Customer Reviews

Chanukah Guilt

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I received my book yesterday 5/25 and I am sorry to say I finished it today. The people in the book are so life like, they could very well be next door neighbors. The plot holds your interest and you keep guessing at what will come next. I think Ms Schneider did an excellent job and
I can't wait to read her next book. I hope she will write sequels to
this book, I'd love to read more about Rabbi Cohen.

Ms. Schneider has written a very intrigiung story of murder and mystery. Her characters are true to life and invite the reader to join her world. As the story of Rabbi Cohen and her unexpectant role as super-sleuth continue, you find yourself unable to put the book down. In addition, Ms. Schneider peppers her novel with humor about the day-to-day trials that we all face. I recommend that anyone who enjoys a good mystery with warm characters read Chanukah Guilt.

Rabbi Ilene Schneider has begun a new murder mystery series about Rabbi Aviva Cohen that employs well developed characters with an evolving Jewish identity. Her writing style makes you care about Aviva's vocation as a rabbi and her avocation as an amateur sleuth. Confronting death might be a professional responsibility for the compassionate Rabbi Aviva, but this time the bereaved family dynamics just don't seem Kosher! Taking place during the holiday of Chanukah, the guilt may very well come down to the financial issue of "gelt!"

The Rabbi Aviva series written by one of the first woman Rabbis in America about a fictional woman Rabbi is destined for long term "nachas." For Jewish mystery readers it is a comfortable look into a familiar world. For non-Jewish readers, it is an accessible window into a culture they would like to know better. Enjoy!

Rabbi Aviva Cohen, 50-something and twice-divorced, would never have chosen to officiate at an unpopular land developer's funeral. And his highly dysfunctional family won't make it any easier on her, especially when one of his daughters asks to see her privately the day after the funeral.

When a second family member turns up dead, this time declared a suicide, the family starts to wonder. Could both deaths have been murder? Rabbi Cohen is dragged into the investigation when one family member threatens her with a lawsuit, and she's compelled to search for answers.

Though the police are reluctant to reopen the two deaths as potential murder, they are forced to do so when Rabbi Cohen unearths some damaging evidence that supports foul play. And her own emotional life is affected by her first ex-husband's arrival to oversee the police department, as he involves himself in her efforts.

Amateur sleuthing is always dangerous, and Rabbi Cohen is lucky to survive the attempts on her life. But she is successful in clearing her name as she figures out who would be willing to commit murder.

This story weaves Jewish culture and mystery in a delightful blend. However, in portraying the rich and interesting social life Rabbi Cohen enjoys, both with her family and congregation, there are very many characters, occasionally causing some confusion to the reader. But overall, this doesn't detract from a well-crafted story and a satisfying conclusion.


Muse Review Mark: Great Read

Reviewer: Alice Berger, Muse Reviews

"You can't judge a book by its cover"! Keep that in mind when reading this book. The cover has a picture of a Chanukkiyah or Menorah (the nine branched candelabrum used on Hanukah, the Jewish holiday celebrated in December) with a skull and crossbones on top. I thought to myself between the title and the book's cover this book is going to be cheesy. I was pleasantly surprised with this author's debut novel and hope she turns the Rabbi in to a series.

Chanukah Guilt is described by the author as a "cozy" murder mystery because there are no car chases or kidnappings. The main character is female rabbi, Aviva Cohen. It just so happens the author Ilene Schneider was one of the first six female rabbis in the United States.

Rabbi Cohen officiates at the funeral of an unpopular land developer. She is told by two members of his family that he was murdered. A few days later one of the daughters commits suicide and Rabbi Cohen begins a quest to find out what really happened. The quest involves not only the developer's family, but the rabbi's extended family, including her ex-husband who recently moved to her town.

The beauty of this book is the character development. Ilene Schneider's writing style allows you to really know both the main characters and the supporting roles. You finish this book with a solid picture of what these people look like and their personality quirks.

Chanukah Guilt gives insight in to the Jewish culture and religion because the rabbi's life revolves around the synagogue where she is employed. There is a little bit of education about the Wiccan religion as well but I won't reveal any more about that subject.

I hope this book has mass appeal beyond the Jewish population because it is a great mystery.

Armchair Interviews says: A well-done cozy with a woman rabbi as the sleuth.

Ilene Schneider is a rabbi by occupation, and is currently a Coordinator of Jewish Hospice for Samaritan Hospice in Marlton, NJ. She also works for the New Jersey Audubon Society at the Rancocas Nature Center. She has several degrees; is an avid birder; gardener; and is married and has two teenagers.

Rabbi Aviva Cohen is a baby boomer living in South Jersey. She is twice divorced and learns that her first ex is moving back to town...to run the police department after its chief is caught in corruption charges. Aviva is called upon to officiate at the funeral of a smarmy real estate developer whose daughter is sure he has been murdered. When the daughter, Madison, dies the next night, her mother calls upon Aviva to investigate. Aviva is naturally curious, but she doesn't bank on the idea that she might be putting her own life in danger as she looks into the nooks and crannies of another person's life. What puts levity and a sense of realism into the tale, though, is Aviva's own family's reaction to her sleuthing:

"I got home by ten to find two very different messages on my phone machine. My sister, in her inimitable style, scolded me. 'What's going on? Even here in Florida I hear that you've been playing fast and loose with a family's emotions? I always knew you'd get in trouble for butting in where not wanted. And now you're being sued! If you're not careful, you'll be unemployed, and unemployable. Whatever are you thinking?'"

Schneider's mystery is a delightful blend of the finer points of Judaism, combined with a mystery involving a dysfunctional, blended family, all wanting to get their hands on the money. Aviva is a likeable detective, with plenty of foibles, all of which make her more endearing. She is strong, independent, and eloquent when the occasion calls for it. But she also has an aversion to the finer points of maintenance, such as cleaning and cooking. She is full of fun and isn't afraid to laugh at herself with us. CHANUKAH GUILT is lots of fun!

Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer

Aviva is my kind of gal - she's very funny, smart, and clever. I enjoyed being part of Aviva's thought processes as she solved the crime, and really loved seeing the relationships in her family. I had fun reading this book, it made me laugh and kept me wondering. What more can you ask for? Oh, yeah - MORE Aviva mysteries!

I made a new friend last week -- Aviva and her family and friends. Hope to see more of her soon. I enjoy mysteries, especially those with more atmosphere and story than gore and violence, and this fits the bill. Rabbi Schneider has written a truly delightful book.

Such a wonderful novel! Rich characters and great plot. Just what one would expect from the "Cream of the Crop!" I hope this author is planning on pumping out another one soon.

This book was a great read. Captivating from the onset. A lot of characters to keep track of, but otherwise, a good story. I hope she writes more.