A Deadly Habit cover art

A Deadly Habit

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A Deadly Habit

By: Simon Brett
Narrated by: Simon Brett
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About this listen

Having landed a small part in a new West End play, The Habit of Faith, Charles Paris is dismayed to discover that his good fortune has been orchestrated by his bête noire, the now-famous screen actor Justin Grover. 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. Did they fall - or were they pushed? As one of the last people to have seen the victim alive, Charles Paris is drawn into the ensuing investigation.

©2018 Simon Brett (P)2018 Isis Publishing Ltd Amateur Sleuths Cosy Mystery Detective Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
I love the Charles Paris stories. This one I liked most for the running sub plot about Charles’s alcoholism and how he tries to deal with it. Alcoholism has been a theme in previous Charles Paris books. By far more interesting than the main plot. Will he/won’t he manage to stop drinking? That’s what kept me listening.

I also love the West End theatre setting.

The sub plot about Charles’s alcoholism best bit

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I would like Charls to give up the booze it is boring. The main plot is quite twisty and engaging but the overlay of his battle with alcohol has been done better. Sorry but 'long days journey into night' has already been filmed.

good plot not enough resolution could do with finishing

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I am a big fan of Simon Brett 's stories so it is no surprise I rated it 5 stars.. They are well written pleasant whodunits, not too gruesome or gory. Charles Paris is a likeable character & the world of actors , directors, & all that showbiz stuff makes a change of scene (or crime scene in this case) to other whodunits.
Expertly read by the author.

Love Simon Brett's Charles Paris stories.

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always good fun but they are better when bill nighy is playing Charles....hilarious!!! always good stories though!!!

charles paris never changes

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I love the Charles Paris series and have all the audio books but I must say (sorry Simon), that I really prefer the dramatised versions with Bill Nighy and a full cast. Perhaps it would have been OK if the narrator, in this case the author, could have matched the character voices to those of the dramatisations. As it was, I found it somewhat irritating that Charles Paris sounds completely different to what I‘ m used to and I found the narration all in all rather bland.

Not bad but I prefer the Bill Nighy versions

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Narrator was perfect for this easy read, or rather listen. Maybe it's because he is also the author.

Nice and easy

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Easy to listen to even if they are a bit formulaic. I prefer the Bill Nighy narrations although the original author will bring his original perspective to the story. Nothing wrong with Simon Brett's narration but the dramatised versions are always better.

Charles Paris is good value

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Overall the story was interesting with some lovely characters but the author got bored and the story was tied off in a joyless ending. I enjoy Mr Brett's books and usually manage to listen to his readings without complaint but, after listening to his quavering voice struggle through this book, I think it's time he gave an actor (should that be voice artist?) some work. If an audiobook with Bill Nighy and Suzanne Burden appears I will buy it. I enjoy Mr Front's interpretations. I can't recommend this book.

A Deadly Dull Listen

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