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Berger and Mitry #3
The Bright Silver Star
It's the peak of the tourist season on the beautiful Connecticut gold coast. But this is no ordinary July for the picture-perfect village of Dorset-or for transplanted New York film critic Mitch Berger and his alluring love, Resident State Trooper Desiree Mitry. When famous, and combustible, movie star Tito Molino plunges to his death from a cliff just outside town, Des's investigation-along with a ravenous celebrity press corps and gawkers by the thousands-threatens to reveal secrets too terrible to imagine. But just when things seem to be at their worst, Mitch and Des's close friends are suddenly implicated in the case, and suspicion falls even on Mitch himself...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
20 people are currently reading
200 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 58 reviews
June 17, 2021
Liked the Story, Not the Trope
I’d give this entry in the series five stars but for the trope used for the solution - which I can’t mention because it’ll spoil it for future readers.
A small town with an amazing amount of duplicity and murder going on. Kind of like Cabot Cove Maine. 😉
I’d give this entry in the series five stars but for the trope used for the solution - which I can’t mention because it’ll spoil it for future readers.
A small town with an amazing amount of duplicity and murder going on. Kind of like Cabot Cove Maine. 😉
August 13, 2012
Unaware of two prequels, I tried this on clearance and had fun with a completely different writer. I seldom read males and "The Bright Silver Star" is an unusual title. Oblivious to earlier volumes, I didn't detect an interracial couple for numerous chapters; a wonderful touch. I'm drawn to animal-rescuing hearts, people of integrity, and it was easy to like the key cast. Also as a reviewer myself, (Hi there shoppers!) I realize our interpretations don't resonate with everyone. I loved the self-assured, gentle manner with which Mitch stood by his article in the face of an aggressive retort.
Perhaps being three novels into a series, I took time attaching to the story. I disliked several external players and one of them opened the novel; which one thinks is the protagonist. I got on board when narration tuned to the right voice. David Handler doesn't mind blunt dialogue, violence, and disturbing crimes therefore this mystery hits your gut.
I don't think we could guess the heavy themes that caused despair. They are startling. I at least had no background on any of the cottage families. Multiple scenarios and culprits were successful twists. Even identifying the victims, of disloyalty and other horrors, is shocking. The community David has weaved is layered well enough that I’m pursuing the other novels.
Perhaps being three novels into a series, I took time attaching to the story. I disliked several external players and one of them opened the novel; which one thinks is the protagonist. I got on board when narration tuned to the right voice. David Handler doesn't mind blunt dialogue, violence, and disturbing crimes therefore this mystery hits your gut.
I don't think we could guess the heavy themes that caused despair. They are startling. I at least had no background on any of the cottage families. Multiple scenarios and culprits were successful twists. Even identifying the victims, of disloyalty and other horrors, is shocking. The community David has weaved is layered well enough that I’m pursuing the other novels.
August 23, 2011
This is the third in a series of mysteries with an interesting main character couple. Des Mitry, a black beautiful police officer and Mitch Berger, a Jewish lumpy film critic. But it works, they team together to solve murders in their small town New England beach town. Highly recommended.
June 30, 2023
I enjoyed the first two books in this series enough to read this one, but it is a serious let-down. Usually i give three starts o any book I finish, but can't get there here, since I read o the end because the book was so weak it became sort fo interesting to see how far that would go.
This is a plot-driven work, and there are surprises, and I can see how that might appeal to other readers. For me, eight couples experiencing illicit sex is over the top. The plot is fine if you enjoy reading about a lot of adultery, and examples of incest and attempted rape. While I enjoyed some of the references to cultural artifacts from twenty years ago, the obscure movie references left me cold.
I'm afraid none of the characters was effective for me. Esme, a young woman in her twenties, sounds like a ten-year old. Tito is a caricature with an anger management problem. Another character is over-the-top amoral. Des Mistry's Black-speak sounds forced and seeing Mitch Berger, no Adonis, portrayed as a chick magnet defies credibility.
Not sure if I will proceed further in this series, but since Handler is a capable writer elsewhere, I will try to keep an open mind.
This is a plot-driven work, and there are surprises, and I can see how that might appeal to other readers. For me, eight couples experiencing illicit sex is over the top. The plot is fine if you enjoy reading about a lot of adultery, and examples of incest and attempted rape. While I enjoyed some of the references to cultural artifacts from twenty years ago, the obscure movie references left me cold.
I'm afraid none of the characters was effective for me. Esme, a young woman in her twenties, sounds like a ten-year old. Tito is a caricature with an anger management problem. Another character is over-the-top amoral. Des Mistry's Black-speak sounds forced and seeing Mitch Berger, no Adonis, portrayed as a chick magnet defies credibility.
Not sure if I will proceed further in this series, but since Handler is a capable writer elsewhere, I will try to keep an open mind.
April 20, 2018
What struck me straight off is how remarkably UNcomfortable this book is.
It's hard to read.David Handler's Stewart Hoag series was exactly the opposite.This guy just felt so at home with this character-there were times I laughed at loud for how irreverent he was but THIS?they are so stiff and so "writerly"and so BS New England Literary that frankly it's a royal pain to read.
(He really is a good writer...but so far this is way below par.)
Well one day later and I finished this book.Here's what I have to say.
SMACK MEAT??? I'll repeat that; SMACK MEAT.
That's right.That is supposedly how Black people say shake hands.I swear to God.
The dialogue here is so off -so ridiculous -these two black women sound like cartoons-
It reads like the writer used an Ebonic dictionary to translate their dialogue into groovy black jive.To be honest? It's insulting.If I were black I'd throw this book out the window.
Smack meat- my God.
Apart from that- which is huge- the story itself is readable.And that's all it is.JM
It's hard to read.David Handler's Stewart Hoag series was exactly the opposite.This guy just felt so at home with this character-there were times I laughed at loud for how irreverent he was but THIS?they are so stiff and so "writerly"and so BS New England Literary that frankly it's a royal pain to read.
(He really is a good writer...but so far this is way below par.)
Well one day later and I finished this book.Here's what I have to say.
SMACK MEAT??? I'll repeat that; SMACK MEAT.
That's right.That is supposedly how Black people say shake hands.I swear to God.
The dialogue here is so off -so ridiculous -these two black women sound like cartoons-
It reads like the writer used an Ebonic dictionary to translate their dialogue into groovy black jive.To be honest? It's insulting.If I were black I'd throw this book out the window.
Smack meat- my God.
Apart from that- which is huge- the story itself is readable.And that's all it is.JM
August 12, 2018
Thus far in the Berger & Mitry series, Handler continues to roll out solid plots about this duo. Living in a small (read that very small) coastal Connecticut community, one might think the ideas might run thin and slow.
Wrong. Once again his characters "the tough African-American cop with a soft spot for feral cats and a nice, pudgy Jewish who is a walking movie encyclopedia" deliver!
This one is about another dynamic duo who hit town for a little R & R. This pair, however, is about as dysfunctional as they come. Both are movie stars. With them, come a press corps and fans by the hundreds..... and that count rises quickly to the thousands when one of the celebrities plunges to death off a cliff.
Wrong. Once again his characters "the tough African-American cop with a soft spot for feral cats and a nice, pudgy Jewish who is a walking movie encyclopedia" deliver!
This one is about another dynamic duo who hit town for a little R & R. This pair, however, is about as dysfunctional as they come. Both are movie stars. With them, come a press corps and fans by the hundreds..... and that count rises quickly to the thousands when one of the celebrities plunges to death off a cliff.
August 6, 2019
The Bright Silver Star is the 3rd installment in the Berger & Mitry series. Hollywood in the form of a starlet and her leading man husband has invaded quiet Dorset. Bringing the paparazzi and drama, especially since Berger panned the husband, Tito’s, latest film. A body found at the bottom of the falls brings down a full scale investigation amidst all the media scrutiny. I really love the characters of Des and Mitch and the development of their relationship. The other characters are detailed and interesting and there is a strong sense of place here. The pacing is good and keeps moving steadily throughout the novel. I am really enjoying this series as much for the characters as for the mystery.
February 9, 2017
This book seems to self diagnose its own problem, it gets too caught up in the Peyton Place like bed hopping. It seems each book in the series has less of Dorset in it, and that honestly is one of the things that makes these books most enjoyable is the setting. The characters were more stock and lack luster and after a while I felt like I needed a flow chart to figure out who was sleeping with who. The big reveal was also a let down, the overly careful avoidance of pronouns in the prologue gave it away.
December 19, 2024
This book is a peek inside the world of a community which seems to be incapable of being faithful to their partners. Death may be about sex and money and this book hits those themes. The main characters continue to develop, and this mystery has many twists and turns before Mitch finds the solution but endangers his life in the process. I will continue to read this series.
Borrowed from the Berkley, MI library system.
Borrowed from the Berkley, MI library system.
June 22, 2023
Liking this series more and more. The dynamic between Berger and Mitry is at times sweetly romantic and at times they’re like an old married couple. The dirty secrets in this wealthy Connecticut enclave are also intriguingly salacious. Mysteries are good with a balance between cerebral and action
October 16, 2017
Still reading this series. The mystery’s are a little complicated, but the give and take between Berger and minty is what makes the stories compelling. Still how many murders can a small upscale town have?
April 23, 2019
Berger and Mitry get involved in another scandal in Dorset caused by the return of an actress from the town along with her famous actor husband. Illicit sex, secrets, food, racism all leading up to murder.
May 13, 2020
I'm enjoying this series a lot. A couple of steps up from cozy type which is more in line with what I like. They've been a bit gritty but nothing horrible. I like the people in the books which makes it more enjoyable. Can't wait to read the next and hope they go on for a while.
December 2, 2024
Berger and Mitry #3. In this volume of the very likeable series the visit of 2 married movie stars descends into murder and lots of rather tawdry hanky-panky. Not the best of the series but still I liked it. 3 stars.
March 20, 2025
I thought I’d get tired of Berger and Mitry, but I haven’t yet. I enjoy the small town setting mixed occasionally with NYC, and the characters leave an impression—a lot of dark secrets in this tiny town. I’m also getting a list of old movies and I can taste the food chubby Berger loves.
August 6, 2018
It was terrible. This series went quickly downhill after book #1, The Cold Blue Blood. Was hoping for better from Mr. Handler.
September 4, 2018
Continuing to enjoy this series. Liking the protagonists more and more. Fun to be getting to know them enough to enjoy their quirks and senses of humor.
January 8, 2020
These books are so entertaining. The characters are great and the stories keep me reading into the night. A great series.
March 24, 2022
A nice, enjoyable mystery. Beware of waterfalls and people who aren't what they seem. Dorset is a regular Peyton Place.
June 9, 2022
Lots of great details adding up to a serious mystery!
March 1, 2023
These are fun mysteries to read, but for me the biggest draw is the main characters. I love Berger and Mitry.
October 4, 2023
Book 3 was even more twisting and turning than the first two. Such a beautiful setting with such shifty residents. Love the series more and more.
October 17, 2025
This is the third book in the series and so far the author has kept my attention. The characters are charming and witty. I’ll continue to follow this series.
August 9, 2020
Movie stars come to vacation in Dorset. Chaos and murder ensue. Mitch and Des sort it out. I love that Mitch puts chocolate milk in his coffee. Now on to search for the rest of the series.
November 19, 2007
SYNOPSIS: Tito Molina and Esme Crockett are the Brangelina of Dorset, CT. They're famous, impossibly gorgeous and married. They, their publicist, their fans and van loads of paparazzi have descended on the peaceful, posh village of Dorset for a few weeks of relaxation. However, after a midnight extra-marital tryst goes awry, Tito winds up at the bottom of a cliff very dead, the victim of an apparent suicide.
Mitch Berger, newly minted resident of Dorset and movie critic for the New York Times is devastated. Although he viciously drubbed Tito's most recent film, he had gotten close to the troubled young superstar. He felt that Tito was an outstanding actor who was simply wasting his talent on big budget dreck. And there was the little matter that Mitch was the last (well second to last if you count Tito's murderer) to actually speak to Tito.
Enter Des Mitry, Dorset's resident Trooper and Mitch's lady love. Des is called to the scene of Tito's death and is thus pulled into the investigation surrounding what turns out not to be suicide after all, but murder.
Once again Des and Mitch team up to help solve a crime in the elite little enclave known as Dorset.
REVIEW: This book is the third in a series following "Cold Blue Blood" and "Hot Pink Farmhouse." This was quite a fun little book which took me no time at all to read. I didn't really care very much about the characters of Tito or Esme since neither of them were at all sympathetic. But that really doesn't matter because this book, and the two others before it in the series, is really about Mitch's assimilation into the Dorset community and the evolution of his relationship with Des. Murder and Mayhem make for great plots, but the soul of this series is the three main characters: Mitch, Des and the village of Dorset.
The plot of the story is really a by-the-numbers murder mystery. Long time mystery readers or even people with twisty minds will figure out the whodunit (if not the why-dunnit) very quickly. There are the requisite red-herrings and even a secondary plot involving post 9/11 vandalism against a Muslim couple. Who was Tito meeting that night? What is the real nature of his relationship with his wife? Why does Esme's mother hate the snarky publicist so much? Are the Crockets trying to manipulate Des and Mitch by revealing so much so soon? These questions are answered in due time.
In the meantime, we get a picture of a closed and elite Dorset society willing to keep secrets and cover up scandals. We see the imperfections of a so called perfect family and many not so perfect "perfect" marriages. We are witness to the Peyton Place-esque bed-hopping of the residents and the murky tangled relationships that exist. In the midst of it all is Sexy Des, who tries to solve a mystery in her forthright, no-nonsense, take no prisoners manner. And Mitch, whose life-imitates-movies observations often bring the funny. Did I mention these books are quite humorous?
The biggest minus of this book is that I wanted to see more of the residents we'd met in the previous books. This one did bring back Bitsy and her troubled ballerina daughter, Becca. But I really didn't recognize any other Dorseteers from the previous books.
The biggest plus (other than the really cute relationship between Des & Mitch) is the continued evolution of Des' erstwhile partner, Soave. He was a jerk in the first book, by the second book he was actually human. And now in this third book you really actually like him.
I highly recommend.
Mitch Berger, newly minted resident of Dorset and movie critic for the New York Times is devastated. Although he viciously drubbed Tito's most recent film, he had gotten close to the troubled young superstar. He felt that Tito was an outstanding actor who was simply wasting his talent on big budget dreck. And there was the little matter that Mitch was the last (well second to last if you count Tito's murderer) to actually speak to Tito.
Enter Des Mitry, Dorset's resident Trooper and Mitch's lady love. Des is called to the scene of Tito's death and is thus pulled into the investigation surrounding what turns out not to be suicide after all, but murder.
Once again Des and Mitch team up to help solve a crime in the elite little enclave known as Dorset.
REVIEW: This book is the third in a series following "Cold Blue Blood" and "Hot Pink Farmhouse." This was quite a fun little book which took me no time at all to read. I didn't really care very much about the characters of Tito or Esme since neither of them were at all sympathetic. But that really doesn't matter because this book, and the two others before it in the series, is really about Mitch's assimilation into the Dorset community and the evolution of his relationship with Des. Murder and Mayhem make for great plots, but the soul of this series is the three main characters: Mitch, Des and the village of Dorset.
The plot of the story is really a by-the-numbers murder mystery. Long time mystery readers or even people with twisty minds will figure out the whodunit (if not the why-dunnit) very quickly. There are the requisite red-herrings and even a secondary plot involving post 9/11 vandalism against a Muslim couple. Who was Tito meeting that night? What is the real nature of his relationship with his wife? Why does Esme's mother hate the snarky publicist so much? Are the Crockets trying to manipulate Des and Mitch by revealing so much so soon? These questions are answered in due time.
In the meantime, we get a picture of a closed and elite Dorset society willing to keep secrets and cover up scandals. We see the imperfections of a so called perfect family and many not so perfect "perfect" marriages. We are witness to the Peyton Place-esque bed-hopping of the residents and the murky tangled relationships that exist. In the midst of it all is Sexy Des, who tries to solve a mystery in her forthright, no-nonsense, take no prisoners manner. And Mitch, whose life-imitates-movies observations often bring the funny. Did I mention these books are quite humorous?
The biggest minus of this book is that I wanted to see more of the residents we'd met in the previous books. This one did bring back Bitsy and her troubled ballerina daughter, Becca. But I really didn't recognize any other Dorseteers from the previous books.
The biggest plus (other than the really cute relationship between Des & Mitch) is the continued evolution of Des' erstwhile partner, Soave. He was a jerk in the first book, by the second book he was actually human. And now in this third book you really actually like him.
I highly recommend.
December 3, 2014
The Bright Silver Star is the third book in the Berger and Mitry Series. Mitch is settling into his new community in Dorset Connecticut. He is a film critic for a New York City newspaper. He has joined a morning walking group with three other Dorset citizens. Dez Mitry is settling in also to her new home and job as Dorset's resident State Trooper. Dorset is a prosperous community where newcomers will probably never really be totally accepted by the life long residents.
I have now read the first three novels in this series. They start off fast. It not a series where you have to read about 100 pages before a crime is committed. The readers see the crime being committed in the Prologue of the book.
The Bright Silver Star starts with two lovers meeting after midnight by a waterfall in a state park. One person wants to cut off the relationship and then is pushed backwards over the falls. This book contains many hidden secrets with Dorset's citizens. There are also two major young Hollywood film stars who are visiting Dorset and being trailed by paparazzi.
Mitch and Dez are drawn into solving the mystery. I really like the character of Mitch Berger. He doesn't take himself too seriously. He seems to know how to relate to most people. Dez is a likable character too. She and Mitch are in a relationship. Besides being an excellent Trooper, she rescues feral cats and tries to find a home for them. Bella who is Dez's friend has moved to Dorset also. Would like to see her featured more in upcoming books as she is an enjoyable character too. Soave who was Dez's nemesis in the first book is now becoming quite likable. He is doing Dez's old job and one can see that he respects Dez for her ability to investigate and find answers. This book can be read as a stand alone but to understand the characters and their background would start with the first book The Cold Blue Blood. This is a very enjoyable serles.
I have now read the first three novels in this series. They start off fast. It not a series where you have to read about 100 pages before a crime is committed. The readers see the crime being committed in the Prologue of the book.
The Bright Silver Star starts with two lovers meeting after midnight by a waterfall in a state park. One person wants to cut off the relationship and then is pushed backwards over the falls. This book contains many hidden secrets with Dorset's citizens. There are also two major young Hollywood film stars who are visiting Dorset and being trailed by paparazzi.
Mitch and Dez are drawn into solving the mystery. I really like the character of Mitch Berger. He doesn't take himself too seriously. He seems to know how to relate to most people. Dez is a likable character too. She and Mitch are in a relationship. Besides being an excellent Trooper, she rescues feral cats and tries to find a home for them. Bella who is Dez's friend has moved to Dorset also. Would like to see her featured more in upcoming books as she is an enjoyable character too. Soave who was Dez's nemesis in the first book is now becoming quite likable. He is doing Dez's old job and one can see that he respects Dez for her ability to investigate and find answers. This book can be read as a stand alone but to understand the characters and their background would start with the first book The Cold Blue Blood. This is a very enjoyable serles.
April 26, 2016
Death stinks! Extramarital affairs pain! Hidden incest and rape wreck lives and a mother who does not protect her child are all issues addressed in The Bright Silver Star by David Handler.
We go back to the small affluent village of Dorset, where newcomer and widower, Mitch Berger, is trying to find his balance and get back into life. His feet now planted in the Dorset Community, he reaches out to a group of three men and become a part of their weekly walking group. Soon Mitch will find out that all that glitters out goodness, prominence and above-reproach is not gold.
The Bright Silver Star presents human misery that echoes betrayal and depravity in an extremely affluent community. Mitch and his ladylove Desiree Mitry, who just happens to be the Resident Trooper for Dorset, solve the situations with adroitness.
The light throughout this entire book was Berger and Mitry coming closer in their relationship. He finally gets her to go to New York City with him; she crosses the threshold of his apartment he shared with his late wife, Maisie, and Mitry gets him on the dance floor.
The Bright Silver Star, another enjoyable read with the fascinating duo, Desiree Mitry and Mitch Berger.
Shalom Aleichem,
Pat Garcia
We go back to the small affluent village of Dorset, where newcomer and widower, Mitch Berger, is trying to find his balance and get back into life. His feet now planted in the Dorset Community, he reaches out to a group of three men and become a part of their weekly walking group. Soon Mitch will find out that all that glitters out goodness, prominence and above-reproach is not gold.
The Bright Silver Star presents human misery that echoes betrayal and depravity in an extremely affluent community. Mitch and his ladylove Desiree Mitry, who just happens to be the Resident Trooper for Dorset, solve the situations with adroitness.
The light throughout this entire book was Berger and Mitry coming closer in their relationship. He finally gets her to go to New York City with him; she crosses the threshold of his apartment he shared with his late wife, Maisie, and Mitry gets him on the dance floor.
The Bright Silver Star, another enjoyable read with the fascinating duo, Desiree Mitry and Mitch Berger.
Shalom Aleichem,
Pat Garcia
February 18, 2016
Another good story from Handler! Who the killer was was a bit obvious to me. I knew from the moment I read the prologue that Tito's killer was going to be a guy. Didn't know which guy and didn't suspect Will until Donna was murdered, but knew it would be a guy--DEFINITELY. As the story went on and I read about how he abused Esme, I definitely knew I was right since guys who are in denial about their sexuality sometimes act macho to make up for their perceived weakness.
However, the getting to that conclusion was one wild ride that was full of twists and turns that I throughly enjoyed! I almost wished that Tito hadn't died. Handler did an excellent job of making me loathe him and feel sorry for him in the same breathe. I love a story where characters get me emotionally involved, and Handler definitely does that with his characters.
Sometimes, Handler writes Des with too much "sista-girl" attitude, but it was definitely more BELIEVABLE when she was speaking to Yolie in this story. I also think that sometimes he goes a little overboard with Bella and Mitch's Jewish-ness as well, but overall, I LOVE these characters. And I LOVE this series.
However, the getting to that conclusion was one wild ride that was full of twists and turns that I throughly enjoyed! I almost wished that Tito hadn't died. Handler did an excellent job of making me loathe him and feel sorry for him in the same breathe. I love a story where characters get me emotionally involved, and Handler definitely does that with his characters.
Sometimes, Handler writes Des with too much "sista-girl" attitude, but it was definitely more BELIEVABLE when she was speaking to Yolie in this story. I also think that sometimes he goes a little overboard with Bella and Mitch's Jewish-ness as well, but overall, I LOVE these characters. And I LOVE this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2013
A neighbor insisted I take 5 of this author's books to read. Refusing would have been impolite. One day I picked up one of the paperbacks and I was hooked. Quickly I put them in date order and whizzed through all five. Mr Handler's characters could be your neighbors and the local scenery described is most informative. The central characters: a movie critic and local police officer. The crimes - always interesting yet almost incidental to the character situations presented. After I finished the series of 5, I found and read the 2 missing from my neighbor's collection. Thankful for my library's reserve list, I inhaled Handler's most recent and now await the next.
Are they great literature? No. These books are like enjoying a big bag of cheese curls: once started you can't stop until the bag is empty & they are just as satisfying.
DD@Phila
Are they great literature? No. These books are like enjoying a big bag of cheese curls: once started you can't stop until the bag is empty & they are just as satisfying.
DD@Phila
September 11, 2013
The author has created a couple of terrific characters. Mitch Berger is a film critic who watches old movies about giant mutant insects when he gets depressed. Desiree Mitry is the local state trooper whose teacher has advised her to take a break from painting portraits of the victims of the murders she has to deal with as a way of dealing with the trauma, and to paint trees instead. The book is worth reading if you have become involved in the dynamics of these two protagonists or you are fond of movie trivia. However, the murder mystery is ho-hum with many of the characters seeming almost interchangeable. The bad-boy best actor of his generation movie star who is the bright silver star is simply not engaging enough to make a riveting story.
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