Dead Romantic - Softcover

Brett, Simon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0440200431 ISBN 13: 9780440200437

Publisher: Dell, 1988

Synopsis

Murder is the outcome when a middle-aged virgin agrees to risk a secret weekend of love at White Jasmine Cottage

About this title

From Library Journal

From the graphically described opening of this book to its prosaically grim conclusion, Dead Romantic is unlike Brett's other work. Known by many readers for his urbane and witty Charles Paris series (Murder Unprompted, Star Trap), Brett proves that he can write a gratuitously grim cinema verit?-style mystery. There is enough sex and violence to attract the interest of the more prurient, successful Hollywood directors. What it doesn't haveAanywhereAis a likable character. Bernard Hopkins and Paul Grigson, the two male leads, are both driven by their lust for sex and violence and are remarkable for their absolute absence of redeeming qualities. Madeleine Severn, the female lead, does little to attract the listener's sympathy. This novel is further complicated by various subplots peopled by equally unlikable characters. Although read with Brett's usual skill, not a necessary purchase.ATheresa Connors, Arkansas Tech Univ., Russellville
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

In a departure from the acclaimed stories about actor-sleuth Charles Paris, the British author presents a dazzlingly tricky mystery, sure to fool the sharpest clue trackers among his readers. Brett's chief characters in a titillating cast are glamorous Madeleine Severn, a language tutor; her student Paul Grigson; and her colleague Bernard Hopkins. At 18, Paul agonizes over his inexperience of sex and his passion for Madeleine. Paul's jealousy of Bernard turns murderous when he learns that the latter has arranged a rendezvous with Madeleine at an isolated cottage. As for Madeleine, still lovely and a virgin at 37, she believes Bernard will be the romantic bed partner she has long awaited. Unaware that Paul has armed himself with a wicked knife and is following her, the woman drives to meet her swain at the cottage. This is where police find the slashed body and a challenging case.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dell
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0440200431
• ISBN 13: 9780440200437
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 240