Not Quite Kosher: An Abe Lieberman Mystery

The series about veteran Chicago cop Abe Lieberman is the least known of the at least four mystery series being written by the prolific and consistent Mr Kaminsky and this is a pity for they are always diverting and at times touch deeper wells than is often the case with the genre .I suspect there is much of the author in the Lieberman figure -Abe is a well wrought character whose job has exposed him to the seamier side of life in general and Chicago in particular but has not eroded his compassion and sympathy for the victims ,who often include his fellow law enforecement professionals .Here Abe is working on two cases -a robbery of a jewellery store and the death of its proprietor during the hold up ; and the murder of a Arnold Sokol which may well be gang related .These crimes in turn lead on to other deaths The criminals are accorded almost as much time as the cops and the portrait of the robber Wychovski in particular is a mini-masterpiece of economicallly but crisply drawen characterisation while the ethnic divisions of the city are unfussily and powerfully established Abe is a family man and time devoted to this aspect of his situation is for me a partial problem as I struggled with some of the Jewish background to the discussions but its a minor problem (others will not see it as such )Compassionate , humane and a quick read which unlike many such does not insult the intelligence or detarct from its having some sharp points to make To those new to the series I suggest starting with an earlier title , maybe Lieberman's Choice

I wrote a long review of The Big Silence---most of what was said there is relevant here. The mystery plots are top notch. The characters are rivalled only by R. Hill's Pascoe-Dalzeil charcters, but Kaminsky is less playful, intent on entertaining, but even more concerned that if you want to spend the time you can learn about the details and textures of life that matter (and inevitably illuminate you and your life). Read his novels, particularly, the Russian novels and Lieberman novels and spend some time with an author who is surely the Doestesfeski (sp) of mystery novels--don't be fooled by the ease of reading--in fact slow down and reflect on all the impt themes of life that Kaminsky presents for your consideration. ONly complaint: Abe is just too "sharp," knows too may people, makes too few mistakes---write at least one more Lieberman novel and give him a couple of deep flaws that will blend bumpily, but smoothly with Abe's skilled detective and people problems-- he needs a touch of larceny to penetrate his soul, create conflict and perhaps bring him down a peg or two (ala his partner, his boss Kearney, his daughter). Too good,sometimes grating. Still a GREAT READ. Also, try Midnight Pass (Fonesca novel) for another genre consumeing, genre transforming, genre transcending novel with the imperfect main character we need in our crime fiction.

Yes, this is a "fast and easy" read, but that is not a negativecomment. Author Kaminsky has the ability to create and projectcharacters of vastly different sensibilities and backgrounds, andhe always writes stories that move quickly and with ease.Det. Abe Lieberman is an old-time Chicago cop who has almostseen too much crime and too many characters, but he is determined to stay on the job and do his best to see that justiceis done. Even when doing justice means doing business withsome felons while pursuing others.Here, a robbery gone terribly wrong, when a low-level criminalof marginal ability trips and shoots a cooperating merchant,leads Lieberman and his Irish partner into a series of falseconfessions, low-lifes at each others throats, and sad commentaries on marriage and relationshiips.We also get to learn a little more about Jewish traditions thanmany readers will enjoy, but these heros are likeable peoplewho do good, and they keep working on their professional dutieswhile handling personal difficulties.Although this is a fast and easy read, it is also enjoyable andfun.

From its jarring opening at the scene of a robbery gone bad to the sad, clever twist at the end, Edgar-winner Kaminsky keeps the reader hooked with wry characterizations, dilemma-fed action and a well-organized plot. A man of earthy decency with a face like an old bloodhound and a quiet persistence to match, Chicago detective Abe Lieberman manages to stint neither his family nor his job as he starts his day with the confession of a would-be killer and moves on into the week with two murders to solve and a bar-mitzvah and a roof to pay for while his Irish partner, Bill Hanrahan, defies a Chinese tong leader to marry the woman he loves. Point of view shifts among the very bad day of a jewel thief on the run, Hanrahan, some middle-class punk kids mixed up in murder and Lieberman himself. An insomniac with high cholesterol and a love of good Jewish food, Lieberman maintains his good humored resignation to the things he cannot change while occasionally dispensing his own generous justice.Kaminsky's deadpan rythmn is reminiscent of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels, while his dark humor, morally centered plots, economical, observant prose and dogged, amiable hero set the series apart.