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Berger & Mitry Books in Order

11 Books
2001 – 2016 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Berger & Mitry Reading Order

If you are planning to dive into David Handler's delightful cozy mystery series, the recommended path is simple: read them in publication order. Because the books follow the developing relationship and personal growth of the main characters, reading them chronologically is the best way to avoid spoilers and appreciate the overarching narrative arc.

Berger & Mitry Books in Publication and Chronological Order

The series consists of eleven novels, with publication dates matching the internal timeline of the characters. Here is the complete list of books to follow:

  1. The Cold Blue Blood (2001)
  2. The Hot Pink Farmhouse (2002)
  3. The Bright Silver Star (2003)
  4. The Burnt Orange Sunrise (2004)
  5. The Sweet Golden Parachute (2006)
  6. The Sour Cherry Surprise (2008)
  7. The Shimmering Blond Sister (2010)
  8. The Blood Red Indian Summer (2011)
  9. The Snow White Christmas Cookie (2012)
  10. The Coal Black Asphalt Tomb (2014)
  11. The Lavender Lane Lothario (2016)

Chronological Caveats and Reading Guidance

Unlike many long-running mystery series, Berger & Mitry does not feature timeline jumps, prequels, or complicated chronological shifts. Every book picks up roughly where the previous one left off. If you read them out of order, you will still enjoy the individual murder mysteries, but you will miss the evolution of Mitch and Des's relationship, Mitch's gradual healing from grief, and the changing community dynamics of the wealthy village of Dorset.

Spin-Offs, Tie-Ins, and Co-Authored Works

There are no direct spin-offs, short story collections, or co-authored novels set in the Berger & Mitry universe. David Handler has written other popular mystery series, such as the Stewart Hoag & Lulu mysteries and the Benji Golden novels, but these remain completely separate from Mitch and Des's adventures in Dorset.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start the Berger & Mitry series?

You should start with the first novel, The Cold Blue Blood (2001). This book introduces the main characters and sets up their ongoing relationship.

QDo I have to read the Berger & Mitry books in order?

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery, it is highly recommended to read them in order. The personal lives, careers, and romantic relationship of the two protagonists develop continuously across the series.

QWho are the main protagonists of the series?

The series stars Mitch Berger, a witty New York film critic mourning the loss of his wife, and Desiree "Des" Mitry, a sharp, artistic Connecticut state trooper.

QIs Dorset, Connecticut a real place?

No, Dorset is a fictional wealthy village on Connecticut's Gold Coast, though the setting is heavily inspired by the author's real-life experiences living in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

QAre there any prequels or spin-offs?

No, there are no prequels, spin-offs, or crossover novels in the Berger & Mitry series. All eleven books follow a straightforward chronological sequence.

QWill there be more books in the Berger & Mitry series?

The eleventh book, The Lavender Lane Lothario, was published in 2016. While David Handler has since focused on his Stewart Hoag series, no official cancellation or continuation of the Berger & Mitry series has been announced.