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Abe Lieberman #6
The Big Silence
Abe Lieberman is a strong, sympathetic character, an Everyman whose love for his family is only matched by his quiet, zealous commitment to justice: "A figure out of Talmudic lore-endearing, wise in his crotchets, weary with his wisdom." says The Washington Post. He loves what he does and it takes its toll as his commitment to what is right is sorely tested every day on the mean streets of Chicago. As a moral man, he is sometimes faced with some uncomfortable ethical choices in order to see that justice-rather than the letter of the law-is metered out.
The Big Silence takes Lieberman and his Irish partner, Bill Hanrahan-the Rabbi and the Priest, as they are known on the streets-on a journey that will test their consciences to the limit. When the young son of an informant in a governmental witness protection program is kidnapped and a grisly death occurs, they will have to make some hard choices to make things right. Told with compassion and with the keen insight into the human psyche, The Big Silence is gritty, compelling...and unforgettable.
The Big Silence takes Lieberman and his Irish partner, Bill Hanrahan-the Rabbi and the Priest, as they are known on the streets-on a journey that will test their consciences to the limit. When the young son of an informant in a governmental witness protection program is kidnapped and a grisly death occurs, they will have to make some hard choices to make things right. Told with compassion and with the keen insight into the human psyche, The Big Silence is gritty, compelling...and unforgettable.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
65 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Stuart M. Kaminsky
162 books215 followersStuart M. Kaminsky wrote 50 published novels, 5 biographies, 4 textbooks and 35 short stories. He also has screenwriting credits on four produced films including ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, ENEMY TERRITORY, A WOMAN IN THE WIND and HIDDEN FEARS. He was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America and was nominated for six prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Awards including one for his short story “Snow” in 1999. He won an Edgar for his novel A COLD RED SUNRISE, which was also awarded the Prix De Roman D’Aventure of France. He was nominated for both a Shamus Award and a McCavity Readers Choice Award.
Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.
His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.
Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.
Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.
Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.
His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.
Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.
Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 4, 2020
4.5*
“I want the boy,” said Lieberman.
“I know,” said Stashall. “Gornitz’s kid is missing. Carbin thinks I snatched him. You think I snatched him. I didn’t snatch him. I don’t know where he is and I don’t know who to ask. Period. Zip. That’s it. Ever tell you about meeting Liberace? He’s over there on the wall, right over me and Jack Jones.”"
Ed McBain did not invent the police procedural but he created a franchise with his 87th Precinct novels about New York City cops. Kaminsky has taken that format, moved it to Chicago and elevated it to literature. Anyone who reads this book and doesn’t realize that fact is missing a lot of what Kaminsky offers.
There is a scene early on where a man, who is a material witness and can put a bigger fish away for decades, is told that his wife has been killed and that big fish likely has his son and will hold him to prevent the testimony. In the scene, the little guy is given the news by a cop with whom he played basketball in high school. Kaminsky shows his skill in revealing both personalities and in the dialogue where each balances what he says with what he knows and what he thinks the other will do.
I am trying to not reveal much more of the plot, but this series has always been a partnership between two Chicago Police detectives who refer to each other as "Rabbi" and "Father Murphy."
Yes, the stories bring in culture and religion and these detectives'personal stories intertwine with police business. This book can be read by itself, but you would be best advised to start at the beginning, Lieberman's Folly.
Selected Quotations:
----an interrogation that shows our heroes personalities and their interplay:
"Now, do me the courtesy of being quiet while I tell you your rights. If you listen, really listen, you may find them useful and interesting.”
“Can’t we work something out here?” Mike pleaded, looking from one policeman to the other. “I’ve got a wife, two little kids. I’m just a guy trying to make a living.”
“You think our friend Mike is suggesting a bribe?” asked Lieberman.
“It’s a distinct possibility,” said Hanrahan.
“My roof needs fixing,” said Lieberman.
“My son Michael could use money to send my grandson to a Catholic school,” said Hanrahan. “I’d say five million dollars would do it.”
“Five mil —” Mike began.
“You’re safe,” said Lieberman, guiding the big man in overalls toward Hanrahan’s car. “Maybe you didn’t offer a bribe. Maybe you’ve got no conscience. It happens a lot. Maybe my partner and I like to look in the mirror in the morning and see a face we can live with. I got a feeling you don’t understand what I mean. I suggest you not say another word till you talk to a lawyer.”"
----An accurate picture of this part of Chicago (but it has - since this book was published - changed again)
"The T&L (a Jewish "deli") was the last of a dying breed. Once Devon was Jewish with a sprinkling of Chinese restaurants and a Greek fruit store or two. Now the street was Korean with a minority of Vietnamese who probably outnumbered the Jews from Ridge Avenue to McCormick Boulevard."
----Some advice from a priest to one of our heroes:
"Saying you’re cursed is usually just an excuse for mistakes, bad decisions, and bad luck. A policeman’s bound to have all three. And, depending on how you look at it, you could also say you’re blessed. You’re going to get married. You’re no longer estranged from your son Michael. You’ve stopped drinking. You’re got your health, give or take a bad knee or two, and you’re relatively sane. Many who walk around with a smile can’t say as much.”"
----Some of the "buddy talk" between Hanrahan and Lieberman
"“You should have been a rabbi,” said Hanrahan.
“Some rabbis have the insight of a telephone book,” said Lieberman. “That’s a secret. We tell outsiders like you and we risk getting picked up in the middle of the night and taken to a secret camp in Wisconsin where we’re brainwashed into thinking all rabbis are brilliant.”
“Same for priests,” said Hanrahan."
"“Promise?”
“My word. If I fail to do so, I’ll take lessons and convert to Judaism. Even have a Bar Mitzvah. Hell, at this point I must know a few hundred words in Yiddish from working with you.”
“And every one of them of the utmost utility,” said Abe."
“I want the boy,” said Lieberman.
“I know,” said Stashall. “Gornitz’s kid is missing. Carbin thinks I snatched him. You think I snatched him. I didn’t snatch him. I don’t know where he is and I don’t know who to ask. Period. Zip. That’s it. Ever tell you about meeting Liberace? He’s over there on the wall, right over me and Jack Jones.”"
Ed McBain did not invent the police procedural but he created a franchise with his 87th Precinct novels about New York City cops. Kaminsky has taken that format, moved it to Chicago and elevated it to literature. Anyone who reads this book and doesn’t realize that fact is missing a lot of what Kaminsky offers.
There is a scene early on where a man, who is a material witness and can put a bigger fish away for decades, is told that his wife has been killed and that big fish likely has his son and will hold him to prevent the testimony. In the scene, the little guy is given the news by a cop with whom he played basketball in high school. Kaminsky shows his skill in revealing both personalities and in the dialogue where each balances what he says with what he knows and what he thinks the other will do.
I am trying to not reveal much more of the plot, but this series has always been a partnership between two Chicago Police detectives who refer to each other as "Rabbi" and "Father Murphy."
Yes, the stories bring in culture and religion and these detectives'personal stories intertwine with police business. This book can be read by itself, but you would be best advised to start at the beginning, Lieberman's Folly.
Selected Quotations:
----an interrogation that shows our heroes personalities and their interplay:
"Now, do me the courtesy of being quiet while I tell you your rights. If you listen, really listen, you may find them useful and interesting.”
“Can’t we work something out here?” Mike pleaded, looking from one policeman to the other. “I’ve got a wife, two little kids. I’m just a guy trying to make a living.”
“You think our friend Mike is suggesting a bribe?” asked Lieberman.
“It’s a distinct possibility,” said Hanrahan.
“My roof needs fixing,” said Lieberman.
“My son Michael could use money to send my grandson to a Catholic school,” said Hanrahan. “I’d say five million dollars would do it.”
“Five mil —” Mike began.
“You’re safe,” said Lieberman, guiding the big man in overalls toward Hanrahan’s car. “Maybe you didn’t offer a bribe. Maybe you’ve got no conscience. It happens a lot. Maybe my partner and I like to look in the mirror in the morning and see a face we can live with. I got a feeling you don’t understand what I mean. I suggest you not say another word till you talk to a lawyer.”"
----An accurate picture of this part of Chicago (but it has - since this book was published - changed again)
"The T&L (a Jewish "deli") was the last of a dying breed. Once Devon was Jewish with a sprinkling of Chinese restaurants and a Greek fruit store or two. Now the street was Korean with a minority of Vietnamese who probably outnumbered the Jews from Ridge Avenue to McCormick Boulevard."
----Some advice from a priest to one of our heroes:
"Saying you’re cursed is usually just an excuse for mistakes, bad decisions, and bad luck. A policeman’s bound to have all three. And, depending on how you look at it, you could also say you’re blessed. You’re going to get married. You’re no longer estranged from your son Michael. You’ve stopped drinking. You’re got your health, give or take a bad knee or two, and you’re relatively sane. Many who walk around with a smile can’t say as much.”"
----Some of the "buddy talk" between Hanrahan and Lieberman
"“You should have been a rabbi,” said Hanrahan.
“Some rabbis have the insight of a telephone book,” said Lieberman. “That’s a secret. We tell outsiders like you and we risk getting picked up in the middle of the night and taken to a secret camp in Wisconsin where we’re brainwashed into thinking all rabbis are brilliant.”
“Same for priests,” said Hanrahan."
"“Promise?”
“My word. If I fail to do so, I’ll take lessons and convert to Judaism. Even have a Bar Mitzvah. Hell, at this point I must know a few hundred words in Yiddish from working with you.”
“And every one of them of the utmost utility,” said Abe."
November 3, 2008
This is an interesting novel, but I don't think I would truly classify it as a mystery. You might call it a mystery if you count the two policemen known as Father Murphy and the Rabbi searching for meaning in their lives.
Instead of attempting to actually solve a real mystery, with red herrings, etc. The Big Silence follows these two detectives through their personal lives and interaction with people around them. Then, they go on the job, but they don't do things the normal way at all. In fact, these two cops spend more time threatening bad guys then they do attempting to investigate anything.
So as a mystery, the story sort of flops. There are multiple crimes and multiple back stories interwined-- enough to make this seem a little like an episode of Adam 12-- dealing with so many different types of problems as they deal with driveway scam artists, threats on their lives, and insert themselves into the seamy underworld. As a mystery, the story just sort of collapses.
However, I gave the book three star because it moves away from the mold of the police procedural, while retaining some of that particluar element. We are moved by the compassion of Lieberman and his expression of his Jewish faith, his dealing with his family problems, his concern over his cholersterol, etc. We become troubled over Hanrahan's seemingly suicidal and reckless behavior. Their friends experience sorrows, pain, and these two respond as I believe real cops would.. their actions are not always right, but we want to applaud some of their "rough justice" and we feel their compassion over the downtrodden.
I like Kaminsky's writing, the Toby Peters novels are usually more fun because they have more period stuff in them... I get the impression the Kamisky wanted this book to be a mystery, but instead it turned into a story about life, sprinkled with different philosophies and attitudes, which made it a pleasure to read.
Instead of attempting to actually solve a real mystery, with red herrings, etc. The Big Silence follows these two detectives through their personal lives and interaction with people around them. Then, they go on the job, but they don't do things the normal way at all. In fact, these two cops spend more time threatening bad guys then they do attempting to investigate anything.
So as a mystery, the story sort of flops. There are multiple crimes and multiple back stories interwined-- enough to make this seem a little like an episode of Adam 12-- dealing with so many different types of problems as they deal with driveway scam artists, threats on their lives, and insert themselves into the seamy underworld. As a mystery, the story just sort of collapses.
However, I gave the book three star because it moves away from the mold of the police procedural, while retaining some of that particluar element. We are moved by the compassion of Lieberman and his expression of his Jewish faith, his dealing with his family problems, his concern over his cholersterol, etc. We become troubled over Hanrahan's seemingly suicidal and reckless behavior. Their friends experience sorrows, pain, and these two respond as I believe real cops would.. their actions are not always right, but we want to applaud some of their "rough justice" and we feel their compassion over the downtrodden.
I like Kaminsky's writing, the Toby Peters novels are usually more fun because they have more period stuff in them... I get the impression the Kamisky wanted this book to be a mystery, but instead it turned into a story about life, sprinkled with different philosophies and attitudes, which made it a pleasure to read.
April 6, 2021
This book has everything for the lover of crime novels - fraud, justice served within and outside the law, suicide, kidnapping, murder, revenge - and humour. Ave Lieberman is the primary protagonist, and with his partner Bill Hanrahan, they make up the detective duo of The Rabbi and The Priest. There's just enough about their family lives included to give us a picture of their background, what makes them who they are. This is my first Kaminsky book, and I look forward to reading more about this duo.
October 11, 2022
Winding storyline with interesting twists, especially the end. Never saw it coming! 👍🏼 The romantic moments between the married couple are gentle, clear, and not explicit. What a gift from the author. The narrator deserves all his awards—for this one as well. All questions are answered fully at the end. But there’s a lead-in to the next episode that is intriguing…wish there’d been more.
I’d label it a mystery romance…
I’d label it a mystery romance…
April 22, 2024
This was one of the better books of the series.
To recap the series character updates:
Lieberman- His daughter is in town with marriage problems. Discussion comes up as to what to do with her kids. Final decision is to leave them with Bess and Abe
Hanrahan-Bill loses a subject during a stake out. Feels guilty but not really his fault. He is approached by Iris’s relatives to wait a year before marriage. He is against it, but with a little prodding from Lieberman, changes his mind.
Maish-Lieberman’s brother is having a very hard time dealing with the death of his son and his anger at God. Goes to see a shrink recommended by Abe. A shrink who lost his wife and child in a tragic auto accident
The main plot is about a CPA who works for a mobster. The CPA decides to turn in evidence and becomes a witness in protection. His wife and kid are being followed by Hanrahan. Wife is shot, boy is kidnapped.
A homeless man is terrorizing the neighborhood. Turns out he is an ex Pro football player. He scares a media chick who relives a traumatic rape that occurred several years ago and can’t recover. Father of media chick shoots homeless man.
Two men who meet in jail are released and become partners in crime robbing convenience stores. Lieberman and Hanrahan are on the case and find them after a robbery gone wrong.
There are other mini plots that appear throughout the book. It’s not confusing and they are easy to follow. Plus, it adds to the book. It’s not all about Abe and Bill and their personal problems. It’s more about life in Chicago.
This was a rare book where I couldn’t wait to get back to it and was eager to finish. Looking for the next book in the series....
To recap the series character updates:
Lieberman- His daughter is in town with marriage problems. Discussion comes up as to what to do with her kids. Final decision is to leave them with Bess and Abe
Hanrahan-Bill loses a subject during a stake out. Feels guilty but not really his fault. He is approached by Iris’s relatives to wait a year before marriage. He is against it, but with a little prodding from Lieberman, changes his mind.
Maish-Lieberman’s brother is having a very hard time dealing with the death of his son and his anger at God. Goes to see a shrink recommended by Abe. A shrink who lost his wife and child in a tragic auto accident
The main plot is about a CPA who works for a mobster. The CPA decides to turn in evidence and becomes a witness in protection. His wife and kid are being followed by Hanrahan. Wife is shot, boy is kidnapped.
A homeless man is terrorizing the neighborhood. Turns out he is an ex Pro football player. He scares a media chick who relives a traumatic rape that occurred several years ago and can’t recover. Father of media chick shoots homeless man.
Two men who meet in jail are released and become partners in crime robbing convenience stores. Lieberman and Hanrahan are on the case and find them after a robbery gone wrong.
There are other mini plots that appear throughout the book. It’s not confusing and they are easy to follow. Plus, it adds to the book. It’s not all about Abe and Bill and their personal problems. It’s more about life in Chicago.
This was a rare book where I couldn’t wait to get back to it and was eager to finish. Looking for the next book in the series....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2015
I admit to having a soft spot for Kaminsky. I have enjoyed his books and was excited to stumble across this Abe Lieberman series installment. I must admit that it was a bit uneven and failed to match some of the others in this series. Nevertheless, Kaminsky still managed to imbue it with humor and some great dialogue-- I do love Abe and the "Alter-cockers" at his brother's deli.
So, while less than the best Kaminsky novel, it was still an enjoyable read. G'nug.
So, while less than the best Kaminsky novel, it was still an enjoyable read. G'nug.
July 5, 2024
This one begins to do more than reveal the extent to Abe's crossing the lines side of intense police work. It's better than average in pacing and prose flow as well. Despite too much repetition of description or past circumstance covered by past series novels, it was probably overall the best novel of the series so far.
The Lieberman family situations are rather strange to me, but not at all unusual. It's just difficult to parse Lisa leaving her kids. Not my culture nor anywhere in my experience! If she is brilliant she is also a dingbat.
I will go on with this series but have too much other to do it properly very soon. Hanrahan did the right thing by waiting a year too.
It was masterful to put that feral dog's view in there. It was done and completed short and base attention to perfection. Hopefully he will appear in #7 and possibility even obtain a name. Le Perro is also developing full blown too. Kudos!
The Lieberman family situations are rather strange to me, but not at all unusual. It's just difficult to parse Lisa leaving her kids. Not my culture nor anywhere in my experience! If she is brilliant she is also a dingbat.
I will go on with this series but have too much other to do it properly very soon. Hanrahan did the right thing by waiting a year too.
It was masterful to put that feral dog's view in there. It was done and completed short and base attention to perfection. Hopefully he will appear in #7 and possibility even obtain a name. Le Perro is also developing full blown too. Kudos!
July 5, 2022
This is 100% police procedural with skinny, mustachioed Abe Lieberman as the protagonist. He’s a bit too cozy with gangsters and murderers for my tastes, and his forays into vigilante style justice tend to belie his folksy Rabbinical way of navigating the ups and downs of his everyday life.
The stereotypes are a bit much, including his alcoholic Irish Catholic partner and his bagel-noshing buddies at the deli. The denouement was predictable, I’m sorry to say.
I much prefer Kaminsky’s Russian detective series, with Inspector Rostnikov. Kaminsky seems to go out of his way to avoid the cliche in those stories. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find them in the bookstores and my local library has not a single copy of any book by this popular author.
The stereotypes are a bit much, including his alcoholic Irish Catholic partner and his bagel-noshing buddies at the deli. The denouement was predictable, I’m sorry to say.
I much prefer Kaminsky’s Russian detective series, with Inspector Rostnikov. Kaminsky seems to go out of his way to avoid the cliche in those stories. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find them in the bookstores and my local library has not a single copy of any book by this popular author.
March 25, 2019
I checked in with the Abe Lieberman series -- Jewish and Catholic cops paired in noir Chicago -- and was not disappointed.
The characters and plot are both good. But some of the actions of the police seem a bit dated and off-putting. You couldn't write this book today.
I'm glad I checked it out. But I don't think I will be reading the etnire series.
The characters and plot are both good. But some of the actions of the police seem a bit dated and off-putting. You couldn't write this book today.
I'm glad I checked it out. But I don't think I will be reading the etnire series.
March 23, 2023
A principal personagem continua a ser um mensch (yidich para uma pessoa ��s direitas, informalmente, um tipo porreiro), além de um excelente detective.
Um casamento é adiado e um cão adoptado.
Mais casos são resolvidos e tenta-se fazer justiça, nem sempre segundo as regras.
Um casamento é adiado e um cão adoptado.
Mais casos são resolvidos e tenta-se fazer justiça, nem sempre segundo as regras.
November 23, 2024
This was my first Abe Lieberman novel, and I will read more in this series. The characters are complex and interesting. The main story and side stories draw the reader in. It was a little difficult to learn who everyone was and how they fit into the picture, but the time invested paid off.
June 22, 2019
Another wonderful Abe Lieberman novel.
January 1, 2020
One big cliche. Kind of reminds me of the old Barney Miller sitcom.
July 23, 2023
A man who walks soft, has a strong character presence in his community needs to say very little to get the job done! I just can’t say that I agree with everything Abe does for his community.
October 31, 2024
Another wonderful entry into a terrific series. I recommend starting from the beginning. Abe is a wonderful character, as are his family, his colleagues and of course the "alter cockers".
July 19, 2024
The dialogues are great, the characters are interesting, and at its best it ranks up there among police procedurals. I gave it 3 stars because I felt there were too many storylines, but I definitely plan to read more of this author.
October 9, 2019
I'm not familiar with this series and the detectives are dealing with multiple cases (which real cops do). So it was a bit difficult to get into this book. Once I got into the characters things picked up. The fact that the story takes place on Chicago's North Side helped. The main story is about a kidnapping, but there is a lot going on for CPD detectives Abe Lieberman and Bill Hanrahan, in both their professional and private lives. They are old time cops, more interested in keeping the peace and protecting the innocent than running up their arrest records. The fact that one is Jewish and the other Irish Catholic helps and complicates their moral dilemmas.
As a Chicago sports fan I have one caveat. From local sports references the story takes place around 2000. But references to Lieberman and Hanrahan's time as high school athletes make them both at least ten years older than they are presented.
As a Chicago sports fan I have one caveat. From local sports references the story takes place around 2000. But references to Lieberman and Hanrahan's time as high school athletes make them both at least ten years older than they are presented.
November 1, 2019
This was another of the read-alouds that we kept reserved for when Lutrecia came to spend the day. It is # 18 on read-aloud list for 2016.
The central story revolves around an accountant who worked for a shady businessman and who has agreed to testify against him in court. When the man's estranged wife is killed and his son is kidnapped it is assumed that the shady businessman is trying to pressure the accountant to keep him from testifying.
There several other cases in the mix: two armed robbers who have been dubbed the Salt and Pepper Bandits, a huge homeless guy who has been terrorizing people in his neighbourhood and a crooked contractor who has been scamming senior citizens.
Hanrahan and Iris, Bess and the Temple, brother Maish, daughter Lisa and her family problems... Lieberman has a lot on his plate.
An entertaining read.
The central story revolves around an accountant who worked for a shady businessman and who has agreed to testify against him in court. When the man's estranged wife is killed and his son is kidnapped it is assumed that the shady businessman is trying to pressure the accountant to keep him from testifying.
There several other cases in the mix: two armed robbers who have been dubbed the Salt and Pepper Bandits, a huge homeless guy who has been terrorizing people in his neighbourhood and a crooked contractor who has been scamming senior citizens.
Hanrahan and Iris, Bess and the Temple, brother Maish, daughter Lisa and her family problems... Lieberman has a lot on his plate.
An entertaining read.
September 10, 2016
Abe Lieberman AKA the Rabbi and his partner Bill Hanrahan AKA the Priest try to come to terms with their lives. The young son of an informant is kidnapped after his mother is killed. Hanrahan was supposed to be guarding them. This brings all his demons out. The informant wants to deal mainly with Abe -- they knew each other in High School. Abe has to deal with his own family problems -- a daughter who wants to leave her children with Abe and is separated from her second husband and a brother who cannot get over the death of his son. Okay.
Want to read
October 26, 2007bought 10/13 from MOTB at author signing
February 20, 2011
An okay read.
May 30, 2015
mickey gornitz is govt witness. hanaran guards wife and son at motel. she is killed, son is kidnapped.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews