Thus with a Kiss I Die
Christina Dodd
(Author)
This title will be released on:
Jun 24, 2025
21,000+ Reviews
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Description
The delightfully irreverent eldest daughter of the not-so-ill-fated Romeo and Juliet returns to sleuth another day in fair Verona, in this hugely entertaining historical mystery series with a refreshingly bold premise.
“Woe, for I am the bug that meets the windshield's might,
No longer the speeding glass, smooth, clean and bright . . .”
You’re right. I, Rosie Montague of Verona, am lousy at iambic pentameter and Shakespeare speak, but you get the point: Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug. I, who for my whole life, have cruised along, unruffled by life’s trials, am suddenly smashed flat and speeding recklessly up the WhattheHellHappened Highway.
Why? you ask . . .
I’m 20-years-old and by my own design, never been wed, free as no married woman ever is. I’m beautiful, but without conceit, for Juliet, my legendary Mamma is the most gorgeous creature to ever walk the earth. Just ask Romeo, my legendary Papà. (Rumors of their deaths were premature.) I was heartwhole until I fell (literally) in love with Lysander of the House of Beautiful. But our love was not to be, for I was thwarted by Escalus, the Prince of Verona . . . who had designs on me.
I’m trapped.
Then! I’m presented with a solution. Escalus’s father, Prince Escalus the Elder, appears to me. He tasks that I find his killer. Did I mention Elder is a ghost?
Given that I only recently dispatched Verona’s first serial killer, I’m less than pleased. Yet Elder promises to unite me with my One True Love, so I gather clues. Meanwhile, revolution threatens, for beneath Verona society’s glittering surface lurk dark shadows—and an enemy eager to make me a tragic heroine in my own right . . .
“Woe, for I am the bug that meets the windshield's might,
No longer the speeding glass, smooth, clean and bright . . .”
You’re right. I, Rosie Montague of Verona, am lousy at iambic pentameter and Shakespeare speak, but you get the point: Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug. I, who for my whole life, have cruised along, unruffled by life’s trials, am suddenly smashed flat and speeding recklessly up the WhattheHellHappened Highway.
Why? you ask . . .
I’m 20-years-old and by my own design, never been wed, free as no married woman ever is. I’m beautiful, but without conceit, for Juliet, my legendary Mamma is the most gorgeous creature to ever walk the earth. Just ask Romeo, my legendary Papà. (Rumors of their deaths were premature.) I was heartwhole until I fell (literally) in love with Lysander of the House of Beautiful. But our love was not to be, for I was thwarted by Escalus, the Prince of Verona . . . who had designs on me.
I’m trapped.
Then! I’m presented with a solution. Escalus’s father, Prince Escalus the Elder, appears to me. He tasks that I find his killer. Did I mention Elder is a ghost?
Given that I only recently dispatched Verona’s first serial killer, I’m less than pleased. Yet Elder promises to unite me with my One True Love, so I gather clues. Meanwhile, revolution threatens, for beneath Verona society’s glittering surface lurk dark shadows—and an enemy eager to make me a tragic heroine in my own right . . .
Product Details
| Publisher | A John Scognamiglio Book |
| Publish Date | June 24, 2025 |
| Pages | 352 |
| Language | English |
| Type |  Hardback |
| EAN/UPC | 9781496750198 |
| Dimensions | 8.5 X 5.8 X 1.2 inches | 0.9 pounds |
About the Author
Christina Dodd is a New York Times bestselling author whose suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge. Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at ChristinaDodd.com.
Reviews
Praise for A Daughter of Fair Verona:
“Graced with an unforgettable cast of characters that includes the delightfully indefatigable Rosie and written with a cheeky sense of wit and charm Shakespeare would be proud to claim, Dodd’s well-executed launch of her new series is absolutely brilliant.” —Library Journal, Starred Review
“Fun, funny, charming, and absolutely delightful. If you’re looking for a novel to sweep you away and lift your spirits, look no further.” —Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A sharp, determined heroine, a clever historical mystery, sparkling wit, a unique setting, family drama and a dash of romance.” —Amanda Quick, New York Times bestselling author of The Lady Has a Past
“Shakespeare may roll over—then he’ll sit up and applaud!!” —Mary Bly (Eloisa James), Shakespearean professor and New York Times Bestselling Author of Lizzie and Dante
“Who has the audacity to write a book about Romeo and Juliet’s daughter? Christina Dodd, that’s who! With its twisty plot and engaging characters, A Daughter of Fair Verona is charming, funny, and totally engaging. First I smiled, then I chuckled, then I laughed out loud. It’s fresh, audacious, and altogether captivating. It’s such a treat to read something I haven’t read a thousand times before!” —Susan Elizabeth Phillips, # 1 New York Times Bestselling Author
"A tour de force! Witty, charming, snarky and just plain fun. Shakespeare is going to wish he'd written this!" —Susan Mallery, # 1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“This delightful, fast-paced mystery is a balm for the soul, with an ending that’s not only satisfying but leaves you wanting more of this heroine, this family, and Christina Dodd’s playful and clever voice.” —Megan Chance, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin
“As a Shakespeare scholar, actor and teacher, I welcome anything that keeps the Bard alive. A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA certainly does not disappoint. It’s extremely clever and enjoyable, and I look forward to Rosie’s next adventure.” —Bookreporter
“Dodd gives a delightfully creative twist to the much-loved story of Romeo and Juliet and presents us with a glimpse of what their lives could have been like had they lived. With Bridgerton mania currently sweeping the world, readers will be delighted with this offering.” —Fresh Fiction
“I liked Rosie as a person…The mystery is also wonderfully absorbing.” —All About Romance
“Graced with an unforgettable cast of characters that includes the delightfully indefatigable Rosie and written with a cheeky sense of wit and charm Shakespeare would be proud to claim, Dodd’s well-executed launch of her new series is absolutely brilliant.” —Library Journal, Starred Review
“Fun, funny, charming, and absolutely delightful. If you’re looking for a novel to sweep you away and lift your spirits, look no further.” —Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A sharp, determined heroine, a clever historical mystery, sparkling wit, a unique setting, family drama and a dash of romance.” —Amanda Quick, New York Times bestselling author of The Lady Has a Past
“Shakespeare may roll over—then he’ll sit up and applaud!!” —Mary Bly (Eloisa James), Shakespearean professor and New York Times Bestselling Author of Lizzie and Dante
“Who has the audacity to write a book about Romeo and Juliet’s daughter? Christina Dodd, that’s who! With its twisty plot and engaging characters, A Daughter of Fair Verona is charming, funny, and totally engaging. First I smiled, then I chuckled, then I laughed out loud. It’s fresh, audacious, and altogether captivating. It’s such a treat to read something I haven’t read a thousand times before!” —Susan Elizabeth Phillips, # 1 New York Times Bestselling Author
"A tour de force! Witty, charming, snarky and just plain fun. Shakespeare is going to wish he'd written this!" —Susan Mallery, # 1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“This delightful, fast-paced mystery is a balm for the soul, with an ending that’s not only satisfying but leaves you wanting more of this heroine, this family, and Christina Dodd’s playful and clever voice.” —Megan Chance, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin
“As a Shakespeare scholar, actor and teacher, I welcome anything that keeps the Bard alive. A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA certainly does not disappoint. It’s extremely clever and enjoyable, and I look forward to Rosie’s next adventure.” —Bookreporter
“Dodd gives a delightfully creative twist to the much-loved story of Romeo and Juliet and presents us with a glimpse of what their lives could have been like had they lived. With Bridgerton mania currently sweeping the world, readers will be delighted with this offering.” —Fresh Fiction
“I liked Rosie as a person…The mystery is also wonderfully absorbing.” —All About Romance
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