Brighton’s internationally famous author Peter James shows why he’s the No.1 best-selling crime writer with The Perfect Murder, which is full of tension, twists and terrifically funny one-liners.

Master story teller James keeps us guessing before coming up with an ingenious ending, the improbability of which is acceptable to an enthralled audience.

Robert Daws and Dawn Steele are outstanding as squabbling Saltdean couple Victor and Joan Smiley who each plot to end their unhappy marriage by killing the other. They fully exploit Shaun McKenna’s sharp stage adaption.

Simona Armstrong (a finalist in BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?) also excels, playing psychic Croatian hooker Kamila.

There are plenty of clues as Victor confides in the alluring Kamila and Joan switches from dowdy wife to become a sexy mistress for taxi driver Don, effectively portrayed by Gray O’Brien.

Ironically, Thomas Howes is the least effective as James’s iconic detective Roy Grace. But this is a young, naïve Grace who is easily led by Kamila’s ‘visions’ in his first major case.

Designer Michael Holt earns top marks with his four-in-one creation, including two raised bedrooms for Victor and Joan to do their romping – but not with each other!