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Desiree Shapiro Mystery #1
Murder Can Kill Your Social Life
Desiree Shapiro, New York P.I. is no hard boiled shamus. She has dimples in her knees, elbows, and some unmentionable places. Desiree is a chubby gumshoe who has a mind as sharp as a Cuisinart and a queen size talent for sleuthing. Her heart is pretty big too, which is why she agrees to take the case of the poor grocery kid accused of killing the old lady in apartment 15D for the money stashed in her freezer.
Sure, the boy's fingerprints on the refrigerator make the problem sticky, but only until there's yet another murder in the same building. Before anyone can say Haagen-Dazs, Desiree bets she will be able to finger the real killer.
She's detoured by dinner with a bachelor, but he, unfortunately, turns into a suspect. So while her love life is chilling out, Desiree cooks up a scheme to trap a lean, mean, decidedly unsavory killer.
Sure, the boy's fingerprints on the refrigerator make the problem sticky, but only until there's yet another murder in the same building. Before anyone can say Haagen-Dazs, Desiree bets she will be able to finger the real killer.
She's detoured by dinner with a bachelor, but he, unfortunately, turns into a suspect. So while her love life is chilling out, Desiree cooks up a scheme to trap a lean, mean, decidedly unsavory killer.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1994
About the author
Selma Eichler
22 books62 followersSelma Eichler is a freelance writer who lives in New York with her husband. She is the creator of 'Desiree Shapiro', private eye in New York City.
Series:
* Desiree Shapiro Mystery
Series:
* Desiree Shapiro Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 4, 2017
Review based on a re-read
I read this years ago and remember really liking it, but I think I loved it even more now. Absolutely wonderful and effortlessly amusing, this is a series I’ll definitely be continuing while crossing fingers it stays as good. Seriously the humor is quirky and made me laugh out often. Desiree has a fun outlook on life and she’s not one of those perfect heroines who has stellar IQ. She even admits embarrassment to missing the obvious sometimes.
Desiree is a down-to-earth and realistic sleuth with high sympathy and addiction to food. She indulges without apologies and admits to flaws and novice mode in investigations. This is her first murder assignment so she’s out of her league, but relies on some friends in the detective department who she of course pisses off. There are a few side character companions in Desiree’s ring that bring more life to the party.
Pacing is slower for a mystery but that’s fine. Desiree’s niece takes some scenes, including a bizarre love interest twist, but this kind of ties into Desiree’s vulnerabilities later. The pacing isn’t fast paced enough to make this a book that’s impossible to put down, but it’s such a fun thing.
The mystery leads Desiree back and forth through old fashioned detective motions like interviewing the same people after new facts are learned. It’s back to the basics but it works. There are several suspects who I wondered about, and the villain turned out to be a likable person who you kind of hated for it to be.
And of course COVER LOVE.
I read this years ago and remember really liking it, but I think I loved it even more now. Absolutely wonderful and effortlessly amusing, this is a series I’ll definitely be continuing while crossing fingers it stays as good. Seriously the humor is quirky and made me laugh out often. Desiree has a fun outlook on life and she’s not one of those perfect heroines who has stellar IQ. She even admits embarrassment to missing the obvious sometimes.
Desiree is a down-to-earth and realistic sleuth with high sympathy and addiction to food. She indulges without apologies and admits to flaws and novice mode in investigations. This is her first murder assignment so she’s out of her league, but relies on some friends in the detective department who she of course pisses off. There are a few side character companions in Desiree’s ring that bring more life to the party.
Pacing is slower for a mystery but that’s fine. Desiree’s niece takes some scenes, including a bizarre love interest twist, but this kind of ties into Desiree’s vulnerabilities later. The pacing isn’t fast paced enough to make this a book that’s impossible to put down, but it’s such a fun thing.
The mystery leads Desiree back and forth through old fashioned detective motions like interviewing the same people after new facts are learned. It’s back to the basics but it works. There are several suspects who I wondered about, and the villain turned out to be a likable person who you kind of hated for it to be.
And of course COVER LOVE.
December 4, 2018
I absolutely hate the abrupt ending that leaves you uncertain about who thw killer actual was.
May 3, 2010
I still remember seeing this series in the bookstore and being totally infatuated with finding out what it was all about. Having first read one of the latter books in the line up ( #11 to be exact) I just knew that there was no other choice but to start with book # 1 to see what sparked it all. Desiree Shapiro is truly an interesting character, her passion for sleuthing only matches her enthusiasm for good food. It's hard to trust a character that never eats, I mean come on; if they are meant to appear real they better involve some tasty meals here and there or else they are nothing more than machines running on the writers ink.
The first book in the series gives the reader a broad glimpse into the life of the Manhattan private investigator that is probably a bigger hoot than all the wacky characters she interacts with. I know this book got many lukewarm reviews but I just adored it and even before I was done my thoughts were all ready swarming with thoughts of what other delights would the next book contain. This story had many characters, suspects and faces but I found myself totally enchanted and had a blast reading a good, cozy mystery.
When Desiree visits her niece Ellen in her new Manhattan apartment she is unaware that the day holds the power to transform her entire life. Little after she leaves there is a murder and Desiree has no other choice but to get involved in her first such case to clear the name of a young delivery boy who seems to be the prime suspect. When a second murder strikes with odd similarities she knows there is nothing else to do but for her to get lost in the case to avenge a man and woman who were somehow connected in their own deaths. When families, lovers, and friends of the second suspect start crossing paths on her line of suspects Desiree is faced with an intricate and fun mystery that really makes for an addicting read. There were a lot of paths but in the end the answer was worth waiting for.
The first book in the series gives the reader a broad glimpse into the life of the Manhattan private investigator that is probably a bigger hoot than all the wacky characters she interacts with. I know this book got many lukewarm reviews but I just adored it and even before I was done my thoughts were all ready swarming with thoughts of what other delights would the next book contain. This story had many characters, suspects and faces but I found myself totally enchanted and had a blast reading a good, cozy mystery.
When Desiree visits her niece Ellen in her new Manhattan apartment she is unaware that the day holds the power to transform her entire life. Little after she leaves there is a murder and Desiree has no other choice but to get involved in her first such case to clear the name of a young delivery boy who seems to be the prime suspect. When a second murder strikes with odd similarities she knows there is nothing else to do but for her to get lost in the case to avenge a man and woman who were somehow connected in their own deaths. When families, lovers, and friends of the second suspect start crossing paths on her line of suspects Desiree is faced with an intricate and fun mystery that really makes for an addicting read. There were a lot of paths but in the end the answer was worth waiting for.
February 12, 2015
I LOVED this book. I'm a sucker for a good cozy mystery and I have been eyeing this one for awhile. I decided to read the first page to see if it got my attention and it was hilarious! I was cracking up several times in just the first couple of pages. While the rest of the book wasn't as funny, it was definitely fast paced and entertaining. The main character, Desiree spent the whole book going around interviewing people about the murder. There were a lot of suspects so the book kept you guessing. I didn't know who it was until the very end. I liked how it focused more on the murder with just a little of her life story thrown in. It kept me entertained. I can't wait to get the rest of the books in this series!
March 8, 2014
Desiree Shapiro, a PI, is asked to clear the grocery boy accused of a murder in her nieces apartment. I liked the character, but the plot was very slow and predictable.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 18, 2022
This is the first book in the Desiree Shapiro series. Desiree is a private investigator. A murder occurs in her nieces building and she is asked to investigate. I really enjoyed the characters. Desiree is a very well-rounded character. The mystery was good. I didn't figure out the killer until the end. Definitely a series I will continue.
August 2, 2022
Pretty silly, weird cliff-hanger ending that doesn’t seem like it gets resolved in the next book? Why not finish the actual story instead of spending so much time focusing on her niece and the random guy she’s dating?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2015
This was an ok book, but she didn't finish the story! She ends the book with doubts about who the killer is! Is it continued in the next book? Not cool!
October 14, 2018
Cute mystery. Loved how the case was solved, a throwback to old film noir.
Read
December 30, 2019This is one of the first cozy series that I read. I always liked Desiree and found her to be a relatable character. Her cases were always fun to read about. #readforkimberly
November 7, 2016
Slow, but picks up around halfway through. The ending made me feel like I am missing some pages though?!
July 24, 2018
Addictive.
March 25, 2019
This was a fun read to start the series. I'm sure the main character will get in to all sorts of trouble in this series!
November 11, 2018
Mom ma is a murder mystery junkie and occasionally will send me her leftovers. This is a quantity not quality book but it’s not bad. I thought it was interesting that the lead character is an overweight woman who is portrayed with an (positive) active sex life and a (positive) love for cooking and food. For a book written in the 90s it’s surprisingly forward thinking. Her size isn’t the issue or the point or the joke. Well done.
May 16, 2025
I loved the start to this series. I enjoy all kinds of cozies. This is not a contemporary cozy but a great mystery. There is some cursing and written for the time it was published, not for today’s time. I totally enjoyed the story the characters and the mystery. I purchased the entire series at a book sale and look forward to continuing.
September 2, 2025
Excellent book. First book that I've read by this author. The characters were interesting and thoroughly developed. Main character was quite unique. There was a lot of twists and turns with a good deal of humor. Plot and storyline was really good, but it slow down in the middle. Drag a little. Highly recommend.
April 8, 2021
I like murder mysteries so picked up a few of these Desiree Shapiro Mysteries. This story was slow and very predictable. Already had the murders solved before Desiree. Since this is the first in the series, I hope subsequent books are better.
January 23, 2023
Great first book in a series. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series by this author! Glad I stumbled upon a couple of the books at a thrift store! Desiree and Ellen are both pretty smart!
October 3, 2017
I have read other books in this series. It was fun to read the first book. I was impressed with the mystery. I couldn't guess who the murderer was. It was a fun, fast read.
March 27, 2019
always a fun read about Desiree Shapiro, P.I.
August 13, 2019
Cleverly written. Never guessed the ending
August 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
October 28, 2020
This author is really funny. Bit judgmental which we all tend to be. Hard to guess the ending with a bit of the mystery still teasing at the end. Great series.
December 20, 2023
Very relaxing read.. love cozy mysteries
April 8, 2012
Murder Can Kill Your social Life by Selma Eichler (a Desiree Shapiro Mystery).
Desireee shapiro is our sleuth in this book and this series. She's not what you'd expect for a city P.I. Desiree is "pleasingly plumb" with a fun attitude on life especially her own.
The story begins with Desiree going to visit her niece, Ellen, at her new apartment on the 14th floor. That's when the confusion also begins. Desiree discovers that the elevator is out of order and she has to climb up 14 flights of stairs...or is it 14 flights?
I caught on to this clue immediately-can you?
Desiree searches for the key Ellen left under the mat and it's no where to be found. finally she realizes she may be on the wrong floor and backtracks. A neighbor informs Desiree that she's on the 15th floor and not the 14th floor. So down a flight she goes to spend the night at her niece's apartment.
The next morning Sergeant Tim Fielding and Detective Walter Corcoran of the 14 Precinct homicide Dept. were sitting in Ellen's living room. (Desiree has a long standing relationship with Tim fielding from other cases she's worked with him on.) They inform both of them that there was a murder committed in apt. 15 D last night. An elderly woman, Mrs. Agnes Garrity, was found murdered.
An innocent grocery errand kid, Jerry Costello, was their prime suspect.Desiree is asked by the kids employer,Mr. Martinez, to do some sleuthing of her own in proving his innocence.
Desiree agrees to take on the case and then...another murder takes place in that same building in 14 D.
Desiree investigates all the usual suspects in her own Q & A routine sometimes getting under the nerves of Sergeant Tim, but that doesn't stop her. The plot thickens as relationships develop during this mystery. In the end they have their suspect dead to rights...or do they? Is that the real killer or are there two?
I enjoyed this book because I like the main character and found her to be believable and likeable. The other characters also are believeable with all their qwirks.
This is the 2nd Desiree Shapiro mystery I've read and would highly recommend it to cozy readers.
Characters: Desiree Shapiro-P.I.
Ellen Kravitz-Desiree's niece through marriage
Sergeant Tim Fielding-homicide 14 Precinct
Sal Martinez-owner of the grocery store where Jerry Costello works.
Jerry Costello-prime suspect in the murder of Mrs. Garrity
Selena Warren-mistress of Neil Constantine
Neil Constantine-2nd victim
Louise Constantine-scorned former wife of Neil Constantine.
Alma Constantine-hostile daughter of Neil Constantine
Jack Warren-estranged husband of Selena Warren.
Bill Murphy-former business partner of Neil Constantine
Sean Clory-superindentent of the apartment building where murders
took place.
Desireee shapiro is our sleuth in this book and this series. She's not what you'd expect for a city P.I. Desiree is "pleasingly plumb" with a fun attitude on life especially her own.
The story begins with Desiree going to visit her niece, Ellen, at her new apartment on the 14th floor. That's when the confusion also begins. Desiree discovers that the elevator is out of order and she has to climb up 14 flights of stairs...or is it 14 flights?
I caught on to this clue immediately-can you?
Desiree searches for the key Ellen left under the mat and it's no where to be found. finally she realizes she may be on the wrong floor and backtracks. A neighbor informs Desiree that she's on the 15th floor and not the 14th floor. So down a flight she goes to spend the night at her niece's apartment.
The next morning Sergeant Tim Fielding and Detective Walter Corcoran of the 14 Precinct homicide Dept. were sitting in Ellen's living room. (Desiree has a long standing relationship with Tim fielding from other cases she's worked with him on.) They inform both of them that there was a murder committed in apt. 15 D last night. An elderly woman, Mrs. Agnes Garrity, was found murdered.
An innocent grocery errand kid, Jerry Costello, was their prime suspect.Desiree is asked by the kids employer,Mr. Martinez, to do some sleuthing of her own in proving his innocence.
Desiree agrees to take on the case and then...another murder takes place in that same building in 14 D.
Desiree investigates all the usual suspects in her own Q & A routine sometimes getting under the nerves of Sergeant Tim, but that doesn't stop her. The plot thickens as relationships develop during this mystery. In the end they have their suspect dead to rights...or do they? Is that the real killer or are there two?
I enjoyed this book because I like the main character and found her to be believable and likeable. The other characters also are believeable with all their qwirks.
This is the 2nd Desiree Shapiro mystery I've read and would highly recommend it to cozy readers.
Characters: Desiree Shapiro-P.I.
Ellen Kravitz-Desiree's niece through marriage
Sergeant Tim Fielding-homicide 14 Precinct
Sal Martinez-owner of the grocery store where Jerry Costello works.
Jerry Costello-prime suspect in the murder of Mrs. Garrity
Selena Warren-mistress of Neil Constantine
Neil Constantine-2nd victim
Louise Constantine-scorned former wife of Neil Constantine.
Alma Constantine-hostile daughter of Neil Constantine
Jack Warren-estranged husband of Selena Warren.
Bill Murphy-former business partner of Neil Constantine
Sean Clory-superindentent of the apartment building where murders
took place.
October 8, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery! --it was a highly entertaining, filled with luscious calories as well as witty insight and warm-hearted humor mystery! PLUS, this was the very first book this author had written (so unlike so many of my other mysteries -I didn't start in the middle of a series!) and, am anxiously looking forward to whatever else she has written! It's about a female queen-size Manhattan P.I. who has gotten her first MURDER (double murder) case. Until today she has handled all divorce and missing persons --and, in her own style! Sometimes it appears as though your sort of reading her own personal diary of the events, what she's thinking, what she's planning, what she's hoping along with what she's eating and, most of her decisions are on good quality food!
It was just a comfortable fun read! With a mysterious ending ---in fact I thought the book was done, she had solved the murders and yet there were still 3-4 more chapters --- the ending was nothing I expected and then disappointing because I hadn't wanted the story to end!
It was just a comfortable fun read! With a mysterious ending ---in fact I thought the book was done, she had solved the murders and yet there were still 3-4 more chapters --- the ending was nothing I expected and then disappointing because I hadn't wanted the story to end!
December 28, 2013
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
September 23, 2007
MURDER CAN KILL YOUR SOCIAL LIFE by Selma Eichler
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Mystery, 1994, 249 pgs
TIME/PLACE: 1990's/NYC
CHARACTERS: Desiree Shapiro/PI
COMMENTS: 1st in series. Desiree's cases are usually insurance fraud & divorce. When there is a murder of an elderly reclusive tenant in her nieces's bldg, Desiree is hired to clear the name of the grocery delivery boy.
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Mystery, 1994, 249 pgs
TIME/PLACE: 1990's/NYC
CHARACTERS: Desiree Shapiro/PI
COMMENTS: 1st in series. Desiree's cases are usually insurance fraud & divorce. When there is a murder of an elderly reclusive tenant in her nieces's bldg, Desiree is hired to clear the name of the grocery delivery boy.
June 19, 2013
I loved this series! Each and every one was so funny, fresh, and so interesting...the main character Desiree is just so much fun, so real, and any reader above a size 12, who has a foodie loving streak in their personality, will relate to her! The mystery is not so easy to figure out, and has a lot of twists and turns...I hated when I read the last one!
March 11, 2009
Desiree Shapirois a PI who is hired to help prove a grocery delivery boy didn't murder an old woman in her niece Ellen's apartment building. A week later another tenant of the building is murdered. The solution of the murder was pretty obvious and the end of the book dragged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews