ISBN: 0-7887-1300-9 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com
A somewhat dated cosy mystery, slightly contrived but very enjoyable.
Reviewed by David on November 27, 2004
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth, Jewish)
Synopsis: The small jewish community at Barnard's Crossing, Massachusetts, has its doubts about the young rabbi they've engaged. While there are no questions about his scholarship, Rabbi David Small is slight, very casual, and has little political acumen. There are some members of the congregation that prefer not renew his contract, hoping for a more charismatic spiritual leader. However, David Small's penchant for observation and his habits of applying the talmudic law prove invaluable not only to the congregants, but also to the chief of police.
Full Review: The town of Barnard's Crossing is an idealized small town—seeming rather dated at this time; the chief of police is careful of the people's reputations when he investigates crimes, and inhabitants know, or at least know of, most people in their area.
The characters are likable if sometimes portrayed with comic exaggeration, but the humor contains fondness, and thus creates a friendly impression.
The main character—Rabbi Small—tends to lecture a bit about both Judaism and his observation of human nature, and his solutions seem a bit pat, as in most traditional cosy mysteries.
Nonetheless, the warm atmosphere and clever detection make for a pleasant book in the classic mystery style.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1964, Recorded Books, 1997, Audio cassette, 5 Cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-1300-9 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com