Quick, easy read. Enjoyable and memorable plot.
He was an honor student, class president, war hero - and killer of his pregnant lover. Now he's ready to destroy anyone, man or woman, who comes close to his horrifying secret. From master novelist Ira Levin, A KISS BEFORE DYING is the classic, chiling portrait of a brillian young psychopath who gets away with murder after murder - blind to the one fatal weakness that threatens to expose him.
This suspense novel was written in 1953, it's a shame people can't write like this today anymore. There is no gimmick, no sex or lewd behavior, no profanity, just believable characters in a gripping plot, with incredible tension and suspense. The dedication reads simply to "my parents," the story begins promptly on page 1, with no forward, preface or preamble; and while it ends just 191 pages later, the thrill of this well-told chilling story is lasting.
Like Henry James before him, Ira Levin writes about a sometimes strained relationship between a wealthy accomplished father, his daughter, and the presumed gold digger she attracts. But in this "modern day" version, the interloper is diabolical and sinister! And the daughter has sisters!
Like Henry James before him, Ira Levin writes about a sometimes strained relationship between a wealthy accomplished father, his daughter, and the presumed gold digger she attracts. But in this "modern day" version, the interloper is diabolical and sinister! And the daughter has sisters!
I loved this. Even though it was written in the 50's, it had a rather timeless feel. I didn't even notice until the second section that the hero of the story had never been called by name!
This is really a good example of a flawless noir novel--fast paced excellence. I've been a fan of Levin ever since reading Rosemary's Baby back in high school. Since then I've read most of his other noteworthy fiction including The Boys from Brazil, The Stepford Wives, and This Perfect Day. All of these novels were excellent.
A Kiss Before Dying was written earlier in Levin's career, way back in 1953, back in an era when girls were much more naive and life was cheap. The story is about a returned WWII veteran who sets his sights on a young woman, Dorrie, whose father is rich and the head of a large copper conglomerate. But when Dorrie becomes pregnant, the man sees his chances for wealth going out the window because her father is very strict and probably won't support her after an illegitimate pregnancy. So what does he do? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but Dorrie also has two sisters in case the first attempt doesn't work out!
This novel has been made into two movie versions. The first was made in 1956 and stars Robert Wagner and the second in 1991 starring Matt Dillon and Sean Young. I saw the 1991 version a few years ago and remember enjoying it but the book is really a step above and I would highly recommend it.
A Kiss Before Dying was written earlier in Levin's career, way back in 1953, back in an era when girls were much more naive and life was cheap. The story is about a returned WWII veteran who sets his sights on a young woman, Dorrie, whose father is rich and the head of a large copper conglomerate. But when Dorrie becomes pregnant, the man sees his chances for wealth going out the window because her father is very strict and probably won't support her after an illegitimate pregnancy. So what does he do? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but Dorrie also has two sisters in case the first attempt doesn't work out!
This novel has been made into two movie versions. The first was made in 1956 and stars Robert Wagner and the second in 1991 starring Matt Dillon and Sean Young. I saw the 1991 version a few years ago and remember enjoying it but the book is really a step above and I would highly recommend it.
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