Die for Love

Set in the midst of a conference for romance writers, this mystery features my favorite Peters character Jacqueline Kirby, a librarian from Coldwater College of undetermined age. Eager to escape the rain in Nebraska, Kirby sets off for NYC to attend the Historical Romance Writers of the World conference because she thinks she can write off the cost as business deduction on her tax return(!). Sandwiched in between the clues of the exciting mystery plot are magnificent tongue-in-cheek looks at bodice-rippers and the industry that produces them. The satirical tone and Kirby's dry wit will have you laughing your way through the novel. At then end, you too may be inspired to try your hands at writing a romance novel- after all, if Kirby can write and sell a novel while solving the murder, why can't you?

This was the first book that I have read about Jacqueline Kirby. I found her to be the most extraordinary character. She had style, taste, and enough satire to make even the impassive romance writers cringe. I have never read a romance novel, but the way Jacqueline described them (and so flamboyantly made fun of them) almost made them sound funny. Die for Love was a novel with everything I look for: good characters (especially heroines), good plot, great suspense, non-stop action, and lots of laughs. Jacqueline's attitude and Holmes-like deductions make this a must read for every Elizabeth Peters fan.

There aren't too many books that I find laugh out loud funny but this is one of them. Written with humor and even the occasional burst of compassion, Elizabeth Peters takes on the cut-throat world of romance novelists.Those who enjoyed this book may also enjoy "Bimbos of the Death Sun" by Sharyn McCrumb, an equally funny mystery about a murder that takes place at a Sci-Fi convention.

After the tensely enjoyable "Seventh Sinner" and so-so "Murders of Richard III", the all-too-short Jacqueline Kirby series hit its stride: Utter, sheer lunatic funniness! (And as I write this review, the book is unavailable. Can you BELIEVE it?)Jacqueline Kirby, seeking to expand her horizens and get out of a romantic rut, travels to New York for a romantic writers' convention. Along the plane ride, she tries out some of the most famous romantic lit (the best word is torrid) and begins her study of the overall reaction to sexy "schlock."Upon arriving, she encounters a colorful band of stereotypes, many of whom seem to have something to hide. Dubretta the scathing anti-romance columnist. Valerie Valentine (and no, that can't be her real name) the gorgeous talented beloved Queen of Romance. The disgruntled Victor Von Damm. The frightened "Valerie Vanderbilt," who is really a nervy college teacher. Betsy the rabid feminist. Laurie the obsessive fan. Sue the demure young writer with a thing for Victor. Hattie, the sinister yet hearty literary agent who might be doing some darn underhanded things.Jacqueline soon encounters death when one of the guests dies, though not exactly unexpectedly. She soon suspects that it was murder, and seeks to discover what secrets are important enough to kill for. Was it jealousy, hatred, or money? (Surprisingly, passion doesn't enter into it) Armed with the ugliest hat and the fattest purse in the world, she sets out to smoke out the killer...Jacqueline is her usual irrepressible self, and her flamboyant clothing becomes even more so in this book (you'll know The Hat when you see it) along with her personality. She steps further from "conventional detective" into her unique, perkily eccentric niche. One interesting fact is that in this book, she sets out to write a historical romance.Accompanying her is sexy but sick-and-tired-of-romance hunk Victor, pretty demure Sue, and Jacqueline's fellow prof and lover James (he is SOOOO sexy, so much better than the standard book hunks). The serious murder-mystery plot is offset in places by goopy romantic feelings spouted by authors, and by the occasional lusty (but always interrupted) excerpt from a romance novel. Jacqueline's response to the first one will make you choke.And to anyone who loved this book: Check out "Naked Once More," which shows what happened after Jacqueline started into the schlock business...

This is by far, one of the funniest books written by Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels. She must have written bodice rippers at one time in her literary life to have created characters so true to form. Jacqueline Kirby has got to be one of my favorite sleuths of all time - combining great looks with a talent for spotting trouble.