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Rabbi Aviva Cohen Mystery #3
Yom Killer
No time is ever good for a family emergency, but for a rabbi the period just before Yom Kippur is especially difficult. Yet even though the Holy Day is approaching, Rabbi Aviva Cohen rushes off to Boston to be at the bedside of her mother, who was found unconscious in her apartment at an assisted living facility. The big question was it an accident or an attack? The search for the truth uncovers everything from old grudges to family secrets to fraud - and possibly murder.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2017
37 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Ilene Schneider
10 books18 followersA 1976 graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia, Rabbi Ilene Schneider, Ed.D., was one of the first six women rabbis in the United States. She has been a columnist for the Burlington County Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She is the Coordinator of the Jewish Hospice Program for Samaritan Hospice, Marlton, NJ. An avid birder, she is active with the New Jersey Audubon Society Rancocas Nature Center. Rabbi Schneider resides in Marlton, NJ, with her husband and their two sons. Her first novel, a cozy mystery titled CHANUKAH GUILT, was published April 2007 by Swimming Kangaroo Books. Visit her website at http://rabbiavivacohenmysteries.com"
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 7, 2017
I was quite excited to return to reading the Rabbi Aviva Cohen series after thoroughly enjoying Chanukah Guilt and liking Unleavened Dead. Yom Killer, I would say, stood along the lines of Unleavened Dead, but slightly better in how the situation involved Rabbi Cohen much more than those in the past. The novel jumps right into the situation when Aviva is given a call about how her mother, Beatrice, was found knocked out on the bathroom floor with a bump on the front and back of her head and in a coma. Aviva heads straight to Massachusetts to be with her nephew and his wife, as well as her older sister, Jean, and of course, her unconscious mother. Accompanying Aviva is her ex-husband and acting police chief of her hometown of Walford, New Jersey, Steve Goldfarb. While Aviva has set her ways, Steve expresses great interest in getting back together and remarrying, hinting the possibility that Aviva will go further into a relationship. Fortunately, she has a strong will and the confidence in living single.
As she was in Chanukah Guilt and Unleavened Dead, Aviva felt the need to investigate the situation at hand by gathering clues, details, and talking with people of importance. The fact that a rabbi is doing this instead of a professional investigator like a detective or officer goes against the norm, but I am not one to go against someone with a good win-loss record and like I mentioned in the paragraph above, it involves her much more directly in how her mother was the victim. Everyone presents a sense of suspicion at the Alcott Hospital and Senior Residence, whether it be the owner of the residence, the funeral director, the doctors, or particular residence, and we are filled with mind-bending information about the situation at hand AND about details in Rabbi Aviva's life we, and even she, never knew.
Rabbi Ilene Schneider does an outstanding job putting together a garden with some seeds of a good mystery, seeds of a good family drama, and seeds of Jewish practices and observances. I learn so much about Judaism, because it is presented so appropriately, yet in such a light situation that it is so much easier to take in and understand. While there were some moments where the family drama and Aviva's digressions went a little bit overboard, there are definitely people that will get something out of them and find it conversational and delightful.
Yom Killer proves itself as a great continuation to the Rabbi Aviva Cohen series and is reason to why you should have this series as part of your book collection. A rabbi solving mysteries is just about unheard of in the world of books and this clearly addresses that empty gap and does it with justice!
As she was in Chanukah Guilt and Unleavened Dead, Aviva felt the need to investigate the situation at hand by gathering clues, details, and talking with people of importance. The fact that a rabbi is doing this instead of a professional investigator like a detective or officer goes against the norm, but I am not one to go against someone with a good win-loss record and like I mentioned in the paragraph above, it involves her much more directly in how her mother was the victim. Everyone presents a sense of suspicion at the Alcott Hospital and Senior Residence, whether it be the owner of the residence, the funeral director, the doctors, or particular residence, and we are filled with mind-bending information about the situation at hand AND about details in Rabbi Aviva's life we, and even she, never knew.
Rabbi Ilene Schneider does an outstanding job putting together a garden with some seeds of a good mystery, seeds of a good family drama, and seeds of Jewish practices and observances. I learn so much about Judaism, because it is presented so appropriately, yet in such a light situation that it is so much easier to take in and understand. While there were some moments where the family drama and Aviva's digressions went a little bit overboard, there are definitely people that will get something out of them and find it conversational and delightful.
Yom Killer proves itself as a great continuation to the Rabbi Aviva Cohen series and is reason to why you should have this series as part of your book collection. A rabbi solving mysteries is just about unheard of in the world of books and this clearly addresses that empty gap and does it with justice!
December 11, 2018
When Rabbi Aviva Cohen's mother ends up in the hospital, she ends up stumbling into more than just a family emergency. Find out more about Ilene Schneider's third Aviva Cohen mystery in my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/01/2...
August 4, 2020
Fun series with a sleuth my age! She's a rabbi so I learn a little and she's from New Jersey. I want to read the third in the series soon. Very easy to get into her books: like sitting down and overhearing a good story that makes you want to see who is talking. She has a boyfriend, Steve, who's also her es-husband and a bossy sister. This book revolves around nursing home, retirement home, hospital fraud and is timely. John Grisham may have the big name and mega publicity, but Rabbi Aviva has the back story and patient point of view. Very pleasant read but you won't want to put it down. Not for nappers.
October 8, 2018
Somehow this didn't get updated when I first read it, and I began it again the other day before realizing I knew all about the plot! I actually kept reading for a while after that because I enjoy the characters so much -- Rabbi Aviva, her wildly assorted family, her really nice ex-husband, and especially her pistol of a mother, still radical at 90-something. The plot was fascinating too, so I highly recommend this book, near the High Holy Days or at any other time!
September 20, 2020
Terrific! You don't have to love the series to enjoy this third installment...but you'll want to read the rest after you do. Rabbi Cohen is a unique main character, and the ensemble is fun and relatable. Even better, this time, we get to meet her mom! The insight into Jewish life is unusual and appreciated...but there's nothing that non-Jewish readers won't understand and enjoy. I sure hope there will be another one!
April 21, 2018
Witty, warm and humorous cozy!
I️ have read the first two books in the series and bought this one as soon as I️ heard about it. I️ enjoy cozies where there is more dialogue than descriptions. I️ love the interaction between all the characters. It was a “great read”. I️ hope there a another book in the series. I️ am looking forward to reading it!
I️ have read the first two books in the series and bought this one as soon as I️ heard about it. I️ enjoy cozies where there is more dialogue than descriptions. I️ love the interaction between all the characters. It was a “great read”. I️ hope there a another book in the series. I️ am looking forward to reading it!
November 5, 2024
Wonderful
This the first I've read in this series. It was so good and definitely a page turner. Nice to see the sisters are getting better than ever. A book that makes me want to read it cover to cover in one sitting is really good. If you like cozys or know someone who does this one you should get.
This the first I've read in this series. It was so good and definitely a page turner. Nice to see the sisters are getting better than ever. A book that makes me want to read it cover to cover in one sitting is really good. If you like cozys or know someone who does this one you should get.
January 1, 2026
great book and series
The Aviva Cohen mysteries just keep getting better and better!!! The characters seem real and I love reading all the Jewish references. Please please please Rabbi Schneider- write more of the Aviva Cohen mysteries. There are still a lot of Jewish holidays to cover. (You could even have “Impure Purim” as one).
The Aviva Cohen mysteries just keep getting better and better!!! The characters seem real and I love reading all the Jewish references. Please please please Rabbi Schneider- write more of the Aviva Cohen mysteries. There are still a lot of Jewish holidays to cover. (You could even have “Impure Purim” as one).
June 9, 2023
great book
Loved this book. Well written, entertaining and informative for a catholic. When is the next one?
Kathy g. Fairfax va
Loved this book. Well written, entertaining and informative for a catholic. When is the next one?
Kathy g. Fairfax va
January 25, 2025
great story
I love this series. Rabbi Aviva is a great character. Awaiting more books from the author. I’m not Jewish but learned a lot about the various holy days
I love this series. Rabbi Aviva is a great character. Awaiting more books from the author. I’m not Jewish but learned a lot about the various holy days
May 19, 2025
Good mystery and good portrayal of Judaism.
Hoping for a book on Sukkot or Shavuot next!
Hoping for a book on Sukkot or Shavuot next!
October 29, 2024
An interesting mystery. Lacks the gentle wisdom of Rabbi Small. I did like the extended family and their relationships and interactions.
December 21, 2017
When you, or someone close, reach a certain age, assisted living facilities loom large and, for the responsible family members, safety is a major topic of conversation and research. However, murder or even the perception of murder, is not usually in the list of things to look out for. Small wonder, then, that Rabbi Aviva's suspicions are aroused and she heads right to Boston to see about her mother, accompanied by her ex-husband, Steve Goldfarb, who just happens to be acting chief of police in their New Jersey town. Of course, she doesn't immediately suspect attempted murder. After all, senior citizens fall a lot so why should her sleuthing senses be alerted? When she does begin to look at things askance, her snooping---for that is what it is---seems at least moderately appropriate because this is her mother. Besides, rabbis (and other religious professionals) do have a way of encouraging people to talk, don't they?
Aviva is an engaging character, one that brought a smile to my face quite often, and a lot of the others also appealed to me, especially Steve, who's not as much of an ex as you might expect, and Aviva's fabulous mom. Since the author is Rabbi Ilene Schneider, I think it's safe to say Aviva's background, beliefs, behavior, etc., are as accurate as it's possible to be within the confines of fiction and I appreciate that because my knowledge of the Jewish faith is limited. I learned things about Judaic customs and certain religious periods to add to my small collection of facts and that added to my overall enjoyment of this lighthearted, intelligent mystery.
Aviva is an engaging character, one that brought a smile to my face quite often, and a lot of the others also appealed to me, especially Steve, who's not as much of an ex as you might expect, and Aviva's fabulous mom. Since the author is Rabbi Ilene Schneider, I think it's safe to say Aviva's background, beliefs, behavior, etc., are as accurate as it's possible to be within the confines of fiction and I appreciate that because my knowledge of the Jewish faith is limited. I learned things about Judaic customs and certain religious periods to add to my small collection of facts and that added to my overall enjoyment of this lighthearted, intelligent mystery.
January 12, 2018
This is a great series. Rabbi Aviva Cohen is back in her third adventure. The Rabbi may be a woman that my mom would have termed 'a hoot and a holler' but she learned well from her own mother, a woman that all agree is A Force to be Reckoned With. However, Rabbi Cohen learns that her mother was found unconscious in her apartment in an assisted living facility, and although it is almost Yom Kippur, she drops everything and rushes to Boston to be with her mom. There she discovers that her mom's 'accidental' fall, may not be the entire story. It seems there have been a lot of recent deaths at the senior facility, and the administration prove to be less than forthcoming. The hospital seems to be keeping the truth from her as well. What is going on here? The good Rabbi finds herself dealing with old secrets, older grudges, Medicare fraud, and some people with a nasty agenda to boot. This story touches on a subject that many of us have, or are perhaps currently dealing with: Medicare issues, senior facilities, and caring for elderly relatives or parents. Told with compassion and humor, and a light and easy approach to Judaism that won't overwhelm those who know little about the faith. I highly recommend this book, and indeed the entire series, which consists of three books so far: Unleavened Dead, Chanukah Guilt, and Yom Killer.
October 17, 2017
Slow to develop what the mystery is, Yom Killer is nonetheless a winner. Readers will find a strong female protagonist, familiar characters, an intriguing series of incidents and clues, and moderate and friendly Jewish content accessible to all levels of knowledge. Plenty of dry humor frames the family story that plays out alongside the mystery.
Early hints play out gradually as we get to know the characters, potential layers of deception, and ultimately what crimes are committed and by whom. The mystery and the characters seem familiar and realistic.
Hints at previous crimes solved by protagonist/sleuth Rabbi Aviva Cohen are well placed to suggest that she is both an ally and a bit of a bother to the police, including her ex-husband who plays a major role in this novel despite being out of his jurisdiction. And the layers of Judaism are generally well addressed to ease the non-Jewish or lesser-educated Jewish reader. If anything, I thought there could have been a little more Jewish flavor throughout the story — but that’s the kind of reader I am.
All in all a good read.
Early hints play out gradually as we get to know the characters, potential layers of deception, and ultimately what crimes are committed and by whom. The mystery and the characters seem familiar and realistic.
Hints at previous crimes solved by protagonist/sleuth Rabbi Aviva Cohen are well placed to suggest that she is both an ally and a bit of a bother to the police, including her ex-husband who plays a major role in this novel despite being out of his jurisdiction. And the layers of Judaism are generally well addressed to ease the non-Jewish or lesser-educated Jewish reader. If anything, I thought there could have been a little more Jewish flavor throughout the story — but that’s the kind of reader I am.
All in all a good read.
October 19, 2019
So I was a little spooked by this book about murder and mayhem in an assisted living facility, since I have a mother, also Jewish, in a place like that. I might have enjoyed the book more if I weren’t taking it personally.
It does have its merits. Rabbi Aviva (née “Spring”) Cohen and her family are very familiar types, annoying and endearing at the same time. And it’s wonderful to read a book where a 60-year-old woman leads a congregation and solves a mystery without being any less of a flawed human being.
I did think the dialogue was just silly at times. Nobody talks like that unless an author is putting words in their mouth to move the plot along. Also, it’s just too convenient that a rabbi has friends and family who are a cop, a computer hacker, a funeral home director, and a reporter—all the specialities she needs to solve this mystery.
It does have its merits. Rabbi Aviva (née “Spring”) Cohen and her family are very familiar types, annoying and endearing at the same time. And it’s wonderful to read a book where a 60-year-old woman leads a congregation and solves a mystery without being any less of a flawed human being.
I did think the dialogue was just silly at times. Nobody talks like that unless an author is putting words in their mouth to move the plot along. Also, it’s just too convenient that a rabbi has friends and family who are a cop, a computer hacker, a funeral home director, and a reporter—all the specialities she needs to solve this mystery.
May 31, 2017
This is a really fun cozy, an enjoyable light-hearted mystery. I especially enjoy Aviva’s character and can relate to her feisty bird-loving self.
September 4, 2017
See my review at http://www.thereportergroup.org/Artic...
November 23, 2018
A compelling read that pulls you in & doesn't let go until the very end! A great cozy & mystery read!
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July 15, 2017I have read all 3 of Rabbi Schneiders books and i liked this one the best. No way did i figure out "who dun it" and it was a great vacation read. I hope she keeps on adding more books with Aviva as the main character. Rabbi Schneiders wit also adds to the book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews