Scan barcode
ethanmmc's review against another edition
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Enjoyed the depiction of theater life, but found the mystery a bit weak.
ashleylm's review against another edition
3.0
This is an excellent backstager, marred only by a murder mystery. I was thoroughly enjoying the characters and situation, and for more than half the book there was a lot to enjoy. Then the murder happened (I suppose it was inevitable--I knew going in it was a mystery, I'd asked at the mystery bookshop for a good mystery to read) and I had to divide my focus between the fascinating story of life on-and-off the stage, and the less fascinating story of the whodunnit. Not-really-a-spoiler-alert: the reveal's not all that thrilling or satisfying or believable.
But I enjoyed all the rest of it so much that I'll seek out more by the author--if the rest of his books are just as good but with better mysteries, then I've found a new fave. For the non-mystery bits, 4 stars--for the mystery, 2 stars--hence, 3 stars overall.
But I enjoyed all the rest of it so much that I'll seek out more by the author--if the rest of his books are just as good but with better mysteries, then I've found a new fave. For the non-mystery bits, 4 stars--for the mystery, 2 stars--hence, 3 stars overall.
verityw's review against another edition
3.0
Charles is back in the theatre in this installment and back in the firing line. When he's replaced when the new play he's been starring in transfers to the West End, he finds himself backstage, understudying the role he used to play. The other leading man has also been replaced and he's not happy either, so when the new star is shot dead, there's an obvious suspect. But Charles isn't convinced. Fun, funny and clever.
anana11's review against another edition
4.0
Fun book and well written. I love Brett's handling of character relationships.
jmeston's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the theatre workings and characters. The main character Charles Paris is perfectly and even charmingly fallible. But the psychology of the murderer was so unconvincing that it drug the whole thing down.
lnatal's review
3.0
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Bill Nighy stars as Simon Brett’s actor sleuth who looks as if he may be starring in a West End hit. But of course things aren’t that simple.
Bill Nighy stars as Simon Brett’s actor sleuth who looks as if he may be starring in a West End hit. But of course things aren’t that simple.
joyblue's review
3.0
NOTES TO SELF:
series rec by CPi
don't need to read in order
fine break from string of more serious reads
mystery didn't happen until ~60% in
series rec by CPi
don't need to read in order
fine break from string of more serious reads
mystery didn't happen until ~60% in
More...