Tuesday the Rabbi Saw Red

A Rabbi Small Mystery, Book 5

By: Harry Kemelman

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

With his Rabbi Small mysteries, acclaimed author Harry Kemelman has made the best-seller lists every day of the week! The adventures of the unassuming Rabbi are hailed by critics and fans for their wit, wisdom, and the unparalleled logic of one of the world’s most unusual sleuths. On Tuesday, Rabbi David Small takes a break from the Barnard’s Crossing pulpit to teach a course on Jewish Thought at a small community college. But he soon discovers that all is not idyllic behind the ivy-covered walls. When a bomb goes off in the dean’s office, the peaceful campus mood is shattered. Soon everyone - from professors and students to the indefatigable rabbi himself - is suspected of murder. Personally approved for this unabridged recording by the author’s estate, veteran narrator George Guidall brings all the characters to life as Rabbi Small ensures that murder doesn’t make the grade.

©1973 Harr y Kemelman (P)1998 Recorded Books

Wonderful series

This is a good story, filled with interesting characters, plot twists, and Talmudic dissertation. Highly recommended.

Old now--but still wonderful!

I read all this series years ago when they were written, and they still seem relevant. Of course cell phones, DNA and computer hacking are not part of them--but the mysteries are ok (this one was too easy to figure out, though). But don't let that put you off--the mystery is fun--and had twists and turns. But what makes this series outstanding is the deep look into human character, spiritual needs and an amazing explanation of Judaism--which is given with quite understandable human explanations that make some of the traditions and rituals have so much meaning. This is a book--indeed an entire series--not to be missed if you want more than just sex, violence and fast car chases! This is a mystery series with depth.

George Guigall is the best narrator.

Guigall is such a performer not just a narrator. Give him a good story like Kemelmans and you have a movie in your minds eye

Extremely Enjoyable

Delightful book. Likable protagonist. Interesting ancillary characters. Satisfying ending. Very good interweaving of Judaism into the story. Although this is my first Kemelman book, it certainly won’t be the last.

<3

I love this series! The narrator is very good and gives a very real voice to Rabbi Small.

Still a Good Read!

What made the experience of listening to Tuesday the Rabbi Saw Red the most enjoyable?

I read the the Rabbi Small books when they were first written years ago. To have these available was like visiting an old friend, nostalgic but still of great worth. The mystery is fun and not as easy to guess as you might think. But more importantly, I beleive, is the peek into the ordinary life of a jewish community, its values and its shortcomings and how it grapples with change. It is still very relevant.

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

Guidall's performance, as always, was excellent. As I have told my friends, he could read a tax return and it would keep me interested.

Any additional comments?

The material feels a little dated, especially police procedures, which border on unbelievable but the story is worth it.

Clever Interesting Story

Rabbi Small's traditional insight is combined with Vietnam era student protests. Fewer arguments with the Temple congregation

Very disappointing book

I don't understand how this book has received a 4.6 rating. In some ways, I find it particularly offensive because I am Jewish. It is filled with not-so-subtle stereotyping of Jews, and the rabbi seems to be a self-important know-it-all. He frequently pontificates on Judaism, passing off his view of Judaism as if he is the spokesperson for all of Judaism. As a detective story, the plot is at best mediocre, with much of it based on caricature of the students as fools. This series came recommended to me, but I am done after one book.

Vivid reminder of "the bad old days"

I've liked other books in this series, but this one was flat, humorous, and filled with casual sexism and misogyny that provided a vivid picture of what life was like for women when they were all evaluated by their looks, single women were seen as lacking or desperate, and "coeds" were undervalued at every turn. I don't think Kemelman intended a critique. The Rabbi doesn't offer any valuable push back or insight, either--whew. Done with this series, even if offered as a freebie! Avoid!