Naked Once More

When writer Kathleen Darcy mysteriously disappeared seven years ago after publishing a hugely successful historical novel, `Naked in the Ice', it was determined that suicide was the likely outcome although her body was never found. Now that she has been declared legally dead, her heirs, agent and publisher are launching a search for someone to write the much-anticipated sequel. Author Jacqueline Kirby, the series protagonist Peters first introduced to us in The Seventh Sinner, easily lands the job. Jacqueline, sardonic and bitingly charming as ever (think of an alligator in a pink dress, maybe) temporarily relocates to Kathleen's rural digs - the center of her writing life as well as the site of her disappearance - and finds a lot more than she bargained for after moving into Kathleen's cozy cottage. Not only do Kathleen's mooching siblings and half-crazy mother (who all live in a grand estate paid for by Kathleen's earnings) present an unexpected obstacle, but local characters in town seem to have a vested interest in how the final chapter of Kathleen's life plays out. Right from the beginning Jacqueline finds herself drawn deeply into the real-life mystery of Kathleen Darcy herself and what really happened to her - which, oddly enough, no one else seems to be all that interested in. I've read this a couple of times over the years, so I listened to it on audiobook this time. Most of Peters/Michaels' books are narrated by one particular actress, Barbara Rosenblatt, who embodies the voices so well that I've come to think of her as Peters/Michaels herself. Peters only wrote five Kirby books, which is unfortunate because they're among her best. It seems very obvious to me that the character of Jacqueline Kirby is at least a partial self-portrait of Peters/Michaels/Mertz (she even refers to herself at one point, when going through a mental list of authors who were cat fanciers: `Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, Barbara Michaels...', which made me smile. Her intelligent humor and excellently fleshed-out characters make these books genuine pleasures to read (or listen to) over and over again.

Love this book - It pulls you in right from the first word and keeps you reading right to the enexpected end. Hated to put it down. Read it more then once.

This, the fourth and thus far last installment of the Jacqueline Kirby series, reaches the greatness promised in the first stallment, but left largely unfulfilled by the second and third books. A challenging mystery, a hint of romance, and a more thoughtful, less mean-spirited Jacqueline. Too bad Ms. Peters stopped here. Enjoyable romp.

This is one of my fave mysteries of all time, a witty, twisting mystery that will leave you laughing, sighing, frowning, and enjoying every sharply-defined character in it.This book is the sequel to "Die For Love," starring the incomparable Jacqueline Kirby (first seen in "Seventh Sinner") who is now a bestselling author who previously did two historical romances (which she can't stand). Now she is being approached for one of the biggest book deals in history: Write a sequel to the historical/romance/fantasy epic "Naked on the Ice"--and yes, that is the real title. The author of "Naked," the cult figure Kathleen Darcy, is supposedly dead by suicide, having vanished into the wilderness seven years back, despite being a bestselling millionaire.Jacqueline gains the book deal, but must now deal with the rising specter of murder. She suspects strongly that Kathleen Darcy was being targeted for death via "accidents." Among her suspects are Kathleen's toad-like half-brother, St. John Darcy; Kathleen's ex-lover; the hack historical-romance writer Brunnhilde; the violent male rival; the married hunk whom "Naked"'s hero was physically based on; the deformed woman who has an almost obsessive fascination with Kathleen; and a sprinkling of other former friends, enemies, and relations...What happened to Kathleen? Did she really commit suicide, or was she murdered? Is she alive, possibly? And what possible reason would anyone have to want her dead--money, love, revenge? Jacqueline intends to find the truth -- but what if she gets in the murderer's way?Jacqueline is still the same effervescently vivid character as before. With her slightly eccentric nature and keen mind (not to mention her flamboyant clothing--it's a treat just to visualize her) she is an instantly likeable detective. Yet she doesn't show everything on the surface: when she meets with her new agent, she has a wry cynical edge that is very appealing. You will thoroughly loathe such characters as St. John Darcy, Tom and Brunnhilde, the overweight historical hack. More appealing is Paul, whose turbulent feelings and quick thinking make him a nice if blunt guy.Aside from the excellent descriptive writing and wonderful situations (St. John attempting to kiss Jacqueline; Jacqueline showing what Sarah looks like) you also get little pokes and jabs at the book industry. Agents, contracts, those little fifteen-percent paychecks, "lit-ra-choor" and bestselling authors are all lampooned slyly by Ms. Peters. (And if you have ever tried to be published as I have tried and am trying, it's doubly amusing)One slightly inaccurate thing in this book is that the person doing the cover art obviously didn't read the book. (No nude typing--the "naked" is a joke...) Aside from this, this is a witty, classic mystery that you'll read again and again...Ms. Peters, write more about Jacqueline Kirby!

I didn't think this book was as good as "Die for Love," which I thought was hilarious. It lacked the humor and outrageousness of that book, but I still enjoyed the mystery and "unveiling," which came as a surprise. I LOVE JACQUELINE KIRBY! As a longtime fan of Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels, I only wish that she would write more books with this wonderful lady as her central heroine!