Charles Paris: A Deadly Habit: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Charles Paris, a sleuth and actor, is offered a chance to get back on stage in a West End play. He has reservations, but his agent, Maurice, offers him the chance. The cast is drearily male, and Charles is hitting the Scotch again. When he drunkenly stumbles over the corpse of a fellow actor, he panics and leaves the body to be discovered by someone else. But he soon regrets lying to the police and resolves to find the murderer.

Format: CD-Audio
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Charles Paris, the actor and sleuth, is back in this captivating BBC radio dramatisation of Simon Brett's novel. Locked down with his semi-detached wife, Frances, Charles has thrown himself into a new career as a handyman, becoming quite the DIY expert. He's developed muscles, stopped smoking, and even cut back on the booze.

Then, his agent, Maurice, offers him the chance to get back on stage – and in a West End play, no less. The star, Justin Grover, asked for him specifically: but Charles has reservations. Grover was cocky enough when they were both young hopefuls; now he's the star of a massive TV fantasy series, and the play – a verbatim piece set in a monastery – is dire.

So, why has Justin signed up for it? He certainly doesn't need the money, unlike Charles. The cast is drearily male, and before long, Charles is hitting the Scotch again. When he drunkenly stumbles over the corpse of a fellow actor, Charles panics, leaving the body to be discovered by someone else. But he soon regrets lying to the police, and driven by guilt and self-preservation, he resolves to find the murderer.

As Charles delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that extends far beyond the theatre world. He encounters a cast of colourful characters, including Justin's jealous ex-girlfriend, Lydia, and the mysterious Kit, who may hold the key to the mystery.

With each passing day, the stakes grow higher, and Charles finds himself in danger. He must navigate through a maze of treachery and deception, using his wits and his sleuthing skills to uncover the truth before it's too late.

This adaptation is a thrilling and suspenseful journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bill Nighy's performance as Charles Paris is masterful, capturing the character's complexity and vulnerability. Suzanne Burden and Jon Glover also deliver strong performances, adding depth and dimension to their roles.

The writing by Simon Brett is sharp and witty, and the dialogue is engaging and evocative. The sound design and production values are top-notch, creating a immersive experience that transports you to the heart of the story.

In conclusion, this BBC radio dramatisation of "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" is a must-listen for fans of mystery and drama. With its compelling plot, well-developed characters, and expert execution, it is a testament to the power of audio storytelling. Don't miss out on this thrilling and suspenseful adventure.

Weight: 104g
Dimension: 125 x 142 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529137569
Edition number: Unabridged ed