David Handler – författare

A wisecracking ghostwriter and his trusty basset hound investigate the mysterious behavior of a reclusive author in this humorous murder mystery.

Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen.

“Handler is so good at writing one smart, funny page-turner after another that he makes it look easy.” —Harlan Coben

Once upon a time, Hoagy had it all: a hugely successful debut novel, a gorgeous celebrity wife, the glamorous world of New York City at his feet. These days, he scrapes by as a celebrity ghostwriter. A celebrity ghostwriter who finds himself investigating murders more often than he''d like.

And once upon a time, Richard Aintree was the most famous writer in America—high school students across the country read his one and only novel, a modern classic on par with The Catcher in the Rye. But after his wife’s death, Richard went into mourning . . .and then into hiding. No one has heard from him in twenty years.

Until now. Richard Aintree—or someone pretending to be Richard Aintree—has at last reached out to his two estranged daughters. Monette is a lifestyle queen à la Martha Stewart whose empire is crumbling; and once upon a time, Reggie was the love of Hoagy’s life. Both sisters have received mysterious typewritten letters from their father.

Hoagy is already on the case, having been hired to ghostwrite a tell-all book about the troubled Aintree family. But no sooner does he set up shop in the pool house of Monette’s Los Angeles mansion than murder strikes. With Lulu at his side — or more often cowering in his shadow — it’s up to Hoagy to unravel the mystery, catch the killer, and pour himself that perfect single-malt Scotch . . . before it''s too late.

Praise for The Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes

“A plot with nearly as many moving parts as Murder on the Orient Express. . . . The characters and dialogue don’t disappoint, and the sorely missed hero’s mixture of cynicism and sweetness plays as well as ever.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Kept me turning the pages. . . . The plot is influenced by a range of mystery masters, from Ross Macdonald to Agatha Christie. . . . The Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes will help you remember the sun-crazed Hollywood excess of what now seems like an innocent time.” —Seattle Times

In the next novel in David Handler’s Edgar award-winning series, Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag and his beloved basset hound, Lulu, investigate a murder in a fabled Connecticut summer playhouse

Hollywood ghostwriter Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag has chronicled the rise, fall, and triumphant return of many a celebrity. At last he’s enjoying his own, very welcome second act. After hitting a creative slump following the success of his debut novel, Hoagy has found inspiration again. Ensconced with his faithful but cowardly basset hound, Lulu, on a Connecticut farm belonging to his ex-wife, Oscar-winning actress Merilee Nash, he’s busy working on a new novel. He’s even holding out hope that he and Merilee might get together again. Life is simple and fulfilling—which of course means it’s time for complications to set in….

When the police call to ask if he knows the whereabouts of a man named R.J. Romero, Hoagy learns of a dark secret from his ex-wife’s past. It’s already a stressful time for Merilee, who’s directing a gala benefit production of PrivateLives to rescue the famed but dilapidated Sherbourne Playhouse, where the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Marlon Brando and Merilee herself made their professional stage debuts. Her reputation, as well as the playhouse’s future, is at stake. The cast features three of Merilee’s equally famous Oscar-winning classmates from the Yale School of Drama. But it turns out that there’s more linking them to each other—and to their fellow Yale alum, R.J.—than their alma mater. When one of the cast is found murdered, it will take Hoagy’s sleuthing skills and Lulu’s infallible nose to sniff out the truth…before someone else faces the final curtain call.

The next clever, witty, and touching installment in the Edgar award-winning Stewart Hoag mystery series finds the beloved ghostwriter-sleuth and his faithful neurotic basset hound, Lulu, back in 1990’s New York City, investigating a bestselling author’s stolen manuscript and three murders linked to the crime.Washed-up celebrity ghostwriter Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag has finally rediscovered his voice and is making progress on what he hopes will be his long-awaited second novel. Burrowed up in his less-than-luxurious, sweltering fifth floor walk-up, he tries not to think of the disparities between himself and his ex-wife, celebrity actress Merilee Nash, who is sifting through film offers—and also her fickle feelings for Hoagy—from her elegant eight-room apartment looking over Central Park. When Merilee offers her home for Hoagy’s use while she’s shooting on location, hope blossoms that he might finally get some real work done… and solidify their rekindling romance.

Then Hoagy receives a call from his literary agent asking if he can meet with publishing’s most ruthless and reviled editor, Sylvia James, for a drink at the Algonquin Hotel. After disclosing that aging literary genius Addison James—also Sylvia’s father and main client—has not in fact written his last two bestselling historical sagas, Sylvia reveals her suspicions that Addison’s assistant Tommy O’Brien—the true author—has run away with their most recent manuscript and is holding it for ransom. Tempted by Sylvia’s offer to bid a hefty advance for his novel-in-progress, Hoagy agrees to help unearth Tommy’s sudden disappearance. If only he’d known exactly what he was getting himself into, he might’ve saved himself from the ensuing grief that follows in his hot pursuit of Tommy. But then, that wouldn’t be a normal day in the life of Hoagy.

With clattering claims of a mugging, a stolen manuscript, and three murders, now it’s up to Hoagy and his short-legged sidekick Lulu to unravel this baffling, bizarre case.

David Handler''s The Snow White Christmas Cookie, the ninth book in this original series is brimming with plenty of murder, mayhem, and holiday spirit. The next adventure featuring the mismatched romantic crime-fighting duo of New York City film critic Mitch Berger and Connecticut State Resident Trooper Desiree Mitry presents Des with her first taste of Christmas in the historic New England village of Dorset.And what a taste it is. Three blizzards have blanketed the village in forty inches of snow. Bryce Peck, Mitch''s blue-blooded neighbor out on Big Sister Island, has just been found dead of a drug overdose. Young Kylie Champlain has slammed her car head-on into an office building after she''s caught trying to shoplift a pair of Ugg boots. And a grinch has taken to stealing the mail from Hank Merrill''s postal route, which happens to be the main route through the historic district.Stealing the U.S. mail is a serious federal crime, but Des soon discovers that she''s onto something much bigger: a black-market prescription drug gang with ties to organized crime. And now a fourth blizzard is on its way. And so is another murder. And, somehow, the man in her life has managed to land himself smack dab in the middle of the whole mess. Not to mention that he''s in way over his head with Josie Cantro, the beautiful and treacherous life-coach who just may be responsible for it all. If Des doesn''t act fast, this will truly be a Christmas to remember--but for all of the wrong reasons.

A Storm is Brewing in Dorset: Can Des Solve the Murder Before More Blood is Spilled?In David Handler''s fifth novel in the charming and edgy Dorset series, Sweet Golden Parachute, he once again displays his deftness in creating memorable, distinctive characters and crafting uniquely entertaining mysteries.Tensions are rising in Dorset as Poochie Vickers, the eccentric local aristocrat, becomes increasingly erratic, while her daughter Claudia angles for control of the family fortune. With two of Dorset''s biggest troublemakers fresh out of prison and a forbidden romance blossoming between the feuding families, someone is bound to snap.When a brutal murder shakes the town, Des finds herself tracking down the killer while also grappling with the idea of marrying Mitch. As she unravels the tangled web of secrets and lies, loving someone feels like a risk she might not be ready to take."Handler once again delivers a top-notch tale of crime and intrigue." - Publishers Weekly

The Sour Cherry Surprise, the next in this solidly entertaining series from David Handler, promises more twists and turns for the likable odd couple, and an astounding, heart-pounding conclusion. Something has gone very wrong on bucolic Sour Cherry Lane. A straight-arrow high school student has started throwing wild sex parties. The distinguished history professor across the lane has gone missing. His estranged wife, a popular author of children''s books, is strung out on crystal meth. And the new man in her life is under surveillance by a joint federal and state drug task force.It''s not exactly a day in Yankee paradise for Desiree Mitry, the alluring resident trooper of Dorset, Connecticut. Especially when you throw in those unwelcome fainting spells she''s been having ever since she broke it off with pudgy New York film critic Mitch Berger and took up again with her ex-husband, U.S. Attorney Brandon Stokes.Mitch has moved on with his life, saying good-bye to Dorset and hello to a new high-profile television career. Not to mention a newly slimmed-down and styled self. Des is completely out of his system. Or so Mitch thinks.Des, meanwhile, is furious to discover that a major drug cartel has been operating in Dorset right under her nose. Matters escalate when one of those troubled Sour Cherry Lane residents turns up dead. Des pursues the case in her own way. The problem is that her way gets her in way too deep. And there''s only person who can possibly get her out.The question isn''t whether Mitch will ride to her rescue. The question is whether the two of them will live to tell about it.

In this delightful adventure featuring the mismatched crime-fighting duo of film critic Mitch Berger and Connecticut state trooper Des Mitry, Mitch''s New York City past and his Dorset present collide head on.Back when Mitch was a chubby thirteen-year-old living in Stuyvesant Town, Beth Breslauer, a lovely blond single mother, lived across the hall with her son, Kenny. These days, she''s a wealthy widow who owns a condominium in the Captain Chadwick House, the Dorset Historic District''s most exclusive condo complex. Kenny is engaged to marry Mitch''s yoga teacher, Kimberly Farrell. Kimberly''s parents are Beth''s neighbors. They are also social pariahs. Her father was one of the Wall Street power brokers responsible for the sub-prime home loan meltdown and her mother is praying that Kimberly''s elaborate engagement party will endear them to their lost friends.Meanwhile, Augie Donatelli, a retired police detective who manages the Captain Chadwick House, is positive he''s figured out the identity of the infamous Dorset Flasher, an elusive, ski-masked figure who has been terrorizing wealthy widows after dark. He also believes that Beth is the proud descendent of a long line of professional thieves. He demands that Des do something about it, but Des dismisses his charges as the wild rants of a lonely, bitter drunkard, which is rather unfortunate--because when Augie turns up dead, Des is included in the round-up of suspects. That leaves it up to Mitch to find out what really happened, even though it means he''ll have to find out more about the people in his life than he ever wanted to.The Shimmering Blond Sister is David Handler''s most emotionally gripping book in the series yet.

From the Edgar-Award winning author David Handler comes The Bright Silver Star, the third installment in the Berger and Mitry Mysteries Mitch Berger has been accepted at least on the surface by some of the posh families in the small enclave to which he''s moved - even his open affair with the beautiful black policewoman is looked upon peaceably. But when a member of the small group of men who gather for early-morning walks is found dead, the subsequent investigation, involving both Mitch and Desiree, opens a very large container of personal evil that has no place in any society."With its vivid setting, quirky and unusual characters, and fast-paced plot skillfully interwoven with movie trivia, this cozy with attitude is sure to satisfy Handler''s many committed fans and attract new ones." - Publishers Weekly

The odd couple Mitch Berger and Desiree Mitry return in The Burnt Orange Sunrise, the fourth book in award-winning author David Handler''s mystery series.But Les lied. He had much bigger plans, full of Hollywood heavy-hitters, supermodels, rap music stars, high-profile athletes, and camera crews from every celebrity TV show in America. They are all to gather at the faux castle that Ada''s husband had built for her in little Dorset, Connecticut. All of them would come to celebrate the return of Ada Geiger from self-imposed exile--just the kind of event Mitch Berger hates, even though idolizing Ada was one of the things that had led him into the film world as a critic. But it''s too late to pull out now.Then Mitch has a lucky break---or so he thinks at the time. The snowiest winter anyone under the age of ninety could remember has hit Dorset and vicinity with what seems like six more inches every three days. Soon, the regrets and "have to wait till tomorrows" come flowing in. The gathering is pared down to what Les had falsely promised---just a few people: Ada''s immediate family, Mitch and his lover, beautiful police officer Des Mitry, and a few "deserving" others make a manageably small group. When it snows even harder, they are all prisoners of the storm. The reduced guest list makes the job a little easier for Des and Mitch when one by one the people at the Castle are killed off. Since our two friends have no intention of waiting to pinpoint the murderer until he--or she--is the only one left standing, Des and Mitch dare to dive into a breathtaking climax that has Des taking a terrible chance, and Mitch taking a worse one.

From Edgar-Award winning author David Handler comes The Cold Blue Blood, the first in a fresh, bright mystery series starring a highly mismatched romantic duo guaranteed to captivate readers.Mitch Berger, a top film critic with a major New York newspaper at a surprisingly young age, has become almost a recluse since his wife died one year ago. He spends his time secluded in his apartment or in the dark recesses of a screening room. Although he continues to dazzle moviegoers and the film elite with his criticisms, his editor and good friend is alarmed about him. As a scheme to pull him out of the doldrums of his grief, she gives him a non-film assignment - to do a color story on the wealthy and social homeowners on Connecticut''s Gold Coast. It takes some doing, but in the end Mitch agrees.He is fortunate to find a cottage to rent on Big Sister, the absolute top-of-the-line private island outside the town of Dorset. His landlady, Dolly, is pleasant and friendly, but some of the other inhabitants of this small piece of land, although too well bred to come right out and say it, are not happy to have Mitch, born of parents only one generation away from Eastern Europe and raised on the city''s pavements, arrive in their back yard. But Dolly, whose husband has recently left her, needs the money, and at least she is more than gracious. The discovery of a body during a bout of optimistic gardening in Dolly''s back yard brings on the other main player - Lieutenant Desiree Mitry, one of only three women on the Connecticut State Police major crimes squad, the youngest of the three, and the only black. A dedicated officer, she is the terror of everyone who doesn''t really want to give a home to one of her stray cats. She is, as well, a closet artist and a complicated and beautiful woman, and she intrigues Mitch from the start.

The Hot Pink Farmhouse is the second book in a the Berger and Mitry Mystery series from the award-winning author David Handler.In their latest adventure, the mis-matched romantic duo of Mitch Berger, a Jewish film critic from New York, and Desiree Mitry, Dorset''s newest resident trooper, come face to face with murder.Transplanted New York film critic Mitch Berger is discovering a whole new world in the idyllic atmosphere of wealthy Dorset, Connecticut, not the least of which is his new love. That''s Resident State Trooper Desiree Mitry, beautiful, bright, and strong-minded. Des has transferred out of her position as the highest-ranking black woman in the State Police Homicide department to give more time to the art for which she has a sure talent. Shortly after Mitch''s encounter with "Hangtown" Frye in the town dump, his new friend suffers the worst blow of his life - his beloved daughter "Moose" is killed when her sister''s car, which she was driving, explodes. It''s very soon clear that the explosion was no accident, and Des, as one more familiar with the community than the state cop in charge, takes an advisory part in the investigation. As one of the very few Dorset citizens with whom Frye will have any truck, Mitch is involved in two directions - as a good friend willing to help as he can around the dilapidated farmhouse that is Frye''s ancestral home, and as the devoted, if unlikely, lover of the police officer unofficially but very actively on the case.Meanwhile, the old town is coming to a boil over the question of a new public elementary school, one that will be built with contributions from a developer with nothing but good wishes for the education of the local children, and coincidentally a program of healthful outdoor living for those who can afford the homes he will build on the old school property. Hangtown and Mitch are among the dispute''s dubious. In a climax that is a realistic and frightening version of a tour through an amusement park "haunted" house, the film critic and his policewoman love come close to tragedy. Readers met these "wonderfully drawn characters [Susan Isaacs] and "best buddy team to come along in years" [Jeffrey Deaver] in Handler''s first book of the series, The Cold Blue Blood. Now, in The Hot Pink Farmhouse, Handler carries on their sharp, inimitable and lively adventures to further delight his readers.

This next mystery featuring Mitch Berger and Connecticut State Trooper Des Mitry presents Des with her first genuine racially charged case in the historic New England village of Dorset, the gem of Connecticut''s Gold Coast.Tyrone "Da Beast" Grantham, the famously volatile NFL superstar linebacker, has just been suspended for "conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the league." When Tyrone and his entourage decide to spend his season in exile in bucolic Dorset--much to the dismay of his early-to-bed, ultra-white neighbors--Des is put on the spot. And when Tyrone''s eighteen-year-old sister-in-law, Kinitra, washes up on Mitch''s beach one morning, bloodied and barely alive, Des is on the case. Especially when it turns out that Kinitra is eight weeks pregnant. Good thing there''s nothing else serious going on in our heroes'' lives right now. Like, say, Mitch''s parents arriving from Florida at long last to meet the new woman of color in their nice Jewish boy''s life.The Blood Red Indian Summer makes a fine and entertaining addition to David Handler''s award-winning, critically-acclaimed series.

The Coal Black Asphalt Tomb is the tenth in David Handler''s original and very funny Berger and Mitry mystery series featuring this engaging biracial couple. The historic New England village of Dorset has actually elected a living, breathing woman as its First Selectman. And now she''s about to undertake the Historic District''s biggest public works project in a generation–the widening and re-grading of Dorset Street. The job has needed doing for ages but the previous First Selectman, Bob Paffin, always opposed it. So did a lot of Dorset''s blue-blooded old guard. The long put-off dig uncovers a body buried underneath the pavement in front of the Congregational Church. It belongs to Lt. Lance Paffin, Bob Paffin''s older brother, a dashing U.S. Navy flyer who went missing off his sailboat the night of the country club''s spring dance more than forty years ago. Everyone had assumed he just left town. But now it''s clear Lance has been under Dorset Street this whole time, and that he was murdered.Des and Mitch soon discover that there are deep, dark secrets surrounding Dorset''s elite, and some very distinguished careers have been built on lies.

The Lavender Lane Lothario is the eleventh in David Handler''s original, hilarious and charming series featuring the engaging biracial couple that fans love. Every year, the Gant family performs an annual ritual desecrating the tomb of Aurora Bing. The Gants have held a grudge against the legendary silent film star for almost eighty years, but for Shem Gant and his son, things have become personal. Aurora''s only grandchild, Hubie Swope, has shut down Shem''s notoriously rowdy beachfront bar, and refuses to allow The Pit to reopen until Shem undertakes expensive upgrades. This means war. And when The Pit catches fire and Hubie Swope''s charred remains are found in the rubble, it also means murder.Who killed Hubie Swope? Crime-fighting duo Mitch and Des have no idea. Not only are Shem and his son prime suspects, but so are the women in Hubie''s life. To their surprise, Mitch and Des discover that Dorset''s building inspector, a quiet widower who repaired cuckoo clocks in his little house on Lavender Lane, was secretly juggling four girlfriends at once. And then there''s Gaylord Holland, a builder who had a beef of his own with Hubie. Dorset is in turmoil, and only New York City film critic Mitch Berger and Connecticut State Police Resident Trooper Des Mitry can put it back together.