BOOK BRIEF

Friday the Rabbi Slept Late

Harry Kemelman
Guide cover placeholder

Friday the Rabbi Slept Late

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Harry Kemelman

Friday the Rabbi Slept Late

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Barnard's Crossing, Massachusetts • 1960s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Friday the Rabbi Slept Late by Harry Kemelman is a mystery novel where Police Chief Lanigan investigates a murder, with assistance from Rabbi David Small. Rabbi Small's unique perspective and analytical skills help unravel the case, showcasing cultural insights and community dynamics. Emphasizing collaboration, the novel intertwines small-town life with detective work, highlighting themes of faith and intellect.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

11,636 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Harry Kemelman's Friday the Rabbi Slept Late is praised for its engaging mystery and unique blend of religious and detective elements. The protagonist, Rabbi David Small, is noted for his intellect and charm. Some feel the pacing lags, and character development could be deeper. Overall, it's a captivating read for fans of cozy mysteries with a cultural twist.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Friday the Rabbi Slept Late?

A reader who enjoys Friday the Rabbi Slept Late likely appreciates cozy mysteries with cultural elements, similar to Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series. They enjoy character-driven narratives intertwining detective work with Jewish cultural insights, mirroring the appeal of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.

4.1

11,636 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Friday the Rabbi Slept Late is the first book in the series known as the Rabbi Small Mysteries, which masterfully combines elements of detective fiction with insights into Jewish traditions and community life.

The novel earned author Harry Kemelman an Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1965, recognizing its unique contribution to the mystery genre.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Rabbi David Small, the protagonist of Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, employs his Talmudic reasoning skills to solve mysteries, setting the book apart by fusing religious wisdom with detective work.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Barnard's Crossing, Massachusetts • 1960s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!