Imagine a cozy mystery series brimming with humor, clever clues, and a quirky detective named Milo Rathkey—meet D.B. Elrogg, the pen name of retired couple Harvey and Alyce Goldberg. From their home in Minnesota, this dynamic duo has crafted the beloved Milo Rathkey Mystery series, delighting readers with fair-play whodunits set against the chilly backdrop of Duluth. Their secret weapon? A demanding cat who insisted they start writing!
With a knack for blending wit and intricate plots, D.B. Elrogg has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre. Their stories invite readers to solve crimes alongside Milo, a former cop turned millionaire sleuth, whose 'mind lint' approach to detective work is as endearing as it is effective. Let’s dive into the world of D.B. Elrogg and discover how they became a hidden gem in mystery fiction.
The Making of D.B. Elrogg
Behind D.B. Elrogg are Harvey and Alyce Goldberg, a retired couple with distinct backgrounds that shape their storytelling. Alyce, a former teacher, enforces strict linguistic rules—banning Harvey from using 'very' except in dialogue, much to his chagrin. Harvey, a retired TV network news producer, brings a cinematic flair to their narratives. After a year of retirement, their cat, tired of their idleness, 'demanded' they write a novel. Inspired by this feline muse, they adopted the pseudonym D.B. Elrogg and began crafting mysteries in 2018, starting with Great Party! Sorry About the Murder.
Their Minnesota roots and love for Duluth’s unique charm infuse their work with authenticity. Drawing from real-life experiences, they weave humor and local flavor into their stories, creating a vivid sense of place. Their collaborative process, fueled by daily writing sessions and a touch of ADD-driven spontaneity, ensures each book is a labor of love.
D.B. Elrogg’s Unforgettable Stories
The Milo Rathkey Mystery series, spanning seven novels, is D.B. Elrogg’s crowning achievement. Each book follows Milo, a private investigator who inherits millions and half of the Lakesong estate, solving murders with his unconventional 'mind lint' logic. The series kicks off with Great Party! Sorry About the Murder (2018), where Milo untangles a real estate magnate’s death amid a New Year’s Eve bash, complete with red herrings and quirky suspects.
Fun Reunion! Meet, Greet, Murder (2019) sees Milo investigating a classmate’s fatal fall during a high school reunion, exploring themes of old grudges and blackmail. Missed The Murder Went To Yoga (2020) delves into a mystery book club poisoning, with a cryptic clue—'yellow'—driving the plot. The latest, Old Murder, New Murder, Where Are The Cows? (2024), tackles a young woman’s death in a spooky farmhouse, praised for its intricate plotting and witty banter. D.B. Elrogg’s style is light yet clever, offering fair-play mysteries where clues are accessible, never revealed on the last page, ensuring readers can play detective alongside Milo.
Their Duluth setting, with its icy winters and vibrant community, becomes a character in itself. Fans adore the humor, from Milo’s parking ramp musings to the bacon-loving cat Annie, and the ensemble cast, including Sutherland McKnight, Milo’s estate co-owner. This blend of cozy charm and sharp plotting makes each book a delightful escape.
Why D.B. Elrogg Matters
D.B. Elrogg’s impact lies in their ability to revitalize the cozy mystery genre with humor and heart. Their fair-play approach—providing all clues upfront—respects readers’ intelligence, fostering a loyal fanbase eager to solve each puzzle. The series’ Minnesota setting offers a refreshing departure from typical mystery locales, earning praise from locals for its authenticity. With high Goodreads ratings (averaging 4.6 across the series), readers cherish the lighthearted respite from darker crime fiction.
Beyond their books, Harvey and Alyce’s story as retirees turned authors inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a creative dream—especially with a cat’s encouragement. Their commitment to engaging fans through their website and email list fosters a tight-knit community, ensuring Milo’s adventures remain a beloved fixture in cozy mystery circles.
About D.B. Elrogg
- Pen Name: D.B. Elrogg, used by Harvey and Alyce Goldberg.
- First Book: Great Party! Sorry About the Murder (2018).
- Series: Milo Rathkey Mysteries, seven books as of 2024.
- Setting: Duluth, Minnesota, known for its cold winters and vibrant community.
Ready to crack a case with Milo Rathkey? Grab Great Party! Sorry About the Murder and dive into D.B. Elrogg’s witty, cozy mysteries today!