DNF. I pride myself for finishing a book I start no matter how bad it is.
This was pretty bad. Every other word, or it seemed like it, was a yiddish word that had to be explained. It broke up the flow of the story and I just couldn't get into it. Meh. ( )

verbal-humor, situational-humor, senior-residence-facility, senior-sleuths, septuagenarian, Jewish, cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, family-dynamics, murder, murder-investigation*****

Rose and Ida live in a Jewish residence for the elderly who no longer choose to care for private residences and are still the same snoopy ladies they were forty years ago. This is the third time that they have gotten involved in a murder investigation and by now the local police detective agrees to their credibility. The victim is the home's manager and while they dislike him, they minimally agree to help investigate on his behalf. Great fun and lots of humor. All of the characters are well drawn and relatable, and the sleuthing is well done and has enough twists and red herrings to keep things going.
There are a lot of words used that I've heard all my life but never seen in print, so I'd really appreciate having this fun book in audio.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from The Wild Rose Press via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )

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 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.

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 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. ( )

This cozy murder mystery set in a Jewish senior citizen’s home is a quick, light, enjoyable read. It’s easy to imagine hearing the voice of our narrator, Ida, as she relays the story in an entertaining manner. The shtick is laid on pretty thick at times, but it works.
Thanks to the author for a free advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. ( )