Mark Reutlinger

When Maria Cartwright, companion to Miriam Blumenthal, a resident at the Julius and Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors, is murdered during a Purim Celebration, it seems obvious who the killer is – Harold Pupik, the General Manager of the home is found standing over her body holding a gun. But Pupik insists that he is innocent and asks Rose “Mrs. K” Kaplan (who has solved a mystery or two in the past) and her friend Ida Berkowitz to find the real killer. Mrs. K isn’t convinced that show more he is innocent but can’t resist a challenge so she agrees to help. But will the police believe her when she uncovers the truth?

“Oy Vey Maria” by Mark Reutlinger is a delightfully funny cozy mystery. The first thing I loved about this book is that the main characters are senior citizens who just happen to solve crimes – a nice change from most cozy mysteries that feature younger main characters. The second thing I liked is the viewpoint – written in the first person from Ida’s point of view – I felt like I was sitting there next to Ida as she was telling the story. I love the relationship between her and Mrs. K – especially the conversations they have. There is a great deal of humor in the book that is never mean at the expense of the older characters – although I will never look at pickles the same way again! Reutlinger does an excellent job of intermingling the mystery with the day-to-day aspects of Ida and Mrs. K’s lives. And the mystery is well done with plenty of suspects besides Pupik. I thought for sure I knew who the killer was but I was just a little off (I may have some Mrs. K in me!).

“Oy Vey Maria” by Mark Reutlinger is a nicely done humorous cozy mystery. show less

If Lieutenant Columbo had a Bubbe in a nursing home, she'd be the infamous Rose Kaplan, solver of murder mysteries. Rose and her good buddy Ida investigate the murder of Maria at the Jewish Home. Maria is the sketchy private aide/companion who routinely takes her charge to a casino. Now, I'll grant the Yiddish terms are thrown around like salt on a corned beef brisket rather than lightly sprinkled for ambiance. The use and definitions are rather heavy handed. Still, the characters are show more charming enough to push past the footnote-like asides.  Perhaps Rose more closely resembles Agatha Christies' Miss Marple than the bumbling Columbo. She does, however have a thing for Jewish pastries akin to Columbo's fondness for cigars. Mysteries are not usually my cuppa tea, but this was lighter than most. It left me thinking perhaps a nursing home isn't the worst, dullest place to hang out... and gave me a craving for Hamantaschen.
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Although she once made a living cleaning hotel rooms, Florence Palmer has discovered that it is much more lucrative to make a living as a burglar. So when concert violinist Aaron Levy is in town, she decides to steal his violin and hold it for ransom. Unfortunately she discovers that someone has already stolen the violin and Aaron wants her to steal it back – with his help. Flo is used to working alone but Aaron is offering her a price she can’t resist.

“Murder with Strings Attached” show more is a nicely done mystery. I love the idea of a burglar being the main character although I would have liked a bit more details about some of Florence’s previous burglaries. Despite the lack of background, I really like Flo as a character – she is smart, resourceful, generally very good at what she does, a good friend, witty. I love her relationship with Arron – it is nicely done with just the right amount of humor. I also like her relationship with her friend Sara – the three make a great team. While there is a great deal of humor in the book there is also tension (it is ultimately a murder mystery) especially towards the end of the book as Flo and Aaron get closer to finding out what happened to his violin – in fact, there was so much tension that I stayed up past my bedtime just to see how it ended!

“Murder with Strings Attached” is a nicely done mystery. While it reads as a standalone book, I hope Flo, Aaron, and Sara appear in future books – they are great characters and I would love to read more about them. show less

A Pain in the Tuchis: A Mrs. Kaplan Mystery by Mark Reutlinger is a 2015 Alibi publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The author charmed me so much with the first book in this series, I immediately queued up the second book. I am happy to report that the momentum never slowed down as Ida and Rose once more find themselves in embroiled in a suspicious death at the Jewish senior home where they reside.

This time, a show more grumpy resident with a mean streak, suddenly takes ill and requires constant care. When she passes away, no one is all that surprised, and foul play never crosses anyone’s mind, until it’s hinted at by another resident. Rose’s inner Sherlock Holmes awakens and she takes it upon herself to find the truth in order to give the family peace of mind.

Ida is a perfect narrator, giving the reader all the facts and adding her own perspective as well, which is often laugh out loud funny.

The author has painted the portrait of these two senior sleuths perfectly. I can see them in my mind’s eye and envision all their adventures. The language is authentic, using accurate Yiddish words and dialect, but I did notice some definitions were added a few times so that everyone understood the dialogue without having to give the kindle dictionary a workout, which is probably a good idea.

The mystery was a well thought out and evenly paced, with a few zany side adventures, and some surprising twists thrown in for good measure.

I have to say this is one the best new cozy mystery series I’ve discovered this year. If you love humor with your mystery, then I challenge you to read this series. You will be glad you did. show less