Runaway Man

Benji Golden #1

by David Handler

Benji Golden works in his family's struggling mom-and-pop business above a twenty-four-hour diner on Broadway and West 103rd Street. Golden Legal Services, a private detective agency, was started by Benji's hero-cop father. The business is now run by Benji's mother, who used to be the only Jewish pole dancer in New York City, and is staffed by Lovely Rita, an eye-popping computer wizard and a former lap dancer. Baby-faced Benji―who is exactly one-quarter inch shy of five-foot-six, weighs a buck thirty-seven, and answers to the nickname "Bunny"―specializes in tracking down teen runaways. One day, when a lawyer in fancy shoes arrives from Park Avenue's classiest law firm offering a job and lots of money, Benji and his mother can't say no. Bruce Weiner is a senior at prestigious Canterbury College. A client of the firm has bestowed a considerable inheritance on Bruce, but Bruce has gone missing, and it's up to Benji to find him. One murder later, Benji finds himself on a dangerous investigation that will take him to the highly secretive core of the most powerful city on earth. Runaway Man delivers all that a David Handler novel promises: smart humor, a thrilling and sexy story, and characters you won't soon forget.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Humor, Mystery Thriller, Detective, Suspense

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2013

About the author

AKA 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.

Reviews

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

At times, I thought this book was written by someone locked in a room with only a few outside resources to help guide him in his writing. For instance, maybe he only had old episodes of Seinfeld to watch and that's why the Jewish characters tended to be shrill. And he only was allowed to read John Grisham books so that is why the WASP lawyer was so, well, WASPy. His only other material was stuff written and drawn by 12 and 13 year old boys so he thought it was completely appropriate to send lines and lines of text on women's boobs.

That would explain why this book left me wanting to take a shower and then shake off the water like a dog. The entire relationship between narrator Ben and his mom was creepy. Her Jewish mother thing was grating and obnoxious. And seriously, what man in his 20s would even mention that his mom was a stripper? Why is that even a thing in this book? Likewise, the fixation on "Lovely Rita" (even calling her that was icky) and the ending just made me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

The Sonya (was that her name? The one who had sex with Ben? I'm calling her Sonya because I can't remember her name...I think that was it) character was beyond over the top ridiculous. I get why she was putting on the desperate female act but it was just awful and cloying. And I really didn't know how Ben wanted to take off her clothes and ravish her the first time he saw her. I'm used to male writers fixating on the female form but the way it was written was just creepy. Maybe it was even more creepy because the book let you know that Ben was not at all attractive, yet he seemed to think he was in a league well above his own.

The only thing saving this book was the relationship between the college kids who were killed. That was the only thing that I found remotely interesting. I guessed the twist of the rich family but I still enjoyed that part of the book.

And speaking of which--and this is my biggest complaint--okay so the Kidd sister was a good girl until the summer of 1989 when they all went to Nantucket and Billy the K (was that his name? I'm clearly trying to purge this book from my mind) met his future wife right before he went off to college. That is the summer that he raped her. THEN she freaked out and went to the school for the "troubled kids". The family said she gave birth in January to make it look like she got pregnant at the school but if I'm reading this correctly, SHE DIDN'T GO TO THE SCHOOL UNTIL *AFTER* NANTUCKET. I read several times that she was a good girl until that summer and THEN went to the school; in fact, the brother saw how "bad" she was when he came home from college. So...that timeline makes no sense. Unless I am misreading and if I am, then my bad. But I read it over several times and it kept reading the same way: normal school, Nantucket/rape, bad girl school, fake birth in January, real birth in April. It just makes no sense.

[Paul Pessolano · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Runaway Man” by David Handler, published by Thomas Dunne Books.

Category – Mystery/Thriller

Bruce Weiner is missing (not that Weiner). Bruce is attending college, has disappeared and is keeping a secret from everyone but a precious few.

Benji Golden is a P.I. with Golden Legal Services, a firm that is run by his mother Abby who was once a Jewish pole dancer in New York. Their secretary, Lovely Rita, was a former lap dancer and he husband is serving a long prison sentence. This information alone should get you to go buy the book.

Golden Legal Services has been hired to find Bruce by a high profile law firm. However, the law firm gives them very little information and requires certain restrictions. Golden Legal Services can ill afford to not take the case because a large sum of money is involved and they are in desperate straits.

Benji is able to track down Bruce, but Bruce is found dead. Benji thinks a double-cross may be in play and the closer he gets to an answer the death toll increases. It really becomes serious when an attempt is made on Benji’s life.

The complexity of the story can be summed up in a quote from the book, “He called his mother a liar, his sister a slut and he cozied right up to accusing his wife of murder.”

A very easy read that combines a good mystery with light hearted comedy, with a very unexpected ending.

[Brent Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally found another series I'm absolutely going to be hooked by. This was a great, light romp of a private detective story; that is both funny and has quite the number of good twists and turns. Great read!

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author never disappoints. A new series, a new detective, Benji Golden, and his mother (former pole dancer) take over his father’s agency after his death. Rita works in the office as a computer wizard. After taking on a case to find a missing student, Benji’s investigation goes in so many directions with dead bodies piling up. With the help of his good friend and the top detective inspector in NYC, Legs, they reach a conclusion that almost gets Benji killed. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Billy Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good story with intriguing characters. I look forward to reading more in this series. I love the book cover as well. Really draws you in.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star finder

Likable main character, ALL likable characters, and one messed up case. Handler knows how to write ‘em, that’s for sure.

[Glen U · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me say that I love David Handler's books. His Berger and Mistry series and his Syewart Hoag series, while totally different from each other, are both some of my favorite reads. Alas, I did not find Benji Golden, the protagonist of "Runaway Man" as enjoyable as the others. Handler, at least for me, relied too much on stereotypes in this book. Benji was the short good Jewish son-detective, his mother, the heart of gold ex-stripper with the business acumen of Warren Buffett, Benji's police contact and friend, Legs Diamond, handsome, honest and a stalwart of the NYPD and assorted other characters from numerous other mystery stories. I have to think a writer of Handler's talent did this on purpose, as a tribute to the pulp/noir of the past. Shades of Mickey Spillane. It was a good read just not what I expected from David Handler.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overwrought, overloaded with high school boy’s mindset, generally smarmy. I realized after I was into the plot and listening to the sneering delivery of the reader that I had sworn off Handler novels. The relationships between mother and son, and son and Sonja (girlfriend) were cringy. The broad accents were so painful to listen to I could hardly stand them, really, the names too- Benjy, Brucie, Legs Diamond ( wasn’t that the name of a real monster from the 20s?) and how much credibility is garnered by a detective discussing the number of lap dances she gave in her younger years? Last time for me reading a novel by Handler.

[Susan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this author so was delighted to find a new series with new characters and humor. The protagonist Benji is young and smart. This is not a book to read for great literature. It is a fun romp about a young-looking detective who excels in finding young people. Filled with humor and sometimes improbable situations. This may be why I enjoy these books as they don't pretend to be real, but rather detective/mystery stories. I sometimes like to just sit back and enjoy the read and the story line along with the humor of the characters.

Borrowed from the Berkley, MI library system.

[Nese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of the author and his books, but initially I found this book strange, to say the least, with an ex-pole dancer mother and an IT person who used to be a lap dancer, but as the story progresses, the book captures your attention by focusing on the characters and their stories. Also, it doesn't hurt that the book is so funny and light-hearted and the fast-paced mystery keeps getting more and more complex. By the time the book ended, I was ready for the next book in the series

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent enough mystery. The main character is a little too "cute" and feels somewhat like Archie Goodwin without Nero Wolfe at times. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt (contrived, silly) which was a disappointment because the rest of the book wasn't bad. This is the second Benji Golden book I have read. I liked the first one I read better (it was the 2nd in the series) so maybe the series will improve as it goes on.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several of the Stewart Hoag books by this author, and this one, featuring Benji Golden, is rather similar. I might actually prefer this book, though--perhaps because I was becoming inured to Stewart's charms or because Benji and his cohort are a little grittier (which may be the two sides of the same coin).

[Carlos Ocampo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very solid story with fun and distinguishable characters with a decent mystery to take through this quick read. The ending was horrifyingly ridiculous though. Broke my immersion and made my eyes roll.

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have yet to find a David Handler book that I haven't devoured like a starving person. This mystery series is definitely a bit grittier than his other series and with a noir feel. His trademark fashion descriptions appear as well.

[Zoe Zuniga · Rating 1 out of 5]

seemed to be a funny spoof of 1950s style crime novel at first but became so stupid and foul I had to give up 2 thirds through

[Hrn1947 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced clipped dialogue. Who could ask for more. I'm asking for more, more benji!

[Brian O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family run Golden Legal Service, good book.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

So the only character in the book that I really liked ended up being the killer, and I figured it out way sooner than I should have.

[Chris Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great update to the hard boiled detective story. I'd almost finished it before I even realized I was reading it. An interesting story, great characters and a smooth delivery.

[Linda Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, fast- paced and twisted. Likeable detective and his interesting family. Lots of murders and a surprise at the end. Looking forward to more by this author.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars because I enjoyed reading it. You might not.

[G Lyall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining and amusing detective story.

[rebecca O. webber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never realized that David Handler started another series. My favorite is the Hoagy series, but this was fun read.

[Araych · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable light mystery featuring young P. I. Benji Golden who gets involved in the ugly past of a wealthy and powerful N.Y. family. I liked this one a lot. Highly recommended. 4 stars.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Benji but this was darker than Handler's other books. But I will read the next one.

[Kat Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Mitry and Berger series…this one not so much. Won’t be reading #2.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would rate 3.5. Quick, easy read. Decent mystery. I kept thinking it was set in the 40s not modern day.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoothie, goochie

Fast-paced, littering bodies on the New York and Connecticut streets. Narration is like a Borscht Belt comedy. Fun, mystery baked in cupcakes.

[Paulette Zander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed David Handler’s books for several decades, and no wonder: he is an Edgar winner (awarded by the Mystery Writers of America for distinguished work) and a Dilys award finalist (awarded by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association).

Handler was one of the original writers for the Kate and Allie sitcom and other television projects. Fortunately for his book fans, he abandoned Hollywood and started writing novels. His first mystery series featured eight novels about a ghostwriter/amateur private eye and his endearing and neurotic basset hound.

Handler then switched tracks and created another mystery series featuring a New York City film critic who turns to small town living and amateur crime fighting. Both series are chockablock full of Handler’s witty; often laugh out loud, writing style.

With Runaway Man, the first in a new series, Handler has crafted his first fully professional private eye who specializes in tracking runaways. Benji Golden isn’t a stereotypical PI; he’s slight of build, boyish looking, cocky, feisty, and funny. He’s a New York City Jew with a very atypical Jewish mother. Despite his middle-class roots, Benji is more than capable of coping with people who were brought up in the projects to pompous blue-bloods who own half the city. He does this in an affable way with just the right mix of savvy and innocence. There isn’t much that ruffles his feathers, although he is typically male and is more rattled by bazongas of epic proportions than by being shot at on the street.

The minor characters, though they do nothing to move the plot forward, are hilarious and serve to explain part of the reason Benji has grown up to be quirky and unique. I daresay Mr. Handler could come up with a full-blown novel based on the tenants in apartments 3A and 3B.
Benji has the creds, the smarts, and the right connections to help him hunt down and dispense with the bad guys. It’s modern day New York City sprinkled throughout with 1940s-era detective noir; tongue-in-cheek tidbits that pay homage to the classic detective novels we all know and love, replete with lots of busty, plucky women and the requisite hard-boiled violence and mayhem.

Find out more about Handler and his books on his website at http://www.davidhandlerbooks.com/. And be sure to check out his blog; plenty of pithy reflections to keep you laughing between novels.

Title: Runaway Man
Author: David Handler
Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2013
Links: Author's Website / Show Official Info /

[Gloria Feit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benji Golden is the eponymous protagonist in this newest book by David Handler, so called because since he got his license as a p.i. he has gotten a reputation for tracking down young runaways. His late father was a hero cop, a homicide detective whose exploits were made famous when a movie was done about his capture of a subway serial killer who had terrorized New York City a couple of decades ago. Since his death a couple of years back the p.i. agency he’d founded is run by his widow, Abby, who had the distinction in her youth of being “the only Jewish pole dancer in New York City,” under the name Abraxas (nee Abby Kaminsky from Sheepshead Bay). Baby-faced Benji (nickname “Bunny”) still calls her “boss,” to which she strongly objects. They are ably assisted by Rita, a gorgeous 42-year-old computer wizard who was a lap dancer back in the day, and Gus, their “grizzled office cat.”

When a partner in a white-shoe Park Avenue law firm comes into their office and wants to hire Benji to find a young man, a college senior who has gone missing and who is apparently about to inherit a considerable amount of money from an unnamed client, the very large fee offered makes it difficult to turn down, despite the enigmatic way in which the situation is presented: No names, no clues, and no mention of the law firm’s name allowed. Benji, being the resourceful investigator that he is, and assisted by a cop who was like a big brother to him, his father’s mentee, Lieutenant Larry “Legs” Diamond (I loved that!), does track down the young man in question, but at some cost: Several murders soon take place, the ensuing investigation at one point leading to a gathering of the strangest bedfellows imaginable, including the Police Commissioner. Benji’s own life becomes threatened, but he is determined to find out who is behind these crimes, and hopefully stay alive in the process.

This was one of the most enjoyable reads, and protagonists, I’ve come across in a while. The writing is sprinkled with terrific wit and humor. The author also includes a lot of fascinating New York history, of much of which I, a life-long resident of the city and its suburbs, was unaware. Parenthetically, this Brooklyn-born-and-raised reviewer loved that Benji’s mother and grandmother were raised in that borough (and I forgive him for having a poster of NY Yankee great Derek Jeter hanging on his wall), and that he loves original soundtrack albums of great Broadway musicals. “Runaway Man” is a quick and terrific read, and is highly recommended.