Sanctuary (Decker/Lazarus Novels)

I had trouble putting down this book from the very start -- it's a real page turner with a well-plotted mystery -- two of them actually -- keeping you going. The mysteries involve a family who has disappeared out of the blue -- he's a California diamond dealer, so perhaps this was part of a theft -- and a woman and children who arrive unexpectedly for a visit with Detective Decker and his family -- her husband is also a diamond dealer in a Chasidic community in New York. As Decker goes about trying to solve the disappearance of the California family, odd things begin happening with the New York family who are visiting -- they also disappear. Is there a connection?The mystery takes Decker and wife Rina to Israel, a major diamond cutting/dealing country. I learned a lot about diamonds and Israel reading this book, and for the most part really enjoyed it. The dialogue was more natural than in some Kellerman books I've read. But -- her pro-Jewish, anti-everything else sentiment was present in this book again, this time in an anti-Moslem bias. Why are metal boxes on door frames considered good religious practice but painting a doorway blue (as Moslems do) treated as superstitious? It seems to me that the customs of Orthodoxy Judaism are unusual enough that Kellerman should be more tolerant and openminded about the practices of other faiths.

In my book 'Sanctuary' is one of the best in the Peter Decker/ Rina Lazarus series. The story revolves around the missing husband of Rina's friend. The search takes Rina and Peter to Israel where we are treated to a fascinating tour of the West Bank and the diamond trade in Israel. What makes this entry so important today is the portrayal of the continuing conflict and violence that shapes Israel's future and her people. It is a pleasure to read a book that is both thoughtful and fun to read. My only other suggestion if you are new to Faye Kellerman is to start at the beginning with 'Ritual Bath' to see the relationship between Rina and Peter unfold. Then read all her books in the order in which they were written. Its a great series.

In my book, this title vies with 'Ritual Bath' and 'Justice' as Kellerman's best. As with 'Ritual Bath' the reader is treated to the all encompassing traditions of Judaism. Although the Honey Klein angle seems to get more emphasis in reviews, I found the diamond merchant subplot more believable and fascinating. Descriptions of Israel and the West Bank were super--I enoyed the travelogue. Faye, give us more!

I have now read all of Faye Kellerman's mysteries, and although I enjoyed every one, this is unquestionably her best in my opinion. The complexity of the story rivals that of a P.D. James, but the setting is familiarly California. I learned a great deal about Judaism and the fascinating world of diamond brokerage, but more importantly about the many roles that religion plays in our lives. It is, indeed, a "sanctuary," but can just as easily become a prison. Kellerman's characters are, as always, believeable and richly developed. I never tire of her books!

In the realm of popular mystery stories, Mrs Kellerman's Rina Lazarus/Peter Decker series is without par, and the one I just finished, Sanctuary, is no exception. The book combines an intriging mystery with a storyline that could have come out of yesterday's newspaper, together with the comforting touchstone of orthodox Judaic practice by people whom we end up truly caring about. The story is well-plotted, complex but not confusing, and the dialog rings true. I did not give it a "10", because I thought that should be reserved for books of fine literature or scholarship...but I was tempted. Cheryl Everett Montreal, QC Canada