The Hot Pink Farmhouse is the second book in a the Berger and Mitry Mystery series from the award-winning author David Handler. In their latest adventure, the mis-matched romantic duo of Mitch Berger, a Jewish film critic from New York, and Desiree Mitry, Dorset's newest resident trooper, come face to face with murder. Transplanted New York film critic Mitch Berger is discovering a whole new world in the idyllic atmosphere of wealthy Dorset, Connecticut, not the least of which is his new love. That's Resident State Trooper Desiree Mitry, beautiful, bright, and strong-minded. Des has transferred out of her position as the highest-ranking black woman in the State Police Homicide department to give more time to the art for which she has a sure talent. Shortly after Mitch's encounter with "Hangtown" Frye in the town dump, his new friend suffers the worst blow of his life - his beloved daughter "Moose" is killed when her sister's car, which she was driving, explodes. It's very soon clear that the explosion was no accident, and Des, as one more familiar with the community than the state cop in charge, takes an advisory part in the investigation. As one of the very few Dorset citizens with whom Frye will have any truck, Mitch is involved in two directions - as a good friend willing to help as he can around the dilapidated farmhouse that is Frye's ancestral home, and as the devoted, if unlikely, lover of the police officer unofficially but very actively on the case. Meanwhile, the old town is coming to a boil over the question of a new public elementary school, one that will be built with contributions from a developer with nothing but good wishes for the education of the local children, and coincidentally a program of healthful outdoor living for those who can afford the homes he will build on the old school property. Hangtown and Mitch are among the dispute's dubious. In a climax that is a realistic and frightening version of a tour through an amusement park "haunted" house, the film critic and his policewoman love come close to tragedy. Readers met these "wonderfully drawn characters [Susan Isaacs] and "best buddy team to come along in years" [Jeffrey Deaver] in Handler's first book of the series, The Cold Blue Blood. Now, in The Hot Pink Farmhouse, Handler carries on their sharp, inimitable and lively adventures to further delight his readers.

From Edgar-Award winning author David Handler comes The Cold Blue Blood, the first in a fresh, bright mystery series starring a highly mismatched romantic duo guaranteed to captivate readers. Mitch Berger, a top film critic with a major New York newspaper at a surprisingly young age, has become almost a recluse since his wife died one year ago. He spends his time secluded in his apartment or in the dark recesses of a screening room. Although he continues to dazzle moviegoers and the film elite with his criticisms, his editor and good friend is alarmed about him. As a scheme to pull him out of the doldrums of his grief, she gives him a non-film assignment - to do a color story on the wealthy and social homeowners on Connecticut's Gold Coast. It takes some doing, but in the end Mitch agrees. He is fortunate to find a cottage to rent on Big Sister, the absolute top-of-the-line private island outside the town of Dorset. His landlady, Dolly, is pleasant and friendly, but some of the other inhabitants of this small piece of land, although too well bred to come right out and say it, are not happy to have Mitch, born of parents only one generation away from Eastern Europe and raised on the city's pavements, arrive in their back yard. But Dolly, whose husband has recently left her, needs the money, and at least she is more than gracious. The discovery of a body during a bout of optimistic gardening in Dolly's back yard brings on the other main player - Lieutenant Desiree Mitry, one of only three women on the Connecticut State Police major crimes squad, the youngest of the three, and the only black. A dedicated officer, she is the terror of everyone who doesn't really want to give a home to one of her stray cats. She is, as well, a closet artist and a complicated and beautiful woman, and she intrigues Mitch from the start.

So Close to Amazing is a collection of hilarious and heartfelt reflections on getting it almost right - and how, instead of giving up, we can choose to simply embrace our real selves right where we are. It's a story of transparency and honesty and recognizing that perfection is completely overemphasized and overrated. It's about grace and learning from mistakes and rejoicing in every victory, no matter how small. Because when you find joy in the "you" God created you to be, you'll discover the amazing that was there all along.

The husband and wife team behind Giannetti Home welcome readers into their gorgeous farm residence blending modern style with French antiques. When Brooke and Steve Giannetti decided to leave their suburban Santa Monica home to build a new life on a farm, they traveled to Belgium and France for design inspiration. In Patina Farm they share their collaborative process, as well as the enviable result of their team effort and creativity: an idyllic farm in California’s Ojai Valley. With two hundred gorgeous photographs and Steve’s architectural drawings, Brooke takes readers through their inspirations, thought process, and materials selections. Readers are given a full tour of the family home, guesthouse, lush gardens, and delightful animal quarters.

From the Edgar-Award winning author David Handler comes The Bright Silver Star, the third installment in the Berger and Mitry Mysteries Mitch Berger has been accepted at least on the surface by some of the posh families in the small enclave to which he's moved - even his open affair with the beautiful black policewoman is looked upon peaceably. But when a member of the small group of men who gather for early-morning walks is found dead, the subsequent investigation, involving both Mitch and Desiree, opens a very large container of personal evil that has no place in any society. "With its vivid setting, quirky and unusual characters, and fast-paced plot skillfully interwoven with movie trivia, this cozy with attitude is sure to satisfy Handler's many committed fans and attract new ones." - Publishers Weekly

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