The Fifth Servant: A Novel - Softcover

Wishnia, Kenneth J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061725382 ISBN 13: 9780061725388

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, 2011

Synopsis

In 1592, Prague is a relatively safe refuge for Jews who live within the gated walls of its ghetto. But the peace is threatened when a young Christian girl is found with her throat slashed in a Jewish shop on the eve of Passover. Charged with blood libel, the shopkeeper and his family are arrested, and all that stands in the way of a rabid Christian mob is a clever Talmudic scholar, newly arrived from Poland, named Benyamin Ben-Akiva. Granted just three days to bring the true killer to justice—hampered by rabbinic law, with no allies or connections, and only his wits, knowledge, and faith to guide him—Benyamin sets off on a desperate search for answers. Following a twisting trail from the streets to the shul, from the forbidden back rooms of a ghetto brothel to the emperor Rudolf II's lavish palace, he will dare the impossible—and commit the unthinkable—to save the Jews of Prague . . . and himself.

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth Wishnia is the author of The Fifth Servant, and his crime fiction has been nominated for the Edgar and Anthony awards. He has a PhD in comparative literature and teaches composition, literature, and creative writing at Suffolk Community College on Long Island, where he lives with his wife and children.

Review

“Whatever you are currently reading, I promise you it is not nearly as intelligent, witty, compelling or entertaining as The Fifth Servant by Kenneth Wishnia....Wishnia makes history come alive.” (David Liss, author of The Devil's Company and The Whiskey Rebels)

“Well-developed characters and detailed portrayals of life at the time help make this historical crime thriller a gripping page-turner.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“Powerful . . . A densely philosophical yet surprisingly witty historical mystery.” (Booklist)

“The Fifth Servant offers a unique blend of mystery and Talmud set against an intriguing historical background.” (Linda Barnes, author of Lie Down with the Devil)

“The Fifth Servant proves that academia, wit, and compelling mystery may all be found in one book. And what a suspenseful, enthralling story this is―accessible and hugely entertaining, it is an astonishing novel.” (Ken Bruen, author of Sanctuary)

“The richness of the setting of The Fifth Servant is matched by the complexity and appeal of its characters. With apparent ease Kenneth Wishnia makes solid and real the sounds, sights, and smells of a vanished and legendary time.” (S.J. Rozan, Edgar Award-winning author of The Shanghai Moon)

“The Fifth Servant suceeds at its goal: to keep you turning pages, and, when you’re finished, wanting more.” (Forward)

“This fast-paced historical from Edgar nominee Wishnia (23 Shades of Black ) combines scholarly historical details that bring the 16th century alive with believable characters and a compelling mystery. Highly recommended for mystery lovers and fans of historical fiction. ” (Library Journal on THE FIFTH SERVANT)

“Think Sherlock Holmes with a dash of Woody Allen. Philip Roth and Stephen King. Mystery plus comedy. Detective novel meets Yiddish folk tale. Then add a little history and you have Kenneth Wishnia’s The Fifth Servant, a smart funny page turner that I hated to see end.” (The Jewish Journal)

A brilliantly imagined, beautifully written combination of scrupulously researched historical novel and riveting suspense thriller [with] a uniquely unforgettable protagonist. A richly atmospheric tale of religion, mystery, and intrigue.” (I Love a Mystery)

Edition details

• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0061725382
• ISBN 13: 9780061725388
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 398