Book Review- The Kosher Butcher: A Lincoln/Lachler Mystery by Melvyn Westreich

By: Melvyn Westreich

When a rabbi goes missing from an Ultra-Orthodox community in lower Michigan, the Rebbi asks Simon Lincoln to take the case. A former police officer and private detective, Lincoln reluctantly accepts the assistance of his fiancé, computer wiz, Dafna Lachler. When the case takes a turn, creating fear of a serial killer, the two step up their efforts to find this maniac before their pending nuptials.

This is the second installment in the Lincoln/Lachler mysteries. I did not read the first but did not feel I needed to in order to enjoy this book. The references to the first story were easy to understand. Westreich presents a well-paced mystery with well-developed red herring, keeping the reader guessing as to the identity of the killer until the very end. The evolution of the relationship between Lincoln and his fiancé, Dafna, is well developed. I appreciated the uses of humor and the occasional moments where Lincoln speaks directly to the reader as he’s exploring his own thoughts.

By about the halfway point, I found myself wondering why the book was titled The Kosher Butcher. There is an explanation in the story but it might have been made clear a little sooner.

I really enjoyed this story and have already recommended it to friends. If you like a good murder mystery, add this one to your reading list.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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May Book Review Wrap Up

So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…

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