Alienated from his wife and family, he lives alone in a run-down duplex and survives in a minimal way on Social Security. Julio comes from a wine-growing family, and was at one time a relatively competent private investigator. He is no longer licensed.
Julio’s ex-wife, Marie, still lives in town. As Julio puts it, “She lived like she was a widow. And I lived like a bum.”
The action takes place in and around San Aqua, California. (This odd name – Saint Water – is explained early in the narrative.) The image of a trip through hell provides a metaphor for the novel. In the summer, temperatures reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit and more. Scenes of action include a liquor store owned by Julio’s brother, a junkyard, a truck stop, a madam’s residence, a topless bar, an isolated mountain cabin, and lonely roads. Julio gets around in his old Chevy.
An Italian-American background plays a part in this novel, helping to give it realism and color.
Julio’s granddaughter, Gabrielle (also known as Gypsy) approaches him while he is scrounging through a dumpster for a bottle with a little wine in it. She tells him that she is in danger, that she has been receiving threatening letters.
Julio says, “Get out of my sight. Putane! Whore!”
The label that Julio assigns to Gabrielle is correct. She is a prostitute.
Finally Julio agrees to listen to what Gabrielle has to say when she offers to buy him a breakfast, but he rejects her plea for help.
Subsequently Gabrielle is almost killed and is badly cut on the face. Seven large scars destroy her beauty. Julio vows to protect her and to bring to justice the person who committed the crime. Bringing the criminal to justice does not necessarily mean turning him or her over to the police. Julio is interested in making la vendetta – obtaining revenge. The action of the novel revolves around Julio’s efforts to accomplish his goal.
During the course of the novel there are four violent deaths, several erotic encounters, and a number of dangerous experiences. The novel is satisfactorily resolved. Gabrielle has much of her beauty restored through plastic surgery. Julio finds out who planned and instigated the attack on Gabrielle. There is harsh retribution, and justice is done.
Character List
Julio Milano. As indicated above, he is the narrator and central figure in the novel.
Marie Milano. She still loves Julia and is a resource for him. Nonetheless, they cannot make a permanent home together. Julio’s drinking problem keeps them at odds with each other. So does his tendency toward sexual infidelity.
Gabrielle (Gypsy) Milano. She is a prostitute and the victim of a slashing attack. She and Julio, initially alienated, come together. He rediscovers his love for his granddaughter.
Blanche Gardner. She is an ex-whore and a madam. She and Julio have a passionate on-off love affair. The title of the novel, A Kiss to Build a Death On is inspired by Blanche’s request that Julio kiss her after she receives a gunshot, and is wounded. Their favorite song is an old standard called “A Kiss to Build a Dream on.”
Keith Sherman. He is the obese, arrogant mayor of the town. He treats Julio like scum. Eventually, the tables are turned.
Lou Milano. He is Julio’s brother and owns a liquor store. He gives Julio good advice that he usually ignores. Lou is an unwilling accomplice in some of Julio’s adventures.
Jake Lanza. Jake is Julio’s sidekick.
