Customer Reviews

Which Big Giver Stole the Chopped Liver?: A Ruby, the Rabbi's Wife Mystery

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

 

 

This was one of my many library book reads. Thoroughly enjoyable, funny and a light, murder mystery.

When Essie Sue's Texas-shaped chopped liver is replaced by an unknown dead man, Ruby Rothman is soon on the trail of the killer. Roped into the reunion committee by Essie Sue, Ruby enlists the help of long-time friend Lieutenant Paul Lundy to help with the crime. More help unexpectedly and reluctantly arrives in the form of Rabbi Kevin Kapstein, the nervous and less than confident rabbi of Template Rita. As they close in on the killer, Ruby finds her and Kevin's lives in mortal danger. A delightful mix of suspense and humor Which Big Giver Stole the Chopped Liver? (Ruby, the Rabbi's Wife Mysteries) provides insights into small town congregational life in Eternity, Texas.

The characters are extremely realistic pulling you into the story. Though I found the clues too apparent (I solved the crime early), the story is thoroughly engaging and enjoyable. I can't help liking Ruby ~ her spunk and humor more than once had me laughing; I felt compassion for Kevin and his struggle to be his congregations' leader without fearing Essie Sue retribution; and I felt frustrated with Essie Sues' compulsive, manipulative, yet well-meaning nature.

Which Big Giver Stole the Chopped Liver? is a first rate novel and to my delight one book in a series. I am thrilled at the prospect of getting further acquainted with Ruby and the residents of Eternity.

Having never read or heard of Sharon Kahn, I am delighted to recommend "Which Big Giver Stole the Chopped Liver?" as an excellent read. The novel has suspense, of course - it's a murder mystery. But it has humor which will evoke audible chuckles. If Ruby Rothman were a real person, I would be thrilled to have her as a friend.

Recommendation to the Publisher / Author: Lower the price for the Kindle Version to below $9.99, K?

Until glancing at one of the Amazon reviews a moment ago, I had no idea that this was one of a series. If the others were as good as this (on audio), the series as a whole would certainly be a recommendation. (Were it available.) At any rate, this one, as read, features complementary voice and text which add up to an enjoyable listening experience.(Did not read the book.) At first, I feared the voice would be too ethnic for the story, then, that the story would be too saccharine to be swallowed, but, fears were soon allayed, and the all too life-like characters were interwoven with a somewhat unusual murder, to satisfy the need for mystery and the need for engaging, nasty, and just plain ordinary characters. The plot is simple, one of the two Big Wheels, in he Temple association, the one who leads through her energy, arranges for a reunion, among whose major features, in her mind, is to be her special recipe, beats all, chicken liver map of Texas. Of course, this plays a vital role in the mystery which is created by its unveiling at the Big Dinner. Heavily involved in the mind of our heroine, now the widow of the previous rabbi and friend to the new one, is the other Big Wheel, the one who owes his power to his wealth.
There is wit and warmth here, accents one can understand (none Texan), love interest ( our heroine has a steady fellow and another who wouldn't mind taking his place) and a good text for the reader to work from. I would recommend it to those preferring not to agonize through the blood and guts of most of our leading mystery writers ( at least, who prefer a change of pace,now and again).

This book - like all of the others in the Ruby the Rabbi's wife series was great. I love the humor that is sprinkled generously throughout the book, and the plot was fabulous! I hope that more books will follow.

Ruby is a Rabbi's widow in Eternal, Texas and her congregation still expects her to behave "appropriately". The book starts off very slow.....there is a lot you will learn about Temple Rita, and the Jewish faith along the way. I thought even with the snail like start I'd continue only because I might learn something. The Essie Sue character is annoying at best, but unfortunately you need her...after all, she made the chopped liver and is the organizer of the reunion event for Temple Rita. What made this so unusual for a mystery is that the killer is revealed shortly after the murder...and the rest of the book is set on catching him in all sorts of plots and twist which are very cleverly done. Rita , I suspect, must be in her early 40's, at best. If it says, I missed it, but her actions and clothes she wears and her 20 something college son all point in that direction and the fact that being a new widow she has two men chasing after her. Ed, the journalist, who I hope she dumps sometime soon, and the ever charming Lieutenant Lundy.

Ruby the Rabbi Wife mysteries are fun reads. Worth picking up if you are in the mood for something light and easy.

Clues to this murder mystery are hidden in a chopped liver mold
of Texas. It's a delightful read.