The Cinderella Killer: A Charles Paris Novel

Charles Paris lands a role in a traditional English Christmas pantomime of Cinderella in Brett’s masterful 19th mystery featuring the middle-aged actor (after 2013’s A Decent Interval). Not everyone cares about doing a traditional pantomime, as the addition of Kenny Polizzi, an American sitcom star, to the cast makes clear. Other cast members include English soap star Tilly Marcus and a remarkably untalented ex-boxer, and director Bix Rogers is interested only in the choreography. Adding to the fun are Kenny’s agent—or is that babysitter?—as well as Lilith Greenstone, his furiously angry estranged wife, and Gloria van der Groot, a wealthy and persistent stalker. Bemused, Charles hangs out with Kenny, whom he likes. Then Kenny falls off the wagon, a dancer disappears, and a body is found under the Eastbourne pier. The backstage scenes crackle with authenticity and wit. And Charles, a bit frayed around the edges, holds it all together. [em](Sept.) [/em]