For Whom The Minivan Rolls:
An Aaron Tucker Mystery

Mystery reviewers around the country agree: For Whom the Minivan Rolls: An Aaron Tucker Mystery is a refreshing, comical mystery. But don't take our word for it; take theirs.

"There are some writers who get so little attention that there ought to be a law against it. Jeffrey Cohen is just such an author. As if being a talented writer weren't enough, he's also one of the funniest guys around. How this book escaped my notice until now, I'll never know. It is, without a doubt, my find of the month. If I had a trumpet, I'd play a fanfare!

"For Whom the Minivan Rolls is a delightfully zany first novel in a new series featuing one of the most endearing amateur detectives ever. Aaron Tucker lives in one of those ubiquitous heart-of-suburbia towns which dot the New Jersey landscape with his wife Abigail Stein (she of the beautiful long legs), the breadwinning lawyer in the family.

"They unabashedly adore each other and their two kids. And though the boy, eleven-year-old Ethan, suffers from Asperger's Syndrome (a form of high-functioning autism), Cohen writes about it so matter-of-factly that the reader hardly bats an eyelash. it's just something else to be dealt with on a day-to-day basis. No cloying sentimentality here—even when Tucker's calling attention to the adoreableness of his seven-year-old daughter Leah—just good writing.

"Despite the preposterous doings and Cohen's wicked talent for laugh-out-loud dialogue, the heart of this book is a gentle one. Aaron Tucker and his family and friends are characters you will want to visit with again and again. I wish Jeffrey Cohen an extremely long, happy and successful writing career. If you want some fine writing, good laughs and a tricky mystery, I definitely suggest you (buy the book)."
—Yvette Banek, Mystery Ink Online

"I discovered Jeff Cohen's captivating mysteries with A Farewell to Legs. I can assure you that both books can be read as standalones, but who would want to stop at just one? It was a pleasure for me to get to catch up. If you're asking what sets the books apart, the characters are honest, often sarcastic, and for Aaron his motivator is his love for his family. Threaten his loved ones and he'll make you pay. I sympathize with that 'mother bear' quality, and... I find myself thoroughly enjoying his investigations."
—Tracy Farnsworth, editor, Roundtable Reviews

"Jeffrey Cohen wins the race with his first novel, even if he does drive a minivan. In this humorous murder mystery, we are introduced to Aaron Tucker, a man readers will be happy to befriend. Cohen uses real life circumstances plus conversations and characters that ring true to bring the reader in close to the community he's created. (Bravo to Cohen for bringing Asperger Syndrome to light with humor and humanity.) Cohen's dry sense of humor and warmth translates beautifully to the pages of his first novel. It doesn't take the instincts of an investigative reporter to predict that all readers of For Whom the Minivan Rolls will become lifelong fans of the both Jeffrey Cohen and Aaron Tucker. I recommend this book to readers of all genres."
—Pamela White, OverMyDeadBody.com

"Judging by the strength of his debut mystery, I believe Cohen has a winning series... the bouts of humor work; they give the reader an occasional guffaw and lighten the mystery... the storyline is harmless and amusing. 4 quills (of a possible 5)."
—Brenda Weeaks, Mystery News

"For Whom the Minivan Rolls is an excellent first novel by Jeffrey Cohen. His Aaron Tucker is amusing, brave, sarcastic, and above all, real. Nothing is perfect in Aaron's world (including his kids), yet the story is told warmly and with affection and will strike a chord with parents and non-parents alike. Cohen expertly combines domestic family life and a gripping mystery to create an altogether original, enthralling read. His characters breathe life and welcome you into their world with open arms. If he continues writing gripping and entertaining novels such as this one, Cohen will find himself at the top of many mystery readers' lists."
—Angela McQuay, TheBestReviews.com

"Cohen has created a likeable character in Aaron Tucker. This book is told with humor and insight into the life of a stay-at-home dad as well as a dedicated, if reluctant, investigator. The characters in this story are well-written, and the plot has many ups and downs to keep the reader on his toes. You'll enjoy this wild ride with Aaron as he stumbles from clue to clue."
—Donna Hrkman, MysteryBookLovers.com

"I'm not sure what is in the water in Jersey these days, but it's working for me. Aaron Tucker is a freelance writer, which means he works at home while his wife, who he has the perpetual hots for, works outside the home as an attorney. Asperger Syndrome is handled with grace, dignity and apparent honesty. It's a mystery indeed, but it's the characters that bring this story to life. They are endearing people, the kind you want to spend time with. And I'm glad I did."
—BookBitch.com

"The mystery is top-notch, with some great twists and turns. Cohen's voice is fresh, the dialogue snappy, and his hero, Aaron Tucker, is very entertaining—he's someone you'll enjoy spending time with."
—Shannon Short, RT (Romantic Times) Bookclub

"In most novels, there is some one element that stands out—a brilliant plot, captivating characters, an intriguing setting or theme. In Minivan, it is the author's voice. Self-deprecating, self-doubting Aaron Tucker is a lot of fun. Aaron is an entertaining character—wisecracking, irreverent, but also endearing, someone you can imagine living in your neighborhood. Vividly written with a great deal of humor and wit, For Whom the Minivan Rolls is a highly entertaining story, the first of a series that holds a lot of promise."
—Margaret Chittenden, author of the Charlie Plato series

"I thought For Whom the Minivan Rolls was one of the best mystery novels I've read in a long time. I look forward to more Aaron Tucker novels and am really excited that I caught on to Mr. Cohen at the very beginning of his fiction career. Definitely recommended to anyone who loves a good mystery!"
—Epinions.com

"Aaron's sarcastic wit and sense of humor drive the book, along with the hilariously twisty and twisted plot full of entertaining characters we can only hope will become recurring. Some of the more hilarious moments occur when Aaron compares himself to other fictional detectives, often imagining what they would do in his peculiar situation—particularly Stephanie Plum, with whom he shares much in common. Much like Evanovich, Cohen fills his novel with off-the-wall characters just zany enough to seem real. The first in a series of Aaron Tucker mysteries, For Whom the Minivan Rolls has this reader eagerly anticipating the next installment."
—Ceridwen S. Lewin, Crescent Blues Book Views

"For Whom the Minivan Rolls is an unusual amateur sleuth mystery in that the central characters, Tucker and his wife, are a happily married loving couple, with two interesting children, with mayhem at a minimum in the story and with lots of whimsical humor sprinkled through the pages. For sheer entertainment, Cohen's novel would be hard to beat."
—John A. Broussard, I Love A Mystery Newsletter

"Full of twists from almost the first page, For Whom the Minivan Rolls makes for a good read. It also combines the stress of being a fish-out-of-water detective with a caring dad with a very real feel to him. One of Aaron Tucker's children has Asperger's Syndrome, a high-fuctioning version of autism. The occasional frustration of dealing with this child adds a depth of character to Tucker, making him much more than a mere detective."
—Jen Foote, Crescent Blues Book Views

"Jeffrey Cohen's writing is a delight! His plot is original and twisty. His characters are a real joy—deeply drawn through action and dialogue. Aaron Tucker, his protagonist, is just plain likeable. Deeply in love with his wife and children, he sometimes gets exasperated at his son's Asperger-related quirks, his daughter has him firmly around her little finger, and he still flirts with his wife. Bright, jaunty, witty and highly original, Minivan, we hope, is the first of many Jeffrey Cohen mysteries to come."
—Peggy Baker, Kaw Valley (KS) Senior Monthly

"For Whom The Minivan Rolls is Jeffrey Cohen's first novel and the first book in what promises to be a series featuring Aaron Tucker. Comparisons to Jon Katz's Suburban Detective mysteries are inevitable, but Cohen's voice is unique and this is no Katz knockoff. Tucker is an appealing protagonist, a smart aleck who is actually a softie. There are some improbable plot twists in this maiden effort, but the book is so much fun that it's not hard to suspend disbelief and go with the flow. Aaron Tucker and his creator deserve a long run and fans of humorous cozies will likely see that they get one."
—Susan Anderson, ReviewingTheEvidence.com

"Jeffrey Cohen has written a good mystery with entertaining characters and heavily laced with humor... I'll be interested to see where Aaron Tucker and Jeffrey Cohen go from here."
—Sally Powers, ILoveAMystery.com

"If Stephanie Plum and Myron Bolitar had a child, it would be Aaron Tucker. If you are a fan of the cozy, then this is for you. Tucker has a smart mouth and bumbles along until he uncovers the roots of the crime without the attendant machismo of most male detectives. He's the family care giver. His wife is the family bread winner. And he isn't disturbed by the reversal of roles. This is a good first novel."
—Barbara Franchi, ReviewingTheEvidence.com

"Stay tuned! Jeffrey Cohen's For Whom the Minivan Rolls is a zany mix of the humor of Donald Westlake with the insights of Jon Katz' suburban detective. Fans will find sly bits to cackle over as they zip through the pages and they will appreciate the way the writing entertains without pulling one out of the story. (I particularly enjoyed the tip-of-the-hat this first time novelist gives Ron Goulart's Groucho Marx mysteries in the first few chapters.)

"The first person narration draws the reader in and the quirky characters add just the right touch of levity to this convoluted plot. Cohen's reluctant detective may be short and slight and middle-aged but he's a winner.

"Jeffrey Cohen has paid his dues to the writing life and it shows. He's drawn on his real life experiences as an entertainment writer and screenplay author to produce a seamless, original debut." —Geraldine Galentree, Cozies, Capers & Crimes Newsletter

"a great debut. It's filled with crackling humor, crisp dialogue, in depth and likeable characters and a terrific plot. The trials and tribulations of being a stay at home dad are depicted with copious amounts of humor and realism. A terrific read from beginning to end. This appears to be the beginning of a great series and if you are looking for a light, humorous and well written mystery to read this is the book for you."--Andrea Maloney, Spinetingler Magazine Online

"Jeffrey Cohen's debut novel is a smashing success due to a riveting story line, a fast-paced plot, and a hero who is a combination of James Bond and Bart Simpson. He's a lovable family man who puts his wife and children first, but when he has some free time, look out, because anything can and usually does happen."
—Harriet Klausner, AllReaders.com

Advance Praise for Minivan

"Jeff Cohen's Minivan rolls merrily along—accent on the merrily. Mr. Cohen's ideas on marriage and murder (often cut from two ends of the same bolt) are wise, wicked, and witty. Surprisingly tender, too, regarding the responsibilities and trials of a being a parent—fathering a delightful book in the process."
—Larry Gelbart, writer

"I loved For Whom the Minivan Rolls! The characters were quirky and endearing, the plot kept me guessing and the jokes were funny. I hope Aaron Tucker has a good, long career of not being a detective, so he can come back in more books like this one."
—Marcy Gross, Gross-Weston Productions, Inc.

"Jeffrey Cohen's For Whom the Minivan Rolls is hot. An authentically fun switch on the oft-used amateur sleuth theme, it debuts Aaron Tucker, a suburban stay-at-home dad who never asked to become a detective. Witty, with great characters and nifty twists, it should delight mystery fans, and, above all, anyone who enjoys a good puzzle and big laughs. His wife and kids may not realize it, but Aaron Tucker (and his creator) have glistening new careers ahead of them."
—Tom Sawyer, novelist & former head writer, "Murder, She Wrote"

"This book is a hoot. I laughed. I didn't know who dunnit. It made me want to tell other people to read it. Here's a hero who shows his mettle by moving away from the buffet table, and by making little extra efforts to be a good dad and husband that most men don't bother with anymore. When he puts himself on the line, it isn't just another day at the office. Now you talk about sexy—give me a man who fills up the dishwasher and I'm there. I hardly ever read fiction anymore because it's just no fun—I prefer true crime personally. But this Jeff Cohen is a different sort of egg who might turn me into a 'mystery junkie' even though I swore no one ever would. Please consider this my highest endorsement for a fine read, good story, and plenty of mirth on the side."
—Phyllis Murphy, Story Editor, NBC's "Profiler"

"As the mother of a teenage son with Asperger Syndrome and President of ASPEN®, I am especially sensitive to any portrayal of the disorder. In For Whom the Minivan Rolls, Jeff Cohen has done a wonderful job of conveying the lovable quirkiness that is so often a part of these children and the day-to-day living that goes with it. It's the laughter that gets you through the day, and Jeff has certainly shown us how interesting life can be for the family of a child with Asperger Syndrome! This was the first book I had read in a very long time that I absolutely could not put down. I was hooked into the story line right from the beginning and looked forward to turning each page to find out what next plot twist was in store. I would love to see a movie based on the book! I thoroughly enjoyed For Whom the Minivan Rolls and am anxiously awaiting the next one in the series."
—Lori Shery, Cofounder and President, Asperger Syndrome Education Network, Inc. (ASPEN®)

"With For Whom the Minivan Rolls, Jeff Cohen takes the mystery genre and stirs in a generous helping of laughs. He's created a character whose voice is as much fun as the story he's telling. After only a couple hundred pages, Aaron Tucker already feels like an old friend. I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time with him."
—Ian Abrams, Creator of the CBS series "Early Edition"

"I thought I'd sit down one night and read Jeffrey Cohen's Minivan for just an hour or so, but then I couldn't stop myself, and went on reading until the finish. Itís a remarkably funny, twisted tale of murder and mayhem. Aaron Tucker is you, me, and everyman. And I can't wait to read his next adventure!"
—Lou Grantt, Editor, Hollywood Scriptwriter, The Trade Paper for Screenwriters

"Aaron Tucker—aspiring screenwriter, loving house-hubby, and doting father—protests that he could never become a detective. Yet, he's wrong. He's nothing less than the consummate snoop, and makes up for his lack of investigative experience with canine-like persistence and a bloodhound's instinct for following a crime trail. Jeffrey Cohen has managed to write a mystery that is not only full of engaging characters, but features the likeable and witty voice of Aaron Tucker, who is (doggone it) naturally humorous. His For Whom The Minivan Rolls is thus an engrossing, entertaining read. That it's a first novel makes me think and hope that we'll soon be hearing a lot more from Jeffrey Cohen, and Aaron Tucker as well!"
—Elliott Light, author of Lonesome Song and Chain Thinking, the first two book-length installments in his critically acclaimed "Shep Harrington Smalltown Mystery" series

"Jeffrey Cohen has written a sly, entertaining mystery whose twist-laden plot will truly puzzle and entertain. The voice of his protagonist, Aaron Tucker, is unique and delightful. And above all, his Minivan is immensely funny."
—Michael Levine, Hollywood publicist and best-selling author of 12 books, including Guerrilla P.R.

© 2002-07 by Jeffrey Cohen.