Wednesday the Rabbi Got Wet

A Rabbi Small Mystery, Book 6

By: Harry Kemelman

Narrated by: George Guidall

One of the world’s most unusual sleuths, Rabbi David Small captivates mystery fans with his chutzpah and unparalleled logic. When he investigates some non-kosher behavior by his congregation, he finds himself in water way over his head. While a destructive hurricane pummels Barnard’s Crossing, an elderly temple member dies suddenly after taking his newly-prescribed antibiotic. Soon one member of the Jewish community after another falls under suspicion for drug tampering. With rumors flying, Rabbi Small struggles to uncover what really happened, before the temple crumbles from within. In Wednesday the Rabbi Got Wet, popular author Harry Kemelman skillfully blends fascinating Jewish tradition and a well-crafted plot. Narrator George Guidall brings out all the wit and wisdom of this best-selling mystery with his expert ability to capture the distinct personalities of each of the characters.

©1976 Harry Kemelman (P)1998 Recorded Books

Always enjoyable

I really love how much information is slipped in about the Jewish religion. It is an integral part of the way this author writes and it is brilliantly done. The narrator is marvelous and I look forward to listening to the next book. I know I will be sorry to reach the last one but imagine listening to them again after I reach that point.

Best one yet

I love Harry Kemelman’s books. And George Guidall’s narration is excellent. This one, however, is the best one yet.

Kemelman's wonderful series--brilliantly narrated!

This is one of the delightful series written in the '70's by Harry Kemelman that focuses on David Small, the rabbi of a conservative congregation in Barnard's Crossing, Massachusetts. Sometimes I hesitate before getting old books--but because I read all these in paper form "back in the day," I could recall how interesting they were.

In this book, Hurricane Betsy is in the background while one of the temple congregants is very ill, a pharmacist and his son have previously had a bitter dispute--leading to the son leaving home, and there are people who want to do some interesting real estate deals. All of these components are parts of the intrigue that arises out of what appears at first to be a patient taking medications for a treatable infection--and leads to murder. Several people are suspect, one in particular that Rabbi Small wants to help (as only he can do, using his particular knowledge of Talmudic law).

This series has a very good mix of personal and logical--with development of characters like Rabbi Small and his wife and son and the local chief of police as on-going characters. There tend to be different townspeople and temple congregants and boards of directors featured. But one thing that never changes is that the books are a wonderful combination of good story, intriguing mysteries, and fascinating look into the Jewish culture. I have always loved them--but finding that the incomparable George Guidall is narrating them brings them fresh life. Highly recommend!

Another great Rabbi book

I enjoy every book in the series. They are all very well written with interesting characters. Everyone should read them.

love Rabbi Small

another entertaining Rabbi Small mystery. I am delighted by the way he weaves in the information about Judaism Informative and entertaining

Food for thought

I love these mysteries with recurring characters who use their intelligence, care about others, and do what is ethical. The low-key 1960s setting feels a touch dated, in a cozy way, but the people and their problems are timeless. George Guidall, a voice master, makes it a real treat to listen to.

Best one yet

I think the plot and investigation of this story are the best one yet. Definitely recommend!

An interesting mystery! Always compelling!

This series is a snapshot in time... the early '60s in a small New England town, the only
synagogue ('temple') in that town, some small time businessmen..and a rabbi with a sharp mind.
I do love George Guidall, and his gifts add to this series. These are so good I can't stop listening..

Each one is better than the last one

I can't get enough. The stories are great. The characters are great. The narration is wonderful.

Not the best Rabbi Small

Typical Rabbi Small story with a clever resolution of the mysterious death. However I did not find the solution as satisfying as normal. Rather obvious suspect and artificial mechanism