Charles Paris mysteries are entertaining, witty and predictable in the best possible way. I could see this being a very successsful tv series. Most enjoyable.

More fun, crime and dysfunction in the world of thespians. Cozy crime in the form of the golden era, set in the present day. It's not taxing but it is just what you need after a long demanding day.

I really enjoy Simon Brett's Charles Paris books, and this one was no exception. Charles has a chance at a proper reunion with his estranged and long-suffering wife, Frances. He just has to give up the booze. But it's not as if he has a problem, not like they type of person who goes to AA meetings and all that. And he has just landed a role in a West End Play, so it would be rude not to go for a drink with the rest of the cast and crew. But there are unsettling developments as rehearsal gets underway, and Charles starts to realise that he may not be as in control of things as he thinks.
I really enjoyed this, and look forward to reading the next in the series.

Struggling actor Charles Paris has landed a good gig, a minor role in a new Wet End play, and is *almost* back together with his long-suffering wife Frances. When a violent death interrupts rehearsals, Charles begins his investigations as usual. But this time his detecting is interrupted by something unusual for him - the possibility that his drinking may have tipped from being impressive to disturbing. Is it finally time for him to give it up?

I've been reading this series for years (long enough to wonder a bit about how Charles is aging exactly). This has the typical back stage gossip that makes the series fun, but seemed a bit more morose? Charles' struggle with his drinking takes forefront here, with the murder almost an aside to the rest of the book. Charles is always a lovable loser, but I ended this one more sad than amused. Still a diverting read.

On the lighter side, actor Charles Paris plays sleuth again in The Deadly Habit (Severn House, digital galley). Alcoholic and middle-aged, Paris is surprised to get a part in a new West End production starring Justin Grover, an actor with whom he worked long ago but who has since become rich and famous. Although he's trying not to drink so as to get back with his estranged wife Frances, Charles falls off the wagon at an inopportune moment, stumbling over a dead body backstage, then making a quick exit. Now he's got to find a murderer before he becomes prime suspect or the next corpse.

from On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever

Charles Paris is an actor who hasn't worked in several months. He is rather surprised to find himself set for a role in a play that he didn't even have to audition for. While he is quite pleased to be working again, he is working on something else, a possible reconciliation with his wife.

I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would, but that is simply because I jumped in so late in the series, so I will give this book four stars. I do so enjoy this type of story because when the average person takes on the task of solving crimes such as murder it is always quite engaging. Another factor in making this story work is indeed the imperfect portrayal of the character of Charles. He is far from perfect, fighting alcoholism and is also striving to reconcile with his wife of many, many years. I love an imperfect character. I like the realism this displays, rather endearing such a character to me. I most certainly look forward to future books in this series.

Many thanks to Severn House Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Reviewer's note: A Deadly Habit is the 20th book in the Charles Paris series, which began in 1975. A good research source for me is a website called Fantastic Fiction. This is an invaluable resource where you can find individual lists and links of just about any author and series out there. Simon Brett has another series still in production, Fethering. He is also the author of several standalone novels, anthologies and plays, as well as nonfiction.

Headline : Charles Paris rides again
Stars : 5
As a long time fan of Simon Brett and especially the Charles Paris and Feathering books I welcomed another opportunity to meet up again with his actor/sleuth character.
Charles Paris not only meets up with death on a regular basis but appears to have a personal deathwish too – certainly in respect of his relationship with long-suffering wife Frances. Just when he looks to be on track to make a go of things again he slips back into his old ways.
In what would normally be classed as a semi-comedic whodunnit the serious issue of alcoholism is addressed in the book. Sadly it is easy to see how people experiencing this sad condition can all fall off the wagon despite best intentions.
Having said all of that Brett has again produced a marvellous book and I recommend it and the whole series. Try and catch some of the BBC Radio dramatisations too!
This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher in return for an honest review.

Actor Charles Paris has been separated from his wife Frances for several years, but she is willing to reconcile. However, first he must give up drinking, a habit that has led to many past problems in their marriage. As Charles considers this difficult decision, he is given a role in a play portraying a monk. He’s a little suspicious about how easily the part was offered to him, but he can’t afford to turn down the chance at a steady paycheck. Before the play opens, one of the cast members is found dead at the theatre and Charles decides to investigate.

I've read most of the books in this long-running series. New readers wouldn't have a problem catching up on the plot, but since this is far from the best in this series, I would recommend starting with one of the earlier books. Although "A Deadly Habit" deals with a serious issue as Charles begins to realize his drinking really is a problem, it is still filled with Simon Brett's trademark wit. I love the references to unfavorable reviews of Charles's past performances sprinkled throughout the book. I have always enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at life in the theatre as well.

Most of the ingredients are there, but somehow don't come together as well in this outing compared to prior books in this series. The pace is even and Charles does spend quite a bit of time investigating the murder but it almost seems like an afterthought to him and the authorities. A lot of the book is focused on Charles's efforts to get sober which sets a more somber tone than most of Brett's books. Charles gets results from what he learns in the investigation, but not in the expected manner. I didn't care for the book's ending, although it is true to Charles's character. He has always been his own worst enemy, but this time his actions are more bittersweet than usual. I would rate this book as 3.5 stars.

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. The book was provide to me in exchange for an honest review.

A murder mystery set in London’ west end 🎭- two of my favourite things, combined with Simon Brett’s wonderful style of writing, made A Deadly Habit a perfect read.
Charles Paris would be dreadful to live with, (although in this book we do see taking some steps to remedy some of his faults) but he is immensely likeable and somewhat enduring as a main character.
I loved the references placed throughout the book to his press reviews from Charles’ previous performances; all of which were not kind to poor Charles, but all highly amusing to the reader!
Brilliant book by a superb author. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Actor Charles Paris, who is in his late-fifties, rarely lands decent parts anymore. In fact, his lackadaisical agent, Maurice Skellern, has not even called Paris for more than four months. While awaiting his next role, Charles spends hours drinking; he is an alcoholic who does not recognize the seriousness of his condition. Much to Charles's surprise, Skellern informs him that he has landed a small but well-paying role in the West End. Meanwhile, Charles's estranged wife, Frances, is generously throwing her husband a lifeline. If Charles manages to stay off the booze, she will not rule out the possibility of a reconciliation. Charles cares for Frances, but does he love her enough to stop chasing younger women and drinking so much that he sometimes blacks out?

Simon Brett's "A Deadly Habit" brings back one of the author's most irritating yet engaging characters. Charles is fascinatingly paradoxical. He can be witty and upbeat, or dour and self-pitying. In addition, he is self-deprecating, but proud enough to hotly deny that he needs help staying sober. At long last, Charles joins a program for alcoholics; he wants to stay dry long enough to solve these crimes and win Frances back. In addition to being a mediocre actor with a weakness for drowning his sorrows in a bottle of Bell's, Charles is an amateur sleuth. When a member of his ensemble is found dead, Charles interviews his fellow cast members as well as Gideon, the stage doorman, to learn more about what happened. Paris suspects foul play and, when another death follows on the heels of the first, Paris believes that the killer has struck again. It is unlikely that so many men and women would reveal their secrets to Charles, but one of the conventions of this series is that our hero readily convinces people to open up to him.

Brett scathingly satirizes flashy and trashy pop culture, and makes fun of marginally talented but good-looking actors who make it big, and then expect everyone to defer to them. In addition to being sardonic and amusing, "A Deadly Habit" explores such serious topics as the price that sexually exploitative predators are finally paying for their misdeeds. Moreover, the plight of Charles and others who have addictive personalities draws attention to the toll that substance abuse takes on individuals, their families, and society as a whole. Finally, this fast-paced and engrossing novel exposes some of the flaws of Britain's criminal justice system. All too frequently, the police fail to catch and punish felons who are too shrewd and/or lucky to be caught in the act. It is a fact that not everyone gets the punishment that he or she deserves.

I started this book in the evening and - BAAM - I discovered it was 3 am and I was 60% into the book.
I loved the mix of comedy and mystery, the description of the lifestyle and antics of actors, and the witty quotes of reviews.
Charles is quite a lovely character as his long suffering wife is.
This book is well written, with a fascinating plot, and will make you laugh.
Strongly recommended!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC

A Deadly Habit plops Charles Paris in a West End play where a real murderer is afoot.

Charles Paris “spent a great deal more time out of work than in”. But things are looking up when his lackluster agent Maurice finds him a three-month job playing a monk in The Habit of Faith in London’s West End. Little does Charles know that he will soon be investigating a cast member’s murder while also trying to quit drinking his beloved Bell’s whiskey and reunite with his long-estranged wife, Frances.

It is hard to believe this is the twentieth book in the series. I read the first one in middle school and nine more during my twenties. Charles’ life is still as feckless and humorous as I remember. There is no need to read the series in order though this one does share a few minor spoilers to the earlier books.

The mystery was relatively easy to solve with the clues and red herrings plain to see. The setting of a British play and its petty backstage grumblings was a nice change from the usual cozy’s crafts or small businesses as was using an older male amateur detective. The inclusion of the #MeToo movement modernizes a tale that could be set any time in the 20th or 21st century. Overall, there is enough different here to recommend A Deadly Habit to cozy fans. 3 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Severn House, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

This is the first of the Charles Paris series I've completed. I started the first one more than once, could never get into it, When this came up as a choice on NetGallery, I thought I'd give the series another try as I am a fan of the Mrs. Pargeter series by the same author. Alas, though I DID finish this one, I still don't care much for it. The focus of this one in particular, about Charles' alcohol addiction and the ways he tries/doesn't try to deal with it were depressing, not comedic. The whole play - both cast and murder - was depressing. I understand from other readers' reviews that this is somewhat atypical of the series, but I'm just not willing to devote the energy to finding out at present.

Thanks to NetGallery, Severn House Publishing and the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Amazingly this is the 20th book in the Charles Paris series. The author a Producer for radio and TV has two other series - Fethering and Mrs Pargetter. In a deadly habit Charles's luck seems to be getting better, a long running west end play in which he plays a monk who listens! and the possibility of a reconciliation with his estranged wife Frances. The only problem he has, he has to give up the booze! When there is a mysterious death Charles as usual is in the thick of it!
Great series I also enjoy the books and the radio series. Highly recommended. Thank you Netgalley for my kindle download. See my full review on Euro-Crime website.

A Charles Paris mystery. Charles has his first theatre job for a while given him by Justin Grover. Though they started together in the theatre Justin has become a famous screen actor. This story concentrates on Charles and his wry observations of his fellow actors. We follow his journey from realising alcohol is affecting his memory to trying (a bit half heartedly) to kick the habit. The first murder leads Charles to many more secrets someone wants hidden. I think reading some earlier Charles Paris mysteries will give you a better insight into the main characters.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 20th of the Charles Paris novels by Simon Brett and is published four years after the last one (THE CINDERELLA KILLER) – please can we get these more regularly!

Charles Paris has landed a small part in a new West End play, The Habit of Faith but his delight at a 3-month paying job is tempered by the discovery that his good fortune has been orchestrated by his much more successful contemporary Justin Grover who is now the star of a major film series. But why has Grover become involved in this relatively obscure production and why has he roped in Charles to star?

From the outset the production is fraught with difficulties -and matters become even more complicated when a body is discovered at the foot of the dressing room stairs – was it a fall or was it a push?

As one of the last people to have seen the victim alive, Charles Paris’ natural curiosity finds him drawn into the ensuing investigation where he discovers that more than one person involved in the play has a scandalous secret to hide …


As usual I read this very quickly as I do for most Simon Brett books. Both the murder aspect and the comedy aspect are well handled but the focus here is much more on Charles and his belated attempts to grow up, get sober and get back with his wife Frances. This latter aspect gives us some stronger comedic aspects on the world of theatre, the sobriety business and the extent to while Charles can delude himself.

It is not too much of a spoiler to say for those of us who like Charles there is again a hint of sunlight in his relationship with his wife Frances.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers on NetGalley and bought a signed copy at CrimeFest.

Charles' agent calls with an offer for a 4 month play. As an older, out of work, actor he grabs at the chance. The play is called "The Habit of Faith". Justin Grover is the star of the play - he has enjoyed international success and will be a big draw the show. Charles thinks the play is "serious crap" but the pay will not be. There is only one female part; a girl named Liddy who has promising talent. Charles knew another actor from the read-through Tod, so the two of them went to the pub that day. Expecting Tod to be the drinking buddy he remembered from the past, Charles found out that Tod has been a staunch AA member for years. Charles was no stranger to booze and Tod invited him to an AA meeting. This, was a bit too much on the religious side for Charles. Following the meeting, Charles goes on a bender so bad that he only could remember Liddy's body on the ground - and he ran away!!! Speculations as to who may have murdered Liddy run high. Doubt that it was a suicide.
Charles' wife is extremely concerned about his drinking - he finally attends an addiction program called TAUT. Although Charles does slip with his sobriety, he kind of likes the meetings and the people that attend. He does continue to go there.
Soon after Liddy's death, only Charles gets a note requesting to meet from Liddy's husband. They meet and Charles realizes that her husband's career is more important than his wife. (Probably was vice versa as well).
Hmmm...
Charles gets into Liddy's former dressing room and finds a spy camera with footage of Liddy making love to someone in a monk's outfit. Grant (the heartthrob of the play) admitted to Charles that he, indeed, did make love to Liddy on that day. Obviously, before she died.
At a TAUT meeting soon after, Trevor meets with Charlie, an old friend. Trevor actually owns the building and started TAUT. Charlie is impressed. The two got to talking and Trevor remembers Justin from early days.
It seems as if Justin was a "peeping Tom".
Just how is the hole in Liddy's room linked to her death? Or is it? Charles finally confronts Justin after speaking to one of Grant's fans.
But who is responsible for Liddy's death?
Great read! Do not want to give out a spoiler. Lots of surprises; twists that are unexpected!!!
Many thanks to Severn House and NetGallery for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House Publishing for the eARC.
It's been years since I read a Charles Paris mystery and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
After months of 'resting' Charles is offered a small role in a West End play, which will furnish him with four months of pay.
He doesn't think much of the play, but is happy to finally have work. The star of the show and several other cast members are all known to each other from the distant past, which seems slightly suspicious to him. When the only actress, whose role is The Girl, is found dead at the foot of the stairs at the venue, and another body is found shortly thereafter, Charles tries to solve the case, since the police haven't made any headway.
This book is a bit darker than the others I read, but I found that appealing. Charles, the boozing Lothario, is feeling his age and when his wife, Frances, offers to take him back, he's cautiously optimistic. There's a snag though...he must stop drinking. A lot of the story involved Charles trying to stick to sparkling water, an almost insurmountable task. He tried AA, but hated it, but finds an alternate organization that suits him better. He backsides quite a bit, which was at once annoying and sad, but bless his heart, he really tries.
This is quite a topical book, with past sexual misconduct in the forefront. Social media has changed the mood of the public and famous celebrities can easily be brought down. The behind the scenes machinations of the theatre and movie world, plus the curse of addiction, add depth to the story and I enjoyed this 20th in the series more than the previous ones. Simon Brett is a clever, witty author and I'm glad we finally got back into Charles' chaotic world. Let's hope we won't have to wait another 5 years for no. 21!

A Deadly Habit is the twentieth book in Simon Brett’s Charles Paris comic murder mystery series. Given that Charles – boozy, womanising and charmingly roguish jobbing actor-cum-amateur sleuth – was “Forty-seven years old and still attractive to women” in Cast, In Order of Disappearance in 1975, he is doing well to be “only in his late fifties” twenty books and forty-odd years later. I love this series and was pleased when it returned from a significant hiatus in 2013.

2018’s instalment finds Charles in a rare lucrative gig: three months’ stage-time in a new play in London’s West End. Brett’s experienced and confident style sets up the scene and the cast of suspicious characters easily and the plot proceeds at a brisk pace. Some of the themes explore have a very modern resonance and are quite timely.

The mystery here starts well but the main charm of these books is Charles himself and the humour that bubbles away throughout. Charles’s sleuthing and general persona are as good as ever but unfortunately – even though you find out who-why-and-how-dunit – the conclusion felt like a bit of an anti-climax to me. If this had been a stand-alone book I would have been more disappointed but as I am hopeful of seeing Charles again in the near future, I can live with the ending.

If you have enjoyed this series or Brett’s other works before, I am sure you will enjoy this. For the most part, it is a solid entry in a fun series, but I would have preferred a neater ending. That said, it was nice to welcome Charles, Frances and Maurice back like old friends and I hope there will be more to come soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC of A Deadly Habit.

Charles Paris is back on stage with a long run in the West End. He's trying to get his drinking under control and may even have a chance at getting back together with his ex-wife,

But that's before the murders begin.

Relationships among the actors in the current play are complex, in part because so many of them have a long-ago connection with the star of the show. Petty jealousies and long-term rivalries provide a backdrop that naturally complicates the play and the investigation.

But Charles is frustrated by that investigation. He feels that his inside knowledge could make a big difference in the speed with which the police track down the culprit... and he could be right.

The #MeToo movement turns up in this novel, along with Charles's own extreme sexism. Between that and his foray into Alcoholics Anonymous and similar groups, Charles is doing a lot of heavy thinking. He and the other characters are also telling each other a lot of home truths. The result is not exactly cheering, but Charles may have a better future ahead.