Love You to Death

Charlie D #1

by Gail Bowen

Charlie D is the host of a successful late-night radio call-in show. His listeners have a particularly intimate relationship with him and often reveal much about themselves, confident that he will honor their trust and that he can save them. In their minds, he is one of life's winners. But Charlie feels he's something of a fake. His easy confidence on-air belies the reality for a man born with a wine-colored birthmark that covers half his face.

Love You to Death covers two hours on "The World According to Charlie D" during which he must both discover the long-time listener who is killing the people who trust him and attempt to come to terms with the man behind the birthmark.

Genres: Mystery, Canada, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Ebooks, Adult

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Gail Dianne Bowen (née Bartholomew) is a Canadian playwright and writer of mystery novels. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Bowen was educated at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and the University of Saskatchewan. She subsequently taught English in Saskatchewan, and is currently a professor of English at First Nations University of Canada. Bowen's mystery novels feature Joanne Kilbourn, a widowed mother, political analyst and university professor who finds herself occasionally involved in criminal investigations in various parts of Saskatchewan. Many have been adapted as Canadian television movies by Shaftesbury Films.

Series:
* Joanne Kilbourn Mystery

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (1995): A Colder Kind of Death

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is called a "Rapids Reads" book, it is a short story, I seem to be accidentally reading a lot of short stories. This was a talk radio station, where a listener became obsessed w/ the host of one of the shows and begins killing off perceived rivals. Very fast paced and likable characters.

[Cintia Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can love really make people go crazy? In the book “Love You To Death” by Gall Bowen there is a quote that will make you want to read the book: “The Roman philosopher, cicero, said that love is madness. Lovers sure act crazy. We’re reckless. We forget to eat. We can’t sleep. We can’t work. We’re consumed by our lover’s voice” (13).

Gall Bowen’s “Love You To Death” engaged me to read this pseudo love story. The theme of the story is crazy love. It makes you see how love can make you crazy. It make you see how love can take you to the point that you would kill for someone else.

The style of this book is a lot of suspenseful dialogue, Charlie and Nova were most of the time at the radio station. The book is always from Charlie's perspective. There are many characters in the book. Charlie D. is the main character, he talks on the radio. Nova is Charlie’s mate at the radio station, she’s pregnant.

The scenes where Charlie D. and Nova are most of the time, take place in the radio station. They always are talking to people and giving advices to the people that call their show.

Charlie D. works on the radio and there’s people that call him to get help with their problems. The people that call most frequently are getting killed. They are trying to figure out who the killer is. Charlie and Nova think that it’s someone who might be obsessed with Charlie.

Even though it’s just a story, it made me think that I was watching a movie. The way things were happening were very visual.

I recommend this book because it’s a really good and interesting story. This is an awesome choice for people that like crazy love stories.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of a series of novellas was good but I am still hoping for another in the Joanne Kilbourne series.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this one and will probably read more. Charlie D is an interesting and different main character.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

AudioBook Review
Stars Overall: 4 Narration: 4 Story: 4

Intrigued by the premise: radio talking head deals with an obsessive listener that is murdering callers that he has formed connections with during his show. Charlie D possesses a fight for the underdog sense of honor, a large port-wine birthmark over his face, abandonment and intimacy issues and a now very pregnant producer who serves as friend, mother, counselor and protector. The first in a collection of “mini mysteries” the audio recordings are about one and one-half hours in length, in written form they are about 130 pages. A quick mystery bite that felt very character driven for me, with Charlie’s approach to his listeners as sympathetic ear, calming influence and even a late-night ear for those moments when life is too rough, callers who seemingly had found a reason to move forward with his help are turning up dead, with notices being sent to the radio station stating that they weren’t worth the time Charlie had taken to speak with them.

Charlie is interesting, and his relationship with Nova (his producer) is much like a brother-sister or mother-son – she isn’t afraid to verbally smack him into sensible thoughts, even as she worries for him and protects him from the odder realities of his public persona. This story was all about obsession and transference and the tension builds neatly to the surprising conclusion.

Narration is provided by Daniel Maté, and I was fascinated by the approach. Charlie does make note of the fact that “all radio personalities” adopt a “radio voice” and his is calming, soothing and just perfect. Maté uses this element to give a clear delineation of Charlie’s normal narrative voice and his “on air” voice with near perfect emphasis and pitch. With other characters, his tone changes are minimal and work perfectly. This is really a story from Charlie’s POV, and using his voice, with appropriate switches from public to private voice is perfectly suited to the story.

For readers who aren’t certain about mysteries, or those who want a ‘cleaner’ story that is suitable for introduction to both audiobook reniditions and mysteries, these are a simple bite that could be approptiate for adults or teens.

I received an Audio download of the title from the publisher via AudioBook Jukebox. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Rachel Hyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rapid read, the first in the Charlie D series, centres on the titular radio call-in counsellor and his attempts to figure out which of his listeners is killing off rivals for his affection. To this end, he goes into erotomania, the obsessive love of a celebrity who is sending you secret messages, and that often leads to violent outcomes. He even touches on the stalker of Canadian star Anne Murray, which led me to learn something I never knew. Well, two things, really. One, Anne Murray is very talented. I just checked her out on YouTube. Honestly, I never knew who she was, except for as a line in a South Park song. (“Blame Canada!”) But the other thing was that the Barenaked Ladies song “Straw Hat and Dirty Old Hank” is based on her stalker. I have been singing that song for more than twenty years, and I had no idea what it meant!

(I should point out here that BNL is my all-time favourite band. The kind of favourite where I have flown internationally in order to see them. Twice. And another time I went to New Jersey, and cried like one of those girls from an Elvis documentary when they came on stage. So thanks for the information I should already have known, Charlie D!)

I really like Charlie D. Charlie is a mensch. I also like his pragmatic radio producer, Nova. I like his dedicated and troubled fanbase. I like that he’s Canadian. And I really like the incredibly interesting manner in which this case is investigated, mostly on-air and in Charlie’s first person. Clever. And yes, it truly is a rapid read.

Also! Did you know that Sarah McLachlan wrote the song “Possession” about her experience with stalkers? I freaking love that song. One of her stalkers not only sued her because he claimed she used some of his love poetry in the song — she didn’t — but then also shot himself in the head and had the video of it sent to her.

Ugh. Sometimes, you just have to wonder: why are people?

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a short book and a very quick read I'm totally hooked on this series. The characters are so well delveloped!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point

I didn't realize it was a "rapid read" until I was done but I appreciated the quick moving story. Someone's I have a hard time getting into books because they are slow to get going. It was a decent mystery but the pace also left a little desire for more character development but I'd be interested in another of Gail's books.

[Greer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy these rapid reads, short stories perfect for a breather after a heavy book.
My only miff with this one is the cover I thought Charlie was a woman based on it but Oh no it is a man. That got me a bit misplaced in the beginning.

[Cybercrone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short story based around one of the characters in her long-running Joanne Kilbourne series.
I took it down a star because I could not figure out why they focused on a certain person so definitely when there were hundreds of other possible suspects.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically a short story in book form, the mystery focuses on a Canadian late-night talk show host & it takes place over the course of one show. I was predisposed to enjoy this because the host is a character first introduced in the Joanne Kilbourn series by the same author.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice quick read. A very interesting and unusual way to solve a mystery.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short mystery with an interesting plot and engaging characters.

[Brenda Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rapid read. Great story for a two evening read .... Waiting to get other hooks from library.

[Shannon Latour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a short little story.

Honestly - for some reason, I thought Charlie, the main character, was female right up until almost the end. I think the cover of the book threw me.

[STU JONATHAN]

Really good book good for ages around 10-13

[Judy]

Short but good. Already know the series and enjoy the characters immensely.

[Anne Gafiuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rapid read is right! I enjoyed this short story that cut to the chase right from the start.

[Ms.Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple hopeful mishaps turn into a mysterious Romantic recovery love game as radio dj Charlie D, comes to the rescue. More than just a call!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldnt put the book down. Not what i was expecting... Definitely a twist. Grabbing the next one to start already.

[Luqman Qureshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast read

There wasn’t any suspense but it was interesting

[mk · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a very fast paced book and it enticed me to read this all in 1 sitting. The plot twist near the end was unexpected and insane.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A easy and quick read. Even though it was a short Story, I did find myself hooked.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ESL Book Club class loved the twists and suspense.

[Jmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love You To Death by Gail Bowen is one of four inaugural titles in the Rapid Reads series from Raven Books, an imprint of Orca Book Publishers. The concept seeks to provide short novels by established authors for those readers who find reading a full-length book does not fit their skills, interests, or schedules.

For fans of the TV sitcom Frazier, the setting of Bowen's novella will have a very familiar ring: Late-night talk-show host Charlie D. tries to offer comfort and support to listeners who are lonely, depressed, alienated, or otherwise psychologically floundering. While Charlie, unlike Frazier, does not have a degree in psychology, he does provide his listeners with a caring heart and referrals to appropriate professionals. Unfortunately, one of Charlie's listeners believes Charlie is in love with her and only she can save him from his soul-sucking fans—by murdering them, one by one. After each death the murderer sends a note to Nova, the producer of Charlie's show. After the third such note, Nova finally gets it and notifies the police who ask for Charlie's help in luring the murderer to the station.

I found the plot pretty far-fetched but I did like both Charlie and Nova, the two main characters, and enjoyed the familiar setting. I also learned a new word, erotomania, “the delusion that someone, usually somebody famous, is secretly in love with you and sending you signals that reveal their love.” (Charlie makes this the topic of the show designed to capture the killer.) In between calls from his listeners, Charlie throws out interesting notes on love and plays several songs that should be familiar to most readers.

While I applaud Orca Books for recognizing that not everyone wants or needs a 250-page story to entertain them, Love You To Death will have limited appeal. But for adults just learning to read, this may be the perfect compromise as most offerings for this group are reworked classics like 1984. And for the vacationer or commuter, these longer short stories could be the perfect fit. I just wish the plot had been a little more believable.

[Andrea Corley · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a more in depth review, please visit my blog, Chorley Chronicals!!

I had actually only requested The Thirteenth Rose, on Audiobook Jukebox, not really know that first off, it was part of a series, let alone book 4 in the series, and secondly that it was a short story! Much to my surprise, when I received the email from the Publisher, they had told me that they included the whole series for my enjoyment, if I so desired, or I was more than welcome to only read the requested book, so immediately, I was impressed with the generosity of the Publisher, so I figured the least that I could do was listen to all of them if they were going to be kind enough to give them all to me, plus, all four of them put together wasn't as long as a typical audio book normally is, so I started with this book, Love You To Death.

I have to be honest and tell you that given that I had never heard of the author before, and that they were all short stories, I really wasn't expecting much with the Charley D series, but I'll be the first to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with my listening experience! I enjoyed Charley D as a character and his late-night radio broadcase/talk show and thought that the narrator, Daniel Maté, portrayed Charlie D, exactly how I would have pictured him, so bravo Daniel Maté, BRAVO!!!

For a short story, I think it was the perfect length to be able to convey the story that Gail Bowen was trying to get across! It was a great introduction into the life of Charlie D and his nighttime radio show. It was interesting enough to keep me listening and to make me want to move on to the second book in the series One Fine Day You're Gonna Die.

Overall, I thought that this was a great short story with good character buildup and a good plot! I was impressed with how much I liked this short story! I definitely would have given this a 3.5 rating if it were available!

[Dale · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Review of the Audiobook

Originally Published in 2010.
Post Hypnotic Press audio version published in 2013.
Read by Daniel Mate
Duration: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Canadian author Gail Bowen takes a break from her Joanne Kilbourn series to bring us Charlie D, a talk radio personality who works the late night shift. This is part of the Rapid Reads series by Orca Books. This is designed to be a set of exciting, short mysteries. On paper this book clocks in at 128 pages.

Charlie D is working the night show on Valentine's Day. His guest is the boss's wife. The boss is an ancient man who has married the young, very elegant and very expensive prostitute he used to frequent. She is now very pregnant and being interviewed about her thoughts on love and relationships.

Meanwhile, the neighborhood around the station is now awash in threatening newsletters and posters that advocate getting rid of the local prostitutes in any way possible. These vigilantes are inspired by the right wing host on the air just before Charlie D. He is a Bill O'Reilly type of host with discussions of fighting for the preservation of Canadian morality and some of his fans have gone too far - especially when they call Charlie D to show him live video feed of a local prostitute who is awaiting execution at their hands...

I enjoyed the give-and-take between Charlie D and his listeners and the guest. But, the premise of the story - the coalition of bad guys, the frank discussions of prostitution, the "hooker with a heart of gold" scenario played out twice in just an hour and a half just made the book seem less like a story and more like a political screed against...

Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2014/...

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Gail Bowen story that I have ever read. I was intrigued by the idea of a Rapid Read but I do not think they are for me. I enjoyed the story that Bowen wrote but I like to get to know my characters more. In a book like this, I do not feel like I understand the characters or get to know the characters because it is too rushed. It is not that Bowen's writing is bad, it is just the nature of a Rapid Read.

I did enjoy the suspense in this story. It gripped you from the very beginning. It made you think about who you do and do not really know when you are communicating through the radio (internet, email, etc). This story is fiction but could easily be real life. It makes you stop and think twice before giving away too much information about yourself to a complete stranger.

At the end of the story, I was left wondering about the mental state of all the characters. It seemed to me that they all had issues of knowing the difference between real life and the lives they developed in the studio of the radio station. I am not sure how I feel about the ending. It was not horrible but it felt as though there was something missing. It is probably due to the short format of the book.

Even though I was not super excited about this book, I am interested in picking up a Bowen book and seeing how her other writing compares. At least the Rapid Read introduced me to a new author.

(I received this book through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.)

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tight little mystery for less-skilled readers about a DJ trying to flush-out a serial killer. Although the characters - radio personality Charlie D. and his producer Nova - are adults, the suspense and buildup will appeal to HS students. There are many citations of song lyrics in the story, and most of the performers are Canadian (Bare Naked Ladies, Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan, Leonard Cohen), but I suspect that this won't date the story, as each song serves to make a point about obsessive love. The plot moves along well to its dramatic conclusion.

The end was a little too tidy for me in this otherwise good read for those who might want to tackle the suspense genre, but aren't quite skilled enough to handle longer, more complex titles. Besides a mention of a XXX movie rental store and murder, there's nothing in this book I thought might raise concerns for even middle school audiences.

This series from Orca Books is targeted at adult learners. I slightly prefer another title in the Rapid Reads series - The Barrio Kings - but this is a worthy title for developing readers.

[Brittney Noseworthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast little mystery/thriller book that has you guessing every step of the way!

Bowen does a great job of leading her way up to the murder and who the actual murderer ends up being. She has you thinking that it could be any one of the characters!

I was able to visualize the scenes and characters while reading, which helps me really get into a book.
I loved how it was a fast read, while still paying attention to detail.

My 3⭐️ review is because it was more of a 'teen-read' than I would like. I also think that there is so much potential for a better cover illustration. The cover is okay, but it could be WAYY better.