As per usual with me, it took me longer than it should have to finish this book. Unfortunately, I have a habit of putting books down for extended periods of time. I thoroughly enjoyed The Yiddish Policemen's Union. The main character is extremely likable, and the scope of the book's plot line took me by surprise.

This is the second book I've read by Mr. Chabon. I read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay a little over a decade ago. I enjoyed that story, but found parts of it a little slow, and was mildly disappointed by the ending. Somehow, I found it anti-climactic. I've discussed this with a friend who is a big Chabon fan, and whom also recommended Yiddish Policemen's Union as it is his favorite by Chabon (and one of his favorite books in general). I can't even describe exactly what it was about Kavalier and Clay that didn't quite work for me, it was simply an emotion at the end, as I had really enjoyed much of the story and the two main characters.

Anyway, that's just a little background intended to heighten my praise for The Yiddish Policemen's Union. For me, this story never slowed. The pace held throughout, and the mystery unraveled in such a way that I wasn't even trying to figure it out as I read. I simply enjoyed, and to be frank was pleasantly caught off guard by the end. It was certainly not anti-climactic as I had found K&C.

The world Chabon builds in YPU was so artfully done, I didn't realize it was historical fiction. I just thought I didn't know much about Sitka, Alaska...

So, with The Yiddish Policemen's Union you are presented a strong mystery, a wonderfully crafted setting, a touch of supernatural, and three highly endearing heroes. If you enjoy a good detective story, The Yiddish Policemen's Union comes highly recommended.