Kiss Me, Kill Me: Ann Rule's Crime Files Vol. 9 (Ann Rule's Crime Files)

Book Description

The dark side of love is no fairy tale....

And while we may like to believe that crimes of the heart only victimize those who aren't careful, this page-turning collection of must-read accounts will convince you otherwise. America's #1 true-crime writer, Ann Rule reveals how lovers become predators, how sex and lust can push ordinary people to desperate acts, and how investigators and forensics experts work to unravel the most entangled crimes of passion. Extracting behind-the-scenes details, Rule makes these volatile relationships utterly real, and masterfully re-creates the ill-fated chains of events in such cases as the ex-Marine and martial arts master who seduced vulnerable women and then destroyed their lives...the killer whose calling card was a single bloodred rose...the faithless wife who manipulated and murdered without conscience...the blind date that set the stage for a killer's brutality...and more. In every case, the victim -- young and innocent or older and experienced -- unknowingly trusted a stranger with the sociopathic skill to hide their dark motives, until it was too late to escape a web of deadly lies, fatal promises, and homicidal possession.

Download Description

"The dark side of love is no fairy tale.... And while we may like to believe that crimes of the heart only victimize those who aren't careful, this page-turning collection of must-read accounts will convince you otherwise. America's #1 true-crime writer, Ann Rule reveals how lovers become predators, how sex and lust can push ordinary people to desperate acts, and how investigators and forensics experts work to unravel the most entangled crimes of passion. Extracting behind-the-scenes details, Rule makes these volatile relationships utterly real, and masterfully re-creates the ill-fated chains of events in such cases as the ex-Marine and martial arts master who seduced vulnerable women and then destroyed their lives...the killer whose calling card was a single bloodred rose...the faithless wife who manipulated and murdered without conscience...the blind date that set the stage for a killer's brutality...and more. In every case, the victim -- young and innocent or older and experienced -- unknowingly trusted a stranger with the sociopathic skill to hide their dark motives, until it was too late to escape a web of deadly lies, fatal promises, and homicidal possession. "

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2007-09-17

Very disappointed. Have loved most of Anne Rule's books, but this on is definitely not up to her standards. Appeared to be put together just to make money

Scary.......2007-09-05

This was not one of my favorites of Ann Rule's books. The anchor story, "Kiss Me Kill Me," was confusing to read. She interjected other cases in it, making it hard to follow and choppy. The other stories were interesting, scary, and horrifying, but outdated. I agree with another reviewer that I would prefer more pictures of the victims and perpetrators rather than the investigators. Some of the cases, as well as victims in other cases, in this book had no pictures at all and that was disappointing.

Disturbing!.......2007-08-01

I'm a big fan of Ann Rule's. I enjoyed reading this collection of cases. Each story was different, yet had the same theme of love or attraction gone wrong woven throughout. I found the saddest story to be the last one. To never know what happened to a missing loved one, how horrible...

A little flat and too familiar........2007-07-15

Like many readers, I am an Ann Rule junkie. This book, however, was not that interesting. The stories are outdated and in most of the short stories, the killers are known early on. Thus, there is no mystery that keeps the reader turning the pages, hungry to see where the investigation leads. One thing that always strikes me about Rule's haunting tales is the fact that the female victim could have been me in my teen years or during college: trusting, naive, without any concept of the evil in this world. As an aside, I would prefer more photos of the victims and the perpetrators, rather than so many pics of the investigators.

kiss me kill me--ann rule.......2007-06-27

all her books are good, she does a lot of investagative work on all her stories.

The Mike Hammer Collection, Volume 2: One Lonely Night, The Big Kill, Kiss Me Deadly

Average customer rating:

Great reading
The Private Eye version of a Time Capsule
Mike Hammer -- named appropriately
Lord Breadalbane's Opinion
Tough guys and curvy dames

The Mike Hammer Collection, Volume 2: One Lonely Night, The Big Kill, Kiss Me Deadly
Mickey Spillane
Manufacturer: NAL Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451204255
Release Date: 2001-09-05

Book Description

"There's a kind of power about Mickey Spillane that no other writer can imitate." (The New York Times)

Apparently. With his trend-setting Mike Hammer detective novels, Mickey Spillane shot to superstardom as one of the most notorious bestselling sensations in publishing history. This powerhouse collection includes three of the master's long-out-of-print greatest novels-together for the first time in one explosive volume:
The Big Kill
One Lonely Night
Kiss Me, Deadly

Includes a special introduction by Shamus and Edgar Award-winner Lawrence Block.

Customer Reviews:

Great reading.......2007-06-08

Fine writing by a fine author. Pictures appeared in my mind with his use of words and always enjoyed each story. No one else like Spillane - not ever.

The Private Eye version of a Time Capsule.......2007-05-10

These Mickey Spillane novels that feature Mike Hammer are incredible. Spillane was immensely popular in the late 40s and early 50s. He wrote incredibly straightforward pulp novels of the sort that have been parodied endlessly in various media since, to the point that going back and reading the original invites laughs when they weren't intended.

The main character, Mike Hammer, is of course the private eye who's the toughest guy in New York City. He has his vices: he smokes constantly, drinks pretty much every chapter, and chases girls constantly. The women, especially, seem badly overdone. Each book he falls for at least three, and of course there's his secretary, Velda, who he claims to be in love with (though of course out of sight, out of mind definitely applies here). Velda never seems to get jealous when she figures out that he's been with another woman, at least not really, and none of the rest of them appear to think he should be monogamous either. They seem to understand that the book is for men, so they should let him chase as many girls as he can catch. He can catch a lot.

Some of the dialog is so overwritten and purple it's beyond parody, and often it's unintentionally funny. Some of the characters are a bit much too: Pat Chambers, his cop friend, never does anything beyond provide information and tell Mike to stay out of trouble, which Mike of course ignores. Mike is insanely tough: beat him up, shoot at him (or shoot him), whatever, he keeps trying to kill you until he succeeds.

One fascinating thing about the series, having read both volumes of the collection, is that Hammer almost never has a real client. Instead, he gets involved in these killings through being what amounts to a knight errant, wandering around and rescuing women. Of course the girl gets killed in the early going of the book, and of course Mike swears revenge, and of course he exacts it by the end of the book. Figuring out who the bad guy is by the end of the book is hard, though it's often another beautiful woman somewhere in the plot; if it isn't, it's some nefarious crime boss or something.

Everything is so dated it's funny. One of the books in this collection features bad guys who Mike invariably refers to as "Commies" as if he intends that as an insult. There's no pretense that someone should have the right to belong to a political party or anything like that: as far as Mike Hammer (and presumably Mickey Spillane too) is concerned, "Commies" deserve a firing squad.

I like dated things, things that are old and make you think about the past. Cultural references (the "Commies" mentioned above) are fascinating to me. I wonder what Hammett (who was a Marxist) thought of the book, if he read it. These books can be a bit hard to read (the characters are very cardboard, and the dialog is often way overdone) but they're interesting for what they are, and worth delving into.

Mike Hammer -- named appropriately.......2007-05-07

I read these books shortly after they were published originally. I was a teenager who fantisized myself as Mike Hammer and his conquests - both with the ladies and in giving the bad guys their due. Spillane introduced me to the wonderful world of paperback novels that have kept me a voracious reader of them to this day. A few years later, I marveled at the exploits of 007, first in the books by Ian Fleming and then the movies so ably done by Broccoli and Saltzman - not to mention Sean Connery (the only real James Bond). Mickey has now gone on to his reward and I would say to him "job well done, Mick."

Lord Breadalbane's Opinion.......2005-09-30

Nice format and great introduction but numerous typos and some dialogue was nonsensical to the point that I am tempted to go to local library and borrow a copy of Kiss Me, Deadly to compare text. Quality control obviously poor.

Tough guys and curvy dames.......2005-09-23

Spillane's books can be found at used bookstores or online for cheap, but buy these new collections and see how fast you can read three books at a time. I tore through these yarns fast and can't wait for the third set. Spillane does more for me than Chandlier or Hammett, though I love their books too, but the Mike Hammer stories are cool, tough, brutal, sexy, post-war stories with all the right slang.

Mike Hammer is brutal, sure. Maybe even cruel. But he is an avenging angel, always seeking revenge for a friend, sometimes for a stranger, but always to set things right. Or at least as close to right as he can make it with his fists and his slabside .45.

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Kill Me, Kiss Me, Book 3
Lee Young You
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591825954

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Kill Me, Kiss Me Volume 4
Lee Young You
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591825962

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Kill Me, Kiss Me Vol. 5
Lee Young You
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1595324208

Book Description

*Story by Lee Young YOU *A wild romp full of slapstick, cross-dressing and high school romance that will appeal to the readers of INVU & Kare Kano.

Book Description

Cross-dress to Impress! Jung-Woo runs into a gang of bellicose babes-- and these girls don't just want to have fun. In fact, they think Jung-Woo is a girl! Meanwhile Tae learns of the ire of Ghoon Hahm Che, leader of the school's most violent gang. He would never hit a girl-- or would he? These gender-blending hijinks will have Mars and Venus spinning out of orbit!

Customer Reviews:

A page turner..........2004-05-31

This book takes off on a whole new path, following Tae's cousin and his groupies :) I was quickly and surprisingly hooked by the new storyline, and finished reading the book wanting to know more. It was nice to see Jung-Woo looking older (and much more attractive!), and even though I am still interested in how Tae and her boy are doing, I can't wait to find out what happens next to the new main characters. All the action from the first book is present, but with a closer look at Jung-Woo and introduction to some feisty individuals!

Not Bad.......2004-05-23

The author kind of strayed from the first one. There was less cross dressing, none in fact. But the book is still good and goes along with Tae's cousin more than it did in the last one.

Average customer rating:

What Happened?!?!
Addicting!
borrrrrrinnngggg
Not great, but very very good
Hooked

Kill Me, Kiss Me, Book 1
Lee Young You
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591825938

Book Description

When Tae Yeon Im finds out that the idol star that she's adored for ages is currently attending the same school as her identical cousin Jung-Woo Im, she convinces her kin to exploit their similitude and switch places, she will dress as him, attend his school and try to get close to her lover boy; he will dress as her, attend her school and revel in the sea of babes it holds. The plan seems flawless until Teyon learns of a bully named Gahun Kim who she learns likes to beat up on Junghu, and Junghu finds that wearing a dress is not nearly as fun as it seems.

Customer Reviews:

What Happened?!?!.......2006-12-15

Before I give anything a review I read at least 4 volumes in the series and I can honestly say that this is the first time my opinion has completely changed for the worse after reading the other volumes. In all fairness, I will say that volume 1 was great, I loved it, and I truly believe it should have been a stand alone story. Sure, the plot has been used before, girl goes to an all guys school, pretends to be a guy to be close to the one she loves, chaos ensues. . . Anyone who reads shoujo knows this plot. But here's the thing: this plot is only in the first volume. After that both Jung-Woo and Tae Yeon go back to their own schools and a whole new plot comes into play: lots of gang wars, new characters and a strange and slightly confusing storyline. Maybe it was confusing because it started out as one thing and ended up something completely different. Had I only read vol. 1, this series would have had a much higher grade.

The Verdict:
If you want a good `girl goes to an all-guy's school' manga read Hana-Kimi, if you like to have the plot switch on you after volume 1, this series is for you. C

Addicting!.......2006-12-03

When I picked up this book in my library while searching through the racks, it didn't seem to hold much promise. The plot seemed like pure fluff and the cliches overused. Generally, I go for something more thought provoking. But...oh boy, was I wrong.

The fantastic art style and quick plot immediately sucked me in. I finished three volumes just sitting in the chair in the library, desperately turning the next page. I actually jumped when somebody came up the stairs, I was so engrossed. I was devestated when they didn't have Volume 4 and no other libraries in my area do...

But enough about me (was that about me?). I highly recommend this to anybody, even if it doesn't seem like their type. I'm normally a shonen person. I'll have to go out and buy the next few volumes....But take my word for it, it would be a worthwhile buy.

borrrrrrinnngggg.......2006-02-16

it's about someone in a gang. I didnt like the characters or the storyline.

Not great, but very very good.......2005-05-27

i first discovered this book on Amazon and thought it looked kind of interesting, but didn't really want to buy it. when i came across it at a bookstore, i took a second look and figured it might be ok, even though the plot seemed predictable and overused. when i first started reading it, i was still a little skeptcle, but after the first 10 pages or so, i was sucked into the story. i have read many many manga books and several with the same type of plot, but this book is unique. i found myself laughing out loud at several scenes and situations involving Tae and Ga-Woon.The artwork is not extremely beautiful but fits the story well. Overall it is one of the better manga books i have read, and i have read a LOT.

Hooked.......2004-07-19

When I first read the cover I thought it would be interesting. But it totally blew my ideas away. The main plot idea is a little over used. But what happens once Teas gets to her cousins school is way funny. Not only does she get beaten by the school bully. He then asks her to join his gang. But Kun is catching on to the fact that Jung-woo just might be a girl. Now some of the boys are doubting their sexuality. As Teas makes her cousin more popular than he would like. While Jung-woo makes all the girls not talk to her any more. The first volume centers around Tea and her pretending to be her cousin. But there also great character developments with the bully and the model. The story is totally sweet and has really nice illustartions. The second book centers around Jung-woo and the after math of his cousin. So it seems that the main characters piviot each volume. Making it even more interesting. If you like humor, romance, and a few good old fashion beatings now and then be sure to read Kill Me Kiss Me. It is sure to entertain many

Average customer rating:

sad
Eternal Love
Prowling...and other past times.

Kiss Me Kill Me
Michael Karol
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0595275311

Book Description

New York writer Ray Abreu could deal with getting fired from his job. He could even accept the fact that after looking longer than he was willing to admit, he still hadn't found Mr. Right.

Customer Reviews:

sad.......2007-03-23

This may look like a gay-themed vampire story but is not.
It is about human relationships and inabilities: our inability to know what we want, to find it when we finally get to know, to adjust to the compromise we chose to make when giving up.

It is a book about a life of second best choices, second best if we are lucky because they sometimes turn out to be 15th best if not worse.

This is why this novel is unbelievably sad. Mr Karol skills are enough to give us a perfectly realistic picture of this silent and very personal human tragedy, not enough to make more than just that.

The side kick, the vampirism, is decidedly good instead: original, and that is saying a lot these days.
Vampires here are really a different species, gradually detaching themselves from this former humanity. And they are beasts. Strong, clever predators. Scary.
No romantic nonsense about the vampires being good guys and way beyond Anita Blake series in depicting the disgust humans feel when confronted with something so alien.

This is funny after all. I am guessing of course, but I am sure the author wanted to give us a story about human feelings framed in a vampire context to make it appealing. Well, while the human part is no more than proficient, the vampire frame is excellent, sexy, dark and scary, really so.

Eternal Love.......2003-06-06

Michael Karol gives new meaning to the concept of eternal love. Take this book to the beach, to bed, on a plane, or read it aloud to your mate or date. It's a sexy, well constructed page-turner.

Prowling...and other past times........2003-06-04

A fun and easy read, with a touch of history. If you are seeking your "FOREVER GUY", this book might give you some second thoughts about how long "forever" really is. Plenty of vampiric punch and erotic imagery. Jake and Todd are hotties I'd like to meet. Wow!

I, the Jury + Vengeance is Mine + The Big Kill + My Gun is Quick + Kiss Me, Deadly (COMPLETE / UNABRIDGED, 5 Mike Hammer novels in 1 volume)

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I, the Jury + Vengeance is Mine + The Big Kill + My Gun is Quick + Kiss Me, Deadly (COMPLETE / UNABRIDGED, 5 Mike Hammer novels in 1 volume)
Mickey Spillane
Manufacturer: Avenel Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000CNTVN2

4 Titles in Mike Hammer Series - The Big Kill - Vengeance Is Mine - The Body Lovers - Kiss Me Deadly

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4 Titles in Mike Hammer Series - The Big Kill - Vengeance Is Mine - The Body Lovers - Kiss Me Deadly
Mickey Spillane
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000R96120

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

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