A Kiss Before Dying
by Ira Levinpublished
April 2003
by Carroll & Graf Publishers
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binding
Paperback, 242 pages
literary awards
Edgar Award for Best First Novel (1954)
isbn
0786711647
(isbn13: 9780786711642)
description
A Kiss Before Dying not only debuted the talent of best-selling novelist Ira Levin to rave reviews, it also set a new standard in the art of mystery a...more
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Read in September, 2007
Who thought that crime and suspense novels had theirs peak with Agatha Christie and Arthur Connan Doyle must read Ira Levin first novel: A Kiss Before Dying. I really enjoyed this book due to the style of the author and also due to the fact that it gives you insights from the criminal mind.
My copy of this book is in romanian.
My copy of this book is in romanian.
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Read in July, 2008
An AMAZING first book (so jealous)! I couldn’t put it down!
A Kiss Before Dying is suspenseful, creepy, and endearing all at the same time. Written in the 1950s, A Kiss Before Dying was definitely ahead of it’s time. I wish I could have read it then, because sadly enough the book has lost a bit of relevance over time. But if you’re able to mentally transport yourself to the proper time, you’re set for a riveting read!
Levin does a great job filling out his charact...more
A Kiss Before Dying is suspenseful, creepy, and endearing all at the same time. Written in the 1950s, A Kiss Before Dying was definitely ahead of it’s time. I wish I could have read it then, because sadly enough the book has lost a bit of relevance over time. But if you’re able to mentally transport yourself to the proper time, you’re set for a riveting read!
Levin does a great job filling out his charact...more
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Read in August, 2008
Totally enjoyable. First published in 1953, it has some of the cozy charm of a Beany Malone type maltshop book -- nearly all the characters are college students -- mixed with some James M. Cain type sleazy crime, made all the more appalling by the quaint surroundings. Cleverly written with some really tasty twists. I'm fond of the 1950s Robert Wagner movie version, which has its own campy appeal, but it turns out that the book is much better.
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It's amazing to me that you don't know the primary character's name even one third of the way through the book, and it's a shock when you come to realize that you never knew it. It's tough to explain. You do need to suspend disbelief for certain parts, but this is a finely crafted book, especially considering it's Levine's first book.
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Read in September, 2008
recommended to Tia by:
My momma
I started this book in high school but never finished it... so I picked up and started anew. I can't figure out why I never finished it the first time... suspenseful and completely mesmerizing! I still can't believe that I didn't know the main characters name until almost 3/4 of the way through! This was a really good book!
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Read in August, 2008
Awesome book -- couldn't put it down...highly recommended!
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