Charles Paris: A Deadly Habit

Bill Nighy’s voice alone is worth the price of admission—his weathered, world-weary Charles Paris is the perfect foil to Brett’s razor-sharp dialogue, delivering lines with a dry precision that makes even mundane chit-chat feel like a masterclass in comedic timing. The full cast amplifies the audiobook’s theatrical vibe, with Suzanne Burden’s Frances delivering a masterclass in passive-aggressive spousal terror, and Jon Glover’s array of supporting characters (from smug villains to bewildered plumbers) adding layers of absurdity. The pacing is brisk, clocking in at just under two hours, but it never feels rushed—Brett’s plotting is tight enough to keep you guessing without drowning in red herrings. That said, the short runtime occasionally flirts with overreliance on gimmicks; the twist is clever, but the setup’s brevity means a few character beats feel underdeveloped. Still, the production’s polish and Nighy’s magnetic performance elevate this above the average radio dramatization. It’s a ride as diverting as it is darkly humorous, and by the time Paris nails down the culprit, you’ll be itching to see what other crimes his toolbox turns up next.