This crime novel is set in an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in the hills of Los Angeles where a rape is alleged to have taken place. Peter Decker investigates but the community are unwilling to help. He finds some help in Rina, a young widow to whom he is attracted.
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This crime novel is set in an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in the hills of Los Angeles where a rape is alleged to have taken place. Peter Decker investigates but the community are unwilling to help. He finds some help in Rina, a young widow to whom he is attracted.
Read Less
I loved this book. It introduced me to Faye Kellerman, and I have read several more of her books that have the same characters in them. I have enjoyed each one. In fact, I am presently reading her latest one of the Decker/Lazarus series. The "Ritual Bath" introduces Rina, a beautiful young Orthodox Jewish widow, who works at the ritual bath. When a young woman who just left the building is raped, Peter Decker, the detective who responds to the call, is very "taken" with the lovely Rina, and she with him. He tells her to call anytime, which she does. It seems hopeless for two from such different backgrounds and religious beliefs to have a relationship. If you read this most enjoyable story, you will learn more about Peter Decker, which affects Rina's life, and that of her two young sons. I highly recommend the "Ritual Bath."
Sarita
Jan 9, 2008
Reading All Her Books Will Become Ritual
This novel was the one that got me hooked on Ms Kellermans the Rina Lazarus/Peter Decker detective series.
Ms Lazarus, a widower is raising and her 2 boys when a tradegy strikes at the Mikvah, the ritual bath using in Judaism.
While Ms Kellerman goes into Jewish rites, rituals and topics in her novels, that should not stop anyone from reading her novels.
Ms Kellermans evolves these 2 characters through several years and while one can certainly pick up any of the Lazarus/Deceker novels and read them out of order, she writes these stories following a time line, much like James Patterson does with his Alex Cross series.
In my mind, Ms Kellerman is a female James Patterson - and that is meant as a complete compliment!
lawbez
May 25, 2007
Insights into the Jewish community
Dont get me wrong due to the 3 stars i gave to Mrs Kellerman 's debut novel. It is a good book with a nice, simple plot that will leave you guessing until the last page. However i felt that the book focused a little too much on Jews, their beliefs, ways of living etc. Mind you it was very interesting at times and i learned a lot of things i didnt know of before. Not to mention that in almost every page we see the lead detective Decker 's attempts in making the beautiful Rina go out with him. 5 stars there for his efforts. I felt that in a relatively short book such as this there was few space left for the plot. However it s a nice debut novel that i recommend as a first for those who are new to Faye Kellerman.
