This is book 14 in the Stewart Hoag Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone as I have not read any of the previous books. I plan to rectify that in the near future. Stewart had a blockbuster novel in the 80's and has had writer's block every since. His marriage died and he is broke. He is offered the job of writing a romance novel for a Hollywood star who wants to reinvent herself. He is surprised that the star isn't at all like her public image and takes the job. When she is murdered he insists on helping find the killer. With his best friend, Basset Hound, Lulu at his side they manage to stay alive during the investigation. A good story with well developed characters.

In this new installment of the Stewart Hoag mystery series, the ghostwriting sleuth investigates a trail of murder amidst Hollywood’s rich and famous. This book was definitely a winner for me, thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to all.

The newest book in the Stewart Hoag mystery series by David Handler didn’t disappoint. The Girl Who Took What She Wanted is a romp through Hollywood with Hoagy and his basset hound, Lulu, as your tour guides. After an epic fall from grace (writer’s block, divorce, and addiction) Hoagy is trying to make his way back. Ghostwriting has been his salvation but when his agent recommends him for a new project, he has some reservations. Ghostwriting romance novels for a reality star isn’t what he expected. But with the promise of a healthy paycheck and the possibility that this could re-start his own writing, Hoagy agrees.

What an entertaining book. It has all the characteristics of previous books in the series – quirky and interesting characters, a good plot and dialogue, and a good sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr Handler’s new book. Spending time with Hoagy and Lulu is always a pleasure.

Blessed be Netgalley for the authors and the series I discovered, Stewart Hoag amongst them.
This is means this is one of my favorite mystery series, that I loved the humour and the quirky characters.
This is one of my favorite in this series, a solid mystery full of twists and highly entertaining.
The historical background is vivid and the storytelling excellent.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Hold on to your seats folks, this book is about to take you on a wild ride.

The Girl Who Took What She Wanted

I had to read, then reread the title a few times. What was this going to be about? Was the title clever or corny? I reflected back on reading The Girl With A Clock for a Heart and remembered having the same feeling of unpredictability . What I can tell you is that I was not let down the first time a title stumped me and I definitely was not let down this time either...

David Handler is not a new author but has actually made a HUGE name for himself. Handler wrote both Kiddo (1987) and Boss (1988) using his own childhood as his muse. Handler also wrote the Stewart Hoag Mystery series that has become a world wide sensation.

Now, back to The Girl Who Took What She Wanted

This is also a book that falls into the Stewart Hoag Mystery series and as a huge fan of all previous work I was left completely satisfied with this most recent installment. My favorite thing about this series is the quirky characters that Handler creates. Although this is a mystery, I do always find a bit of humor with these books. The adventures of Hoagy have plagued my brain for years that I almost discuss him as if he was a real life person when talking to others.

Yes, they look at me quite confused BUT when I meet a fellow "Hoagy" fan, we can find the same humor in this fun character.

If you are a huge fan of the series, you know you do not want to miss out on The Girl Who Took What She Wanted and if you are new to David Handler, you can read this as a standalone but what fun is that?

I highly recommend any and all work by Handler.

Teaser:

Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag hasn’t written any fiction since his debut novel rocked the literary world of the 1980s and then left him with a paralyzing case of writer’s block. Since then, he’s been reduced to ghostwriting celebrity memoirs. But his newest project could have him diving back into the world of fiction in a way he never imagined.


Nikki Dymtryk is Hollywood’s hottest reality TV star, known for her wild party lifestyle and prolific sexual conquests across the music, film, and sports industries. But when the ratings for her show Being Nikki begin to drop, the Dymtryk family engineers a new plan to keep Nikki in the limelight: reinventing the young star as a bestselling author. Nikki’s team hires Hoagy to ghostwrite a steamy romance novel showcasing the glitz and glamor of the Hollywood elite.


Reluctantly, Hoagy flies out to L.A. with his trusty basset hound Lulu to see what he’s gotten himself into with Nikki. But when he finally meets the starlet, she’s nothing like the aimless, airhead image she presents to the media. This project may just be the key to getting Hoagy’s creative juices flowing again—and staying in L.A. might also give him a chance at getting back together with his actress ex-wife, Merilee. But spending time with Nikki isn’t all parties and poolside lounging. As Hoagy gets closer to the young woman, he begins to uncover the Dymtryk family’s dark secrets. Secrets that are worth killing for.

I enjoyed the author's recent The Lady in the Silver Cloud but this book was very different and just didn't grab my attention. I think if a reader likes books about Hollywood and the lifestyle that goes with it then this book will be very entertaining.

This was a new to me author and I enjoyed this book . It was one that kept you guessing till the end. It’s not a heart stopping thriller but it does have engaging characters, plot and setting. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

This “It-could-only-happen-in-Hollywood” novel is a highly entertaining story told from the point of view of Stewart Hoag, a smart ass, washed-up, former bestselling novelist, who takes his basset hound, Lulu, everywhere he goes. His EX-wife is living a much better life since their divorce and post drug habit, Stewart is out of ideas for reinventing his writing career and out of money too, He reluctantly agrees to a ghostwriting job for spoiled, trampy Hollywood reality star, Nikki, of “Being Nikki”, which was just canceled. He and Nikki have a hate at first sight start to their relationship but they need each other. The romance novel by Nikki that needs to be written could take both of their careers to the necessary next level. “The Girl Who Took What She Wanted” has lessons in store for both Nikki and Stewart that are surprising and it’s fun to see karma play out in this suspenseful story that doesn’t ever veer into the predictable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the opportunity to read the latest David Handler novel. A fun read with the to be expected eccentric cast of characters.

In this new installment of the Edgar award-winning Stewart Hoag mystery series, the ghostwriting sleuth investigates a trail of murder amidst Hollywood’s rich and famous. Stewart “Hoagy” Hoag hasn’t written any fiction since his debut novel rocked the literary world of the 1980s and then left him with a paralyzing case of writer’s block. Since then, he’s been reduced to ghostwriting celebrity memoirs. But his newest project could have him diving back into the world of fiction in a way he never imagined. I’ve been reading this series from the very first and always look forward to a new adventure with Hoagy. This story is classic Hoagy all the way with a lot of other really quirky and interesting characters thrown in along the way. Looking forward to the next adventure and hoping it won’t be long. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

Amazing read. Not a world shattering thriller but instead an involved 'what really happening novdl.
It's all about the writing. Not a book you ever want to gloss over skip a page or stop reading. This author's voice in phenomenal in ever character and every situation
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Penzler Publishing and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Enough thrills to keep you entertained and on the edge.

I was enjoying the latest in the long-running Stewart Hoag Mystery series for the first half of the book. "Hoagy" is a foppish writer whose first book was a huge success, but when he couldn't follow up with a second, his life spiraled downward. He became caught up in drugs and alcohol and his marriage with superstar actress Merilee failed. Since then he has made a living ghostwriting celebrity memoirs and is on better terms with ex-wife Merrilee, so when he is presented with the possibility of ghostwriting a series of romances for wild child and reality series star Nikki, he jumps at the chance to start writing fiction again. So far, so good.

But the second half felt like a different book altogether. Although the Hoag books are categorized as mysteries, I felt this one would have been much better had the author stuck with the original premise. Hoagy and Nikki would have made an interesting team. Instead, the focus of the story was on a murder and on the slowly revealed secrets of Nikki's family. The resolution seemed clumsy and melodramatic, and the murderer was not a surprise. I also don't understand why the story was presented as almost a prequel--something that happened at least five years earlier (late 1980s). TV reality shows weren't really a thing in those days, by the way.

The things I did like about the book are the same as those of earlier books in the series: Hoagy's adorable basset hound and constant companion, Lulu, the light-hearted descriptions of Hoagy's life and his clothing, Hoagy's refusal to be a doormat, and his on-again, off-again relationship with Merrilee.

My thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

The Girl Who Took What She Wanted
By David Handler
Official release date: February 21, 2023
⭐️Rating 8/10⭐️

✉️check trigger warnings before reading✉️

I really enjoyed this book, the title and cover drew me into this one. Nikki give me Kardashian vibes, and the story is relatable to a lot of celebrities story, especially women in Hollywood and how you have to succeed. Nikki is a character that you want to know more of beyond the surface, and when you think you’ll learn more and get into her novel process 💥twist💥 The last chapter gave me a tearful eye, but was a good closing to the story. I surly recommend this book, but make sure you check the TW before reading