The Cinderella Killer

By: Simon Brett

Narrated by: Simon Brett

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Landing a minor part in the Empire Theatre Eastbourne’s Christmas production of Cinderella, Charles Paris soon discovers that his main role is to gently introduce the show’s baffled American star, Kenny Polizzi, to the bizarre customs of English pantomime.

During their sessions in the local pub, Charles finds himself increasingly caught up in Polizzi’s tangled affairs. But Charles is about to be far more involved than he might wish when he stumbles across a body beneath Eastbourne Pier. As the world’s press descends, the pantomime rehearsals slip into chaos. It’s up to Charles to put his renowned sleuthing skills to the test to find out who really killed his fellow cast member - and why.

©2014 Simon Brett (P)2014 Isis Publishing Ltd

Always delightful

Simon Brett is a canny observer of regional theater, actors, alcoholics, and critics' reviews. I enjoyed learning about British panto.

Stellar Opening!

Simon Brett is a wonderful actor/narrator. Such descriptions! Charles Paris is engaging as a down at the heels actor towards the end of his stage life. So droll! Delightful narrative. If you like dry Brit humor, you'll love this book.

Charles is a sad little man

I feel disappointed for Charles that his poor choices and lack of good luck haven’t brought him more professional and personal success. But it’s fun to follow him as he inquires and follows leads to uncover the plot. Here again, he receives scant thanks. Poor Charles. I hope the books aren’t autobiographical. Writer and reader Simon Brett delivers a good story and a good performance.

"A vogue-ish obsession"

I adore all the works of Simon Brett. That being said, there is a streak of sexism throughout his work. Normally I can just ignore this, because I enjoy the cosyness of his writng and his excellent reading skills so much. This book, however, trivialises an affair between a grown man and a 14 year-old girl: The tone of the book implies that this used to be standard procedure and that is only "fashionable" these days to make a big deal about it retroactively: it describes this as a "a voguesh obsession with historical sex crime". It also frames victims who speak out as pretenders. I find this shocking. Anyone who has ever spent a lengthy amount of time with, or cared about, a 14 year-old girl, would not want to read about her being abused in such an off-hand manner.

Yes, I am sure there have been times when it was normal to wed off 14 year-olds, but there have also been times when women weren't allowed to vote. Not sure that we should adapt our standards to historical normalcies.