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An Asperger’s Mystery #5
The Question of the Dead Mistress
"Is my husband having an affair with a dead woman?"
For Samuel Hoenig, the proprietor of a unique agency called Questions Answered, the answer to this most recent question is simple. Since there's absolutely no evidence that apparitions exist, it would be impossible for Ginny Fontaine's husband to be having an affair with one.
But Samuel's associate, Janet Washburn, isn't so easily convinced.
Wrestling with his complicated feelings for Ms. Washburn, Samuel proposes that she take the lead on the question. As soon as her research begins, the husband in question ends up dead, leaving Janet and Samuel wondering if they stand a ghost of a chance at unraveling this twisted tale of danger and deceit.
For Samuel Hoenig, the proprietor of a unique agency called Questions Answered, the answer to this most recent question is simple. Since there's absolutely no evidence that apparitions exist, it would be impossible for Ginny Fontaine's husband to be having an affair with one.
But Samuel's associate, Janet Washburn, isn't so easily convinced.
Wrestling with his complicated feelings for Ms. Washburn, Samuel proposes that she take the lead on the question. As soon as her research begins, the husband in question ends up dead, leaving Janet and Samuel wondering if they stand a ghost of a chance at unraveling this twisted tale of danger and deceit.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2018
About the author
E.J. Copperman
44 books859 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 44 reviews
June 8, 2018
Samuel Hoenig owns a business, Questions Answered, that does actually what it says — answer questions. (Samuel, a young man with autism, is not a private investigator, and he rebukes anyone who calls what he does for a client “a case.” His precision reminds me of that of my own high-functioning autistic daughter, certainly part of this series’ charm for me.) He and his trusty assistant, Janet Washburn, investigate a question of a woman who suspects her husband is cheating on her with the ghost of an old girlfriend who died in a fiery car accident three years earlier. Samuel, with his very scientific bent, and ghost-believing Janet split on the existence of spirits in a bit of a tiresome way, but I enjoyed the novel anyway, with its many unexpected twists and its suspenseful denouement.
There’s a subplot involving Samuel’s estranged father that I thought added nothing to the novel, but it didn’t distract from author E.J. Copperman’s cleverly plotted main mystery, although Janet Washburn’s needlessly taking offense did. Still, a wonderful novel that’s highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a subplot involving Samuel’s estranged father that I thought added nothing to the novel, but it didn’t distract from author E.J. Copperman’s cleverly plotted main mystery, although Janet Washburn’s needlessly taking offense did. Still, a wonderful novel that’s highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2018
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
That doesn't seem to be the kind of question that Samuel and Ms. Washburn would tackle as Questions Answered. They typically take on things that require esoteric research, problem solving, and occasionally something that takes some investigation that looks a lot like the kind of thing a P.I. would do. Paranormal investigation is not in their wheelhouse. Samuel is almost reflexively dismissive of the idea -- but his associate, Ms. Washburn makes him listen to the prospective client's story. And then he tries to reflexively dismiss the question, but she won't let him. While Samuel is convinced there's nothing supernatural afoot -- in fact, the notion is impossible -- Ms. Washburn had an experience she can't explain as a teenager, and refuses to rule it out.
So Samuel let's her try to come up with an answer to the question and goes back to whatever he was doing before. Before she can get very far into her research, the husband is murdered. Suddenly, the question doesn't matter as much as the replacement question, "Who killed my husband?" Given Ms. Washburn's involvement, Samuel gets interested in things again -- and the two get involved in a very twisty and complicated mystery. As far as twisty-turny-keep you guessing-mysteries go, this is the best that the duo has encountered and will easily satisfy the most puzzle-obsessed of readers.
What makes this even better -- is that given the supernatural/supernatural-adjacent nature of the instigating question, the two are approaching things in very different ways and decide to operate largely separately. Samuel interviews people with assistance of other to drive him places or via the Internet, while Ms. Washburn goes on her own, trying to use Samuel's methods. This change in modus operandi is refreshing for the characters and the readers, and will lead both Samuel and Ms. Washburn to re-evaluate the way they do business in the future.
The danger level in this one is great -- and there are direct threats made against Ms. Washburn and Samuel's mother and father. Which just makes Samuel more determined to come up with definitive answers quickly. The possible supernatural elements stay with the story throughout and it's only near the end that all the characters come to the same conclusions about it. This novel features a great puzzle and the solution is very satisfactory -- and one I didn't see coming (but in retrospect makes complete sense).
So much for the mystery -- there's also plenty going on in Samuel's personal life. On the whole I thought they dealt with it well, but...
I appreciated Samuel pointing out that Asperger's is no longer a diagnosis, but he still claims it s a shorthand way to describe the way he acts/thinks to others. Which is just a great -- and realistic -- way to handle the change in status for the label. Let me follow that observation with this one -- what frustrated me about this one -- and I will admit I was very frustrated at times -- is how little Samuel's mother seemed to understand him. Ms. Washburn, too, but she hasn't known Samuel as long -- or as well as his mother. Dealing with the father who abandoned his family decades ago suddenly reappearing and trying to merge back into his life, would be difficult, complicated and messy. For someone like Samuel? Well, I'm guessing it'd be just as difficult and complicated -- but he'd tell you exactly what's going on with him. And Samuel does so -- repeatedly. His father doesn't believe him; Ms. Washburn seems to try to believe him, but doesn't; neither does his mother. His mother has been with him every day of his life, devoting more of her life and energy to her son than most parents do -- how does she not know him well enough to not double-guess his emotions? If Samuel says he feels "X," then that's probably exactly what he feels -- unless you force him to look at things another way. Over and over again, his mother shows less awareness of Samuel's reactions to things than almost anyone. It just didn't ring true. Samuel's Asperger’s isn't new to her (or Samuel) -- she shouldn't act like this.
I should add -- the authors know a whole lot more about all of this than I do, and their depictions of this are probably spot-on, I guess they just didn't convince me about those depictions like they usually do. Also, in the overall-scheme of things, this was a relatively minor quibble and didn't detract a lot from the pleasure I had in the book -- it just took a lot of space to describe.
The trick to Samuel is to give him a little personal growth, a little greater awareness, a little understanding of himself and the emotional needs of others. Yet, only a little bit. I do think this is depicted faster (possibly unrealistically so) in the books -- because outside of Nero Wolfe, Sherlock Holmes, or other Golden Age/Golden Age-like characters who don't grow and evolve by design, we expect some sort of noticeable personal growth in our series characters (particularly the central characters) from book to book. Samuel shouldn't give us much in that way -- his evolution/growth/whatever you want to call it is going to happen on a glacial pace. And over the last three books (I really need to double back and read the first two in the series), he's taken significant steps forward -- so much so it's like Ms. Washburn has slipped into forgetting that he's not neurotypical a few times here. That makes sense, because their relationship (in every sense) is pretty new. Thankfully, she catches herself and deliberately attempts to accept that -- and generally does - and recognizes when he's trying. Because we readers get a direct pipeline to Samuel's thoughts, we might have an easier time with it than she does, but she does a decent job (and his mother usually does, too). It's a heckuva trick to pull off narratively, and Copperman/Cohen nails it, time and time again.
Another clever mystery, well-told with one of Crime Fiction's most original and convincingly written characters (not a detective, just someone who can easily be mistaken for one) -- this series is a consistently pleasant and rewarding read. The Question of the Dead Mistress is a great jumping-on point, and a welcome-return read for those who've spent time with the crew from Questions Answered before.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Midnight Ink via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this. My opinions are my own, however.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
"Is my husband having an affair with a dead woman?"
That doesn't seem to be the kind of question that Samuel and Ms. Washburn would tackle as Questions Answered. They typically take on things that require esoteric research, problem solving, and occasionally something that takes some investigation that looks a lot like the kind of thing a P.I. would do. Paranormal investigation is not in their wheelhouse. Samuel is almost reflexively dismissive of the idea -- but his associate, Ms. Washburn makes him listen to the prospective client's story. And then he tries to reflexively dismiss the question, but she won't let him. While Samuel is convinced there's nothing supernatural afoot -- in fact, the notion is impossible -- Ms. Washburn had an experience she can't explain as a teenager, and refuses to rule it out.
So Samuel let's her try to come up with an answer to the question and goes back to whatever he was doing before. Before she can get very far into her research, the husband is murdered. Suddenly, the question doesn't matter as much as the replacement question, "Who killed my husband?" Given Ms. Washburn's involvement, Samuel gets interested in things again -- and the two get involved in a very twisty and complicated mystery. As far as twisty-turny-keep you guessing-mysteries go, this is the best that the duo has encountered and will easily satisfy the most puzzle-obsessed of readers.
What makes this even better -- is that given the supernatural/supernatural-adjacent nature of the instigating question, the two are approaching things in very different ways and decide to operate largely separately. Samuel interviews people with assistance of other to drive him places or via the Internet, while Ms. Washburn goes on her own, trying to use Samuel's methods. This change in modus operandi is refreshing for the characters and the readers, and will lead both Samuel and Ms. Washburn to re-evaluate the way they do business in the future.
The danger level in this one is great -- and there are direct threats made against Ms. Washburn and Samuel's mother and father. Which just makes Samuel more determined to come up with definitive answers quickly. The possible supernatural elements stay with the story throughout and it's only near the end that all the characters come to the same conclusions about it. This novel features a great puzzle and the solution is very satisfactory -- and one I didn't see coming (but in retrospect makes complete sense).
So much for the mystery -- there's also plenty going on in Samuel's personal life. On the whole I thought they dealt with it well, but...
I appreciated Samuel pointing out that Asperger's is no longer a diagnosis, but he still claims it s a shorthand way to describe the way he acts/thinks to others. Which is just a great -- and realistic -- way to handle the change in status for the label. Let me follow that observation with this one -- what frustrated me about this one -- and I will admit I was very frustrated at times -- is how little Samuel's mother seemed to understand him. Ms. Washburn, too, but she hasn't known Samuel as long -- or as well as his mother. Dealing with the father who abandoned his family decades ago suddenly reappearing and trying to merge back into his life, would be difficult, complicated and messy. For someone like Samuel? Well, I'm guessing it'd be just as difficult and complicated -- but he'd tell you exactly what's going on with him. And Samuel does so -- repeatedly. His father doesn't believe him; Ms. Washburn seems to try to believe him, but doesn't; neither does his mother. His mother has been with him every day of his life, devoting more of her life and energy to her son than most parents do -- how does she not know him well enough to not double-guess his emotions? If Samuel says he feels "X," then that's probably exactly what he feels -- unless you force him to look at things another way. Over and over again, his mother shows less awareness of Samuel's reactions to things than almost anyone. It just didn't ring true. Samuel's Asperger’s isn't new to her (or Samuel) -- she shouldn't act like this.
I should add -- the authors know a whole lot more about all of this than I do, and their depictions of this are probably spot-on, I guess they just didn't convince me about those depictions like they usually do. Also, in the overall-scheme of things, this was a relatively minor quibble and didn't detract a lot from the pleasure I had in the book -- it just took a lot of space to describe.
The trick to Samuel is to give him a little personal growth, a little greater awareness, a little understanding of himself and the emotional needs of others. Yet, only a little bit. I do think this is depicted faster (possibly unrealistically so) in the books -- because outside of Nero Wolfe, Sherlock Holmes, or other Golden Age/Golden Age-like characters who don't grow and evolve by design, we expect some sort of noticeable personal growth in our series characters (particularly the central characters) from book to book. Samuel shouldn't give us much in that way -- his evolution/growth/whatever you want to call it is going to happen on a glacial pace. And over the last three books (I really need to double back and read the first two in the series), he's taken significant steps forward -- so much so it's like Ms. Washburn has slipped into forgetting that he's not neurotypical a few times here. That makes sense, because their relationship (in every sense) is pretty new. Thankfully, she catches herself and deliberately attempts to accept that -- and generally does - and recognizes when he's trying. Because we readers get a direct pipeline to Samuel's thoughts, we might have an easier time with it than she does, but she does a decent job (and his mother usually does, too). It's a heckuva trick to pull off narratively, and Copperman/Cohen nails it, time and time again.
Another clever mystery, well-told with one of Crime Fiction's most original and convincingly written characters (not a detective, just someone who can easily be mistaken for one) -- this series is a consistently pleasant and rewarding read. The Question of the Dead Mistress is a great jumping-on point, and a welcome-return read for those who've spent time with the crew from Questions Answered before.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Midnight Ink via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this. My opinions are my own, however.
January 31, 2019
Samuel Honig is just trying to answer questions--that's his business--but there are so many distractions. For one, his long-absent father is living with him and his mother again, and Samuel just doesn't know what to think about that. For another, his assistant, Ms Washburn, stirs novel feelings in him, but he's no good at reading her moods. And now a woman wants him to prove that her husband is having an affair with a ghost. Samuel does not believe in ghosts. Unfortunately, Ms Washburn does, so he lets her take on the question. But when she discovers a dead body, he feels that he has to help out, even if it endangers both of them.
October 8, 2018
A lovely mystery, full of humour and enjoyable.
I loved the plot, the cast of characters and the style of writing.
I really appreciated how Samuel's Aperger is treated, without any false piety but making him a real person.
I look forward to read other instalments in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Midnight Ink and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the plot, the cast of characters and the style of writing.
I really appreciated how Samuel's Aperger is treated, without any false piety but making him a real person.
I look forward to read other instalments in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Midnight Ink and Netgalley for this ARC
November 8, 2018
I liked the newest novel of the series very much but not as much as the previous books.
The case seemed overly constructed although i liked the twists at the end.
The lovestory evolves further and the bond between Samuel and his dad tightens.
Easy read for fans of the series.
The case seemed overly constructed although i liked the twists at the end.
The lovestory evolves further and the bond between Samuel and his dad tightens.
Easy read for fans of the series.
July 20, 2026
A fun ending to a fun series. And a GHOST story too!
September 24, 2025
Once again, Samuel uses his neurodivergence to solve another murder and save the day. This was a fun conclusion to the series.
May 13, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Midnight Ink for my copy of this book! I found the plot well written and enjoyable. Seeing things through Samuel’s perspective was interesting, the quick-witted way he speaks and thinks is original and I’ve not read it before in other mystery books. Ms Washburn was also pivotal to the story and her dynamic with Samuel makes the whole plot even more appealing. The author’s take on Asperger Syndrome is unique and free of any misconceptions regarding the diagnosis.
August 29, 2018
This is the fifth in the Asperger Mysteries. I thought I had read them all, but realized that I have missed one.
These are a delight to me. Samuel has Asperger's Syndrome and has a business called "Questions Answered." For a fee he will find the answer to your question. He is not a detective agency, but rather does the job of a researcher for the questioner. Because of his Asperger's, he tends to take everything literally and is somewhat awkward in social situations. I find him charming.
In this book, he is asked by Virginia to answer the question: is her husband having an affair with his college sweetheart who died several years before? Samuel initially does not want to answer this question because it presupposes the existence of a ghost. However, his associate, Janet Washburn, does want to answer the question. She believes she has seen a ghost. The agency does take the question which quickly becomes moot when Virginia's husband is found murdered and Virginia is the prime suspect. Now she wants to hire them to prove she didn't do it, but Samuel says they answer questions and are not a detective agency. But, once again, Janet influences him to answer the question: who murdered Brett?
Samuel is trying to clarify his relationship with Janet. In addition to this, Samuel is sorting out the bond he may or may not have with his father who abandoned him and his mother 27 years before but has reappeared in their lives.
I adore these stories! I am so happy to find that I missed one because now it gives me one to read without having to wait for the author to publish another!
These are a delight to me. Samuel has Asperger's Syndrome and has a business called "Questions Answered." For a fee he will find the answer to your question. He is not a detective agency, but rather does the job of a researcher for the questioner. Because of his Asperger's, he tends to take everything literally and is somewhat awkward in social situations. I find him charming.
In this book, he is asked by Virginia to answer the question: is her husband having an affair with his college sweetheart who died several years before? Samuel initially does not want to answer this question because it presupposes the existence of a ghost. However, his associate, Janet Washburn, does want to answer the question. She believes she has seen a ghost. The agency does take the question which quickly becomes moot when Virginia's husband is found murdered and Virginia is the prime suspect. Now she wants to hire them to prove she didn't do it, but Samuel says they answer questions and are not a detective agency. But, once again, Janet influences him to answer the question: who murdered Brett?
Samuel is trying to clarify his relationship with Janet. In addition to this, Samuel is sorting out the bond he may or may not have with his father who abandoned him and his mother 27 years before but has reappeared in their lives.
I adore these stories! I am so happy to find that I missed one because now it gives me one to read without having to wait for the author to publish another!
September 19, 2018
E. J. Copperman’s Asperger Mystery series continues to provide skillfully, and sensitively fabricated mysteries solved by an investigator with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Questions Answered is the service Samuel Hoenig offers clients for a fee. In this case, Virginia Fontaine wants to know if her husband, Brett, is having an affair with his dead high school girlfriend. As Samuel is very literal and believes ghosts do not exist, he answers, unequivocally, no, Brett is not having an affair with the ghost of his former girlfriend. Janet Washburn, Samuel’s associate, suggests otherwise. After reflecting on the situation Samuel suggests that Janet take the assignment as she does believe ghosts exist. So, Janet’s on the case, following Brett, when she discovers his dead body. Now the question Mrs. Fontaine wants answered is: who killed Brett. Samuel and Janet decide working together is the best way to get to the facts of this murder.
This remarkable series never disappoints. The mystery is always well conceived and executed. Even better is the author’s creation of Samuel, the first-person protagonist and narrator, who shares his thoughts and actions as they occur. As a result, readers have observed his growth in dealing with Asperger’s over the five novels and how that impacts those around him. Observing how individuals, both friends and strangers, react to Samuel is a compelling portrait of the challenges those with Asperger’s face. And Mr. Copperman’s ability to take readers inside the world of an individual living with Asperger’s Syndrome is truly a gift, for both the writer and the reader.
Questions Answered is the service Samuel Hoenig offers clients for a fee. In this case, Virginia Fontaine wants to know if her husband, Brett, is having an affair with his dead high school girlfriend. As Samuel is very literal and believes ghosts do not exist, he answers, unequivocally, no, Brett is not having an affair with the ghost of his former girlfriend. Janet Washburn, Samuel’s associate, suggests otherwise. After reflecting on the situation Samuel suggests that Janet take the assignment as she does believe ghosts exist. So, Janet’s on the case, following Brett, when she discovers his dead body. Now the question Mrs. Fontaine wants answered is: who killed Brett. Samuel and Janet decide working together is the best way to get to the facts of this murder.
This remarkable series never disappoints. The mystery is always well conceived and executed. Even better is the author’s creation of Samuel, the first-person protagonist and narrator, who shares his thoughts and actions as they occur. As a result, readers have observed his growth in dealing with Asperger’s over the five novels and how that impacts those around him. Observing how individuals, both friends and strangers, react to Samuel is a compelling portrait of the challenges those with Asperger’s face. And Mr. Copperman’s ability to take readers inside the world of an individual living with Asperger’s Syndrome is truly a gift, for both the writer and the reader.
June 14, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced read of this delightful book.
Samuel Hoenig has Asperger's, but that has not stopped him from running a company called Questions Answered. Bring in a question, and he and his associate, Janet Washburn, will do their very best to provide an answer to that question.
When Virginia Fontaine walks into the office with a question, it turns everything upside down. She wants to know if her husband is having an affair with a ghost. The ghost of his ex-girlfriend, who died in a auto crash 3 years prior. Samuel of course does not believe in ghosts...but it is an interesting question. And when the living start to die, then the question becomes all that more important.
This book is well written with great dialog. Samuel's Asperger's is treated with dignity and we can see humor in how he interprets statements and lack of understanding of some social nuances.
As far as the mystery goes (or mysteries, because it gets a little more complex as the story progresses), it all made sense in the end. I highly recommend this very entertaining book in the series.
Samuel Hoenig has Asperger's, but that has not stopped him from running a company called Questions Answered. Bring in a question, and he and his associate, Janet Washburn, will do their very best to provide an answer to that question.
When Virginia Fontaine walks into the office with a question, it turns everything upside down. She wants to know if her husband is having an affair with a ghost. The ghost of his ex-girlfriend, who died in a auto crash 3 years prior. Samuel of course does not believe in ghosts...but it is an interesting question. And when the living start to die, then the question becomes all that more important.
This book is well written with great dialog. Samuel's Asperger's is treated with dignity and we can see humor in how he interprets statements and lack of understanding of some social nuances.
As far as the mystery goes (or mysteries, because it gets a little more complex as the story progresses), it all made sense in the end. I highly recommend this very entertaining book in the series.
September 30, 2018
This fifth Asperger's mystery is another enjoyable read because not only are we served up a lovely plot with plenty of twists, fans of the series get to witness the further emotional growth of Samuel Hoenig, a man with Asperger's Syndrome. Samuel is logical, literal, and precise. Readers see the world through his eyes, and how he words things shows us how literal his vision is. For example, he never refers to Ms. Washburn's mode of transportation simply as a car or the Kia, it's always the Kia Spectra. He also works through conversational terms that are nonsensical to him. I really appreciate this chance to experience Samuel's world, all the while knowing that, from time to time, being with someone like him 24/7 could be exhausting to a person who's not used to it.
This is a series best read in order because, throughout it, Samuel's emotional relationships become deeper and more meaningful. The books aren't merely matters of answering the question du jour and solving the mystery, but also of Samuel becoming more sensitive to the emotions of the people he cares for. Jeff Cohen's Asperger's mysteries are something very special. Readers get to flex their deductive muscles in an attempt to solve some first-rate mysteries, and they are also treated to the gradual development of an extremely interesting character. The Question of the Dead Mistress is the best book in the series so far, and I'm looking forward to reading many more.
This is a series best read in order because, throughout it, Samuel's emotional relationships become deeper and more meaningful. The books aren't merely matters of answering the question du jour and solving the mystery, but also of Samuel becoming more sensitive to the emotions of the people he cares for. Jeff Cohen's Asperger's mysteries are something very special. Readers get to flex their deductive muscles in an attempt to solve some first-rate mysteries, and they are also treated to the gradual development of an extremely interesting character. The Question of the Dead Mistress is the best book in the series so far, and I'm looking forward to reading many more.
November 6, 2018
#122
Samuel Hoenig, has Asperger's Syndrome; he runs a detective agency that answers questions.
He employs Mrs. Janet Washburn as his assistant, who helps him work within the framework of "normal" society, by giving him non-verbal clues on how to deal with his clients, by helping him research, and interview prospective/current clients.
A woman comes in and wants the question: "Is my husband cheating on me w/ his dead ex-girlfriend?" Which leads to her husband's murder, the investigation into the death of the former girlfriend, and the death of the woman's first husband.
The side story is about how Samuel comes to accept a relationship which his now present father who had abandoned him & his mother when Samuel was 4 years old, as well as dealing w/ Samuel's emotional make-up or lack thereof.
I liked this book better than the previous one in the series, as it wasn't as far-fetched and convoluted. It was better written and the story was easier to follow.
Samuel Hoenig, has Asperger's Syndrome; he runs a detective agency that answers questions.
He employs Mrs. Janet Washburn as his assistant, who helps him work within the framework of "normal" society, by giving him non-verbal clues on how to deal with his clients, by helping him research, and interview prospective/current clients.
A woman comes in and wants the question: "Is my husband cheating on me w/ his dead ex-girlfriend?" Which leads to her husband's murder, the investigation into the death of the former girlfriend, and the death of the woman's first husband.
The side story is about how Samuel comes to accept a relationship which his now present father who had abandoned him & his mother when Samuel was 4 years old, as well as dealing w/ Samuel's emotional make-up or lack thereof.
I liked this book better than the previous one in the series, as it wasn't as far-fetched and convoluted. It was better written and the story was easier to follow.
October 2, 2018
Poor Samuel Hoenig is asked to find out if a man is having an affair with his dead mistress. Having read the previous books, I knew pretty much his immediate reaction. Why? Because Samuel is on the autism spectrum and wouldn't have someone pay to answer a question when he already knows the answer. Thankfully Mrs. Washburn is there to convince him to let her answer the question and the plot thickens from there. At a couple parts things seemed to get a bit confusing but I love how Samuel is written, how he still refers to his friend as Mrs. Washburn, and how he recognizes his own obstacles and is constantly working on fighting them. He is a very lovable character and the result is a quirky fun read.
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.
October 11, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery. This is my first Copperman book, but I would like to read others.
Samuel Hoenig is a young man who has asperger's and owns a business called "Questions Answered". He lives in an apartment at his mother's house.
The author does an excellent job of making Samuel come to life with his need to have everything happen in a precise way. Whether it's his daily activities at work or his travels to and from home, where his meals are precise and predictable,Samuel Hoenig's character is very believable.
I love that he has a job that he can research people's questions. He isn't really a detective, but the dialog reminds me of the show "Elementary" where Sherlock Holmes solves problems for the the New York Police department working as a consultant.
Samuel Hoenig is a young man who has asperger's and owns a business called "Questions Answered". He lives in an apartment at his mother's house.
The author does an excellent job of making Samuel come to life with his need to have everything happen in a precise way. Whether it's his daily activities at work or his travels to and from home, where his meals are precise and predictable,Samuel Hoenig's character is very believable.
I love that he has a job that he can research people's questions. He isn't really a detective, but the dialog reminds me of the show "Elementary" where Sherlock Holmes solves problems for the the New York Police department working as a consultant.
April 22, 2022
The protagonist has Aspergers which is an Austism spectrum disorder. As a person who has a close family member with Aspergers I was excited to read how the book would depict the lead character. I was disappointed. The book feels like it was written by a person who has read about Aspergers and feels very stereotypical. Yes, people with autism tend to be literal but it doesn’t mean they don’t understand the meaning of common phrases. For a lead character who is supposed to be a private detective of sorts to constantly take the literal meaning of words and then tell the reader that he understands it is not literal just feels like a trope or writing tool rather than a real character. My 2 stars are really for how Samuel is portrayed. The central mystery itself is just ok.
August 1, 2023
Samuel Hoenig, a grown man with autism, makes it his business to answer people's questions. Yet in his latest adventure, he's the one asking the question. First off, his absent father, Ruben, is now living with him and his mother. He still doesn't know what to make this relationship, or if he sould refer to this man as "dad". Second, there are the romantic feelings his developing for his assistant, Janet Washburn. He's clueless and dumbfounded on where to go foward with there relationship . which is by far perfectly accurate depiction of the social anxiety and awkwardness that comes with living as an autistic individual. Then there is the case, Or at least the question that is their most bizarre yet that is their most bizarre yet. A woman claims to ask why her husband is having an affair with a dead woman. By far the best in the series.
August 30, 2018
Samuel Hoening runs an agency called "Questions Answered." He likes to answer intricate questions and solve people's problems. But, one day, a woman walks into the office and asks the question, "Is mu husband having an affair with a dead woman?" Samuel is flummoxed because he does not believe in ghosts, so his partner, Ms. Janet Washburn, decides she will answer this question for the client. But it soon becomes clear, as the bodies begin to pile up, that something is afoot. Read this series for the well thought out plots and the manner in which the author presents Asberger's; he has a son who is on the spectrum, so he knows whereof he speaks.
October 11, 2018
Samuel Hoenig's voice is unique and continues to fascinate. I love his insights into the neurotypical world and his relationships with those around him -- his girlfriend, Ms. Washburn; his parents; and his friend Mike the cabdriver. The question here is an interesting one, and one that threatens to drive a wedge between him and Ms. Washburn-- can the ghost of a dead ex-girlfriend be haunting a woman's husband? I love the way the relationship between Samuel and Janet (will he ever call her by her first name?) keeps growing from book to book.
March 6, 2019
A captivating mystery told from the viewpoint of our protagonist, a man with Aspergers, and the proprietor of a unique agency called "Questions Answered".
It is a very entertaining book, and the excellent respectful manner in which the personality disorder is treated, manages to be funny at the same time as being accurate.
I found it refreshing - and funny - to be reminded throughout the book just how much of our language uses terms that are clearly illogical and nonsensical when taken literally.
A great read, and highly recommended to all who love good stories, and language!
It is a very entertaining book, and the excellent respectful manner in which the personality disorder is treated, manages to be funny at the same time as being accurate.
I found it refreshing - and funny - to be reminded throughout the book just how much of our language uses terms that are clearly illogical and nonsensical when taken literally.
A great read, and highly recommended to all who love good stories, and language!
March 14, 2021
Please tell us this isn't the last book in this series! Especially with the last line in the story--there has to be more!
Samuel is his usual self but Ms. Washburn is a little impatient in this book. Why? Well, Samuel finally figures it out after he solves the various questions that have been posed. There is more about the relationship Samuel has (or doesn't have) with the father he has recently brought back. Samuel doesn't like change, but change is coming. I am rooting for him and his family.
Samuel is his usual self but Ms. Washburn is a little impatient in this book. Why? Well, Samuel finally figures it out after he solves the various questions that have been posed. There is more about the relationship Samuel has (or doesn't have) with the father he has recently brought back. Samuel doesn't like change, but change is coming. I am rooting for him and his family.
October 29, 2022
In this book, Samuel and his assistant, Ms. Washburn are hired to discover if a lady's husband is having an affair with his dead girlfriend. This was an artfully crafted book. It took me quite a while to catch on to what was going on and the ending was a total surprise to me. A great read in the series and I'm sorry to see this series end. Great editing, good characters, and great mystery. Highly recommend this book and series. I'm off to find more by this author.
October 7, 2024
Questions Answered is run by Samuel Hoenig, a man who has Asperger's and his associate, Janet Washburn. The question is an affair possible with a dead mistress? Samuel's logical answer is no, but Janet thinks there's more to this. Janet takes the lead in investigating and the inquirer's husband ends up dead. Can Janet unravel the mystery and still work with Samuel? Will Samuel grow enough to declare his feelings for Janet? I loved how the whole issue of Asperger's was dealt with. A good read!
October 13, 2018
I'm giving this four stars because I love the characters and the concept of the series as a whole, but I often get frustrated when reading these books because of the numerous inconsistencies in plot, timelines, and details. If those issues were caught and fixed before publication, this would be a five star series. My advice--find a beta reader or editor who is as detail-oriented as Samuel!
December 28, 2018
Another great installment in the series. I love the way Samuel looks at life and how it is explained. I enjoyed this 'question' a bit more than the last, but it is the characters that keeps me reading.
January 1, 2019
Reading this series out of order was a little disorienting but not anything Samuel, Ms Wadhburn and I couldn't get through. They are such endearing characters. I love the interaction and the growth between them.
March 31, 2019
Fun book - moved quickly and was a mystery I did not have figured out half way through.
Main character has Asperger's. It was an interesting and hopefully accurate insight in to people who are "neuroatypical."
Main character has Asperger's. It was an interesting and hopefully accurate insight in to people who are "neuroatypical."
October 31, 2018
What an understanding book. The mystery plot was solid, and the depiction of the lead character’s affliction was both humorous and insightful.
November 28, 2018
A bit of a convoluted question involving multiple husbands and murder
December 14, 2018
Love this series!
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