Once again, the Rabbi has to solve a murder to overcome the nitwits in his synagogue who are more interested in their own personal agendas than in doing the right thing. The formula is exactly the same as in the first book, but it hasn't grown old yet. What is a little jarring is the 1960s setting, against the background of the civil rights movement. The book's references and attitudes seem more than a bit out of date, but the rabbi DOES have his own opinions about things, so part of it is probably the rabbi's responsibility rather than the author's! The crime itself is cleverly solved, but it is just a plot device that enables the rabbi to overcome his adversaries and prove his superior thought processes. Now that I'm used to the character, I actually enjoyed this better than the first book. The audiobook versions are an ideal way to get into the series, since the narrator does a really great job. The next thing you know, you'll be eating lunch in your car every day so you have an excuse to listen longer. ( )

El sábado trae Yom Kippur a Barnard's Crossing y el rabino Small se está preparando como de costumbre. Pero sus oraciones y ayunos se ven interrumpidos cuando un miembro de su congregación es encontrado muerto en su automóvil. La policía lo llama accidente. La compañía de seguros lo llama suicidio. Solo la esposa embarazada del rabino Small, Miriam, piensa que es un asesinato. Ahora le toca a él demostrar que tiene razón...

Jewish, Jewish-law, murder, murder-investigation, small-town, law-enforcement*****

Critical thinking and inductive reasoning are Rabbi Small's forte. It's been years since I read these books, but it would seem that they've only gotten more relevant as mysteries and clearer as tools to learn more about the Jewish faith. Yes, it was a murder. Great reread.
George Guidall is well suited as narrator. ( )

This is the second of the Rabbi Small mysteries and Rabbi Small is still new to the congregation. His wife is carrying their first child during Yom Kippur. There is much to learn about some of the religious customs that surround that time. however, there is also another death in the community. The question is was it suicide, an accident, or something worse.

of course, Rabbi Small ends up in the thick of things. The dead person was a non-observant Jew, but his wife wants him buried in the Jewish cemetery; a suicide would not be allowed to be buried within it. Rabbi Small's decision raises all sorts of questions.

I have to admit, I didn't suspect the end; I had my eyes on the red herring. The author played totally fair, though. It does not have to be read in order, although events that happened in the first book are mentioned. I think they are sufficiently explained that a reader would be able to enjoy this one as a standalone.

Highly recommended for people who enjoy traditional mysteries with a hint of "cozy." ( )

Read as part of the omnibus "Four Rabbi Small Mysteries" (Kindle edition). I continue to find Rabbi David Small a very interesting character and am learning some aspects of Jewish religion and tradition. The mystery is well crafted and conforms to my preference that all the clues and information are available to the reader -- the fact that I couldn't figure it out is a sign of a good mystery imo! ( )