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PAINTED FOR THE KILL was originally published in 1943. It's the first of two mysteries featuring Toni Ney and her cohort, Eric Skeets. Toni, a former dancer-turned-exercise trainer, works for an exclusive day spa and salon. It's the kind of place with carefully cultivated 'atmosphere,' where the management takes itself a bit too seriously, talks a lot about loyalty, and at the same time, keeps a sharp eye on the employees. It's a hugely successful business catering to the rich and famous of New York City and beyond. So the visit of a French starlet en route to Hollywood seems advantageous for all concerned. The salon gets more publicity, and the starlet gets the benefit of the beauty treatments -- a simple concept. Unfortunately, one of these legendary beauty treatments proves lethal. The murder turns everything at the spa upside down. Clients, employees, management -- all are possible suspects. Their various foibles and personality quirks threaten to overwhelm the police. Toni and Eric share their observations and insights with Captain Torrent, the officer in charge of the case, but just when he thinks he's found the guilty party, she's killed too. Then Toni starts her own investigation and it's a race to see if she can outwit the killer. For a 60-year-old book, PAINTED FOR THE KILL is surprisingly fresh. Aside from the odd topical reference here and there, this could be any contemporary mystery you would find in a bookstore. It's also a very well-written and entertaining book. While Toni and Eric are definitely players in solving the case, they don't try to take over the case from Captain Torrent. The reasoning behind their subsequent deeper involvement is plausible. I have an admitted liking for vintage novels, but that's not what appeals to me primarily about this book. PAINTED FOR THE KILL is funny and human and just a great read. Interesting characters, a great premise, and a really deft hand on the part of the late Ms. Cores make this one of the better mysteries I've read in a long time.
Reviewed by Michelle L. Zafron, June 2004
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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