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Berger and Mitry #8
The Blood Red Indian Summer
This newest 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.
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.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2011
5 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
David Handler
53 books260 followersAKA Russell Andrews (with Peter Gethers)
David Handler, who began his career in New York as a journalist, was born and raised in Los Angeles and published two highly acclaimed novels about growing up there, Kiddo and Boss, before resorting to a life of crime fiction.
David Handler, who began his career in New York as a journalist, was born and raised in Los Angeles and published two highly acclaimed novels about growing up there, Kiddo and Boss, before resorting to a life of crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 24, 2012
Very, very late in this book we are about to unmask the bad guy. All the major players are in a room together including our intrepid Trooper Des Mitry and her helpful boyfriend, movie critic Mitch Berger.
A witness, an old man, has spoken up and fingered one person in particular in the room particular for the bad deed. The suspect takes exception:
After more questions and more suspicions, the now main suspect continues to try to discredit the old man. Except another witness pipes up and breaks silence. This witness has a questionable past and may not be viewed as credible:
Basically, throughout the whole book, Mitch was on wise-cracking fire. From his early paranoid panic about his parents visiting to meet Des to his pathological need to compare everything to a movie, Mitch was the star of this book.
My enjoyment of Mitch plus the no-nonsense Des and my continuing enjoyment of the different denizens of Dorset is what makes this book a 3-star. The mystery certainly doesn't. It is as thin as rice paper and barely merits being called a mystery. Rather, it read more like a crime novel where stuff gets miraculously solved in the end by two witnesses who finally speak up at the right moment. The early Berger/Mitry mysteries had a much more cozy mystery feel than this one. The "guest stars" were interesting and I think Handler had the seeds of some very fascinating characters, but he didn't really develop them well.
Still, this was a quick read that went down really easily and was a fun while it was happening. Don'tt read it for the mystery -- you'll be disappointed. Read it if you are a B&M fan and if you enjoy Mitch's brand of neurotic humor.
A witness, an old man, has spoken up and fingered one person in particular in the room particular for the bad deed. The suspect takes exception:
"That old man has Alzheimer's!"
"Frontotemporal dementia actually," Mitch said.
"Are you taking his word over mine?"
"I can't speak for the others," Mitch said. "But I am going with the old guy with dementia."
After more questions and more suspicions, the now main suspect continues to try to discredit the old man. Except another witness pipes up and breaks silence. This witness has a questionable past and may not be viewed as credible:
"Don't pay her no mind. The woman's an old crack whore. You going to listen to her or me?"
"I can't speak for the others," Mitch said. "But I'm going with the crack whore."
Basically, throughout the whole book, Mitch was on wise-cracking fire. From his early paranoid panic about his parents visiting to meet Des to his pathological need to compare everything to a movie, Mitch was the star of this book.
My enjoyment of Mitch plus the no-nonsense Des and my continuing enjoyment of the different denizens of Dorset is what makes this book a 3-star. The mystery certainly doesn't. It is as thin as rice paper and barely merits being called a mystery. Rather, it read more like a crime novel where stuff gets miraculously solved in the end by two witnesses who finally speak up at the right moment. The early Berger/Mitry mysteries had a much more cozy mystery feel than this one. The "guest stars" were interesting and I think Handler had the seeds of some very fascinating characters, but he didn't really develop them well.
Still, this was a quick read that went down really easily and was a fun while it was happening. Don'tt read it for the mystery -- you'll be disappointed. Read it if you are a B&M fan and if you enjoy Mitch's brand of neurotic humor.
October 25, 2011
Resident trooper Des Mitry is getting complaints about a new family in rustic Dorset. Da Beast, Tyrone Grantham, is a suspended NFL player whose persona is tough, not genteel. Papparazzi follow him around and clog the winding streets. And, of course, he, like Des, is African-American. When his sister-in-law is found almost dead, she won't tell the police what happened to her. But everyone suspects that Tyrone's recent efforts to reform have not been successful. Des's significant other, movie critic Mitch Berger, puts the pieces together and comes up with a different total.
July 16, 2019
This is no doubt one of the funniest installments of the series, with multiple laugh-out-loud lines..."Happily Mitch did not share his father's fashion sense. Mr. Berger's salmon-colored slacks were yanked up so high it was a wonder the man could swallow". Mitch's parents, Chet and Ruth Berger, have come up from Florida for a visit, to meet Des...and to give Mitch some news, which he has overthought to one or the other or both with cancer. The recently buffed up Mitch is stuffing his face with donuts and potato chips for all his nerves and fears. Des is not faring much better, her tight stomach diet preventing her from eating. Plus her father is recovering from bypass surgery at her house, depressed and watching reruns of NCIS and never taking his coat off. But Des' current police case will pull him out of his funk.
Tyrone Grantham and his entourage have bought an estate on Turkey Neck Road and surrounded the many acres with wire fence topped with razor wire...with the exception of a cut out hole. Granthamn is a huge and quick to enrage NFL star waiting out his suspension for an altercation with a loser, Stewart Plotka, who confronts him and his wife in a restaurant, accusing him of sleeping with his fiance and ruining their lives. He and his attorney, Andrea Halperin, are in town to pressure a settlement on Plotka's suit against Grantham. The papparazzi are swarming in front of the estate, tying up traffic. The estate includes Tyrone's pregnant wife Jamella Jameson, and her sister, Kinitra, a budding new music talent. His brother, Rondell Grantham, a Wharton graduate, manages their investments and business, and is love with Kinitra. Clarence Bellows, 6'9" tall, is Tyrone's cousin, was kicked out of Clemson. Moms, is Tyrone's reformed mother, a fabulous cook, and Calvin Jameson, Jamella's and Kinitra's father, has been in and out of prison all his life, now living off of Tyrone. This group swells considerable during a party intended to be small but is attended by unknown persons as Calvin lets anyone in who shows up with young girls.
The entire fiasco is compounded by the neighbors Justy and Bonita Bond, and June, their son who live next door. Justy owns the failing car dealership, and objects to the Granthams in a clearly racially biased way. Across from the Grantham estate, is the crumbling home of Luanne and Lila Joshua, and their brother-in-law, Winston, who is suffering from a dementia that up his libido and reduces his inhibitions. Winston also visits the party through the hole in the fence, in order to bite the "bum" of a nubile young "colored" girl, which inevitable leads to a fight.
It all comes to a head when a nearly dead Kinitra washes up on Mitch's beach, pleading that they not take her back to the estate. She is 18 year old, pregnant, and decides to claim that she had been in a consensual relationship with another ball player, but the evidence says otherwise...that she has been repeatedly raped, and abused. Des calls in the state police, Yolie Snipes and her partner Toni Tedone. While there is no criminal case with Kinitra refusing to acknowledge the rape, Des believes there is nasty business going on at the Grantham, and Tyrone is high on the list, with his temper and his reputation for young girls.
When Plotka and his attorney are murdered, there is a case. It appears that Tyrone is the lead suspect again. It takes Mitch, who remembers something that Winston said that leads to his confrontation with the family and to the killer. Ruth shares her gratitude to Des for saving Mitch. He was so depressed after Maisie had died, and Des brought it out of it...she believes that not Maisie but Des is Mitch's soul mate. Such a satisfying read. I highly recommend this series, and start it from the beginning.
Tyrone Grantham and his entourage have bought an estate on Turkey Neck Road and surrounded the many acres with wire fence topped with razor wire...with the exception of a cut out hole. Granthamn is a huge and quick to enrage NFL star waiting out his suspension for an altercation with a loser, Stewart Plotka, who confronts him and his wife in a restaurant, accusing him of sleeping with his fiance and ruining their lives. He and his attorney, Andrea Halperin, are in town to pressure a settlement on Plotka's suit against Grantham. The papparazzi are swarming in front of the estate, tying up traffic. The estate includes Tyrone's pregnant wife Jamella Jameson, and her sister, Kinitra, a budding new music talent. His brother, Rondell Grantham, a Wharton graduate, manages their investments and business, and is love with Kinitra. Clarence Bellows, 6'9" tall, is Tyrone's cousin, was kicked out of Clemson. Moms, is Tyrone's reformed mother, a fabulous cook, and Calvin Jameson, Jamella's and Kinitra's father, has been in and out of prison all his life, now living off of Tyrone. This group swells considerable during a party intended to be small but is attended by unknown persons as Calvin lets anyone in who shows up with young girls.
The entire fiasco is compounded by the neighbors Justy and Bonita Bond, and June, their son who live next door. Justy owns the failing car dealership, and objects to the Granthams in a clearly racially biased way. Across from the Grantham estate, is the crumbling home of Luanne and Lila Joshua, and their brother-in-law, Winston, who is suffering from a dementia that up his libido and reduces his inhibitions. Winston also visits the party through the hole in the fence, in order to bite the "bum" of a nubile young "colored" girl, which inevitable leads to a fight.
It all comes to a head when a nearly dead Kinitra washes up on Mitch's beach, pleading that they not take her back to the estate. She is 18 year old, pregnant, and decides to claim that she had been in a consensual relationship with another ball player, but the evidence says otherwise...that she has been repeatedly raped, and abused. Des calls in the state police, Yolie Snipes and her partner Toni Tedone. While there is no criminal case with Kinitra refusing to acknowledge the rape, Des believes there is nasty business going on at the Grantham, and Tyrone is high on the list, with his temper and his reputation for young girls.
When Plotka and his attorney are murdered, there is a case. It appears that Tyrone is the lead suspect again. It takes Mitch, who remembers something that Winston said that leads to his confrontation with the family and to the killer. Ruth shares her gratitude to Des for saving Mitch. He was so depressed after Maisie had died, and Des brought it out of it...she believes that not Maisie but Des is Mitch's soul mate. Such a satisfying read. I highly recommend this series, and start it from the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2017
David Handler has written a series of mysteries featuring the investigative duo Berger and Mitry. The Blood Red Indian Summer is Book #8.
Des Mitry has a lot on her plate. She's worried about her dad who is residing with her while he recovers from open heart surgery. The recuperation was successful, but her tough as nails father, assistant detective of the local police department, has lost his mojo.
Now she has to deal with a football legend who has moved into the New England village of Dorset along with the newscasters and paparazzi waiting for the NFL Champion Linebacker to mess up. As a Connecticut State Trooper, it's her job to keep the peace and placate the neighbor who doesn't like the noise and confusion of the new family next door, especially since they're black.
Checking up on the complaints, Des is welcomed into Tyrone "Da Beast" Grantham's home and introduced to the extended family who lives there - including his brother, cousin, mother, pregnant wife, sister in law, and father in law. All Tyrone wants is some peace and quiet while he waits out his one year NFL suspension resulting from the negative publicity following a questionable altercation with a charlatan hoping for a nice settlement.
Grantham is very gracious, but watch out if he loses his temper and changes into a beast with the temperament of the Incredible Hulk.
Complicating matters in Des' life is the arrival of her boyfriend's parents. She expects a problem since she isn't white or Jewish like her significant other. Yet she and Mitch Berger get along so well together, in spite of his obsession with movie trivia. Plus Mitch helps her figure out the truth behind the various crimes she investigates. A series of incidents point to Da Beast as the guilty party, and even his own family thinks him capable of murder, but Des needs proof before she can make an arrest.
There's a lot going on with numerous plots and subplots thrown into the mix making it difficult to keep the various characters straight. The murder happens late in the book, almost as an after thought, and the resolution is abrupt and disturbing. However, Des and Mitch are interesting characters who capture our interest and their eccentric parents add a nice touch despite the tendency for the author to stereotype his characters.
Ultimately, an excess of miscellanea along with a flawed plot distracts the reader and keeps this book from becoming a top notch mystery. Three stars is generous. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.
Des Mitry has a lot on her plate. She's worried about her dad who is residing with her while he recovers from open heart surgery. The recuperation was successful, but her tough as nails father, assistant detective of the local police department, has lost his mojo.
Now she has to deal with a football legend who has moved into the New England village of Dorset along with the newscasters and paparazzi waiting for the NFL Champion Linebacker to mess up. As a Connecticut State Trooper, it's her job to keep the peace and placate the neighbor who doesn't like the noise and confusion of the new family next door, especially since they're black.
Checking up on the complaints, Des is welcomed into Tyrone "Da Beast" Grantham's home and introduced to the extended family who lives there - including his brother, cousin, mother, pregnant wife, sister in law, and father in law. All Tyrone wants is some peace and quiet while he waits out his one year NFL suspension resulting from the negative publicity following a questionable altercation with a charlatan hoping for a nice settlement.
Grantham is very gracious, but watch out if he loses his temper and changes into a beast with the temperament of the Incredible Hulk.
Complicating matters in Des' life is the arrival of her boyfriend's parents. She expects a problem since she isn't white or Jewish like her significant other. Yet she and Mitch Berger get along so well together, in spite of his obsession with movie trivia. Plus Mitch helps her figure out the truth behind the various crimes she investigates. A series of incidents point to Da Beast as the guilty party, and even his own family thinks him capable of murder, but Des needs proof before she can make an arrest.
There's a lot going on with numerous plots and subplots thrown into the mix making it difficult to keep the various characters straight. The murder happens late in the book, almost as an after thought, and the resolution is abrupt and disturbing. However, Des and Mitch are interesting characters who capture our interest and their eccentric parents add a nice touch despite the tendency for the author to stereotype his characters.
Ultimately, an excess of miscellanea along with a flawed plot distracts the reader and keeps this book from becoming a top notch mystery. Three stars is generous. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.
December 10, 2019
Des and Mitch are both nervous about different things. His parents are coming up from Florida to meet Des and he's both confident that they'll love his lady and afraid that they might be unhappy that she's African American. Des is worried about her father, who has mostly recovered from quadruple bypass surgery but isn't back on track to be his usual self.
Then there's the problem of the new resident of Dorset, an African American NFL star who has been suspended for excessive violence. Tyrone Grantham, known as Da Beast on and off the field, has brought his pregnant wife and their extended families along for some peace and quiet, which he's not getting, not from the media and not from his unhappy neighbors.
When Grantham's young sister-in-law is discovered half drowned, further complications ensue when she won't tell anybody any details of what happened, or why she's pregnant.
I like this series, especially the main characters.
Then there's the problem of the new resident of Dorset, an African American NFL star who has been suspended for excessive violence. Tyrone Grantham, known as Da Beast on and off the field, has brought his pregnant wife and their extended families along for some peace and quiet, which he's not getting, not from the media and not from his unhappy neighbors.
When Grantham's young sister-in-law is discovered half drowned, further complications ensue when she won't tell anybody any details of what happened, or why she's pregnant.
I like this series, especially the main characters.
October 26, 2018
This guy is really skillful. Each in the series hits the mark!
We get to know a bit more about our Dynamic Duo and about the quaint and quirky New England village of Dorset.
As is often the case (but never seems to get old) something washes up onto Mitch's beach and someone moves into Dorset to place all the superficial tranquility into jeopardy!
And, as a pleasant bonus, Mitch's parents come from their retirement community to meet State Resident trooper Des. This is an additional stress for her, since she's also hosting her Deputy Superintendent of Connecticut State police father while he convalesces.
Entertaining and skillfully pulled together for our reading pleasure!
We get to know a bit more about our Dynamic Duo and about the quaint and quirky New England village of Dorset.
As is often the case (but never seems to get old) something washes up onto Mitch's beach and someone moves into Dorset to place all the superficial tranquility into jeopardy!
And, as a pleasant bonus, Mitch's parents come from their retirement community to meet State Resident trooper Des. This is an additional stress for her, since she's also hosting her Deputy Superintendent of Connecticut State police father while he convalesces.
Entertaining and skillfully pulled together for our reading pleasure!
March 11, 2025
A good book, easily read in the Berger and Mitry series by David Handler. A body - not dead yet - is washed up on Mitch's beach. The puzzle is what is she doing there and how will she cope with the facts and evidence which took her into the cold water to begin with. This book is a really quick read, and the prose is tight while still leaving room for nuance. The introduction of Mitch's parents was a nice addition of character to the storyline. I will continue to read this series.
Borrowed from the Savannah, GA Public library.
Borrowed from the Savannah, GA Public library.
January 16, 2024
David Handler's books are always engaging. His characters are quirky yet real and you feel like it's someone you know. The mysteries often appear straightforward but come with a twist. He presents the sunny side of life as well as the uncomfortably dark side of life in equal measure, which can, at times, feel extremely disturbing.
January 29, 2024
This is my 8th time to review a book in this excellent murder mystery series featuring my favourite crime solving couple, Mitch Berger and Desiree Mitry. They have never failed to entertain! I love the characters, the twists of the story and the location 😊
June 27, 2024
Read for the summer library reading bingo square “a book with ‘summer’ in the title”.
A messy mystery-thriller, not hallmark-esque or cozy mystery but definitely still has tropes common for that genre (most obviously everyone gathering in a room for the reveal).
A messy mystery-thriller, not hallmark-esque or cozy mystery but definitely still has tropes common for that genre (most obviously everyone gathering in a room for the reveal).
September 29, 2024
I like this series because it takes place in Connecticut. I was not a fan of this book though because there were too many racist and sexist tropes, in my opinion. I had a tough time getting through it.
July 31, 2017
Suspended NFL player moves to Dorset. Crimes occur. Mitch and Des solve them.
December 3, 2017
At least the answers don’t come out of nowhere. Still to many unanswered questions. What about Youlie and the ny detective? Was June lying about his stepmom, still a happy ending.
January 23, 2019
I think this is my favorite in the series.
Well written.
Well written.
December 5, 2021
Pretty good semi cozy mystery. Kept my interest.
April 8, 2022
Great read - love this series.
June 23, 2022
3.5 A great addition to a great series. The duo of Mitry/Berger is great and the murder investigation just motors along with a zinger or two about the murder.
October 10, 2024
A good mystery (I mostly figured out) with all the usual characters.
June 2, 2025
Light on content, heavy on stereotype. This series had been my go to instead of television. Television might have been better.
February 2, 2012
I love this series. I enjoy that it takes place in Connecticut and I can visualize the places that are mentioned. I enjoy the little digs that the author makes about the power structure of the Connecticut State Police and about the moneyed life of the residents of the fictional town of Dorset. This book, which is the eighth in the series, continues the story of Mitch Berger and Des Mitry. The opening chapter starts the book off with an emotional situation and outcome that gets your attention immediately.
Des and Mitch are rebuilding their relationship after a rough patch and the ultimate test is coming. Des is going to meet Mitch’s parents. She is worried about the upcoming meeting and about her father, who is recuperating from surgery. Mitch has worries of his own as his parents have been behaving strangely and he is convinced there is something they aren’t telling him.
In the middle of all this, we have the family of Tyrone Grantham temporarily staying in Dorset. The description of how the prickly, native Nutmeggers react to a bad boy African American NFL star in their midst is very realistic. Des is in the middle of the residents and the “outsider” and she feels the pressure. When a Grantham family member washes up on the beach in a bad way, all kinds of possibilities are exposed. There is the angry neighbor, the nutty neighbor, the sleazy relatives, and a money grubbing, publicity seeking, gadfly.
A long running theme in the books is how the female troopers are treated by the good old boy network and how that hampers their ability to do their job. Des has survived by being very good at her job and by keeping a few aces up her sleeve when needed. In this book she gets to work with 2 other female investigators and it adds interest to the story, especially as one is the sister of Des’s nemesis in the Department. Des also gets input from her father, the highest ranking African American officer in the CSP.
Mitch is his usual movie geek self, reframing situations in terms of favorite movies. He helps his neighbors, enjoys his life in the neighborhood, and helps Des when he can. Their relationship is so enjoyable to read about. I love it when she calls him “doughboy”. In this book she picks up another interesting nickname much to Mitch’s chagrin. They balance each other in so many ways, which helps her get through some rough situations, including the conclusion of this investigation.
It has been a while since the previous book in the series. I hope the next one won’t be as long coming.
Des and Mitch are rebuilding their relationship after a rough patch and the ultimate test is coming. Des is going to meet Mitch’s parents. She is worried about the upcoming meeting and about her father, who is recuperating from surgery. Mitch has worries of his own as his parents have been behaving strangely and he is convinced there is something they aren’t telling him.
In the middle of all this, we have the family of Tyrone Grantham temporarily staying in Dorset. The description of how the prickly, native Nutmeggers react to a bad boy African American NFL star in their midst is very realistic. Des is in the middle of the residents and the “outsider” and she feels the pressure. When a Grantham family member washes up on the beach in a bad way, all kinds of possibilities are exposed. There is the angry neighbor, the nutty neighbor, the sleazy relatives, and a money grubbing, publicity seeking, gadfly.
A long running theme in the books is how the female troopers are treated by the good old boy network and how that hampers their ability to do their job. Des has survived by being very good at her job and by keeping a few aces up her sleeve when needed. In this book she gets to work with 2 other female investigators and it adds interest to the story, especially as one is the sister of Des’s nemesis in the Department. Des also gets input from her father, the highest ranking African American officer in the CSP.
Mitch is his usual movie geek self, reframing situations in terms of favorite movies. He helps his neighbors, enjoys his life in the neighborhood, and helps Des when he can. Their relationship is so enjoyable to read about. I love it when she calls him “doughboy”. In this book she picks up another interesting nickname much to Mitch’s chagrin. They balance each other in so many ways, which helps her get through some rough situations, including the conclusion of this investigation.
It has been a while since the previous book in the series. I hope the next one won’t be as long coming.
January 16, 2015
This is the 8th installment of the Berger and Mitry series. As stated in prior reviews of Mr. Handler's books I am a native of Old Lyme, CT (the fictional town of Dorset) and the landmarks and buildings were easily identifiable.
In this book we find Mitch and Des dealing with the impending meeting of their parents for the first time. Both are extremely on edge due to Des being black and Mitch being a Jewish widower. We've gotten to know Des' father throughout the series as he is the Superintendent of the CT state police and her boss and it was nice to finally get to know Mitch's parents and discover their quirks.
The mystery revolves around the mansion of an NFL player who is on disciplinary leave from the league for anger issues. His sister in law has been raped and is pregnant but will not reveal who has been repeatedly violating her. While the subject matter is difficult it was handled well by Mr. Handler.
As usual, the proofreader needs some assistance. Many typos and grammatical errors but fortunately not as bad as some of the others in the series.
Again, as in other books in this series there is often a side storyline (or a red herring) which is discussed at length throughout the mystery. In this case the NFL player is being accused of defiling another woman and is being sued by her now boyfriend. However, while the question of who raped his sister in law is answered and the two subsequent murders that occur are solved - Mr. Handler never addresses whether or not the NFL player was guilty or not. I find this the case in most of the books in this series and really wish the author who tie up all loose ends before bidding us farewell.
A quick, easy read and now on to the next.
In this book we find Mitch and Des dealing with the impending meeting of their parents for the first time. Both are extremely on edge due to Des being black and Mitch being a Jewish widower. We've gotten to know Des' father throughout the series as he is the Superintendent of the CT state police and her boss and it was nice to finally get to know Mitch's parents and discover their quirks.
The mystery revolves around the mansion of an NFL player who is on disciplinary leave from the league for anger issues. His sister in law has been raped and is pregnant but will not reveal who has been repeatedly violating her. While the subject matter is difficult it was handled well by Mr. Handler.
As usual, the proofreader needs some assistance. Many typos and grammatical errors but fortunately not as bad as some of the others in the series.
Again, as in other books in this series there is often a side storyline (or a red herring) which is discussed at length throughout the mystery. In this case the NFL player is being accused of defiling another woman and is being sued by her now boyfriend. However, while the question of who raped his sister in law is answered and the two subsequent murders that occur are solved - Mr. Handler never addresses whether or not the NFL player was guilty or not. I find this the case in most of the books in this series and really wish the author who tie up all loose ends before bidding us farewell.
A quick, easy read and now on to the next.
November 26, 2011
Another great entry in the Mitry/Berger series. It's time for the parents to meet. Mitch's folks return from Florida to meet Des and Des' dad, The Deacon, is staying at Des' house while recovering from heart surgery and they plan dinner for everyone. Of course, it's interrupted by a murder. Des is the Resident State Trooper for the Dorset, Connecticut area. The family and hangers-on of Tyrone Grantham are staying in Dorset while he serves an NFL suspension. Da Beast is persona non grata; his wife is pregnant and her younger sister tries to commit suicide. Oh yeah, there's also the guy suing Tyrone for raping his girlfriend. It's a huge mess for Des to figure out. I always enjoy reading this series. Des and Mitch are great together and they work well to solve the crimes Des is working on and Mitch always gets involved in, too. Recommended.
February 11, 2016
I would say that this was a "middle of the road" book, in my opinion, as far as mysteries go. This book does have some elements that I didn't think were important until later on when everything was all wrapped up. I also feel that it does touch on the sensitive subject of rape, so it's definitely an adult mystery. I really enjoyed the relationship of the two main character, Des and Mitchell. Even their relationship had some suspense to it. There always seemed to be something or someone interrupting their time together. However, as far as the "mystery" part or investigation goes, I feel it was a little predictable in the end, but there was still enough intrigue to keep me reading. It is a nice quick mystery read.
January 8, 2022
Although the last of the warm weather is lingering, it is time for film critic Mitch Berger to compile his annual Halloween list of scary movies. A famous and volatile football player has decided to spend a season with various hangers-on in Dorset, creating quite a headache for State Trooper Des Mitry. Mitch gets involved while delivering food to a nearby neighbor who suffers from an embarrassing form of dementia. Meanwhile Mitch’s parents are on their way to Connecticut to meet Des, who is also taking care of her father after major surgery. Their awkward family dinner party is disrupted by a report of a murder. A not very likeable cast of characters and very little mystery in the mystery plot. This story was not much of a lure to continue with the series.
January 19, 2015
Tyrone “Da Beast” Grantham, football superstar with a notoriously volatile temper, has just bought a house in the old money town of Dorset, Connecticut. The neighbors appeal to African-American state trooper Desiree Mitry to have “a talk” with their neighbor. But Da Beast has done nothing wrong, until his sister-in-law washes up on the beach, after nearly drowning. While Des investigates, she can keep her mind off the impending visit from Florida of her honey’s parents. What could possibly go wrong?
November 22, 2011
This is book two in our latest mystery blog quest of reading mysteries set in a particular state. (www.thewhodunitpundits.blogspot.com) As I live in CT, I thought this a great choice and it lived up to my expectations. I admit I jumped into the series right in the middle, but I was able to follow the plot and character interactions with ease. I look forward to backtracking and reading the earlier novel that set these two characters on their path.
September 10, 2013
My favourite book in the series so far. I hope there's another one. Des and Mitch's parents meet for the first time, also their first time meeting Des.
This one follows a bad boy NFL player who has moved to the area with his new family to improve his reputation with a more sedate lifestyle. Unfortunately, and not surprisingly it isn't quieter and ends in murder and mayhem. A very well written story, with thought out characters.
This one follows a bad boy NFL player who has moved to the area with his new family to improve his reputation with a more sedate lifestyle. Unfortunately, and not surprisingly it isn't quieter and ends in murder and mayhem. A very well written story, with thought out characters.
August 5, 2016
I loved this book. It is brutal in some ways but it brings out a stigma that exist in families that most people try to keep hidden. Berger and Mitry's love affair is also blooming. This is also a series that I have started reviewing on my book review blogs. I have written only three of the reviews because I got upset with the breakup between the two main protagonists. However, I have read the whole series and was extremely happy when they got back together in book six. A great read.
August 30, 2015
I love this series and respect the author for the way he protrays a black woman, He does so with respect, making her into a strong individual. The relationship between her and Mitch is anazing. There is one action of Dez. that almost makes me hate her, almost.
The mysteries are well thought out and the outcome for each is one I could have never guessed.
The mysteries are well thought out and the outcome for each is one I could have never guessed.
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