DEATH IN A HOT FLASH, a Mystery by Jane Isenberg

Bel Barrett's back! This time the fifty-something New Jersey community college prof is teaching writing to future funeral directors with popular local undertaker Vinny Vallone. When Vinny's found swimming with the fishes in the Hudson River, Bel suspects a stalker who strikes back. In a flash, Bel's up to her estrogen patch in danger. Meanwhile, Bel's aging parents fall ill in Charleston, her "adult" children are at risk in Israel and Seattle, and her long-time lover leaves her heartbroken in Hoboken. Bel must unmask the killer, teach her classes, care for her parents and her kids, and win back her lover all at once. Who said sleuthing was simple in the sandwich generation?

" Isenberg is a good writer. This series is great entertainment and a very satisfying story. "

     Carl Brookins for Ed's Internet Book Review

" Jane Isenberg has created a laughable and lovable heroine in Bel Barrett. Her writing style is smooth and colorful, combining everyday, recognizable situations with the absurd and reminding readers that in today's world, life does not slow down after fifty. "

     P.J. Nunn for The Charlotte Austin Review, Ltd.

" Death in a Hot Flash is a fast-paced mystery with an engaging heroine. Bel is a funny witty character who is very compassionate and worries about those closest to her, even during her hot flashes. Her friends are surprisingly well drawn for only the second book in a series. You feel as if you are the fourth friend in their close circle. Even the students are well done. You become sympathetic to their plights and hope for their innocence.

" Jane Isenberg has created a character that many women can identify with. Death in a Hot Flash is the second entry in a delightful series that hopefully will continue long past Bel's need for estrogen patches. "

     Jennifer Monahan Winberry for The Mystery Reader

" In Death in a Hot Flash, Isenberg gives readers a chance to get better acquainted with a very engaging sleuth. Bel Barrett, estrogen patch in place and post-it notes in hand, will strike a chord in any woman over 45 and the men and children who love her. Jane's good sense of story and her down to earth writing style will keep the reader engaged and guessing right down to the final paragraph. If you haven't met Bel Barrett yet, it's high time you did. "

     Stephanie Shea for Talk City

" Death in a Hot Flash is a fun mystery that makes full use of its colorful Jersey City setting--Ms. Isenberg captures the quirks of the citizens beautifully. In addition Bel is a believable, sympathetic character that all women will be able to relate to. "

     Toby Bromberg for Romantic Times

" Although I have gone on record as not liking detective wannabes, somehow Ms. Isenberg keeps Bel from falling into the usual trap: she is not just a nosy interloper, but somebody who is involved (usually with both the victim and the accused) and in a position to obtain useful information....Written with humor and insight, this is light reading with a good plot, lots of human interest, and a nice second edition to this new series. "

     Gayle Wedgwood for Mystery News

A Reading Group Guide

1. In Death in a Hot Flash, Bel Barrett faces many problems shared by others in the "sandwich generation." Can you identify with some of these? In what other ways do Bel's lifestyle and values typify those of today's female fifty-somethings?

2. Many people read mysteries in order to be transported into another world. The world of the community college is unfamiliar to many of us who were educated in traditional four-year residential schools. How would you describe this world? What makes River Edge Community College a likely backdrop for a murder?

3. In this novel Isenberg portrays an erotomanic. What elements does this character add to the story?

4. In spite of the fact that this mystery deals with very serious issues, it is humorous. When do we laugh and why?

5. This series introduces characters of diverse ethnicities, social classes, ages, and sexual orientation. In Death in a Hot Flash, Isenberg inverts several familiar stereotypes. Share your impression of how this works.

6. In what ways are Bel and Sol typical of couples in "second time around" relationships?

7. This series has been described as very feminist, in part because it features women working collaboratively to accomplish a goal. How has the relationship among Bel, Illuminada, and Betty developed since The "M" Word? What are some of the obstacles women sometimes face when they try to collaborate?

8. In Death in a Hot Flash, the reader meets Bel's mother and her daughter. What have the three women in common? How are they different?

9. Isenberg often uses dialogue to move the plot along as well as to reveal character. What makes the conversations convincing?

10. There is a funeral scene in Death in a Hot Flash. Is it realistic? Compare and contrast it with funerals you have attended.

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