A Killer's Kiss

by: William Lashner

Published by: William Morrow

Reviewed by Jeff Foster

Victor Carl is a lawyer and by his own admittance, not a great one, but I have to say he is probably one of the best characters I have ever read in a mystery novel. What I really love about these books is that you pick up any one of them and jump right into his life.

In A Killer’s Kiss, Carl is unexpectedly reunited with an old flame. If you know how Victor’s life works, this will not be a wondrous reunion, it will in fact turn out the way most of the Philadelphia lawyer’s adventures do–badly. Without delay or much hesitation, he finds himself in lust, willing to try it again. This, despite the fact that this former flame left him at the altar years before without explanation.

Julia however, is still married and has recently been receiving anonymous and openly threatening letters she has incorrectly attributed to Carl. She suggests that they meet, shows Victor the letters and which he explains are not from him. The meeting goes sour when Victor lashes at her verbally about why she left him. She leaves, but the meeting don’t stop. The love they had seems to rekindle, at least in Victor’s shameless mind. Julia calls him one night from outside his building and asks if she can come up. Thinking he has a chance to re-consummate the relationship, he agrees. Shortly after her arrival, there is a knock on the door. In his hallway are two Philadelphia police detectives, who want to question Victor about the murder of Julia’s husband, only two hours ago.

This story is intricately spun as all Lashner novels are. With disparate, yet parallel plot lines and a unique set of characters that leave the reader wondering how all this will mesh in the end.

In A Killer’s Kiss Lashner has perfected in Victor Carl, a character whose sarcastic wit you will love to read. He is the perpetual underdog looking for that one big case that will bring notoriety, and financial happiness. Unfortunately, Victor continuously seems to put his life in danger to achieve his goals. A Killer’s Kiss is no exception.

Armchair Interviews says: Lashner’s wit and cynicism are still there, and they are as fresh as the first Victor Carl novel. You WILL laugh out loud!

Author’s Web site: http://www.WilliamLashner.com