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Bruce Kohler #2
Death Will Help You Leave Him
This is the SECOND book in the Bruce Kohler mystery series by Agatha- and Derringer- Award nominee Elizabeth Zelvin.
"Zelvin’s second effort is even more addictive than her first. Death will help you leave him, but it won’t stop you from turning the pages.” -Reed Farrel Coleman, two-time Shamus award-winning author of Soul Patch
“With humor and heart, Zelvin writes about the challenges of sobriety and the beat of New York City with impressive accuracy. Death Will Help You Leave Him is a terrific read." -Alafair Burke, author of Angel's Tip
IF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL DON’T KILL YOU, LOVE ADDICTION JUST MIGHT DO THE JOB…
New Yorker Bruce Kohler, clean and sober for almost 10 months, is startled awake one rainy autumn night by a jolting phone call from his friend, Barbara. It seems her Al-Anon sponsee, Luz, came home to find her abusive boyfriend stabbed to death on the kitchen floor of her East Harlem apartment. Bruce and his best friend Jimmy (Barbara’s main squeeze) are curious, yet happy to leave it at a mob hit/drug deal gone bad. But Barbara, in classic codependent form, just can’t seem to mind her own business.
The trio takes a ride through the twists and turns of New York City in search of the killer, with Bruce all the while fielding booty calls mixed with pleas for help from his ex-wife Laura. But Laura’s hooked on Mac, who might be the death of her. Death Will Help You Leave Him is an over-the-top yet utterly believable depiction of mental illness and recovery, mixed in with a thrilling mystery that brings new meaning to the old adage “laughter is the best medicine.”
“Elizabeth Zelvin proves with this second outing that she is not only here to stay but is indeed the sober version of the Thin Man series. No higher praise than that—ask Nora or Nick. A wondrous read.” -Ken Bruen, Shamus award winner and Edgar finalist
“A heartbreaker of a novel. Through seamless prose and her lead series protagonist Bruce Kohler, Elizabeth Zelvin exposes the internal and external demons of recovering addicts and recovering lovers. Much more than a mere whodunit, Death Will Help You Leave Him is a whydunit and the ‘whys’ will haunt you long after the book is read.” -Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai mystery series.
Fans of Parnell Hall and Tony Dunbar (or any cozy mystery reader with a soft spot for humorous male sleuths) will love Bruce Kohler's wry musings and daring adventures.
Excerpt:
When the phone rang at nine, I was cleaning my apartment. Sobriety, housework, up at the crack of dawn. I hardly recognized myself. I had made a few improvements in the place since I got out of detox. I had exchanged the mattress on the floor for a futon on a pale wood platform. The boxes of neglected possessions that had stuck to me like moss the last few years of my drinking were gone. Some stuff had ended up in the worthy-cause thrift shop on the corner, the rest in the nearest dumpster. I didn’t miss any of it. I’m not a moose. I don’t need moss.
The phone kept ringing. Probably Barbara, to tell me the game was afoot. She had a theory that playing detective would keep me from getting so bored with sobriety that I relapsed. Now I just had to locate the phone. Barbara, in a fit of helping, had organized the crap out of the whole apartment. I couldn’t find anything. I was baffled until I had the bright idea of following the cord away from the phone jack.
"Zelvin’s second effort is even more addictive than her first. Death will help you leave him, but it won’t stop you from turning the pages.” -Reed Farrel Coleman, two-time Shamus award-winning author of Soul Patch
“With humor and heart, Zelvin writes about the challenges of sobriety and the beat of New York City with impressive accuracy. Death Will Help You Leave Him is a terrific read." -Alafair Burke, author of Angel's Tip
IF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL DON’T KILL YOU, LOVE ADDICTION JUST MIGHT DO THE JOB…
New Yorker Bruce Kohler, clean and sober for almost 10 months, is startled awake one rainy autumn night by a jolting phone call from his friend, Barbara. It seems her Al-Anon sponsee, Luz, came home to find her abusive boyfriend stabbed to death on the kitchen floor of her East Harlem apartment. Bruce and his best friend Jimmy (Barbara’s main squeeze) are curious, yet happy to leave it at a mob hit/drug deal gone bad. But Barbara, in classic codependent form, just can’t seem to mind her own business.
The trio takes a ride through the twists and turns of New York City in search of the killer, with Bruce all the while fielding booty calls mixed with pleas for help from his ex-wife Laura. But Laura’s hooked on Mac, who might be the death of her. Death Will Help You Leave Him is an over-the-top yet utterly believable depiction of mental illness and recovery, mixed in with a thrilling mystery that brings new meaning to the old adage “laughter is the best medicine.”
“Elizabeth Zelvin proves with this second outing that she is not only here to stay but is indeed the sober version of the Thin Man series. No higher praise than that—ask Nora or Nick. A wondrous read.” -Ken Bruen, Shamus award winner and Edgar finalist
“A heartbreaker of a novel. Through seamless prose and her lead series protagonist Bruce Kohler, Elizabeth Zelvin exposes the internal and external demons of recovering addicts and recovering lovers. Much more than a mere whodunit, Death Will Help You Leave Him is a whydunit and the ‘whys’ will haunt you long after the book is read.” -Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai mystery series.
Fans of Parnell Hall and Tony Dunbar (or any cozy mystery reader with a soft spot for humorous male sleuths) will love Bruce Kohler's wry musings and daring adventures.
Excerpt:
When the phone rang at nine, I was cleaning my apartment. Sobriety, housework, up at the crack of dawn. I hardly recognized myself. I had made a few improvements in the place since I got out of detox. I had exchanged the mattress on the floor for a futon on a pale wood platform. The boxes of neglected possessions that had stuck to me like moss the last few years of my drinking were gone. Some stuff had ended up in the worthy-cause thrift shop on the corner, the rest in the nearest dumpster. I didn’t miss any of it. I’m not a moose. I don’t need moss.
The phone kept ringing. Probably Barbara, to tell me the game was afoot. She had a theory that playing detective would keep me from getting so bored with sobriety that I relapsed. Now I just had to locate the phone. Barbara, in a fit of helping, had organized the crap out of the whole apartment. I couldn’t find anything. I was baffled until I had the bright idea of following the cord away from the phone jack.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2009
152 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Zelvin
54 books21 followersElizabeth Zelvin is the author/editor of the groundbreaking 2019 anthology ME TOO SHORT STORIES. Liz is the author of the Bruce Kohler Mysteries and the Mendoza Family Saga. Her short stories have been nominated three times each for the Agatha and Derringer Awards. Liz's short stories are mostly mystery & crime, historical, or both, but sometimes have an urban fantasy element. In her "other hats," Liz is a New York City psychotherapist who practices online and a singer-songwriter whose album of original songs is OUTRAGEOUS OLDER WOMAN. Besides her fiction, she's published two books of poetry and a professional book on gender and addictions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 12, 2020
I'm a former New Yorker. Reading Zelvin's comic mystery was a trip back to my old stomping grounds on a tour bus that runs from the Bronx to Brooklyn. Wacky characters, a dead body and, the best part, an insider's look at Alcoholic's Anonymous. Zelvin knows her stuff. She lovingly nails the culture of recovery with just a grain of salt. "Friends of John" will love it and the rest of us will learn a bunch.
September 28, 2017
Recovery, Loss, Survival and Death
Zelvin's second novel of this series is as good as the first--which was excellent. Once again, the three protagonists are long-time friends, helping each other stay sober. Once again, the three protagonists are trying to help another friend-in-a-jam. Since all three are in different stages of recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
Zelvin's second novel of this series is as good as the first--which was excellent. Once again, the three protagonists are long-time friends, helping each other stay sober. Once again, the three protagonists are trying to help another friend-in-a-jam. Since all three are in different stages of recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
March 12, 2018
Do i Dare?
Better than the last one. Probably not as good as the next one. Little less 12 Step, a little more mystery. What will come next? I can hardly wait to see. Hope you have a good career Ms. Zelvin.
Better than the last one. Probably not as good as the next one. Little less 12 Step, a little more mystery. What will come next? I can hardly wait to see. Hope you have a good career Ms. Zelvin.
October 20, 2018
Descriptive Story of Alcoholics and Co-Depends
A who done it about the murder of a now sober dealer who is abusive to his girlfriend. She finds him dead in her apartment so of course the cop think she did. Bruce, Jimmy and Barbara help Luz find the killer. Recommend.
A who done it about the murder of a now sober dealer who is abusive to his girlfriend. She finds him dead in her apartment so of course the cop think she did. Bruce, Jimmy and Barbara help Luz find the killer. Recommend.
March 7, 2017
A little better than the first I think. Deeper characters.
June 14, 2017
I read over half of this book before I gave up on it; I just couldn't stomach any more of Bruce being such a total loser where Laura was concerned. The whole storyline was depressing to me.
December 16, 2017
Another fun murder mystery revolving around 12-step recovery. Fun to read a book that so well parallels the recovery process.
August 7, 2019
Wow! A satisfying mystery, and a lot to digest. I don’t think I’ve ever had any book teach me as much. Thank you!
April 21, 2021
This was a really great read not only because it was a mystery but it incorporated recovery.
August 9, 2023
Not good
June 14, 2025
This story is a smart little whodunit.
The story revolves around a group of friends who are all in AA or Al-Anon, recovering from drugs or alcohol.
All of the group members have checkered backgrounds, and they struggle daily with their demons.
Then it happens, one of their group is murdered.
Who's the murderer and why.
Great storyline, and you read about the problems the addicts face daily, alone or with friends.
The story revolves around a group of friends who are all in AA or Al-Anon, recovering from drugs or alcohol.
All of the group members have checkered backgrounds, and they struggle daily with their demons.
Then it happens, one of their group is murdered.
Who's the murderer and why.
Great storyline, and you read about the problems the addicts face daily, alone or with friends.
March 22, 2015
Dead Wrong is book 2 in the Bruce Kohler series by Elizabeth Zelvin. Her books are a humorous look at recovering addicts along with a mystery.
Bruce has now been sober for 10 months. He is working as a temp in a variety of offices. This works for him since he doesn’t have to stay long enough to get bored and get into trouble drinking. This, however, is a stop-gap job as he knows he eventually has to get serious about a job. His sleeping pattern is off and he stays up at night doing whatever he can to keep busy. He has also been thinking about his ex-wife, Laura. They got married “because it seemed like a good idea” and divorced for the same reason. However, they still have a deep connection and Bruce goes to help her whenever she calls. Bruce is now beginning to see that he needs to cut the interaction between himself and Laura. She is not good for him and he isn’t good for her. He just isn’t there yet.
Late one evening, his best friend’s girlfriend, Barbara, calls. She is sponsoring a girl in Al-Anon who came home to find her boyfriend, Frankie, dead. Luz calls Barbara for help and Barbara, Jimmy, and Bruce go to her apartment to see if they can help. It is obvious he police believe Luz killed him; but Barbara thinks otherwise and sets out to find out who did kill Frankie.
This begins a quest that entails drugs, alcohol, abuse, and the members of the drug underworld. It involves the Italian underworld and Italian family ties. Can they find any clues to help Luz be exonerated or is she really guilty?
Bruce has now been sober for 10 months. He is working as a temp in a variety of offices. This works for him since he doesn’t have to stay long enough to get bored and get into trouble drinking. This, however, is a stop-gap job as he knows he eventually has to get serious about a job. His sleeping pattern is off and he stays up at night doing whatever he can to keep busy. He has also been thinking about his ex-wife, Laura. They got married “because it seemed like a good idea” and divorced for the same reason. However, they still have a deep connection and Bruce goes to help her whenever she calls. Bruce is now beginning to see that he needs to cut the interaction between himself and Laura. She is not good for him and he isn’t good for her. He just isn’t there yet.
Late one evening, his best friend’s girlfriend, Barbara, calls. She is sponsoring a girl in Al-Anon who came home to find her boyfriend, Frankie, dead. Luz calls Barbara for help and Barbara, Jimmy, and Bruce go to her apartment to see if they can help. It is obvious he police believe Luz killed him; but Barbara thinks otherwise and sets out to find out who did kill Frankie.
This begins a quest that entails drugs, alcohol, abuse, and the members of the drug underworld. It involves the Italian underworld and Italian family ties. Can they find any clues to help Luz be exonerated or is she really guilty?
August 5, 2013
I've been dying for a good mystery so I picked an author I hadn't read before. Mostly I liked the title and the promise that this was a "humorous New York mystery." The first line intrigued me with the use of the fascinating word "scootched." You don't come across that word every day. Written in a cliche film noir style, the prose reminds me a bit of a Janet Evanovich knock-off. The set-up was interesting. All good.
But before long I became confused over who the narrator was. At first I thought the story was being told by a woman. Bruce Kohler notices things a woman would notice. His descriptions are feminine. Barbara seems to be his best friend. As a female writer, I know how tough it is to make dialogue sound masculine. The use of three main sleuths reminded me of one of my favorite writers, Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe mysteries.
I forged ahead but pages of pointless dialogue overwhelmed me. Sometimes the scenes featured more than three people making it difficult to keep up with who was saying what. I started skimming. Sometimes when the point of view changed to Barbara or Luz, I would wonder who in the world is this talking. Most of the characters are going to AA and trying to maintain the clean and sober lifestyle. A scene where Barbara and Luz smoke a joint with a potential lead disturbed me. Suffice it to say, I found this mystery disappointing. Not because of the plot, but the excessive dialogue gives it a ponderous stalling feeling. Too much extra weight.
But before long I became confused over who the narrator was. At first I thought the story was being told by a woman. Bruce Kohler notices things a woman would notice. His descriptions are feminine. Barbara seems to be his best friend. As a female writer, I know how tough it is to make dialogue sound masculine. The use of three main sleuths reminded me of one of my favorite writers, Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe mysteries.
I forged ahead but pages of pointless dialogue overwhelmed me. Sometimes the scenes featured more than three people making it difficult to keep up with who was saying what. I started skimming. Sometimes when the point of view changed to Barbara or Luz, I would wonder who in the world is this talking. Most of the characters are going to AA and trying to maintain the clean and sober lifestyle. A scene where Barbara and Luz smoke a joint with a potential lead disturbed me. Suffice it to say, I found this mystery disappointing. Not because of the plot, but the excessive dialogue gives it a ponderous stalling feeling. Too much extra weight.
Read
February 2, 2014Death Will Help You Leave Him, by Elizabeth Zelvin, a-minus, Narrated by Mark Boyett, Produced by Audible Inc., Downloaded from audible.com.
In the second book of this series, Bruce has moved a few steps further away from dependency toward recovery and acceptance of himself as an alcoholic. He has a sponsor now in A.A. and goes everyday. He and Jimmy and Barbara become involved in solving another murder when a person Barbara is sponsoring in Al-ANON is accused of killing her boy friend, who was found dead in her apartment. The three of them believe her to be innocent and they set out to solve the murder. Bruce also has to deal with his inability to let go of his ex-wife who keeps trying to pull him backinto drinking and taking drugs and threatening suicide if he doesn’t come to help her each time. This book does kind of lay out what is an AA issue and what is a co-dependency Al-ANON issue and Bruce has problems in both areas. These books are very good. The only slightly annoying fly in the ointment is Barbara who is always giving advice, and who, although it hasn’t been openly acknowledged yet in these books, both Jim and Bruce love. These are such good books that I’m ready to go right on to the third one. I don’t usually read books in a series one after the other like this anymore. The narrator is wonderful for these books. He is especially good with Barbara’s voice, making her sound slightly bossy and over the top. Very good.
In the second book of this series, Bruce has moved a few steps further away from dependency toward recovery and acceptance of himself as an alcoholic. He has a sponsor now in A.A. and goes everyday. He and Jimmy and Barbara become involved in solving another murder when a person Barbara is sponsoring in Al-ANON is accused of killing her boy friend, who was found dead in her apartment. The three of them believe her to be innocent and they set out to solve the murder. Bruce also has to deal with his inability to let go of his ex-wife who keeps trying to pull him backinto drinking and taking drugs and threatening suicide if he doesn’t come to help her each time. This book does kind of lay out what is an AA issue and what is a co-dependency Al-ANON issue and Bruce has problems in both areas. These books are very good. The only slightly annoying fly in the ointment is Barbara who is always giving advice, and who, although it hasn’t been openly acknowledged yet in these books, both Jim and Bruce love. These are such good books that I’m ready to go right on to the third one. I don’t usually read books in a series one after the other like this anymore. The narrator is wonderful for these books. He is especially good with Barbara’s voice, making her sound slightly bossy and over the top. Very good.
October 13, 2009
Bruce Kohler finds himself sucked into a murder investigation. His friend, Barbara. Barbara is an additions counselor. One of her sponsors, Luz has just become the prime suspect in the murder of her boyfriend. As much as Bruce doesn't want to get involved, he knows he would do anything for Barbara. Besides having his hands full, Bruce also has to contend with his ex-wife, Laura. She is reaching out for Bruce's help but Bruce knows she is no good for him. She is a part of his old life with contained drugs and alcohol.
Death Will Help You Leave Him is the sequel to Death Will Get You Sober, the first novel by author, Elizabeth Zelvin. This is the first book I have read by this author. I have to say that after reading this book, that I plan to check out Death Will Get You Sober. I liked Bruce Kohler. There was this wit about him that made him very personable. Don't let the fact that he is a recovering alcoholic fool you, as Bruce is smart and is aware of everything that goes on around him. He has this great sense about people. What I liked about this book is that the characters were real. Though at times I would start to lose interest. It doesn't really take a genius to figure out what happened but seeing how Bruce came to the conclusion was fun. I plan to keep an eye on this author and her books.
Death Will Help You Leave Him is the sequel to Death Will Get You Sober, the first novel by author, Elizabeth Zelvin. This is the first book I have read by this author. I have to say that after reading this book, that I plan to check out Death Will Get You Sober. I liked Bruce Kohler. There was this wit about him that made him very personable. Don't let the fact that he is a recovering alcoholic fool you, as Bruce is smart and is aware of everything that goes on around him. He has this great sense about people. What I liked about this book is that the characters were real. Though at times I would start to lose interest. It doesn't really take a genius to figure out what happened but seeing how Bruce came to the conclusion was fun. I plan to keep an eye on this author and her books.
November 3, 2009
Recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler is taking things one day at a time with the help of his friends Jimmy and Barbara, while trying to place limits with his ex-wife who has bouts of depression and sporadically threatens suicide. Barbara, an addictions counselor, talks Bruce and Jimmy into doing some independent sleuthing when Luz Colon, her Al-Anon sponsee, is suspected of murdering her abusive boyfriend, Frankie Iacone. Frankie, a former drug dealer married to someone else, had just gotten out of rehab hours before being found dead in Luz’s apartment. Barbara hopes Bruce and Jimmy may be able to learn more about Frankie and the people he knew through their AA connections. Along with Luz, the three team up and separate and team up again as they try to unearth the murderer. Eventually they step on the wrong toes, which places Bruce’s and Luz’s lives in danger.
This, the second in the mystery series featuring recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler, is an intriguing whodunit set against the gritty backdrop of New York City and its diverse cultures. As with the first, much emphasis is placed on the recovery process and Zelvin relays Kohler’s, as well as others’, constant battle with addiction in a realistic, empathetic manner. The plot moves at a quick pace with enough suspects to keep the reader guessing.
This, the second in the mystery series featuring recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler, is an intriguing whodunit set against the gritty backdrop of New York City and its diverse cultures. As with the first, much emphasis is placed on the recovery process and Zelvin relays Kohler’s, as well as others’, constant battle with addiction in a realistic, empathetic manner. The plot moves at a quick pace with enough suspects to keep the reader guessing.
November 12, 2013
This was free Kindle book (I think, either that or a bargain Kindle book). I mainly got it because it is set in NYC. It was a rather quick read.
It’s the second in a series, which I didn’t realize but there was enough information about the characters that I wasn’t lost. Bruce Kohler is a recovering alcoholic, the book is told from his perspective. His friends are a guy he used to drink with that is now also a recovering alcoholic and Bruce’s sponsor and this friend’s girlfriend who is an Al-Anon sponsor (I didn’t know Al-Anon had sponsors but it makes sense). One of the members in Al-Anon is the suspect in her abusive boyfriends murder.
I would almost call this a cozy murder, if I knew what cozy murder meant, but I think it might be a little hard-edged for that considering the number of women in here who have abusive boyfriends. The investigation Bruce and his friends conduct seems to consist mainly of them going to Brooklyn to get cannoli while asking family members vague questions.
Meanwhile, Bruce’s ex keeps calling him and he goes running, trying to please her while at the same time trying to get her away from her abusive boyfriend/drug dealer.
A quick enjoyable read.
It’s the second in a series, which I didn’t realize but there was enough information about the characters that I wasn’t lost. Bruce Kohler is a recovering alcoholic, the book is told from his perspective. His friends are a guy he used to drink with that is now also a recovering alcoholic and Bruce’s sponsor and this friend’s girlfriend who is an Al-Anon sponsor (I didn’t know Al-Anon had sponsors but it makes sense). One of the members in Al-Anon is the suspect in her abusive boyfriends murder.
I would almost call this a cozy murder, if I knew what cozy murder meant, but I think it might be a little hard-edged for that considering the number of women in here who have abusive boyfriends. The investigation Bruce and his friends conduct seems to consist mainly of them going to Brooklyn to get cannoli while asking family members vague questions.
Meanwhile, Bruce’s ex keeps calling him and he goes running, trying to please her while at the same time trying to get her away from her abusive boyfriend/drug dealer.
A quick enjoyable read.
November 2, 2011
Second (and so far last) book in the Bruce Kohler mystery series. Bruce is a recovering alcohol/drug addict living in New York and the story centers around him and his two best friends, Jimmy (also in recovery) and Barbara (Jimmy's girlfriend, and a counselor.) A friend of Barbara's is suspected of killing her drug-dealer boyfriend and the trio get involved with trying to figure out who else might have killed him so as to clear Luz's name.
While I like these characters well enough, for me the book was just a little too heavy on recovery/addict jargon, and the whole recovery process was focused on much more than the mystery itself IMO. The first book was more interesting because it was different--Bruce woke up hungover in a detox unit in the Bowery, so was newly sober. Now he is 10 months out and his whole life centers around AA and staying sober. Perhaps for someone with addiction issues it would be more interesting, but it was just too much for me.
While I like these characters well enough, for me the book was just a little too heavy on recovery/addict jargon, and the whole recovery process was focused on much more than the mystery itself IMO. The first book was more interesting because it was different--Bruce woke up hungover in a detox unit in the Bowery, so was newly sober. Now he is 10 months out and his whole life centers around AA and staying sober. Perhaps for someone with addiction issues it would be more interesting, but it was just too much for me.
October 19, 2011
Bruce is an unlikely hero, he is in recovery for his alcoholism and drug abuse, he works as a temp for various firms around town and he is still fighting demons, both from the additions and from the people in his past.
When friends Jimmy and Barbara ask for his help he reluctantly agrees to help find out who killed the boyfriend of one of Barbara's clients. At the same time he is dealing with the issues that surround his ex-wife, who is bipolar and often off her meds.
I love these stories, even if the murder is solved the problems of every day life aren't. Jimmy is 15 years clean, Bruce is 10 months and struggling. Life isn't perfect or wonderful or even fair but they do the best they can to make their small corner of it better.
I'm glad there more books in the series for me to read.
When friends Jimmy and Barbara ask for his help he reluctantly agrees to help find out who killed the boyfriend of one of Barbara's clients. At the same time he is dealing with the issues that surround his ex-wife, who is bipolar and often off her meds.
I love these stories, even if the murder is solved the problems of every day life aren't. Jimmy is 15 years clean, Bruce is 10 months and struggling. Life isn't perfect or wonderful or even fair but they do the best they can to make their small corner of it better.
I'm glad there more books in the series for me to read.
September 24, 2013
A good read..She has an offer in the back of the book that gives a reward for errors found. That is a great way to get feedback. I also offer a service that is similar where you pay for errors but only if I find any and then only if the author agrees with them. I think this is a win-win situation. You can find mine at http://amacd1955.livejournal.com. Meanwhile she made errors in the spelling of some Spanish words. She may hae done that deliberately or under the influence of an editor. I have seen that in other places and I think it is wrong because it insults the intelligence of the reader, whether familiar with Spanish or not. Meanwhile, the missing accent marks are the only errors I found and detracted from the story enough to have me comment on it here. Still a book worth reading. Recommended.
April 6, 2015
This was a good story. Dark, sad, and painfully honest. Nothing in this story is implausible. The title of this book is Death Will Help You Leave Him: A Humorous New York Mystery; Bruce Kohler #2, and I kept waiting for the humorous part. There was a lot of sarcasm though, which was Bruce's way of dealing with the uncomfortable (I can relate), but not so much humor. With that being said, I'd recommend this story if you are looking for a mystery, thriller, drama, but not if you are looking for a comedy.
January 17, 2010
Still clinging tenuously to sobriety and trying to work the 12 step program, Bruce Kohler becomes involved in the problems of Al-Anon member Luz, whose recently sober but still abusive boyfriend was murdered in Luz's apartment. At the same time, Bruce is drawn back into the orbit of his beautiful, addicted ex-wife Laura and her new, abusive boyfriend. Trying to force Laura to observe limits strains him to the utmost, but he must decide if he can help her or not.
August 27, 2013
This is the second book in the Bruce Kohler series and I've read them both. I enjoy reading about the unique (at least to me) world of AA and recovery. The plot of this book felt a little flat to me but I did enjoy it and I will read the next book in the series too. More than anything I wish I could visit the fictional Italian bakery in this book for some of their delicious pastries. 3 out of 5 stars :>
October 21, 2014
Excellent but hard to read.
This book was a wonderful look into a world some of us know so well, addictions. The mystery takes a back seat for me in this story because I relate to having an addict in my life. I enjoyed the storyline and did not figure out who was the guilty party before the author told me, which is unusual for me. Well-written book! Though may be a trigger for some readers.
This book was a wonderful look into a world some of us know so well, addictions. The mystery takes a back seat for me in this story because I relate to having an addict in my life. I enjoyed the storyline and did not figure out who was the guilty party before the author told me, which is unusual for me. Well-written book! Though may be a trigger for some readers.
May 9, 2015
I got a free copy of this ebook. It almost went into my did-not-finish file. I did not enjoy the characters, the dialogue, or the story. I did finish this book because it was on my kindle and a few times I was stuck without anything to read, and this was on my phone. At some point I was far enough into it that I thought I needed to finish. Perhaps if I had read the first book in the series I would have been a little invested in the characters - I just don't know.
November 22, 2017
The mystery is a good one, but the brutally clear depictions of the aspects of addiction to alcohol can be more than some want to know about. That being said, it's not only a good mystery read, but also a fine and painless insight into the positive aspects of AA and Al-Anon. The publisher's blurb is somewhat informative but the story is more than that.
It turns out that I had it sitting on my audio TBR pile since June of 2014! What a shame. Mark Boyett was exemplary as narrator.
It turns out that I had it sitting on my audio TBR pile since June of 2014! What a shame. Mark Boyett was exemplary as narrator.
January 11, 2014
The title kind of says it---the sardonic twist, an essence of the humor. People familiar with AA, Al-Anon and other 12 step programs will recognize various phrases and behaviors, and appreciate the humor too. When Frankie is murdered and his mistress Luz is suspected, Bruce, Jimmy and Barbara attempt to prove her innocence.
June 16, 2014
Enjoyable
Enjoyable
I liked "Death Will Get You Sober", and I enjoyed this one as well, I like the fact that these characters seem like just regular people from everyday life with usual problems, they're flawed, but they're a little family, who like to sleuth to keep them sober...I will definitely read more.
Enjoyable
I liked "Death Will Get You Sober", and I enjoyed this one as well, I like the fact that these characters seem like just regular people from everyday life with usual problems, they're flawed, but they're a little family, who like to sleuth to keep them sober...I will definitely read more.
July 25, 2014
Alcoholism is treated with both heart and humor in this character-driven mystery. Bruce, with his reluctant sidekick and BFF Jimmy, and Jimmy's significant other Barbara complement each other's strengths in detecting, all while remaining sober. Zelvin creates an interesting look into alcoholism and friendship while creating a plausible mystery with its solution.
February 15, 2016
An interesting mystery that starts off from the very beginning with a murder. The main character trio are old friends who show up in Zelvin's other novels in this series. Unlike other series' novels I've read, Zelvin doesn't feel the need to recap past stories to catch up the reader. This novel can be read with the others or works as a stand-alone story that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews