7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This second in the series is just as good as the first..., Aug 1 2005
By M. C. Crammer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Love Her To Death (Paperback)
So many times you approach a new book written by a favorite author with anticipation that it will be wonderful, and then you're disappointed. That didn't happen with this book -- I'd say it was just as good as the first, and maybe better.
Once again, the reader is taken into the world of upscale New York and television production -- daytime drama (what the rest of the world calls soap operas, but not the people who produce them, apparently!) Our detective character Morgan Tyler writes and co-produces a hit daytime drama. The story begins when one of the stars of the program tells her that she has an estranged husband out there who will kill her if he locates her. Morgan asks her sort-of boyfriend who is a homicide detective to see what he can find out about the husband, who may or may not be using that name -- and it's unclear what his real name is, although he is a very wealthy man. In the meantime, Morgan must deal with the trials of daytime drama production, including a new boss who wants to fire one of the actors who has put on too much weight. Then there's trying to plan the series during the time that the ratings are established -- a time when everyone pulls out all the stops to attract viewers. It becomes apparent that someone doesn't like Morgan and is either trying to scare her off something (but what?) or kill her.
This book is fast-paced, entertaining, filled with distinctive characters (you can just imagine them in your mind), and well plotted. I was genuinely surprised by the ending, although it all made sense. The world of daytime drama -- or television production in general -- is so interesting that I wonder why no-one else has used it as the location for a mystery series. I look forward to reading more in the series.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This series is addictive., Jun 1 2005
By Sandra Weber "starkid" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Love Her To Death (Paperback)
Remember the slogan for a certain brand of potato chips: "Bet you can't eat just one!"? This second entry in a series of mysteries set against the backdrop of daytime television makes me say, "Bet you can't read just one!" Exalted writer Charles Dickens and his publisher knew the value of leaving the reader begging for more. Today's reader is fortunate to now have access to the writing skills of Linda Palmer, who has followed up LOVE IS MURDER with another winner, LOVE HER TO DEATH. Like the first book, I was faced with a delicious quandry. I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want it to end, either. Linda's writing style easily draws the readers into her main character's world. In that world we're allowed to live for a few too-brief hours while we mix and mingle with other fascinating people and imagine ourselves caught up not only in the current mystery but life behind the scenes on a popular television show. The brilliance behind combining the two is evident. How more intriguing could it be than to write a serial ABOUT a serial? That makes the story possibilities endless, which I hope is what this series will be. My craving to find out "what happens next" to Morgan Tyler, her friends, and her enemies makes me wish for a new entry once a month, once a week, once a day...okay, not realistic, I know. Sigh. Pass the bag of chips...I'll re-read the first two until the next one arrives in the mail.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even Better Than The 1st Book!, Feb 3 2006
By Carolyn Fox - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Love Her To Death (Paperback)
I read "Love is Murder" and loved it. Now Linda Palmer has outdone herself with the second in the series, "Love Her to Death." Some great new characters, and one wild ride of a read. Not to be missed!