“Before they were even out of the building, he saw the headlines in his mind.”
— After the first murder, he's already planning how it will play out.
Archivist's Choice
A Kiss Before Dying
Ira Levin (1953)
Genre
Thriller / Mystery
Reading Time
240 min
Key Themes
See below
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A charming, ambitious young man will stop at nothing, not even murder, to climb the social ladder, only to find his carefully built facade unraveling under the relentless pursuit of a grieving family.
Synopsis
College student Bud Corliss wants to marry into the wealthy Kingship family, but his pregnant girlfriend, Dorothy Kingship, threatens his plans. He murders her, staging it as a suicide. Dorothy's sister, Ellen, suspects foul play and investigates. Bud, realizing Ellen is getting too close, woos and murders her, again making it look like a suicide. The youngest sister, Annabel, then becomes Bud's new target for marriage and wealth. As Bud courts Annabel, Dorothy and Ellen's father hires a private investigator, and Annabel herself starts noticing inconsistencies. The truth about Bud's murderous intentions and the real Dwight Powell (a name Bud uses) slowly unravels, leading to a final confrontation where Bud is exposed.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Suspenseful, Chilling, Tense, Dark
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy classic psychological thrillers with a cold-blooded villain and a meticulously crafted plot.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer less morally ambiguous characters or are sensitive to themes of premeditated murder and manipulation.
Plot Summary
The Proposal and the Predicament
Bud Corliss, a charming, ambitious young man at the University of Stoddard, secretly dates Dorothy Kingship, daughter of wealthy industrialist Leo Kingship. When Dorothy reveals she is pregnant, Bud, who only cares about her family's fortune, sees her as a problem. He pretends to be thrilled and proposes marriage. He then plans her death, making it look like a suicide. He takes her to the roof of a municipal building, claiming they will be married by a justice of the peace. After a brief, tense conversation, he pushes her off, leaving a fake suicide note. The police, including Detective Artie, investigate Dorothy Kingship's apparent suicide.
The Investigation and the Note
After Dorothy's death, Detective Artie and his team investigate the scene. They find a suicide note, seemingly by Dorothy, which mentions her pregnancy and despair. However, certain details in the note, especially the phrasing and the mention of her pregnancy to her father, strike Artie as odd, given Dorothy's reserved nature and close family ties. Dorothy's father, Leo Kingship, is devastated but accepts the suicide explanation. Her sisters, Ellen and Annabel, are grief-stricken and confused. Ellen, in particular, finds it hard to believe Dorothy would take her own life, especially without telling her family.
Ellen's Suspicion and Search
Ellen Kingship, Dorothy's older sister, is tormented by Dorothy's supposed suicide. She cannot reconcile the idea with Dorothy's character and suspects her sister was murdered. Ellen decides to take a semester off from her studies and move to Stoddard to investigate. She learns that Dorothy had been secretly dating a fellow student. Ellen's investigation leads her to the university's drama department, where Dorothy spent a lot of time. She questions students and faculty, trying to find Dorothy's secret boyfriend. Her search is painstaking, and she faces many dead ends and uncooperative witnesses.
The Trail to Dwight Powell
Through diligent questioning and some luck, Ellen discovers that Dorothy's last serious boyfriend was a student named Dwight Powell. She learns that Dwight had recently left Stoddard and was working in New York. Ellen believes that Dwight holds the key to understanding Dorothy's death, perhaps even being the murderer. She travels to New York, determined to confront Dwight and uncover the truth. Her pursuit is relentless, driven by grief and a fierce desire for justice for her sister. She does not know that Dwight Powell is not the man she seeks.
Bud's New Target: Ellen
Unknown to Ellen, Bud Corliss has created a new identity for himself as 'Dwight Powell' and has positioned himself to meet Ellen. He calculates that by getting close to her, he can eliminate her as a threat and secure his path to the Kingship fortune. Bud charmingly inserts himself into Ellen's life, pretending to be the 'Dwight Powell' she is searching for. He begins a romantic relationship with her, all while subtly trying to learn about her investigation into Dorothy's death and steer her away from the truth. His goal is to marry into the Kingship family.
The Second Murder: Ellen
As Ellen and 'Dwight' grow closer, Ellen continues her amateur detective work. She eventually uncovers a crucial piece of evidence: a letter Dorothy had written to her, postmarked just before her death, which implies her boyfriend's intention to kill her. This letter directly contradicts the suicide theory. Realizing Ellen is close to exposing him, Bud acts quickly. He takes Ellen on a drive, supposedly for a romantic outing. On a secluded road, he deliberately causes a car accident, making it look like Ellen lost control and died instantly. He escapes with minor injuries, further solidifying his 'grieving boyfriend' persona.
Annabel's Growing Suspicion
After Ellen's tragic death, the Kingship family is again devastated. Annabel, the youngest sister, is deeply affected. She inherits Ellen's notes and the growing unease about Dorothy's death. Annabel is intelligent and observant, and she starts to piece together the inconsistencies Ellen had noticed. She becomes particularly suspicious of 'Dwight Powell,' who now seems to be an integral part of their family, comforting them. Annabel feels a growing sense of dread, believing that the man who now courts her is somehow connected to her sisters' deaths. She decides to continue her sisters' pursuit of the truth.
Bud's Courtship of Annabel
With Ellen out of the way, Bud, still 'Dwight Powell,' focuses on Annabel. He begins to charm her, offering comfort and support in her grief, while subtly working his way into her affections and the family's trust. His goal remains the same: to marry into the Kingship fortune. He believes he is invincible, having successfully eliminated two sisters and avoided detection. Annabel, however, is wary. She remembers Ellen's intense focus on 'Dwight Powell' and finds his sudden presence in their lives, following two tragedies, too coincidental. She cautiously plays along, gathering information.
The Real Dwight Powell
Annabel, following a hunch from Ellen's notes, seeks information about the *real* Dwight Powell. She discovers that the genuine Dwight Powell is a quiet, unassuming student who has no connection to the Kingship family and certainly was not dating Dorothy. This revelation is a major breakthrough. Annabel realizes that the man she knows as 'Dwight Powell' is an impostor and, by extension, the likely murderer of both her sisters. The true identity of 'Dwight' remains unknown to her, but the deception is clear. She feels a chilling confirmation of her worst fears.
The Confrontation and the Trap
Annabel confronts 'Dwight' with her discovery about the real Dwight Powell. Bud, realizing he has been exposed, tries to murder Annabel. He attempts to push her from a high window, mirroring Dorothy's death. However, Annabel, anticipating his move, has already set a trap. She has informed her father and the police, including Detective Artie, of her suspicions. As Bud makes his move, the police burst in. Bud, cornered and desperate, tries to escape but is apprehended. His elaborate scheme unravels, and his true identity as Bud Corliss is revealed, confirming his guilt in the murders of Dorothy and Ellen Kingship.
Principal Figures
Bud Corliss
The Protagonist/Antagonist
Bud's arc is one of escalating ambition and violence, ultimately leading to his downfall when his carefully constructed facade crumbles.
Dorothy Kingship
The Victim
Dorothy's arc is tragically cut short, serving as the catalyst for the subsequent events and her sisters' pursuit of justice.
Ellen Kingship
The Supporting/Victim
Ellen's arc is one of an amateur detective driven by grief, whose relentless search for truth puts her in mortal danger and ultimately costs her life.
Annabel Kingship
The Protagonist
Annabel's arc is one of a young woman who grows into a cunning and courageous protagonist, successfully avenging her sisters and exposing the murderer.
Leo Kingship
The Supporting
Leo's arc shows him moving from grief-stricken acceptance to a realization of betrayal, ultimately supporting Annabel in bringing the murderer to justice.
Detective Artie
The Supporting
Artie's arc is one of initial misjudgment, followed by a willingness to reconsider the facts and ultimately assist in solving the case.
Dwight Powell
The Mentioned
The real Dwight Powell has no personal arc, serving primarily as a plot device to expose Bud's deception.
Themes & Insights
The Corrupting Power of Ambition and Greed
The novel shows how unchecked ambition and greed can drive someone to commit terrible acts. Bud Corliss's motivation comes from his desire for wealth and social standing, which he believes he can only achieve by marrying into the Kingship family. He sees human lives, even those of the women he claims to love, as obstacles. This theme is clear from Dorothy's murder (to avoid a child and secure his future) to Ellen's death (to eliminate a threat) and his final attempt on Annabel's life (to secure the fortune).
“He had dreams; plans. He also had charm, good looks, sex appeal, intelligence. And he had a problem. Her name was Dorothy; she loved him, and she's pregnant.”
The Deceptive Nature of Appearances
A central theme is the dangerous difference between outward appearance and inner reality. Bud Corliss is a prime example, presenting himself as charming, intelligent, and compassionate. He is a grieving lover to Dorothy and Ellen and a supportive suitor to Annabel. His handsome exterior and seemingly trustworthy demeanor hide a cold, calculating, and murderous sociopath. The Kingship family, and initially the police, are fooled by his facade, showing how easily people can be misled by a polished exterior. Ellen and Annabel's struggle to see past this facade is a key part of their investigation.
“He looks like the kind of guy who could get away with murder.”
Justice and Retribution
The novel explores the relentless pursuit of justice and the eventual consequences for serious crimes. Despite Bud's careful planning and multiple successful murders, the Kingship sisters, especially Ellen and Annabel, refuse to let their sisters' deaths go uninvestigated. Their persistent, amateur detective work eventually uncovers the truth. The story emphasizes that even the most cunning criminal can be undone by unforeseen details and the unwavering dedication of those seeking justice. Annabel's clever trap at the climax ensures that Bud finally faces the consequences of his actions.
“Nor does he foresee how inexorably he will be enmeshed in the consequences of his own extreme deed.”
The Bond of Sisterhood
The powerful and lasting bond between the Kingship sisters drives the story. Dorothy's death deeply affects Ellen, compelling her to investigate, driven by love and a refusal to believe her sister committed suicide. When Ellen is also murdered, Annabel, though hesitant, takes up the mantle, motivated by the memory of both her sisters and a fierce desire to protect her family. This sisterly love and loyalty provide the emotional core of the story, turning the sisters into amateur detectives who work together to uncover Bud's crimes.
“Ellen knew, with a certainty that chilled her to the bone, that Dorothy would never have taken her own life.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Suicide Note
A fabricated piece of evidence designed to mislead investigators.
The suicide note left at the scene of Dorothy Kingship's death is a crucial plot device. It is meticulously crafted by Bud Corliss to implicate Dorothy in her own death, citing her pregnancy and despair. However, subtle inconsistencies in its phrasing and content—such as the explicit mention of pregnancy to her father, which Dorothy would likely have avoided—raise initial doubts for Detective Artie and, more significantly, for Ellen. This note serves as both a misdirection for the authorities and a key piece of evidence that fuels Ellen's suspicion and subsequent investigation into foul play.
Identity Theft/Impersonation
Bud Corliss assumes the identity of 'Dwight Powell' to deceive and infiltrate the Kingship family.
Bud Corliss's decision to impersonate 'Dwight Powell' is a central plot device. After Dorothy's death, he anticipates Ellen's investigation and strategically positions himself to be discovered as Dorothy's former boyfriend, Dwight. This allows him to get close to Ellen, monitor her investigation, and ultimately attempt to marry into the Kingship family. The 'Dwight Powell' persona is a carefully constructed facade that enables Bud to manipulate and murder Ellen, and later court Annabel, making him seemingly unassailable until Annabel uncovers the existence of the *real* Dwight Powell.
The Unsent Letter
A letter from Dorothy to Ellen that reveals her fear of her boyfriend.
The unsent letter written by Dorothy to Ellen, discovered by Ellen just before her own death, is a pivotal plot device. In it, Dorothy expresses her growing fear and suspicion of her boyfriend, hinting at his sinister intentions. This letter serves as concrete evidence that Dorothy's death was not a suicide but murder, directly contradicting Bud's narrative. It confirms Ellen's suspicions and provides the final, damning clue that Ellen uncovers, sealing her own fate but also providing Annabel with the crucial insight she needs to continue the investigation and ultimately expose Bud.
The Repetitive Murder Method
Bud's repeated use of similar methods to attempt murder, particularly pushing from heights.
Bud's preferred method of murder, pushing his victims from high places (Dorothy from the building, and attempting to do the same to Annabel from a window), serves as a chilling plot device. This repetition highlights his psychopathic tendencies and his calculated desire to make the deaths appear accidental or self-inflicted. It also provides a thematic link between the murders, allowing Annabel to recognize the pattern and anticipate his actions in the climax. The 'accident' with Ellen is a slight variation, but still involves a staged event to conceal foul play.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“It was so simple. So simple, it was perfect.”
— Reflecting on his murder plan for Dorothy.
“He loved her, he realized, as much as he was capable of loving anyone.”
— Thinking about Dorothy, revealing his limited capacity for genuine affection.
“He had to make it look like suicide. That was the main thing.”
— His primary goal after committing the first murder.
“She was pretty, all right, but pretty wasn't enough. Not enough to marry, anyway.”
— His cynical assessment of Dorothy's value to him.
“The trouble with marrying an heiress was that you had to marry the heiress.”
— His internal struggle with the 'inconvenience' of marriage to achieve his goals.
“He just wanted to be rich. Rich and free. He'd never really been free.”
— His core motivation and driving desire.
“It was all a game, and he was good at games.”
— His perspective on manipulating people and situations.
“Some men are born to be rich, others to be poor. He was one of the former.”
— His self-perception and sense of destiny.
“He would have to be careful. Very careful. But he was good at being careful.”
— Planning his next steps after the first murder.
“The world was full of stupid people, and he was here to take advantage of them.”
— His view of humanity and his predatory nature.
“It wasn't murder; it was an investment.”
— His chilling justification for killing Dorothy.
“There was a certain satisfaction in having everything go exactly as planned.”
— After successfully executing one of his schemes.
“He had always known he was special. Different from the others.”
— His deep-seated narcissism and belief in his own superiority.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel follows a charming, intelligent, and ambitious young man, later revealed as Bud Corliss, who murders his pregnant girlfriend, Dorothy Kingship, to prevent her from interfering with his plans to marry into her wealthy family. He meticulously stages her death as a suicide, setting off a chain of events that ensnares him further.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
