Kiss of Death
Linda Palmer
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Linda Palmer has written the fourth book in her a Daytime Mystery
series. She has done an excellent job of adding to a series
without making the reader feel left out if they have not read the first
ones. But this one will make new fans want to run out for the other
three.
The main character, Morgan, is the co-producer and writer for a day
time soap opera. This setting contributes a bit of fun, insider feeling
to the story. The setting does not control the plot, it just gives it a
unique sense to the story and enables the author to create characters
who have strong personalities. The tv setting does not make this mystery a
fluffy, powder puff piece but an entertaining and solid entry into the
field of cozies. It does add a bit of light hearted atmoshpere to
this seriously well constructed work
In Kiss of Death the plot consists of two story lines. In one, Morgan's
best friend is accused of killing her lover's ex-wife. She is found
standing over the body of the woman she hates which makes her seem
pretty suspicious to the police. In the other Morgan is trying to solve
the mystery of her own past, a past of which no one knows about. She
hires a PI to find clues to her past, and the police should be handling
the murder but she is drawn personally into both investigations, one to
clear her best friend and one to find out what really happened to her
in her childhood. The plots do not intertwine but Palmer is able to
handle both with grace, not lessening the impact of either story line.
Each is written so thoroughly that it is like getting two books in one.
Palmer's background in both screen writing and photography have give
her the ability to create a broad, brisk moving narrative without
omitting the small details that make the scenarios whole and solid.
This is a great book for either a blanket on the beach or fireside in a
ski lodge. It can hold its own during any season, a notable entry among
the numerous character driven mysteries of today's literary
marketplace.