The Kindness of Strangers

Amos Parisman Mystery #3

by Andy Weinberger

In the third installment of the Amos Parisman mystery series, Amos finds himself on the twisted trail of a dangerous killer as he enters the heart of inequity in his community.

Amos Parisman, L.A.’s oldest and most stubborn Jewish gumshoe, has never learned how to properly retire. He has little to do and his options are narrowing day by day, until he stumbles across the body of a local homeless woman in Park La Brea. Despite the instruction of Amos’ comrade, Lieutenant Malloy, who tells him not to get involved, the police find that they could use someone unconventional like Parisman, someone who knows the neighborhood and is willing to go the extra mile. As more homeless people begin turning up dead in the area, though, Amos soon realizes he is hunting a serial killer with a gruesome vendetta against the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Battling moral and civil questions regarding the invisible class, The Kindness of Strangers is a gripping look into the lives of those who sleep in the dust, the value we place on those who aren’t like us, and the damage that homelessness inflicts on the human spirit.

Genres: Mystery

290 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2022

Reviews

[First Clue · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have cozies. We have thrillers. But what about mensch mysteries? Because Amos Parisman, AKA the oldest living Jewish PI in Los Angeles, is the definition of a real mensch.

In this third book in the series, Amos comes out of retirement—a retirement he doesn’t want—to help the police investigate the murder of a homeless woman, whose corpse he discovers in the bottom of a garbage bin. Soon enough, that murder is followed by others, until it becomes clear that Amos and his sidekick, Omar, have a serial killer on their hands.

While the search for the killer provides the underpinning of the novel, there’s always a lot more happening in an Amos Parisman mystery than just the crimes. Here, Amos does a lot of research into the homeless—so often invisible—and the discomfort they provoke in much of society. Also prominent in this volume is Amos’s poignant relationship with his wife, Loretta, who’s now living in a nursing home as she has advanced dementia, and his growing relationship with Mara, whose husband also lives in the home.

A wonderful voice, great storytelling, and a completely unique character.—Brian Kenney, First Clue

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[Barbara Hall Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the third installment of Weinberger's Amos Parisman mysteries, once again the reader is treated to more than just a formulaic murder mystery. The character of Amos Parisman is fleshed out with much humor, warmth and insight into human nature. Snappy dialogue among Parisman's set is entertaining. The backdrop of Los Angeles is depicted in all of its diversity. Overall, a highly enjoyable read.

[Judith Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the series about semi-retired detective Amos Parisman, by the owner of my local bookstore; I think his books just keep getting better. Parisman keeps getting involved in solving mysteries, surrounded by his Los Angeles Jewish community (a familiar one to the author).

[robert neil resnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swift Read

One of the better Amos tales, spins a good yarn… simple-fun-LA’ish … all the players on board and a neat twist to move forward

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Amos Parisman series. Amos is an elderly semi-retired Jewish private investigator in Los Angeles. Amos is not religious, but he is culturally Jewish all the way. This book is the weakest of the 3 I have read. In this book Amos is dealing with the continuing decline of his beloved wife and has had to move her into a care home. Her dementia has deepened and he knows she almost completely lost to him. He has started a relationship with a woman he meets at the home. A woman whose husband is dying as well. When a homeless woman Amos has seen frequently near his home is found battered and thrown away in a dumpster, Amos wants too look into it even though he doesn't have a paying client. When another homeless man is found similarly murdered Amos starts thinking it may be a serial killer who will only escalate. These "throw away" people have no one shouting for justice. Amos wants to try. One thing I didn't quite ever understand is that when a sex worker is found shot nearby Amos assumes it is related. Amos seeks out the places the homeless go and comes across a shelter and a store front church in the area. The murderer is revealed (at least to me) relatively early in the book and no amount of red herrings make the mystery more intriguing. Amos is dogged. He just keeps asking questions. Sometimes the same questions over and over until the right answers start flowing. A good series, but this book dragged a little.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series so far. Book 1 and 2 are great. But, for me, this particular mystery dragged and I had a difficult time getting into the mystery. The most enjoyable part for me in this detective series is the conversational tone of the character - at times it seems I could sit down and talk or argue with him about a lot of things. He is kind, opinionated and smart. This particular book made me think a lot about the homeless in our country and how we perceive/think about the homelessness.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find this as interesting as the others in the series, though it has a solid plot of a serial killer targetting homeless people. There is fine detective work and Amos's personal dynamics with his wife, girlfried, Omar and the detective are well done.
But, I found it meandering and some plot holes too.
One section of the book had Amos ranting about Ayn Rand's fountainhead though it was not relevant. I guess, this book helped the author vent out his dislike for the book.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amos is back. His life is going through many changes. And, through the changes, he again uses his detective skills to solve a case. No as much Jewish schtick in this book as in the first two. A loss in my opinion.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this third novel in the Amos Parisman mystery series.

[Falene · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok - I dont need to read any more of his books though

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story about a lay detective solving murders in LA with some romance as a side dish.