel actor who has managed to pass through his career without any notable success. Frequently finding himself called upon to don a disguise inspired by one of his former roles, he can only ever recall the painful reviews he has received. Another key aspect of the later books is their comic nature, which is wholly absent from this first book in the series, which was written as a straight crime novel with a vaguely theatrical background.
It may be different in style to its successors, but it shows the same high quality. The plot is well constructed. One aspect that was notably different, however, was Charles Paris’s personality. I found him a very empathetic character in the later books, but there is a hardness to him here that would not be retained. He also seems to have had far more past success on the boards than the character in the later books might ever lay claim to..
It is set in a bleak 1973, during the run up to Christmas, with cold weather exacerbated by the oil crisis, with petrol in short supply and hideously expensive, while the miners’ strike has taken hold, ensuring that television shuts down at 10.30 each evening, shops are left dark all night, and everyone struggles to keep warm. Against this grim background, impresario Marius Steen is found dead in his Berkshire home. All the early indications suggest that the aging tycoon has merely succumbed to a heart attack brought on by the strains of over-zealous business. Charles, however, has reason to suspect that all is not as it seems, and embarks upon his own investigation.
I have recently gone back to early novels in successful series, and found that if I had read the first book at the time of its initial publication, I would probably not have bothered with any subsequent volumes. I suspect that that might have been the case here, too – the harsher, less charming Charles Paris might not have led me to return if this had been the first book in the series that I had read.
Another character who went on to enjoy a long career of detection is Simon Brett’s marvellous creation, Charles Paris. As the series developed, Charles Paris also underwent a metamorphosis, although his development seemed to occur without any aging process. In the later books in the series, Charles is a down at heel actor who has managed to pass through his career without any notable success. Frequently finding himself called upon to don a disguise inspired by one of his former roles, he can only ever recall the painful reviews he has received. Another key aspect of the later books is their comic nature, which is wholly absent from this first book in the series, which was written as a straight crime novel with a vaguely theatrical background.
It may be different in style to its successors, but it shows the same high quality. The plot is well constructed. One aspect that was notably different, however, was Charles Paris’s personality. I found him a very empathetic character in the later books, but there is a hardness to him here that would not be retained. He also seems to have had far more past success on the boards than the character in the later books might ever lay claim to..
It is set in a bleak 1973, during the run up to Christmas, with cold weather exacerbated by the oil crisis, with petrol in short supply and hideously expensive, while the miners’ strike has taken hold, ensuring that television shuts down at 10.30 each evening, shops are left dark all night, and everyone struggles to keep warm. Against this grim background, impresario Marius Steen is found dead in his Berkshire home. All the early indications suggest that the aging tycoon has merely succumbed to a heart attack brought on by the strains of over-zealous business. Charles, however, has reason to suspect that all is not as it seems, and embarks upon his own investigation.
I have recently gone back to early novels in successful series, and found that if I had read the first book at the time of its initial publication, I would probably not have bothered with any subsequent volumes. I suspect that that might have been the case here, too – the harsher, less charming Charles Paris might not have led me to return if this had been the first book in the series that I had read.
October 18, 2025
Charles Paris - a 47 year old functional alcoholic actor well passed his sell by date - is approached by his friend Jacqui after she has unceremoniously been given the brush off by lover theatrical empresario Marcus Steen. What follows is a case of blackmail, a double murder and a zombie murder role all at the same time...
Having listened to the excellent BBC Radio 4 plays starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, I thought I would give the source material a go and its a decision I didnt regret.
At under 200 pages, the novel doesnt overstay its welcome and in Charles Paris you have an excellent anti hero. Happiest when drunk or in the company of women and an actor when it suits him, Charles unfortunately has a very strong moral compass which leads him to one disaster after another as he tries constantly to do the right thing.
The supporting characters (his ex-wife Frances who he has a "complicated relationship with, his long suffering agent Maurice Skellern and his daughter Juliet married to the anally retentive Miles) are all here and are excellent foils for Charles to bounce off.
The humour is reminiscent of a Tom Sharpe novel (as a Sharpe fan - thats a massive compliment from me) and the pace rattles along nicely. There are some leaps and bounds of logic here and there as you would expect with a novel that doesnt take itself too seriously, but it doesnt detract from a fun book with some excellent characters you would willingly spend time with.
I shall read more of Charles' adventures in the future...
Having listened to the excellent BBC Radio 4 plays starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, I thought I would give the source material a go and its a decision I didnt regret.
At under 200 pages, the novel doesnt overstay its welcome and in Charles Paris you have an excellent anti hero. Happiest when drunk or in the company of women and an actor when it suits him, Charles unfortunately has a very strong moral compass which leads him to one disaster after another as he tries constantly to do the right thing.
The supporting characters (his ex-wife Frances who he has a "complicated relationship with, his long suffering agent Maurice Skellern and his daughter Juliet married to the anally retentive Miles) are all here and are excellent foils for Charles to bounce off.
The humour is reminiscent of a Tom Sharpe novel (as a Sharpe fan - thats a massive compliment from me) and the pace rattles along nicely. There are some leaps and bounds of logic here and there as you would expect with a novel that doesnt take itself too seriously, but it doesnt detract from a fun book with some excellent characters you would willingly spend time with.
I shall read more of Charles' adventures in the future...
July 6, 2021
Cast, In Order of Disappearance by Simon Brett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review 52 of 100 in 2021
I’m always asking people I respect what I should be reading. I was seated at a banquet recently next to my daughter’s beloved 8th grade English teacher and asked him what he is reading and he said he has been enjoying the escapism of Simon Brett’s writing. I imagined he would lay some Austen or other classic novelist on me, but it turns out English teachers need a good light summer read like everyone else.
What intrigued me about this book is that the detective isn’t some Sherlock Holmes style genius, but instead, Charles Paris, an alcoholic, washed-up actor who is struggling to be relevant as he ages in London’s stage and screen culture. There are many inside actor type jokes, like when describing a producer who is a dismal failure by saying “Nigel’d close The Moustrap within a week.” I found all the behind the scenes acting lore of the early 1970’s charming, as were all the wacky theater folk Paris encounters along the way.
At its heart, this is a simple mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. Everything tracks well and the plot makes sense. There aren’t any major surprises, but there is something soothing about losing oneself in a little story not setting out to change the world, but that is simply designed to entertain. It is a good palate cleanser on my way to bigger, darker and more impactful fare.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review 52 of 100 in 2021
I’m always asking people I respect what I should be reading. I was seated at a banquet recently next to my daughter’s beloved 8th grade English teacher and asked him what he is reading and he said he has been enjoying the escapism of Simon Brett’s writing. I imagined he would lay some Austen or other classic novelist on me, but it turns out English teachers need a good light summer read like everyone else.
What intrigued me about this book is that the detective isn’t some Sherlock Holmes style genius, but instead, Charles Paris, an alcoholic, washed-up actor who is struggling to be relevant as he ages in London’s stage and screen culture. There are many inside actor type jokes, like when describing a producer who is a dismal failure by saying “Nigel’d close The Moustrap within a week.” I found all the behind the scenes acting lore of the early 1970’s charming, as were all the wacky theater folk Paris encounters along the way.
At its heart, this is a simple mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. Everything tracks well and the plot makes sense. There aren’t any major surprises, but there is something soothing about losing oneself in a little story not setting out to change the world, but that is simply designed to entertain. It is a good palate cleanser on my way to bigger, darker and more impactful fare.
October 20, 2025
Charles Paris is a character actor in 1970s London, eking out a living show by play by film part. He is long separated from his wife and happily “playing the field” with various ingenues that come across his path. When one friend, Jacqui, is treated badly by an impressario, Charles reluctantly agrees to intercede in hopes of reconciling the two, but instead he stumbles across the man’s body. Jacqui is convinced that murder must have occurred, and although Charles has his doubts, he uses his contacts and theatrical resources to try to discover the truth, if only to assuage her grief, but there are more people interested in the situation than just him alone…. This is the first novel in a long-running series; published in 1975, it fairly captures the zeitgeist of the times, complete with whinging about petrol shortages during the oil embargo and the casual attitude toward sex and relationships prevalent at the time (no, I wasn’t in London in 1973, but I was a teenager then and remember the excesses very well). I like the milieu of a slightly seedy theatrical scene, and I like Charles quite a bit, although how he manages to function given the huge quantities of drink in which he regularly indulges is a mystery to me. I am looking forward to continuing with the series, of which it seems there are more than 20 novels, so I have a lot of catching up to do! Recommended.
April 8, 2023
I disagree with a lot of reviewers here about a few aspects of this book. I picked up a copy in a secondhand bookshop because of the title and the minimal blurb, which both suggested a humorous twist on the traditional murder mystery. I had never heard of Simon Brett, but the opening pages promised good entertainment, and I enjoyed the whole book.
The main character is an amusing combination of mediocrity in his personal and professional life with flashes of brilliance as a detective, and the mystery plot kept me intrigued. Brett has a deft, funny way with words that reminded me of P G Wodehouse at times. I enjoyed all the references to the energy crisis of the 1970s; one of the reasons why I read vintage mysteries is to learn about the social history of previous eras. For a book to never ‘date’ it must have no real setting to speak of, which would be profoundly unsatisfying, in my opinion. If you’re confused by contemporary references in a book published in the past, for God’s sake, just do a little Googling!
I’m definitely going to check out more of this author.
The main character is an amusing combination of mediocrity in his personal and professional life with flashes of brilliance as a detective, and the mystery plot kept me intrigued. Brett has a deft, funny way with words that reminded me of P G Wodehouse at times. I enjoyed all the references to the energy crisis of the 1970s; one of the reasons why I read vintage mysteries is to learn about the social history of previous eras. For a book to never ‘date’ it must have no real setting to speak of, which would be profoundly unsatisfying, in my opinion. If you’re confused by contemporary references in a book published in the past, for God’s sake, just do a little Googling!
I’m definitely going to check out more of this author.
March 13, 2023
I found myself wanting to check out some of Brett's other series, and was lucky enough to find Charles Paris #1 as an eBook in the library. First, let me say that this character is such a sleaze! He's also a raging alcoholic, so I wonder firstly, how did he become such a popular character, and secondly, how he was ever able to detect anything. There is no accounting for taste. At least the author created an original character, and the dialogue and titbits about the theatre business ring true.
Some of Charles' actions are inexplicable, except to say that he does most of his thinking "below the belt", if you catch my drift.
Charles is an experienced actor, and he uses his acting skills and ability to mimic accents to advantage in his investigations.
All in all I enjoyed the book as a bit of light reading, and it didn't take very long to read. I decided to give this a 3.7. I don't think I'll be rushing to read any more of this series, though.
Some of Charles' actions are inexplicable, except to say that he does most of his thinking "below the belt", if you catch my drift.
Charles is an experienced actor, and he uses his acting skills and ability to mimic accents to advantage in his investigations.
All in all I enjoyed the book as a bit of light reading, and it didn't take very long to read. I decided to give this a 3.7. I don't think I'll be rushing to read any more of this series, though.
October 18, 2020
One of my resolutions is to get through all of the Charles Paris mysteries, so I rightly started with this one. Who doesn't have a soft spot for disreputable, slightly sodden but charming and heart of gold Paris? Here he shows all of the augers that have provided such a fun ride all of these years, louche but resolute in his desire to track down justice, jobbing for any low rent acting gig and barely scraping by, but absolutely brilliant at fooling his way to finding the truth among scoundrels. Note: do try and have a listen sometime to either the Francis Matthews OR the Bill Nighy BBC treatments of Paris - they're both horribly good, different in their interpretations of Paris's qualities, but equally charimatic. Maybe Matthews is a little more detective, Nighy a little more wry - one could have an awfully good time obsessing about these two gents!
June 20, 2020
This book, in fact the whole series, has been on my To Be Read list for some time. I finally managed to read it and found it an enjoyable, straightforward story. The contemporary references to things like the three day week and other political happenings resonate with me as I am old enough to remember them. I even know that the Datsun car crucial to the plot would be a Nissan if this book was written today.
I found Charles Paris to be engaging, not too self-absorbed for an actor and would love to hear one of the many radio plays the BBC has done with Bill Nighy playing the part . I like the way the author had Paris almost fall into the role of amateur detective and that by dint of wanting to help an old flame, Jacqui Mitchell, he pretended to be a policeman, called in favours from friends and acquaintances and gradually pieced together what did happen to Marius Steen and who was responsible, without getting too carried away.
I would definitely read another in the series
I found Charles Paris to be engaging, not too self-absorbed for an actor and would love to hear one of the many radio plays the BBC has done with Bill Nighy playing the part . I like the way the author had Paris almost fall into the role of amateur detective and that by dint of wanting to help an old flame, Jacqui Mitchell, he pretended to be a policeman, called in favours from friends and acquaintances and gradually pieced together what did happen to Marius Steen and who was responsible, without getting too carried away.
I would definitely read another in the series
August 13, 2020
I was first introduced to Charles Paris via radio plays. The louche character is an actor who drinks too much, lazes around and has more character flaws than I care to think. On radio he is played to perfect by Bill Nighy, so think of a drunk version and you’re there.
This is the first of the books, and the first I’ve actually read. Very easy, one sitting reads and it’s less about the murder, more of an exposition of the character, who I am very fond of. Not great literature, not even a particularly convoluted plot, but worth spending time with because - well, I am very fond of Charles Paris, so it’s nice to read. The books seem mostly out of print now. I will, I am sure, be reading more in the future.
This is the first of the books, and the first I’ve actually read. Very easy, one sitting reads and it’s less about the murder, more of an exposition of the character, who I am very fond of. Not great literature, not even a particularly convoluted plot, but worth spending time with because - well, I am very fond of Charles Paris, so it’s nice to read. The books seem mostly out of print now. I will, I am sure, be reading more in the future.
July 22, 2022
I came across this as an audiobook that had actually been a radio drama and it was wonderful! So funny - I burst into laughter often.
Charles is played by the magnificent Bill Nighy and he’s perfect as the under employed actor who nevertheless loves his profession.
This Charles Paris is not as dissipated as the one in the books. He’s much kinder to Frances, his estranged wife, and they seem more of a family, sharing concerns about their adult daughter.
But the satire aimed at the current state of show business is as wickedly barred as you’d wish. Apparently this is a much updated version of the original book, complete with twitter and vampires.
Loved it. Wish I could find more.
Charles is played by the magnificent Bill Nighy and he’s perfect as the under employed actor who nevertheless loves his profession.
This Charles Paris is not as dissipated as the one in the books. He’s much kinder to Frances, his estranged wife, and they seem more of a family, sharing concerns about their adult daughter.
But the satire aimed at the current state of show business is as wickedly barred as you’d wish. Apparently this is a much updated version of the original book, complete with twitter and vampires.
Loved it. Wish I could find more.
September 6, 2020
After reading previous ratings I feel slightly guilty about enjoying this book so much!
I was introduced to the world of Simon Brett and Charles Paris via the fantastic radio plays with Bill Nighy.
When you read this book, and indeed other vintage reads you do have to appreciate that it was written in a different era. Yes, some of it is sexist and some of the subjects have changed somewhat but overall, I thought this book was fantastically funny and brilliantly written.
I still cannot fathom why the paperbacks are so expensive to buy. I had to 'treat' myself via my kindle.
I was introduced to the world of Simon Brett and Charles Paris via the fantastic radio plays with Bill Nighy.
When you read this book, and indeed other vintage reads you do have to appreciate that it was written in a different era. Yes, some of it is sexist and some of the subjects have changed somewhat but overall, I thought this book was fantastically funny and brilliantly written.
I still cannot fathom why the paperbacks are so expensive to buy. I had to 'treat' myself via my kindle.
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