Martin S. Cohen’s third novel is a rambling, discursive mystery that sends its kindly protagonist, Michael Prager, on a search to uncover an ancient secret. Shaped by the minutiae of Jewish lore and erudite biblical references, Prager’s quest is at once engaging and bewildering.

Cohen’s background (a rabbi in Richmond, B.C., he holds a PhD in the history of ancient Judaism) is evident throughout this novel. He brings to fiction a penchant for biblical interpretation, and an astonishing knowledge of Jewish history and practice. The Sword of Goliath is the work of a learned man who leavens his text with humour and fantasy.

Prager and his partner, failed rabbi Fred Finkleman, are the proprietors of a thriving business that provides ice-cream tombstone replicas to Jewish funerals. During the traditional week of shiva, mourners grieve by consuming the tombstones. This business connects Prager and Finkleman with Otokar Zidek, a Czech who commissions ice-cream tombstones to replicate those in the ancient Jewish cemetery in Prague. When the enigmatic Zidek takes Prager into his confidence by showing him an ancient relic and sharing with him a mysterious curse, a bond is formed that unites the men. Almost against his will, Prager is drawn into the task of solving Zidek’s mystery.

Lengthy monologues interupt the story, reading like weighty, interminable sermons. Further, the plot relies too heavily on bizarre events such as the natural birth of twins to a 61-year-old woman, and the unnatural longevity of characters who never show signs of aging. Finally, Cohen’s female characters lack depth. Julia Prager, for example, is often caricatured as the acerbic wife of Michael.

Cohen’s interest in fantasy is signalled by the novel’s subtitle, A Co(s)mic Mystery. Despite a complex mystery, this is really a simple world where difficulties are overcome easily, resolutions are realized with minimal effort, and money is usually abundant. However, it is difficult to accept the uncomplicated world view that serves as backdrop to the intriguing mystery that drives the novel’s richly textured plot.