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rosieclaverton's review against another edition
3.0
A very strong character voice dominates the book, with an intriguing mystery thread alongside the personal journey of the protagonist.
spectacledbear's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The plots are good but oh, Charles Paris is such a disaster of a man...
cj_mo_2222's review against another edition
3.0
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.
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.
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
4.0
>Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.
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.
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.
verityw's review against another edition
3.0
Oh Charles. Oh Charles. What are you doing. This is another clever installment in the series, and one where Mr P finally starts to take a good hard look at himself while he's got a gig in the West End.
mkschoen's review against another edition
3.0
This is a review of an ARC from NetGalley.
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.
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.
bisthesu's review against another edition
1.0
Repetitive and unfunny jokes without much of a story. More of a preach on alcoholism.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
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
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
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
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
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
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