A Kiss Before Dying not only debuted the talent of best-selling novelist Ira Levin to rave reviews and an Edgar Award, it also set a new standard in the art of psychological suspense. 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, intelligence. And he has a problem. Her name … 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.
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While this novel by Ira Levin has been adapted a few times into movies, none of them could work anywhere near as well as the novel does because of what a novel can do that a movie never can. This one is full of twists, turns, and a fascinating central character both diabolical and riveting to follow.
This novel also has one of those: when you …
It Ain’t What You Give, It’s The Way That You Give It
Ira Levin’s first. An Edgar Award winner, and a lot of fun. Also–check out the faithful film version with Robert Wagner and Joanne Woodward.
I normally avoid reviews but I heard mention on the radio that this was Ira Levin’s greatest novel. I thought, I kind of know the name, but …
… well, apparently I should forget Rosemary’s Baby, The Stepford Wives or The Boys From Brazil (oh, that Ira Levin – duh) – for this is his masterpiece, which he wrote at the age of 23.
That the radio …
Here’s one that really surprised me. I had not expected to like this one as much. And it is also one I don’t know how I had missed for so long. I came across this title because an author I highly respect talked about the book and how it had influenced his writing career–novels (along with Ruth Rendell’s One Across, Two Down—which is now also on …
The writing and characterisation are so well achieved, it’s hard to believe this was Levin’s first novel. Bud Corliss is the archetypal charming wannabe. In his mind, his good looks alone give him the right to succeed. He’s going to marry his way into power and wealth, and God help anyone who tries to get in his way.
Written in the 50s, the …
I’m embarrassed to admit I hadn’t read Levin before. This classic is spellbinding and a masterclass in tight plotting, for you writers out there. Which Levin should I read next?