A Kiss Before Dying

by Ira Levin
A Kiss Before Dying cover
Good Books rating 3.9
Technical:
  • ID: 201
  • Added: 2025-09-04
  • Updated: 2025-09-04
  • ISBN: 9798212642552
  • Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
  • Published: 2024-04-02
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
pittenweemlibrary.org.uk · 2025-09-04
engaging 4.20

The novel is praised for its combination of mystery and psychological depth, demonstrating Ira Levin’s skill at crafting successful thrillers.

This review emphasizes Ira Levin's talent in blending mystery with psychological suspense, noting how the novel maintains tension and intrigue throughout. The story’s layered approach, involving multiple characters and perspectives, is highlighted as a strength that keeps readers engaged. The reviewer sees the book as a fine example of Levin’s ability to write compelling, successful novels that translate well into other media, such as film.

Quick quotes

    Ira Levin wrote novels and plays, many of which have been made into very successful films.

    He combines mystery and psychological depth expertly.

    A Kiss Before Dying is a demonstration of Levin's skill at crafting successful thrillers.

The Bookbag · Louise Laurie · 2025-09-04
intriguing 4.50

The novel is hailed as a gripping and clever thriller that expertly switches perspectives to heighten suspense and psychological intrigue.

Louise Laurie appreciates how the novel begins with a chilling and tense thriller plot, but what sets it apart is the clever narrative switch to Ellen Kingship's point of view, which adds depth and suspense. She highlights the novel's evocative portrayal of its time and setting, along with the frightening insight into the mind of a psychopathic killer disguised among seemingly affable young men. This shift keeps readers engaged and adds a layer of psychological complexity that elevates the story beyond a straightforward crime thriller.

Quick quotes

    It's chilling, tense and remarkably evocative of its time and setting.

    Levin pulls a particularly clever trick by switching the novel's point of view.

    Terrifyingly, any of these affable, bright, all-American boys Ellen meets could have the mind of a psychopathic killer.

breathesbooks.com · Nicky @ The Bibliophibian · 2019-03-12
critical 3.00

The book is viewed as a classic tale of a charming psychopath, though the reviewer finds the concept somewhat overdone and the narrative feeling repetitive.

Nicky finds the central character of a charming psychopath intriguing but feels that the theme is overused and makes the story feel a bit same-y. Despite this, the book remains a notable exploration of psychological suspense, but the reviewer had some reservations about the freshness of the concept and the overall impact of the plot. The ending was seen as unsatisfactory, contributing to a sense of anticlimax after the build-up.

Quick quotes

    A Kiss Before Dying is basically about a charming psychopath.

    It feels same-y because I find that whole concept really overdone.

    With a highly unsatisfactory ending to boot.

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