Ira Levin: A Kiss before Dying

Hi

This review is about the first novel by Ira Levin; A Kiss before Dying.
It has only 275 pages and they flew by.
You can find all my Ira Levin reviews here.

 “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 and suspense. Now a modern classic, as gripping in its tautly plotted action as it is penetrating in its exploration of a criminal mind, it tells the shocking tale of a young man who will stop at nothing—not even murder—to get where he wants to go. For he has dreams; plans. He also has charm, good looks, sex appeal, intelligence. And he has a problem. Her name is Dorothy; she loves him, and she's pregnant. The solution may demand desperate measures. But, then, he looks like the kind of guy who could get away with murder. Compellingly, step by determined step, the novel follows this young man in his execution of one plan he had neither dreamed nor foreseen. Nor does he foresee how inexorably he will be enmeshed in the consequences of his own extreme deed.”

It’s almost a pulp novel; character development is lacking and it’s simply written. But it reads like a train; it just goes by so fast.

The first part is not really suspenseful. From the very beginning we know he’s going to murder her. But man, the process of deciding, making a plan, changing the plan and executing it is horrifying. He is so cool and determined. It is really creepy to read about his meticulous planning and scheming. So exciting!
The second part, when Ellen goes in search of the murderer is much more suspenseful. I was dreading every moment she was with one of the possible murderers. Because suddenly the novel is told from her point of view, and we don’t know who the murderer is. This was the best part.
And by the third part I couldn't stop reading.

Highly enjoyable, not Great Literature, but definitely very entertaining. 

Happy reading!
Helena