Torah Group Mysteries

An amateur sleuth teams up with her rabbi to figure out who has poisoned members of a Jewish community during the Passover Seder in this cozy mystery. Someone poisoned Passover guests in Crestfall, Illinois. Is it a coincidence that the victims all had chopped liver from Sophie's Kosher Deli? And was it an accident, or worse-an anti-Semitic hate crime? As the mayor's wife, Julia Donnelly feels personally responsible, and not just because it was she who bought the deadly dish to the Seder. Rabbi Fine, leader of Julia's Torah Study Group, insists he can't solve this heinous crime without her, and Julia certainly can't say no to the rabbi. Besides, she has a number of suspects already whirling through her sharp mind, from Sophie's scheming son to a developer keen on buying Sophie's deli. Leaning into the logic of Jewish traditions, Julia and Rabbi Fine are close to figuring out the killer. That is, if the killer doesn't find out what they are up to first!

Led by a housewife and a rabbi, a Torah study group investigates the murder of a dear friend in a mystery that is "a rollicking ride and a joy to read" (Kate Michaelson, award-winning author of Hidden Rooms).   Fresh off her first Purim party, Julia Donnelly is summoned by Rabbi Fine to the bedside of a mutual friend. Apparently dear Jacob Ibrahim died sometime in the night and the rabbi suspects foul play. Using the principles of pilpul-a Jewish form of logic-Julia, Rabbi Fine and the members of their Torah study group piece together the evidence and-oy is there evidence! From the thieves who were targeting poor Jacob to the dangerous loan sharks on his tail for reasons his grieving widow cannot fathom, to Chinese gangsters and a few deadly tote bag bombs. Good thing Julia and Rabbi Fine share a knack for crime solving. If all goes well, they may just catch the killer in time to enjoy a Purim feast. Unless of course, the killer catches them first . . .   Praise for the Torah Group Mysteries:   "Unraveling a mystery is only a layer of this faith journey for these courageous and entertaining Torah group members." –Lisa Lickel, author of the Buried Treasure cozy mystery series   "A feast of frightening and funny scenes." –Rabbi Marc Berkson   "A fascinating . . . humorous exploration of Jewish traditions and history." -Renee James, author of BeatNikki's Café