Picture a witty wordsmith spinning tales of murder, mischief, and basset hounds—meet David Handler! Born in Los Angeles in 1952, this Edgar Award-winning author has charmed crime fiction fans with his Stewart Hoag and Lulu mysteries and the captivating Mitch and Desiree series. With a knack for blending humor, suspense, and unforgettable characters, Handler’s stories leap off the page, proving he’s a master of the cozy mystery genre.
From his early days as a journalist in New York to his current life in a 200-year-old carriage house in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Handler’s journey is as colorful as his novels. His ability to weave sharp dialogue and quirky personalities has made him a standout in crime fiction, with a career that spans books, television, and even an international bestselling thriller.
The Making of David Handler
Raised in the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, David Handler’s storytelling roots took hold early. Educated at University High School in West Los Angeles and the Columbia School of Journalism, he honed his craft as a New York journalist before diving into fiction. His first novels, Kiddo and Boss, drew from his California childhood, earning critical acclaim for their nostalgic charm. But it was crime fiction that called to him, leading to a career that would redefine the cozy mystery with a modern edge.
Handler’s shift to mysteries wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a love letter to the genre’s wit and intrigue. Inspired by the likes of classic mystery writers, he carved out his own niche, infusing his stories with humor and heart that resonate with readers and critics alike.
David Handler’s Unforgettable Stories
Handler’s most iconic creation is Stewart ‘Hoagy’ Hoag, a dapper ghostwriter and sleuth who, alongside his neurotic basset hound, Lulu, solves crimes in the glitzy underbelly of show business. The series kicked off with The Man Who Died Laughing (1988) and hit a high note with The Man Who Would Be F. Scott Fitzgerald (1990), which snagged both an Edgar and an American Mystery Award. Recent entries like The Girl Who Took What She Wanted keep the series fresh, blending 1980s nostalgia with sharp, contemporary flair.
Equally compelling is the Mitch Berger and Desiree Mitry series, starting with The Cold Blue Blood (2001). This duo—a New York film critic and a Connecticut state trooper—tackles murders in the quaint town of Dorset, their interracial romance adding depth and charm. Handler’s style shines here, with quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and plots that balance cozy warmth with thrilling twists.
Beyond mysteries, Handler’s versatility sparkles in his Benji Golden series, featuring a pint-sized PI tracking runaway teens, and his co-authored thriller Gideon under the pseudonym Russell Andrews. His television work, including writing for the Emmy-winning sitcom Kate and Allie, showcases his ability to craft stories that captivate across mediums.
Why David Handler Matters
David Handler’s impact on crime fiction lies in his ability to refresh the cozy mystery with modern sensibilities. His characters—whether Hoagy’s suave sleuthing or Desiree’s cat-rescuing compassion—feel like old friends, inviting readers into worlds where humor and heart solve even the darkest crimes. His awards, including the prestigious Edgar, underscore his influence, while his television contributions highlight his storytelling prowess.
Handler’s legacy is one of joy and connection, proving that mysteries can be both thrilling and deeply human. His work continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers, keeping the cozy mystery genre vibrant and relevant.
- Born: 1952, Los Angeles, California
- Key Works: Stewart Hoag and Lulu Mysteries, Mitch and Desiree Mysteries, Benji Golden series
- Awards: Edgar Award, American Mystery Award
- Fun Fact: Lives in a 200-year-old carriage house in Old Lyme, Connecticut
Snag The Man Who Would Be F. Scott Fitzgerald and dive into David Handler’s delightful blend of wit, suspense, and cozy crime-solving!