Product Description

Here is another of Simon Brett’s fascinating blends of crime and backstage drama. This time he provides what might be described as the biography of a play—from the cradle to the grave. Murder Unprompted takes you from the author, to an unscrupulous producer, to the theater itself, to director, to cast—including Mr. Brett’s bit-player detective, Charles Paris.But trouble starts the first night. The star can’t remember his lines, and worse—he’s shot dead on stage. Paris takes on not only his usual role of detective, but lead of the play as well . . . a role that will lead him to the perpetrators of the crime. Murder Unprompted will delight theater buffs as well as all lovers of mystery.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1932453 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 164 pages

From Library Journal
At 54, Charles Paris is still nursing the hope that one day his acting talent will be showcased in a brilliant West End play, The Hooded Owl. Alex Household, who wants the leading role, and Charles are feeling more and more confident as announcements are made that the play will have a West End run. But their hopes are dashed when they're told that both their parts are being given to well-known television actors. Alex storms off the set in a rage, but Charles stays on as an understudy. When the leading man is murdered on opening night, it's up to Charles to prove Alex innocent. Murder Unprompted is an engaging look at backstage life in the British theater. Packed with suspense and humor, it is certain to please mystery and theater fans. Simon Prebble's narrative superbly enlivens each of the characters. Guaranteed to be a hit, this book is highly recommended for all public libraries.ATheresa Connors, Arkansas Tech Univ., Russellville
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Simon Brett is a former radio and television comedy producer, who has been writing full-time for more than 20 years. Creator of the Charles Paris, Mrs. Pargeter and Fethering series of mysteries, Brett's 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.

From AudioFile
MURDER UNPROMPTED concerns the murder of a major star in a minor play in London's West End. Charles Paris, a dedicated, but largely unsuccessful actor and part-time amateur sleuth, solves the mystery and reveals what the dead man saw in his last moments of life. Simon Brett is a gifted writer, and he depicts the theater world in believable detail. Geoffrey Howard is a highly competent reader who captures the personality and style of the characters, especially those of the low-key detective/actor, Paris. A satisfying listening experience! D.G. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine