Charles Paris is probably the most unlikely protagonist ever, especially one who detects the perpetrator of a homicide. However, Paris is a great character, he is a middle-aged actor struggling to make a living. One of his shortcomings is a drink problem. He is touring with a company presenting a comedy play. In Bath a friend of his is murdered and Paris suspects it is someone from the company. Along the way to solving the crime Paris encounters several very different women. Brett draws these female characters extremely cleverly. And I think this is one very redeeming feature of a murder mystery I felt dragged in places.