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An Asperger’s Mystery #4
The Question of the Absentee Father
"Fans coast to coast can take pleasure in seeing Copperman's quirky hero remain his rational, literal self, even out in fabulous La La Land."--Kirkus Reviews
"Where Is Your Father Living Now?"
Samuel Hoenig, proprietor of a business called Questions Answered, doesn't have strong feelings about his estranged father. After all, you can't miss what you never had. But when Samuel's mother receives an enigmatic letter and asks him where his father lives, Samuel is duty bound to provide an answer.
Unfortunately, answering this question means taking a trip to Los Angeles with his associate, Ms. Washburn. The personality traits of Asperger's Syndrome make flying across the country a major challenge for Samuel. Little does he know that as troubling as flying is, it's nothing compared to the danger they'll face when they land.
Praise:
"The reader has the satisfaction of getting a mystery, a romp, and a respectful treatment of a neuroatypical protagonist."--Publishers Weekly
"Where Is Your Father Living Now?"
Samuel Hoenig, proprietor of a business called Questions Answered, doesn't have strong feelings about his estranged father. After all, you can't miss what you never had. But when Samuel's mother receives an enigmatic letter and asks him where his father lives, Samuel is duty bound to provide an answer.
Unfortunately, answering this question means taking a trip to Los Angeles with his associate, Ms. Washburn. The personality traits of Asperger's Syndrome make flying across the country a major challenge for Samuel. Little does he know that as troubling as flying is, it's nothing compared to the danger they'll face when they land.
Praise:
"The reader has the satisfaction of getting a mystery, a romp, and a respectful treatment of a neuroatypical protagonist."--Publishers Weekly
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2017
About the author
E.J. Copperman
44 books857 followersLibrarian 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 9, 2017
2.5 stars. This one didn't quite gel for me. And speaking of improbably interactions between amateur sleuth and police... I just can't picture the police of Los Angeles reacting as they did in this book.
December 12, 2017
Maybe 3.5 stars, but I felt I had to suspend a fair amount of disbelief here. Also, the plot was slow to start, as they don't even leave New Jersey until nearly halfway through the book. A plus that we finally find out about Samuel's dad.
June 7, 2017
This is the fourth book in this series, but the first one I have read. I had no problem following the story and this book could be read as a standalone. There is enough background information given to help you relate to the main characters.
Samuel Hoenig is not really what you would expect in the protaganist in a mystery novel. He runs a business called Questions Answered. When people come to him with a question, he researches and finds the answers for people. In this story he had to do more than just research, he had to go on a roadtrip. This would not normally be a problem, but for Samuel it is. Samuel finds himself on one end of the Autism Spectrum, which helps him focus on his questions, but leads to challenges on the interpersonal level. He does not do well with change, dirt or unsanitary conditions and he certainly does not want to fly. Samuel lives with his mother in his attic apartment, where his mother cooks for him, pushes him to do things (she convinced him to open his business) while providing a safety net for him. Ms. Washburn is his associate. She works with him and seems to understand him quite well. She also provided a buffer in certain situations. The other character that is a part of Samuel's life is the taxi driver, Mike. He is a friend who comes to Samuel's aid when requested, using his military expertise if needed, this time, it is needed.
Samuel was raised by his mother as his father left home when Samuel was a kid. Samuel always assumed it was because of him. He never developed any relationship of feelings for his father. When his mother received a letter from his dad, she interprets the message and believes he is in danger. She asks Samuel a question. "Where is your father living now?" Samuel realizes that even though he doesn't really care where his father is living, his mother is quite concerned and worried. Unfortunately for Samuel, the only way to answer this question is to travel to California and do some legwork. Things get a little sticky with traffic, being unable to contact his mother and the people he meets while tracking down his father.
The story is has no murder to solve, but the mystery is quite intriguing and the story is detailed. There were a couple of slow sections, but overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters. Samuel portrays the characteristics of a person with Asperger's very well. The author does a good job in that area. A fun read and a series I will check out again. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Samuel Hoenig is not really what you would expect in the protaganist in a mystery novel. He runs a business called Questions Answered. When people come to him with a question, he researches and finds the answers for people. In this story he had to do more than just research, he had to go on a roadtrip. This would not normally be a problem, but for Samuel it is. Samuel finds himself on one end of the Autism Spectrum, which helps him focus on his questions, but leads to challenges on the interpersonal level. He does not do well with change, dirt or unsanitary conditions and he certainly does not want to fly. Samuel lives with his mother in his attic apartment, where his mother cooks for him, pushes him to do things (she convinced him to open his business) while providing a safety net for him. Ms. Washburn is his associate. She works with him and seems to understand him quite well. She also provided a buffer in certain situations. The other character that is a part of Samuel's life is the taxi driver, Mike. He is a friend who comes to Samuel's aid when requested, using his military expertise if needed, this time, it is needed.
Samuel was raised by his mother as his father left home when Samuel was a kid. Samuel always assumed it was because of him. He never developed any relationship of feelings for his father. When his mother received a letter from his dad, she interprets the message and believes he is in danger. She asks Samuel a question. "Where is your father living now?" Samuel realizes that even though he doesn't really care where his father is living, his mother is quite concerned and worried. Unfortunately for Samuel, the only way to answer this question is to travel to California and do some legwork. Things get a little sticky with traffic, being unable to contact his mother and the people he meets while tracking down his father.
The story is has no murder to solve, but the mystery is quite intriguing and the story is detailed. There were a couple of slow sections, but overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters. Samuel portrays the characteristics of a person with Asperger's very well. The author does a good job in that area. A fun read and a series I will check out again. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
July 31, 2017
This entry is a puzzle mystery rather than a murder mystery and it's wonderful. It can be read as a stand alone if you are new to the series. Samuel has Asperger"s Syndrome and after some coxing from his mother, he opens a business - he answers questions. With the help of his mother, his assistant, Ms. Washburn and Mike, the cabby, Samuel has his corner of the world manageable. Until his mother, concerned about her absent husband, asks Samuel the question that pushes him way, way out of his world. The question his mother needs answering is "where is your father living now?" Road trip! All the way to California. Glad Ms. Washburn is at his side as the world has turned upside down for Samuel but he persists because he loves his mother and she asked him the question she needs an answer for and that is his quest. This series has never had a weak entry. The characters are so well drawn, so real and the puzzles are very satisfying.
My thanks to the publisher Midnight Ink and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to the publisher Midnight Ink and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 21, 2017
In some cases, the narrator with a distinctive voice grows old after a few outings, but not Samuel Honig. His voice sounds just as fresh as it did the first time I heard him. The case is a clever puzzle, but more interesting is the way in which it illuminates Samuel's relationship with his mother, and with his assistant. A very enjoyable read.
November 1, 2017
Although Samuel Hoenig has been diagnosed as differently abled, he runs a successful business doing research and employs Mrs. Washburn as his assistant. But now his mother has hired him to answer her question--where is Samuel's father? She has not seen him for 27 years, and heard from him only infrequently. To find him, Samuel must go to California, where he seems to be living, although Samuel does not travel--period. With Mrs. Washburn's help, he learns that his father seems to be mixed up with a group of criminals. It would be so much easier for Samuel if he were home, and if he could stop thinking about kissing Mrs. Washburn. A truly wonderful series.
May 1, 2018
I think Book #4 in the series is amazing for several reasons. One reason is that something happened after Samuel & Ms. Washburn got to Los Angeles that totally surprised me and made me laugh out loud with delight. A reason is that no one gets murdered or killed which is a change of pace in the mystery world. The other reasons are all connected to the theme of a main character who is on the Asperger's Spectrum, how I feel about the characters, and the author's writing style for this series. I have been a fan from the first book! Since the author does a good job of tying in the past information with the present book, it would be fine to give the series a try with Book #4.
July 26, 2025
This was my least favorite book in this series. It was hard to get past multiple editing mistakes, unrealistic situations (especially the scene with the cops near the end), the outdated information about autism.
December 7, 2017
I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that Copperman / Cohen has written. All of his series are intriguing with enough comedy thrown into not make the Mysteries commonplace.
May 26, 2017
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
So after reading #3 in this series, The Question of the Felonious Friend last year, I was going to read the first two before the next one came out but you know what they say about the The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men, right? Gang aft agley . . . So, here it is, a few months later and the next book is out. Picking up soon after the last ended -- this time the case is a bit more personal. Not case, of course, Samuel isn't a detective, he answers questions. To be accurate (as Samuel would want), this time the question is a bit more personal. Not that Samuel cares about it, but people in his life do.
(actually, I technically can still read the first two before the book comes out -- I've got a few months, now that I think about it)
I should back up a bit, for those who didn't read what I thought of book 3 (I'll get over the slight) -- 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. As is indicated by the name of the series, Samuel finds himself on one end of the Autism Spectrum, which helps him focus on his questions, but leads to challenges on the interpersonal level.
Which is where is mother and his associate, Ms. Washburn, come in to play -- Ms. Washburn helps him through the challenges presented by the world around him (as well as helping research his answers). His mother is . . . well, his mother -- she still cooks for him, , still cares for him, pushes him to do new things, while providing a safe environment at home. He has a friend, Mike (no known last name), a taxi driver with some military experience that he relies on when things get sticky. And things get pretty sticky this time around.
Samuel's father left home when Samuel was a kid, he always assumed it was because he was such a difficult child. He never let this define him -- or affect him at all (as far as he's aware). But now, his mother receives a letter from him, and it distresses her. So she asks Samuel the question that she's probably been wanting to ask for a while, "Where is your father living now?" The question is not emotionally wrought for Samuel, but he can tell it is for his mother (and Ms. Washburn keeps trying to make it into something that matters to Samuel).
What Samuel does get emotional about is what this question makes him do -- leave home. Get on an airplane, travel to California, sleep on a strangers bed, ride in a car that he is unfamiliar with, eat at restaurants he's never heard of, deal with LA traffic -- and much more. In the midst of all that, Samuel and Ms. Washburn begin to suspect that his father is mixed up in something nefarious, and potentially dangerous.
The story is really strong, and more complex than I'd assumed it would be. In the last book, Samuel was dealing with other people on the Spectrum or their families. This time, there's none of that -- just strangers who are unused to interacting with people like him and who have no patience. Which serves as a good challenge for Samuel to overcome. There is real character growth evident in this book -- it's not the same kind of growth you expect to see in most books -- because Samuel isn't like most protagonists. But it is there -- and really, he makes some pretty big strides here. It's nice to see him not be treated as static, but someone who can make choices, can evolve.
Once again, Samuel isn't treated as a bag of symptoms or tics, he isn't made a paragon of anything. He's an individual who has to do some things the rest of the populace don't consider. There are some lighter moments in the book, but none of them are at Samuel's expense, just human foibles.
The Question of the Absentee Father is another strong outing for Samuel and his team -- as well as for E.J. Copperman. For those who like a mystery on on the cozy side, with some strong characters, this is the one for you.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Midnight Ink via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
So after reading #3 in this series, The Question of the Felonious Friend last year, I was going to read the first two before the next one came out but you know what they say about the The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men, right? Gang aft agley . . . So, here it is, a few months later and the next book is out. Picking up soon after the last ended -- this time the case is a bit more personal. Not case, of course, Samuel isn't a detective, he answers questions. To be accurate (as Samuel would want), this time the question is a bit more personal. Not that Samuel cares about it, but people in his life do.
(actually, I technically can still read the first two before the book comes out -- I've got a few months, now that I think about it)
I should back up a bit, for those who didn't read what I thought of book 3 (I'll get over the slight) -- 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. As is indicated by the name of the series, Samuel finds himself on one end of the Autism Spectrum, which helps him focus on his questions, but leads to challenges on the interpersonal level.
Which is where is mother and his associate, Ms. Washburn, come in to play -- Ms. Washburn helps him through the challenges presented by the world around him (as well as helping research his answers). His mother is . . . well, his mother -- she still cooks for him, , still cares for him, pushes him to do new things, while providing a safe environment at home. He has a friend, Mike (no known last name), a taxi driver with some military experience that he relies on when things get sticky. And things get pretty sticky this time around.
Samuel's father left home when Samuel was a kid, he always assumed it was because he was such a difficult child. He never let this define him -- or affect him at all (as far as he's aware). But now, his mother receives a letter from him, and it distresses her. So she asks Samuel the question that she's probably been wanting to ask for a while, "Where is your father living now?" The question is not emotionally wrought for Samuel, but he can tell it is for his mother (and Ms. Washburn keeps trying to make it into something that matters to Samuel).
What Samuel does get emotional about is what this question makes him do -- leave home. Get on an airplane, travel to California, sleep on a strangers bed, ride in a car that he is unfamiliar with, eat at restaurants he's never heard of, deal with LA traffic -- and much more. In the midst of all that, Samuel and Ms. Washburn begin to suspect that his father is mixed up in something nefarious, and potentially dangerous.
The story is really strong, and more complex than I'd assumed it would be. In the last book, Samuel was dealing with other people on the Spectrum or their families. This time, there's none of that -- just strangers who are unused to interacting with people like him and who have no patience. Which serves as a good challenge for Samuel to overcome. There is real character growth evident in this book -- it's not the same kind of growth you expect to see in most books -- because Samuel isn't like most protagonists. But it is there -- and really, he makes some pretty big strides here. It's nice to see him not be treated as static, but someone who can make choices, can evolve.
Once again, Samuel isn't treated as a bag of symptoms or tics, he isn't made a paragon of anything. He's an individual who has to do some things the rest of the populace don't consider. There are some lighter moments in the book, but none of them are at Samuel's expense, just human foibles.
The Question of the Absentee Father is another strong outing for Samuel and his team -- as well as for E.J. Copperman. For those who like a mystery on on the cozy side, with some strong characters, this is the one for you.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Midnight Ink via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
September 2, 2017
The fourth book of the Asperger series. Samuel is able to answer questions but has difficulty expressing his experiences as other people. In this book, his Mother asked the Question "Where is your Father?" Samuel has no recognition of his Father and no feeling about his Father. He sets about answering the Question and it takes him to Los Angeles. Things become dicey and questionable for the group. There are some really funny things that happen because of Samuel interpretation of the events. Will Samuel be able to find his Father's address? I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from Midnight Ink through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from Midnight Ink through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 8, 2017
I thought I'd review this novel around the time when it comes out (october 8th) but oh well, others have published their reviews, so here's mine !
When I first met Samuel, I had never heard of this author before, but after reading the Millenium saga, I was curious to explore the Asperger syndrome and these cozy mysteries were a very good opportunity. E.J. Copperman obviously knows what he's talking about and he made Samuel an endearing character with a unique voice, I always return to this series with pleasure.
And more and more things happen to poor (?) Samuel to disturb him and his beloved routine : after having been kissed by a woman he cares very much about, his mother sends him on a faraway trip to find no other person but his missing father ! And while everyone is crowding him and waiting for him to show his feelings toward his long gone, I could perfectly relate to Samuel who keeps calling him by his name - after all, he hardly remembers him and he left him and his mother without bringing them much help along the years.
There was one point in the story when Samuel and his friends were making a very big mistake, I really couldn't understand their decision. At another time, I was surprised by the policemen's reaction, it was a little unbelievable, yet funny. But apart from that, the plot went well, with original elements I'd never read about before, good characters, some humor thrown here and there, so I was happy to be once more on the ride with this team and I can't wait to see what's happening next !
PS : I bought this series for the library I work in, my readers love it :)
My thanks to Netgalley and the editor for the early copy.
When I first met Samuel, I had never heard of this author before, but after reading the Millenium saga, I was curious to explore the Asperger syndrome and these cozy mysteries were a very good opportunity. E.J. Copperman obviously knows what he's talking about and he made Samuel an endearing character with a unique voice, I always return to this series with pleasure.
And more and more things happen to poor (?) Samuel to disturb him and his beloved routine : after having been kissed by a woman he cares very much about, his mother sends him on a faraway trip to find no other person but his missing father ! And while everyone is crowding him and waiting for him to show his feelings toward his long gone, I could perfectly relate to Samuel who keeps calling him by his name - after all, he hardly remembers him and he left him and his mother without bringing them much help along the years.
There was one point in the story when Samuel and his friends were making a very big mistake, I really couldn't understand their decision. At another time, I was surprised by the policemen's reaction, it was a little unbelievable, yet funny. But apart from that, the plot went well, with original elements I'd never read about before, good characters, some humor thrown here and there, so I was happy to be once more on the ride with this team and I can't wait to see what's happening next !
PS : I bought this series for the library I work in, my readers love it :)
My thanks to Netgalley and the editor for the early copy.
March 10, 2020
2.5 stars
It wasn't bad. But I wasn't as into this one as the first two.
Recommended? Sure
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
It wasn't bad. But I wasn't as into this one as the first two.
Recommended? Sure
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
May 21, 2017
Received this book free from Netgalley for an honest review.
It is the 4th book, haven't read the first 3 but I really enjoyed it that I've ordered the first books. very enjoyable read. The case is a clever puzzle, but more interesting is the way in which it illuminates Samuel's relationship with his mother, and with his assistant.
Samuel's father left when he was four years old and Samuel has no desire to reconnect with him. Ms. Washburn, his friend and colleague at Questions Answered, agrees to take the trip to Los Angeles with him. When they arrive in California, answering the question of the absentee father becomes more complicated, and much more dangerous, than it first appeared.
It is the 4th book, haven't read the first 3 but I really enjoyed it that I've ordered the first books. very enjoyable read. The case is a clever puzzle, but more interesting is the way in which it illuminates Samuel's relationship with his mother, and with his assistant.
Samuel's father left when he was four years old and Samuel has no desire to reconnect with him. Ms. Washburn, his friend and colleague at Questions Answered, agrees to take the trip to Los Angeles with him. When they arrive in California, answering the question of the absentee father becomes more complicated, and much more dangerous, than it first appeared.
May 3, 2018
I have given all of the previous books in the series 5 stars...but this one just didn't grab me.
Just felt very off from the past books. Mystery wasn't as strong (perhaps it being a missing person case rather than a murder?) and I don't think moving the action to California helped at all.
Still enjoyed the characters...and still looking forward to a new case.
Everyone is allowed an oops once in awhile.
Just felt very off from the past books. Mystery wasn't as strong (perhaps it being a missing person case rather than a murder?) and I don't think moving the action to California helped at all.
Still enjoyed the characters...and still looking forward to a new case.
Everyone is allowed an oops once in awhile.
December 13, 2018
Excellent series!
March 31, 2019
Wonderful Story
Really like this series and this story was great. So many levels in the story line and the main character is awesome.
Really like this series and this story was great. So many levels in the story line and the main character is awesome.
November 29, 2017
I first stumbled upon The Question of the Missing Head in our local mystery bookshop several years ago. It was the first in a new mystery series where the main character and lead detective was a man with Asperger's Syndrome. This fall saw the publication of the fourth book in the series, The Question of the Absentee Father, and I have to say that this series just keeps getting better.
Samuel Hoenig runs a small business called Questions Answered, where he does just that--he answers people's questions. Growing up with Asperger's, he learned that a traditional job would be very difficult for him, but his independence and his ability to research a subject thoroughly could be assets in the right small business. So he found an office and hung out a shingle. An early customer, Ms. Washburn, came in to ask a question of him and ended up becoming an associate. Now Samuel and Ms. Washburn help people get their questions answered, their research taken care of, and their strangest mysteries solved.
This latest question hits close to home though, literally, after Samuel's mother gets a mysterious letter from Samuel's father, a man who had left them 27 years before. Although his mother had heard from the man occasionally through the years, she hadn't kept up with his moves, and she'd never asked for a divorce. So Samuel's next question is from his mother: "Where is your father?"
Samuel has a difficult time leaving home because of his Asperger's, or changing his routine in any way really, but in order to find the answer that his mother wants, he is willing to go all the way to California to try to find his father. While Samuel seems unaffected by his personal relationship with the father he barely remembers, he still has to face a very difficult journey to get to his mother's answer and to find answers about his own history.
Samuel is an unusual hero. His Asperger's gives him different skills and challenges than your average neurotypical amateur detective, which accounts for almost all of his charm. He is smart enough to see what he doesn't easily understand and knows how to get help for those areas where his skills are seen as lacking. He lets his colleague Ms. Washburn elicit emotional information from others while observing what he sees in the situation. The combination of the social intelligence and the intellectual information means that the Questions Answered team work well together in getting to the answers. It's a brilliant and winning combination.
Author E. J. Copperman/Jeff Cohen is a respected author of mysteries and an authority on Asperger's Syndrome, so he knows what he writes about. And like I said, these Asperger's mysteries just keep getting better. While my local mystery bookshop is no longer with us, I'm glad that we still have strong authors who are willing to share some of their personal journeys with us through entertaining stories. I very much recommend this series to anyone who is personally touched by the Autism Spectrum, to those who want to know more about Asperger's or other atypical neurological syndromes, and to everyone who just loves a good mystery novel.
Galleys for The Question of the Absentee Father were provided by Midnight Ink through NetGalley, with many thanks.
Samuel Hoenig runs a small business called Questions Answered, where he does just that--he answers people's questions. Growing up with Asperger's, he learned that a traditional job would be very difficult for him, but his independence and his ability to research a subject thoroughly could be assets in the right small business. So he found an office and hung out a shingle. An early customer, Ms. Washburn, came in to ask a question of him and ended up becoming an associate. Now Samuel and Ms. Washburn help people get their questions answered, their research taken care of, and their strangest mysteries solved.
This latest question hits close to home though, literally, after Samuel's mother gets a mysterious letter from Samuel's father, a man who had left them 27 years before. Although his mother had heard from the man occasionally through the years, she hadn't kept up with his moves, and she'd never asked for a divorce. So Samuel's next question is from his mother: "Where is your father?"
Samuel has a difficult time leaving home because of his Asperger's, or changing his routine in any way really, but in order to find the answer that his mother wants, he is willing to go all the way to California to try to find his father. While Samuel seems unaffected by his personal relationship with the father he barely remembers, he still has to face a very difficult journey to get to his mother's answer and to find answers about his own history.
Samuel is an unusual hero. His Asperger's gives him different skills and challenges than your average neurotypical amateur detective, which accounts for almost all of his charm. He is smart enough to see what he doesn't easily understand and knows how to get help for those areas where his skills are seen as lacking. He lets his colleague Ms. Washburn elicit emotional information from others while observing what he sees in the situation. The combination of the social intelligence and the intellectual information means that the Questions Answered team work well together in getting to the answers. It's a brilliant and winning combination.
Author E. J. Copperman/Jeff Cohen is a respected author of mysteries and an authority on Asperger's Syndrome, so he knows what he writes about. And like I said, these Asperger's mysteries just keep getting better. While my local mystery bookshop is no longer with us, I'm glad that we still have strong authors who are willing to share some of their personal journeys with us through entertaining stories. I very much recommend this series to anyone who is personally touched by the Autism Spectrum, to those who want to know more about Asperger's or other atypical neurological syndromes, and to everyone who just loves a good mystery novel.
Galleys for The Question of the Absentee Father were provided by Midnight Ink through NetGalley, with many thanks.
September 11, 2017
The idiom, "walk a mile in his shoes" to understand another person's experiences, challenges and thought processes, comes to life in E. J. Copperman's "The Question of" series as his first person character has Asperger's Syndrome.
Samuel Hoenig's business, Questions Answered, is actually Samuel agreeing to answer a question for a fee. And the question must be explicitly stated because, due to his Asperger's, he takes an assignment to answer a specifically stated question quite literally.
Being very intelligent with the ability for incredible focus, Samuel is quite good at answering questions. However, when it comes to interacting socially with individuals, Samuel is challenged and often awkward at obtaining the information he seeks. Good thing he found an assistant, Mrs. Washburn, who understands his behavioral challenges and who he met during his journey to find the answer to his first question. (In the first book, "The Question of the Missing Head")
The reader experiences these mysteries through the eyes of an individual with Asperger's Syndrome. The author does a remarkable job of helping the reader experience Samuel's thoughts about and reactions to encounters with others throughout the novel. And it's fascinating to read how Samuel mentally reacts to the situations in which he finds himself relating to others and then processing his experiences later when he is alone to ponder outcomes.
The unique approach by the author combines a good mystery with shaping the reader's understanding of Asperger's. Given the unusual perspective of the protagonist the author has carved out a very special niche. The characters and relationships are well developed. The story's pace is good. The dialogue is extremely well done and realistic since the reader is witness to each scene but has access to how the protagonist is literally processing the exchange. Copperman has demonstrated the fact that Samuel has Asperger's is a definable asset to both Samuel's business success as well as the novel's distinctiveness.
I love the quality of the mysteries and the author's prowess as a writer. And I appreciate the opportunity to learn about the challenges an individual with Asperger's faces.
ARC provided by netgalley.com
Samuel Hoenig's business, Questions Answered, is actually Samuel agreeing to answer a question for a fee. And the question must be explicitly stated because, due to his Asperger's, he takes an assignment to answer a specifically stated question quite literally.
Being very intelligent with the ability for incredible focus, Samuel is quite good at answering questions. However, when it comes to interacting socially with individuals, Samuel is challenged and often awkward at obtaining the information he seeks. Good thing he found an assistant, Mrs. Washburn, who understands his behavioral challenges and who he met during his journey to find the answer to his first question. (In the first book, "The Question of the Missing Head")
The reader experiences these mysteries through the eyes of an individual with Asperger's Syndrome. The author does a remarkable job of helping the reader experience Samuel's thoughts about and reactions to encounters with others throughout the novel. And it's fascinating to read how Samuel mentally reacts to the situations in which he finds himself relating to others and then processing his experiences later when he is alone to ponder outcomes.
The unique approach by the author combines a good mystery with shaping the reader's understanding of Asperger's. Given the unusual perspective of the protagonist the author has carved out a very special niche. The characters and relationships are well developed. The story's pace is good. The dialogue is extremely well done and realistic since the reader is witness to each scene but has access to how the protagonist is literally processing the exchange. Copperman has demonstrated the fact that Samuel has Asperger's is a definable asset to both Samuel's business success as well as the novel's distinctiveness.
I love the quality of the mysteries and the author's prowess as a writer. And I appreciate the opportunity to learn about the challenges an individual with Asperger's faces.
ARC provided by netgalley.com
October 12, 2017
This is an amazing story. So different from other mysteries I have read. There is no body, no killing, just a mystery to be solved.
Samuel Hoenig is a different sort of protagonist. He runs a business called Questions Answered and has one employee named Janet Washburn. He also has Asperger's Syndrome. The novel is written in the first person and everything is from Samuel's point of view. This means it is VERY detailed and at times amusing. Samuel struggles to make sense of things we find common place.
The book is both a puzzle to be solved (what happened to his father who abandoned the family when he was a small child) and an education in Asperger's Syndrome. Samuel often explains his thought processes or reactions in light his diagnosis. I thought one of the best lines in the book was:
"The uninformed believe we do not have feelings at all. These beliefs are incorrect. I have the same types of emotions as almost everyone else, but my responses to them do not fit into the norm as dictated by society. I tend to internalize because when I do act on my strongest feelings my reactions are seen as inappropriate."
I feel that as well as enjoying a great story, I have learned something. I had heard of Asperger's but was unfamiliar with how it is manifested in people. I feel that in reading this book and becoming acquainted with Samuel, I will be more patient with people who are acting in ways I don't understand. It might make perfect sense to them.
E. J. Copperman is the pen name for Jeff Cohen who has written non-fiction books on Asperger's Syndrome as well as the Asperger's Mystery Series. He is familiar with Asperger's because he has a child who was diagnosed at age 5.
Samuel Hoenig is a different sort of protagonist. He runs a business called Questions Answered and has one employee named Janet Washburn. He also has Asperger's Syndrome. The novel is written in the first person and everything is from Samuel's point of view. This means it is VERY detailed and at times amusing. Samuel struggles to make sense of things we find common place.
The book is both a puzzle to be solved (what happened to his father who abandoned the family when he was a small child) and an education in Asperger's Syndrome. Samuel often explains his thought processes or reactions in light his diagnosis. I thought one of the best lines in the book was:
"The uninformed believe we do not have feelings at all. These beliefs are incorrect. I have the same types of emotions as almost everyone else, but my responses to them do not fit into the norm as dictated by society. I tend to internalize because when I do act on my strongest feelings my reactions are seen as inappropriate."
I feel that as well as enjoying a great story, I have learned something. I had heard of Asperger's but was unfamiliar with how it is manifested in people. I feel that in reading this book and becoming acquainted with Samuel, I will be more patient with people who are acting in ways I don't understand. It might make perfect sense to them.
E. J. Copperman is the pen name for Jeff Cohen who has written non-fiction books on Asperger's Syndrome as well as the Asperger's Mystery Series. He is familiar with Asperger's because he has a child who was diagnosed at age 5.
October 2, 2017
Poor Samuel Hoenig! What to do when his own mother asks him to answer a question that ends up involving making phone calls, airflight, staying in a hotel, and even driving on a freeway in California! But this isn't the worst part! The question needing answering is: where is your father? Samuel is forced to track down his father who left them when he, Samuel, was 4 years old. As is typical with someone on the spectrum, Samuel's feeling regarding his father are not what most people would expect and he spends a lot of time telling people that he has no attachment to this man he doesn't even remember. But that doesn't stop him from following his mother's directive. While the book has a lot of repetition that I don't remember being present in the previous books and Samuel's interactions with the California Highway Patrol were completely unbelievable, it was a very clever story and I like where it might lead to in the future.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2018
I've read very few mystery novels in my life ... Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Carl Hiaasen, so I can't claim to be any sort of connoisseur. One thing that set this one apart is that the solver of crimes is a person with Asperger's Syndrome. What I liked about this is that it just ... was. It wasn't really ever a main part of the plot or point of the story. Having both friends and family who are not neurotpyical, the portrayal of the main character seemed true to life. He was at times normal, super annoyingly precise/tenacious, interesting - like any standard neurotypical character, he embodied a number of personality traits to be a full character.
tl;dr - I think I'd read another of these.
tl;dr - I think I'd read another of these.
October 29, 2022
In this book, Samuel Hoenig's Mother receives a letter with no return address and when his mother asks him to find an address for his father, Samuel and his assistants have an adventure. They end up travelling to California and bust a counterfeiting ring and rescuing Samuel's father. I have really enjoyed this series so much. Very good editing, great characters and a unique plot for the whole series. Highly recommend this book and the series.
November 4, 2017
Always a fun look into the mind of someone with Aspergers. Samuel approaches life very logically and through that answers questions. This time from his mother. Not sure how realistic done of the situations are, but thoroughly enjoyed the window into his thinking. Ms Washburn is a wonderful side kick.
February 5, 2018
I enjoy this series. I love the characters, and the books are well-paced. Samuel's constant self-analysis during social interactions is accurate for someone with ASD and fun to experience as a reader. Unfortunately, I was jarred out of the story quite a few times by plot inconsistencies and time zone errors that should have been caught by a good beta reader.
January 12, 2021
This time, the detective, Samuel, goes looking for his father, has to fly to LA and deal with traffic. The handling of the Los Angeles area could have been improved. This sounds like it was written from New Jersey. For one, LA is not humid, hot yes, but it is a dry heat. This is not Florida. And two, there aren't that many hotels in the suburbs were the characters are running around.
January 16, 2021
Samuel actually flies out to Los Angeles (with Mrs. Washburn, of course) to find the address of his missing father. His courage is admirable as he copes with his fears, but his intellect never falters as he figures out what is going on with the father he doesn't remember and has no desire to know. And the ending is delightful...if you remember, the previous book ends with a kiss!
September 26, 2017
The Question of the Absentee Father continues one of my favorite mystery series. Not only is this book (and the series) a sensitive treatment of Asperger's, it actually allows me to see the world through Samuel's eyes and to have my brain become attuned to the way he thinks. Samuel is a nuanced character; readers learn his many abilities as well as his weaknesses, and in this latest book, we see how well he copes with being taken out of his comfort zone. His investigations also teach him things from book to book-- so he's doing better than many of the rest of us.
The cast of characters around Samuel is a wonderful support group for him. (We should all be so lucky.) His mother takes a backseat in this book, but her presence is still felt. Mike the taxi cab driver not only helps Samuel get from Point A to Point B, he can also be relied upon to help when needed. And what can I say about Miss Washburn? Two things, actually. One, it's a pleasure to watch the working and personal relationships between Samuel and his associate grow, and two, whatever you do--be careful with this woman's phone!
This entire series delivers strong characters, humor, enlightenment, and a fine mystery, and I recommend it highly. If the series is new to you, you can basically jump in anywhere, but for the sake of character development, I suggest you begin at the beginning with The Question of the Missing Head.
The cast of characters around Samuel is a wonderful support group for him. (We should all be so lucky.) His mother takes a backseat in this book, but her presence is still felt. Mike the taxi cab driver not only helps Samuel get from Point A to Point B, he can also be relied upon to help when needed. And what can I say about Miss Washburn? Two things, actually. One, it's a pleasure to watch the working and personal relationships between Samuel and his associate grow, and two, whatever you do--be careful with this woman's phone!
This entire series delivers strong characters, humor, enlightenment, and a fine mystery, and I recommend it highly. If the series is new to you, you can basically jump in anywhere, but for the sake of character development, I suggest you begin at the beginning with The Question of the Missing Head.
October 10, 2017
Satisfying
In order to answer his mother’s question, Samuel must fly to California. He survives that, driving in LA traffic, and having his horizons expanded.
This has become one of my favorite series.
In order to answer his mother’s question, Samuel must fly to California. He survives that, driving in LA traffic, and having his horizons expanded.
This has become one of my favorite series.
January 15, 2018
Indeed compelling. Another world, exhaustively described. Hard to keep up with the narrator, but that's part of the charm. The bits at the end completely unbelievable but great fun and very satisfying. DPL book
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