The Question of the Unfamiliar Husband

By: E. J. Copperman, Jeff Cohen

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

For Samuel Hoenig, Asperger's isn't so much a syndrome as it is a set of personality traits. And as the sole proprietor of a business called Questions Answered, Samuel's put his personality traits to good use, successfully answering every question he's ever been asked. But when his newest client asks about the true identity of her so-called husband, Samuel recruits his former associate, Janet Washburn, for insight into a subject that's beyond his grasp - marriage. Working as a team seems to be the right approach...until the inscrutable spouse is found dead in Samuel's office. Feeling like he's been taken for a fool, Samuel is more than willing to answer a new question posed by an unexpected inquirer: Who killed the unfamiliar husband?

©2015 E. J. Copperman and Jeff Cohen (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Uniquely Charming Detective Series

The main character in this series has Ausbergers Syndrome - which gives him a unique perspective on solving problems as he struggles with difficult social interactions. Samuel Honnig has formed a business to answer questions and he does so with the perspective and intense focus that comes with his syndrome. When a question brought to him becomes a murder investigation he continues his sleuthing with deductions that would do credit to Sherlock Holmes. Samuel does not understand most of the social activity around him, so he relies on social training and advice from his mother to muddle through his interactions with other people. A charming and practical young woman in need of a job becomes his assistant and her presence provides the anchor he often needs to deal with a world that doesn't make sense. The mystery is secondary to the interesting perspective of the main character, but it is a mystery indeed. This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend both of them if you like character development and problem solving without a lot of blood and gore.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Good but not great...

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I enjoyed the characters in this book but almost immediately you can figure out who the murderer is so that diminished the story. I am still excited for the next installment.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Fun and Fabulous Read!

I love these books! They are fun and entertaining and insightful in many ways… I love the simplicity and portrayal of the characters. I am waiting eagerly for the next one!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good characters, weak mystery

I found the story line sadly predictable with the mystery presenting little to no surprises.

However, I still enjoyed the performance and the characters. I am growing to quite like the proprietor and associate of Questions Answered. Would recommend as a light read if you have no expectations of an intense mystery.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

There is more to Samuel than just Asperger's

Any additional comments?

This is the second book in this series that I have listened to and I have enjoyed them both. However, I wish the author would give us a little deeper look into our hero's personality and character. I think that often, to neuro-typicals, a person's autistic characteristics define them to the exclusion of much else. In fact, people on the spectrum are much more than just their autism. We don't get to know much else about Samuel, aside from his enjoyment of the Beatles and baseball, which is unfortunate. Adding some exploration of the rest of his personality could replace some of the constant repetition of explanations regarding his Asperger's, which feels pedantic after awhile. We, as readers, get it that he doesn't like to shake hands, and it becomes a bit irritating to be told this time and time again.I especially enjoyed Mark Boyett's narration, as he seems content to just read the story to us. I much prefer this to the attempts at theatrical performance that so many narrators give.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Monk, only better

These books are a nice addition to the cozy mystery genre and the four stars are mostly because the character of Samuel Hoenig carries this story. The actual plot itself was given away early on. In the interest of not spoiling this for those who haven't read, suffice to say if you're an Agatha Christie reader, you're going to be stopped in your tracks with a plot element you've seen before. Granted, all plots are things we've likely seen before, but this one stands out.

That doesn't stop what follows from being entertaining and there's still a twist I didn't see coming. It's not huge, and doesn't change the outcome, which is a tad disappointing. Read the book for the characters and you won't harbor regrets.

Still entertaining

This is still an enjoyable story. I enjoyed that his mother had a more active part. More information exploring Samuel personality would vary the story. This mystery was confusing with all the names of the wives, which entailed me going over certain parts.

The deadly game of marriage.

What did you like most about The Question of the Unfamiliar Husband?

The way people think that Samuel is stupid...which is a very bad mistake to make.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Janet Washburn. She just knows how Samuel's condition works, and has that calming effect on him.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

When Samuel got arrested.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. But can be listen to in short spurts just as well.

Any additional comments?

I love the Asperger's mysteries. They are well plotted and written. With great narration from Mark Boyett.