Share for friends:

Read Cast, In Order Of Disappearance (2000)

Cast, in Order of Disappearance (2000)

Online Book

Author
Genre
Series
Rating
3.46 of 5 Votes: 5
Your rating
ISBN
0595003397 (ISBN13: 9780595003396)
Language
English
Publisher
iuniverse

Cast, In Order Of Disappearance (2000) - Plot & Excerpts

Having read "The Dead Side of the Mike," the sixth Charles Paris mystery, and liking it, I was curious to see how it all began, so I purchased a collection of the first four. I was able to find an inexpensive collection of the first four novels, although, curiously, the collection had the novels featured in reverse order.Charles is separated from his wife, though not divorced, with a small drinking problem, and making a modest living as an actor based in London. When former lover Jacqui asks him to act as a go-between for her current beau, theatrical producer Marius Steen, it seems like a simple favor. But he soon uncovers a blackmail scheme, and the perpetrator of said scheme has been shot to death. Charles suspects Steen of doing the deed, but things get even more complicated when Steen turns up dead. Though he appears to have died of a heart attack, Jacqui believes Steen was murdered, leaving her in the lurch, pregnant with his baby, so she pressures a reluctant Charles into the role of amateur sleuth to investigate. But his investigation stirs up unexpected trouble, which may threaten the safety of Jacqui and her unborn child.Published in 1975, the oil crisis is in full bloom, with everyone trying their best to save petrol whenever they can, along with a small mention of Watergate. Establishing Charles Paris' character takes up a lot of the story, and the case for murder is slow going at first. But the trade-off for the slow pace is seeing the life of a working actor, instead of the idealized movie star life we might otherwise imagine. Paris makes use of his acting talents to aid him in his investigations, and there are occasional (and usually unflattering) references to reviews of his performances. I found it to be a good read, and I'm curious to check out more in the series.

This is the first in the Charles Paris series of mysteries, and the first I've read. It was first published in 1975, and takes place around the same time. Charles Paris is an amiable actor, who drinks a lot. He is often out of work, and is a womanizer. He manages to stay on good terms with his estranged wife, his married daughter, and his ex-lovers. In this story Paris is convinced by a young friend (and ex-lover) to approach her current love to return some photos, and ends up involved in a blackmail scheme and a death. It was an interesting book, and I enjoyed it. I plan to read others in the series. I am also going to read a book or two in other mystery series that Brett writes.

What do You think about Cast, In Order Of Disappearance (2000)?

Simon Brett is a prolific writers of whodunnits, with four series and more than 30 books to his credit. So, whenever I am toiling my way through an insanely slow and boring book which I decide to not to finish, I pick up one of his books, which instantly provides me with a sense of satisfaction, which I get from reading a good work of crime fiction. Charles Paris, a mid 40s theater actor, the protagonist of this book is approached by an young girl, who wants him to be a bridge between an aging superstar and herself. She was besotted to him, even a few days back, but recently she got the boot from the old man. And now she is receiving threatening letters from the old man. So, as far as the plot goes there was nothing new to be found, but since I was not searching for anything new but something stable, I was more than happy with the pace and the line of the plot.Like an economical medium pacer the book kept its line and length intact, and managed to survive without many down points or yawn moments. Yes, the pace was slow if compared to today’s style, but this was not a gory Scandi thriller, thereby breath-taking pace was never needed. The subtle humor, present in almost all Brett novels was very much present. But, the best part of it all was that the writer never made Paris to look like an official amateur detective. All along the plot he maintained a stance which showed clearly that he didn’t have any official authority to snoop, but did that just because somehow he got caught up in the whole mess.
—Anirban Das

I love Simon Brett's Mrs. Pargeter series and when I found this book at a bargain price in my local used book store I snapped it up. While not as good as his Mrs. Pargeter series, Simon Brett's series starring Charles Paris is a nice little excursion back into the seventies. The book was written in 1975 and contains lots of seventies atmosphere. Charles Paris is a jaded actor with questionable morals but his own peculiar code of honor. Charles is drawn into the affairs of a his former lover and friend, Jacqui, when her paramour dies under suspicious circumstances. Simon Brett is famous for his dry wit and almost satirical mysteries and this book is no exception.
—Sharla

Bill Nighy plays Charles Paris and narrates this BBC production. It is delightful to listen to. Charles Paris, happy to be working again, is playing the part of Szabec the vampire in the budget film, The Wreathing. His co-star, swimwear model Jodie, was dating the producer until he dumped her by email. Tears follow, and Charles promises to look into the matter. Two dead bodies, and a painful day spent with his potential son-in-law later, he solves it.This version is significantly shorter than the book, and I believe in the book that Jodie is named Jacquie. The play has everything needed to keep the story going, and how can you not love having Bill Nighy's voice in your ear for several hours?
—Eva

Write Review

(Review will shown on site after approval)

Read books by author Simon Brett

Read books in series charles paris

Read books in category Fiction