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Berger and Mitry #2
The Hot Pink Farmhouse
Mitch stammered, stunned. It had just hit him. He had not happened upon just any old wino. The man standing down in the bin was Dorset's most famous and reclusive resident, Wendell Frye, the man who had single-handedly redefined modern American sculpture...His towering, breathtaking scrap-metal sculptures graced plazas and parks throughout the world, his name echoing alongside that of Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi ad Ellsworth Kelly...If the art critic from Mitch's paper somehow got a chance to meet him, she would, well, plotz.. And here Mitch was standing in a dumpster talking to him about Abbott and Costello.
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 . Here Handler carries on their sharp, inimitable and lively adventures to further delight his readers.
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 . Here Handler carries on their sharp, inimitable and lively adventures to further delight his readers.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
26 people are currently reading
254 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 60 reviews
May 30, 2025
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I got “The Bright Silver Star” by David Handler on sale, an unusual foray in many ways. Gobbling gothic mysteries until my twenties, I was oblivious to series. I felt details missing. Sure enough this was volume three. I did not locate the first two easily! It got three stars, backing up to “The Cold Blue Blood” garnered five, and it is no surprise “The Hot Pink Farmhouse”, 2002, receives five stars. Humorous covers do not guarantee “cozy”. I seldom read male authors or protagonists and noticed grimmer subject exploration and bluntness. The genre people forget is: “standard adult mystery”.
Mitch Berger is a film critic, pleased to leave New York and embrace the wilds of Massachusetts. Desiree Mitry is a gorgeous black officer, with an important Father, who fell for Mitch and moved too. She excelled with Connecticut homicide. These three USA states are close. David’s compassionate narrative stems from his lead characters’ feelings, which is how to get people enthralled with stories. They are properly layered personages too. Mitch is a softie but smart and braver than he seems. In Desiree, we have a cat-rescuer, a keen artist, and someone glad to be a state trooper for local people. This novel is all about a variety of problems children face and about how they are helped.
It is about how bizarre family relationships, built on guilt and secrets, can erupt in irrational acts that make sense solely to them. We hear about a long-ago unidentified girl who was buried. What a surprise that she was from my city, Winnipeg! Just a note that Manitobans proudly share where we are from and would not hop into a sack without having discussed last names and anecdotes! In the company of new American friends especially, we all love swapping homeland stories.
I got “The Bright Silver Star” by David Handler on sale, an unusual foray in many ways. Gobbling gothic mysteries until my twenties, I was oblivious to series. I felt details missing. Sure enough this was volume three. I did not locate the first two easily! It got three stars, backing up to “The Cold Blue Blood” garnered five, and it is no surprise “The Hot Pink Farmhouse”, 2002, receives five stars. Humorous covers do not guarantee “cozy”. I seldom read male authors or protagonists and noticed grimmer subject exploration and bluntness. The genre people forget is: “standard adult mystery”.
Mitch Berger is a film critic, pleased to leave New York and embrace the wilds of Massachusetts. Desiree Mitry is a gorgeous black officer, with an important Father, who fell for Mitch and moved too. She excelled with Connecticut homicide. These three USA states are close. David’s compassionate narrative stems from his lead characters’ feelings, which is how to get people enthralled with stories. They are properly layered personages too. Mitch is a softie but smart and braver than he seems. In Desiree, we have a cat-rescuer, a keen artist, and someone glad to be a state trooper for local people. This novel is all about a variety of problems children face and about how they are helped.
It is about how bizarre family relationships, built on guilt and secrets, can erupt in irrational acts that make sense solely to them. We hear about a long-ago unidentified girl who was buried. What a surprise that she was from my city, Winnipeg! Just a note that Manitobans proudly share where we are from and would not hop into a sack without having discussed last names and anecdotes! In the company of new American friends especially, we all love swapping homeland stories.
October 9, 2017
I enjoyed this installment of the Berger and Mitry series and I'm looking forward to continuing. I like that Handler is slowly building a strong relationship that feels genuine between the two protagonists and I even enjoy the slightly over the top insular community where all of the actions take place. If you are looking for a cozy mystery series with a touch of romance (no full on sex scenes) that are quick and entertaining reads I would definitely say give this one a try!
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You can find me at:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
August 21, 2013
I found this book mysogynisitic and it seemed to be completely out-of-nowhere after the first one in the series.
This book considered
- the artist beating his wife, NBD.
- the realtor daughter (Tiana?) being scarred by witnessing it & her mother's subsequent lonely death - unreasonable.
- dirty old man = delightful.
- the artist killing someone, NBD because she was wild?
WTF, David Handler?
This book considered
- the artist beating his wife, NBD.
- the realtor daughter (Tiana?) being scarred by witnessing it & her mother's subsequent lonely death - unreasonable.
- dirty old man = delightful.
- the artist killing someone, NBD because she was wild?
WTF, David Handler?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2011
Any of the Berger & Mitry books are worth reading. The characters are so real that you feel as if you are part of their inner circle.
December 3, 2014
The Hot Pink Farmhouse is the second book in the Mitch Berger and Des Mitry series. Mitch Berger is a well known film critic for a New York City newspaper.
He recently moved to Big Sister Island near Dorset Connecticut. Des Mitry followed him to Dorset. She gave up a high level job in the state police homicide department in order to pursue her interest in art. She is attending an art school in Dorset but her main occupation is being a local trooper for the area.
I am very happy that I found this series as I am enjoying it very much. I liked The Cold Blue Blood which is the first book in the series very much too. The prologue of both books have started off with a murder. What I like about the series are the two main characters and the location the series is set in. Mitch always seems to say the right thing to the bad guys and the good guys. He seems to relate well to almost all the people he meets. Des is a strong female character who in her off-time rescues feral cats and finds a home for them. She is very skilled at solving crimes. They have a budding romance but it doesn't overwhelm the mystery part of the book. Some mysteries seem more romance than mystery. This book is about characters and plot. The story line alternates between Mitch and Des. I hope Bella who is Des's friend will play a bigger part in the next book The Bright Silver Star as she is an interesting and entertaining secondary character. The author described this series as an classic old school village murder mystery with a contemporary edge. If you like mysteries similar to this, should try the first book The Cold Blue Blood. It will set the background for the series. I know I am very happy that I did as I have a good series to follow now. However, the series does not have to be read in order.
He recently moved to Big Sister Island near Dorset Connecticut. Des Mitry followed him to Dorset. She gave up a high level job in the state police homicide department in order to pursue her interest in art. She is attending an art school in Dorset but her main occupation is being a local trooper for the area.
I am very happy that I found this series as I am enjoying it very much. I liked The Cold Blue Blood which is the first book in the series very much too. The prologue of both books have started off with a murder. What I like about the series are the two main characters and the location the series is set in. Mitch always seems to say the right thing to the bad guys and the good guys. He seems to relate well to almost all the people he meets. Des is a strong female character who in her off-time rescues feral cats and finds a home for them. She is very skilled at solving crimes. They have a budding romance but it doesn't overwhelm the mystery part of the book. Some mysteries seem more romance than mystery. This book is about characters and plot. The story line alternates between Mitch and Des. I hope Bella who is Des's friend will play a bigger part in the next book The Bright Silver Star as she is an interesting and entertaining secondary character. The author described this series as an classic old school village murder mystery with a contemporary edge. If you like mysteries similar to this, should try the first book The Cold Blue Blood. It will set the background for the series. I know I am very happy that I did as I have a good series to follow now. However, the series does not have to be read in order.
April 26, 2016
Think of yourself as growing one day younger each and every day for the rest of your life. (A statement made by Hangtown Frye in The Hot Pink Farmhouse by David Handler)
A car explosion, a squeaky mattress, an undiscovered grave, a secret past, voyeurism, teenage vandalism, and unrequited acceptance weave a thread of malice and murder in The Hot Pink Farmhouse by David Handler.
The famous recluse, Wendell Frye, better known as, Hangtown and his alluring, attractive, sexy daughter Takai joins Berger and Mitry as main characters. Character names can sometimes give us insight into a town and the people who live within it. In book 2, is the name Hangtown not only Wendell Frye's nickname but projects an image of Berger and Mitry becoming the new crime fighting duo hung up in the small town of Dorset.
The Hot Pink Farmhouse themes run parallel: the solution to murder, vandalism by teenagers and a voyeur that gets joy out of spying on his female next door neighbors.
Of course, it takes Berger and his having seen things before they happen and Mitry and her cleverness to come up with solutions.
The Hot Pink Farmhouse also presents a Resident Trooper whose conscience plagues her and hinders her from pulling the trigger, and the man who sees the finality of her hesitation.
It is another crime fiction mystery that teaches that life is not always what it seems.
Another enjoyable read, and it can be purchased at Amazon.de.
Shalom Aleichem,
Pat Garcia
A car explosion, a squeaky mattress, an undiscovered grave, a secret past, voyeurism, teenage vandalism, and unrequited acceptance weave a thread of malice and murder in The Hot Pink Farmhouse by David Handler.
The famous recluse, Wendell Frye, better known as, Hangtown and his alluring, attractive, sexy daughter Takai joins Berger and Mitry as main characters. Character names can sometimes give us insight into a town and the people who live within it. In book 2, is the name Hangtown not only Wendell Frye's nickname but projects an image of Berger and Mitry becoming the new crime fighting duo hung up in the small town of Dorset.
The Hot Pink Farmhouse themes run parallel: the solution to murder, vandalism by teenagers and a voyeur that gets joy out of spying on his female next door neighbors.
Of course, it takes Berger and his having seen things before they happen and Mitry and her cleverness to come up with solutions.
The Hot Pink Farmhouse also presents a Resident Trooper whose conscience plagues her and hinders her from pulling the trigger, and the man who sees the finality of her hesitation.
It is another crime fiction mystery that teaches that life is not always what it seems.
Another enjoyable read, and it can be purchased at Amazon.de.
Shalom Aleichem,
Pat Garcia
March 5, 2019
Berger and Mitry are just adorable and so funny ! You just want to keep reading about their lives and the murders they solve.
June 12, 2014
I'm being generous with the 3 stars when really I'd give it more of a 2.5 or 2.75. Let's be honest I just picked up this book because of the cover and the title. I mean, Hot Pink Farmhouse? That should totally be MY house! Anyway, the story was good but it was just so scattered and so many characters that it just didn't keep my attention because I never really felt vested in any of them except maybe Des. The fact that it's taken me so long to read it when normally I can finish a book within a few days is the first sign that this book just didn't grab me. It did get better middle to end but by then I was over it and really had to force myself to just finish it because I hate getting that far in a book and quitting. Might as well finish but I was really ready for it to be over.
But the cover and the fact that there was a hot pink farmhouse involved? That was a win for me.
But the cover and the fact that there was a hot pink farmhouse involved? That was a win for me.
February 19, 2013
Unlike my usual reading habit I have read this series all out of order. Des is a very strong and upright police woman, Mitch always in the right/wrong place at the right time to help solve the mystery. They are nice interesting characters if a little stereotypical, the other characters are the rich and famous locals who aren't very nice generally. The plot had plenty of possibilities as 'bad guy' and I was unsure how it would turn out. Very good, although its becoming rather like the Miss Marple type mystery where there is no way you would want to live in their village - way to many psychopaths.
January 4, 2011
I like Mitch and Des, individually and as a team. Des is so tough and so fragile at the same time. Mitch is sort of like a big teddy bear to her prickly cactus- it would be nice for him to grow some spikes. They work really well together and they fit nicely into Dorset's weird little scene. There needs to be more Bella, she could really get into some fabulous trouble...
Also, now I really want to know the secret ingredient in Sheila Enman's cookies...
Also, now I really want to know the secret ingredient in Sheila Enman's cookies...
March 29, 2013
Another good mystery involving Mitch, movie critic and author, and Des, state trooper, who live in the quiet hamlet of Dorset, Connecticut. This one revolves around the life and death of a famous, reclusive sculptor and his daughters. Looking forward to the next in the series!
September 7, 2013
Enjoyable mystery with two likable lead characters, one a film critic and the other a Connecticut state trooper, a nicely done small town setting, and an interesting mystery that blended land development issues and family secrets.
July 7, 2010
I must have missed the "Mystery" portion.
Not a bad book, but I was ready to move on. I was looking forward to some sorta sluething beyond "what bed went 'BUMP' in the night".
Not a bad book, but I was ready to move on. I was looking forward to some sorta sluething beyond "what bed went 'BUMP' in the night".
January 26, 2015
Although I have been able to figure out the bad guy early on, I am thoroughly enjoying this series!
July 15, 2012
Didn't like this one as much as the first one in the series. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood.
February 17, 2017
Looking forward to their next adventure
September 30, 2017
Excellent second installment. I like the way so many people could be guilty at first glance. He keeps me guessing. Not as much weather or nature as the first. Will read more
April 4, 2022
This series is not like any other I have encountered. It's not a police procedural, and it's not a private eye story, either. It's also an odd mash-up of a small town story and one with more of a sexual element than one would expect. It's also chock full of dysfunctional folk and the bodies do pile up, though thankfully for the post part the reader is spared explicit gore (though there is one exception).
Finally, it is a pretty dark story told with flashes of humor. I'm not sure if that is good or bad, but it is unusual.
Still, I have to give Handler credit for a well-worked plot, even if i sort of guessed who was creating the problems. The story is indeed complicated, but it holds together pretty well, and things do get sorted out in the end. It could have done without the tangential story of the Welmers household, though that story is in itself reasonably interesting.
I did find this sort of a fun read, but what holds me back is how over-the-top the plot is, and as with the first book in the series, I still don't get why Mistry and Berger are a romantic couple. Anyway, I will stick with this series at least a bit longer.
Finally, it is a pretty dark story told with flashes of humor. I'm not sure if that is good or bad, but it is unusual.
Still, I have to give Handler credit for a well-worked plot, even if i sort of guessed who was creating the problems. The story is indeed complicated, but it holds together pretty well, and things do get sorted out in the end. It could have done without the tangential story of the Welmers household, though that story is in itself reasonably interesting.
I did find this sort of a fun read, but what holds me back is how over-the-top the plot is, and as with the first book in the series, I still don't get why Mistry and Berger are a romantic couple. Anyway, I will stick with this series at least a bit longer.
July 17, 2018
#2 in Mitch and Des series! Love the chemistry of these two! They give a whole new meaning to the phrase 'The Odd Couple'.
One of the cover quotes is "Can a tough African-American cop with a soft spot for feral cats find happiness with as nice Jewish boy who says he does his best work in the dark?"
This mystery centers around Dorset's most famous recluse and his immediate family. Of course, author Handler manages to weave in sub-plots to show case the community's other residents and all their shortcomings. I imagine we will hear more from many of them in future stories.
These mysteries have a great deal of substance, yet can be "light", even fun at times. I love the chemistry between Mitch and Des. I love Dorset. And currently, I love Handler.... he's my new BFF author!!!
One of the cover quotes is "Can a tough African-American cop with a soft spot for feral cats find happiness with as nice Jewish boy who says he does his best work in the dark?"
This mystery centers around Dorset's most famous recluse and his immediate family. Of course, author Handler manages to weave in sub-plots to show case the community's other residents and all their shortcomings. I imagine we will hear more from many of them in future stories.
These mysteries have a great deal of substance, yet can be "light", even fun at times. I love the chemistry between Mitch and Des. I love Dorset. And currently, I love Handler.... he's my new BFF author!!!
July 31, 2020
I am really enjoying this series. Mitry has chosen to take a demotion in the Connecticut State Police to be in uniform and the resident Trooper in Dorset. She wants to study art at the local art school and be near Berger. Berger has become a permanent resident and loves her and his new life.
The town is in in the midst of a political fight over whether to tear down an old school or refurbish it. Developers are lying in wait to build. But the resident artist, owner of the hot pink farm house and curmudgeon wants none of it. One of his daughters sides with him and the other, a realtor, wants the new Dorset. There are other town folk who are also feuding and past histories that complicate things. And of course there is murder.
On to the next book.
The town is in in the midst of a political fight over whether to tear down an old school or refurbish it. Developers are lying in wait to build. But the resident artist, owner of the hot pink farm house and curmudgeon wants none of it. One of his daughters sides with him and the other, a realtor, wants the new Dorset. There are other town folk who are also feuding and past histories that complicate things. And of course there is murder.
On to the next book.
July 29, 2019
The Hot Pink Farmhouse is the second in the Berger and Mitry Mystery series, a new to me series, which I am really enjoying. The unlikely pairing of a sometimes schlubby film critic who is most at home sitting in a darkened theater and the West Point grad high achiever works really well. In this installment, a murder that may or may not be mistaken identity occurs and Mitry finds herself dealing with it while the whole community is in a political uproar over the change and the future. Meanwhile, Berger has met and made friends with a renowned artist, who is involved in Mitry’s case. Very good read in a good series.
January 29, 2017
Like the first book in the series the secret you're presented with at the start of the story is a tease, it's not nearly as important to the outcome as you're lead to believe. Again the world building is strong and the characters are first notch. The unique blend of swamp Yankees and wealthy eccentricity really captures the time and place. Sorry to see no characters beyond Berger and Mitry carried through in Dorset (Bella, the Bishop, and Suave are all outside the town) while they're still terrific mysteries I already feel like it's quickly turning into Cabot Cove.
December 16, 2024
A nicely written mystery with an abundance of humor and romance. Handler writes some great characters within a mystery which appears to have many plot lines, but they all come together nicely in the end. I enjoy the characters which are a mixture from the young and thru to the quite old. The author has an interesting and thoughtful manner of portraying the characters in his stories. Some in the series are repeat character, while other are new to the story line. I will continue to read this series.
Borrowed from the Berkley, Mi library system.
Borrowed from the Berkley, Mi library system.
February 18, 2024
This was a strong follow up to the first book. I really like these two characters and will be continuing the series!
Giving it 4.5 stars and rounding up, because it's really hard to find that middle ground for me between "cozy" and "serious" mysteries. This hits the mark for me perfectly. It's a little deeper than most current cozies, yet it still retains some humor and lightness without being silly. Highly recommend!
Giving it 4.5 stars and rounding up, because it's really hard to find that middle ground for me between "cozy" and "serious" mysteries. This hits the mark for me perfectly. It's a little deeper than most current cozies, yet it still retains some humor and lightness without being silly. Highly recommend!
June 4, 2018
This was a disappointing second entry in the series. The characters were one dimensional and the dialogue was stilted. I agree with another reviewer that there were actually offensive characterizations and actions to this story which came as an unwelcome surprise after the first book in this series. I'll give book number three a try and hope for better writing.
March 26, 2022
My goodness, this has to be one of the messiest resolutions I have ever read, but this is such a great story! I had my theories throughout on the murder but all the nuance? Never saw that coming! And I love Des and Mitch so much. Their romance and especially how sweet Mitch is towards Des absolutely sells this series for me. So good and interesting and *messy*!!
July 30, 2022
I am very happy to find a new author and series to follow. Both of the books I have read so far are cases of "it's not the destination, it's the journey". I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and David Handler's writing style. There were many times I smiled at a phrase or sentence. The destination or ending was rather like an old Perry Mason episode. The mystery was neatly solved at the very end.
June 6, 2022
I. Love the characters and the setting. Very easy to lose yourself in the book. The mystery was so -so. I feel like as this is the second book of the series that was more establishing the characters and their their personality traits and their quirks.
April 14, 2023
I didn't enjoy this second in the series as much as I did the first but still a good read. Mitch and Mitry are settling into their new roles and relationship when politics and murder overwhelm their village.
August 10, 2023
The story continues for Mitch and Desiree. More deaths to be investigated and life is never dull in Dorset. I love the location overlooking along Island Sound and the character of the town and its people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews