To Die For: A Novel (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Great Bods, Dwayne Bailey, Diet Coke (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Howard brings her usual high level of intelligence and flair to her latest tale of romantic suspense (after Kiss Me While I Sleep). Successful health club owner Blair Mallory is the only witness when a troublemaking member gets shot behind her North Carolina gym. Since the killer may not realize that Blair hasn't seen his face, she needs police protection—but her difficulties only escalate when Lt. Wyatt Bloodworth, with whom she had a short but intense relationship several years earlier, is assigned to the case. Still smarting from Wyatt's unexplained rejection, Blair resists his macho self-confidence; Wyatt in turn is irritated by her refusal to follow orders, even as he succumbs to her feisty charm and potent sexuality. Their investigations promptly reveal a major suspect, but the attacks on Blair continue even after the alleged killer is apprehended. As they consider a new array of possible murderers, the pair (aided and abetted by their colorful families) conduct a spirited battle of the sexes. Blair's chirpy asides on everything from underwear to men will wear on readers by the middle of the book, when the plot's momentum stalls. Still, Blair's surface fluffiness and underlying savvy make her an engaging narrator, and the book's witty Southern "take" on womanhood will amuse readers in the region and beyond.
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Review

** 'Linda Howard is a superbly original storyteller.' Iris Johansen --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (December 28, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345476255
• ISBN-13: 978-0345476258
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (186 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #201,104 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not quite what I expected but certainly better than before!, December 30, 2004

By	M. Nix "Joyfully Reviewed" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Blair Mallory witnesses a murder. The victim is one of the members of her club, Great Bods who had taken to dressing like Blair. In fact she was so good at it that she could easily been mistaken for Blair. Lt. Wyatt Bloodworth dumped Blair cold two years ago after only three dates without any explaination or phone call. When he hears that a blond woman was murdered at her club his first thought is that it was Blair so he rushes over to the club. Upon discovering that Blair is fine he decides that he wants a second chance with her and that he is going to protect her. No matter if Blair wants him to or not. Let me say that I love Linda Howard's books. To Die For is a certain improvement from her last two books. It's more lighthearted(think Mr. Perfect). However it's also not as sexy as any of her previous books, which I really missed. One of the reasons I buy LH books is for the sensuality. To Die For was also written in the first person which is something I never expected from LH.
Let me say this again, I love LH but her last few books just have not been as good as her older works. To me they are just missing something. But To Die For is certainly going back in the right direction after the big disapointments I found her last two books to be. There were some parts that were truly hilarious but I had issues with the way that Wyatt dumped Blair 2 years ago so I had a hard time warming up to him and that detracted from the story for me. But after I've said all this I still think everyone will enjoy it. I have to say that I think the only reason I was somewhat unsatisfied at all with To Die For is because Linda Howard had me soooo spoiled by her other stuff that I keep waiting for another Shades of Twilight or After The Night or a hero like Zane or Chance MacKenzie.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, December 28, 2004

By	Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Blair Mallory may be blonde, but she is business savvy. The ex-cheerleader married politically aspiring Jason Carson. Four years later they divorced. Blair got everything she asked for in the settlement thanks to a single photograph of him kissing her seventeen-year-old sister. She uses the money to follow her dream of opening a coed fitness center, "Great Bods". It is a huge success. Blair not only loves her business, but she actually cares for her staff and customers. All except for Nicole "Nikki" Goodwin. Nikki joins Great Bods and began to mimic Blair. Nikki colors her hair the same color, grows it long, purchases a similar car, and even buys the same workout clothes (all the way down to the leg warmers). But everyone, even the members of the gym, could tell that Nikki pure hates Blair. Many members of the gym complains about Nikki's attitude too and files formal complaints. So when time came for Nikki to renew, Blair simply pulls out the complaints and gently refuses to let Nikki renew her membership. Nikki's exit is violent, though she never hits anyone. That very night, as Blair locks up and leaves the building, Nikki is shot dead in the parking lot. Blair did not get a good look at the killer, but just being a witness is enough.

The police lieutenant, Jefferson "Wyatt" Bloodsworth, a man Blair once dated and to whom she is still very much attracted to, enters the picture. The media, of course, promptly put Blair on the front page and told the public that she witnessed the murder. NOT GOOD! Needless-to-say, the next gunshot Blair hears is directed at her. Nikki had been a case of mistaken identity. Now Wyatt and Blair must figure out who wants to kill her before they actually succeed.

***** This novel has plenty of romance, but is overflowing with suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author, Linda Howard, writes the story as if Blair is actually talking to the reader. With Blair's witty mind and "don't mess with me, I'm no push over" attitude, I found myself actually laughing aloud often. I highly recommend this one for anyone going on vacation and wanting something wonderful to read. I specify to those on vacation because you may find yourself staying up late at night to read and will want to sleep late the next morning. Excellent! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's All Lighten Up!, January 16, 2005

By	Joelline "joelline" (United States) - See all my reviews

Jeez, you'd think Linda Howard had never written anything lighter than "Cry No More"! OK, before you buy "To Die For," let me clue you in:
(1) The title stinks and in no way reflects the content of the book.
(2) It is closer to "Mr. Perfect" than to the Mackenzie books (and it's light years away from "Cry No More").
(3) The first person point of view is hilarious because Blair is one of Howard's cutest and most amusing heroines.
(4) The readers who are lamenting the loss of the male POV are missing the point: this is not a typical romance: it is a comic-romance: think Tracy and Hepburn's classic comedies! Wyatt's POV wouldn't add anything to the comedy!
(5) It's a chick book! If you're looking for the alpha male, he's here, but the focus is on a flirty former cheerleader who is, in her own way, WOMAN! Hear her roar! So there.
(6) Buy the book, but put it aside until you're in a good mood and want some pure, frivolous FUN, and stop complaining because Linda--who can sometimes make you cry--this time makes you laugh out loud: She's a writer for all seasons. Appreciate her!