Mahjongg and Murder

By: Lynne Bernfield

Narrated by: Laura Patinkin

They knew they were close to exposing the murderer, but someone was holding all the jokers.

In June of 1956, Lily and her sister-in-law Syd are looking forward to another blissful summer with their families at the Bungalow Colony in the Catskill Mountains. But their hopes for a tranquil vacation are shattered when Lily accidentally stumbles on secret information, and a dead body is discovered in an abandoned bathtub. As the body count rises, Lily, Syd, and their Mahjongg partners Ruthie and Mary, uncover a sinister web of blackmail and intrigue with roots in the lingering dark shadows of World War II.

Careful not to expose the secret, or further endanger the innocent blackmail victims, the "Mahjongg Ladies" sift through a surprising number of people who could be guilty. All the while they continue doing their daily chores, attending the children's day camp events, creating the Saturday night extravaganzas, and most especially not missing even one of their daily Mahjongg games.

Drawing on the ten summers she and her family spent at a bungalow colony in the Catskill Mountains, Ms. Bernfield has crafted a charming memoir/mystery. In 1950s America, Jewish families were still excluded from many summer resorts; to avoid the heat they escaped in droves to a vibrant community in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. In towns like Monticello and Ellenville, alongside flashy hotels like The Concord, Grossinger's, and Kutcher's, dozens of cozy Kuchalayn (Bungalow colonies) had sprung up to welcome them. It is in one of these that the shocking events in Mahjongg and Murder take place.

©2023 Lynne Bernfield (P)2024 Lynne Bernfield

Nostalgia, humor and mystery

A well-written mystery, very entertaining with a reminder of how things use to be. More please!

50's Summer Time Nostalgia Mystery

This is the first in the Catskill Mystery series. Set in the nostalgic 1950’s, this short 2 ½ hour listen made me laugh out loud. Capturing the summertime Catskill cabin culture of the New Jersey Jewish families of the 50’s, this mystery was hilarious. Lily and Syd scramble around trying to solve a murder and theft. All the while trying to hide what they are doing from their husbands and recruiting their ladies' Mahjongg club to help.

Laura Patinkin did an amazing job with the narration. Her Jersey accent was spot on and really drew you in to the story.

If you are looking for a quick funny listen, I highly recommend this audiobook.

***I received a free copy of this audiobook and this is my own, unbiased review.**

Delightful Catskills memories.

The wonderful borscht belt descriptions bring back such happy times. I smiled as I so enjoyed this book.

Super cute!

This was a very short/quick read that sorta took me back into a simpler time. It packed carefree summer vibes, but still had bodies turning up everywhere. Heavy with gossip and cozy vibes, it did also have police involvement. It wrapped up quickly and thoroughly—would be open to more from this author.

3.5 stars.


🎧 Audio:
The narrator did a great job, and the overall sound quality was good. 4 stars.