Step into the charmingly suspenseful world of the Berger & Mitry series, where a New York film critic and a Connecticut state trooper team up to solve crimes and steal hearts! David Handler’s cozy mystery novels blend witty romance, intricate whodunits, and the picturesque backdrop of Connecticut’s Gold Coast, offering readers a delightful escape into a world of secrets and surprises.
With eleven novels, this series follows the unlikely duo of Mitch Berger, a grieving widower with a knack for spotting cinematic clues, and Desiree 'Des' Mitry, a sharp, artistic trooper navigating a WASPy village. Their chemistry—sparked by differences and fueled by shared curiosity—makes this series a standout in the cozy mystery genre.
How Berger & Mitry Began
David Handler, a seasoned journalist and Edgar Award winner, launched the Berger & Mitry series in 2001 with The Cold Blue Blood. Inspired by his love for classic mysteries and his life in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Handler crafted a modern twist on the village murder mystery. He paired Mitch, a Jewish film buff reeling from his wife’s death, with Des, a Black state trooper and artist, to explore love and crime in a quirky, affluent setting. Handler’s knack for blending humor, romance, and suspense set the stage for a series that feels both fresh and timeless.
The Heart of Berger & Mitry
The series kicks off with The Cold Blue Blood, where Mitch, sent to Dorset to write about wealthy locals, stumbles into a murder case that Des investigates. Their budding romance and sleuthing skills shine as they uncover dark secrets. The Hot Pink Farmhouse (2002) deepens their bond as they tackle a quirky case involving a rebellious teen and a colorful property. In The Bright Silver Star (2003), a movie star’s cliffside death brings Hollywood drama to Dorset, testing their partnership. The Burnt Orange Sunrise (2004) traps them in a snowed-in castle with a killer, evoking Agatha Christie vibes.
Themes of grief, resilience, and interracial romance weave through the series, grounded by Dorset’s vivid setting—a historic village brimming with gossip and hidden motives. Handler’s style is sharp yet cozy, blending cinematic references, snappy dialogue, and complex characters. The Gold Coast’s windswept shores and old-money charm amplify the mysteries, making each book a love letter to New England’s allure.
Why Berger & Mitry Resonates
The Berger & Mitry series captivates with its blend of heart and suspense, earning a loyal niche following and a Dilys Award nomination for The Cold Blue Blood. Fans adore Mitch and Des’s evolving relationship, which tackles real-world complexities like cultural differences and personal loss with humor and grace. Handler’s subversive take on cozy mysteries—infusing them with modern edge and diverse characters—has carved a unique space in the genre. Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series’ charm lies in its intimate storytelling and relatable heroes, keeping readers hooked across eleven adventures.
- First Book: The Cold Blue Blood (2001)
- Latest Book: The Lavender Lane Lothario (2016)
- Number of Books: 11
- Award: Dilys Award finalist for The Cold Blue Blood
Grab The Cold Blue Blood and dive into Berger & Mitry’s world of cozy mysteries, where love, laughter, and a good whodunit await!