The Man Who Cancelled Himself

I would recommend this book to first time Handler readers and followers of the series. But a note to those reading the novels in order: while the stock phrases and jokes that crop up in not only every book and but then in every other chapter are endearing, they are losing their appeal. The set-up is very much like the previous books, (Hoagy's ghosting for a nut that only Hoagy can control, beautiful women throw themselves at Hoagy, Hoagy and Merilee fuss over Lulu, Hoagy eats and dresses well) and your anticipation may be more about the latest in the Hoagy/Merilee relationship than the murderer's identity. There are 2 more in this series after this one. Handler isn't updating this series anymore, and that's okay. I love Hoagy, but I also love the new team, Mitry and Berger. Handler was right to begin a new series; it's fresh, and so are the jokes!

I love reading D. Handler's books, but it's extremely difficult to find them. This title is indicative of the author's great sense of humor, ability to inhabit his story with well-written characters (granted, rather obnoxious and odious people - but, hey, he has to, he's writing about the television industry), and oodles of motive. Although sometimes I find Hoagy a tad snooty and snobbish, he means well, and he always gets the bad guy/girl at the end. When is Handler's next book coming out? An inquiring mind wants to know.

An intriguing twist on standard whodunits with a rich stew of Holywood-in-Manhattan characters. The whole thing is a little gaudier than reality, but intelligent and well-written enough to enjoy it. The main character, Uncle Chubby, is from the first page intriguing; the first-person author, a literate foil to the television excesses. The characters are thoroughly interesting, and the writing is sharp and full of the right kind of detail. And the whole thing moves along. Great entertainment, while occasionally provoking a thought.