**I received a copy of this book from Midnight Ink via NetGalley in exchange for a fair, honest review.**


Living with Asberger's, Samuel Hoenig realizes his social skills are sometimes a bit off, but he puts his research talents to work by opening his own business, Questions Answered. For a fee, he will research any interesting questions put to him by clients. Sometimes, these questions lead him into investigating crimes. With his mother and associate, Mrs Washburn, at his side to help him, once he accepts a client's question, Samuel is on the case until he has the correct answer.

In this 3rd book in the An Asberger's Mystery series, Samuel accepts a question from a client who also falls within the Autism spectrum. Tyler Clayton wants to know if a convenience store clerk that he sees daily and who has been to his house to play video games is really his friend. Samuel investigates and answers the question. Clayton's reaction to the answer is not pleasant. Samuel is shocked when soon after the police inform him that the store clerk is dead, shot to death in the convenience store. Standing above the body with a gun in his hand was Tyler Clayton.

Because his answer to Clayton's question may be the reason the store clerk is dead, Samuel begrudgingly accepts another question from Tyler Clayton's brother -- Who killed the store clerk?? He doesn't believe Tyler pulled the trigger, but he will doggedly follow the clues no matter who is pinpointed as the murderer in the end.

I loved this book! Sometimes mystery novels, especially cozies, fall into a formula. A B = C....just with a bit of variation in pets, cute jobs, and campy side characters and the addition of recipes, themed tips or other extras added at the end of the book. This series breaks loose from that mold...focusing on a main character who lives with what most people would term a "disability'' that makes him stand out as different or odd. Samuel uses his unique personality and its positive points to run a research business for clients wanting answers to questions. With his support structure in place to prevent him making inadvertant social faux pas or to help him understand certain nuances of others behavior, Samuel follows each question to its undeniable, correct answer. Even when it requires him to investigate crimes.

The mystery is interesting and engaging, but my enjoyment of the story was more character-based. Having known several people with Asberger's, this book gave me some insight into their behavior that I didn't know before. It was so interesting to read Samuel's point-of-view about others behavior, about others with Asberger's and his thoughts on daily life. I also enjoyed his relationships with his mother and his friend, Mrs. Washburn. They aided him in his investigations....they did not attempt to "fix'' or direct him to change his personality, rather offered advise and opinions from a non-Asberger's viewpoint, and let him form his own conclusions. Available by text message when Samuel finds himself in difficulty, his mother lends her support without pressuring him or over-reacting. Their interactions were perfectly written and made the story more believable and engaging.

The mystery had several suspects, twists and perfect pace. I was engrossed in the story from beginning to end! At first, I really didn't know what to expect....a mystery novel with a main character who has Asberger's...I just wasn't sure if I would like it or not. I was pleasantly surprised!! Great book! Well-written plot and characterization! Samuel and his quirky habits are written in an honest, but endearing way. Asberger's and its effects on behavior are handled in a respectful, truthful manner. Samuel is who he is, and he uses his skills and talents to the best of his abilities.

I highly recommend this book to any reader who wants to step away from "formula'' mysteries and try something different, especially if they know anyone within the autism-spectrum.

EJ Copperman and Jeff Cohen are both pseudonyms for mystery novelist Jeffrey Cohen. This is the 3rd Asberger's Mystery. As Copperman, Cohen writes the Haunted Guesthouse mysteries (one of my favorite cozy series!). As Cohen, he writes the Aaron Tucker and Double Feature mystery series. I can honestly say this is my first experience with an author who collaborates with himself to write a mystery series. I applaud Cohen for his quirkiness that comes across in his novels! I am never disappointed -- fabulous books and very memorable author, no matter which pen-name or personality he is using at the time. :) Love it! Check out his author websites: www.ejcopperman.com and www.jeffcohenbooks.com/wp, ( )

This was interesting. I kept thinking about how people who have cognitive differences would react - and I enjoyed the plot, writing and characters. ( )

Samuel Koenig and Ms Washburn are once again on the spot answering the question of a younger Tyler (who is also on the spectrum): "Is Richard Handy my friend?"

After interviewing Richard (who works at the Quik-Mart), they find that he is not Tyler's friend, just someone who has been using Tyler's generosity (a $100 tip per day)...

After giving Tyler the answer, which he refuses to accept, Tyler storms off angrily and is subsequently found standing over Richard's lifeless body holding the gun that was used to shoot him in a state of speechlessness....

Later Tyler admits to shooting Richard, but the evidence points in another direction. ( )

This is the 3rd book in the Asperger's series by Copperman/Cohen and it was just as good as the first two. I do recommend reading this in order if you can because character development is a big part of this series. So in this one, Samuel is faced with another unique question, but this one is particularly tricky for him: A young man who also is on the autism spectrum comes to Samuel and wants to know if the man he calls his friend is actually his friend or not. This is not something Samuel can quantify with facts or data, and picking up on mannerisms, sarcasm, and emotion can be quite difficult. Ms. Washington will be needed more than ever to help Samuel with this request, but it turns out that there is more to the question than meets the eye, especially when the man who may or may not be his new client's friend ends up dead with Samuel's client left holding the gun. Samuel's client's autism makes it difficult to suss out what really happened, but Samuel and Ms. Washington are determined to find out the truth. It's nice to see Samuel interpret and analyze someone else on the spectrum aside from himself and work against the biases that some have towards people with autism. His relationship with Ms. Washington becomes a bit complicated as she navigates some personal issues in her life and he struggles not to cross professional boundaries. The mystery is interesting and I didn't quite see the angle that it was leading towards until right there at the end. Satisfying read and I hope the series is able to continue for a long time. ( )

I have enjoyed every one of Jeff Cohen's series, but I have to admit that this is my favorite. Cohen has arrived at a perfect blend of knowledge, character, mystery, humor, and heart. What a combination!

As the story unfolds, the mystery deepens. These questions are never as simple as they first appear. As Samuel uncovers more facts, it's obvious that his first hunch (the clerk is not Tyler's friend) was the correct one, but we're all left to wonder what on earth is going on. The mystery alone is worth the price of admission.

But what adds depth and heart to The Question of the Felonious Friend is the interplay between the characters. While Samuel's mother has a very small role in this book, we see more of Ms. Washburn's personal life and how Samuel reacts to it. The police in Piscataway, New Jersey, are slowly learning how to work with this young man, too. But for the first time we see Samuel in contact with someone else who's also on the autism spectrum. Tyler has not had the advantages that Samuel has. He has almost no social skills, and quickly becomes mute when stressed. Through Samuel and his relationship with Tyler, we learn how people who are on the autism spectrum should be treated... and how insensitive "normal" people usually are.

I've come to care a great deal for Jeff Cohen's characters. Their personalities and relationships are evolving with each new book. I sincerely hope that Samuel will be around to answer many more questions in the future. ( )