I want to start off by saying I loved this book.Friday the Rabbi Slept Late by Harry Kemelman isn't a new book (as you can see by the well handled cover) - it was published in 1964 and is reminiscent of Columbo (with his unkempt appearance) and Sherlock Holmes (with his scholarly observances and intellect.)
David Small is a young Rabbi new to the town of Barnard's Crossing. He uses logic and the Talmud to solve disputes between members of his temple and when a young woman is found murdered, supposedly in the back of his car, he discusses each of his observations with the local Catholic chief of police, giving the police department a wider net to cast for a suspect.
Even when reading fiction, I like to learn something new and Mr. Kemelman explains, through conversation, the differences between Protestant, Catholic and Jewish religions.
It's been a long time since I picked up a book that I couldn't put down and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the style of writing.
In 1977 the books were made into a television series Lanigan's Rabbi, starring Art Carney as police chief, Paul Lanigan (NBC Sunday Mystery Movie). Harry Kemelman was paid $35,000 for the film rights.
This was a suggested by a member of my book club.
