The Cold Blue Blood

The Cold Blue Blood follows film critic Mitch Berger as he relocates from New York City to a small Connecticut beach town after his wife's death. When he discovers a body on the private beach near his rental cottage, he becomes entangled in a murder investigation led by the local resident state trooper, Desiree Mitry. Berger and Mitry form an unlikely investigative partnership as they work to uncover the truth behind the death. Their collaboration brings them into contact with the town's wealthy summer residents, long-term locals, and a web of historical connections that complicate the case. The story combines elements of traditional mystery with sharp observations about social class dynamics in New England beach communities. Through the perspectives of both outsider Berger and insider Mitry, the narrative explores the tensions between seasonal and year-round residents. This first installment in the Berger and Mitry series establishes themes of grief, healing, and the ways communities both protect and expose their own secrets. The contrast between surface appearances and hidden realities in small-town life forms a central focus of the story.

Readers found this mystery novel entertaining but not exceptional. Several reviews note the witty banter between the main characters and praise Handler's ability to capture the atmosphere of coastal Connecticut. Likes: - Smart dialogue and humor throughout - Strong sense of place and local details - Fast-paced plotting - Chemistry between Stewart Hoag and Lulu Dislikes: - Plot twists felt predictable to some readers - Supporting characters could be one-dimensional - Too many pop culture references that may date the book - Some found the protagonist pretentious Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (214 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (41 ratings) "The mystery itself is pretty standard fare, but the sharp writing and memorable leads make it worth reading," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads user wrote: "Handler nails the dynamic between Hoag and his basset hound sidekick Lulu - their scenes together are the highlight."

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🔍 Author David Handler worked as a journalist and wrote for television before becoming a mystery novelist. 🏆 "The Cold Blue Blood" is part of the Berger and Mitry series, which follows an unlikely pair: a Jewish film critic from New York and a Black female state trooper. 🌊 The novel is set in the fictional town of Dorset, Connecticut, modeled after the affluent coastal communities along Long Island Sound. 📚 Handler's writing style in this series has been compared to Robert B. Parker's, particularly in its sharp dialogue and blend of mystery with romantic elements. 🎬 The protagonist Des Mitry's film critic partner, Mitch Berger, frequently weaves movie references throughout the story, reflecting Handler's own background in entertainment journalism.