[.ca] Die for Love (ISBN 0380731169)

Romantic Satire:
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.

Not as good as her others:
I see that all the other reviewers just loved this book. I found it disappointing. I didn't really like any of the characters. Jacqueline is less appealing here than in the previous books in the series. None of the other characters are very well-drawn either. The part about the romance convention are very funny, but all the references to romance books are dated. Romances don't follow this old-fashioned plot any more. The identity of the killer wasn't much of a surprise either, and frankly, neither were any of the so-called "plot twists." I really like her other series better, the ones featuring Amelia Peabody or even better, the Vicky Bliss books.

Must-read for anyone who has ever laughed at a bodice ripper:
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?

Hilarious:
This, the third in the Jacqueline Kirby series, is an absolute comedic gem. She rips up the commercialization of the bodice-ripper genre, and obviously has a great time doing it. Some of her characters were a little over-the-top, but much more enjoyable than her second installment in this short series. Enjoyable read.

A Hilarious Romp!:
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.