Audiobooks by Simon Brett

Charles Paris: Corporate Bodies: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast adaptation of Simon Brett's comic murder mystery, starring Bill Nighy as the irrepressible Charles Paris. Charles Paris (unsuccessful actor, bad husband, dipsomaniac) is currently appearing as a fork lift operator in a corporate video. It's not prime-time television or a major film, but it seems like easy money - until the fork lift is used to commit a murder. When Charles himself comes under suspicion, he decides to find out for himself who the murderer is. Meanwhile, as ever with Charles, life on the domestic front is not plain sailing. After inflicting damage upon his ex-wife's house, he finds himself offering her a berth on the houseboat he's currently sitting for a friend. However, life on the water proves as tricky as life at work. Suzanne Burden, Tim McInnery and Jon Glover are also among the cast in this dramatisation by Jeremy Front.

Jeremy Front, Simon Brett (Author), , Bill Nighy, Suzanne Burden (Narrator)

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A Series Of Murders: A Charles Paris Mystery

Charles Paris is thrilled he's landed a nice juicy part playing Sergeant Collins in the TV detective series, 'The Stanislaus Braid Mysteries', and his estranged wife Frances seems to be on the brink of taking him back. But filming turns out to be a tortuous process, with pompous star Russell Bentley demanding numerous retakes and irascible author Winifred Railton constantly interrupting. To cap it all, nubile actress Lisa Stokes is crushed to death on set and Charles finds her body. It seems like a straightforward accident, but Charles can't shake the suspicion that she was murdered. Can he find the killer, stay away from the booze and the women, and win back his wife?

Jeremy Front, Simon Brett (Author), , Bill Nighy, Suzanne Burden (Narrator)

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Charles Paris: Murder Unprompted: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Bill Nighy stars as Charles Paris in a BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett's novel. Charles Paris is understudying in a West End production, whose star Michael Banks seems unable to master the script. Has Charles time to solve a murder, win Frances' heart and make it on stage by the time the curtain goes up? Also featuring; Suzanne Burden, Danny Webb, Jon Glover, Jemima Rooper, Liza Sadovy, Rachel Bavidge, Nitin Gonatra, Tilly Gaunt, Thomas Arnold, Jot Davies, Leslie Philips, Simon Treves, Jasmin Callan and Miranda Colchester. Written by Jeremy Front, based on the novel by Simon Brett.

Jeremy Front, Simon Brett (Author), , Bill Nighy, Full Cast, Full Cast, Suzanne Burden (Narrator)

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Cast In Order Of Disappearance: A Charles Paris Mystery

Charles finds himself uncharacteristically employed in a film, having landed the part of Szabec, a middle management vampire in The Wreathing. His co-star is swimwear model turned actress Jodie Ricks and before long, Jodie is using Charles as a confidant. Poor Jodie is in terrible trouble - not only is she being blackmailed over some compromising photos, but she is also carrying the baby of the film's producer, Elliot Roth, who now wants nothing to do with her. Then things take an even nastier turn when it appears that someone is trying to kill Jodie. Always keen to help a damsel in distress, Charles sets about trying to solve the mystery... Starring Bill Nighy and Martine McCutcheon and dramatised by Jeremy Front.

Jeremy Front, Simon Brett (Author), , Bill Nighy, Martine Mccutcheon, Suzanne Burden (Narrator)

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Turf Wars (Complete, Series 1) (Bbc Radio 4 Comedy)

Four comic dramas about boundaries that are both territorial and personal, as heard on BBC Radio 4.Territory is the theme that unites these four humorous plays - whether that means fighting over an allotment plot, dealing with the sudden partition of a country, guarding the privacy of a garden or battling with the council over school catchment areas.In 'Losing the Plot', shy Edward decides to apply for an allotment plot after an encounter with attractive allotment-holder Amanda. But doing so involves an interview with ferocious site-manager Bernie who runs the allotments with military rigour. Starring James Fleet as Edward, Joanna Monroe as Amanda and Jonathan Coy as Bernie. Written by Nick Warburton and directed by Peter KavanaghIn 'An Incident at the Border', Arthur and Olivia are enjoying the sun in their local park on a beautiful summer's day. Olivia is reading a newspaper article on their country's new-found independence. Arthur, who is apolitical, is just enjoying watching the ducks. Suddenly a soldier arrives, dragging a tape across the ground, marking out the new border. He barges between the two young people. Now one is on one side of the border, and one on the other! How can the lovers be reunited? Starring Joseph Kloska as Arthur, Leah Brotherhead as Olivia and Nigel Planer as Reiver. Written by Kieran Lynn and directed by Peter Kavanagh.In 'How's Your Mother?' Humphrey Partridge is reckoned to be anti-social, indeed stand-offish. But he always has an excuse - namely that he has to look after his ailing elderly mother. No-one has ever met the legendary matriarch. Not even nosy Raj the local postman. But one morning when Humphrey is at work, Raj notices a fire in Humphrey's house, breaks in to put it out and makes an extraordinary discovery. Soon police are digging in Humphrey's garden. But just what is Humphrey's dark secret? Starring Michael Maloney as Humphrey Partridge, Adeel Akhtar as Raj/Sgt Wallis, Sam Dale as Mr Denton/Trevor, Sally Orrock as Mrs Denton and Christine Kavanagh as Mrs Jones. Written by Simon Brett and directed by Peter Kavanagh.In 'The Accidental Head', Beth just wants what's best for her 11 year old son; a solid secondary education at the kind of school that recognises his genius, as well as his aptitude for baroque music. A school like Folgate. But when the family is edged out of Folgate's catchment area, a battle begins Starring Katherine Parkinson as Beth, Darren Boyd as Jake, Emma Fryer as Ruth Willith, Alex Tregear as the journalist, Sally Orrock as Helen and Brian Bowles as Farmer/Hughes. Written by Jeremy Front and directed by James Robinson

Jeremy Front, Kieran Lynn, Nick Warburton, Simon Brett (Author), Adeel Akhtar, Full Cast, James Fleet, Joanna Monro, Jonathan Coy, Joseph Kloska, Katherine Parkinson, Leah Brotherhead, Michael Maloney, Nigel Planer, Sally Orrock, Sam Dale (Narrator)

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Father Paolo Baldi Mysteries: The Complete BBC Radio Crime series

The complete series 1-5 of the thrilling mystery series. On sabbatical from the Franciscan order, Father Paolo Baldi is working as a philosophy lecturer in Dublin when his life takes an unexpected turn and he finds himself helping the police to solve crimes. Along with Tina, Paolo uncovers the truth behind the killings of several rockabilly band members, a high-profile case of a police officer’s murder, as well as delving into the highly competitive world of celebrity chefs. He also exposing a rift in a community of environmental activists, enters the world of romantic poetry to solve a suspected suicide, investigates the killing of a politically-incorrect figurehead, and finds that the death of a homeless man is not as simple as it appears. Follow the priest-cum-sleuth’s thrilling adventures as he solves mysteries throughout Ireland. David Threlfall, Tina Kellegher and T.P. McKenna star in this exciting series written by Simon Brett, Bill Murphy, Andrew Martin, Martin Meenan, John Murphy and Francis Turnly in the series created by Barry Devlin.

Andrew Martin, Bill Murphy, Francis Turnly, John Murphy, Martin Meehan, Simon Brett (Author), Adrian Dunbar, Bill Nighy, David Threlfall, Geraldine James, Martin Clunes, Tina Kellegher (Narrator)

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Charles Paris: A Doubtful Death: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche actor-cum-amateur detective Charles Paris Charles Paris is in Oxford, appearing in a re-imagining of Hamlet by a high-concept drama company. No fan of immersive theatre, he’s unimpressed with the director’s vision and less than thrilled to be rehearsing alongside puppeteers and mime artists. But he soon finds himself back on familiar territory when the actress playing Ophelia goes missing, only to turn up dead. Did she take her own life, or was there foul play? As he amasses a list of suspects who might have wished her harm, Charles takes on the mantle of detective once more to decide if this is to be or not to be a murder case… Scripted for radio by Jeremy Front from a story by Simon Brett, A Doubtful Death stars Bill Nighy (Emma, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice. Also included is an exclusive 18-minute afterword in which Jeremy Front discusses his experience of adapting an unproduced screenplay, reveals what it’s like to work with recurring characters and actors, and explains the mechanics of recording for radio. Simon Brett OBE has written 19 Charles Paris novels as well as many other detective novels. Jeremy Front is a dramatist and comedic writer; he has won awards for his adaptation of Sword of Honour and co-writes and stars in the series Incredible Women with his sister, Rebecca. Credits Written by Jeremy Front From a story by Simon Brett Produced and directed by Sally Avens Production Coordinator: Cynthia Fagan Studio Managers: Anne Bunting, Keith Graham and Jenni Burnett Interview produced by Ania Duggan and Roshni Radia First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 22 May-12 June 2020

Jeremy Front, Simon Brett (Author), Bill Nighy, Jonathan Glover, Suzanne Burden (Narrator)

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Charles Paris: The Cinderella Killer: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Charles Paris returns in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett's humorous theatrical mystery, starring Bill Nighy. A job in pantomime seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for Charles, but the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory. When the star is shot dead, and Charles finds the body, he finds himself under suspicion. As the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation, he decides to clear his name by doing some sleuthing of his own. With a host of suspects and the body count rising, the line 'they're behind you' soon begins to take on a very sinister meaning indeed... Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Skylight, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) stars as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as his wife Frances, in this funny and fast-paced dramatisation by Jeremy Front. Duration: 2 hours approx.

Jeremy Front, Simon Brett (Author), , Bill Nighy, Suzanne Burden (Narrator)

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Charles Paris: Star Trap: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche Charles Paris in this BBC radio dramatisation of Simon Brett's novel When Charles Paris' agent rings with the news that he has a part for him in a new musical, Charles is delighted - and somewhat amazed, as he can neither sing nor dance. But Maurice has an ulterior motive: as one of the show's backers, he wants Charles to play detective and investigate a series of accidents that have dogged the production. The pianist has been shot in the hand and another cast member fell downstairs - or was he pushed? Anxious about their investment and their star, Chris Watt, the 'angels' are keen to ensure that nothing else goes wrong. Joining the company, Charles discovers that Chris, although amazingly talented, is a prima donna who has made enemies of almost everyone. When the accidents resume, it begins to look as if anyone who disagrees with him is being targeted. But would the star really sabotage his own show? Charles must find out - before things turn murderous... This thrilling adaptation by Jeremy Front stars Bill Nighy (Love Actually, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances.

Jeremy Front, Simon Brett (Author), , Bill Nighy (Narrator)

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A Decent Interval

After a long period of 'resting', life is looking up for Charles Paris, who has been cast in a new production of Hamlet. But rehearsals are fraught. Ophelia is played by Katrina Selsey, who won the role through a television talent show. Hamlet himself is also played by a reality TV contestant, Jared Root. But when the company reaches the first staging post of their tour, matters get more serious, with one member of the company seriously injured in what appears to be an accident, and another dead. Once again, Charles Paris is forced to don the mantle of amateur detective to get to the bottom of the mystery. Starred review. "Brett's insight into play production, personalities and culture makes this latest Paris most worthwhile, frequently amusing, always informative, also poignant. Michael Page's British accented fully-voiced, well-paced reading enhances Brett's characters, realistic dialog, and vivid descriptions of stagecraft." - SoundCommentary

Simon Brett (Author), Michael Page (Narrator)

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The Body on the Beach

Recently retired, Carole Seddon is residing in the Fethering the cottage she purchased with her ex-husband. Theree she maintains a quiet and sensible life with the companionship of Gulliver, her Labrador retriever. But everything changes when she and Gulliver, while taking their daily constitutional, find a corpse on the beach. What's more, there are two wounds on its neck. The body mysteriously disappears and the police dismiss Carole as a befuddled middle-aged woman. She almost starts to believe it herself...until a stranger threatens her to keep quiet or else.Unable to contain her anxiety, Carole confides in her eccentric neighbor, Jude-who suggests that if the police cannot be bothered to catch a killer, maybe they should do it themselves.

Simon Brett (Author), Geoffrey Howard (Narrator)

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Death on the Downs

It wasn't the rain that upset Carole Seddon during her walk on the West Sussex Downs, nor was it the dilapidated barn in which she sought shelter. What upset her was the human skeleton she discovered there, neatly packed into two blue fertilizer bags. Thus begins the mystery for strait-laced Carole and her more laid-back neighbor Jude, whose investigation takes them to the small hamlet of Weldisham. There gossips quickly identify the corpse as Tamsin Lutteridge, a young woman who disappeared from the village months before. But Detective Sergeant Baylis will confirm nothing, and Tamsin's mother is adamant that her daughter is still alive. Others believe a serial killer is on the loose. As Jude sets out to find Tamsin-either dead or alive-Carole digs deeper into Weldisham's history and the bitter relationships simmering beneath the village's gentle facade.

Simon Brett (Author), Geoffrey Howard (Narrator)

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