Lavender Lane Lothario

Berger and Mitry #11

by David Handler

Every year, the Gant family performs an annual ritual desecrating the tomb of Aurora Bing. The Gants have held a grudge against the legendary silent film star for almost eighty years, but for Sherm Gant and his son, things have become personal. Aurora's only grandchild, Hubie Swope, has shut down Sherm's notoriously rowdy beachfront bar, and refuses to allow The Pit to reopen until Shem undertakes expensive upgrades. This means war. And when The Pit catches fire and Hubie Swope's charred remains are found in the rubble, it also means murder.

Who killed Hubie Swope? Crime-fighting duo Mitch and Des have no idea. Not only are Sherm and his son prime suspects, but so are the women in Hubie's life. To their surprise, Mitch and Des discover that Dorset's building inspector, a quiet widower who repaired cuckoo clocks in his little house on Lavender Lane, was secretly juggling four girlfriends at once. And then there's Gaylord Holland, a builder who had a beef of his own with Hubie. Dorset is in turmoil, and only New York City film critic Mitch Berger and Connecticut State Police Resident Trooper Des Mitry can put it back together.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Humor

245 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

AKA 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.

Reviews

[Kesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual I love this series. I'm always dumbfounded when I find out who's the villain. I can't wait for the next couple of books.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's my first crack at the Berger and Mitry series, but I am hooked. The writing is so smooth, it practically read itself to me. The humor is fantastic and Mitch and Des are such a cute couple. I love that Mitch is a plump hero, something you don't see too often, and as a fellow movie buff, I truly adored how he references movies for much of what he says and even in his crime-solving. Definitely recommend!

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch Berger and Desiree Mitry have to figure out who killed the local building inspector. Was he killed because of his unbending adherence to the laws, or was he killed because of his secret life as the local secret Casanova? Berger discovers that he is a sounding board for many of the local women and therefore learns some things that he probably wouldn't have know otherwise. The story hangs together well and is very entertaining.

[Cardyn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Des and Mitch's relationship anchors this story with the mystery and the secondary characters as the backdrop. Lavender Lane Lothario is funny and sad, and more revelations about Desiree's parents add extra intrigue to this story about how far people are willing to go to feel loved, respected and appreciated. Expectations remain high for the next entry in this very satisfying series.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series, and this addition is no exception. In this story, Des and Mitch have to join forces to solve the murder of a man who seemed to be a quiet, mild-mannered loner, but who, as it turns out, was anything but that. This is a very good read.

[Gretchen Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This series takes place along the coast in a fictionists wealthy CT town. love the references to the area.

[Nese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story telling that has a natural and smooth flow, complex story line, good character development, and so many delightfully quirky characters. This is the first time I read a book by this author and was pleasantly surprised how talented he is. While reading it, I didn’t want to put the book down because I liked the main characters, an unlikely and interesting couple. The book has a surprise ending, like all good mysteries should, but I personally don’t like a character described in one way and s/he ends up being somebody completely different at the end, although it may be necessary for a surprise ending, and it is completely natural in the real world. Since I find the writing and storytelling style so original and entertaining, I plan on reading more books written by this author in the future. Four and a half stars.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The quiet, some would say dull, town building inspector Hubie is found dead in the ruins of a burned building. Resident trooper Des Mitry agrees with the other police on the scene: The motive must be something related to his job. But Des' significant other Mitch has been hearing gossip about the building inspector and more than one local woman. Since it's seemingly impossible to keep a secret in gossipy Dorset, how did Hubie keep so many women on a string--and which one of them decided enough was enough?

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its murder rate, one really would have to think twice about living in Dorset but this is a charming series. I've read all of them= you don't need to do that to enjoy this one (or any of the others.) These are quick, funny, entertaining reads with enough twists to keep you guessing (the deal here didn't appear until half way through). I look forward to more with Des and Mitch (AND with the person who appears on the last page.) I laughed out loud at Mitch's efforts to bread and fry fish. :) Thanks to the Arlington County (VA) Public Library- Highly recommend.

[Liz Clappin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good classic Berger and Mitry mystery. There were colorful characters and a good sense of place here, looking at the competing sides of Dorset, the blue blood core versus the more honkey-Tonk summer tourist culture. I confess there was a red herring and I jumped on it whole heartedly so the murderer being revealed was a good twist. I also enjoyed The Lothario, it was simultaneously ridiculous and also not so crazy, the ladies live a ladies man.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars as usual. Is this grand literature? No but from the first paragraph he engages me. He is talented in creating realistic conversational dialogue dappled with the fun of crime and its detection. His characters are only as eccentric as your own family/friends/neighbors which makes them believable. Loved the next book set-up in the ending sentences...

DD@Phila

[Madelyn Flammia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I have read in the series, and I adore the characters. They are wonderfully quirky. I especially enjoy the discussion of classic movies.

[Sonia Jacobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hubie Swope turns up dead in a fire at The Pit, a summer time hangout, in Dorset. At first, people who had disagreements with him over his role as building inspector were suspects. But Mitch and Des learn of multiple women who were meeting Hubie on the sly. Suspicion turns to the women, where Mitch shines for his ability to gather inside information. Des actually gives Mitch permission to investigate and Mitch comes up with a suspect at the same time as Toni Tedone gets into the revealing photos on Hubie’s computer, working with Des and Yolie Snipes. Mitch sets up a final showdown. The killer confesses, angry that Hubie was not committed to her and only her. Peace returns to Dorset, CT.

[Linda Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Again another good book by Handler. Who knew that this small town in America had a large share of a romancing Lothario with a very active love life. He was also the officious building inspector who was holding up permits. But truth will out. The ending was a true zinger for Des and her dad but it has been 5 years since this book. What happens or was it to prove that in life, nothing ever runs smoothly ,

[Pammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another reading delight with Des and Mitch! What a combo!
As usual, David Handler produced another cast of colorful characters from Dorset.
And, as usual, he manages to create a delightful set of mysteries from the town's sordid past (a 100 year old family grudge) and an equally eyebrow-raising string of affairs (a number of women being juggled by an innocent appearing widower)!

[Susan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book in the series was a bit different as it centered the towns building inspector who meets a rather tragic end at the hands that no one really suspects. The reasons why and the mysteries of the "building inspectors" life all come to light in the end. A good story, compact but thorough. I enjoyed this quick read.

Borrowed for the Savannah, CA library.

[Pam McClure · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series and am heartbroken this was the last one. Why is it the last one? They are enjoyable and good to read. Cozy but not twee or cloying. Enough grit and personalities to keep readers interested. I will try Mr. Handler’s other series but I’ll miss greatly Mitch and Des.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

There was more Des in this one than Mitch, but we have Yolie there and it was girl time! I haven’t read the two books before this one (books 9 and 10) and I’m not sure what happened to Des’s friend who got her into cat rescuing. This one was for the women. 😀 👍

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mitry and Berger investigate the burning of a local beach pub with the body of the local building inspector found inside. Several local characters involved in altercations with the person killed, several lovers with motives for killing him, and secrets galore.

[Elizabeth Tysdal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, although the story ended with a good cliffhanger, this was the end of the ride with Mitch and Desiree. I have loved every book in this series and will miss the gentle style and the twisty mysteries 😢

[rebecca O. webber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read every book in this series and thought this was one of the weaker ones. I found myself putting it down frequently. I would rate it 2.5 stars. I remain a loyal David Handler fan.

[Nancy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Joy Beale · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's definitely an unexpected plot! (To me, at least) This is the first time I'm into this series, and all I want to do now is get more Berger and Mitry Books!!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As of now, the last in the series but not all wrapped up.

[Mary Dolata · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Fun series.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

Another laugh-out-loud installment of the Mitch Berger, film critic and cocoa puffs addict, and Connecticut State Resident Trooper Des Mitry, biracial couple extraordinaire. When The Pit, a disreputable bar establishment that Sherm Gant runs in the summer burns down, the community is horrified to find out that Hubie Swope is in the rubble. He had been beaten and doused with lighter fluid, then set alight, and he was not dead when the fire was started. It was a foul place and disliked by the upper crust, but it was an popular hang out.

Hubie was real enigma and totally misunderstood by the community as we discover in the narrative. He was a quiet man liked by many. But, he was a persnickity building inspector who was in conflict with some individuals, one of whom was Sherm over his many code violations. Another he was in disagreement with was Gaylord Holland a locasl high-end "housewright", who was seeking permits to put up two new homes in a fragile envionment that could possibly endanger the marsh, river and wildlife. Hubie was not backing down tough every other agency had given Holland the go ahead. They are obviously prime suspects, along with Leland, Sherm's son who wants out of the business commitments of his father to become a physical therapist. However, they all have alibis, apparently.

Then Mitch shares some gossip with Des. Bitsy Peck, his neighbor is distraught because she has been having a relationship with Hubie and she believes that he has been two timing her. He has professed his adoration for her each morning, spending each Saturday night with her at the Mohegan Sun Casino, and they weren't gambling. As possible women who might be the second involvement for the unattractive widower several names are put out, and Des enlists Mitch to look into it, though he had vowed he would stay out of future cases after the last one proved to be dangerous. Turns out Loretta Holland, a very wealthy and beautiful woman in an open relationship with her adulterous husband, is one of Hubie loves, though she had intended to break it off. Wow, there are three numbers he called each morning, so there is another. The man is proving to be a complete surprise. There is Inez Neto, the clerk at the Big Y, who believed he was going to marry her and solve all of her problems. Additionally he was going broke in the pursuit of his lady loves, paying for accommodations three nights a week. When his neighbor Shannon Burns is questioned, she reveals that Hubie was also wandering into town after midnight several nights a week returning at dawn. Furthermore, it appears that Hubie might be the father of her son (She and her spouse were having trouble getting pregnant because his swimmers were adequate). So the search is on for his other possible lovers. Acting out of normal, however, Hubie was seeing one woman, the new librarian Nadine Ambinder, a woman young enough to be his daughter, twice a week.

When none of these suspects seem to be right as the murderer, Mitch questions whether they have looked at the photos on his computer. Toni had not yet, and it is a revelation of nude pictures of he and his lovers. Surprise, there is another woman. She is the town nurse, Mary Ellen Tatum, loved by all, who had sat with Hubie and his wife as she was dying from cancer, and they had several weeks after started a relationship. She had accidently spied him walking into town one night and followed him to be shattered as she watched him make love with Nadine. The rest is history.

Aside from this highly amusing tale is the revelation that Des' father, the Deacon is now seeing someone, and he approaches Mitch for advice on how to tell Des. The last page of the story is the appearance of Des' mother at their door. I do hope that there is going to be another installment of this most enjoyable series, though it has been several years since this one. It is refreshing in the midst of the violent and horrifying mysteries that I read so much.

[Jim Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Handler’s The Lavender Lane Lothario is the eleventh novel featuring the quirky couple Berger and Mitry. It is every bit as well written as the first – as well written as all of Handler’s novels and that tells you a great deal why he is an Edgar Award winner and a Derringer, Anthony and Dilys Award finalist. For fans of well written, fast passed works of mystery David Handler is simply one of the best. I recommend Mr. Handler’s work to everyone who enjoys the genre.

Merged review:

David Handler’s The Lavender Lane Lothario is the eleventh novel featuring the quirky couple Berger and Mitry. It is every bit as well written as the first – as well written as all of Handler’s novels and that tells you a great deal why he is an Edgar Award winner and a Derringer, Anthony and Dilys Award finalist. For fans of well written, fast passed works of mystery David Handler is simply one of the best. I recommend Mr. Handler’s work to everyone who enjoys the genre.

[Grey853 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the local building inspector is murdered and burned to a crisp in a dive bar one night, Des sets out to find the killer. There are two very obvious suspects, but as she investigates, she finds that the quiet, unassuming man was quite the player. So was it a businessman being thwarted or a wronged lover that did Hubie in? I'll confess I did not see the ending coming.

As usual the quirky relationship between this odd couple, Des and Mitch, is the heart of the novel. These two shouldn't be together for a lot of reasons, but they make a great pair. There's humor, devotion, affection, and deep understanding between them.

This is one of the best books in the series so far. The writing is smooth and fluid from beginning to end. It catches you and holds you. David Handler is definitely moving into the territory of master storyteller.

[Jenny Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Berger and Mitry was a super fast read. I’d missed the duo—the writing, characters, and setting are different than most cozies.

This mystery was good and very solvable, but it was also sad. The victim is a philandering romeo who strings several women along for the ride. Yet all of his friends and even the unsuspecting women think the world of him. Talk about a double life when you have everyone fooled.

The book didn’t have as much Des/Mitch interaction as others, but I still enjoyed it. And the book ended with a little cliffhanger that promises more novels yet to come.

[Hrn1947 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again no clues to help you figure out the culprit. We never get to see how Mitch figured it out. That being said, I’ll read the next one