PRO CONNECT
Ron Katz is a retired trial lawyer. He started writing short mystery stories about a baby boomer couple--the Sleuthing Silvers, who are retired detectives--after completing a Stanford University Distinguished Careers Fellowship in 2016.
He has 5400 Facebook followers and has won awards for the screenplay he wrote for one of the Sleuthing Silvers stories--"The Mystery of the Missing Reading Glasses."
He graduated from the Harvard Law School and was the winner of a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University.
“A charming and witty set of investigations with an intergenerational twist.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Katz presents a delightful collection of cozy mystery stories featuring Barb and Bernie Silver, an aging, married detective duo whose years of experience give them an edge.
Whether they’re uncovering opioid distribution in a retirement community or a fraudulent crematorium scheme, the Silvers navigate their cases with wit, resourcefulness, and intergenerational banter. Their ability to turn the skepticism of younger characters into an advantage adds a compelling layer to their investigations, allowing them to succeed where others fail. The book is structured as a series of short tales, each presenting a standalone mystery that uses the protagonists’ years of experience as an asset and a humorous complication, by turns: “I hate to break it to you, Bernie, but ‘Ok, boomer’ is a put-down, not encouragement,” says Barb at one point. “Google it.” Although some cases test their physical endurance, they prove time and again that their sleuthing skills remain razor-sharp. Katz’s writing is brisk and dialogue-heavy, lending the book a conversational tone that keeps the pace lively. The mysteries themselves are engaging, blending traditional sleuthing with unexpected comedy, which provides a refreshing contrast to the often serious stakes. The main strength of the storytelling lies in the chemistry between Barb and Bernie, whose relationship features sharp-witted exchanges, affectionate teasing, and a genuine sense of partnership that makes their adventures all the more enjoyable. Their years of experience add emotional depth to their interactions, offering readers insight into the evolution of long-term companionship. Each story offers enough intrigue to keep readers engaged without veering into overly complex territory, and their satisfying conclusions that highlight the detectives’ intuition and adaptability.
A charming and witty set of investigations with an intergenerational twist.
Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2024
ISBN: 9798895692691
Page count: 334pp
Publisher: Spines
Review Posted Online: Jan. 29, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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