Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home

A Rabbi Small Mystery, Book 3

By: Harry Kemelman

Narrated by: George Guidall

As Passover approaches, Rabbi Small contends with infighting, backstabbing, and an actual murder in this New York Times bestseller

As Rabbi David Small’s 5-year contract winds down at the synagogue in Barnard’s Crossing, Massachusetts, some members of the congregation are plotting to remove him; others are whispering about starting a new temple of their own across the street. When the rabbi gets an invitation to perform Passover services at a local university, he’s eager to get away from the bickering and spend a few days on campus. But instead of peace and enlightenment, he finds a murder wrapped up in drug deals and racial tensions.

From tuned-out hippies to political zealots, the college is full of potential suspects. Once again it’s up to the rabbi to draw on his deductive skills to solve the case—and avoid getting sucked into the bitter culture war—before the killer strikes again.

©1969 Harry Kemelman (P)1998 Recorded Books

dated, corny, yet engaging and entertaining

Remember when the men used to tell "their" womenfolk to make the guests coffee? Remember when temple/church were community cornerstones? Gender, ethnic and racially defined roles make this series a social history lesson (and in some places a caricature), but the novels still stand as cozy mysteries with the wise Rabbi-sleuth making astute observation on human nature, even if some of the social roles being filled by the humans are outdated.

George Guidall voices the series well. I listened to the first three, and I think after a break, I'll return to Barnard's Crossing and Rabbi Small's world. I'm just glad, as a women, I don't have to live there. I remember these titles from the bookstores of my youth and I'm glad to have an opportunity to listen to another classic religious-sleuth.

Refreshingly fun

These books are really well done. 60 years have not made them at all anachronistic. This was a refreshing read.

Slow start

I appreciate the rabbi’s logic and cool head. It felt really slow getting into the story. I almost stopped listening. It did have a satisfying ending.

Not the best but good

I enjoy this series but the plot wasn't quite as clever as in other Rabbi tales.

Another good series installment

This is another interesting installment in the series. This is a simple mystery, which was the norm for the time it was written, intertwined with the politics of the temple.