Bagels, coffee and a mystery

Mystery novelist David Handler of Old Lyme will read from his newly released novel, "The Snow White Christmas Cookie," in a free program (with bagels and coffee) at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway, Chester.

Handler, formerly a NYC Broadway, TV and film critic, moved to Old Lyme in 1996 and started writing mystery novels with local geographic interest, featuring the mismatched romantic crime-fighting duo of New York City film critic Mitch Berger and Connecticut State Resident trooper Desiree Mitry. He sets his novels in the town of Dorset, a stand-in for Old Lyme.

Handler's appearance is part of the synagogue's long-running "Books & Bagels" series. The Snow White Christmas Cookie will be available for sale at the event. For further information, call (860) 526-8920.