The Question of the Felonious Friend

An Asperger’s Mystery #3

by E.J. Copperman, Jeff Cohen

It's been one year, two weeks, and three days since Samuel Hoenig opened the doors of Questions Answered. The personality traits of his Asperger's Syndrome help Samuel maintain objectivity in his work—a critical component for his business's continuing success.

But when Tyler Clayton, a young man who also has Asperger's, asks if a store clerk is truly his friend, Samuel, for the first time, can't bear to give an objective answer. It's a dicey situation that only gets worse when one of the key players ends up dead. Resolving to do the right thing, Samuel, with help from his associate Ms. Washburn, wades into the murky waters of friendship, and the answer he finds may be a revelation to himself most of all.

Genres: Mystery, Humor, Fiction, Cozy, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Cozy Mystery, Crime

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Librarian note: E.J. Copperman is the pen name for author Jeff Cohen

E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.

E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.

Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I gave up on the author's Haunted Guesthouse series, I remain a fan of this one. Fascinating that story is told from his Aspie point-of-view, making him a bit of an unreliable narrator, in the sense of being unable always to give accounts as a regular person would (damn, that was a long sentence!). In this instance his condition is intended to be a plus in dealing with some autistic characters, which though contrived largely worked.

With minimal plot-rehashing, I'll point out that Samuel is able to exonerate the client fairly early and easily, although the charges are not dropped from that. Instead, we lurch from suspect to suspect until the final showdown, essentially a re-enactment of the original crime. I was surprised, but then again, I rarely figure these things out - perhaps I don't want to, preferring surprise? Anyway ...

I'm giving the book a high rating as I really like the characters, and of course, the New Jersey setting. Samuel's mother has a bit less of a presence in this story; there are so many developments that there really isn't as much time for him to be at home. She's almost more present in his thoughts, including one brief scene that reminded him of his childhood, where a more sentimental reader might shed a tear or two. Driver Mike is back for a couple of appearances, one of which isn't really "on screen" but an assignment Samuel has for him relevant to the case. And then there's Janet . . . a discussion of whom requires deft footing to avoid a possible spoiler.

She and her husband are separated at the outset, however . . . it turns out that Janet turns to him for information as he has knowledge they wouldn't be able to master soon (regarding online role playing). Frankly, I assume that she and Samuel's mother talk regularly behind his back. It would strain credibility that Mrs. Hoenig (whose first name has been mentioned a couple of times, but I cannot recall) did not fill in Janet on the details of Samuel's childhood once she joined Questions Answered full time. Her pending divorce is in the background at times, with an interesting twist that while she's previously sharply rebuked Samuel for Going There, he asks her whether it's a certainty partway this book, receiving an honest: "I don't know." How to put this (in case I seem awkward), early on Samuel stumbles across something personal with a bearing on that angle. Janet gets him to admit such at the end, but I didn't get how she knew that he knew? For me, this is what they call a "plot hole" I suppose. The tension builds that he's afraid of "losing" her, though whether as just a co-worker remains to be seen.

The bottom line is that it's a good series, but these are not stand alone by any means. We've seen Samuel progress quite a bit in only three books, since he struck out on his own with Questions Answered. Anyone else care to join me in a bet that his mother hires him to find out what happened to his father? At this point, keeping the guy in the background is proving frustrating.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked — but wasn’t crazy about —author E.J. Copperman’s first novel in this new series, The Question of the Missing Head, and adored the second, The Question of the Unfamiliar Husband. But when it comes to the third novel, The Question of the Felonious Friend, I found Copperman returning to some of the same irritants that spoiled The Question of the Missing Head.

Samuel Hoenig, owner of a business, Questions Answered, that does actually what it says — answer questions — has managed all right despite having autism. In this novel, he and his assistant, the patient Janet Washburn, investigate the case of a fellow autistic who is accused of killing a convenience store clerk. The mystery is first rate, but I found myself repeatedly put off by the exaggerated nature of Hoenig’s autism.

Social situations can create pitfalls for those with autism, even high-functioning adults, as my two college-educated daughters could tell you. Sure, eye contact, a tendency to literalness, relying on family and friends for social cues plague my daughters as they do Samuel. However, high-functioning autistics aren’t gobsmacked by sarcasm or idioms. Copperman exaggerates Samuel’s befuddlement by sarcasm and extremely common everyday expressions for laughs, which I find just cheap exploitation. The Samuel Hoenig of The Question of the Unfamiliar Husband had some limitations, yes, but he wasn’t a naïve dunce. Too bad the Samuel of
The Question of the Felonious Friend is. Despite a well-plotted mystery that could have spelled a five-star rating, the frequency with which my husband and I groaned as we listened to the Mark Boyett’s worthy reading leads me to give this third novel three stars.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good addition to the series - although, as with most amateur sleuth mysteries I read, the interaction of said sleuth and the police seem extremely improbable to me.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good mystery.

[Samantha Parker-Zillich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun mystery, but I liked the first two books a little bit better. I like how autism is represented in an affirming way, but I felt there could've been more diversity in how the various autistic characters were represented.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked The Rosie Project you may like this less amusing version. Samuel, who has Asperger's, has opened an investigation agency; and a man with a condition like his own but further on the autism spectrum asks for an answer to a question. The mystery revolves around a convenience store, a shooting, CCTV cameras and friends who play online games via Skype. At the same time Samuel tries to understand that his able assistant Janet is getting a divorce, and typically he wonders if it has anything to do with him.

I didn't read the earlier books yet, this being the third in the series. As Samuel's thought processes are stated up front, he being the narrator, this can be a slow read at times, with tension only at the end. But you're reading this as a cosy mystery in a standard American location with an unusual sleuth, not as a thriller. Try one, see how you like them.

I downloaded a review copy from Net Galley for an unbiased review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A noteworthy cozy mystery about the Asperger Syndrome. I found this book hard to review as my emotions were involved. The story moved fast with several turns. I couldn't put the book down as it held my attention. Samuel Hoenig has opened a business where he answers questions. A fellow Asperger, Tyler Clayton asked if a clerk in a convenience store is his friend. Samuel doesn't feel he has the correct answer, buts answers the question. Samuel is shocked to learn that The clerk is dead and that Tyler is found standing over him with the smoking gun in his hand. Tyler is unable to speak and is arrested for the murder. Samuel explores the situation as he feels Tyler has been framed. I learned a lot about the Asperger Syndrome. I highly recommend this book.

[Mayar Mahdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

THERE IS A DEVELOPMENT! I LOVE IT!

I liked that we saw Samuel interacting with another character on the spectrum. It's nice to see different interpretations of autistic people. neurotypicals can't grasp how the atypical mind works 100%, but I admire the guesswork. I don't think one person can 100% know how another person's brain works, atypical or not. Criticism regarding that aspect should cover that fact as well.

I liked the story as well, but I'm mostly interested in character development.

I would have started on book 4 right away but it's not available as audio yet. I might read it or just wait for an audio production, but the ending made me excited about getting to it.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this quirky mystery series and think this is another interesting question that gets asked. I really like the main character because he is so different from the normal amateur sleuth that is out there and with the author's understanding of the syndrome he is easy to understand and like, he also has a great sidekick in Ms Washburn. The idea of starting the investigation because of a question really works and this question is a real quandary. The story takes a few different directions as it unfolds and I look forward to the next book to see where the author takes the series next.
A young man who also has Aspergers asks Samuel if the store clerk is his friend, Samuel finds it hard to answer the question. When he finally gives his client the answer things take a deadly turn and the client gets arrested or murder. The brother blames Samuel and poses another question for him to answer. Samuel and his assistant Ms. Washburn find themselves investigating a murder and the gaming world. Can they prove there client is innocent even though he was found holding the gun and keeps confessing?
I like the narrator, he shows a good understanding of the characters which helps to make them come to life.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a certain charm and it is a very popular series. My grandson has Asperger's and that is the reason I'm reading it.

Yes, social skills and being quirky, not always being able to empathize and lots of other issues beset "Aspies", and it takes years of therapy and training to help them deal.

The book is interesting, but the writing seems immature and childish at times, and if l continue the series, I'll just skim so I can continue to watch Samuel as he tries to run his own business.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the Asperger's Mysteries and I have loved the first 2! This is a taut mystery, because there are limited known suspects. Samuel is excellent at finding answers to all kinds of questions! One of the best parts of this story was how Tyler is treated by the team running Questions Answered.

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
So, I don't like coming into a series after book 1 -- I've done it, and will do it again, but I don't like it. And I probably wouldn't have requested this book if I'd realized it. But I did, and I'm glad I did.

Samuel Hoenig isn't your typical mystery protagonist. He runs a business called Questions Answered -- basically, he researches things for you. A human Boolean Search. From the looks of it, this occasionally results in him playing amateur detective. Like this time, when one of the people involved in the question he's answering is murdered.

The mystery is decent. Pretty easy to figure out; my first guess was right, but I talked myself out of it -- I still like my 2nd guess, but it wouldn't have worked well. Copperman paced the story like a pro, fed you the information in just the right way, and gave enough clues for the reader to figure things out. Very well done, there.

But, like with many mystery novels, your enjoyment of this book doesn't come form the puzzle but from the characters. It's almost impossible not to like Samuel from the get-go, but it was the last sentence of Chapter 2 that probably sealed the deal as far as character goes. I had no idea about the story at that point, but character-wise it was a done deal.

It's hard to describe Samuel briefly without resorting to stereotypes. He's really smart, he has trouble interacting with most people (Mike seems to be the only exception -- but I could be wrong about that) -- his mother and associate included. His mother successfully pushed him out of his room to set up his office and business -- to interact with the world, make some money, and have the kind of life that he wouldn't were it not for her efforts. He's stubborn, determined, and once he takes on a question (and yes, like Trebek, he insists you phrase it in the form of a question), he finds the answer. He's not a detective by any stretch, just someone who answers questions. You really need to read him to start to get him.

Ms. Washburn is the Natalie Teeger to Samuel's Monk, Paige Dineen to his Scoropion -- her duties seem to include routine clerical duties, driving, and helping Simon understand/interact with neurotypicals (and vice versa). She has some personal issues going on, as established in earlier novels -- and I'm not sure what she'd be like in books where that's less of a thing. I liked her, but didn't get a great read on her.

Samuel's mother was nice, a good complement to Washburn. I also could've used a bit more of Mike, Samuel's friend (but what we were given was just the emotional grounding he needed). The client, his family and friends could've been a bit more fleshed out -- but not much. And they served the purpose they needed to. Reading over this paragraph, I guess my overriding point here is, more of everything/one would be better.

Yeah, yeah, I'm as tired as the next guy of hearing things like "The city is practically another character," or "the music is practically another . . . ", etc. But Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the main characters in this book (I assume the series as a whole) -- I mean, the series is called Asperger’s Mysteries. Samuel's client (and some other characters) are also on Spectrum -- it's literally on every page, it's the subtext (if not subject) of every conversation, and, obviously, it colors everything Samuel says/does. It makes everything amusing/quirky -- but it's never played for laughs or just to be odd. For the record, this was his first client on the Spectrum, so every book isn't going to be so heavy on that.

As a little sample of the way his mind works, here's Samuel explaining his thinking behind the way that Questions Answered answers their phone:

Mother suggested that businesses often answer the phone with the name of the business followed by the phrase, “May I help you?” (Actually, most employees of businesses I have called ask, “Can I help you?”, which is an unanswerable question. If I am calling your business for the first time I have no way to measure your competence, and therefore cannot determine if you are capable of performing the task I need completed.) I merely say the name of the service and let the client assume we are here to help.

It's classified as a cozy (and deservedly so), and is written with a light tone (which is a neat trick given Samuel's temperament). The closest things I can compare this to is The Rosie Project, and Rick Yancey's Highly Effective Detective series. And like both of those, I appreciated the humor and the humanity of the characters, and this book is full of both. Good characters, an amusing (yet not exploitatively so) take on them, and a decent mystery -- this will not be the last I read of these books.

Disclaimer: In exchange for my honest thoughts, I received this book via NetGalley and Midnight Ink. Thanks very much!

[Imjussayin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Question of the Felonious Friend: An Asperger’s Mystery Series Book 3
For the fullest enjoyment read in chronological order.

The Protagonist: Samuel Hoenig is 30 years old, lives with his mother and is the proprietor for Questions Answered where he answers questions for a living. That could make him a sleuth, but Samuel insists he is not, he only answers questions. Samuel has Asperger's Syndrome: a condition on the autism spectrum. For Samuel, it manifests with him possessing a quite literal approach to social situations. So the nuances of human behaviour pass Samuel by, like sarcasm. Fortunately, Miss Washburn, his assistant by default, is on hand to help. Samuel has a penchant for Beatles songs the New York Yankees; and Miss Washburn?

The Plot: Tyler Clayton, who has autism, asks Samuel “Is Richard Handy really my friend?” In this case where Samuel certainly needs the explanation of neurotypical people's behaviour. Thank goodness for Miss Washburn! However, Tyler does not receive Samuel's answer at all well. Then Richard is shot at the convenience store where he works, and Tyler arrested. Miss Washburn says they have a duty to find out who killed Richard and Samuel does not agree, and a moral battle commences. On a separate note, Samuel has a question for himself, should he tell Miss Washburn her husband is cheating?

I was excited to read this book. I am finding the entire series engaging.
I was particularly interested in how Samuel would relate to somebody also on the Autism spectrum. It makes for interesting reading, especially the exchanges with Miss Washburn. Samuel's continual checking for his mobile phone was a good observation of people with Asperger's. The constant product placement for Apple, however, was not. Every item of Samuel's technology is Apple, scratch that almost every piece of technology in the book is a name drop for Apple. It was irritating; I didn't want to be reading an Apple advert.

I was glad to see Mike the cabbie had a role and Samuel's mother apply her gentle touch.

This book is a good mystery; I did not work out who did it. :-(
The Question of the Felonious Friend is a good whodunnit that gives pleasure in just reading the story, but it also has all the makings of a great plot. Highly recommended.

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Book Rating

Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one or reread ?: Yes

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another unusual story line which starts with a question I think we can all relate to: Is someone my real friend? In this case, the questioner has autism so the question is especially pertinent. From there, the story takes the reader into situations that one can't predict. I was surprised and liked how Samuel responded to being in contact with a client with autism. Samuel's character is really explored.

Now that I've read the three books (in 2 days) available in the series, I notice there is a pattern with the questioners that I think the author needs to stop before it really starts bothering readers. I'm also surprised that there is a different police detective (or two) in each book, but there's a pattern forming there anyway. I realize in mysteries that our amateurs always do better than the police for a variety of reasons, but I think the professionals in this series could be portrayed with more variety/be more competent. How Tyler is treated by the police doesn't seem very credible either.

I still enjoyed the book and characters. I appreciate how each story goes beyond the seemingly simple solution, but hope the author breaks up what I see are story line patterns forming.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel Hoenig, who runs the business Questions Answered, has a client unusual even for his quirky company: Tyler Clayton, who is on the Autism spectrum, just as Samuel is, wants to know if the clerk at a convenience store is really his friend. This seems like a difficult question, as Samuel is not good at feelings, but soon it turns into another question, involving murder. Samuel's logical mind is disrupted by his worries about his assistant, Ms. Washburn, who may be divorcing her caddish husband. I do enjoy this series, but this one has been badly proof-read and perhaps copy-edited.

[Kristie Lehman · Rating 2 out of 5]

As the parent of an adult son with autism, I was interested to see how this book evolved. Not having read the previous two books in the series, I expected some of the explanations about Samuel’s behaviors & thought processes. They seem to be pretty on-point; however, I felt the author explained the same points over & over again, thought the story, which made it drag on &o nome for me...

[Lisa Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel Hoenig, proprietor of Questions Answered, has been asked a new question. Is Richard Handy really my friend? The question presents a problem for Samuel, as his Aspergers leaves him highly objective, but the question is not an objective one. His client, Tyler, is a young man also on the autism spectrum, and not equipped to answer this question for himself, a point of significance for Samuel and his associate, Miss Washburn. They take the question.

They were not surprised to ascertain that Richard Handy was not really Tyler's friend, but when Richard is shot and the police find Samuel's client standing over the body with the gun, answering the question of who shot Richard Handy proves much more difficult. Tyler has confessed.

I really do enjoy these cozy mysteries. After the fashion of Dame Agatha, it's always that one thing we didn't know that clinches these plots together. This story, while still very enjoyable, has a bit of a plot hole. There are explanations around it, but none of them are especially satisfying. Not a major point of contention for me. I enjoyed where this one ended.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a relative on the spectrum who is non-verbal. This series helps give me a little insight though I would love more. The mystery is good and for the most part the misdirection was good. There are a few standard things appearing that may not be needed.
I did love a bit right before the ending when the main character is reminding people that they can talk to another character that while he may not answer them verbally, he is in the room and knows they are talking about him. With my relative I use yes/no questions. he tolerates me doing that. He is learning sign language and then trying to teach me. It may take a few days for me to learn bu I'm trying and he is nice enough to help.
I've listened to the audio on the first 3. I'm going to have to read the next two. I'm hoping I have the right voices in my head for this.

[Tracy St Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book I have finished in this series. I really thought the second book didn't have a lot to offer me, and wasn't going to read the third, but I thought this was credibly good. The protagonist and this time the client are both on the "spectrum" (autistic spectrum disorder, which now encompasses everyone from my nephew at University of Chicago to my non-verbal daughter in a residential school).

I sometimes find myself thinking that Samuel sounds nothing like someone with Asperger's, but that is not fair. People with Asperger's come in all shapes and sizes. In this book, it is hard to see the client with Asperger's holding down a regular job like he does, though.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like reading books where the protagonist has a completely different perspective. It's a good lesson in reminding me that there is more than one valid viewpoint. Samuel does a great job presenting his take on events and people, even if he doesn't completely understand his own feelings. And yes, there is some romance in this title...just starting, but it will be interesting to see where it leads. Several of the other characters in this book are also on the spectrum which gives us the opportunity to see the differences in how this affects people.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third entry in this humourous detective series featuring a private detective on the spectrum. Samuel Hoenig, our autistic detective, and his assistant, Janet Washburn, are back in another case, sort of. Samuel owns business called Questions Answered. People ask him the question he finds out the answer. This time it's a young man, Tyler Clayton, asking the question. He is also on the spectrum. He wants to know if a convenience store clerk, Richard Handy, he knows is actually his friend or taking advantage of him.
The the answer is an easy one but later Richard is murdered and Tyler is the prime suspect. Like the previous two this leads

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a young man with Asperger's comes into Samuel Hoenig's business to ask if a friend who works at a convenience store is really his friend, Samuel has a hard time telling Tyler Clayton the answer that his is not a friend. When the friend/non-friend is later killed and Tyler is blamed, Samuel and his assistant, Ms. Washburn, help his brother prove Tyler's innocence. Another great book in the series. I've really enjoyed this series so far and cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Karen Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery and a mystery that involves my own state and the highways and byways that I love and know makes the tale very real for me. The main character is unique and interesting. This work kept me guessing. Easy to read, I was unable to put the book down. Looking forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Swan Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this story and liked the concept of success for a business person with autism working with typicals and learning to relate and maintain. But, more importantly, I liked the aspect of the typicals learning to adjust their insights to accomodate a person who thinks and acts differently. The mystery didn't really matter but was a decent twist.

[andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

These just keep getting better. Surprised that after reading 3 straight I'm not getting bored or frustrated with the characters...quite the opposite...after each book i am even more fascinated.
Also another intriguing question to answer with a more than satisfying answer.
Top notch.

[Libby Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

I have found this series to be a fascinating look into the autistic mind as well as neurological minds. The characters and the stories keep me reading to the end. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Sandra Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the series of Samuel Hoinig mysteries that I love. He is such a likeable character, this time challenged to define friendship. Along with his sidekick Ms Washburn they go to the meaning of friendship and of goodness, together.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samuel gets a question from another aspie to answer. This question leads to a murder, video games, and a hidden motive for the murder. Mrs. Washburn is separated from her husband and filing for a divorce. I believe Samuel is happy with this news.

[Pete Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A shooting in a corner shop - whodunit? Mystery well constructed with plenty of twists & turns. Samuel continues to be a funny protagonist with some character development too. Washburn story line predictable but thankfully not dwelt on too much

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel's new client is also neurodivergent and wants to know if a store clerk is really his friend. Trying to figure out how to determine friendship deepens Samuel's understanding of his own friends. I think this is one of the best of the series I have read so far.