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littlemiao's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
Overall I like it, despite the fact that it is very much a reflection of its time in terms of misogyny and gender roles. I like the rabbi and his approach. I wouldn’t mind going to his shul (updated to the Conservative movement of the present day rather than the 1960s). The most entertaining part of the book was the small town shul politics rather than the mystery itself. Unusually for me, I correctly figured out the culprit about halfway through. I don’t know if I just got lucky, or the plot construction lacked subtlety. It’s nice that there is a series of classic-style mysteries featuring a rabbi sleuth.
bfls's review against another edition
3.0
This book was written, and set, in the 1960s so the amount of casual racism, sexism and anti-semitism was startling to this reader. But, having said that, it was a charming story with an engaging hero. I'll read the rest of this series.
tryingpeopletx's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. The characters are pleasant and the ending wasn't telegraphed like in some stories. I enjoyed it and plan to read more in the series.
chaosisaconcept's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kfrench1008's review against another edition
3.0
These were a favorite of my Dad's, so I wanted to give one a try.
chrisannee's review
3.0
Not bad for an introductory mystery. I feel like there was a lot I missed because I'm not Jewish--- perhaps some "in" jokes or something. Yet I also felt like Kemelman spent a lot of time explaining the Jewish religion/culture to people like me. Both were interesting. I also felt like this book existed more to establish the characters and location so that other books could build on it than for the mystery itself. We shall see.
guypaul's review
4.0
Rating this a little higher than the plot warrants because the writing flowed so nicely. Written in 1964, everyone smokes (even a very pregnant woman), wives serve coffee, tea, highballs, and cookies to visitors, the women wear dresses and then men consider slacks and a sports jacket or golf sweater "casual attire." It's dated, but it's also fascinating to consider how much American customs have changed in just over 50 years.