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Bruce Kohler #3
Dead in the Hamptons
“A perfect vacation book! Full of heart, full of humor—this honest and believable mystery put its straight-talking characters into a page-turner of a plot. Suspense plus insight plus compassion—equals a great read!” -Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Winner
“The Hamptons plus a juicy murder, with the added twist of addiction and recovery—what more could the intelligent reader want?” –Carolyn Hart, Malice Domestic Lifetime Achievement Honoree
THE ULTIMATE BEACH READ—SECRETS, LIES, SUNBURN, AND MURDER!
A clean and sober group house might not be everyone's idea of a dream vacation in the Hamptons, but the aptly named Deadhampton seems just about perfect for recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler, his main man Jimmy, and BFF Barbara the World-Class co-dependent. (Meaning she simply cannot mind her own business.)
Even the neighbors seem kindred spirits. Down the road's a big house in the dunes owned by a clean and sober playboy with a motley crew of house guests in recovery from drug, love, and sex addictions, compulsive overeating, bulimia, and anorexia, not to mention good old-fashioned alcoholism.
BUT SOMEONE'S NOT ABSTAINING FROM MURDER...
All goes swimmingly, so to speak, until Deadhampton lives up to its name in more ways than one way when the tide washes in the body of Clea, the trio's beautiful housemate . "Murder?" say the cops. " Piffle! You people are seeing pink elephants."
But Clea was an investigative journalist whose passions included environmental issues and men—lots of men. Our intrepid three aren't about to let this one go. So who needs the old addictions? Secrets, lies, and danger are the new sex, booze, and drugs!
"Interesting characters, a complex mystery with twists and turns, and a summer on the beach to remember ... Another solidly good one from the talented Elizabeth Zelvin." -Kevin Tipple on Kevin's Corner
"Zelvin brings [her characters] to life. A good plot, and action to keep readers glued to the pages. Good reading for the summer or anytime." -Mysterical-E
"Zelvin has mastered the male voice in a series that doesn't shy away from serious interpersonal issues. She has a natural ear for efficiently melodic prose." -Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
"The relationships between the three friends are as complex as they are fascinating. A credible and extremely interesting glimpse into the lives of the addicted." -Cindy Chow on DorothyL
Excerpt:
Jimmy and I set up the chairs, dug in the pole of the umbrella, and flapped the blanket. Barbara went and paddled in the water. Cheerful screams announced the temperature: too cold for me. She splashed around till we’d done all the work. Then she trotted back to us.
“Give me another bagel,” Barbara said. “I can’t sit still. I’m going to take a little jog. See way down the beach? There.” She pointed to the left. “About halfway to where it gets misty, above the waterline. It looks like a driftwood log. It won’t take long to run up to it and back.”
Holding the bagel in her teeth, she stripped off her shorts and T-shirt. She wore a bathing suit underneath, a serviceable black tank. Jimmy and I hadn’t even taken off our sweatshirts, much less our long pants.
“The Hamptons plus a juicy murder, with the added twist of addiction and recovery—what more could the intelligent reader want?” –Carolyn Hart, Malice Domestic Lifetime Achievement Honoree
THE ULTIMATE BEACH READ—SECRETS, LIES, SUNBURN, AND MURDER!
A clean and sober group house might not be everyone's idea of a dream vacation in the Hamptons, but the aptly named Deadhampton seems just about perfect for recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler, his main man Jimmy, and BFF Barbara the World-Class co-dependent. (Meaning she simply cannot mind her own business.)
Even the neighbors seem kindred spirits. Down the road's a big house in the dunes owned by a clean and sober playboy with a motley crew of house guests in recovery from drug, love, and sex addictions, compulsive overeating, bulimia, and anorexia, not to mention good old-fashioned alcoholism.
BUT SOMEONE'S NOT ABSTAINING FROM MURDER...
All goes swimmingly, so to speak, until Deadhampton lives up to its name in more ways than one way when the tide washes in the body of Clea, the trio's beautiful housemate . "Murder?" say the cops. " Piffle! You people are seeing pink elephants."
But Clea was an investigative journalist whose passions included environmental issues and men—lots of men. Our intrepid three aren't about to let this one go. So who needs the old addictions? Secrets, lies, and danger are the new sex, booze, and drugs!
"Interesting characters, a complex mystery with twists and turns, and a summer on the beach to remember ... Another solidly good one from the talented Elizabeth Zelvin." -Kevin Tipple on Kevin's Corner
"Zelvin brings [her characters] to life. A good plot, and action to keep readers glued to the pages. Good reading for the summer or anytime." -Mysterical-E
"Zelvin has mastered the male voice in a series that doesn't shy away from serious interpersonal issues. She has a natural ear for efficiently melodic prose." -Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
"The relationships between the three friends are as complex as they are fascinating. A credible and extremely interesting glimpse into the lives of the addicted." -Cindy Chow on DorothyL
Excerpt:
Jimmy and I set up the chairs, dug in the pole of the umbrella, and flapped the blanket. Barbara went and paddled in the water. Cheerful screams announced the temperature: too cold for me. She splashed around till we’d done all the work. Then she trotted back to us.
“Give me another bagel,” Barbara said. “I can’t sit still. I’m going to take a little jog. See way down the beach? There.” She pointed to the left. “About halfway to where it gets misty, above the waterline. It looks like a driftwood log. It won’t take long to run up to it and back.”
Holding the bagel in her teeth, she stripped off her shorts and T-shirt. She wore a bathing suit underneath, a serviceable black tank. Jimmy and I hadn’t even taken off our sweatshirts, much less our long pants.
Unknown Binding
First published May 11, 2012
170 people are currently reading
830 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 74 reviews
October 9, 2017
AA Meets SA, OA, And NA as Bodies Drop
This is, if I am counting correctly, the third in a series of murder mystery novels, feature two alcoholics in remission, lots of codependents, a bunch of overeaters trying to overcome their weaknesses, and a crew of sex addicts who seemingly have no interest in overcoming their addictions. The plot thickens as a crusading journalist, social workers and police join in. Add some desperate people seeking ... something and stir it all up with a party! I am flabbergasted that Zelvin can actually keep the plotlines and all the characters straight in writing the story! However the complexity really kept this reader guessing!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
This is, if I am counting correctly, the third in a series of murder mystery novels, feature two alcoholics in remission, lots of codependents, a bunch of overeaters trying to overcome their weaknesses, and a crew of sex addicts who seemingly have no interest in overcoming their addictions. The plot thickens as a crusading journalist, social workers and police join in. Add some desperate people seeking ... something and stir it all up with a party! I am flabbergasted that Zelvin can actually keep the plotlines and all the characters straight in writing the story! However the complexity really kept this reader guessing!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
December 24, 2013
sorry, but I was not a fan. I was so tired of hearing all the "12 steps" references. I think it could have been done without reminding me every other page that they were all sober and in recovery. The link between the murders was pretty weak at best. It was tough to finish this book and I thought it was obvious who was doing the killing pretty early on, even with the shallow attempt by the author to hide it. When the killer was finally "revealed" I was so over the story that I didn't even care why, and then when I read the reason, I again didn't care. I got this book not realizing that there were others in a series. I don't think you need to read the previous books to get anything else out of this book. I will not be looking for the other books.
December 30, 2013
The setting for this murder mystery is a summer group house in the Hamptons. All of the main characters are members of at least one--and many are in several--twelve-step programs. The protagonist is Bruce Kohler, a cheerful fellow trying to make his way day by day in sobriety, hanging out with his best buddy from his drinking days, a computer nerd, and that fellow's co-dependent girlfriend. They do almost everything together and are referred to at one point as The Three Musketeers.
I did like the part about fishing for a day in a boat off the Hamptons: the descriptions of how people fished, and what they saw as they boated around, all rang true. And if someone wants to learn (or review) twelve step sayings or tweets of encouragement, this book might prove useful in that regard, too. (I don't want to seem insensitive to what a useful role AA can play for many people throughout all of society, but for me, the way the mantras were constantly integrated into plot development was strong on didacticism, weak on style.)
But on an even more basic level, at least the way I read it, this novel fails. The main character does not think, talk, or act like a believable male, and the women he is surrounded by, when they interact, are not presented from a man's interpretive perspective, but from a woman's. I hadn't looked at the cover or noticed who the author was when I started reading this on a Kindle, but it didn't take me very long to figure out why I didn't believe any of the characters or really care what happened to them--a female author was trying to give a male's perspective, but didn't put in enough effort (or perhaps lacked the needed nuance) to pull it off. In a similar manner, but not quite so egregious, characters' dialogues didn't seem real, reactions were inconsistent (how badly any of those AAers really needed a drink or how secure they were in their sobriety could flip in one paragraph then flip back a paragraph later, then flip again in a few pages--and when you hadn't started to care about these characters to begin with, this didn't help). There is a "big reveal" in the last paragraph that was obvious at several different points earlier in the book, so getting that as the final payoff for completing this also did not make me want to read more of this series.
I did like the part about fishing for a day in a boat off the Hamptons: the descriptions of how people fished, and what they saw as they boated around, all rang true. And if someone wants to learn (or review) twelve step sayings or tweets of encouragement, this book might prove useful in that regard, too. (I don't want to seem insensitive to what a useful role AA can play for many people throughout all of society, but for me, the way the mantras were constantly integrated into plot development was strong on didacticism, weak on style.)
But on an even more basic level, at least the way I read it, this novel fails. The main character does not think, talk, or act like a believable male, and the women he is surrounded by, when they interact, are not presented from a man's interpretive perspective, but from a woman's. I hadn't looked at the cover or noticed who the author was when I started reading this on a Kindle, but it didn't take me very long to figure out why I didn't believe any of the characters or really care what happened to them--a female author was trying to give a male's perspective, but didn't put in enough effort (or perhaps lacked the needed nuance) to pull it off. In a similar manner, but not quite so egregious, characters' dialogues didn't seem real, reactions were inconsistent (how badly any of those AAers really needed a drink or how secure they were in their sobriety could flip in one paragraph then flip back a paragraph later, then flip again in a few pages--and when you hadn't started to care about these characters to begin with, this didn't help). There is a "big reveal" in the last paragraph that was obvious at several different points earlier in the book, so getting that as the final payoff for completing this also did not make me want to read more of this series.
April 28, 2013
one of those why did I bother? books
February 20, 2015
Confusing. A few too many characters, which meant that none of them really had a chance to be more than 'basic'. The constant '12 steps' etc began to grate after a while.
July 26, 2012
Death Will Extend Your Vacation
Author: Elizabeth Zelvin
Some books only deal with the plot, the murder and the suspense. But, this YA book is quite unique and different and presents a message to teens, and young adults that is sent from the beginning. A vacation in the Hamptons for three friends leads them and the people where they are staying in a direction they never expected. Jimmy, Bruce and Barbara are all recovering alcoholics along with others in a 12-step program. From the beginning we learn that and we learn the many procedures used to help these young people and the reason that are allowed to stay in this house. Imagine going to the beach and coming upon a dead body. When the body of investigative reporter Clea is washed up just who did it, where was she when she was murdered and why are there so many suspects in one place? As our narrator Bruce relates the events that transpired up until finding the body and after we learn more about each of the housemates, Oscar the owner of the house and the reasons why they are all there. As Barbara is the one who found Clea she is quite shaken up and the police seem relentless in making sure she and the rest are questioned and the house searched. Checking for footprints, a suicide note or a weapon comes up empty for the police at this time. Bruce seems to be the most level headed and remains with the body until the authorities come and take hold of the investigation. Questions going through their minds are: Did Clea go out too far? Did someone kill her? Was it suicide?
The scene is secured and the witnesses interrogated and an uneasy feeling comes over all of them, as they only want to return to the house and settle their nerves. The author takes the reader through the investigative process every step of the way explaining the procedures and the line of questioning used by the police. Frustrations ring high in all directions as the three main characters feel the police might not look in the right direction to find the killer and they just might lend a hand. As you get to know Jimmy, Lewis, Karen and the other characters each one with a distinct personality you begin to wonder just who might have killed Clea and then her boyfriend Phil turns up. The author brings to light many valuable issues about recovering alcoholics, their many failures and success and the rationale behind a Clean and Sober House. She always brings to light something that many might not know exists and that is a Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Group that some of these members of characters are also members of. As the author brings this to light the characters each speculate as to what might have happened to Clea.
The characters all seems fixated in this murder and each one weighs in with their opinion as they all try to get back to normal and the projects at hand. But, when the police question Bruce about his past with Clea things take on a different complexion for him. But, things get worse as fights break out, accusations are made, Clea’s notebooks are found and her digital recorder in the hands of the police as Ted Mailer enters who knows more about her job as an environmental reporter, her fight with the developers and much more that has yet to be discovered. So, why did her boyfriend pick fights, act guilty and take her notebooks? What was his plan and who set Clea up? But, the friends in the house speculate, Bruce admits certain facts and the others seem to be leaving it behind as they continue their various jobs, projects and express their feelings about Clea.
But, Clea was only the first as Barbara found Oscar dead in his room again and Phil after arguing with her was the victim of a hit and run accident. This vacation seems to be on the downward killing side as these friends are at each other’s throats, some with odd behaviors and Bruce admits something to Jimmy. But, there are more secrets before the final reveal and the killer is caught. Who was Phil blackmailing? Why did he want and keep Clea’s notebook? What was her relationship with Jeanette and how do all three murders link together?
Barbara, Jimmy, Cindy, Bruce, Lewis, Karen and Jeannette all members of this house some recovery alcoholics others sexual compulsives or both. Did anyone of them kill these three? If so WHY? Secrets, lies, blackmail, revenge and fear all rolled up in more than one person’s hope to escape getting caught for murder. Who knew more about Clea and hated her? Why? Who was blackmailing everyone to get money? Why was Oscar killed and wait until you learn how they all tie together? Barbara and Bruce face the killer head on. Will they survive or will this killer have two more victim? Author Elizabeth Zelvin teaches the reader about loyalty, friendship, understanding, fear, bullying, adoption procedures, love and what happens when one vacation is interrupted because Death decided to not only intrude but do more than extend it. As computer genius Jimmy works his magic, Barbara admits another addiction and Bruce faces his own demons will their friendship survive and will Bruce and Cindy ever get together? What is next for these guys well only the author will decide where and when to send them next? Characters that are true to life, situations that happen many times, sharing a house is not uncommon and learning and understanding how hard these young people are trying to survive in a world where so much is against them. Clea: an investigative report: What did she know that got her killed? What got Phil killed? What about Oscar? Find out when you read this outstanding novel.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Author: Elizabeth Zelvin
Some books only deal with the plot, the murder and the suspense. But, this YA book is quite unique and different and presents a message to teens, and young adults that is sent from the beginning. A vacation in the Hamptons for three friends leads them and the people where they are staying in a direction they never expected. Jimmy, Bruce and Barbara are all recovering alcoholics along with others in a 12-step program. From the beginning we learn that and we learn the many procedures used to help these young people and the reason that are allowed to stay in this house. Imagine going to the beach and coming upon a dead body. When the body of investigative reporter Clea is washed up just who did it, where was she when she was murdered and why are there so many suspects in one place? As our narrator Bruce relates the events that transpired up until finding the body and after we learn more about each of the housemates, Oscar the owner of the house and the reasons why they are all there. As Barbara is the one who found Clea she is quite shaken up and the police seem relentless in making sure she and the rest are questioned and the house searched. Checking for footprints, a suicide note or a weapon comes up empty for the police at this time. Bruce seems to be the most level headed and remains with the body until the authorities come and take hold of the investigation. Questions going through their minds are: Did Clea go out too far? Did someone kill her? Was it suicide?
The scene is secured and the witnesses interrogated and an uneasy feeling comes over all of them, as they only want to return to the house and settle their nerves. The author takes the reader through the investigative process every step of the way explaining the procedures and the line of questioning used by the police. Frustrations ring high in all directions as the three main characters feel the police might not look in the right direction to find the killer and they just might lend a hand. As you get to know Jimmy, Lewis, Karen and the other characters each one with a distinct personality you begin to wonder just who might have killed Clea and then her boyfriend Phil turns up. The author brings to light many valuable issues about recovering alcoholics, their many failures and success and the rationale behind a Clean and Sober House. She always brings to light something that many might not know exists and that is a Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Group that some of these members of characters are also members of. As the author brings this to light the characters each speculate as to what might have happened to Clea.
The characters all seems fixated in this murder and each one weighs in with their opinion as they all try to get back to normal and the projects at hand. But, when the police question Bruce about his past with Clea things take on a different complexion for him. But, things get worse as fights break out, accusations are made, Clea’s notebooks are found and her digital recorder in the hands of the police as Ted Mailer enters who knows more about her job as an environmental reporter, her fight with the developers and much more that has yet to be discovered. So, why did her boyfriend pick fights, act guilty and take her notebooks? What was his plan and who set Clea up? But, the friends in the house speculate, Bruce admits certain facts and the others seem to be leaving it behind as they continue their various jobs, projects and express their feelings about Clea.
But, Clea was only the first as Barbara found Oscar dead in his room again and Phil after arguing with her was the victim of a hit and run accident. This vacation seems to be on the downward killing side as these friends are at each other’s throats, some with odd behaviors and Bruce admits something to Jimmy. But, there are more secrets before the final reveal and the killer is caught. Who was Phil blackmailing? Why did he want and keep Clea’s notebook? What was her relationship with Jeanette and how do all three murders link together?
Barbara, Jimmy, Cindy, Bruce, Lewis, Karen and Jeannette all members of this house some recovery alcoholics others sexual compulsives or both. Did anyone of them kill these three? If so WHY? Secrets, lies, blackmail, revenge and fear all rolled up in more than one person’s hope to escape getting caught for murder. Who knew more about Clea and hated her? Why? Who was blackmailing everyone to get money? Why was Oscar killed and wait until you learn how they all tie together? Barbara and Bruce face the killer head on. Will they survive or will this killer have two more victim? Author Elizabeth Zelvin teaches the reader about loyalty, friendship, understanding, fear, bullying, adoption procedures, love and what happens when one vacation is interrupted because Death decided to not only intrude but do more than extend it. As computer genius Jimmy works his magic, Barbara admits another addiction and Bruce faces his own demons will their friendship survive and will Bruce and Cindy ever get together? What is next for these guys well only the author will decide where and when to send them next? Characters that are true to life, situations that happen many times, sharing a house is not uncommon and learning and understanding how hard these young people are trying to survive in a world where so much is against them. Clea: an investigative report: What did she know that got her killed? What got Phil killed? What about Oscar? Find out when you read this outstanding novel.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
January 28, 2024
I have read the first three books in this series all in a row, and in spite of the subject matter (addiction and recovery), I thought the books were wonderful with lots of humor. The various mysteries are somewhat unique with a strong New York background and the three protagonists represent New York to a T: Jimmy, an Irish Catholic, Bruce, Jimmy's best friend from grade school, and Barbara, a Jewish social worker and addiction counselor (and Jimmy's partner) are all best friends supporting each other's recovery and still seemingly addicted to solving murder mysteries!
June 1, 2021
Bruce, and his friends Jimmy and Barbara, are sharing a group house in the Hamptons. Everyone in the house is a recovering alcoholic and sometimes other things too. Lots of 12-step references and group slogans, although not as much as the first in the series. There is some good characters, but not are real deep. Very light read and the resolution of the murders definitely came out of the blue, but it made sense.
February 4, 2018
I was not able to finish this book. Characters kept appearing, there was no indication of the relationships between characters, the narration was heavy-handed...and the constant emphasis on 12-step programs was a real drag. Sorry, I just couldn't do it.
October 5, 2022
Great series!
The characters are so wonderful!
Lots of emotional relationships among the mysteries and dead bodies.
These are books you won't want a bookmark for. You have to keep reading to the end.
The characters are so wonderful!
Lots of emotional relationships among the mysteries and dead bodies.
These are books you won't want a bookmark for. You have to keep reading to the end.
April 29, 2018
Slow start
So took a while before i got into the book. Like the characters. Kept you guessing as to who done it
So took a while before i got into the book. Like the characters. Kept you guessing as to who done it
July 3, 2018
found it a little slow in the beginning but than it picked up. good, interesting characters
January 20, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
September 16, 2019
Kind of rambling at times.
May go back and read first two books for background.
Too many typos, disjointed at times. I loved the ending.
May go back and read first two books for background.
Too many typos, disjointed at times. I loved the ending.
July 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I would reccomemnd it. It is a fun story.
April 16, 2022
Lots of 12 step folks and issues. Being a 12 stepper myself I got it all but much felt satirical, which was fun. The mystery itself was fun.
May 10, 2012
This latest book featuring recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler and his friends Jimmy and Barbara, is another good one. While it could be read as a stand-alone this novel is later in time after Death Will Get You Sober and Death Will Help You Leave Him and thus should be read after those two good books.
This time around the three have taken shares for the summer in a group house in the Hamptons. They are not alone in the hose which is dedicated to clean and sober living. Vitally important because of Kohler’s complex history with alcohol as well as the experiences of his friends and assembled housemates. It should be a great summer and a relaxing one.
The murder of one of the housemates the day after Bruce and his friends arrive messes up that plan. Clea was beautiful but death ruined her image while also exposing a lot of secrets. Because of so many in the house as well as the large number of locals that had contact with the house and its guests the initial pool of suspects is large. As the weeks pass with increasing drama and additional killings, the suspect pool begins to narrow somewhat.
This third book in the series is another good one. Interpersonal relationships and psychological issues regarding addiction, etc. remain at the heart of this series. Those issues drive relationships, fuel conflict and are always present at some level throughout the book. Over the three books, Bruce Kohler is gradually evolving and becoming more and more a complex person in terms of moving on from his past and forging new relationships. Breaking the destructive cycles of the past and forging new relationships is a key component to recovery and clearly at work here through the three books.
Death Will Extend Your Vacation features more interesting characters, a complex mystery with twists and turns, and a summer on the beach to remember. Death Will Extend Your Vacation is another solidly good one from the talented Elizabeth Zelvin.
Death Will Extend Your Vacation
Elizabeth Zelvin
http://www.elizabethzelvin.com
Five Star (part of Gale, Cengage Learning)
http://www.gale.cengage.com/fivestar/
ISBN# 978-1-4328-2577-5
May 2012
Hardback
270 Pages
$25.95
ARC supplied by owner PJ Nunn of BreakThrough Promotions at http://breakthroughpromotions.net/ in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2012
More reviews at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
This time around the three have taken shares for the summer in a group house in the Hamptons. They are not alone in the hose which is dedicated to clean and sober living. Vitally important because of Kohler’s complex history with alcohol as well as the experiences of his friends and assembled housemates. It should be a great summer and a relaxing one.
The murder of one of the housemates the day after Bruce and his friends arrive messes up that plan. Clea was beautiful but death ruined her image while also exposing a lot of secrets. Because of so many in the house as well as the large number of locals that had contact with the house and its guests the initial pool of suspects is large. As the weeks pass with increasing drama and additional killings, the suspect pool begins to narrow somewhat.
This third book in the series is another good one. Interpersonal relationships and psychological issues regarding addiction, etc. remain at the heart of this series. Those issues drive relationships, fuel conflict and are always present at some level throughout the book. Over the three books, Bruce Kohler is gradually evolving and becoming more and more a complex person in terms of moving on from his past and forging new relationships. Breaking the destructive cycles of the past and forging new relationships is a key component to recovery and clearly at work here through the three books.
Death Will Extend Your Vacation features more interesting characters, a complex mystery with twists and turns, and a summer on the beach to remember. Death Will Extend Your Vacation is another solidly good one from the talented Elizabeth Zelvin.
Death Will Extend Your Vacation
Elizabeth Zelvin
http://www.elizabethzelvin.com
Five Star (part of Gale, Cengage Learning)
http://www.gale.cengage.com/fivestar/
ISBN# 978-1-4328-2577-5
May 2012
Hardback
270 Pages
$25.95
ARC supplied by owner PJ Nunn of BreakThrough Promotions at http://breakthroughpromotions.net/ in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2012
More reviews at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
May 9, 2012
The newest in this author’s “Death Will . . . “ series brings back the Three Musketeers, Bruce Kohler [recovering alcoholic], his best friend, computer nerd Jimmy, and Jimmy’s girlfriend, Barbara, self-described codependent, this time embarking upon a summer holiday in the Hamptons in the fictional town of Deadhampton [nee Dedhampton]. On only their second day, they stumble upon the body of one of their housemates, apparently drowned, possibly the victim of foul play. The dead woman was, as are our protags, among those staying in a “clean and sober” group house, all of the occupants being members of one or more twelve-step programs for compulsives, whether it be AA, Al-Anon and the like or one of the lesser-known programs (at least to this reader) such as SCA (Sexual Compulsives Anonymous) or SLAA (Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous).
The police treat the woman’s death as “suspicious,” but Barbara, self-described as having “a disease of not minding my own business,” is not content to leave it to the professionals, and does some amateur sleuthing of her own. And when another body turns up, things heat up. The second victim is a wealthy developer, and the hostility between the local farmers, the developers and the environmentalists make for a healthy suspect pool. Or is it more personal than that?
There are some lovely descriptions of the beauties of the Hamptons, e.g., “The cove nestled in the curve of the towering cliff between two headlands. The far end shimmered in a veil of haze. In the foreground, sea and virgin sand sparkled, every glint, grain, and droplet crisply delineated. Surf crashed intermittently on a broad border of flat, hard-packed beach the color of coffee cream. The lacy edge of the breakers formed a single rim with an unbroken line of high rollers behind it.”
The summer, and the investigation, proceeds at a leisurely pace, with the novel beginning just before Memorial Day and going, as one might expect, through the Labor Day weekend, which makes the timing of the publication of the book perfect: Just the thing for an enjoyable beach read.
The police treat the woman’s death as “suspicious,” but Barbara, self-described as having “a disease of not minding my own business,” is not content to leave it to the professionals, and does some amateur sleuthing of her own. And when another body turns up, things heat up. The second victim is a wealthy developer, and the hostility between the local farmers, the developers and the environmentalists make for a healthy suspect pool. Or is it more personal than that?
There are some lovely descriptions of the beauties of the Hamptons, e.g., “The cove nestled in the curve of the towering cliff between two headlands. The far end shimmered in a veil of haze. In the foreground, sea and virgin sand sparkled, every glint, grain, and droplet crisply delineated. Surf crashed intermittently on a broad border of flat, hard-packed beach the color of coffee cream. The lacy edge of the breakers formed a single rim with an unbroken line of high rollers behind it.”
The summer, and the investigation, proceeds at a leisurely pace, with the novel beginning just before Memorial Day and going, as one might expect, through the Labor Day weekend, which makes the timing of the publication of the book perfect: Just the thing for an enjoyable beach read.
January 3, 2014
Found on bookbub for free and I generally enjoyed the book. However, I picked the book because it was listed as a humorous mystery but I didn’t find it funny, more light and fun with a cast of colorful characters. I was also generally impressed with the quality of the writing and editing as the stories lines all made sense and worked together and followed to their conclusion. I found surprising that the characters are described as being in their forties and yet act and have situations reminiscent of being in their twenties. Maybe, however that’s consistent with the people who are recovering from various addictions, I don’t know. Also this is another example of how female and male writers just write differently. For example this book does discuss women’s body image issues, although probably handled better and more consistent with the plot than many other books I’ve read, but still something I’ve never encounter in a male writing and always seem to encounter in female writing. I don’t mean to criticize as the author is pretty balanced in depicting males and females and the book is told through a male’s perspective. While the book does contain murders it isn’t really heavy or gruesome just an interesting view into the lives of some interesting people dealing with personalities and a little murder. My personal mystery taste is ideally towards comic capers, but since every mystery today appears to require a murder this is as close as you’ll get to a fun light read. I can almost see it as a television series. Definitely recommended.
March 14, 2015
Dead in the Hamptons is book 3 in the Bruce Kohler series by Elizabeth Zelvin. Finally the scene is not in New York City, but in the Hamptons, Deadhampton to be precise.
Bruce, Jimmy, and Barbara have decided to get out of the city during the summer and go to the Hamptons. However, they are all recovering addicts and need a safe place to live. They find a group home that caters to the clean and sober recovering people. There are about 10 in their house and there is another house down the beach that is owned by a playboy recovering addict. Despite being in a clean and sober house, there is still plenty of alcohol and drugs to be obtained in the Hamptons. While Barbara and Bruce enjoy the beach, Jimmy prefers to be indoors or in the shade with his computer as he burns easily.
On the beach one day, Barbara finds one of their roommates dead on the beach. She had drowned; but Barbara isn’t sure it wasn’t murder. However, the police seem to think it was either accidental or a suicide. Barbara draws Bruce and Jimmy into proving she was murdered. However, when the second murder occurs, they are concerned about being drawn into the limelight as recovering addicts. That is the last thing they want. But who would want to kill both of them and why?
Bruce, Jimmy, and Barbara have decided to get out of the city during the summer and go to the Hamptons. However, they are all recovering addicts and need a safe place to live. They find a group home that caters to the clean and sober recovering people. There are about 10 in their house and there is another house down the beach that is owned by a playboy recovering addict. Despite being in a clean and sober house, there is still plenty of alcohol and drugs to be obtained in the Hamptons. While Barbara and Bruce enjoy the beach, Jimmy prefers to be indoors or in the shade with his computer as he burns easily.
On the beach one day, Barbara finds one of their roommates dead on the beach. She had drowned; but Barbara isn’t sure it wasn’t murder. However, the police seem to think it was either accidental or a suicide. Barbara draws Bruce and Jimmy into proving she was murdered. However, when the second murder occurs, they are concerned about being drawn into the limelight as recovering addicts. That is the last thing they want. But who would want to kill both of them and why?
Read
February 2, 2014Death Will extend Your Vacation, by Elizabeth Zelvin, a-minus, Narrated by Mark Boyett, Produced by Audible Inc. downloaded from audible.com.
This, the latest booking the series, finds Bruce, Barbara and Jimmy on a summer vacation in the Hamptons. They are sharing a “clean and sober” house with other 12-step program participants. The first night they meet Clea. She flirts with all the men and ignores the women. The next day, Barbara routes Bruce and Jimmy out at dawn to walk along the seashore, and Barbara finds Clea’s body. She appears to have drowned. The police, initially suspicious of the death, decide it is an accident and close her case. But our threesome suspect that it is murder. When two more persons in their circle are also killed, they’re sure of it. But their snooping may well get them killed. This is as exciting as the other two books, but people move along a little bit in their character development. We find Barbara has some compulsions. She’s not just the perfect counselor. And Bruce has maybe met someone who will interest him. This is very good. I’m waiting patiently for the next one in the series.
This, the latest booking the series, finds Bruce, Barbara and Jimmy on a summer vacation in the Hamptons. They are sharing a “clean and sober” house with other 12-step program participants. The first night they meet Clea. She flirts with all the men and ignores the women. The next day, Barbara routes Bruce and Jimmy out at dawn to walk along the seashore, and Barbara finds Clea’s body. She appears to have drowned. The police, initially suspicious of the death, decide it is an accident and close her case. But our threesome suspect that it is murder. When two more persons in their circle are also killed, they’re sure of it. But their snooping may well get them killed. This is as exciting as the other two books, but people move along a little bit in their character development. We find Barbara has some compulsions. She’s not just the perfect counselor. And Bruce has maybe met someone who will interest him. This is very good. I’m waiting patiently for the next one in the series.
October 4, 2013
Bruce Kohler, a recovering alcoholic, is spending the summer in a "clean and sober" timeshare in the Hamptons with his best buddy Jimmy, sober now for many years, and Jimmy's girlfriend Barbara. Their first morning, they find the body of one of their housemates, dead in what the police decide is an accident. Bruce and Barbara aren't too sure, but Bruce is still negotiating sobriety for the first time in his adult life, and doesn't always know how to behave without alcohol. When there's a second death, more secrets come out. Even the attractive woman Bruce is developing an interest in has a secret, though readers may guess it long before Bruce does. There's something really unclassifiable about these books, unless you want to call something cozy noir. This one is more cozy and less noir than the first in the series.
August 26, 2014
This was an interesting 'who done it' murder mystery with intrigue of a different sort tossed in. Sorry, can't say what it was, since it wasn't disclosed at the start of the novel. It is told from a first person point of view, in "DedHampton" beach area. The telling of the story is interesting and kept me engaged, the climax was just a short of nailbiting, and the end was a little bit of a burst bubble. However, it was a well written novel with talk of sex, but no sex, and to me it's always great when an author can write a book without all out sex in the midst.
September 7, 2014
This is a very enjoyable Who Dunnit, set in a ficticious town in the Hamptons. There is a little bit of everything in his book---murder, romance, blackmail---for the characters who are in various kinds of recovery, sharing two Clean and Sober houses for the summer in this little paradise.
I am usually adept at figuring things out, but was completely surprised by the last sentence of the book.
I will definitely read the other books in this series.
I am usually adept at figuring things out, but was completely surprised by the last sentence of the book.
I will definitely read the other books in this series.
August 6, 2014
Unfortunately I can't rate it any lower. I am so disgusted by the author's reference to a serious mental illness in a dismissive manner that I couldn't even finish the book. The overuse of 12 step references was annoying to the point of getting in the way of the story. I will not read anything by this author again. I am making a new shelf here on goodreads for authors to never read again due to this book.
September 22, 2014
Bad me, I started 3rd book in on a series. I don't usually do that. It's a mystery, there are deaths happening in the Hamptons and the three main characters each try to ferret out information in their own way, while enjoying the beach life for the summer. I really like the relationship between Jimmy, Barbara and Bruce, so now I have gone back and started reading book #1 so I can get a better feeling for their group dynamic.
August 24, 2015
I enjoyed this. It felt authentic, I suppose because the characters were older and not-so-glamorous. A bunch of AA and NA people on vacation together, when disaster strikes. It wasn't an amazing read, the suspense seemed contrived and it irked me that the narrator mentions he's only a part time resident at the summer home, but doesn't really seem to exist anywhere else. But damn it, it wasn't bad.
July 17, 2016
A mostly good read and well written, but the continual references to AA and the 12 step programme were pretty intrusive and strangled the story in places.
I must admit to not guessing the identity of the murderer and it was refreshing to have an absence of clunky, unsubtle clues dropping throughout the story.
I'll probably check out other books by this author, perhaps a non 'clean and sober' one next time, because that component of this story was not enjoyable.
I must admit to not guessing the identity of the murderer and it was refreshing to have an absence of clunky, unsubtle clues dropping throughout the story.
I'll probably check out other books by this author, perhaps a non 'clean and sober' one next time, because that component of this story was not enjoyable.
December 14, 2016
Slow
Some books you cannot put down. Some you make urself pick up. This is the latter. Okay plot and characters but storyline dragged out with way too many references to different addictions. So many characters in main plot it was hard to separate them. I do not care for radical environmentalists or feminists so that alone took two stars from novel. Add them on if that is ur bag and u have a thing for weak characters.
Some books you cannot put down. Some you make urself pick up. This is the latter. Okay plot and characters but storyline dragged out with way too many references to different addictions. So many characters in main plot it was hard to separate them. I do not care for radical environmentalists or feminists so that alone took two stars from novel. Add them on if that is ur bag and u have a thing for weak characters.
December 10, 2013
A very funny book about lives entwined and the dynamics of how it all plays out. There were some parts of this book that I felt were unnecessary to carry out the story line and eventual outcome. I felt that some of that just cluttered up the book. It was still good but didn't make any difference one way or the other as to why these details were there.
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