A pharmaceutical mishap draws the rabbi into a murder investigation in this New York Times bestseller: “An endearing character . . . a devious plot” (San Diego Union-Tribune).
New Age thinking has come to Barnard’s Crossing, Massachusetts. The recently elected president of Rabbi David Small’s synagogue is intent on using temple money to build a meditation retreat. The congregation is practicing yoga, buying crystals, and reciting chants. When a troubled young man returns to the town after spending time in a controversial Hasidic cult, the rabbi expects him to be another New Ager. But things take a grisly turn away from new-fangled mantras of peace and love when something terribly old fashioned happens: murder.
An elderly patient dies after being given the wrong medication by the local pharmacist, who coincidentally is also the Hasidic man’s father. When the dead man’s family suggests the mix-up was intentional, both the druggist and his son become suspects and it’s up to Rabbi Small to investigate by drawing on some Old Testament wisdom in a village of New Age fads.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A jim-dandy tale.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Kemelman has blended an endearing character with a devious plot to give us a spicy peek at mystery and the Talmudic ambience.” —The San Diego Union-Tribune
“Ingenious . . . Highly recommended.” —The New York Times on Thursday the Rabbi Walked Out
“A first-rate mystery.” —The New Yorker on Friday the Rabbi Slept Late
From the Inside Flap
Rabbi Small’s congregation dies a mysterious death during the worst hurricane Barnard’s Crossing has seen in years. When the suspect turns out to be a troubled but likable young man, Rabbi Small comes to his aid — drenching himself in a decidedly non-kosher mystery involving prescription drugs, real estate shenanigans, and possibly, pre-meditated murder . . .
Discover more from Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

