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Stewart Hoag #13
The Lady in the Silver Cloud
"This is confection in the guise of a mystery novel; it goes down easy as a milkshake."—Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review
A 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a fantastically expensive car, especially in the pristine condition of the one owned by Muriel Cantrell. Living in a luxury apartment building on Central Park West, the delicate, sweet 75-year-old woman is a neighbor of Merilee Nash, the beautiful movie star, and Stuart Hoag, whose first book was a sensation but whose career crashed when he became involved with drugs and alcohol. Divorced ten years earlier, Hoagy has been welcomed back into Merilee’s life and apartment.
Apparently universally beloved in her building, residents are shocked when Muriel is murdered after a Halloween party. No one takes it harder than her long-time chauffeur, Bullets Durmond, whose previous job was as an enforcer for the mob. Who in the world would want to harm the silver-haired lady whose major vices were buying shoes and Chanel suits (always in cash), and watching day-time soap operas?
Lieutenant Romaine Very of the NYPD is called to investigate and again seeks help from his friend Hoagy who, along with his basset hound Lulu, has been an invaluable aide in the past. The investigation leads to the unexpected source of Muriel’s wealth, the history of her early years as a hatcheck girl at the Copacabana, how her chauffeur came to be called Bullets, her desperate meth-head nephew, and her wealthy neighbors, who have secrets of their own.
A 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a fantastically expensive car, especially in the pristine condition of the one owned by Muriel Cantrell. Living in a luxury apartment building on Central Park West, the delicate, sweet 75-year-old woman is a neighbor of Merilee Nash, the beautiful movie star, and Stuart Hoag, whose first book was a sensation but whose career crashed when he became involved with drugs and alcohol. Divorced ten years earlier, Hoagy has been welcomed back into Merilee’s life and apartment.
Apparently universally beloved in her building, residents are shocked when Muriel is murdered after a Halloween party. No one takes it harder than her long-time chauffeur, Bullets Durmond, whose previous job was as an enforcer for the mob. Who in the world would want to harm the silver-haired lady whose major vices were buying shoes and Chanel suits (always in cash), and watching day-time soap operas?
Lieutenant Romaine Very of the NYPD is called to investigate and again seeks help from his friend Hoagy who, along with his basset hound Lulu, has been an invaluable aide in the past. The investigation leads to the unexpected source of Muriel’s wealth, the history of her early years as a hatcheck girl at the Copacabana, how her chauffeur came to be called Bullets, her desperate meth-head nephew, and her wealthy neighbors, who have secrets of their own.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
170 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
David Handler
53 books261 followersAKA Russell Andrews (with Peter Gethers)
David Handler, who began his career in New York as a journalist, was born and raised in Los Angeles and published two highly acclaimed novels about growing up there, Kiddo and Boss, before resorting to a life of crime fiction.
David Handler, who began his career in New York as a journalist, was born and raised in Los Angeles and published two highly acclaimed novels about growing up there, Kiddo and Boss, before resorting to a life of crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
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March 23, 2022DNF
Unfortunately, one has to have 'read' the book before reviewing it, but I got about a quarter ways in and with head spinning, said nope, def not the book for me. Though I do understand this writer has a good audience, faithful readers, etc., and his books get constant, high ratings.
For me? Too much witty, crisp dialogue which reads to me as a lot of snark. Smart-aleck talk, in which every other comment is funny, clever, and omg this gets old fast. Perhaps a younger writer - or those older folk who were raised on the quick writing of 40's and 50's era detective books - might love this, but I need something more. (I also don't get why every character has to get in on this, too. Does no one talk like a regular person? If I lived in this world I'd need a couple of comedy writers to give me something to say.)
There's also an odd fascination on clothes - over-described to my taste - and a love of comparisons. When a new character walks on, he needs a page at least (or more) to describe: hair, dress, walk, talk, attire, as well as a good chunk of back story which I'm sure to forget.
But I wanted to try this author, heard a lot about him. Plus, this book was published by the Mysterious Press, a fairly prestigious name when it comes to crime, mysteries, etc.
However, just not my cup of literary tea. But to those who love this series - read on!
Unfortunately, one has to have 'read' the book before reviewing it, but I got about a quarter ways in and with head spinning, said nope, def not the book for me. Though I do understand this writer has a good audience, faithful readers, etc., and his books get constant, high ratings.
For me? Too much witty, crisp dialogue which reads to me as a lot of snark. Smart-aleck talk, in which every other comment is funny, clever, and omg this gets old fast. Perhaps a younger writer - or those older folk who were raised on the quick writing of 40's and 50's era detective books - might love this, but I need something more. (I also don't get why every character has to get in on this, too. Does no one talk like a regular person? If I lived in this world I'd need a couple of comedy writers to give me something to say.)
There's also an odd fascination on clothes - over-described to my taste - and a love of comparisons. When a new character walks on, he needs a page at least (or more) to describe: hair, dress, walk, talk, attire, as well as a good chunk of back story which I'm sure to forget.
But I wanted to try this author, heard a lot about him. Plus, this book was published by the Mysterious Press, a fairly prestigious name when it comes to crime, mysteries, etc.
However, just not my cup of literary tea. But to those who love this series - read on!
July 28, 2023
I have read almost this whole series except for the last few and it was so nice to be back with Lulu and smart ass comments !!
June 24, 2022
Writer Stewart Hoag has finally shed his writer's block and is working on a novel at his ex-wife's luxurious apartment. The elderly lady who lives on the same floor (and who is chauffered in a classic Rolls Royce) dies in a suspicious accident after a Halloween gathering. Hoag teams up with a homicide detective who was also a party guest and finds that the dead woman had a more than suspicious past, but that knowledge doesn't bring about a happy ending.
July 27, 2024
3.5 stars for this, the second book from this series I have read. I had liked the first one I read but then forgot about the series. Since it had been long enough to test my memory I felt like I was being introduced to new characters. It struck me as one of the wackiest books I have read. Wacky characters, circumstances, story line, even pets. I just may read another from this series for this very reason. Why not?
Library Loan
Library Loan
January 19, 2022
In David Handler’s latest book, The Lady in the Silver Cloud, Stewart Hoag (Hoagy) is back with his unique tongue in cheek narrative covering his latest adventure with crime. While this is part of a longer series, the book stands alone, with the mystery being fully contained within the pages of this novel. There are some threads that are continuations from previous books, primarily having to do with his relationship with his wife, er ex-wife, er it’s complicated wife, but Handler does a good job of weaving enough of the backstory in so that the reader never feels lost in terms of where Hoagy is in his personal relationships or his own personal quirks. While the reader may enjoy this one enough to want to go back and read the series in its entirety in order, that isn’t necessary to enjoy this book fully.
Hoagy, and his lovable basset hound Lulu, have moved back into the exclusive highrise where Merilee (said former wife) owns a penthouse. He has recovered from years of writer’s block and is immersed in writing his next novel, following a strict routine of writing every morning, exercising, then re-typing. He does make some observations about his fellow high-rise dwellers that help put these characters in high relief. While the book opens with Hoagy and Lulu being in the flat alone, Marilee soon moves back as the producers of her current movie place it on hold.
One of the most intriguing characters in the book is Muriel, a seventy something woman who lives in one of the penthouses and has a chauffeur who drives her wherever she wants to go in an exclusive Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. Muriel is introduced as a delightful, eccentric, extremely wealthy woman who has a routine of particular activities each day of the week, including one day a week to shop for Chanel Suits, which she wears exclusively.
It’s Halloween and the highrise is having their annual party where one flat on each floor holds an open house for residents. The children who live there go throughout the building, trick-or-treating while each floor’s adults have drinks and nibbles at their respective floor’s open house. Hoagy and Marilee attend the open house on their floor which this year is hosted by a gifted pianist who has chosen to cheat on his girlfriend with another of the floor’s residents. Ooops, it all makes for an interesting costume party, and that’s just the beginning of the activities Hoagy and his friend Detective Romaine Very get up to throughout the book.
As you might expect, Muriel turns out to be much different from the classy, wealthy retired woman she appears to be which Hoagy learns as he and Very start to investigate her murder. From that point, the reader is off and running, taking twists and turns that are totally unexpected and fully enjoying the ride which is narrated in Hoagy’s wonderful flippant style. It all gets resolved, as you would expect, with Lulu having given some strong hints about the guilty party. That is, she did so in between enjoying her favorite treats of sardines.
Marilee is a small part of the book, but she offers a picture of contentment and satisfaction with the life she and Hoagy have now. Very reveals himself to be a genuinely upstanding man, and everyone else falls somewhere along the spectrum. All of the characters are so well drawn you can see them in your mind if you simply close your eyes. You may have second thoughts of wanting to live in an exclusive highrise overlooking Central Park, but that’s a personal choice.
Regardless, I found this book to be highly entertaining and engaging in a unique way. I enjoy Hoagy’s humor as well as the honesty that projects itself across the page. I received an advance copy of this book from Penzler Publishers Mysterious Press for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Hoagy, and his lovable basset hound Lulu, have moved back into the exclusive highrise where Merilee (said former wife) owns a penthouse. He has recovered from years of writer’s block and is immersed in writing his next novel, following a strict routine of writing every morning, exercising, then re-typing. He does make some observations about his fellow high-rise dwellers that help put these characters in high relief. While the book opens with Hoagy and Lulu being in the flat alone, Marilee soon moves back as the producers of her current movie place it on hold.
One of the most intriguing characters in the book is Muriel, a seventy something woman who lives in one of the penthouses and has a chauffeur who drives her wherever she wants to go in an exclusive Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. Muriel is introduced as a delightful, eccentric, extremely wealthy woman who has a routine of particular activities each day of the week, including one day a week to shop for Chanel Suits, which she wears exclusively.
It’s Halloween and the highrise is having their annual party where one flat on each floor holds an open house for residents. The children who live there go throughout the building, trick-or-treating while each floor’s adults have drinks and nibbles at their respective floor’s open house. Hoagy and Marilee attend the open house on their floor which this year is hosted by a gifted pianist who has chosen to cheat on his girlfriend with another of the floor’s residents. Ooops, it all makes for an interesting costume party, and that’s just the beginning of the activities Hoagy and his friend Detective Romaine Very get up to throughout the book.
As you might expect, Muriel turns out to be much different from the classy, wealthy retired woman she appears to be which Hoagy learns as he and Very start to investigate her murder. From that point, the reader is off and running, taking twists and turns that are totally unexpected and fully enjoying the ride which is narrated in Hoagy’s wonderful flippant style. It all gets resolved, as you would expect, with Lulu having given some strong hints about the guilty party. That is, she did so in between enjoying her favorite treats of sardines.
Marilee is a small part of the book, but she offers a picture of contentment and satisfaction with the life she and Hoagy have now. Very reveals himself to be a genuinely upstanding man, and everyone else falls somewhere along the spectrum. All of the characters are so well drawn you can see them in your mind if you simply close your eyes. You may have second thoughts of wanting to live in an exclusive highrise overlooking Central Park, but that’s a personal choice.
Regardless, I found this book to be highly entertaining and engaging in a unique way. I enjoy Hoagy’s humor as well as the honesty that projects itself across the page. I received an advance copy of this book from Penzler Publishers Mysterious Press for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
December 18, 2024
⛍⛍/⛍⛍⛍⛍⛍
ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thing I Did Like -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
ᯓ★ man idk cause this book was weird and kinda sucked.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thing I Did Not Like -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
ᯓ★ the narration voice
ᯓ★ the humor
ᯓ★ the characters
ᯓ★ and pretty much everything else
ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thoughts Before Reading -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
So this book is part of a series, and this one comes in as number 13 in said series. This can be read as a stand alone. I was hoping for a spunky, historical fiction thriller.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thoughts During Reading -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
It started out kind of interesting. It was not too bad in the beginning, a bit slow, meeting all of the characters was tedious and I didn't feel like I could keep them all straight. I really felt like this story was not super well structured or paced. I felt like there was so much rushing in the end and the beginning was a complete drag. I had a really hard time reading and enjoying this book, especially because I think I was expecting something different.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thoughts After Reading -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
would not read again.
ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thing I Did Like -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
ᯓ★ man idk cause this book was weird and kinda sucked.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thing I Did Not Like -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
ᯓ★ the narration voice
ᯓ★ the humor
ᯓ★ the characters
ᯓ★ and pretty much everything else
ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thoughts Before Reading -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
So this book is part of a series, and this one comes in as number 13 in said series. This can be read as a stand alone. I was hoping for a spunky, historical fiction thriller.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thoughts During Reading -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
It started out kind of interesting. It was not too bad in the beginning, a bit slow, meeting all of the characters was tedious and I didn't feel like I could keep them all straight. I really felt like this story was not super well structured or paced. I felt like there was so much rushing in the end and the beginning was a complete drag. I had a really hard time reading and enjoying this book, especially because I think I was expecting something different.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- Thoughts After Reading -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
would not read again.
June 2, 2022
An entertaining mystery set in a luxury apartment building overlooking Central Park where a sweet 75-year-old woman is murdered. Stuart Hoag, a struggling writer, with the help of his beloved basset hound Lulu is determined to find out who did this dastardly deed. A witty story with interesting characters, the culprit didn’t shock me but there are plenty of twists in this story where lots of people are not what they seem.
While this is one in a series (the thirteenth I think) you can enjoy it on its own. I did. I would read another in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
While this is one in a series (the thirteenth I think) you can enjoy it on its own. I did. I would read another in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
June 13, 2023
This particular novel seemed disjointed, and written in such a lackluster way, it almost seems Handler was bored while writing it, or like he didn’t really want to write this novel/series, anymore. In this novel Stewart just followed around the Lt. Very for a few days, and then the whole thing just ended weirdly. I’m not sure what happened to cause this novel to seem to choppy and rough, but I certainly hope that Handler gets his mojo back and this series goes back to being as wonderful as they used to be.
I also didn’t like Kevin Rineer as much as I did the other narrators of this series. I’m not sure why this is the THIRD narrator on this series, but I don’t like that kind of change. And I certainly didn’t feel like this narrator was the ‘voice’ of Stewart Hoag in any way.
Please believe me when I say that this narrator did nothing wrong whatsoever in his narration on this novel. (I mean besides mispronounce a couple words wrong, but that’s being nitpicky, and I’m trying really hard not to be nitpicky). I just couldn’t sink into the story like I usually do, with this narrator. He felt like an itchy wool sweater that’s a size too small, and I wasn’t comfortable for one minute while listening to this novel.
I *did* finish it, because I love this series and Handler’s writing…. But it wasn’t as fun as they usually are.
3 stars
I also didn’t like Kevin Rineer as much as I did the other narrators of this series. I’m not sure why this is the THIRD narrator on this series, but I don’t like that kind of change. And I certainly didn’t feel like this narrator was the ‘voice’ of Stewart Hoag in any way.
Please believe me when I say that this narrator did nothing wrong whatsoever in his narration on this novel. (I mean besides mispronounce a couple words wrong, but that’s being nitpicky, and I’m trying really hard not to be nitpicky). I just couldn’t sink into the story like I usually do, with this narrator. He felt like an itchy wool sweater that’s a size too small, and I wasn’t comfortable for one minute while listening to this novel.
I *did* finish it, because I love this series and Handler’s writing…. But it wasn’t as fun as they usually are.
3 stars
February 29, 2024
Jumped into the middle of this series based on what was available on Libby, liked it a lot!
February 6, 2022
THE LADY IN THE SILVER CLOUD: A Stewart Hoag Mystery by David Handler is a magnetic mystery! Once I started reading this book I was completely sucked into this story and finished reading this book in two days!
.
It’s about writer Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag who investigates the murder of his wealthy, elderly neighbour. This book is actually # 13 in the Stewart Hoag mystery series but it totally works as a stand alone. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series.
.
There were so many elements I enjoyed in this mystery:
- classic mystery novel structure to the plot
- setting of New York City in 1993
- wide age range of characters from teenage to elderly
- mob ties
- Hoagy works with an NYPD Lieutenant which gives him credibility
- Hoagy’s adorable and very helpful sidekick basset hound Lulu
.
I really enjoyed this mystery! Please look up CW before reading.
.
Thank you to Mysterious Press for my advance reading copy!
.
It’s about writer Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag who investigates the murder of his wealthy, elderly neighbour. This book is actually # 13 in the Stewart Hoag mystery series but it totally works as a stand alone. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series.
.
There were so many elements I enjoyed in this mystery:
- classic mystery novel structure to the plot
- setting of New York City in 1993
- wide age range of characters from teenage to elderly
- mob ties
- Hoagy works with an NYPD Lieutenant which gives him credibility
- Hoagy’s adorable and very helpful sidekick basset hound Lulu
.
I really enjoyed this mystery! Please look up CW before reading.
.
Thank you to Mysterious Press for my advance reading copy!
February 1, 2022
I made a stupid mistake, in fact I made twelve of them. Even knowing the name of David Handler this is the first book of his that I have actually read. What an idiot. This was such a good book, I really enjoyed it and would be kicking myself over the first twelve but for the fact that I now have them to look forward to!
If you, like me, are making this your first Hoagy and Lulu book, never fear, you will not be confused. Any information you need is provided. I really liked the cast of characters, and look forward to knowing some of them better.
This book was highly amusing, and even had me laughing out loud in places. The mystery was a bit simple, but I didn't guess whodunnit. I loved Lulu the basset hound. All in all, this was a fun book to read, and I'm glad I did.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
If you, like me, are making this your first Hoagy and Lulu book, never fear, you will not be confused. Any information you need is provided. I really liked the cast of characters, and look forward to knowing some of them better.
This book was highly amusing, and even had me laughing out loud in places. The mystery was a bit simple, but I didn't guess whodunnit. I loved Lulu the basset hound. All in all, this was a fun book to read, and I'm glad I did.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 1, 2022
I was liking this book and would have given it 3 stars (my rating for a solid-but-not-special book). However, when I got to the end of it, THE MURDER IS NOT SOLVED! It’s not an intentional cliffhanger; we just have the main character muttering that he knows so-and-so had been accused of the murder, but he wasn’t buying it, and then running through the list of other likely suspects in his head. AND THEN THE BOOK ENDS. Very uncool. It wasn’t like this was some amazing piece of literary work that was worth reading even if there wouldn’t be a resolution to the murder! I really can’t believe he wrote it this way.
Note that there was a secondary murder in the story, too, and that was convincingly solved. But the initial murder, of the lady reference in the book title, is not solved! Boo.
Note that there was a secondary murder in the story, too, and that was convincingly solved. But the initial murder, of the lady reference in the book title, is not solved! Boo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
(3 1/2). I don’t know where I was turned on to this book but I am sure glad I was. It is nothing but procedural fun. Stewart Hoag is a low key, easy going protagonist and his faithful Bassett hound Lulu is a pretty good sidekick. What we have here is a New York City story, with a fair number of twists and turns, some interesting side characters, and a fancy apartment building that seems to hold stories of its own. I grew up in a much less fancy building in Manhattan but occasionally would visit folks in one of these swank places so it all felt very familiar to me. I have already reserved the Edgar winning first book in this series. A really easy, entertaining read. Good stuff.
October 26, 2021
Thank you to David Handler, Mysterious Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All reviews are my own, unbiased opinions.
This was just not the book for me. I was very bored throughout it, and couldn’t really keep track of what was happening. I was unaware that this was a series, so I may have enjoyed it more had I read some other books first.
This was just not the book for me. I was very bored throughout it, and couldn’t really keep track of what was happening. I was unaware that this was a series, so I may have enjoyed it more had I read some other books first.
January 10, 2022
Muriel is an eldery socialite living in a posh 16th floor apartment in Manhattan until she is found dead in the service stairway on Halloween night. Unlikely detective Stewart Hoag (a.k.a Hoagy, self proclaimed rising literary voice of the 80's) was one of the last to see Muriel alive at the Halloween party and unofficially joins investigation with his trusty and intuitive bassett hound Lulu. Muriel's life starts unraveling in mysterious and intriguing ways with more possible suspects emerging as Hoagy and Detective Very dig deeper into her past. It appears she was much more than a sweet lady getting chauffeured around town in her rare and luxurious 1955 "Silver Cloud" Rolls Royce.
This was my first Stewart Hoagy mystery book and found it to be quite a delightful cozy-type mystery! I enjoyed meeting the eclectic cast of characters and learning more about them as the mystery and story unfolded. The author has a knack for hilarious dialogue, especially the dry humor witty banter executed between Hoagy and virtually all the other supporting characters. I laughed out loud a handful of times. Although the reveal wasn't all that surprising, I was highly entertained and devoured this in two quick sittings. It read like a movie and I easily could visualize the scenes which certainly added to the overall enjoyable experience.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for extending me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review. This was fun!
This was my first Stewart Hoagy mystery book and found it to be quite a delightful cozy-type mystery! I enjoyed meeting the eclectic cast of characters and learning more about them as the mystery and story unfolded. The author has a knack for hilarious dialogue, especially the dry humor witty banter executed between Hoagy and virtually all the other supporting characters. I laughed out loud a handful of times. Although the reveal wasn't all that surprising, I was highly entertained and devoured this in two quick sittings. It read like a movie and I easily could visualize the scenes which certainly added to the overall enjoyable experience.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for extending me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review. This was fun!
January 15, 2022
The Lady in the Silver Cloud is the thirteenth in the series, though my first experience reading a book by author David Handler. This witty mystery takes place mostly in a posh apartment building in New York City where several of the characters reside, including the eccentric and kind aging Muriel. Her lifestyle is extravagant and she owns a Rolls Royce, Silver Cloud, with a chauffeur, Bullets. Er...used to. She is found dead in the building. On the surface she appears to be beloved but scratching deeper, the truth comes out. Not all her neighbours are as sweet as she.
Stewart "Hoagy" Hoag is a ghostwriter who has ridden on the success of his first novel and is struggling off and on with writing as of late, though he is now enveloped in a flurry of words. He and his friend Inspector Very investigate Muriel's death and wind up involved in other crimes, too. Secrets abound and deceit is as thick as a curtain. Hoagy and his actor ex-wife Merilee reignite their relationship which is one of the subplots. Lulu is Hoagy's almost-human sidekick.
My favourite aspects of this book are the wit, originality and writing style, especially the character descriptions. If you are a Mystery reader, you may enjoy this a lot, particularly if you are seeking something different.
My sincere thank you to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for introducing me to this intriguing author!
Stewart "Hoagy" Hoag is a ghostwriter who has ridden on the success of his first novel and is struggling off and on with writing as of late, though he is now enveloped in a flurry of words. He and his friend Inspector Very investigate Muriel's death and wind up involved in other crimes, too. Secrets abound and deceit is as thick as a curtain. Hoagy and his actor ex-wife Merilee reignite their relationship which is one of the subplots. Lulu is Hoagy's almost-human sidekick.
My favourite aspects of this book are the wit, originality and writing style, especially the character descriptions. If you are a Mystery reader, you may enjoy this a lot, particularly if you are seeking something different.
My sincere thank you to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for introducing me to this intriguing author!
January 14, 2022
Thanks to Mysterious Press/Penzler Publishing for sending a review copy.
It’s the 1990s so no cell phones, PCs, etc that make solving modern day crimes much easier in many ways. But the criminal still needs to be found and that is usually the result of capable detecting – in this case, one of NYPD’s best and his friend and author Stewart Hoag. Also on the team is Hoag’s basset hound Lulu.
Stewart has (hopefully) reconciled with his ex-wife and is living in her upscale Central Park West co-op. When a neighbor is found dead in a service stairwell it’s only natural that Hoag, Lieutenant Very, and Lulu are on the case. Colorful characters and suspects abound and the team will have to narrow things down quickly if they hope to catch the killer.
I enjoyed the time spent with the apparently recurring characters in this ongoing series. I think The Lady in the Silver Cloud is #12 or #13 but I’m happy to say it can stand alone. I like David Handler’s style that had me often laughing. I felt a “Only Murders in the Building” vibe and would definitely pick up the next in the series if it continues.
It’s the 1990s so no cell phones, PCs, etc that make solving modern day crimes much easier in many ways. But the criminal still needs to be found and that is usually the result of capable detecting – in this case, one of NYPD’s best and his friend and author Stewart Hoag. Also on the team is Hoag’s basset hound Lulu.
Stewart has (hopefully) reconciled with his ex-wife and is living in her upscale Central Park West co-op. When a neighbor is found dead in a service stairwell it’s only natural that Hoag, Lieutenant Very, and Lulu are on the case. Colorful characters and suspects abound and the team will have to narrow things down quickly if they hope to catch the killer.
I enjoyed the time spent with the apparently recurring characters in this ongoing series. I think The Lady in the Silver Cloud is #12 or #13 but I’m happy to say it can stand alone. I like David Handler’s style that had me often laughing. I felt a “Only Murders in the Building” vibe and would definitely pick up the next in the series if it continues.
June 9, 2025
This is -- to coin an oxymoron -- a lighthearted murder mystery. It is the 13th in Handler's series about Stewart Hoag, a NYC ghostwriter who aids the police in solving murders. There is some suspense and not a lot of gore. I say "some" suspense because the jovial first-person narrator's tone leaves little doubt from the outset that this is not a book that will give you nightmares.
The plot doesn't much matter in this series. The pleasure comes from the humor and the insights with which Handler peppers his story. Handler's affection for New York City, which is essentially a supporting actor in this novel, is palpable.
His protagonist, Hoag, is a witty if somewhat self-parodying character who seems obsessed with telling readers the brand names of whatever he happens to be wearing that day.
Look, if you are looking for great literature, keep looking. But if you sometimes relish a few hours with a cheerful writer who will give you a little holiday from our contentious times, "The Lady in the Silver Cloud" might be just the book for a summer escape. I certainly enjoyed it and will definitely further explore this fun series.
The plot doesn't much matter in this series. The pleasure comes from the humor and the insights with which Handler peppers his story. Handler's affection for New York City, which is essentially a supporting actor in this novel, is palpable.
His protagonist, Hoag, is a witty if somewhat self-parodying character who seems obsessed with telling readers the brand names of whatever he happens to be wearing that day.
Look, if you are looking for great literature, keep looking. But if you sometimes relish a few hours with a cheerful writer who will give you a little holiday from our contentious times, "The Lady in the Silver Cloud" might be just the book for a summer escape. I certainly enjoyed it and will definitely further explore this fun series.
May 3, 2023
I mostly enjoyed this book and was willing to ignore some of its annoying elements (mostly Lulu and Very) because I liked most of the characters. The story was written in a conversational way, the relationships were enjoyable, and I liked the familiar Long Island/Queens references. However, the ending was a HUGE disappointment - I didn’t think the mystery was solved.
Spoilers below
Having Frank confess to one of the murders was random and unimaginative. I thought the author was going to have him be covering for his son, but the author didn’t go there. Instead, there was a big shoot out (with unbelievable details) followed by Hoag and his dog sneaking away from the cops who wanted to question him. He then ponders the many suspicious suspects and the book…just ends. Wth?! I actually looked to see if I accidentally hit a button on my ebook and jumped to the end. It was such a non-ending. If this book had a real ending, I’d have given it 4 stars.
Spoilers below
Having Frank confess to one of the murders was random and unimaginative. I thought the author was going to have him be covering for his son, but the author didn’t go there. Instead, there was a big shoot out (with unbelievable details) followed by Hoag and his dog sneaking away from the cops who wanted to question him. He then ponders the many suspicious suspects and the book…just ends. Wth?! I actually looked to see if I accidentally hit a button on my ebook and jumped to the end. It was such a non-ending. If this book had a real ending, I’d have given it 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
I'm new to the Hoagy Series, and what a fun way to pick up the series it was! Stuart "Hoagy" Hoag and his (arguably the best character in the book) beloved dog Lulu prove quite the crime-fighting duo in this delightful caper. I also immediately Googled the Silver Cloud, which was a beautiful image to have in mind while reading this story and helps bring Muriel's character to life even more. I'd love to see a spin-off series of Muriel's younger days and the romps she experienced in that life (not to give any spoilers!).
February 9, 2022
Ghostwriting sleuth Stewart Hoag investigates the murder of his wealthy neighbor—and discovers her dark, mobbed-up past. I have been reading this series since the first one in 1988 and it has remained consistently delightful that entire time. The past has come back to haunt his elderly neighbor and in the process we learn a lot about old NY and the mafia and murder. This was such a fun read and I hope there are many more Stewart Hoag books in the future. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review/
March 4, 2022
I’ve been enjoying this series since the beginning and I as glad when Handler brought him back. I even reread the previous book to keep pace with the characters. I’ve given Handler’s books four stars because there is not a 3.5.
What makes me say this is Handler repeats a couple of lines in every book:
“Hoagy like in Carmichael? No, like in the cheesesteak.”
“He read (fill in an author) before going to bed to remind him what good writing was…”)
As I tell my husband after the 20th telling of a joke: “Get some new material!”
What makes me say this is Handler repeats a couple of lines in every book:
“Hoagy like in Carmichael? No, like in the cheesesteak.”
“He read (fill in an author) before going to bed to remind him what good writing was…”)
As I tell my husband after the 20th telling of a joke: “Get some new material!”
May 12, 2022
In 1993 NYC, novelist Stewart Hoag, has reconciled with Oscar-winning actress Merilee Nash, whom he divorced a decade earlier. Now living in Merilee's New York apartment while she's off in Europe shooting a remake of "The Sun Also Rises" with Mel Gibson, Hoagy has grown quite fond of elderly Muriel Cantrell, his neighbor on the 16th floor. When the "exquisitely delicate, silver-haired lady in her mid-70s," is found dead in a stairwell of the building after a Halloween party, Hoagy and Lulu the fishy-breathed Basset hound join Lt. Romaine Very of the NYPD murder squad to investigate.
June 27, 2023
I think I'm going to have to ditch this series. The main character seems like wishful thinking, with a beautiful movie star ex-wife, becoming a wife again, a career as a literary giant, an East Side penthouse. Plus he has a Basset hound. As a proud Basset owner myself, I can't get with his depiction of Lulu. The idea that a Basset could sniff out suspects and clues, yes; but Lulu is just too dang good. There's no way a Basset would obey commands and happily sit in the corner at cocktail parties.
May 13, 2024
I've read four (I think) assorted titles in the Stewart Hoag series, and this is my favorite. There are the usual colorful details about the NYC milieu and history. The quirky characters, most especially the protagonist, Stewart Hoag, are portrayed with a little more restraint than in some of the other books, so I could see how the police might find him helpful. There is humor amidst the violence, but the whole proceedings are not portrayed as a giant joke. The author walks us through an investigation that gradually--and plausibly--reveals the nature of the deed and the identity of the doer.
February 20, 2022
Another entertaining and compelling Stewart Hoag mystery, I read other before and always had a lot of fun in reading them.
It's a solid mystery that kept me guessing and having fun till the end. I liked the descriptions of the building and its inhabitants even if the side characters are bit on the caricatural side.
Can't wait to read the next story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a solid mystery that kept me guessing and having fun till the end. I liked the descriptions of the building and its inhabitants even if the side characters are bit on the caricatural side.
Can't wait to read the next story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 27, 2022
This is a very quick read. Our protagonist, Mr. Hoag (this is part of a series,) is alerted to the murder of a neighbor. With a friend who is a police detective he investigates. Over the course of this investigation the neighbor is revealed to have hidden depths; the killer less so.
This is one of the cheerily snarky first person narrated sub category of mysteries. It’s ok light entertainment if you like that brand.
This is one of the cheerily snarky first person narrated sub category of mysteries. It’s ok light entertainment if you like that brand.
August 11, 2023
I wouldn't have guessed it was possible to write an amusing noir mystery, but apparently it can be done. I've not read anything by this author before, and when I started it I immediately felt I was reading a hard-boiled novel. Except it has a slightly silly dog and amusing twists. Throw in the fact that this book is set in a more modern NYC, and it kept me a bit off balance. It didn't absolutely love it, but it was interesting enough to keep me going, and I will try another.
March 11, 2025
This book had arguably my all-time favorite opening sentence. Outside that, I’d characterize this as a candy read. Short, easy to consume, and unsurprising but satisfying. It is a campy film noir style detective story, complete with pulpy language and references. Characters that have back stories, but not much depth. It was an enjoyable ride and I will probably read other books in this series when my brain needs a break.
February 27, 2022
love my Hoagy
Another fun (but too quick) read from David Handler. One of Merrilee’s neighbors in Manhattan is killed, and Hoagy is invited to assist Lt. Very with the investigation. It gets interesting quickly as the neighbor has a past with ties to a mafia don. These books always end too quickly for me.
Another fun (but too quick) read from David Handler. One of Merrilee’s neighbors in Manhattan is killed, and Hoagy is invited to assist Lt. Very with the investigation. It gets interesting quickly as the neighbor has a past with ties to a mafia don. These books always end too quickly for me.
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