Kiss of Death

Morgan Tyler is a writer and co-producer of a daytime soap. When her best friend Nancy is arrested for murdering her boyfriend's evil ex, Morgan knows she didn't do it and sets out to prove it. Homicide Detective Matt Phoenix isn't thrilled with her involvement and things soon heat up. In the meantime, Morgan has hired a P.I. to help her discover the truth about her childhood. No one is aware of her past, and she wants to keep it that way. She just wants to know the truth herself. And on the set, they are dealing with a bizarre disappearance from years ago that apparently was never dealt with and has become a chat room joke. But when Morgan brings back the arrogant actor into the role, she doesn't know what she's in for. I love this series. Morgan is such a fun character. I love getting to know the behind the scenes drama of running a daytime soap. Plus her uncanny way to discover the truth is always enjoyable. She has many escapades without me wanting to scream stop like so many other mysteries. She seems to keep her head about her when going into situations. I hope there will be many more books in this series. I highly recommend this book and series.

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.

Linda Palmer's writing just keeps getting better with each book in this terrific series. This time amatuer sleuth Morgan Tyler works to solve two mysteries, one deeply personal, and the other in defense of a dear friend accused of murder. There are some fabulous new characters. As always with Ms. Palmer's mysteries, you're in for a fun read and a wild ride.

KISS OF DEATH, the latest installment in this wonderful series, is probably the most moving of the four. The wonderful twists and dialogue are right up there, but (without giving anything away) I found Morgan's back story, and the way it was dealt with, extremely touching/heartbreaking. Can't wait for the next one!

I am an avid reader of mysteries. To my delight I discovered Linda Palmer about 3 years ago and have bought her books every year since. Her new one, "Kiss of Death" is just as much fun as her first three if not more so. I love her plot twists and her characters. I also enjoy the main character's self-deprecating sense of humour. Since I am also a fan of soaps, these books allow me into a world where I previously just been an outside observer.