First, even those who don't think much of mysteries may well like this book. Indeed, this entire series is a pleasant read. Rabbi David Small finds himself in a nasty situation as this book opens. He's a bit of a scholarly type, and he doesn't necessarily do what other rabbis do in terms of easily mixing with other congregations in the community. As a result, the members of his temple question whether he should be reinstated when his contract is out at the end of the high holy days in September. He's quite sure he's about to be ousted, and he prepares to begin the search for a new position. In the meantime, young Elsbeth, Bleech, a nanny in the employ of a nightclub owner and his wife, is murdered hours after she learns she's pregnant. Her body is dumped in the temple yard and her handbag is found the next day in poor Rabbi Small's car. Clearly, this lovable thoughtful rabbi needs whatever kind of miracle he can get to save him. In the end, it’s his love of the Talmud and his own thoughtful detective work that makes the difference. If you’re unfamiliar with the gentle, thoughtful, philosophical Rabbi Small, you’re missing a great literary friend.This is a super short read, and it's very well written. All of the characters are people you will quickly come to appreciate, and the ending isn't necessarily one you'll see coming. For those who want a nice clean mystery devoid of strong language and sexual descriptions, this may well be your kind of book. As for me, I hope to visit Rabbi Small and his synagogue filled with its fascinating characters again in the not too distant future.
Though I was very young at the time, I remember that NBC briefly had a television series based on the books by Harry Kemelman called "Lanigan's Rabbi" that starred Art Carney and Bruce Solomon, which may have been one of the reasons I bought a copy of "Friday The Rabbi Slept Late." It's been sitting on my shelf unread since that time for years, (so many of my books have sat on my bookcase in that same condition) but I'm glad to have finally read it. Rabbi David Small, who has been the leader of his Conservative Jewish synagogue in the suburban Massachusetts town of Barnard's Crossing for a year. Unfortunately, his unorthodox manner and sense of Jewish tradition have put him at odds with certain powerful members of his congregation. Things get worse when a young woman is found dead on the synagogue grounds, and evidence points to Rabbi Small. While Police Chief Hugh Lanigan doesn't believe that the rabbi is guilty, rumor and speculation in the town begin to run rampant until Small is forced to put his Talmudic training to use to solve the case and reveal the true culprit.A murder mystery set in a small enclosed community is nothing new, but I greatly enjoyed the characters, particularly Rabbi Small and Chief Lanigan, who is Catholic, befriending each other despite their different backgrounds and religions. The solution to the mystery, as always, seems so absurdly simple, and yet I was completely fooled. I look forward to reading more installments.
Do You like book Friday The Rabbi Slept Late (2002)?
I've always enjoyed this series, and have decided to read them all again. Rabbi Small has always been one of my favorite characters. It may have something to do with this being the first "adult" mystery I ever read. You know, something other than the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew.In terms of sub-genre, I'm tempted to classify this one as just about a "cozy." With the obvious differences that the main characters are male, it's set in New England, and religion figures heavily in the book. The plot is pretty simple; what makes the book is the characterizations and the little subplots of temple life. The religious discussions between Rabbi Small (Jewish, obviously) and Chief Lanigan (Roman Catholic) are also a big part of the book's charm. In fact, I enjoyed Kemelman's book Conversations with Rabbi Small for that very reason. Published in 1964, it's somewhat dated today, but that's just another reason I like it.This is one of the two mystery series I like to read again and again, along with Joseph Hansen's Dave Brandstetter series. I would very much recommend it to anyone who likes well-crafted mysteries with a touch of religion, and enjoys early 60's nostalgia.
—Greg Rothenberger
This wonderful book not only offers a look into the world of Conservative Judaism, but the mystery is top-notch as well. Mr. Kemelman played fair, and laid all the clues before the reader, but even so, there are plenty of red herrings laying around to muddy the trail. At a certain point in the book, when all the evidence seemed to coalesce upon a one particular suspect, I found myself thinking, "Well, if this person committed the murder, why did my suspect do what he did?" But in the end, I was right. Highly recommended. Harry Kemelman has brought to life some very interesting characters. I can't wait so see what the future holds for them as I continue with the rest of the series.
—WT Sharpe
For anyone who has every been a member of or the rabbi, pastor, priest of a conflicted congregation. The Board wants their Rabbi to be more like a business man - looking sharp and being more politically savvy. Rabbi Small sees his role as that of teacher, learner, and providing insight and leadership on spiritual matters. Unable to fully help his congregation understand that a Rabbi is not like a business man, he finds that there is a movement to not renew his contract. Then a woman was found dead and left in the synagog parking lot. One of the likeable things in this book is the friendship between Rabbi David and the Police Chief Hugh.
—Meredith
