The only truly good murder mystery I've ever read (of all the hundreds) is simply outstanding.

It far outclasses Agatha Christie, a renowned name in the genre. The plot is so intricately woven that it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

Every clue is carefully placed, leading the reader on a thrilling chase to solve the mystery. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own motives and secrets.

The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, creating a sense of tension and suspense that is palpable.

This murder mystery is a masterpiece that stands out among the countless others I've read. It's a must-read for any fan of the genre.

This was Ira Levin's debut work.

Although the story is all a bit crazy and unbelievable, it was still an enjoyable read.

The aspect that it was really lacking was the emotional depth in the characters.

People kept dying, yet none of their relatives seemed particularly upset.

The plot is about three sisters and one man who is a murderer after their money.

I love Rosemary's Baby and The Stepford Wives, so it was interesting to see what Levin started with.

This debut work gives us a glimpse into Levin's early writing style and the seeds of the unique and engaging stories he would later become known for.

Despite its flaws, it still has its own charm and吸引力, making it a worthwhile read for fans of Levin or those interested in exploring the evolution of his work.

It shows his potential as a writer and sets the stage for the great works that were to come.

I had to make a great effort to stop myself from attempting to read this entire piece in one sitting!

The struggle within me was intense, as I found myself torn between the eagerness to reach the next exciting scene and the longing for this wonderful experience to last longer.

The author has truly masterfully crafted a story filled with great tension, palpable suspense, and unexpected surprises at every turn.

The ending, although perhaps a bit low-key, was entirely appropriate and fitting for the overall narrative.

I can't help but wish that Ira Levin was still alive and actively writing. His talent and creativity were truly one of a kind, and the literary world would be so much richer with his continued contributions.

It's a pity that we can no longer look forward to new works from this amazing author, but his existing body of work will surely continue to be cherished and studied for years to come.

If A Kiss Before Dying were to come out tomorrow, I might be inclined to use words like "predictable" to describe certain aspects of it. However, it's important to note that Ira Levin published this, his first novel, in 1954. This gives the book a sort of satisfying, yet olden-timey thrill that I vividly remember experiencing as a kid while watching classic movies like Double Indemnity and Wait Until Dark in my grandparents' home.

There's something truly unique about witnessing 50s characters unknowingly fall victim to the devious machinations of a seemingly charming guy. After all, in that era, people hadn't been bombarded with endless hours of crime procedural television, and without the convenience of Google, those who were prone to trust didn't come across as overly naïve.

The story is filled with plenty of suspense and a palpable sense of dread, making it a worthwhile, brief, and classic mystery. Additionally, for the sake of clarity, A Kiss Before Dying should not be confused with A Kiss While Dying, which, of course, has a very different appearance, as can be seen in the accompanying image.

Ah, the psychotic sociopath.

Where would suspense fiction be without it? In today's literary landscape, this character type is extremely prevalent throughout contemporary fiction.

However, this particular portrayal comes courtesy of Ira Levin, who was a debut novelist at the ripe age of 24 in 1953.

Of course, Levin is best known for "Rosemary's Baby," but this work is very interesting precisely because of the time in which it was written.

Despite the genre being so saturated now, it still stands up very well against today's contemporaries.

Levin's pacing in this novel is excellent, especially when one considers his age, the fact that this is a debut, and that there wasn't a whole lot to draw on from the genre at that time. It is truly impressive.

I don't have much time to write a long review today, and perhaps that's for the best.

Suffice it to say, this novel is very much worth the time investment. I can safely state that I will read everything by this author.

Four good stars.

Dorothy has a bright and happy future in front of her. She has her fiance by her side, and with the inheritance from her wealthy father, they are set to live a comfortable life.

But everything changes when she discovers she is pregnant out of wedlock. Now, the happy couple might have to deal with the disapproval of her father.

Her fiance, in a desperate attempt to ensure a future without the chaos of screaming children and the fear of poverty, decides to take matters into his own hands.

This means that he is willing to sacrifice his relationship with Dorothy entirely.

I read this book right after Levin's other publication, "The Boys from Brazil." I didn't fully enjoy that one, so I wasn't overly excited about this read.

However, I found the concept of this story quite intriguing. The way the events unfold is both creepy and delightful to read about.

Although I didn't find the twists too difficult to figure out, I still enjoyed watching the story develop.

Overall, I had a lot of sinister fun reading this book.

In the 1950s America, there was a cautionary tale that vividly illustrated just how arduous it was for a simple man to marry for money.

This story serves as a reminder of the complex social and economic dynamics of that era. A man, perhaps lacking in financial means and charm, set his sights on marrying into wealth. However, he soon discovered that the path to achieving this goal was filled with numerous obstacles and disappointments.

Society in the 1950s had certain expectations and standards when it came to marriage, and those who did not meet them often faced ridicule and rejection. The simple man found himself constantly being judged and overlooked by the wealthy families he hoped to impress.

Despite his best efforts, he struggled to make a meaningful connection with the women of the upper class. His lack of sophistication and refinement made it difficult for him to fit in with their social circles. In the end, the man learned the hard way that marrying for money was not as easy as it seemed, and that true love and happiness could not be bought.

Even before the highly acclaimed ROSEMARY'S BABY, Ira Levin had already made a significant impact on the crime-and-suspense world with A KISS BEFORE DYING. This remarkable 1953 novel was so outstanding that it won Levin the prestigious 1954 Edgar Award for a first novel.

Not only did it receive critical acclaim, but it also had a successful adaptation into a 1956 movie. However, the 1991 remake was of inferior quality. Finally, in 1997, it was adapted into Bollywood's SAMRAT, further expanding its reach and influence.

With such a rich legacy, it's no wonder that many people still consider A KISS BEFORE DYING a classic of the genre. The story follows a young man who finds himself in an impossible situation with a girl. He has nothing but his wits and few scruples to get himself out of the predicament. Although the tale may seem dated, it remains highly suspenseful, captivating readers with its twists and turns.

If you're a fan of crime and suspense, this is definitely a book worth reading. Just be sure to check out other reviews for more details on the plot, as I've written this review with an eye to avoiding spoilers.

The wonderful art of manipulation and deception is truly a sight to behold, and it is masterfully demonstrated in (at least) two distinct masterclasses.

The first masterclass focuses on the art of taking the reader by surprise. Levin has an uncanny ability to craft a narrative that leads the reader down one path, only to completely upend their expectations at a crucial moment. It's like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat - you just don't see it coming.

The second masterclass is all about making the finale cinematic. Levin has a gift for painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind, so that they can see the entire story unfolding before their very eyes. It's as if they are watching a movie, rather than reading a book.

Ira Levin is truly a master of his craft, and his ability to manipulate and deceive the reader is nothing short of extraordinary. He is my man when it comes to creating thrilling and engaging stories that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Ira Levin is a highly regarded author, and this particular work is truly one of his best.

Over the years, it has aged extremely well, almost like a fine wine that gets better with time. In fact, it is now more than ripe for a new movie remake or perhaps even an HBO mini-series.

The story is filled with intense suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. The plot is masterfully crafted, with every twist and turn leading to a satisfying conclusion.

The characters are also a major strength of the book. They are well-developed and complex, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

It is no wonder that this work deserved the Edgar Award, which is a testament to its high quality and literary merit.

Overall, it is a must-read for any fan of mystery, thriller, or suspense novels.

A Kiss Before Dying is a tale that centers around a charming yet psychopathic individual. The concept, however, feels rather repetitive and uninteresting to me at this stage. The story is well-structured, and Levin's writing is not bad or dull. Nevertheless, the choice of topic and the twists are somewhat lackluster.

Essentially, a young man dates a girl solely because her father is wealthy. He has her completely under his spell, and everything seems to be going according to plan until she gets pregnant. Her father is old-fashioned and would have disowned her, so the man realizes that his scheme is about to be exposed. He can't simply abandon the girl because her father would likely ruin him. Therefore, he decides to take her life.

We then fast forward to the girl's sister who begins to investigate her death. She snoops around the campus where her sister died, posing a threat to the killer by potentially uncovering the truth. What happens next? Well, this is one of those books where you probably want to discover the reveal on your own, so I won't spoil it. (Everything I've mentioned so far is quite basic and might even be in the summary, so don't worry!)

I did enjoy looking out for the scene that Chelsea Cain mentions in the introduction. She claims that it appears completely harmless to someone who just opens the book at that page but is a real shocker for those who have been reading the entire thing. She's right; it is a rather amazing moment if you pay attention to the details.

Overall, I'm rather indifferent towards this book. I'm tired of the allure of the charming psychopath, but the writing and structuring are good. It will likely appeal to many people.

Originally posted on breathesbooks.com.

Ira Levin, the winner of an Edgar Award, has once again crafted a literary gem.

In this story, a dirt poor boy sets his sights on marrying into the prestigious Kingship Copper family. However, his path is filled with major snags and obstacles.

The narrative is highly suspenseful and expertly written, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

Written in the 1950s, this work is reminiscent of the great Alfred Hitchcock, with its elements of mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists.

Levin's ability to create a vivid and engaging world, populated with complex and believable characters, is on full display in this captivating tale.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, thriller, or simply well-written fiction, this book is sure to delight and entertain.