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A review by robinlovesreading
A Deadly Habit: A Theatrical Mystery by Simon Brett
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.