HOT WIRED, a Mystery by Jane Isenberg

Cover of HOT WIRED At long last, fifty-something New Jersey community college professor Bel Barrett can kick back and appreciate life with a loving new husband and the kids grown and on their own. But when an angry ex-student posts a nasty hip-hop screed about her on a popular college website, Bel is devastated. In fact, the entire college is up in arms, and the situation spirals out of control when the venomous poet is discovered lying dead on the subway tracks.

Though she hasn’t a single homicidal bone in her body, Bel is suddenly the cops’ chief murder suspect. And with her career and her freedom on the line, this post-menopausal prof must now enter the alien world of hip-hop culture--making unlikely friends and some very dangerous enemies in the process--on her determined quest to clear her name and unmask a killer.

"Can this post-menopausal woman solve this mystery and, more importantly, can she really understand this world of rap that's meant for the young? You'll have to read this enjoyable and charming tale to find out.

"Seems as if most mysteries these days have some sort of theme going on, and this one showcasing a woman in her post-menopausal years is anything if not unique. And although the appeal might be to a limited audience, it's definitely an audience who will appreciate her entertaining look at aging from a woman's perspective. Delightful and breezy, fans will once again appreciate another visit with this engaging sleuth."

    Stephanie Padilla, New Mystery Reader


"One of the reasons the Bel Barrett mysteries are such a success is the heroine is funny, independent and determined. She is a female readers can identify with as she investigates murders in between hot flashes. Jane Isenberg raises the quality bar of her own series with HOT WIRED because the heroine has a personal stake in the outcome of her latest sleuthing but she still remains the same character readers have come to love. "

    Harriet Klausner, Harriet Klausner's Book Reviews


"Bel Barrett is a character you will love. She comes across as a woman with a strong determination no matter what. If she feels she is right about something, she will get to the bottom of it! Bel is also post-menopausal which adds humor to the story. This is a terrific amateur sleuth story and one you will enjoy. If you haven't read any previous Bel Barrett mysteries you will want to go back and do so after reading this latest one from Jane Isenberg."

     Nancy Eaton, bestsellersworld.com


"HOT WIRED is simply great! Not only is the mystery complicated enough to satisfy (but not too complex to solve--if you pay attention,) but Bel's trek into the world of hip-hop, low-riders, and bling is frankly hilarious. Bel, herself, is a great heroine--bright, energetic, and very sympathetic. Imagine Miss Marple with a whole lot more finesse--and much better fashion-sense--and you have Bel. Although Bel is completely out of her depth investigating a murder, she is tenacious and clever. Her attempts to find a killer and clear her name are compelling and very, very entertaining and Ms. Isenberg's writing is wonderful. Good work, Ms. Isenberg! I look forward to your next mystery."

    Beverly Forehand,  Round Table Reviews


"Jane Isenberg continues to make her series about college professor Bel Barrett enjoyable and does not seem to be losing steam. This reader is looking forward to reading more about Bel, her obsession with M&M's and other investigations she winds up getting herself into."

    Jen Oliver,  MyShelf.Com


"The book is a pleasure to read. Isenberg writes very well and knows the life of a Community College professor from the inside."

     Sara Berger, Mysterious Women, 2005 #4



Discussion Questions for HOT WIRED


1. A negative student evaluation of Bel nearly costs her her job. Who should evaluate professors? What are some of the pros and cons of evaluations by students? How do you feel about having your job performance evaluated? About evaluating the work of others?

2. Bel, Betty, and Illuminada all wish their adult kids would return their phone calls and respond to e-mail messages. What are some of the reasons adult children are often unresponsive to parents’ efforts to stay in touch?

3. Bel learns a lot about rap and hip hop as she investigates Naftali’s murder. Rap is very much a part of popular culture today. How do you account for its widespread appeal?

4. In what ways is Naftali typical of many young military recruits today? Do you think we should resume the draft?

5. In Hot Wired Bel visits a palmist. Have you ever sought the advice of a palmist, psychic, or Tarot reader? What is the appeal of fortune tellers?

6. Bel is horrified to learn that she is suspected of murder. Have you ever been falsely suspected or accused of doing something really bad? How did you handle this?

7. P-Nutz and Dream have at least two personas. Do you ever change your clothes, speech, and body language as you go from home to school to work or social activities? What does this say about you? About modern life?

8. Doug Equivera has had to come to terms with the car accident that left him paralyzed. How has he done this? Have you ever had to make a similar adjustment?

9. Hot Wired is darker than the other books in this series. What makes it darker? Why do you suppose the author wrote a grimmer book this time?

10. Bel feels responsible for Naftali enlisting in the military and then even more guilty when she learns that he has been badly wounded in Iraq. Do you blame her for what happened to him? Why or why not?


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