Poor Charles Paris: as an actor, which is his chosen profession, he is reaching rock-bottom; but as a detective, the role he is continually called upon to play, hes brilliant, as he demonstrates again in his latest adventure. He is now reaching the lowest form of showbiz life, the television give-away panel game. And when he and his vast audience least expect it, theres a murder in the studio, right in front of the cameras. Once again, Simon Brett reveals his mastery as he unravels a complex mystery and revels in the humour of this showbiz world.

As understudy to the lead in a West End play, Charles Paris's thespian and detective skills are called upon once again when the lead is shot dead on stage on the opening night. The suspects range from a jealous wife to a bitter actor who lost his part, from the playwright who heard his beautiful lines twisted to the director who saw his work ruined.