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Wedding Wipeout
Two elderly spinster sisters––Florence and Lorraine––have lived together ever since the death of their wealthy father, living on generous stipends provided in his will that continue until one of them marries––at which time that sister is cut off financially. The sisters’ family is shaken up when Florence invites them to her wedding. The morning after the wedding, Florence is found dead in her bed. Was it an asthma attack as her new husband and the police believe or did someone enter her room in the middle of the night and suffocate the old woman with a pillow? Local amateur sleuth Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher is brought in to investigate the suspicious death. He soon discovers that all of the sisters’ relatives stayed overnight following the wedding and could have strangled the old woman in her sleep. So could have the bridegroom. But who did it? And why? With no money and no motive, why would anyone kill the old woman? Rabbi Kappelmacher begins his investigation by interviewing all of the interested parties, intent on figuring out the convoluted and devious crime––and the sinister culprit behind it.
250 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2013
27 people are currently reading
3634 people want to read
About the author
Jacob M. Appel
36 books1,593 followers**Please note: A limited number of complimentary electronic copies of several of my books are available for review. Please email me directly if you are interested**
Jacob M. Appel's first novel, The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Award in 2012. His short story collection, Scouting for the Reaper, won the 2012 Hudson Prize. He has published short fiction in more than two hundred literary journals including Agni, Conjunctions, Gettysburg Review, Southwest Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, and West Branch. His work has been short listed for the O. Henry Award (2001), Best American Short Stories (2007, 2008), Best American Essays (2011, 2012), and received "special mention" for the Pushcart Prize in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013.
Jacob holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Brown University, an M.A. and an M.Phil. from Columbia University, an M.S. in bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute of Albany Medical College, an M.D. from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University, an M.F.A. in playwriting from Queens College, an M.P.H. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He currently practices psychiatry in New York City.
Jacob M. Appel's first novel, The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Award in 2012. His short story collection, Scouting for the Reaper, won the 2012 Hudson Prize. He has published short fiction in more than two hundred literary journals including Agni, Conjunctions, Gettysburg Review, Southwest Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, and West Branch. His work has been short listed for the O. Henry Award (2001), Best American Short Stories (2007, 2008), Best American Essays (2011, 2012), and received "special mention" for the Pushcart Prize in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013.
Jacob holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Brown University, an M.A. and an M.Phil. from Columbia University, an M.S. in bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute of Albany Medical College, an M.D. from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University, an M.F.A. in playwriting from Queens College, an M.P.H. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He currently practices psychiatry in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 13, 2016
Death on a wedding night....
Natural causes or murder?
It's common for Rabbi's to make house calls to visit the sick - lead payers with family and friends who are morning the death of a loved one where the shiva is held....
But Rabbi's investigating a death and investing long hours of their time interviewing
possible crime suspects, is not 'business-as-usual' with Rabbi's.
Once again, Jacob M. Appel created a fun book to read. This time - instead of short stories...we have a 'whoduit' mystery novel....[Sherlock Holmes style.... 'somewhat]....
Readers who are familiar with Jacob M. Appel, know they can expect to see something inventive, creative, and fresh. He's just not a copycat author.
Yet....there is a mystery - which doesn't come together until the very end.
So entertaining....
The characters are 'characters'....
The plot is reasonable - it works with your mind.
Sleuthing pastrami eating Rabbi's ( two of them) working together ---is a riot. Their
dialogue alone was just TOO FUNNY!!!!
This is a wonderful 'go to' book when you've read one too many books about wars, children or parents dying, abuse, or other more serious novels.
Natural causes or murder?
It's common for Rabbi's to make house calls to visit the sick - lead payers with family and friends who are morning the death of a loved one where the shiva is held....
But Rabbi's investigating a death and investing long hours of their time interviewing
possible crime suspects, is not 'business-as-usual' with Rabbi's.
Once again, Jacob M. Appel created a fun book to read. This time - instead of short stories...we have a 'whoduit' mystery novel....[Sherlock Holmes style.... 'somewhat]....
Readers who are familiar with Jacob M. Appel, know they can expect to see something inventive, creative, and fresh. He's just not a copycat author.
Yet....there is a mystery - which doesn't come together until the very end.
So entertaining....
The characters are 'characters'....
The plot is reasonable - it works with your mind.
Sleuthing pastrami eating Rabbi's ( two of them) working together ---is a riot. Their
dialogue alone was just TOO FUNNY!!!!
This is a wonderful 'go to' book when you've read one too many books about wars, children or parents dying, abuse, or other more serious novels.
January 20, 2015
The story line is simply amazing and the mystery is just too good to keep the book down anywhere before completing. It might appear to be like Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie novels but actually it is nothing like it. Rabbi Kapplemacher's Rabbinic deduction is entirely innovative and new and refreshing. The mystery doesn't unravel until the very end and although the author drops clues at every step of the story, the reader echo Rabbi Kapplemacher's thoughts when he says " the solution is right under our noses"
Read more at Wedding Wipeout
Read more at Wedding Wipeout
June 2, 2015
Hey there Guys and Dolls,
What happens when two rabbis investigate the suspicious death of an elderly Jewish lady? It would seem that the Eisenstein sisters Lorraine and Florence have had nothing but trouble throughout their lives and it doesn’t appear to be getting any better in their so-called ‘golden years’ .
When Florence decides to get married, all of their estranged family members are invited to attend the wedding and there’s a mysterious murder. The bride dies and more than one person believes it’s not just from asthma attack. Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher and Rabbi Rudolph Steinmetz -- his trusted side-kick who is also the perfect narrator for this tale full of family secrets and betrayals are asked to investigate.
Kappelmacher believes that there is a rational explanation for everything. The guilty party whoever they are will be found even if it takes eating a pastrami on rye in every Jewish deli within the community and interviewing all of the quirky cousins, nieces, nephews, husbands, lawyers, and doctors then so be it. The whole Jewish community and the family are scrutinized to find the ‘rational’ explanation and solve the case.
Yours truly is just a shiksah who can’t say no to a good mystery! Mazel tov to this tale of marriage, murder, and mayhem by Jacob Appel. Be sure to add a little something to your next egg-cream, I know I will. I’ll be toasting Kappelmacher and Steinmetz my two favorite rabbis whose next investigation I’m definitely looking forward to!
What happens when two rabbis investigate the suspicious death of an elderly Jewish lady? It would seem that the Eisenstein sisters Lorraine and Florence have had nothing but trouble throughout their lives and it doesn’t appear to be getting any better in their so-called ‘golden years’ .
When Florence decides to get married, all of their estranged family members are invited to attend the wedding and there’s a mysterious murder. The bride dies and more than one person believes it’s not just from asthma attack. Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher and Rabbi Rudolph Steinmetz -- his trusted side-kick who is also the perfect narrator for this tale full of family secrets and betrayals are asked to investigate.
Kappelmacher believes that there is a rational explanation for everything. The guilty party whoever they are will be found even if it takes eating a pastrami on rye in every Jewish deli within the community and interviewing all of the quirky cousins, nieces, nephews, husbands, lawyers, and doctors then so be it. The whole Jewish community and the family are scrutinized to find the ‘rational’ explanation and solve the case.
Yours truly is just a shiksah who can’t say no to a good mystery! Mazel tov to this tale of marriage, murder, and mayhem by Jacob Appel. Be sure to add a little something to your next egg-cream, I know I will. I’ll be toasting Kappelmacher and Steinmetz my two favorite rabbis whose next investigation I’m definitely looking forward to!
April 13, 2015
I feel like I am always rating books in the 4 to 5 range, but it is because if a book is NOT in that range, I don't bother to finish it. There are to many 5 star books like this one out there to read.
I am a fan on Agatha Christie and this book reminds me a lot of her books. I loved that it is two Rabbi's solving this murder in a way that would not be considered Rabinic (proper word here? I am not Jewish). Which also brings me to the fact the fact that I loved learning a few Jewish sayings, most of which you could figure out due to the substance of the sentence.
Fun, fast read. Didn't want to put it down!
I won this book on Goodreads.
I am a fan on Agatha Christie and this book reminds me a lot of her books. I loved that it is two Rabbi's solving this murder in a way that would not be considered Rabinic (proper word here? I am not Jewish). Which also brings me to the fact the fact that I loved learning a few Jewish sayings, most of which you could figure out due to the substance of the sentence.
Fun, fast read. Didn't want to put it down!
I won this book on Goodreads.
November 14, 2015
I won this e-book a while ago on Booklikes and have just got around to reading it. I wasn't keen on the cover and the old saying springs to mind about never judging a book by it's cover.
I quite enjoyed this cosy mystery. I very seldom write blurbs as to what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others. If you enjoy a mystery mixed with a touch of humour, then I would recommend to give this book a try.
I quite enjoyed this cosy mystery. I very seldom write blurbs as to what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others. If you enjoy a mystery mixed with a touch of humour, then I would recommend to give this book a try.
March 17, 2016
Let's kibbitz a bit about Wedding Wipeout - a fun murder mystery with a cast of quirky relatives, spying neighbors and a very unusual detective figure in the character of Rabbi Kappelmacher. As the Rabbi makes the rounds, stories change and red herrings fly. Was the new bride actually murdered or did she die of natural causes? Who lied? Who had the motive? In the manner of a endearingly meshugine Columbo with the "rabbinic reasoning" of a Sherlock Holmes, maven Rabbi Kappelmacher, to the amazement of Watson-stand-in Assistant Rabbi Steinmetz (who gets schlepped all over the place), figures it all out, sorting through the dumkopfs and the noodniks to uncover the chazer with the chutzpah to be such a gonif. I can't kvel because I was a schlemiel who didn't figure out the whodunnit. But, no need to be ferklempt -- I will just go sit on my tushie with another good Jacob Appel book enjoying the story and dreaming of a nosh of the world's best (or even second best) pastrami :-)
Thank you to Copy Cat Press for providing a copy of Wedding Wipeout for me to review. This in no way influenced by views of the book.
Thank you to Copy Cat Press for providing a copy of Wedding Wipeout for me to review. This in no way influenced by views of the book.
September 25, 2015
This is the first Rabbi Kappelmacher mystery that I’ve read. It took a while for me to get into the story because the Jewish names are long and unfamiliar, but in spite of that, the plot drew me in like a fish on a line.
Irving Eisenstein disowned his son for marrying outside the faith, then left his entire fortune to his daughters, Florence and Lorraine with the stipulation that the first to get married would lose everything to the other sister. This remained the case until the women were in their seventies when Florence claimed she’d broken their father’s will, making both sisters extremely rich. The Eisenstein’s were an estranged family of nieces, nephews, and cousins brought together for their Aunt Florence’s wedding by greed, in the hopes of being included in the sister’s wills. Each family member needs money desperately and has the means and the motive for wanting both sisters dead. Aunt Florence is murdered on her wedding night. Is Lorraine next?
Wedding Wipeout is an intriguing who-done-it with a totally surprising ending. I won a copy on a Goodreads Giveaway and I enjoyed reading it.
Irving Eisenstein disowned his son for marrying outside the faith, then left his entire fortune to his daughters, Florence and Lorraine with the stipulation that the first to get married would lose everything to the other sister. This remained the case until the women were in their seventies when Florence claimed she’d broken their father’s will, making both sisters extremely rich. The Eisenstein’s were an estranged family of nieces, nephews, and cousins brought together for their Aunt Florence’s wedding by greed, in the hopes of being included in the sister’s wills. Each family member needs money desperately and has the means and the motive for wanting both sisters dead. Aunt Florence is murdered on her wedding night. Is Lorraine next?
Wedding Wipeout is an intriguing who-done-it with a totally surprising ending. I won a copy on a Goodreads Giveaway and I enjoyed reading it.
May 1, 2017
Wedding Wipeout is a classic whodunit mystery. What made it interesting for me are the characters and above all the chemistry between Rabbi Kappelmacher and his assistant. I did not find the climax very satisfying. It was a little far fetched for me. The narrative kept me hooked till the end.
September 12, 2016
This is the first book,that I have read from this series.It was an interesting mystery with interesting characters and interesting ways of solving the mystery.
October 19, 2017
This book was okay for me. There were just a few things that I found irritating. First, there are two Rabbi's investigating the death of an elderly Jewish woman who is newly married. I am not Jewish so know nothing of the faith, but I wouldn't think it would be common for a Rabbi to lie as much as this one did or be this dang nosey to investigate when no one else seems to see a crime. But the thing that bothered me most was the Rabbi seemed to constantly be lighting a cigar!!!! Maybe it is because I just quit smoking but it really irritated me and isn't something I could see a Rabbi doing.
Other than that, it was a good little mystery with lots of red herrings.
Other than that, it was a good little mystery with lots of red herrings.
October 18, 2020
First- if you are a Jacob M. Appel fan, did you know there is a short film about him on Prime Video? It’s simply called Jacob and is a fascinating look into his life and all the degrees and careers he has accomplished. Highly recommend!
I am a big fan of Jacob Apple’s short stories. This is my first stand alone single story written by him. It was fun and entertaining but not as good as his unique shorter story collections.
I am a big fan of Jacob Apple’s short stories. This is my first stand alone single story written by him. It was fun and entertaining but not as good as his unique shorter story collections.
November 4, 2015
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Wedding Wipeout from a GoodReads giveaway. I enjoy a good, light-hearted mystery, and this book fills the bill admirably! The story concerns two rabbis, the somewhat crusty yet always-two-steps-ahead Rabbi Kappelmacher and his somewhat bemused assistant rabbi Steinmetz. The tag team of rabbis is called in to investigate when an elderly woman dies on her wedding night. The case is complicated because the woman and her sister were both heirs to their father's estate -- provided that neither sister married. However, Florence apparently was telling everyone she had found a way around this clause in the will, and was therefore going to get married, keep her inheritance, and (for good measure) disinherit her nephew. So when she died on her wedding night, apparently from an asthma attack, and when it was shown she hadn't actually found any loopholes in the provisions of the will, people began to ask questions. The rabbis then have a long process of interviewing witnesses and relatives and trying to sort out what actually happened to Florence.
The book was enjoyable to read, and was very well-written. My only problem was that it was a bit difficult to keep up with all the relatives, especially when the rabbis were going back and forth questioning this one and that one about each other. There is a handy "cast of characters" list at the front of the book to refer to for those of us who are easily lost! All in all, an enjoyable and fun read!
The book was enjoyable to read, and was very well-written. My only problem was that it was a bit difficult to keep up with all the relatives, especially when the rabbis were going back and forth questioning this one and that one about each other. There is a handy "cast of characters" list at the front of the book to refer to for those of us who are easily lost! All in all, an enjoyable and fun read!
December 21, 2013
As a goodreads winner of "Wedding Wipeout," by Jacob M. Appel I found it to be definitely worth the read.
Elderly Florence Eisenstein finally decides to marry her mystery book loving beau Alfred Shingle and then promptly dies on her wedding night. Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher and his sidekick Rudolf Steinmetz are on the case. Did the old woman really die a natural death? If not, whodunit? Was it her newly wealthy sister, Lorraine? The ne'er-do-well nephew? The blind niece? Or perhaps the estranged cousin?
I read quite a few murder mysteries and this fell nicely in with normal conventions. Appel's slightly-larger-than-life characters and light tongue in cheek keep the story in the narrow channel between too grim and simply ridiculous. The overall tone of the book was about the same as The Cat Who... series. I also found it a nice twist that the detecting protagonists were Jewish. The plot pacing and a cast of suspiciously acting characters kept me turning the pages. The only downside that I found were a few typos that I was able to overlook.
In short, I would recommend reading this to someone looking for an entertaining, rather light mystery to read.
Elderly Florence Eisenstein finally decides to marry her mystery book loving beau Alfred Shingle and then promptly dies on her wedding night. Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher and his sidekick Rudolf Steinmetz are on the case. Did the old woman really die a natural death? If not, whodunit? Was it her newly wealthy sister, Lorraine? The ne'er-do-well nephew? The blind niece? Or perhaps the estranged cousin?
I read quite a few murder mysteries and this fell nicely in with normal conventions. Appel's slightly-larger-than-life characters and light tongue in cheek keep the story in the narrow channel between too grim and simply ridiculous. The overall tone of the book was about the same as The Cat Who... series. I also found it a nice twist that the detecting protagonists were Jewish. The plot pacing and a cast of suspiciously acting characters kept me turning the pages. The only downside that I found were a few typos that I was able to overlook.
In short, I would recommend reading this to someone looking for an entertaining, rather light mystery to read.
May 23, 2015
Look Out Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, because Rabbi Kappelmacher may well take over!
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher is a big believer in rational explainations; nearly as big as his taste for challenging mysteries. So, when presented with an intriguing case where a woman may have been murdered, he cannot resist investigating, much to the chagrin of his assistant rabbi.
Appel has created a quick-witted and amusing character that exudes Jewish culture. The story flows smoothly and dispenses humour lavishly.
I look forward to more Rabbi Kappelmacher Mysteries!
P.S. If this book is optioned for a movie...I vote for Judd Hirsch to play the Rabbi!
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher is a big believer in rational explainations; nearly as big as his taste for challenging mysteries. So, when presented with an intriguing case where a woman may have been murdered, he cannot resist investigating, much to the chagrin of his assistant rabbi.
Appel has created a quick-witted and amusing character that exudes Jewish culture. The story flows smoothly and dispenses humour lavishly.
I look forward to more Rabbi Kappelmacher Mysteries!
P.S. If this book is optioned for a movie...I vote for Judd Hirsch to play the Rabbi!
January 5, 2016
In Wedding Wipe out Elderly Florence Eisenstein finally decides to marry Alfred Shingle her mystery loving Boyfriend Only one problem she dies on her Wedding Night. Did she die of natural causes or was she murdered? Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher and Rudolf Steinmetz his side kick are on the case. If it was murder who did it, Her newly wealthy Sister Lorraine? The Blind Niece , The Ne'er do well Nephew? or was it the estranged Cousin? I love a good who done it and this one kept me reading late into the night.
September 15, 2013
This was an extremely well written and enjoyable book. It was a great "whodonit" with a plethora of logical suspects and a "rational" logical conclusion that a really good sleuth could figure out.( I wasn't that good ). I especially enjoyed the fast pace , the twists in who was the leading suspect, and the characters. A gret read.
December 29, 2013
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. Amateur sleuth Rabbi Kappelmacher and Rabbi Steinmetz are investigating a death and interviewing all that could shed light on who did it. I did not figure out the person who had committed the crime until it was revealed at the last few pages of the book. I would like to read more books with these two sleuths.
March 29, 2016
I received this a first read. I always really like Appel's writing. This book is no exception. I love the mystery in this one. I also like the "crime fighters " being two Rabbis. This book is just a really good read. I will continue to read more from this author.
August 13, 2017
Inheritance! Family jealousy! Murder! Rabbinic reasoning!(?)
A fun novel that doesn't take itself too seriously, but also is a serious mystery novel. A classic whodunit that I'm sure any mystery fan will enjoy!
A fun novel that doesn't take itself too seriously, but also is a serious mystery novel. A classic whodunit that I'm sure any mystery fan will enjoy!
June 27, 2015
*See Barbara Jean's review*
October 24, 2017
Nice mystery, a little Father Brownish only starring a Rabbi, with a touch of humor.
July 27, 2014
Marshall Green (former Rabbi, lawyer; Abercrombie & Green) came to Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher with a dilemma. He was going to discuss Irving Eisenstein (43, wealthy, egg cream empire, deceased) will. Art Abercrombie is the family attorney.
Florence Eisenstein (older sister) & Lorraine Eisenstein (sister, Lesbain) must remain single in order to receive an annual allotment. They stayed that way for 43 yrs. & lived in Pine Valley. Alfred Shingle was Florence new husband (suitor, aficionado). Did some other female adore him also?
Florence died (asthma) or was she murder? Dr. Hiram Scott (Harry Schlansky, family MD) confirmed she stopped breathing. Gladys Eisenstein (niece) could be a suspect. Lorraine now wants to get married to Art Abercrombie. She also want to make sure Fred Eisenstein (nephew) is cut out of the will (disinherit).
Louise Sinkoff (blind, gambler), Gladys Eisenstein (niece, lesbian, MJ/other), Fred Eisenstein (nephew, art dealer, gay) & Agatha Grossbart could get a ¼ of Florence will.
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher (aka FBI) & Rabbi Rudolph Steinmetz (aka FBI) do their own investigation of the incident.
What will the 2 uncover?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery (whodunit) book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar errors, several typo errors, but no repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios (cat & mouse game), with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great family crime movie (Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson, Hercule Poirot & Captain Hastings) or mini TV series. 1 you must read to the very end. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Wow a very impressive resume, looks like you love college as much as me. I don’t have a MD, JD or PhD though. I loved working with Psychiatrist’s, they are the smartest PPL on earth. Psychologists are wishy/washy.
Thank you for the free book (Goodreads, PDF)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Florence Eisenstein (older sister) & Lorraine Eisenstein (sister, Lesbain) must remain single in order to receive an annual allotment. They stayed that way for 43 yrs. & lived in Pine Valley. Alfred Shingle was Florence new husband (suitor, aficionado). Did some other female adore him also?
Florence died (asthma) or was she murder? Dr. Hiram Scott (Harry Schlansky, family MD) confirmed she stopped breathing. Gladys Eisenstein (niece) could be a suspect. Lorraine now wants to get married to Art Abercrombie. She also want to make sure Fred Eisenstein (nephew) is cut out of the will (disinherit).
Louise Sinkoff (blind, gambler), Gladys Eisenstein (niece, lesbian, MJ/other), Fred Eisenstein (nephew, art dealer, gay) & Agatha Grossbart could get a ¼ of Florence will.
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher (aka FBI) & Rabbi Rudolph Steinmetz (aka FBI) do their own investigation of the incident.
What will the 2 uncover?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery (whodunit) book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar errors, several typo errors, but no repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios (cat & mouse game), with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great family crime movie (Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson, Hercule Poirot & Captain Hastings) or mini TV series. 1 you must read to the very end. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Wow a very impressive resume, looks like you love college as much as me. I don’t have a MD, JD or PhD though. I loved working with Psychiatrist’s, they are the smartest PPL on earth. Psychologists are wishy/washy.
Thank you for the free book (Goodreads, PDF)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 10, 2015
Wedding Wipeout by Jacob M. Appel featured a team of crime solvers, Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher and his protégé, Rabbi Rudolph Steinmetz. My first disappointment is that that I did not know why they were investing a murder. This is not what I thought in their job description. My second one was that the book tried to be funny but failed.
I wanted to like at least one character but they were all paper thin except for Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher who to me was two dimensional. At the beginning two elderly sisters lived together until one of them married and promptly died. Questions were posed, did Florence die of asthma or was she murdered. If she was murdered who of the wedding guests or uninvited guest did it? What was the motive?
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher was the annoying main character. He insisted on using “rabbinic reasoning and posed many questions for other but answered none posed to himself. The pace of this mystery was so plodding that by the time I was half way through this book that I did not care who the murderer was or what the motive was, I just wanted this book to be over.
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher insisted on interviewing each suspect on his lengthy list for information but to me the purpose of the interviews seems more like how to insult the person interviewed. He broke laws without a care. I am just glad that I can now be free of him.
In summary, I did not like this book.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy from the publishers as a win from FirstRead but the thoughts and feelings in my review are my own.
I wanted to like at least one character but they were all paper thin except for Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher who to me was two dimensional. At the beginning two elderly sisters lived together until one of them married and promptly died. Questions were posed, did Florence die of asthma or was she murdered. If she was murdered who of the wedding guests or uninvited guest did it? What was the motive?
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher was the annoying main character. He insisted on using “rabbinic reasoning and posed many questions for other but answered none posed to himself. The pace of this mystery was so plodding that by the time I was half way through this book that I did not care who the murderer was or what the motive was, I just wanted this book to be over.
Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher insisted on interviewing each suspect on his lengthy list for information but to me the purpose of the interviews seems more like how to insult the person interviewed. He broke laws without a care. I am just glad that I can now be free of him.
In summary, I did not like this book.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy from the publishers as a win from FirstRead but the thoughts and feelings in my review are my own.
October 13, 2013
If Sherlock Holmes was reincarnated into a Jewish clergyman with a sense of humor, he would be Rabbi Kappelmacher! Instead of smoking a pipe, the good Rabbi enjoys his cigars and where Holmes had his "deductive reasoning", the Rabbi uses his "rabbinic reasoning" to figure out the clues. His Dr. Watson would be assistant Rabbi Steinmetz, who at first is an unwilling participant in this murder mystery.
Two elderly sisters have been living together for years since their father left a will stating that they will receive an allowance as long as they do not marry. On the event one does, she will be cut off financially. So it comes as a total shock when one sister announces her wedding and has her family spend the night after the nuptials. The morning after her wedding, she is found dead.
It is now up to the Rabbi and his colleague to figure out if she was killed, who would do it, why, and to possibly prevent another murder. The conclusion is very Holmsian with the assorted suspects in attendance for the reveal. I know I was surprised by the ending even with the detailed rationale.
I hope to see this Rabbi again in future adventures with his assistant. The combination of humor, great characters, and a thrilling ending is a must read and when you get hooked, it will be unable to put down.
Two elderly sisters have been living together for years since their father left a will stating that they will receive an allowance as long as they do not marry. On the event one does, she will be cut off financially. So it comes as a total shock when one sister announces her wedding and has her family spend the night after the nuptials. The morning after her wedding, she is found dead.
It is now up to the Rabbi and his colleague to figure out if she was killed, who would do it, why, and to possibly prevent another murder. The conclusion is very Holmsian with the assorted suspects in attendance for the reveal. I know I was surprised by the ending even with the detailed rationale.
I hope to see this Rabbi again in future adventures with his assistant. The combination of humor, great characters, and a thrilling ending is a must read and when you get hooked, it will be unable to put down.
April 26, 2016
Wedding Wipeout, an exemplar of what I believe is known as the "cozy" mystery genre, is certainly good fun. I definitely got a kick out of reading it. I would go so far to describe the novel's detective protagonist, Rabbi Kappelmacher, as adorable. The narrator is Kappelmacher's less than 100% enthusiastic sidekick Steinmetz.
Clearly, this novel was a labor of love for author Jacob M. Appel, who is the subject of great critical acclaim on the basis of some of his other recent works -- namely, The Biology of Luck and The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up. It is possible I am missing some substantive literary depth, some prescient social commentary inscribed in this work, but I doubt it. To my eyes, it's a simple but charming whodunit. I wonder what exactly possessed Appel, also well-known as a bioethicist and a holder of pretty much every advanced degree one can imagine (i.e. JD, MD, MFA, WTF, etc.), to write this. My money's on whimsy.
In any case, I enjoyed it. It should be an interesting read for any fan of Mr. Appel's more literary fiction as well as readers looking for a mystery story that will leave them smiling.
Clearly, this novel was a labor of love for author Jacob M. Appel, who is the subject of great critical acclaim on the basis of some of his other recent works -- namely, The Biology of Luck and The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up. It is possible I am missing some substantive literary depth, some prescient social commentary inscribed in this work, but I doubt it. To my eyes, it's a simple but charming whodunit. I wonder what exactly possessed Appel, also well-known as a bioethicist and a holder of pretty much every advanced degree one can imagine (i.e. JD, MD, MFA, WTF, etc.), to write this. My money's on whimsy.
In any case, I enjoyed it. It should be an interesting read for any fan of Mr. Appel's more literary fiction as well as readers looking for a mystery story that will leave them smiling.
May 19, 2016
The Wedding Wipeout
By Jacob M. Appel
“Wedding Wipeout”, by Jacob M. Appel, is a light-hearted murder mystery with as its two main characters, Rabbi Kappelmacher and his assistant, Steinmetz. The story starts when two elderly sisters, Florence and Lorraine, are left a substantial amount of money with one stipulation; that they should never marry. If one of them did, they would break the will and the entire estate would go to the unmarried sister. They lived together as spinsters for forty-three years, until Florence fell in love and decided to marry, breaking the trust. On the wedding night, Florence mysteriously died. When Rabbi Kappelmacher was made aware of the puzzle, he was immediately interested in solving it, and decided that he, along with his assistant, would crack the case.
Mr. Appel creates a list of characters ranging from a mischievous Rabbi and his sidekick, Steinmetz; to the nosy neighbor, who’s as bitter as she is nosy; to the playboy nephew, Fred. “The Wedding Wipeout” kept me laughing from the beginning of this amusing story to its surprise ending. I give this delightful book five stars and cannot wait to read Mr. Appel’s other works.
By Jacob M. Appel
“Wedding Wipeout”, by Jacob M. Appel, is a light-hearted murder mystery with as its two main characters, Rabbi Kappelmacher and his assistant, Steinmetz. The story starts when two elderly sisters, Florence and Lorraine, are left a substantial amount of money with one stipulation; that they should never marry. If one of them did, they would break the will and the entire estate would go to the unmarried sister. They lived together as spinsters for forty-three years, until Florence fell in love and decided to marry, breaking the trust. On the wedding night, Florence mysteriously died. When Rabbi Kappelmacher was made aware of the puzzle, he was immediately interested in solving it, and decided that he, along with his assistant, would crack the case.
Mr. Appel creates a list of characters ranging from a mischievous Rabbi and his sidekick, Steinmetz; to the nosy neighbor, who’s as bitter as she is nosy; to the playboy nephew, Fred. “The Wedding Wipeout” kept me laughing from the beginning of this amusing story to its surprise ending. I give this delightful book five stars and cannot wait to read Mr. Appel’s other works.
September 14, 2014
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book , it reminded me of the Rabbi small series which I loved and read many years ago. I enjoyed the Jewish terms and description of Jewish life. Rabbi Kappelmacher and his assistant Rabbi Steinmetz get involved in trying to find out if Florence Eisenstein was murdered or if she really did die of asthma on her wedding night. Because of the terms of her late fathers' will Florence and her sister Lorraine would be disinherited if either married. And now Florence was getting married. But she told several people she had found a way to break the will. There were several suspects, Alfred, her new husband, cousin Agatha, nephew Fred, blind niece Louise, her husband Andrew, other niece Gladys,the family physician , the family lawyer or the neighbor Annie. With all these suspects the Rabbi has his hands full but the Rabbi is convinced if he can find a rational explanation to alll his questions he will find the murderer. The story was filed with many twists and turns keeping mr guessing until the very end. I recommend this story to all who like "fun" type mysteries.
November 14, 2013
This a well-crafted whodunnit, with all pertinent clues presented fairly so readers have a chance to figure things out (though not necessarily easily). The rabbi is an interesting character with no compunction about telling the most fabulous whoppers in an attempt to persuade others to tell the truth (which they don't always do, of course). The narrator is an assistant rabbi who's a bit of a cipher, but that's certainly forgivable in the detective/sidekick tradition. The tone is just right for this kind of book, with clear writing. Plenty of suspects and interested parties, with sufficient variation in characters to maintain interest. Some readers will figure the puzzle correctly, but most will be banging their heads at the end as they realize which clues they merrily tripped over without heeding them sufficiently. Altogether, a fun read that moves briskly along.Thumbs up!
I received the book for free through Goodreads.
I received the book for free through Goodreads.
October 20, 2013
I love a cozy mystery that has a fascinating protagonist, a challenging mystery, and is absolutely fun to read. Jacob M. Appel's Wedding Wipeout satisfied all three of my requirements. Rabbi Jacob Kappelmacher uses his "rabbinic reasoning" to determine who committed the murder of an elderly woman. He is a holy man who has no compunction about lying or misrepresenting himself in order to ascertain the truth. He's not the only one who tells lies, and so the rabbi must rely on his rabbinic reasoning. Following Kappelmacher's antics is pure fun for the reader, and there is more than one surprise in the dénouement. Also, I couldn't help but notice that the author's name, Jacob Appel, is within the protagonist's name, Jacob Kappelmacher. Macher means to chew, and that is something to chew on! I won this clever whodunit through Goodreads, and I am delighted that I did.
January 11, 2015
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com giveaway
This was a mystery novel that reminded me of an episode of an old Perry Mason show. All the way through, the reader was given many suspects, all with reasons to have killed Aunt Florence. Then, at the end, Rabbi Kappelmacher gathered all of the suspects together in one room. He went through each suspect and why he/she hadn't been the murderer until he got to the actual murderers. He then gave his rational explanation of why that person had committed the crime.
I enjoyed the novel, but found there were a few too many characters to get to know well in the short space of this novel. I would've enjoyed it more if there had been fewer characters. However, the story was solid and the Rabbi's reasoning carried the day.
This was a mystery novel that reminded me of an episode of an old Perry Mason show. All the way through, the reader was given many suspects, all with reasons to have killed Aunt Florence. Then, at the end, Rabbi Kappelmacher gathered all of the suspects together in one room. He went through each suspect and why he/she hadn't been the murderer until he got to the actual murderers. He then gave his rational explanation of why that person had committed the crime.
I enjoyed the novel, but found there were a few too many characters to get to know well in the short space of this novel. I would've enjoyed it more if there had been fewer characters. However, the story was solid and the Rabbi's reasoning carried the day.
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