A Kiss to Build a Death On is a savage tale of love and murder. Julio Milano's prostitute granddaughter, Gypsy, has been mutilated. Julio wants to make la vendetta, seeking not only justice, but revenge for the crime. Julio is an aging, self-destructive alcoholic. He lives poorly, drives a broken down Chevy, and subsists largely on Social Security. He was once a competent private detective. He brings himself out of his doldrums on behalf of Gypsy. In the course of his quest, he becomes entangled with Blanche Gardner, a long-lost love and also a prostitute. They have a love-hate sexual relationship. Julio's ex-wife, Marie, provides Julio with a safe haven and affection. Lou Milano, Julio's brother, is an unwilling accomplice in Julio's adventures. Jake Lanza, Julio's sidekick, is killed protecting Gypsy. Keith Sherman, the town's arrogant mayor, plays a malevolent role in action. 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. He was once a professional wrestler. He is killed helping Julio protect Gabrielle. Julio is an aging, self-destructive alcoholic. He lives poorly, drives a broken down Chevy, and subsists largely on Social Security. He was once a competent private detective. He brings himself out of his doldrums on behalf of Gypsy. In the course of his quest, he becomes entangled with Blanche Gardner, a long-lost love and also a prostitute. They have a love-hate sexual relationship. Julio's ex-wife, Marie, provides Julio with a safe haven and affection. Lou Milano, Julio's brother, is an unwilling accomplice in Julio's adventures. Jake Lanza, Julio's sidekick, is killed protecting Gypsy. Keith Sherman, the town's arrogant mayor, plays a malevolent role in the action.