The Dead Side of the Mike by Simon Brett (paperback book)

Charles Paris—the middle-aged, moderately successful, and frequently inebriated actor—is back, and this time he’s landed a gig at the BBC. But the drama isn’t just in the script. When a young studio assistant is found dead, the authorities rule it a suicide. Charles, however, suspects that someone is playing a much more permanent "fade-out."

As he navigates the labyrinthine corridors of Broadcasting House, Charles discovers a world of professional jealousy, secret affairs, and cutthroat ambition. It turns out that on the "dead side of the mike," silence can be a very dangerous thing.

What Makes This a Must-Read

• The Charles Paris Charm: Brett’s protagonist is one of the most relatable "failures" in detective fiction. His cynical wit and penchant for a glass of Bell’s whiskey make for a hilarious and grounded mystery.

• Behind-the-Scenes Authenticity: Having worked as a producer at the BBC himself, Simon Brett provides a sharp, satirical, and incredibly accurate look at the golden age of British radio.

• Classic Whodunnit: While funny, the mystery is genuinely well-constructed, following the "fair play" rules of the genre.

This Edition

This is a vintage Keyhole Crime paperback. This imprint was famous for its "peekaboo" cover designs—the circular cutout image of the blood-stained BBC microphone and tangled reel-to-reel tape is classic 1980s mystery aesthetic.