Bill Nighy is one of Britain's best loved film, theater, and television personalities and, thanks to his appearances in Hollywood blockbusters "Love Actually" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," he has become a massive worldwide star. His wit, charm, and on-screen presence have endeared him to legions of fans, and his film and TV work shows that he is an accomplished performer who can bring a touch of magic to any role. This is the fascinating story of one of the most intriguing and entertaining characters in show business. Bill Nighy will be staring in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part 2" and in "Arthur Christmas" in 2011 both of which will raise his profile in the media.

Meet Charles Paris: a washed-up actor with a taste for wine, women . . . and solving crimes! A binge-worthy cozy mystery series from the original king of British cozy crime, internationally best-selling, award-winning author Simon Brett, OBE. For fans of Richard Osman - but with added bite! "Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cosies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige" THE NEW YORK TIMES "Few crime writers are as enchantingly gifted" THE SUNDAY TIMES "One of British crime's most assured craftsmen . . . Perfect entertainment" THE GUARDIAN "A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans" P.D. JAMES "Murder most enjoyable" COLIN DEXTER _______________________ A middle-aged actor - and sometimes sleuth - with a script that needs divine intervention! One dead monk . . . A heavy drinking session . . . It's looking like A DEADLY HABIT! Charles Paris has an unexpected - or divine? - stroke of good luck when he is cast as a monk in a new West End play, The Habit of Faith, thanks to the influence of his old acquaintance and fellow cast member, international TV superstar Justin Grover. Unfortunately, the script is terrible, and Charles's off-stage habits are less than pious. A heavy drinking session sees him passing out in his theatre dressing room and missing dinner - and with it the chance for long-lasting rapprochement - with his constantly estranged wife, Frances. Worse follows when Charles wakes up hungover and stumbles upon a dead body at the bottom of the stairs, then tells an unfathomable lie to the police! Can he atone for his sins by unmasking the killer? Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club, Anthony Horowitz, Alexander McCall Smith, M.C. Beaton and Faith Martin will love this hilarious cozy traditional mystery series featuring one of the funniest antiheroes in crime fiction. Written over a fifty-year-period, it perfectly captures life and contemporary attitudes in 1970s London - and beyond! READERS ADORE CHARLES PARIS: "Clever, well-paced" Publishers Weekly "Excellent book, Simon Brett at his best. Roll on the next Charles Paris book" Davis, 5* Amazon review "I love Charles Paris. He is without doubt the most attractive detective around, and Simon Brett is one of the wittiest of writers. I've enjoyed this book very much" G. McCullough, 5* Amazon review "Brilliant book by a superb author. Highly recommend" 5* Amazon review "Brett has again produced a marvellous book and I recommend it and the whole series" Jim, 5* Amazon review "I really enjoy Simon Brett's Charles Paris books, and this one was no exception" Elaine, 5* Goodreads review "A perfect read" Cynthia, 5* Goodreads review THE CHARLES PARIS MYSTERIES, IN ORDER: 1. Cast in Order of Disappearance 2. So Much Blood 3. Star Trap 4. An Amateur Corpse 5. A Comedian Dies 6. The Dead Side of the Mike 7. Situation Tragedy 8. Murder Unprompted 9. Murder in the Title 10. Not Dead, Only Resting 11. Dead Giveaway 12. What Bloody Man is That 13. A Series of Murders 14. Corporate Bodies 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit

"David Hare's new play The Vertical Hour is a thought-provoking exploration of how the political can sometimes intersect, collide with and ultimately dismantle the personal. While the play is positively brimming with cogent and fascinating arguments involving the current political situation, the production only fitfully succeeds in bringing this story to life. Hare fills The Vertical Hour with several of these ethical and philosophical quandaries that serve not only as dramatic interplay between the three main characters, but, also metaphorically as the basis for several of the arguments politicians and intellectuals are having these days concerning the role that America and the West have taken in Iraq, the Middle East and beyond."--Publisher's website.

Skylight premiered at the National Theatre in 1995 and then went on to become one of the most internationally successful plays of recent years. This is the definitive edition of Skylight.

Meet Charles Paris: a washed-up actor with a taste for wine, women . . . and solving crimes! A binge-worthy cozy mystery series from the original king of British cozy crime, internationally best-selling, award-winning author Simon Brett, OBE. For fans of Richard Osman - but with added bite! "Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cosies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige" THE NEW YORK TIMES "Few crime writers are as enchantingly gifted" THE SUNDAY TIMES "One of British crime's most assured craftsmen . . . Perfect entertainment" THE GUARDIAN "A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans" P.D. JAMES "Murder most enjoyable" COLIN DEXTER _______________________ A middle-aged actor - and sometimes sleuth - tackles true-crime TV But is he playing a missing person . . . or a murder victim? The lines between showbiz and real life are blurred And the spotlight is on A RECONSTRUCTED CORPSE! Charles Paris is playing his most unusual role yet: portraying missing man Martin Earnshaw in Public Enemies, a crime reconstruction programme on ITV. It seems to be a one-off engagement, which suits Charles - the raging egos of the producers, presenters and police are just as intense as the search for the missing property developer . . . But Charles soon finds himself playing the role of murder victim, when severed body parts begin to appear! His now recurring role allows him an insight into the world of true crime, and he's convinced there is something amiss with the TV production, who are revelling in their soaring ratings, as well as Martin's publicity hungry wife. Once again, Charles decides to don his detective hat and uncover the truth . . . Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club, Anthony Horowitz, Alexander McCall Smith, M.C. Beaton and Faith Martin will love this hilarious cozy traditional mystery series featuring one of the funniest antiheroes in crime fiction. Written over a fifty-year-period, it perfectly captures life and contemporary attitudes in 1970s London - and beyond! READERS ADORE CHARLES PARIS: "Clever, witty, amusing, and pleasantly diverting" Booklist "Brett is a master of the English cozy, comfortable, witty and sympathetic to his hero's plight" Publishers Weekly "All the Charles Paris mysteries are wonderful" Shirley, 5* Amazon review "I really enjoy the Charles Paris series - there is a good balance of humour and detection . . . but this is definitely the best of the books I have read so far" Paulinderwick, 5* Amazon review "An absolute delight!" Roger, 5* Amazon review "Wonderful" Teresa, 5* Amazon review "The twist and turns, the cliff hanger at the end of every chapter has the markings of an excellent novel. My hat is off to you, Mr Brett" Dwayne, 5* Goodreads review THE CHARLES PARIS MYSTERIES, IN ORDER: 1. Cast in Order of Disappearance 2. So Much Blood 3. Star Trap 4. An Amateur Corpse 5. A Comedian Dies 6. The Dead Side of the Mike 7. Situation Tragedy 8. Murder Unprompted 9. Murder in the Title 10. Not Dead, Only Resting 11. Dead Giveaway 12. What Bloody Man is That 13. A Series of Murders 14. Corporate Bodies 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit

Meet Charles Paris: a washed-up actor with a taste for wine, women . . . and solving crimes! A binge-worthy cozy mystery series from the original king of British cozy crime, internationally best-selling, award-winning author Simon Brett, OBE. For fans of Richard Osman - but with added bite! "Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cosies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige" THE NEW YORK TIMES "Few crime writers are as enchantingly gifted" THE SUNDAY TIMES "One of British crime's most assured craftsmen . . . Perfect entertainment" THE GUARDIAN "A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans" P.D. JAMES "Murder most enjoyable" COLIN DEXTER _______________________ One washed-up actor, with a taste for wine, women - and solving crimes One starlet with a seedy secret One man murdered - one man missing Introducing our CAST, IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE It's the 1970s, and jobbing actor Charles Paris (47, and fine with it) is indulging his taste for drink and showbiz gossip at a club in London's West End when he unexpectedly bumps into an old acquaintance. Jacqui is blonde, beautiful, talented - and upset. She confides in Charles that she can't get in touch with her boyfriend, wealthy theatrical tycoon Marcus Steen. Has he tired of her . . . or is there more to the story? Soon, to his mixed bewilderment and pleasure, Charles finds himself mixed up in a curious case of blackmail, missing millionaires, showbiz sex parties - and murder most horrid. There's only one thing for it: he must investigate on Jacqui's behalf, whilst wearing a variety of well-thought-out disguises. But can Charles solve the case, catch the killer . . . and still find time to earn his paycheque playing an evil coachman in The Zombie Walk, a film he suspects will be the worst ever made? Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club, Anthony Horowitz, Alexander McCall Smith, M.C. Beaton and Faith Martin will love this hilarious cozy traditional mystery series featuring one of the funniest antiheroes in crime fiction. Written over a fifty-year-period, it perfectly captures life and contemporary attitudes in 1970s London - and beyond! READERS ADORE CHARLES PARIS: "Charles is good company - disheveled, amusing, quick" Kirkus Reviews "Undeniable charm and humor. Paris is an engaging fellow" Mystery*File "An entertaining and clever read" MysteriesAhoy.com "A cozy, frightfully entertaining novel" Margitte, 5*GoodReads review "A classic British amateur sleuth in the best traditions of classic British amateur sleuths . . . Pure fun, smart, complicated, cozy, intriguing, a little risque at times and witty" Randee, 5*GoodReads review "Fantastically funny and brilliantly written" Silverymoonlady, 5*GoodReads review "A fun plot, great characters, complex relationships. [The Charles Paris novels] are quickly becoming my go to reads!" Sam, 5*GoodReads review THE CHARLES PARIS MYSTERIES, IN ORDER: 1. Cast in Order of Disappearance 2. So Much Blood 3. Star Trap 4. An Amateur Corpse 5. A Comedian Dies 6. The Dead Side of the Mike 7. Situation Tragedy 8. Murder Unprompted 9. Murder in the Title 10. Not Dead, Only Resting 11. Dead Giveaway 12. What Bloody Man is That 13. A Series of Murders 14. Corporate Bodies 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit

Meet Charles Paris: a washed-up actor with a taste for wine, women . . . and solving crimes! A binge-worthy cozy mystery series from the original king of British cozy crime, internationally best-selling, award-winning author Simon Brett, OBE. For fans of Richard Osman - but with added bite! "Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cosies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige" THE NEW YORK TIMES "Few crime writers are as enchantingly gifted" THE SUNDAY TIMES "One of British crime's most assured craftsmen . . . Perfect entertainment" THE GUARDIAN "A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans" P.D. JAMES "Murder most enjoyable" COLIN DEXTER _______________________ A middle-aged actor - and sometimes sleuth - hired for a corporate video A company, acting suspicious A dreadful accident . . . or is it murder? Giving a whole new meaning to the term CORPORATE BODIES! Charles Paris, the almost perpetually out of work actor, finally has a new job, breaking the dry spell of his unemployment. It's not prime-time television or a major film, but it seems easy enough: he is to play a forklift driver in the Delmoleen company's corporate video. The shoot starts off well - until, that is, the forklift is used to commit a murder! The victim is Dayna Richman, a young secretary, who's found crushed to death by the monstrous machine. Was it just an unfortunate industrial accident? Charles Paris and the Delmoleen company don't seem to think so. In fact, Charles finds himself thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspect . . . Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club, Anthony Horowitz, Alexander McCall Smith, M.C. Beaton and Faith Martin will love this hilarious cozy traditional mystery series featuring one of the funniest antiheroes in crime fiction. Written over a fifty-year-period, it perfectly captures life and contemporary attitudes in 1970s London - and beyond! READERS ADORE CHARLES PARIS: "Brett's light, clever dialogue makes this Charles's best showing in years" Kirkus Reviews "[One] of the best light-comedy crime series currently in rotation" Booklist "This an entertaining golden oldie from one of my favourites. It has Simon Brett's usual mixture of good plotting, humour and believable characters" Bud, Goodreads 5* review "[A] British cozy at its best" Nathalie, Goodreads 5* review "Excellent!" Silvio, 5* Goodreads review THE CHARLES PARIS MYSTERIES, IN ORDER: 1. Cast in Order of Disappearance 2. So Much Blood 3. Star Trap 4. An Amateur Corpse 5. A Comedian Dies 6. The Dead Side of the Mike 7. Situation Tragedy 8. Murder Unprompted 9. Murder in the Title 10. Not Dead, Only Resting 11. Dead Giveaway 12. What Bloody Man is That 13. A Series of Murders 14. Corporate Bodies 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit

Born into a working-class family in Caterham, Surrey, in 1949, Bill attended the Guildford School of Dance and Drama before embarking on a two-year theatre stint in Liverpool. His London stage debut came in 1977 at the National Theatre, and many more theatre, radio and television appearances followed, including radio performances of Yes Minister for the BBC. He has said that the job that launched his career was 1991 BBC series The Men's Room. In 1998, he first came to international prominence with his role as a washed-up rock star in Hollywood film Still Crazy.But it was the Richard Curtis smash hit Love Actually, in 2004, that really propelled Bill into the limelight - many though that his performance as shameless old rocker Billy Mack was one of the best of the whole film, and it earned him a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. Since then, Bill has earned yet more plaudits, starring in the acclaimed TV drama State of Play and Gideon's Daughter, and appearing once again on the silver screen in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and hit comedy Rock the Boat.His wit, charm and on-screen presence have endeared him to legions of fans, and his film and TV work shows that he is an accomplished performer who can bring a touch of magic to any role. This is the fascinating story of one of the most intriguing and entertaining characters in show-business.

A brilliant, of-the-moment political satire like no other, from the Booker Prize winner and bestselling author of Atonement. Kafka meets the world of Brexit in this bitingly funny novel centered on a cockroach transformed into the prime minister of England. That morning, Jim Sams, clever but by no means profound, woke from uneasy dreams to find himself transformed into a giant creature. Jim Sams has undergone a metamorphosis. In his previous life he was ignored or loathed, but in his new incarnation he is the most powerful man in Britain--and it is his mission to carry out the will of the people. Nothing must get in his way; not the opposition, nor the dissenters within his own party. Not even the rules of parliamentary democracy. In this bitingly funny Kafkaesque satire, Ian McEwan engages with scabrous humor a very recognizable political world and turns it on its head. Don’t miss Ian McEwan’s new novel, Lessons.

Meet Charles Paris: a washed-up actor with a taste for wine, women . . . and solving crimes! A binge-worthy cozy mystery series from the original king of British cozy crime, internationally best-selling, award-winning author Simon Brett, OBE. For fans of Richard Osman - but with added bite! "Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cosies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige" THE NEW YORK TIMES "Few crime writers are as enchantingly gifted" THE SUNDAY TIMES "One of British crime's most assured craftsmen . . . Perfect entertainment" THE GUARDIAN "A new Simon Brett is an event for mystery fans" P.D. JAMES "Murder most enjoyable" COLIN DEXTER _______________________ A jobbing actor - and sometimes sleuth - plays a policeman in a new TV show One death is surely a tragic accident . . . But two deaths? It looks like A SERIES OF MURDERS . . . For once Charles Paris has a stable job, playing the role of brainless Sergeant Clump in the new TV series Stanislas Braid, a detective show based on the crime novels of the inimitable W.T. Wintergreen. On the first day of filming, after a power struggle between the show's leading actor and the director, Charles seeks a drink in the West End Television bar to escape the chaos. But his plans take a dramatically dark turn when he discovers the body of Sippy Stokes, one of the lead actresses on the show, lying dead in the prop room. Whilst the rest of the crew believe the death of the unpromising actress was an unfortunate accident, Charles isn't convinced. And his suspicions only grow as other 'accidents' plague the production, prompting him to launch his own investigation. Can Charles solve the case and catch the killer before the director calls 'cut'? Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club, Anthony Horowitz, Alexander McCall Smith, M.C. Beaton and Faith Martin will love this hilarious cozy traditional mystery series featuring one of the funniest antiheroes in crime fiction. Written over a fifty-year-period, it perfectly captures life and contemporary attitudes in 1970s London - and beyond! READERS ADORE CHARLES PARIS: "Four words that never fail to lift the heart: A Charles Paris Mystery" The Telegraph "There's tension aplenty" Kirkus Reviews "[A Series of Murders] is the best yet" the.ken.petersen, 5* LibraryThing review "The books have inside knowledge (and stinging satire) about the world of British theater, they are deft at presenting crime and detection, the writing is concise, the pacing is sure, and the wit makes them wryly amusing" Glenn, 5* GoodReads review "This plot is very clever, and the solution is quite ingenious" John, 5* Amazon review "A fun and entertaining adventure" Victor, 5* Amazon review THE CHARLES PARIS MYSTERIES, IN ORDER: 1. Cast in Order of Disappearance 2. So Much Blood 3. Star Trap 4. An Amateur Corpse 5. A Comedian Dies 6. The Dead Side of the Mike 7. Situation Tragedy 8. Murder Unprompted 9. Murder in the Title 10. Not Dead, Only Resting 11. Dead Giveaway 12. What Bloody Man is That 13. A Series of Murders 14. Corporate Bodies 15. A Reconstructed Corpse 16. Sicken and So Die 17. Dead Room Farce 18. A Decent Interval 19. The Cinderella Killer 20. A Deadly Habit