Death by Horoscope [Paperback]

Anne Perry (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2003

Murderous portents lie in the astral plane, and deadly reckonings wreak havoc in the human heart in this collection of sixteen original stories by such masterly mystery writers as Lawrence Block, Peter Lovesey, Peter Tremayne, Jon L. Breen, Edward Marston, Bill Crider, Simon Brett, and the internationally acclaimed Anne Perry.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Fidelma placed no great reliance on astrologers, for it was a science which seemed to rely solely on the interpretive ability of the individual," says Peter Tremayne in the first entry in this all-original anthology of mystery stories on the common theme of reading the stars. A few tales later a character in Edward Marston's "The Sea Horse" says astrologers are "complete crooks." Even Edgar-winner Perry admits in her introduction that she doesn't believe in horoscopes unless "they tell me that I am unique and exciting and my destiny is full of wonderful things." Within those bounds of tolerance for the subject, most readers should find an attitude to sympathize with and a story or two to relish for its wit and good writing. Tremayne's contribution, for example, stars his wonderful creation, seventh-century Celtic nun Sister Fidelma, and as in his novels about her, he instantly plunges us into Fidelma's arcane but totally accessible world. In Marston's tale, a marvelously bitchy "yacht of fools" journey, the most sympathetic character (the astrologer) winds up dead. Jane Lindskold's "Slaying the Serpent" gives readers the always welcome thrill of outsmarting the detective, because they know in advance that the story's serial murders have something to do with astrology. Other tales from such reliables as Bill Crider, Peter Lovesey, Lawrence Block and Perry herself (a deft little period number called "The Blue Scorpion") add to the guilty pleasure the same one many of us get every morning by turning secretly to the horoscope page.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

The 16 original stories collected here, by turns clever, sinister, and amusing, find their inspiration in the stars. Readers with an astrological bent will find the plots a delight. Some well-known names, including Lawrence Block, Peter Lovesey, and Perry herself, contribute stories starring a surprisingly wide range of sleuths--not just astrologers but nuns, soldiers, and even a librarian. The latter appears in Simon Brett's contribution, which is one of the book's highlights. The librarian, a Libra, uses her attention to detail to break an astrology column's code and uncover a child pornography ring. The last story, Perry's crisply plotted tale about two sisters in love with the same man, neatly completes an enjoyable, engaging package. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Carroll & Graf (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786711531
• ISBN-13: 978-0786711536
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,762,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'star-studded' collection of twinkling stories!, May 6, 2002

By 

Billy J. Hobbs "Bill Hobbs" (Tyler, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Death by Horoscope (Hardcover)

It's a star spangled banner, this collection of short stories by some 16 luminaries of the printed page, themselves! While most readers will be familiar with the novels of many of these authors, it's a refreshing change of pace!

Edited by Anne Perry, the stories revolving around astrology and astrological themes goes over with a big bang! In the Introduction, Perry asks, "Do you believe in horoscopes?" Then she invites us to "meet those who care passionately about the real stars and the astronauts who journey toward them."

The acclaimed authors who are included know their stuff and that's no mystery. From Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma--who's always given us a turn for our money and time--to Edward Marston (departing from his usual Medieval mystery setting) to Lawerence Block to Peter Lovesey to Simon Brett and concluding with Anne Perry herself, this is a delightful read. Granted, a change of pace, but a delight nonetheless.

What a clever idea to arrange such a collection around such a theme! The sky's the limit! ...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Take It To The Beach!, August 19, 2001

By 

Eustacia Vye "Eusatcia Vye" (Encino, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Death by Horoscope (Hardcover)

A great deal of astrological monkey business and fun. Lawrence Block tells a terrific tale as do Simon Brett, Peter Lovesey and Anne Perry herself. There are astrological clues, astrology murders, detective work by astrology and a great deal of well written stories. Some that may even scare a Scorpio or a Taurus! This is a really fun book and all mystery lovers of any sign should love it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Death by Horoscope, August 2, 2005

By 

Nancy Mills - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Death by Horoscope (Hardcover)

I loved the book! It is a beautiful hardback copy and I love anything Anne Perry writes.