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Louis Kincaid #10
The Little Death
When the headless corpse of a young man is discovered in glamorous Palm Beach, Louis sets his sights on his most likely suspect—a prominent female U.S. Senator with a history of scandal and a known penchant for sadistic and dangerous sex. Then a second headless body turns up and the trail runs cold, allowing the real killer to slip in dangerously close, intent on making Louis’s best friend the next victim.Beautifully written yet packed with raw power, The Little Death is a suspenseful thriller of the highest order and will satisfy fans of writers such as Ed McBain, James Patterson, and Michael Connolly.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
P.J. Parrish
25 books259 followersP.J. Parrish is the New York Times bestselling author of ten Louis Kincaid and Joe Frye thrillers. The author is actually two sisters, Kristy Montee and Kelly Nichols. Their books have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today best seller lists. The series has garnered 11 major crime-fiction awards, and an Edgar® nomination. Parrish has won two Shamus awards, one Anthony and one International Thriller competition. Her books have been published throughout Europe and Asia.
Parrish's short stories have also appeared in many anthologies, including two published by Mystery Writers of America, edited by Harlan Coben and the late Stuart Kaminsky. Their stories have also appeared in Akashic Books acclaimed Detroit Noir, and in Ellery Queen Magazine. Most recently, they contributed an essay to a special edition of Edgar Allan Poe's works edited by Michael Connelly.
P.J. Parrish as children
Before turning to writing full time, Kristy Montee was a newspaper editor and dance critic for the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale. Nichols previously was a blackjack dealer and then a human resources specialist in the casino industry. Kris in Tallahassee FL and Traverse City MI and Kelly resides in Traverse City as well.
The sisters were writers as kids, albeit with different styles: Kelly's first attempt at fiction at age 11 was titled The Kill. Kristy's at 13 was The Cat Who Understood. Not much has changed: Kelly now tends to handle the gory stuff and Kristy the character development. But the collaboration is a smooth one, thanks to lots of ego suppression, good wine, and marathon phone calls via Skype.
The first eleven books in the series, in order, are: Dark of the Moon, Dead of Winter, Paint it Black, Thicker than Water, Island of Bones, A Killing Rain, An Unquiet Grave, A Thousand Bones, South of Hell, The Little Death and Heart of Ice. They also wrote three stand-alone thrillers: A Thousand Bones, The Killing Song and She's Not There.
Parrish's short stories have also appeared in many anthologies, including two published by Mystery Writers of America, edited by Harlan Coben and the late Stuart Kaminsky. Their stories have also appeared in Akashic Books acclaimed Detroit Noir, and in Ellery Queen Magazine. Most recently, they contributed an essay to a special edition of Edgar Allan Poe's works edited by Michael Connelly.
P.J. Parrish as children
Before turning to writing full time, Kristy Montee was a newspaper editor and dance critic for the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale. Nichols previously was a blackjack dealer and then a human resources specialist in the casino industry. Kris in Tallahassee FL and Traverse City MI and Kelly resides in Traverse City as well.
The sisters were writers as kids, albeit with different styles: Kelly's first attempt at fiction at age 11 was titled The Kill. Kristy's at 13 was The Cat Who Understood. Not much has changed: Kelly now tends to handle the gory stuff and Kristy the character development. But the collaboration is a smooth one, thanks to lots of ego suppression, good wine, and marathon phone calls via Skype.
The first eleven books in the series, in order, are: Dark of the Moon, Dead of Winter, Paint it Black, Thicker than Water, Island of Bones, A Killing Rain, An Unquiet Grave, A Thousand Bones, South of Hell, The Little Death and Heart of Ice. They also wrote three stand-alone thrillers: A Thousand Bones, The Killing Song and She's Not There.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 27, 2021
Book 10 in the Louis Kincaid series published 2014
An enjoyable 4 star read.
This my first time reading P.J. Parrish, whom it turns out are two sisters.
Why start with book 10? Well it just happened to be there, one more book among many, waiting to be read so why not.
It turned out to be a very entertaining read and I’m now sorry that it has taken me so long to get to P.J. Parrish.
The main protagonist, Louis Kincaid, an ex-cop and a black ex-cop to boot but is now working as a P.I.
Louis arrives in, a very upmarket, Palm Beach. He has been hired to prove the innocence of a local male socialites who has been charged with the decapitation murder of his house mate.
Louis has never felt more out of place than he does in Palm Beach. Not only does he not have more money than you poke a stick at but he’s black and asking personal questions from wealthy white people. This is one job he now wished he had turned down.
But never being one to back down Louis pushes on and slowly but surely a picture starts to form and a pretty unsavoury one at that.
These people might have money but that doesn’t stop them being bottom dwellers.
As Louis digs away it becomes clear that this murder is not the first, he has found another two all with the same MO, headless young white males.
To get to the truth Louis has to battle, not only, the hedonistic locals but also the local police, who are hell bent on making things as difficult as possible for Louis.
An interesting aspect of the story, for me, was that the authors being sisters, therefore females, chose to paint the ladies of this story in the most unflattering light imaginable. It was nice to see the other side of the coin for a change. As a much maligned mere male this did my bruised ego a power of good.
My first P.J. Parrish but sure not to be my last.
An enjoyable 4 star read.
This my first time reading P.J. Parrish, whom it turns out are two sisters.
Why start with book 10? Well it just happened to be there, one more book among many, waiting to be read so why not.
It turned out to be a very entertaining read and I’m now sorry that it has taken me so long to get to P.J. Parrish.
The main protagonist, Louis Kincaid, an ex-cop and a black ex-cop to boot but is now working as a P.I.
Louis arrives in, a very upmarket, Palm Beach. He has been hired to prove the innocence of a local male socialites who has been charged with the decapitation murder of his house mate.
Louis has never felt more out of place than he does in Palm Beach. Not only does he not have more money than you poke a stick at but he’s black and asking personal questions from wealthy white people. This is one job he now wished he had turned down.
But never being one to back down Louis pushes on and slowly but surely a picture starts to form and a pretty unsavoury one at that.
These people might have money but that doesn’t stop them being bottom dwellers.
As Louis digs away it becomes clear that this murder is not the first, he has found another two all with the same MO, headless young white males.
To get to the truth Louis has to battle, not only, the hedonistic locals but also the local police, who are hell bent on making things as difficult as possible for Louis.
An interesting aspect of the story, for me, was that the authors being sisters, therefore females, chose to paint the ladies of this story in the most unflattering light imaginable. It was nice to see the other side of the coin for a change. As a much maligned mere male this did my bruised ego a power of good.
My first P.J. Parrish but sure not to be my last.
February 16, 2018
Another excellent read in this series, hard to believe it is the next to the last one, not counting the 10.5 novella. Louis Kincaid is still doing the PI gig and hooks back up with Ex-Miami PD dectective Mel Landeta to head over to Palm Beach to help an old acquaintance of Mel's. This case takes them into the world of what appears to be male walkers (escorts), but turns out to be so much more involving the rich and famous of Palm Beach where money will buy you anything. It seemed to me there was a bit of unfinished business at the end of this one for Louis and one of the suspects which was different and I hope gets wrapped up in the next one.
November 11, 2012
I was so impressed by Parrish’s A Thousand Bones, and the main character, Joe Frye (a beautiful and smart female cop), that I went looking for other works by them (P. J. Parrish is really two sisters who collaborate), and I found this, which is about Louis Kinkaid, Joe’s lover, who used to be a cop in Michigan but now is a private investigator in Florida. It turns out that this book comes in chronological sequence after that other, when Joe has gone back to Michigan and Louis is still working in Florida. The situation is that Mel Mendeta, a retired cop who is a friend of Louis’s, gets asked by someone he had helped many years ago to come help him again: Reggie Kent, an aging male walker (read that as low-key gigolo) in Palm Beach, is suspected of having murdered his gay lover, who is found headless in an abandoned corral. It happens that Mel has AMD (so do I, so I can empathize with him) so that his eyesight prevents him from operating effectively, so he asks Louis to look into the matter. When Louis and Mel drive over to Palm Beach to look into it, Louis finds Palm Breach a little different--especially when he is given a ticket for driving an ugly car and one of the leading socialites takes him home and to bed. Many of the other characters are a bit bizarre, including a lady Senator with sex problems, a dilettante police force under strange political pressures from the wealthy Palm Beach citizens, and a cowman (he does not like to be called a cowboy; my brother was one down there, and he rather relished the term, himself). The plot is sufficiently complex to be interesting and the book is a good read, but I found the Joe Frye character more interesting.
March 15, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. I have read almost every book in the series with the exception of The killing song, Claw Back and Heart of Ice. P.J. Parrish is the only author I have read and will only read a series of their books. Its hard to follow a series because it could get boring after a while but PJ Parrish series of books hasn't. The cases Louis always manages to be on don't always have a happy ending. That's what I loved most about this book. It took me until the very last minute before the author revealed who did the killing to figure it out who it was. I was so surprised and this book had so many twists and turns. I could definitely see this happening in the rich neighborhoods of America. I love the character Louis because he is such a well written character. I tried to figure out this book but I couldn't it and because of that it had me on the edge of my seat. I suggest reading all the other books in the series to understand how Louis operates and how he feels about most people and situations.
December 19, 2011
I miss the ridiculous relationship between Louis and Joe. But I did enjoy more between Mel and Louis. Kind of solidifying their friendship. I can't say I'm a fan of Palm Beach and the creatures that live there. Which may explain why thus wasn't my favourite Kincaid novel. I didn't seem to care who offer who and who would go to jail or perchance die. Reggie was too wussy for me and I found him rather unlikeable.
June 27, 2024
Yes, the novel was good, but it was highly frustrating. There was an ending, but it was not a satisfying one, at least to me.
It is set in the 1980's where Louis Kincaid is asked to look into a murder involving a beheading, and the victim's roommate is the chief suspect. We, the readers, know he's not the murderer throughout the book, but apparently, because of his sexual orientation, the local investigators don't care.
That was one of the many frustrating things in the book. The chief detective from the sherrif's department had closed his eyes and ears to the obvious, while Louis faces great barriers to get anything accomplished. One step forward and two steps back.
Other frustrating aspects of the book were the rich, snooty residents who were completely uncooperative... almost aggressively, so.
I really did not care for Louis's colleague Mel. I really felt he didn't even need to be there, especially once Louis found a sympathetic ear to his quest. Then there was this scatterbrained eccentric lady named Margery who wanted the case solved, but really was not helpful. Well, except for all the cash she paid out.
The 1980s were a different time, of course. Some of what went on in this setting would be less likely to occur today. Every time I felt like yelling at a new obstruction, I had to remind myself that this book was set in the 1980s.
I've read a few books in this series, and despite the frustration, it was one of the better ones.
It is set in the 1980's where Louis Kincaid is asked to look into a murder involving a beheading, and the victim's roommate is the chief suspect. We, the readers, know he's not the murderer throughout the book, but apparently, because of his sexual orientation, the local investigators don't care.
That was one of the many frustrating things in the book. The chief detective from the sherrif's department had closed his eyes and ears to the obvious, while Louis faces great barriers to get anything accomplished. One step forward and two steps back.
Other frustrating aspects of the book were the rich, snooty residents who were completely uncooperative... almost aggressively, so.
I really did not care for Louis's colleague Mel. I really felt he didn't even need to be there, especially once Louis found a sympathetic ear to his quest. Then there was this scatterbrained eccentric lady named Margery who wanted the case solved, but really was not helpful. Well, except for all the cash she paid out.
The 1980s were a different time, of course. Some of what went on in this setting would be less likely to occur today. Every time I felt like yelling at a new obstruction, I had to remind myself that this book was set in the 1980s.
I've read a few books in this series, and despite the frustration, it was one of the better ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2019
A very nasty case has Lois Kincaid , on the hunt in a very tight circle of the elite. Lonely woman, crooked cops , money and murder, makes it another 5 star read. Oh how the wealthy can fall from grace.
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, a good read and I will look forward to reading more. Due to the time this book was written actual detective work was needed. No moblie phones or instant databases to hand just a really good honest investigation.
March 5, 2022
First time that I have read these authors. Kept me locked into the book. I like the two main characters.
April 1, 2010
Private eye Louis Kincaid has found himself rudderless, and, without really agreeing to it, is now in the middle of a sordid Grand Society murder case in Palm Beach.
His partner, Mel, talks him into talking to a potential client. Reggie Kent is a walker, that old-school escort of Grand Society Dames who never, ever, ever gets notions beyond his role. Reggie was mentoring a young man who he genuinely cared for, but who brushed him off. Mark Durand is found without his head in a Florida cattle pen. Reggie is an easy suspect to a homophobic detective.
The foreman of the ranch where the body is found doesn't want anyone intruding. Society in Palm Beach certainly doesn't want anyone intruding. The Palm Beach police not only don't want anyone intruding, Kincaid is ticketed for having an ugly car. And the sheriff's detective who actually is investigating the murder doesn't care if anyone tries to intrude, because he thinks he's got his man.
So, of course, Kincaid finds himself intruding.
During the course of this perfectly paced investigation, Kincaid also finds himself looking into relationships and redemption. His lover, Joe, is busy as a sheriff herself and wants him to want something for himself. So he goes along with the first woman who crooks her finger at him. Mel, who is losing his eyesight, still knows a good thing when he sees it in a tony restaurant bartender. The ranch foreman shows a quiet dignity and strength that has lasted decades. A puppy dog policeman with a too-perfect father and a secret of his own has a superb story arc. And one of Palm Beach's oldest matrons, who calls champagne "shampoo", turns out to be more of a treasure than all her bank accounts combined.
Sisters Kristy Montee and Kelly Nichols, who are P.J. Parrish, have a smooth writing style that propels the story along, keeping the investigation and new revelations at the fore. At the same time, the story is filled with ideas that make Kincaid himself an extremely interesting person who is on his own journey of discovery.
Even though resolution involves some characters going completely over the top, THE LITTLE DEATH ends on a high note with many avenues possible. The next novel in the series cannot come soon enough. And I've already glommed onto the entire backlist.
His partner, Mel, talks him into talking to a potential client. Reggie Kent is a walker, that old-school escort of Grand Society Dames who never, ever, ever gets notions beyond his role. Reggie was mentoring a young man who he genuinely cared for, but who brushed him off. Mark Durand is found without his head in a Florida cattle pen. Reggie is an easy suspect to a homophobic detective.
The foreman of the ranch where the body is found doesn't want anyone intruding. Society in Palm Beach certainly doesn't want anyone intruding. The Palm Beach police not only don't want anyone intruding, Kincaid is ticketed for having an ugly car. And the sheriff's detective who actually is investigating the murder doesn't care if anyone tries to intrude, because he thinks he's got his man.
So, of course, Kincaid finds himself intruding.
During the course of this perfectly paced investigation, Kincaid also finds himself looking into relationships and redemption. His lover, Joe, is busy as a sheriff herself and wants him to want something for himself. So he goes along with the first woman who crooks her finger at him. Mel, who is losing his eyesight, still knows a good thing when he sees it in a tony restaurant bartender. The ranch foreman shows a quiet dignity and strength that has lasted decades. A puppy dog policeman with a too-perfect father and a secret of his own has a superb story arc. And one of Palm Beach's oldest matrons, who calls champagne "shampoo", turns out to be more of a treasure than all her bank accounts combined.
Sisters Kristy Montee and Kelly Nichols, who are P.J. Parrish, have a smooth writing style that propels the story along, keeping the investigation and new revelations at the fore. At the same time, the story is filled with ideas that make Kincaid himself an extremely interesting person who is on his own journey of discovery.
Even though resolution involves some characters going completely over the top, THE LITTLE DEATH ends on a high note with many avenues possible. The next novel in the series cannot come soon enough. And I've already glommed onto the entire backlist.
March 12, 2010
Set in the opulent community of Palm Beach, where social status is carefully monitored, and residents are judged by the location of their homes, a recent scandal is setting things on edge. A headless corpse has been found in an abandoned cattle pen on a nearby ranch. The accused is a well-known local who is a “walker” (a male escort who accompanies some of the wealthiest ladies in town to society functions). The deceased is believed to be his male companion, who was also bedding some of the ladies in town. And the conclusion is that this is a homosexual lovers quarrel gone wrong.
Friend and partner Mel Landeta brings this case to PI Louis Kincaid in an attempt to clear the accused’s name of the crime, who is an acquaintance from his past. In order to do so, however, Kincaid must delve deeply into the machinations of the closed society that is Palm Beach, where he is certainly not a welcomed guest. For his part, Mel has problems with his eyesight, and is certainly a junior partner to Kincaid in this investigation, despite more years of service as a former cop and private investigator.
As the two detectives begin to explore the case, not only must they do battle with tight-lipped local residents but also with the cops responsible for solving the case, who want a quick wrap-up (for reasons of both laziness and homophobic feelings toward the supposed perpetrator). As the case expands, it becomes clear that this murder was not an isolated incident and that there is other criminal activity afoot. The title of the book, which refers to a side effect of a sexual act, should indicate where the story is likely to head. Too many bored women with husbands who ignore them leads to major mischief.
Interestingly enough the author of this book, PJ Parrish, is actually not one person, but rather two sisters who use a single pen name. Their writing is taut and story driven. Readers of "The Little Death" will find the not only the story convincing but the detective duo charming in a rough and tumble way, an apt contrast to the slick Palm Beach police force. The characters throughout the book are multidimensional and interesting, and the contrast between the workers and the employers in this wealthy
Friend and partner Mel Landeta brings this case to PI Louis Kincaid in an attempt to clear the accused’s name of the crime, who is an acquaintance from his past. In order to do so, however, Kincaid must delve deeply into the machinations of the closed society that is Palm Beach, where he is certainly not a welcomed guest. For his part, Mel has problems with his eyesight, and is certainly a junior partner to Kincaid in this investigation, despite more years of service as a former cop and private investigator.
As the two detectives begin to explore the case, not only must they do battle with tight-lipped local residents but also with the cops responsible for solving the case, who want a quick wrap-up (for reasons of both laziness and homophobic feelings toward the supposed perpetrator). As the case expands, it becomes clear that this murder was not an isolated incident and that there is other criminal activity afoot. The title of the book, which refers to a side effect of a sexual act, should indicate where the story is likely to head. Too many bored women with husbands who ignore them leads to major mischief.
Interestingly enough the author of this book, PJ Parrish, is actually not one person, but rather two sisters who use a single pen name. Their writing is taut and story driven. Readers of "The Little Death" will find the not only the story convincing but the detective duo charming in a rough and tumble way, an apt contrast to the slick Palm Beach police force. The characters throughout the book are multidimensional and interesting, and the contrast between the workers and the employers in this wealthy
January 24, 2015
P.J. Parrish’s The Little Death is a murder mystery that twists and turns, surprises and shocks. Thriller fiction isn’t my usual go-to read, but I rather enjoyed this different story and its odd characters. The people of Palm Beach are rich, spoiled, egotistical, and rather a bit depraved. Louis Kincaid, former cop and current private investigator, is completely out of his element as he tries to figure out who has killed escort-to-the-rich Mark Durand. The only thing he is certain of is that the killer isn’t #1 suspect Reggie Kent because he lacks both the strength and the stomach to stab, whip, and decapitate his former lover. Is it a crime of passion or a crime of hate? And can Kincaid solve the mystery before the innocent Kent ends up dead in a prison cell?
What I really enjoyed about the book was the time period in which it took place. I noticed that the book was written in 2009, but the story took place in 1989. I wasn’t sure why it couldn’t take place today, but as I read I realized there were no cell phones, no internet, no Google search to spew forth answers, and no instant information at the touch of a speed dial button. No DNA tests either. By excluding modern, convenient technology, the author slows the pace of the investigation. The information can only come as quickly or as slowly as one can page through old case files and old investigation reports. Kincaid and his team must truly detect in order to solve. It was refreshing to read a book where someone couldn’t just tap on their iPhone and get answers.
More at http://ggddizzy07.wordpress.com
What I really enjoyed about the book was the time period in which it took place. I noticed that the book was written in 2009, but the story took place in 1989. I wasn’t sure why it couldn’t take place today, but as I read I realized there were no cell phones, no internet, no Google search to spew forth answers, and no instant information at the touch of a speed dial button. No DNA tests either. By excluding modern, convenient technology, the author slows the pace of the investigation. The information can only come as quickly or as slowly as one can page through old case files and old investigation reports. Kincaid and his team must truly detect in order to solve. It was refreshing to read a book where someone couldn’t just tap on their iPhone and get answers.
More at http://ggddizzy07.wordpress.com
June 5, 2013
THE LITTLE DEATH by P.J. Parrish
This turned out to be my favorite in Parrish’s Louis Kincaid series to date. The sisters (P.J. Parrish is actually two women) have brought Louis out of his semi-professional brooding and schlepping around anywhere from northern Michigan to south Florida trying to be a private investigator when he’d rather be a cop and in the meantime, he wasn’t very good at detecting. He always solved the case, but it seemed to be accidentally in a near disaster that almost cost someone dearly.
In this Louis must have stopped at the PI’s supply store and bought a gallon of gumption. He’s much more assertive, more professional, and more cop-like.
Louis and partner Mel travel to Palm Beach where they try to clear Mel’s friend of a brutal murder. There are plenty of mega-rich types who will not tell the truth and implicate who the real killer is, but the pair try and work around this wall of golden silence.
I have to gig the Parrish sisters for demanding too much of my suspension of disbelief. Mel’s friend, Reggie, is held too long without arraignment or benefit of council on a charge that didn’t come close to the detective having a reasonable cause to believe he committed any crime, much less a capital murder. The reality should have been tightened up. And the structure of why and how and who did what amounts to multiple homicides was a tad convoluted. Possible, but . . .eh, maybe not. 3.5 stars.
This turned out to be my favorite in Parrish’s Louis Kincaid series to date. The sisters (P.J. Parrish is actually two women) have brought Louis out of his semi-professional brooding and schlepping around anywhere from northern Michigan to south Florida trying to be a private investigator when he’d rather be a cop and in the meantime, he wasn’t very good at detecting. He always solved the case, but it seemed to be accidentally in a near disaster that almost cost someone dearly.
In this Louis must have stopped at the PI’s supply store and bought a gallon of gumption. He’s much more assertive, more professional, and more cop-like.
Louis and partner Mel travel to Palm Beach where they try to clear Mel’s friend of a brutal murder. There are plenty of mega-rich types who will not tell the truth and implicate who the real killer is, but the pair try and work around this wall of golden silence.
I have to gig the Parrish sisters for demanding too much of my suspension of disbelief. Mel’s friend, Reggie, is held too long without arraignment or benefit of council on a charge that didn’t come close to the detective having a reasonable cause to believe he committed any crime, much less a capital murder. The reality should have been tightened up. And the structure of why and how and who did what amounts to multiple homicides was a tad convoluted. Possible, but . . .eh, maybe not. 3.5 stars.
July 24, 2013
Oh my. Last week I read P.J. Parrish’s South of Hell and told you it gave me the heebie-jeebies. So when I picked up The Little Death, I expected a similar reaction. And I’ll have to say up front that while this one has a serial killer on the loose, it’s definitely not as creepy as South of Hell.
Louis and Mel are called to Palm Beach to help out an acquaintance of Mel’s. Well, maybe “acquaintance” isn’t quite the right word to use, but “guy Mel helped out once-upon-a-time” is kinda wordy, don’t you think? Anyway. So they head on over to Palm Beach, get dazzled by all the glittery scenery, and find themselves outside a murder investigation. Outside, because the cops don’t want them there.
Too bad for the cops, because Louis and Mel aren’t the kind to be told to get lost. Instead, they do a little digging around, and what they find isn’t pretty. And while nothing exonerates Reggie, everything points to something bigger than just a plain ol’ murder.
The Little Death weaves multiple characters, times, and storylines into one cohesive plot that will have you flipping pages until you’re done. And when you are done, you’re a little bit amazed by how deftly it’s done, how neatly it’s all wrapped up, and how you never saw it coming.
Now I really can’t wait to pick up Heart of Ice, and I’m eyeing my calendar to figure out when I can go back and read the first eight books in this series!
drey’s rating: Excellent!
Louis and Mel are called to Palm Beach to help out an acquaintance of Mel’s. Well, maybe “acquaintance” isn’t quite the right word to use, but “guy Mel helped out once-upon-a-time” is kinda wordy, don’t you think? Anyway. So they head on over to Palm Beach, get dazzled by all the glittery scenery, and find themselves outside a murder investigation. Outside, because the cops don’t want them there.
Too bad for the cops, because Louis and Mel aren’t the kind to be told to get lost. Instead, they do a little digging around, and what they find isn’t pretty. And while nothing exonerates Reggie, everything points to something bigger than just a plain ol’ murder.
The Little Death weaves multiple characters, times, and storylines into one cohesive plot that will have you flipping pages until you’re done. And when you are done, you’re a little bit amazed by how deftly it’s done, how neatly it’s all wrapped up, and how you never saw it coming.
Now I really can’t wait to pick up Heart of Ice, and I’m eyeing my calendar to figure out when I can go back and read the first eight books in this series!
drey’s rating: Excellent!
August 4, 2012
This one is a little out there but still a good mystery.
PI and ex-cop Louis Kincaid journey to Palm Beach to help out a friend, ex-cop Mel Lendata, who has an eye problem that limits his investigative abilities. They're done in Bizarro World, as Mel calls it, because a gay man he once aided and became friendly with is accused of decapitating his roommate.
Reggie is a "walker" — he takes rich women to functions so their husbands don't have to — and his roommate Mark Durand was a protege. The roommate was also his ex-lover, and the cop on the case isn't looking anywhere else.
Louis gets ticketed for having a dirty car and really wants to go home, but finds himself following Mel down the trail to another missing young man, and that leads to a cattle ranch and to a cadre of high-powered women, who may or may not be having sex with the young men. The question is why are the men disappearing and are they dead.
The cattle ranch does want the PIs there; a wealthy woman who loves Reggie volunteers to foot the bills and offers insight into the bored and restless and pretty soon this tale is going down like the "shampoo" — champagne — the old dame drinks.
While the title is suggestive, and sex is talked about a lot, there aren't a lot of sex scenes, just red herrings and suspense.
Not the best Kincaid, but far from the worst.
PI and ex-cop Louis Kincaid journey to Palm Beach to help out a friend, ex-cop Mel Lendata, who has an eye problem that limits his investigative abilities. They're done in Bizarro World, as Mel calls it, because a gay man he once aided and became friendly with is accused of decapitating his roommate.
Reggie is a "walker" — he takes rich women to functions so their husbands don't have to — and his roommate Mark Durand was a protege. The roommate was also his ex-lover, and the cop on the case isn't looking anywhere else.
Louis gets ticketed for having a dirty car and really wants to go home, but finds himself following Mel down the trail to another missing young man, and that leads to a cattle ranch and to a cadre of high-powered women, who may or may not be having sex with the young men. The question is why are the men disappearing and are they dead.
The cattle ranch does want the PIs there; a wealthy woman who loves Reggie volunteers to foot the bills and offers insight into the bored and restless and pretty soon this tale is going down like the "shampoo" — champagne — the old dame drinks.
While the title is suggestive, and sex is talked about a lot, there aren't a lot of sex scenes, just red herrings and suspense.
Not the best Kincaid, but far from the worst.
November 15, 2012
The Little Death by P.J. Parrish
I’m not so sure this shouldn’t be classified as scifi or fantasy. If Palm Beach is populated by such a crazed cast, they would fit right into a classic Star Trek adventure. Louis Kincaid is a former cop who now is a P.I. His friend Mel talks him into going to Palm Beach to help a friend who is in trouble. Much to his surprise Louis finds himself emotionally involved in a case he was initially skeptical of taking.
I’ve not read any of the sisters Parrish books before but I have to say their story is much like fine needlepoint, a seamless picture produced by hundreds of tiny stitches. The plot was involved but not in an artificial manner. The characterizations were masterful. They built a despicable picture of the rich, cruel and bored. I’m fond of mysteries that force me to ponder who really is guilty. In this case the guilty parties were so numerous and mostly not guilty of chargeable offenses that pondering was maximized.
I recommend the book.
I’m not so sure this shouldn’t be classified as scifi or fantasy. If Palm Beach is populated by such a crazed cast, they would fit right into a classic Star Trek adventure. Louis Kincaid is a former cop who now is a P.I. His friend Mel talks him into going to Palm Beach to help a friend who is in trouble. Much to his surprise Louis finds himself emotionally involved in a case he was initially skeptical of taking.
I’ve not read any of the sisters Parrish books before but I have to say their story is much like fine needlepoint, a seamless picture produced by hundreds of tiny stitches. The plot was involved but not in an artificial manner. The characterizations were masterful. They built a despicable picture of the rich, cruel and bored. I’m fond of mysteries that force me to ponder who really is guilty. In this case the guilty parties were so numerous and mostly not guilty of chargeable offenses that pondering was maximized.
I recommend the book.
June 9, 2015
Welcome to the world of Palm Beach, were you can get a ticket if your car is ugly. Louis Kincaid and Mel come to Palm Beach to help of sort of friend of Mel's Reggie is a walker, a gentleman that escorts wealthy old ladies to varies functions. No sex just respect and friendship. Mel has a house guest that he is trying to make a walker. But this house guest wants to earn his money the old fashion way - sex. He comes a part of the Orchid Club. That is until he is murder and Reggie is charged with his murder. Louis and Mel discover more than they bargained for in this case of murder in Palm Beach.
February 3, 2011
Another Louis Kincaid novel. Louis is an ex-cop who has is working as a P.I. He has been called to Florida to assist a man accused of murder. Louis is working with a retired cop who is losing his eyesight. The victim has been brutally murdered and as Louis and his co-worker continue with the investigation, they find other previous victims with the same identifying features. The accused is a gay man who is a 'walker', someone who is hired to accompany women to ballet performances, opera, parties etc.
November 15, 2012
Have I mentioned that I love me some Louis Kincaid? The book follows "South of Hell" and finds Louis in an upscale Florida community trying to absolve a friend of a friend in the murder of an escort. The police suspect that the friend killed the escort during a lovers quarrel and seems to take his sexuality as proof positive. Louis tracks a trail of disappearances in the upscale community to find the killer.
May 25, 2014
A bit of a stretch of the imagination ... alright to read but, in my opinion, not one of the best from PJ Parrish
A headless corpse turns up in Palm Beach and suspicion quickly turns on local 'walker' Reggie. Enter Louis Kincaid along with sidekick Mel to investigate. Soon after, another headless young man appears and the killer is creeping ever closer, ever more dangerous as past crimes also begin to come to light
A headless corpse turns up in Palm Beach and suspicion quickly turns on local 'walker' Reggie. Enter Louis Kincaid along with sidekick Mel to investigate. Soon after, another headless young man appears and the killer is creeping ever closer, ever more dangerous as past crimes also begin to come to light
September 18, 2010
PJ Parrish is just good readin'...There has not been one of the sisters books that I have not given a minimum of 4 stars to I believe. The Louis Kincaid character is one that a reader can easily buddy up to and looks forward to getting to know more and more!
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July 31, 2011P.J. Parrish write excellent stories. Great characters and a story that you don't know the end to until the last page. Also I like Mel too as like him I have RP (eye disease) as well. Another great story in the life of Louis Kincaid.
May 11, 2012
Louis Kincaid doesn't disappoint, although I prefer him back home on Captiva! This is another gripping mystery by the sister team, P.J. Parrish. Personally I was a little turned-off by the "little death" they are suggesting here, but nonetheless the story kept me turning the pages.
October 8, 2012
Another excellent book by one of my new favorite writers This one takes place in Palm Beach. Introducing us to a new and different life style. But never fear, PI Kincade is on the job. And the truth will out! Another all nighter for me. Could not put it down until I was done.
January 28, 2016
Got to love a good book
Thanks again for a book you just can't put down until you reach the end. When I finish each book I can hardly wait to get the next one started. Don't want to tell anything about the story I want you to dig in and enjoy the ride through to the end.
Thanks again for a book you just can't put down until you reach the end. When I finish each book I can hardly wait to get the next one started. Don't want to tell anything about the story I want you to dig in and enjoy the ride through to the end.
March 21, 2010
Not familiar with this author or the PI character but it was a good read-set among the super wealthy in Palm Beach where the rules are different for the rich.
April 28, 2010
Good, easy read.
May 2, 2010
I thought this was a great book. Couldn't read fast enough.
June 20, 2010
As usual this book was a page turner and did not disappoint me. I found it hard to put down even though I was busy with a lot of other things.
November 4, 2010
best one in the series
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