Sun 5 Dec 2021
SIMON BRETT – Star Trap. Charles Paris #3. Gollancz, UK, hardcover, 1977. Scribner’s, US, hardcover, 1978. Berkley, US, paperback, 1981. Dell, US, paperback, 1986.
This is the third mystery case tackled head-on by Charles Paris, an aging British actor who’s something of a tosspot, and a guilt-ridden womanizer to boot, but if you enjoy stories that take you behind the scenes of show business and can appreciate immoderate doses of clever sardonic wit, make it a point not to miss any of them.
In this one he’s asked by an important investor in a new West End musical to investigate a series of suspicious accidents happening to some of the cast. Midst the excitement and pressure of a hit show being put together, Paris’s purely amateur sleuthing adds considerably to the charm.
Rating: B
December 5th, 2021 at 10:05 pm
A favorite series, including the excellent adaptations on the BBC. Paris, for all his flaws, and in part thanks to them, is perfect company for this veddy British series that delights in the eccentricities of the arts.
Not for all tastes, but certainly to mine.
December 6th, 2021 at 8:12 am
I have these on audio. Particularly enjoyed Situation Tragedy, based around the sitcom world.
December 6th, 2021 at 7:33 pm
Here’s the link to the BBC’s radio presentaton of STAR TRAP (Part 1 of 4.)
https://archive.org/details/Napoleon_Hill__Think_and_Grow_Rich__Audio_Book_/(1977)Star+Trap/Star+Trap+-+Episode+1+of+4.mp3