The Hot Pink Farmhouse - Softcover

David Handler is the author of the highly praised Stewart Hoag series, which won him an Edgar nomination and an Edgar. He is coauthor (under a nom de plume) of the thriller Gideon. The first book in his new series featuring Berger and Mitry, The Cold Blue Blood, was published in 2001. Handler lives in Connecticut in a town somewhat like the fictional Dorset.

In A Loony Town Where Anything Goes...
So much for the peace and quiet New York film critic Mitch Berger expected to find in his antique carriage house overlooking Long Island Sound. Nothing can shelter him from the goings-on in nearby Dorset. A violent death in a speeding Porsche...an attempted suicide by the school superintendent...and dirty politics are about to propel Mitch out of the shadows into a starring role. And then there's his new love, resident state trooper Desiree Mitry...

A Loony Killer Is On The Loose
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. But as she soon learns, Dorset's bucolic exterior hides some ugly secrets. The femme fatale daughter of a famous local sculptor is killed in a car explosion that makes tabloid headlines. Now Des is on the case, saddled with a pushy former colleague, and reaching out to Mitch for an extra pair of eyes-and arms-in a case that threatens to tear the town apart...

Praise for David Handler's mystery novels

The Hot Pink Farmhouse:
"The author's skill at depicting everyone from young children to aging adults and investing his characters with delightful quirks or grievous flaws makes this a superior read. The romance between Des and Mitch, an ill-kept secret in tiny Dorset, and bits of film trivia woven smoothly into the narrative add zest."--Publishers Weekly

"The style in this book is smooth with tightly woven scenes and believable dialogue. Hangtown Frye is a uniquely lovable character...who stays true to himself throughout the whole novel. I recommend this book if you are looking for an enthralling read."--Mystery News

The Cold Blue Blood:
:"The Cold Blue Blood is the beginning of what looks to be a swell series. Berger and Mitry are wonderfully drawn characters, and the author has depicted Connecticut so splendidly it seems the most fascinating state in the Union. If I had a hat, I'd take it off to David Handler."
--Susan Isaacs, author of Compromising Positions and Long Time No See

"This book is a true delight. Chock full of wry observation and propelled by a compelling plot, The Cold Blue Blood is classic Handler. As for characters Berger and Mitry...they better come back and visit again; they're the best buddy team to come along in years."
--Jeffery Deaver, author of The Blue Nowhere and The Empty Chair

"Mitch is a terrific character, full of passion and sensitivity...The New York color is perfectly rendered, as is the Connecticut salt. Here's hoping for many more stories of Des and Mitch."
--Booklist

"Can a tough African-American cop with a soft spot for feral cats find happiness with a nice Jewish boy who says he does his best work in the dark? Here's hoping that Handler...explores this question in more first-rate puzzlers."--Kirkus Reviews

"Definitely an odd-couple team we look forward to seeing more of in future installments of this delightful new series."-Denver Post