Friday the Rabbi Slept Late

A Rabbi Small Mystery, Book 1

By: Harry Kemelman

Narrated by: George Guidall

First in the New York Times–bestselling series and winner of the Edgar Award: A new rabbi in a small New England town investigates the murder of a nanny.

David Small is the new rabbi in the small Massachusetts town of Barnard’s Crossing. Although he’d rather spend his days engaged in Torah study and theological debate, the daily chores of synagogue life are all-consuming—that is, until the day a nanny’s body is found on the rain-soaked asphalt of the temple’s parking lot.

When the young woman’s purse is discovered in Rabbi Small’s car, he will have to use his scholarly skills and Talmudic wisdom—and collaborate with the Irish-Catholic police chief—to exonerate himself and find the real killer.

Blending this unorthodox sleuth’s quick intellect with thrilling action, Friday the Rabbi Slept Late is the exciting first installment of the beloved bestselling mystery series that offers a Jewish twist on the clerical mystery, a delightful discovery for fans of Father Brown and Father Dowling or readers of Faye Kellerman’s suspense novels set in the Orthodox community.

©1964 Harry Kemelman (P)1997 Recorded Books

Now I want the whole series

What made the experience of listening to Friday the Rabbi Slept Late the most enjoyable?

I enjoy anything that George Guidall reads....that is what led me to this book and now I want to read, or listen to, the entire series. Not only is the mystery interesting, I appreciate the insight into the Jewish faith.

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

George Guidall is one of my favorite readers.

Amiable But Slow

This felt like more of an interesting community profile than an actual mystery, as the titular rabbi is only in about a third of the scenes. When there's a large cast to handle, it helps to have a distinctive voice for each person, and the narrator doesn't pull it off here, alas. A frequently startling look at life in the non-hippie part of the 1960s, but wow was it slow going. There isn't even a crime until a third of the way through the book. I enjoyed it anyway, but I wish I'd been warned about the leisurely pace ahead of time. That's why I'm warning you.

no Putz About it

Mazel tov I grew up in that neck of the woods where it's takes place The rabbi series is always a great weed Disregard is coming from agoy

great story as usual

George has a wonderful voice it is easy to listen to . I could listen to him all day long. storyline is constantly turning and keeps you on the edge of your seat questioning wondering thinking...

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDRRFUL

I truly enjoyed his book. I read he "Rsbbi Smsll" books years ago. It is just as good now. Read all this series you can.

Love this series

I originally read these as a child when they came out. My dad bought them for himself but I was able to read this when he was done. I love this series as I can picture my friend ,who’s a rabbi now , as well as the person I admired the most as a kid n,who was our temples lay leader , doing exactly what dr small does… help solve mysteries in the local community. In my opinion this book is well written and describes some of the traditions in the Jewish religion.

A Jewish Middle Class Madmen!

A great little mystery with interesting characters. The narrator was very straight forward but gave just enough personality to the characters. My comparison to Madmen was based on the 1960's attitudes in this male dominated novel. It was fun to listen to a 'modern' novel that took place before PCs and cell phones.

You don't have to be Jewish to like it!

If you could sum up Friday the Rabbi Slept Late in three words, what would they be?

Back in Time

What other book might you compare Friday the Rabbi Slept Late to and why?

David A Kaufelt
The Bradley Beach Rumba
Both Great Trips Back In Time

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

Outstanding!
His narration,was Music to my Ears

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

How Cerebral Are You?

Any additional comments?

I remember when this series
First hit the Bookshelves in the 1960's
Love this Audible version

The Rabbi Slept Late

I just loved this book! It is just so.....uplifting and interesting along with informative! Loved it. I will get the rest!

Love It

I would categorize the series under ‘Cozy Mysteries’, but the stories are much more. Rabbi Small has wisdom and integrity. In addition every book teaches me something new about Judaism without judging other religions, gender, or races. Although the stories are Religious Mysteries they are without an an agenda. George Guidall is also brilliant. I have listened to many audiobooks ,and, just like the choice of the correct actor, the narrator can make the story come to life or ruin it. Thank you.