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Hannah Kline Mysteries #1
Murder in the Family
Hannah Kline is a successful Los Angeles obstetrician and the recently widowed mother of a young daughter. She is barely managing to hold it all together, when her life is shattered once again by the brutal murder of her beautiful, bright, zany and recently divorced sister-in-law Beth. Detective Daniel Ross of the LAPD thinks the killer had a very personal motive. Hannah is determined to do whatever she can to assist the police in finding the murderer. She finds herself obsessed with the details of Beth's life, and as she encounters her sister-in-law's eclectic collection of friends and former lovers, she discovers that all was not as it seemed. Not only was Beth a woman with a secret life, but her secrets may have led her inexorably to a rendezvous with her killer.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2014
1271 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
Paula Bernstein
11 books28 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Paula Bernstein is a New York native, who migrated to Los Angeles to attend graduate school in Chemistry. She acquired a PhD, an exceptionally nice husband, and the ability to synthesize compounds useful for poisoning.
Not long afterwards, she escaped her laboratory and attended medical school. Like her series heroine, Hannah Kline, Paula spent her professional life practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology. When she developed an irresistible desire for an uninterrupted nights’ sleep, she retired from her full time practice, and reinvented herself as a writer of medical mysteries.
She is the author of the eight volume Hannah Kline mystery series. Her short stories have been published in the collection Potpourri as well as in two Sisters in Crime Anthologies,LAst Resort and Avenging Angelinos. She has served as the President of the Los Angeles Chapter of Sisters in Crime and as Chair of the 2023 California Crime Writers Conference.
Paula Bernstein is a New York native, who migrated to Los Angeles to attend graduate school in Chemistry. She acquired a PhD, an exceptionally nice husband, and the ability to synthesize compounds useful for poisoning.
Not long afterwards, she escaped her laboratory and attended medical school. Like her series heroine, Hannah Kline, Paula spent her professional life practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology. When she developed an irresistible desire for an uninterrupted nights’ sleep, she retired from her full time practice, and reinvented herself as a writer of medical mysteries.
She is the author of the eight volume Hannah Kline mystery series. Her short stories have been published in the collection Potpourri as well as in two Sisters in Crime Anthologies,LAst Resort and Avenging Angelinos. She has served as the President of the Los Angeles Chapter of Sisters in Crime and as Chair of the 2023 California Crime Writers Conference.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
May 28, 2021
Now this is a good cozy mystery. Or at least it was, until the end. The characters are compelling, the plot is interesting, and there are enough red herrings to keep readers guessing. The first 90% of the book was great, though the ending was rushed and a bit of a letdown (I would have like to have gone more depth about the killer, and have his capture not rely on coincidence). But as the first in a series, it's a really solid start and a series I'd like to read more of.
November 8, 2022
There is no question this book grabbed my interest. The story was mature and entertaining. There were a few problems, name change from Watkins to Watson and I had to doublecheck to ensure there wasn't a new character, some typos and a plot hole that probably wasn't meant to have been part of the story. It threw me a bit, but it was easy to get back on track. The author brings life to her characters, they aren't three-dimensional or unrealistic. The gratuitous sex at the end spoiled it too, taking it out of the cozy genre. The book had its pros and cons, but the writer's ability to bring her characters to life overrode the negatives.
August 7, 2021
I really need the half-star capability, 3.5 stars for me, seemed a bit slow going. I knew who did it a while before it was confirmed, I like more mystery to my mysteries.
February 13, 2023
Intriguing mystery
The murder victim in this case had a lot of secrets that even those closest to her didn’t know. Her sister-in-law discovered the secrets, which were critical to solving her murder. I did find it a stretch to suspend disbelief in the degree to which the detective allowed her to participate in the investigation.
The murder victim in this case had a lot of secrets that even those closest to her didn’t know. Her sister-in-law discovered the secrets, which were critical to solving her murder. I did find it a stretch to suspend disbelief in the degree to which the detective allowed her to participate in the investigation.
October 16, 2025
a good one
My first read by Ms. Bernstein. It was easy reading with a good plot. I’ll read the next of this series.
My first read by Ms. Bernstein. It was easy reading with a good plot. I’ll read the next of this series.
November 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out. The mystery was good with the plot well investigated to finally gain understanding why Beth was murdered.
Hope to read more in this series.
Hope to read more in this series.
July 22, 2020
An entertaining murder mystery with a splash of romance. A good plot twist and likable characters.
November 18, 2015
The Introduction to this novel makes interesting reading: it gives the background to the story, and tells why the novel is the third published, although in fact it is the first in the series.
The author has done what many others have done: created a fictional sleuthing duo from complementary occupations, but this particular story was based on a true story, the brutal murder of a beloved friend and cousin. The first version of story as a psychological novel remained unpublished, and then came a short story written from another point of view, until the novel in its present form was accepted for publication.
Remembering all that as I read gave me a stronger appreciation of where this novel had its roots, and I think I enjoyed it all the more. I will certainly try to read the next in the series LETHAL INJECTION. I found Hannah Kline and Daniel Ross likeable characters that I would certainly like to see in action together again.
Reading MURDER IN THE FAMILY was prompted by the author offering me a review copy of the fourth in the series THE GOLDILOCKS PLANET.
The author has done what many others have done: created a fictional sleuthing duo from complementary occupations, but this particular story was based on a true story, the brutal murder of a beloved friend and cousin. The first version of story as a psychological novel remained unpublished, and then came a short story written from another point of view, until the novel in its present form was accepted for publication.
Remembering all that as I read gave me a stronger appreciation of where this novel had its roots, and I think I enjoyed it all the more. I will certainly try to read the next in the series LETHAL INJECTION. I found Hannah Kline and Daniel Ross likeable characters that I would certainly like to see in action together again.
Reading MURDER IN THE FAMILY was prompted by the author offering me a review copy of the fourth in the series THE GOLDILOCKS PLANET.
March 6, 2020
Hannah the Detective ??
There were two things about this book that grabbed my interest immediately. The statement that this book was inspired by a real life murder and the cover. Hannah Kline is such a strong character; a young widow, a loving mother, and a successful doctor. Besides all this she loves her sister-in-law and is determined to help the police find out who killed Beth and why. Hannah soon finds out that Beth has many secrets that she nor any of her very close friends knew anything about. Hannah and Police Detective Daniel Ross work together to find Beth's killer and find they are attracted to each other. Can hardly wait to get the next book in the series.
There were two things about this book that grabbed my interest immediately. The statement that this book was inspired by a real life murder and the cover. Hannah Kline is such a strong character; a young widow, a loving mother, and a successful doctor. Besides all this she loves her sister-in-law and is determined to help the police find out who killed Beth and why. Hannah soon finds out that Beth has many secrets that she nor any of her very close friends knew anything about. Hannah and Police Detective Daniel Ross work together to find Beth's killer and find they are attracted to each other. Can hardly wait to get the next book in the series.
January 27, 2016
I found it difficult to get through this book and I think it's because of the CSI syndrome. The one in which evidence points to multiple people, then it looks like it will be the one person you did really think did it. Then there is a speedy trial in which the suspect admits to the crime and the case is wrapped up in a tight little bow. I know some people will enjoy this book because of this formula. I'm a bit burned out on it. I do think it was pretty well written for a first-person POV.
March 8, 2020
Hannah Ben Zoe Beth and Daniel
Beth and Hannah had been best friends since Hannah had married her brother. Ben had died before Zoe was born so they had seen a lot of each other. One morning Hannah got a call that Beth had been killed. Why would anyone kill any Beth. Hannah tried to help Daniel find out who and why.
Very good story. Some twists and turns. But worth the journey.
Beth and Hannah had been best friends since Hannah had married her brother. Ben had died before Zoe was born so they had seen a lot of each other. One morning Hannah got a call that Beth had been killed. Why would anyone kill any Beth. Hannah tried to help Daniel find out who and why.
Very good story. Some twists and turns. But worth the journey.
May 19, 2024
Paula Bernstein's Hannah Kline series, Kindle Edition, has been removed from Amazon citing "Community Standards." How do I know this? Author friends of Authors talk. I am more than sympathetic to Ms. Bernstein since all my book reviews were removed from Amazon last year citing "Community Standards." MURDER IN THE FAMILY is still available in paperback. Since I read on Kindle, it was serendipitous that I found a copy of MURDER IN THE FAMILY in 'Manage content and devices.' Given the circumstances, I felt compelled to read and review it.
Hannah Kline is an OB/Gyn, a widow, and mom to her four-year-old daughter Zoe. Since the death of her husband Ben her career and child were her world. Then the unthinkable happened. Ben's sister Beth is brutally murdered. Enter Detective Daniel Ross. He oversees the investigation that has no clues or motive. It is a classic whodunit.
Underlying the murder mystery plot is a study of the family dynamic. Hannah is probably the last person to see Beth alive except for the killer. They are in-laws and they are friends. But just how well does Hannah really know her? The revelation of Beth's strengths and flaws creates a new version that Hannah doesn't quite recognize. Bit by bit, the possible suspects and reason for the crime emerge.
MURDER IN THE FAMILY is the ideal book for a cross-country flight, a long, lazy day at the beach, or curled up with a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. The intermingling of the intermingling of family relationships, the myriad ways of dealing with the death of a loved one, crime, and a smidgeon of romance kept me turning pages from beginning to end. As a series starter, I am intrigued enough to want to read the next book MURDER BY LETHAL INJECTION.
Hannah Kline is an OB/Gyn, a widow, and mom to her four-year-old daughter Zoe. Since the death of her husband Ben her career and child were her world. Then the unthinkable happened. Ben's sister Beth is brutally murdered. Enter Detective Daniel Ross. He oversees the investigation that has no clues or motive. It is a classic whodunit.
Underlying the murder mystery plot is a study of the family dynamic. Hannah is probably the last person to see Beth alive except for the killer. They are in-laws and they are friends. But just how well does Hannah really know her? The revelation of Beth's strengths and flaws creates a new version that Hannah doesn't quite recognize. Bit by bit, the possible suspects and reason for the crime emerge.
MURDER IN THE FAMILY is the ideal book for a cross-country flight, a long, lazy day at the beach, or curled up with a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. The intermingling of the intermingling of family relationships, the myriad ways of dealing with the death of a loved one, crime, and a smidgeon of romance kept me turning pages from beginning to end. As a series starter, I am intrigued enough to want to read the next book MURDER BY LETHAL INJECTION.
October 6, 2023
Beloved sister-in-law Beth's murder leaves Hannah Kline reeling. As a widow, Hannah has faced heart-rendering loss before, but this unimaginable violence causes her fear as much as it does sorrow. Working with Detective Daniel Ross, she attempts to seek justice for Beth.
Though I realize this story is a passion project for the author, I'm determined not to let sentiment sway my opinion. The bare bones of the plot were outstanding, grabbing and holding my attention. There were one or two quibbles I had, however. Before getting to the spoilers, it's important to mention that the narration switches back and forth between Hannah (first person) and Daniel (third person). It got the job done but felt clunky. The rest -
Despite my reservations, I enjoyed the story and would happily accompany Hannah on her journey.
Though I realize this story is a passion project for the author, I'm determined not to let sentiment sway my opinion. The bare bones of the plot were outstanding, grabbing and holding my attention. There were one or two quibbles I had, however. Before getting to the spoilers, it's important to mention that the narration switches back and forth between Hannah (first person) and Daniel (third person). It got the job done but felt clunky. The rest -
Despite my reservations, I enjoyed the story and would happily accompany Hannah on her journey.
July 4, 2020
Hannah Kline is the mother of a 4-year old and a doctor. Suddenly, her sister-in-law, Beth, was found stabbed to death in her Venice apartment. Beth was hit hard by the news. First, her husband; now, Beth. Who had killed her? Her mind wouldn’t let her rest until she found out. Was the victim raped? Was she pregnant?
At first, it seemed like Hannah would do anything to find the killer, but, really, most of the work was being done by Detective Daniel Ross and his partner. They don’t really work together to solve the case. They just both feel the same in the sense that they want the killer caught. In fact, the whole thing almost felt like 2 separate stories. Hannah was knee-deep in disgusting play-by-play surgical stuff while raising a daughter; and the detective was busy working the case. I don’t know why this is considered a Hannah Kline mystery when she really doesn’t do anything; it’s Daniel that does all the grunt work. Also, Hannah’s past was really dull and insignificant (I skipped most of her parts.) But even Daniel’s part was too procedural and slow for me.
Story was well-written for the most part, but it really didn’t captivate me as much. This really should’ve been a Daniel Ross mystery.
At first, it seemed like Hannah would do anything to find the killer, but, really, most of the work was being done by Detective Daniel Ross and his partner. They don’t really work together to solve the case. They just both feel the same in the sense that they want the killer caught. In fact, the whole thing almost felt like 2 separate stories. Hannah was knee-deep in disgusting play-by-play surgical stuff while raising a daughter; and the detective was busy working the case. I don’t know why this is considered a Hannah Kline mystery when she really doesn’t do anything; it’s Daniel that does all the grunt work. Also, Hannah’s past was really dull and insignificant (I skipped most of her parts.) But even Daniel’s part was too procedural and slow for me.
Story was well-written for the most part, but it really didn’t captivate me as much. This really should’ve been a Daniel Ross mystery.
January 9, 2021
Hannah is an ob/gyn in the LA area who is widowed with a young daughter named Zoe. Hannah's best friend and sister in law ends up brutally murdered in her apartment. Everyone is shocked as she was very well liked by all and very active in the Orthodox community. Daniel is the investigating officer and there seems to be no leads. Hannah has the job of going through her stuff since her family is on the east coast. Hannah uncovers some shocking things about Beth and her life, past and present. She shares what she knows with detective Daniel. He is very interested in Hannah as a love interest and tries to keep things professional. They work together and find the murderer.
February 18, 2020
A widowed doctor's sister-in-law is murdered. Everyone is shocked and the hunky detective is determined to find the killer and get to know Hannah the hot doctor.
This book is totally devoid of suspense, romantic and otherwise. Hannah is probably the most likeable but I had no connection to the boring sister-in-law. Supposedly a hip, contemporary woman she has a slew of dopey secrets and belongs to an insular Orthodox community. The lead detective plods around wondering how to nail Hannah and solve the case. The writing is elementary and the plot predictable. Pass.
This book is totally devoid of suspense, romantic and otherwise. Hannah is probably the most likeable but I had no connection to the boring sister-in-law. Supposedly a hip, contemporary woman she has a slew of dopey secrets and belongs to an insular Orthodox community. The lead detective plods around wondering how to nail Hannah and solve the case. The writing is elementary and the plot predictable. Pass.
June 24, 2020
Murder in the Family
This is a fantastic mystery. I want to read all of the Hannah Kline series. This is such a great mystery I couldn't put it down. The story is about Hannah's sister-in-law who is murdered. It is an interesting weave of events in finding Beth's murderer. Hannah helps the detective assigned to the case. The case is solved. There is a side of Beth that no one ever knew about. Hannah and the detective start a relationship. I highly recommend this book.
This is a fantastic mystery. I want to read all of the Hannah Kline series. This is such a great mystery I couldn't put it down. The story is about Hannah's sister-in-law who is murdered. It is an interesting weave of events in finding Beth's murderer. Hannah helps the detective assigned to the case. The case is solved. There is a side of Beth that no one ever knew about. Hannah and the detective start a relationship. I highly recommend this book.
March 1, 2021
Not your average cozy mystery. More serious than that, but not full-scale intense mystery either. No in-my-way clash with the "real" detectives; no bumbling and miscommunication. Just heartfelt interest in another person's life - and death. The real benefit of this novel is the chance to explore what we really know and don't know about another person, no matter how close we may be.
One would not call this a study in hiding depressing, except in retrospect. The story can be taken at face value with no loss of value, but it also encompasses so much more.
Well-written and presented.
One would not call this a study in hiding depressing, except in retrospect. The story can be taken at face value with no loss of value, but it also encompasses so much more.
Well-written and presented.
May 3, 2025
When a woman is brutally murdered in her apartment, police and friends are shocked and heartbroken. "Who could do this," they wondered. One friend, Hannah is determined to find out who and help bring that person to justice, even though she is putting herself in harm's way. Hannah is relentless in her search.
I had my suspicions about half way into the book, but still enjoyed the read. It kept me turning pages and pages. I highly recommend this.
I had my suspicions about half way into the book, but still enjoyed the read. It kept me turning pages and pages. I highly recommend this.
March 5, 2020
A story that holds your attention! When her sister-in-law, Beth, is found dead in her apartment, Hannah has no peace. Detective Daniel, tries to help her investigate and they find many leads but unfortunately, they go nowhere. It's Hannah who discovers a secret in Beth's life that eventually brings a suspect to mind. In all, a good read.
October 10, 2020
Awesome Mystery
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this first book in a series and didn’t have high expectations. Boy was I wrong. Fast read, great characters, tight plot. This had it all. The author clearly did amazing background research to tie everything together. It left me waiting to dive in to book two.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this first book in a series and didn’t have high expectations. Boy was I wrong. Fast read, great characters, tight plot. This had it all. The author clearly did amazing background research to tie everything together. It left me waiting to dive in to book two.
December 6, 2022
Sad story
Beth was a courageous lady wanting to mske things right but it didn't happen. The story of the murder and investigation was great but could have done without the sex scenes.
It didn't add anything to the main story. I skipped those pages. As a writer you could hint at what is going to happen and leave it to the readers imagination.
Beth was a courageous lady wanting to mske things right but it didn't happen. The story of the murder and investigation was great but could have done without the sex scenes.
It didn't add anything to the main story. I skipped those pages. As a writer you could hint at what is going to happen and leave it to the readers imagination.
July 8, 2023
It was unexpected good!
This book was just a free book I got from Amazon. I have gotten several that I have not read yet,but this one was very good and surprisingly well written and was a complete surprise.
I will look for more in this series and see if I can get some free.
Very good story and enjoyed it completely.
This book was just a free book I got from Amazon. I have gotten several that I have not read yet,but this one was very good and surprisingly well written and was a complete surprise.
I will look for more in this series and see if I can get some free.
Very good story and enjoyed it completely.
June 28, 2020
Ulogy for a lost friend.
While reading this story I could feel the compassion and heartbreak of Paulas loss of her friend. Howmuch is truth and how much is fiction? You will have to decide. Kudos for a well written and well edited book.
While reading this story I could feel the compassion and heartbreak of Paulas loss of her friend. Howmuch is truth and how much is fiction? You will have to decide. Kudos for a well written and well edited book.
August 14, 2020
Amazing book.read while our power was out and finished in 4 hrs
The way the dr handled herself as a mother,dr,friend,etc. She truly loved her husband and sister-in-law that to me led two different lives. It was shame she died at the hands of her own flesh n blood
The way the dr handled herself as a mother,dr,friend,etc. She truly loved her husband and sister-in-law that to me led two different lives. It was shame she died at the hands of her own flesh n blood
January 4, 2021
Very enjoyable
This was a great fluidly written book about murder ,friends ,family and love . All round good crime mystery. I highly recommend this book and author , I'm looking forward to the next one.
This was a great fluidly written book about murder ,friends ,family and love . All round good crime mystery. I highly recommend this book and author , I'm looking forward to the next one.
September 22, 2021
A good read
Well written. Although not as much tension as some similar books, this kept me interested to the end. A nice mixture of a budding romance (without the usual 20 pages of how to have sex) and a mystery to solve. I liked it.
Well written. Although not as much tension as some similar books, this kept me interested to the end. A nice mixture of a budding romance (without the usual 20 pages of how to have sex) and a mystery to solve. I liked it.
October 31, 2021
Interesting
Interesting story. Great characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Hannah and Daniel. The ending was a little weak but I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
Interesting story. Great characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Hannah and Daniel. The ending was a little weak but I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
November 19, 2021
Great
I absolutely could not put this book down. So many different story lines it kept you guessing as to who actually murdered Beth. I will definitely be looking for more .books by this author
I absolutely could not put this book down. So many different story lines it kept you guessing as to who actually murdered Beth. I will definitely be looking for more .books by this author
January 30, 2022
Lots of twists mystery, but also lots of sadness.
A real great read. A really good plot and really likeable and believable characters. Interspersed with a bit of romance, though not too much a d a lot of sadness and mystery. Keeps you guessing right to the end.
A real great read. A really good plot and really likeable and believable characters. Interspersed with a bit of romance, though not too much a d a lot of sadness and mystery. Keeps you guessing right to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews