To Die For by Linda Howard
Review by Vicky T. (VickyJo)
Everyone who loves to read has at least one favorite author, someone who can write stories and tell tales that appeal to your sense of humor, or make you think, or tug at your emotions. If you’re lucky, your favorite author has written lots and lots of books for you to enjoy. The bad news is, no matter how prolific, you will eventually come to the end of material written by this person. It then becomes necessary to either wait patiently for a new book to come out, or find someone else whose stories you can enjoy while you wait.
But sometimes it’s hard to find what I call a “read-alike.” Someone who writes in a similar style, or along the same lines as another author. You don’t want a copycat, but you do want an author you can enjoy while you wait for your favorite to publish something new.
One of the most popular authors around today is Janet Evanovich. She has a mystery series starring Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter from New Jersey with a crazy family and trouble choosing a boyfriend. Her mysteries are such fun because there is hilarious dialogue, crazy people and situations, and of course, a bit of romance. So…in my quest to recommend “read alikes” for favorite authors, I decided I needed to do folks a favor and find someone who writes like Janet Evanovich.
Talk about impossible quests! Evanovich is not only unique, but her fans are extremely loyal. I spoke to a few people about my search for someone who writes like Evanovich, and was met with skepticism. The general consensus was “Good luck.” And it was difficult, but I think I found an author that could tide some Evanovich fans over while they wait for a new novel.
Linda Howard has a few things in common with Janet Evanovich. They both started out writing paperback romances, but both have “graduated” if you will, to hardcover bestsellers. They both blend mystery, romance and humor into very fun, readable novels.
Blair Mallory is the owner of a fitness center called “Great Bods” in Linda Howard’s 2005 novel “To Die For.” She is a former cheerleader, divorced, pretty, but a shrewd businesswoman. Just because she’s blonde and Southern doesn’t mean she can’t be a success, thank you very much.
One of her clients has begun imitating Blair’s hairstyle and way of dressing. It’s flattering and annoying, but what can you do? But then this dead ringer for Blair turns up dead…murdered right outside the fitness center and it becomes very clear that Blair was the intended victim.
Enter police lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth. He and Blair were an item a few years back, but he dropped Blair without any explanation, or even a phone call. So when he decides that Blair needs 24-hour protection, and that he’s the perfect person to provide this protection…well, let’s say sparks fly. In all directions. Wyatt seems to believe that he and Blair should become involved again, and Blair does her best to resist him.
As they gather clues and get closer to the killer, the danger increases as well. Just when they think they have the suspect in custody, Blair is shot and she and Wyatt must go back to square one and start examining who would want Blair dead…and why.
Linda Howard provides some snappy dialogue between her main characters, humorous situations, and manages to keep the tension high throughout it all. And I have to say that I have always wanted to treat a computer the way Blair’s mother treats hers. I won’t say any more than that.
I have read and enjoyed this book as well. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book mixed with some humor and romance.
In fact, if anyone wants a slightly damaged copy of this book let me know. I have a copy that is slightly dog munched. For some reason my dog decided to remove books from the shelf and er.. read? them? None of the pages with words are affected!
Woohoo Vicky! This is a great review! I’ve read several Evanovich Stephanie Plum books but my DD is the real avid, loyal fan and she is slways looking for something to tide her over. I will recommend this author to her.
Thanks a lot!