Friday the Rabbi Slept Late
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| First edition cover | |
| Author | Harry Kemelman |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Rabbi Small |
| Genre(s) | Mystery Novel |
| Publisher | Fawcett-Crest Book |
| Released | 1964 |
| Media Type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 160 pp (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | NA |
Friday the Rabbi Slept Late is a mystery novel written by Harry Kemelman in 1964, the first of the successful Rabbi Small series.
Contents |
[edit] Plot introduction
The fictional hero of the book, David Small, is the unconventional leader of the Conservative Jewish congregation in the fictional suburban Massachusetts town of Barnard's Crossing. He has wisdom and all the good qualities of a detective sharpened by his Talmudic training, which enables him to see the third side of a problem. He is a devoted husband to his wife. Small's logic, learned from the Talmud, plays an important part in the plots. Usually Small is drawn into the events when he tries to help a friend in trouble. Among other characters is Hugh Lanigan, the local police chief. The two friends often discuss religion over a cup of tea. He has many troubles with his congregation and he is constantly at odds with at least one of its powerful members.
[edit] Plot summary
The body of a young woman is found on the grounds of the Temple. Small's car has been seen at the Temple at the time of the murder. The woman had been strangled and evidence points to the Rabbi - her purse is found in his car.
[edit] Characters in "Friday the Rabbi Slept Late"
- David Small – the Rabbi of the title, protagonist
- Hugh Lanigan – local police chief
[edit] Awards and nominations
The novel received an Edgar Award in 1965, from the Mystery Writers of America, for Best First Novel.
[edit] Film adaptations
Kemelman received $35,000 for the movie rights to the novel.
[edit] Release details
- 1964, U.S., Crown (ISBN ?), publication date, 1964, hardback (First edition)
- 1965, UK, Hutchinson (ISBN 0-7434-3487-0), publication date 30 July 2002, hardback
- 1979, U.S., Crown (ISBN 0-517-50691-2), publication date, October 1979, hardback
- 1983, U.S., GK Hall (ISBN 0-8161-3537-1), publication date, October 1983, hardback
- 1993, U.S., Fawcett Books (ISBN 0-449-45127-5), January 1993, paperback
- 2002, U.S., Simon & Schuster (ISBN 0-7434-3487-0), publication date 30 July 2002, paperback
The novel has been released in audiobook format.
