I think he's great. A very complex writer who manages to translate his slate into not-so-complex reading -- in other words, you get it. The stories aren't written in big words - it isn't entirely necessary to try to impress readers with his literary skill and knowledge of a thesaurus, no. Instead, he gets his stories across in a seemingly easy poise, yet it would be very difficult for a novice writer to write as well as Ira Levin.

Have you ever read Rosemary's Baby? If not, run to your nearest online bookseller and buy a copy! Better than the movie, better than any novel of equal length (and its not that thick). A masterpiece - nothing he's done before or since has equaled its genius, although he has written some very excellent books post.

Which books are great?
The Stepford Wives
The Boys From Brazil

to name two.

A book I do not recommend: Son of Rosemary - the sequel to Rosemary's Baby. Terrible. But, you have to take into account that Ira Levin was probably very old at the time, and was trying to cash in on the proverbial cow, if you will. It didn't work, and I forgive him.

Has anyone read A Kiss Before Dying? I know it was made into a movie (starring who, I know not), but how was the book? I'm in the middle of The Stepford Wives, so after that I may pick it up.