A Habit for Death

by Chuck Zito

Book Overview

Escaping the heat and heartbreak of New York City for a summer in rural Pennsylvania sounded like the perfect plan to Nicky D'Amico. Little did he know that what began as a heavenly idea would turn... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738708364
• ISBN13: 9780738708362
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Midnight Ink
• Length: 279 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

An excellent first effort!

Chuck Zito is a theater professional with a lifetime of experience who graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. He presently lives in New York City. A HABIT FOR DEATH is his debut mystery, with more Nicky D'Amico mysteries in the offing. Nicky D'Amico thought a summer job in theater at St. Gilbert's College in rural Pennsylvania would be a great escape from the heat of Manhattan and the craziness of New York. He is hired as a stage manager for an awful script, Convent of Fear. As if that isn't bad enough, the cast is constantly fighting, and Nicky soon discovers that in this small town they are almost all related. When one of the stars of the show, Sister Sally, dies on stage of bizarre causes even as the protesters outside continue their Twilight Zone activities, it seems that only the visage of David Scott, Nicky's fantasy come true, could save the day. Two of Nicky's friends from New York, Paolo and Roger, arrive in the midst of their lover's spat to spice things up even further: "'This is the worst caesar salad I've ever had,' Roger said. 'Who orders caesar at a family restaurant in backwater Pennsylvania?' Paolo snapped. Then, to David, 'Nothing personal, of course. Lovely place. Really.' 'Oh, you didn't offend me. I can't wait to leave. I'm off to New York myself when the summer is over.' 'Really?' I said. 'Yup. You know, Nicky, we should make sure and exchange--'" Zito scores big time with this impressive first effort. The story is well plotted, blocked, and the characters are absolutely hilarious. Chuck Zito's intimate knowledge of the theater creates the perfect backdrop for this zany story. There are so many subplots that the reader is kept laughing almost nonstop. A HABIT FOR HEATH is wonderfully thought out, and the reader is immediately drawn to Nicky's plight. The dreadful play implodes, there is more murder and mayhem, and Nicky's fantasy continues to elude him and us. An excellent first effort! Shelley Glodowski Senior Reviewer

A Habit For...FUN!

This was one of the most fun books I've read in a long time. Characters were interesting and quirky, and I didn't know who "did it" until it was revealed. I had my suspicions, but no solid conclusions. It was so enjoyable, I gave copies to my 4 best friends as a gift. I'm looking forward to the next adventures of Nicky D'Amico. Hurry up and write, Zito!

Witty, wry and different

Zito's Damico leads a cast of characters that will delight all mystery fans and theater lovers. Light and very very fun, this is a greeat afternoon escape, perfect for a day at the beach or a long flight

Just what a mystery novel should be!

Nicky D'Amico is a dynamic witty character that you can't help but fall in love with as he struggles with his love life and the mysterious death of a nun. Zito has written a fun and exciting murder mystery with three-dimensional characters and just the right amount of suspense!

I Couldn't Put it Down!

Not that I'm a literary critic, but I do enjoy a good book, and this is one I'll definitely share with friends and other readers. I almost missed work so that I could keep reading this fun, smart mystery! I can honestly say, "I couldn't put it down." The book tumbles along at a wonderfully fast pace, with characters that are believable, yet surprising. This maybe Zito's strength. Each character is so full, with foibles and fun, that you are constantly delighted by what they say and do. You almost feel as though they are like your friends, only a little smarter and much wittier. Zito is a gifted writer, with a real sense of style. This would be a perfect read for a book club. Lots to talk about, and a joy to share.