Chanukah Guilt
by Ilene Schneider
Published by Swimming Kangaroo Books
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Reviewed by Lauren Segelbaum
“You can’t judge a book by its cover”! Keep that in mind when reading this book. The cover has a picture of a Chanukkiyah or Menorah (the nine branched candelabrum used on Hanukah, the Jewish holiday celebrated in December) with a skull and crossbones on top. I thought to myself between the title and the book’s cover this book is going to be cheesy. I was pleasantly surprised with this author’s debut novel and hope she turns the Rabbi in to a series.
Chanukah Guilt is described by the author as a “cozy” murder mystery because there are no car chases or kidnappings. The main character is female rabbi, Aviva Cohen. It just so happens the author Ilene Schneider was one of the first six female rabbis in the United States.
Rabbi Cohen officiates at the funeral of an unpopular land developer. She is told by two members of his family that he was murdered. A few days later one of the daughters commits suicide and Rabbi Cohen begins a quest to find out what really happened. The quest involves not only the developer’s family, but the rabbi’s extended family, including her ex-husband who recently moved to her town.
The beauty of this book is the character development. Ilene Schneider’s writing style allows you to really know both the main characters and the supporting roles. You finish this book with a solid picture of what these people look like and their personality quirks.
Chanukah Guilt gives insight in to the Jewish culture and religion because the rabbi’s life revolves around the synagogue where she is employed. There is a little bit of education about the Wiccan religion as well but I won’t reveal any more about that subject.
I hope this book has mass appeal beyond the Jewish population because it is a great mystery.
Armchair Interviews says: A well-done cozy with a woman rabbi as the sleuth.