Harry Kemelman bol americký autor detektívnych románov a profesor angličtiny. Je tvorcom jedného z najznámejších náboženských detektívov, rabína Davida Smalla. Jeho spisovateľská kariéra sa začala poviedkami pre Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, ktoré predstavili profesora z Nového Anglicka Nickyho Welta. Séria s rabínom Smallem, ktorá začala v roku 1964, nebola len úspešnou detektívnou sériou, ale aj úvahami o konzervatívnom judaizme.
On Sunday, Rabbi David Small uncovers a Passover plot that undeniably raises more than Four Questions--threatening to ruin not only his holiday but his role as leader of Barnard's Crossing's Jewish community as well. And then, all the facts begin to point to murder!
Detektivní román z prostředí maloměsta na severovýchodě Spojených států. Před židovskou synagógou je nalezena mrtvola mladé dívky a podezření padne i na rabína Davida Smalla. Rabín však svým myšlením, jednáním a svou přímou povahou, a aniž o to usiluje, přesvědčí vyšetřujícího detektiva o své nevině a nakonec je to právě on, kdo pomocí talmudu a z něho rozvíjeného počtu pravděpodobnosti celý případ rozřeší. Detektivka seznamuje s židovským myšlením a s životem různých společenských vrstev na americkém maloměstě.
The adventures of Harry Kemelman's unassuming hero have been hailed by critics and fans alike. Kemelman is celebrated for his absorbing plots and his warm and knowledgeable depiction of Jews and Judaism. Rabbi David Small must step into action when Barnard's Crossings' most notorious anti-semite is found dead, and several members of his congregation are suspected. The murder victim is a cantankerous curmudgeon who has offended many members of this close-knit Jewish community. It will take all of Rabbi Small's cool-headed logic and tenacity to solve the case and redeem his standing in the temple. Narrator George Guidall was personally approved for this project by the author's estate. With his dramatic flair, Guidall brings Rabbi David Small fully to life and makes you wish the colorful residents of Barnard's Crossing were your own neighbors.
A member of Rabbi Small's congregation dies a mysterious death during the worst hurricane Barnard's Crossing has seen in years. When the suspect turns out to be a troubled but likable young man, Rabbi Small comes to his aid -- drenching himself in a decidedly non-kosher mystery involving prescription drugs, real estate shenanigans, and possibly, pre-meditated murder . . .
Rabbi David Small, the new leader of Barnard's Crossing's Jewish community, can't even enjoy his Sabbath without things getting stirred up in a most unorthodox manner: It seems a young nanny has been found strangled, less than a hundred yards from the Temple's parking lot -- and all the evidence points to the Rabbi. Add to that the not-so-quiet rumblings of his disgruntled congregation, and you might say our inimitable hero needs a miracle from a Higher Source to save him....
Rabbi Small faces political corruption, definitely non-kosher, brewed with a dash of dirty campaign tricks, blackmail, and a possible murder. And if that's not bad enough, the newly appointed president of the temple has decided to replace the rabbi before his daughter's wedding . . .
