Jewish Regency Mystery Stories

Mystery is rife and so is the fun when a crew of quirky characters set out to solve a slew of crimes causing havoc in Regency London's Jewish community.

In this second volume of Jewish Regency Mystery novellas, three Jewish holidays provide the background for these intriguing tales revolving around family, community and, of course, mystery:

The Melancholy Menorah: When the members of London's Great Synagogue decide to replace their old and battered menorah with one that's newer and more elegant, the old menorah refuses to leave its spot on the Eastern Wall. But is this really a sign from Heaven, or a sign that some nefarious plot is afoot? It's up to wealthy-widower-turned-sleuth Mr. Ezra Melamed to solve the mystery—and solve it before Chanukah begins.

Costumed Foolery: When Bashe Bunzel insists on marrying the man she loves, her wealthy father threatens to disinherit her. But the new will is soon stolen, and then Mr. Bunzel also disappears. Was he murdered? And what happened to the will? The complications multiply with dizzying speed in this short mystery where, in the Purim tradition, no one is quite what they seem.

The Petrified Psalm: In the days before Shavuos, there are strange goings-on in the Moses household. But is Mr. Ezra Melamed overreacting when he fears someone is trying to harm Mrs. Moses, an elderly widow with a large fortune? Or does the letter he received, signed "The Petrified Psalm," present a danger he dare not ignore?