A Kiss Before Dying | Ira Levin

Innholdsfortegnelse
Summary
the Main Characters
- Dorothy:
- Ellen:
- Marion:

Utdrag
Having read the crime novel A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin, who also penned Rosemary's Baby and The Boys From Brazil, I'll provide a brief overview of its plot.

The story follows a young man who is willing to go to any lengths to secure a wealthy future for himself, even if that means resorting to murder.

SUMMARY
Dorothy and Bud were college sweethearts at Stoddard College in Blue River.

Their relationship was going smoothly until a major issue arose – Dorothy became pregnant. Bud was hesitant about starting a family as it would require him to drop out of school and get a job.

He suggested that Dorothy take pills to terminate the pregnancy, promising to marry her if the pills failed. Unfortunately, the pills didn't work, and Bud realized that he couldn't avoid the impending responsibility.

He had dreams of a bright future, but they were shattered when he realized he wouldn't receive financial support from Dorothy's wealthy father, and would have to drop out of college to support his family.

Frustrated and desperate, he decided to end her life. He meticulously planned the perfect murder, but when things didn't go according to plan, he had to improvise.

On their wedding day, he cunningly pushed her off a tall building, making it appear as if she had taken her own life. Dorothy was gone forever.

In the aftermath of Dorothy's death, Bud transfers to Caldwell and starts dating Ellen, Dorothy's older sister.

Ellen becomes increasingly suspicious of the suicide and decides to investigate the case on her own. She writes a letter to Bud informing him of her plans before heading to Blue River.

In the town, Ellen encounters two potential suspects but struggles to identify the real killer. The investigation takes a dangerous turn, forcing Ellen to confront some shocking truths about the murder.

Ellen's investigation into her sister's death takes a tragic turn when Dwight Powell is shot by Bud, claiming self-defense. As Ellen seeks comfort in Bud's arms, her own life comes to a sudden and unexpected end.