Dead giveaway (A Nightingale mystery in large print) [Paperback]

Simon Brett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1987 | Series: A Nightingale mystery in large print

Text for Author Bio: Simon Brett is a former radio and television comedy producer, who has been writing full-time for more than twenty years. Creator of the Charles Parks, Mrs. Pargeter and Feathering series of mysteries, his psychological thriller, A Shock to the System was filmed, starring Michael Caine. Married, with three children, he lives in an Agatha Christie-style village in West Sussex, England. Text for Book Description: Poor Charles Paris: as an actor, which is his chosen profession, he is reaching rock-bottom; but as a detective, the role he is continually called upon to play, hes brilliant, as he demonstrates again in his latest adventure. He is now reaching the lowest form of showbiz life, the television give-away panel game. And when he and his vast audience least expect it, theres a murder in the studio, right in front of the cameras. Once again, Simon Brett reveals his mastery as he unravels a complex mystery and revels in the humour of this showbiz world.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Charles Paris, Brett's endearing though none-too-successful actor and amateur sleuth, finds himself caught yet again in murder and mayhem, this time in the gaudy world of British TV quiz shows. Charles hasn't had an acting assignment in months, but when his agent books him on a celebrity game program, he envisions himself in scintillating repartee with other well-known figures. During the taping, however, the emcee drinks from what he thinks is a glass of gin, and is poisoned. Suspicion points to Chippy, a young assistant from an adjoining studio, who is charged with the murder. Implored by a friend to clear Chippy's name and find the real killer, Charles has a long list of suspects to choose from. Brett is our shrewd guide through the inner workings of British show biz and his cheeky humor makes this adventure thoroughly delightful. But will someone, please, give Charles a job?
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Veteran British character actor Charles Paris is usually thankful for any work, but appearing in the pilot episode of the game show If the Cap Fits is a new low. Paris is not even a celebrity panelist, only a mere member of the public whose occupation must be guessed. His agent explains that the producers wanted an actor no one would recognize. Paris does, however, have a reputation as an amateur detective and is enlisted to prove the innocence of a young woman arrested when the show's sleazy, skirt-chasing host drops dead of cyanide poisoning. This is one of the best in the series of Paris tales, which lovingly satirize the fringes of show business. Brett is one of those rare writers, such as Douglas Adams and John le Carre, who reads as well as any actor. Highly recommended for all mystery collections.

Michael Adams, Fairleigh Dickinson Univ. Lib., Madison, N.J.

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: G.K. Hall (1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816142181
• ISBN-13: 978-0816142187
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,963,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vastly entertaining!, August 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dead Giveaway (Audio Cassette)

I discovered Charles Paris mysteries quite by accident, looking for a book on tape to occupy the time on a long drive. Brett's sparse writing style and expansive wit makes this book a wonderful read that I have come back to time and time again.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars True Charles Paris style!, June 23, 2007

By 

S. Schwartz "romonko" (alberta canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dead Giveaway (Paperback)

If you like writing with a definite edge to the wit, as well as a wonderful little mystery, then do not miss Simon Brett. His Charles Paris books are not to be beat. He always gives an insider look at some aspect of the entertainment industry, and let me tell you he does not spare anyone! In this one we get a peak inside the world of television game shows when the host actually dies on the air. Charles, the fiftiesh sottish, failed actor is asked to help determine who actually killed the host, so he sets out with his incongruous team of television researchers to do just that. This is well-written, leisurely reading that will delight mystery buffs.