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Crime Scene Jerusalem
Maxwell Odom is one of the nation's top crime-scene investigators. While staying at a hotel in Jerusalem, he steps out to meet his driver and discovers he has been miraculously transported to ancient Jerusalem in the days following Jesus' crucifixion.
According to his guide, the only way for Odom to return to his own time is by solving a historical crime—a conspiracy of the many to kill the One. Attempting to run a modern forensics investigation in the first century, he is forced to look at his own beliefs, attitudes, and life in a whole new light.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
56 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Alton Gansky
74 books121 followersAlton Gansky is the author of 30 books--24 of them novels, including the Angel Award winner Terminal Justice and Christy Award finalist A Ship Possessed. A frequent speaker at writing conferences, he holds a BA and MA degrees in biblical studies. Alton and his wife reside in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 16, 2012
This book for me is an eye opener. I cried reading the book because I was already in the state of non-believing. I'm not a very religious person but it made me remember that GOD suffered so much for US. It may be true or it may not be (the thought of having GOD), but I won't loose anything if I believe, right?
March 31, 2024
Wow. Let me just...take a breath and gather my thoughts before I write this review.
Okay. Here goes.
I randomly ran across this treasure in a thrift store. As I'm currently going through the CSI series, naturally the terms "forensics" and "Crime Scene" draw me in and prick at my interest. I almost re-shelved this book thinking, I don't need another book to add to my TBR list and then I noticed that Terri Blackstock highly recommended this book so that's what convinced me to try it out. And I am so glad that I did.
Can I just selfishly say that this book reminds me so much of my own novel, Broken For You (even though the main characters are vastly different from one another,) it was refreshing to read it. I mean, wow. It was so similar in so many ways it made me cry.
The book details a forensic expert miraculously finding himself in first century Jerusalem. The forensic expert, Max, has an inner dialogue of gold. Cynical, yes, but delicious to read each word at the first three chapters and then only getting better from there. I loved Yoshua from the moment that I met him (The "fantasy fish" really got me!) and I suspected that he was Jesus so toward the end as he started doing things for Max (I won't even tell what things because I want people to read this book and not have me give away spoilers) it warmed my heart. What a hero...and I mean that in the literal sense of the word.
The writing style was a masterpiece. Somehow the author managed to take something and tell it in such a way that it wasn't overly descriptive but with words so evocative that I could see everything he was describing. Hear it. Feel it. Page-turn to the next chapter despite disciplining myself to read a chapter a day and finish on Resurrection Sunday. The descriptives he used, though. "My soul drained through a hole in my toes." "The floor drank the heat from my body." I mean... *chef's kiss* This is how I want to write but this is so much inspiration that I can only hope to be this good someday.
That being said, the author didn't hold back and for that, I'm thankful. Nevertheless I will let you know that there is a chapter dealing with crucifixion and another one dealing with teh beating that proceeds crucifixion. While not overly graphic like "The Passion of the Christ" movie, it was still graphic. The chapters are short and very hard to read but so very hard hitting because it really brings home that Jesus went through that...for us. And let me tell you, it imparted it so much to me reading it through Max's POV that I haven't been able to forget it, even though today dawns a week since I read it.
There were a few things that I'd like to point out that I didn't quite agree with. **this is a spoiler but** There is a scene where it mentions that Yoshua gets some busted ribs from a...erm, fight. You'll understand when you read it. But the Messiah can't have any broken bones so that was something I found to be off. And also there is a point where Mary says "I told the servants to do exactly as He said. This obligated Him to act" and it sounds too close to the teaching that Mary was the one who told Christ it was time to start his ministry. This wasn't the case, it wasn't Mary, it was the Father who guided Jesus' every way. But other than that, the accuracy was so refreshing. I love how the author added footnotes for any reference that he had. Thank you for that...that just shows that his writings and beliefs were backed up by something, particularly Scripture and that we can seek it out for ourselves. Wow. I love this book so much. Highly, highly recommend. I will read it again.
Characters: 5/5. Writing style: 10/5 stars. Descriptive, 5/5. The fact that it had to end: 0/5. :D
Thanks for putting up with this long review. I just had to gush for a little while. Thank you all and Happy Resurrection Day!
Okay. Here goes.
I randomly ran across this treasure in a thrift store. As I'm currently going through the CSI series, naturally the terms "forensics" and "Crime Scene" draw me in and prick at my interest. I almost re-shelved this book thinking, I don't need another book to add to my TBR list and then I noticed that Terri Blackstock highly recommended this book so that's what convinced me to try it out. And I am so glad that I did.
Can I just selfishly say that this book reminds me so much of my own novel, Broken For You (even though the main characters are vastly different from one another,) it was refreshing to read it. I mean, wow. It was so similar in so many ways it made me cry.
The book details a forensic expert miraculously finding himself in first century Jerusalem. The forensic expert, Max, has an inner dialogue of gold. Cynical, yes, but delicious to read each word at the first three chapters and then only getting better from there. I loved Yoshua from the moment that I met him (The "fantasy fish" really got me!) and I suspected that he was Jesus so toward the end as he started doing things for Max (I won't even tell what things because I want people to read this book and not have me give away spoilers) it warmed my heart. What a hero...and I mean that in the literal sense of the word.
The writing style was a masterpiece. Somehow the author managed to take something and tell it in such a way that it wasn't overly descriptive but with words so evocative that I could see everything he was describing. Hear it. Feel it. Page-turn to the next chapter despite disciplining myself to read a chapter a day and finish on Resurrection Sunday. The descriptives he used, though. "My soul drained through a hole in my toes." "The floor drank the heat from my body." I mean... *chef's kiss* This is how I want to write but this is so much inspiration that I can only hope to be this good someday.
That being said, the author didn't hold back and for that, I'm thankful. Nevertheless I will let you know that there is a chapter dealing with crucifixion and another one dealing with teh beating that proceeds crucifixion. While not overly graphic like "The Passion of the Christ" movie, it was still graphic. The chapters are short and very hard to read but so very hard hitting because it really brings home that Jesus went through that...for us. And let me tell you, it imparted it so much to me reading it through Max's POV that I haven't been able to forget it, even though today dawns a week since I read it.
There were a few things that I'd like to point out that I didn't quite agree with. **this is a spoiler but** There is a scene where it mentions that Yoshua gets some busted ribs from a...erm, fight. You'll understand when you read it. But the Messiah can't have any broken bones so that was something I found to be off. And also there is a point where Mary says "I told the servants to do exactly as He said. This obligated Him to act" and it sounds too close to the teaching that Mary was the one who told Christ it was time to start his ministry. This wasn't the case, it wasn't Mary, it was the Father who guided Jesus' every way. But other than that, the accuracy was so refreshing. I love how the author added footnotes for any reference that he had. Thank you for that...that just shows that his writings and beliefs were backed up by something, particularly Scripture and that we can seek it out for ourselves. Wow. I love this book so much. Highly, highly recommend. I will read it again.
Characters: 5/5. Writing style: 10/5 stars. Descriptive, 5/5. The fact that it had to end: 0/5. :D
Thanks for putting up with this long review. I just had to gush for a little while. Thank you all and Happy Resurrection Day!
September 3, 2008
The main character in this novel is a crime-scene investigator who finds himself in a time he knows nothing about investigating the death of Jesus. He learns how the tragic events in his personal life intersect those of the first century. This is a page turner that get better with each page.
September 23, 2024
Fun fact: this book took me 6 years to read.
I bought it in 2018 as a Christian in college for criminal justice (initially forensics, but I soon learned the lab was not my strong suit and switched majors). Jesus and Crime Scene Investigation? This book seemed right up my alley. Count me in.
The first few chapters didn't initially catch my interest, though. It was very cryptic and a slow start, so when school got busy, I put it down and stopped making time to read it. Admittedly, I'd forgotten about it for about three years. Then I picked it back up, read a couple more chapters, still felt the same way, and put it down again. If any of you currently reading this book feel the same way, I encourage you to power through and continue, because it gets so good.
Then, I got closer with the Lord. I'd been a Christian since the age of 7, but it wasn't until my early 20's that I got serious about my relationship with Christ. One day, after delving a little bit deeper into the life of Jesus and forming a desire to know about him as a human and not just my Heavenly Savior, I picked the book back up again and didn't put it down until it was finished.
**SPOILER** This book includes the very descriptive nature of a crucifixion, and while I'd read about it in the Bible, the Holy Book is not as descriptive about it as the author is in this book. It truly put into perspective the absolute brutality my Savior endured for someone as unworthy as I. From the hatred, disrespect, and beatings beforehand, to the description of the whipping and carrying the cross, how He was put upon it, how He likely came off of it, and even how His loved ones likely felt to witness it, I was absolutely bawling while reading. Even if you're not a believer, the historically accurate description of a crucifixion will have you sick to your stomach at how anyone could inflict such cruelty to another human, regardless of the crime they may have (or may not have) committed.
It very much humbled me, and I prayed right on the spot in sheer thankfulness for what Jesus did for me--an innocent man who took that on because He loves me more than my human brain can fathom. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to put Jesus, His life, His home, and His loved ones into a better perspective.
I bought it in 2018 as a Christian in college for criminal justice (initially forensics, but I soon learned the lab was not my strong suit and switched majors). Jesus and Crime Scene Investigation? This book seemed right up my alley. Count me in.
The first few chapters didn't initially catch my interest, though. It was very cryptic and a slow start, so when school got busy, I put it down and stopped making time to read it. Admittedly, I'd forgotten about it for about three years. Then I picked it back up, read a couple more chapters, still felt the same way, and put it down again. If any of you currently reading this book feel the same way, I encourage you to power through and continue, because it gets so good.
Then, I got closer with the Lord. I'd been a Christian since the age of 7, but it wasn't until my early 20's that I got serious about my relationship with Christ. One day, after delving a little bit deeper into the life of Jesus and forming a desire to know about him as a human and not just my Heavenly Savior, I picked the book back up again and didn't put it down until it was finished.
**SPOILER** This book includes the very descriptive nature of a crucifixion, and while I'd read about it in the Bible, the Holy Book is not as descriptive about it as the author is in this book. It truly put into perspective the absolute brutality my Savior endured for someone as unworthy as I. From the hatred, disrespect, and beatings beforehand, to the description of the whipping and carrying the cross, how He was put upon it, how He likely came off of it, and even how His loved ones likely felt to witness it, I was absolutely bawling while reading. Even if you're not a believer, the historically accurate description of a crucifixion will have you sick to your stomach at how anyone could inflict such cruelty to another human, regardless of the crime they may have (or may not have) committed.
It very much humbled me, and I prayed right on the spot in sheer thankfulness for what Jesus did for me--an innocent man who took that on because He loves me more than my human brain can fathom. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to put Jesus, His life, His home, and His loved ones into a better perspective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a well told story following Yeshua’s last few days, cruxifixction and resurrection.
My biggest dislike about the book was the authors attempt to use first century names. At times “John” was “John”. Yet at other times, a different “John” was “Yochanan”. There are no “J” in the Greek or Hebrew yet the main character used it frequently when talking about Jesus and another Joseph. Jesus, John, and Joseph are all “King James” names. They were never used in first century Israel. I think it needed to be more consistent in sticking with first century language. Although I am no scholar, I have always been led to believe that the 1st century Jews spoke Hebrew and Greek, but Latin was not introduced until later.
It was wonderful to watch Max start to doubt his belief that there was no God to full on surrender.
I knew from the beginning that Yoshua would end up being Yeshua. It was pretty obvious from the beginning. The author never explained how through out the book Yoshua was known by all, even some of the Sanhedrin, but yet he turned out to be Yeshua. It didn’t seem to make sense in the end.
I liked the idea of the time travel to do a forensic case on Jesus. It was an awesome idea. I wish some how the evidence could have remained or there’d been some way to process it in the first century, but I realize both would be impossible. I also liked the interaction he made between Max and many mentioned in the Bible. To think of meeting them someday is a really exciting thought, but with Max’s calloused mind it was impossible to be excited or believe.
All and all it was interesting and nicely written, but no surprises.
Oh, I also was disappointed how Max got back to the present. I don’t know what I expected, but that was disappointing as well.
The end was great! Making the story of Max a book was a great touch.
If you like time travel and stories about our Saviors sacrifice, then I recommend this book!
My biggest dislike about the book was the authors attempt to use first century names. At times “John” was “John”. Yet at other times, a different “John” was “Yochanan”. There are no “J” in the Greek or Hebrew yet the main character used it frequently when talking about Jesus and another Joseph. Jesus, John, and Joseph are all “King James” names. They were never used in first century Israel. I think it needed to be more consistent in sticking with first century language. Although I am no scholar, I have always been led to believe that the 1st century Jews spoke Hebrew and Greek, but Latin was not introduced until later.
It was wonderful to watch Max start to doubt his belief that there was no God to full on surrender.
I knew from the beginning that Yoshua would end up being Yeshua. It was pretty obvious from the beginning. The author never explained how through out the book Yoshua was known by all, even some of the Sanhedrin, but yet he turned out to be Yeshua. It didn’t seem to make sense in the end.
I liked the idea of the time travel to do a forensic case on Jesus. It was an awesome idea. I wish some how the evidence could have remained or there’d been some way to process it in the first century, but I realize both would be impossible. I also liked the interaction he made between Max and many mentioned in the Bible. To think of meeting them someday is a really exciting thought, but with Max’s calloused mind it was impossible to be excited or believe.
All and all it was interesting and nicely written, but no surprises.
Oh, I also was disappointed how Max got back to the present. I don’t know what I expected, but that was disappointing as well.
The end was great! Making the story of Max a book was a great touch.
If you like time travel and stories about our Saviors sacrifice, then I recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by Alton Gansky. I will say that I definitely like his writing style. His sense of humor is right up my alley. This story reminds me of another one that I have read and enjoyed, Broken For You by Autumn Slaght. The premise of the story line is very similar, but each story comes at it from a different angle.
There were a couple of items in the story that I did not agree with, but I will not list it here as it would give spoilers to those who have not yet read the story. I think that I am going to look for this author and pick up another book. I do highly recommend this book.
There were a couple of items in the story that I did not agree with, but I will not list it here as it would give spoilers to those who have not yet read the story. I think that I am going to look for this author and pick up another book. I do highly recommend this book.
January 3, 2025
Amazing book. It really brought the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection, to life. Despite knowing the story of Jesus' death and resurecction almost through in through, I still learned more about it. This book really made me think about the in between moments that weren't recorded in scripture and gave real explanations to some of my questions. I loved learning more about the culture and world of first century Jerusalem alongside the "investigation." It really helped me to better understand the events and people involved. This is a page turner, and I could not stop reading. I highly recommend everyone read this book.
October 19, 2024
Our doubt do not change the facts.
This is a book that looks at the truth by one who doubted and in the end had to accept reality. I enjoyed this book and f the way the author treated the subject creating characters that filled I the gaps left by the gospel writers in a way that fit and kept the original intent. I would recommend this book to any adult who would commit to read it all.
This is a book that looks at the truth by one who doubted and in the end had to accept reality. I enjoyed this book and f the way the author treated the subject creating characters that filled I the gaps left by the gospel writers in a way that fit and kept the original intent. I would recommend this book to any adult who would commit to read it all.
November 30, 2025
An amazing read!
This book takes you on a journey that everyone needs to experience. It's a story that many people know, but many don't really take the time to truly think about the details. I highly recommend taking the time to read it!
This book takes you on a journey that everyone needs to experience. It's a story that many people know, but many don't really take the time to truly think about the details. I highly recommend taking the time to read it!
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November 12, 2019Awesome book didn't want it to end Would read again
April 1, 2020
Well written but if you know the story of Jesus' death well from reading the Bible, it's pretty simple and predictable.
October 20, 2020
A brutal, intriguing look at the crucifixion of Christ. It would have had four stars but the typos were killing me.
December 28, 2021
I really enjoyed the first person perspective of historical events.
December 16, 2010
It sounded lulzy (jaded CSI guy gets sent back in time to ancient-day Jerusalem!) so I am giving it a shot.
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ETA:
Woah, this book is irritating and boring all in one. The main character gets transported by his driver into ancient-day Jerusalem right after Jesus' death. But instead of explaining anything, the Enigmatic Driver forces the CSI guy to haul his kit around to various sites where Jesus was prior to death and have him "investigate" them. Which is ridiculous, since as soon as the CSI guy reports a conclusion, the Enigmatic Driver spouts some Bible verses that describe exactly what happened.
So really, there is no true investigating happening, because what happened is no mystery to anyone but the poor, non-believing schmo of a lead character who must be dragged into loving Jesus through time-travelling coercion. Seriously. To cap all this off, the lead character alienates readers by being overbearing, whiny, and repetitive in his petulance, though I mostly blame the author's writing style for this than the character, since it is hinted in no obvious terms that his family had been killed prior to him time-travelling against his will.
Lastly, if the main character is an middle-aged, depressed, balding, somewhat-out-of-shape guy, why did they put such a chipper young thing on the cover? Curse you, false advertising!
---------------
ETA:
Woah, this book is irritating and boring all in one. The main character gets transported by his driver into ancient-day Jerusalem right after Jesus' death. But instead of explaining anything, the Enigmatic Driver forces the CSI guy to haul his kit around to various sites where Jesus was prior to death and have him "investigate" them. Which is ridiculous, since as soon as the CSI guy reports a conclusion, the Enigmatic Driver spouts some Bible verses that describe exactly what happened.
So really, there is no true investigating happening, because what happened is no mystery to anyone but the poor, non-believing schmo of a lead character who must be dragged into loving Jesus through time-travelling coercion. Seriously. To cap all this off, the lead character alienates readers by being overbearing, whiny, and repetitive in his petulance, though I mostly blame the author's writing style for this than the character, since it is hinted in no obvious terms that his family had been killed prior to him time-travelling against his will.
Lastly, if the main character is an middle-aged, depressed, balding, somewhat-out-of-shape guy, why did they put such a chipper young thing on the cover? Curse you, false advertising!
October 2, 2009
Crime Scene Investigator Max Odom heads to Jerusalem to speak on technological advances and get away from the nightmare that his life has become. When his driver escorts him not to the conference but instead back in time to the most pivotal time in history - the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ - Max must examine the scene with modern eyes. This hardened man out of time meets disciples, rulers, and other Biblical characters and visits the garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha and the tomb as his guide Yoshua leads the way. The Bible account is put on trial against science, and the investigator must come to terms with the pain haunting his heart. Please note there are some very brutal scenes here, but we need those occasionally so the meaning of our salvation does not become something we take for granted.
August 18, 2011
I really loved this book. I really did not know how the author was going to tie everything together, but he sure did, only the way that Alton Gansky can. Not only have I recommended this to others like my mother but I have lent it to her and she has finished it in record time. It is just one of those books that you really cannot put down. The Gospel message is all thru this book and it is really good to see how it works on the main character's life throughout the story. Not only does he seem aloof to how this is working in his life, but he is fighting it all the way without knowing he is fighting it. I cannot let you know how it ends, but even though a person can see where the story is leading, it still is neat to see how the author gets to that point. I would and will highly recommend this book.
July 9, 2012
This book was gritty, intense, and very real. You felt like you were in Jerusalem yourself, walking in the shoes of Max Odom. The attention to forensic detail enthralls you while the story keeps you glued to every page. As a believer, I liked how Yoshua Ben Joseph (Yeshua Ha Massiach) guides the investigator through a story that brings him to making a decision about to whom his life really belongs.
March 29, 2018
Felt like you were REALLY there...
When they crucified my Lord. I finished reading this book the Thursday that we think of when Jesus the Son of God died on that cross for not only mine but everyone's sins. I was so moved by this book that it really made me think about how many people reject that Jesus is God and that He loves us so much. This book will bring you to tears when you relive Christ's last days through the eyes of Max Odem.
Cindy Hunt
When they crucified my Lord. I finished reading this book the Thursday that we think of when Jesus the Son of God died on that cross for not only mine but everyone's sins. I was so moved by this book that it really made me think about how many people reject that Jesus is God and that He loves us so much. This book will bring you to tears when you relive Christ's last days through the eyes of Max Odem.
Cindy Hunt
December 27, 2017
The story was excellent....I couldn't put it down! I only have it 4 stars because there were many grammatical errors and it wasn't proofread well. Words were missing, there were spelling errors, and it was difficult to figure out who was speaking because paragraphs ran together. I would recommend it though.
May 18, 2018
This was a very interesting book of Biblically Based fiction. As a person who grew up in the Church I enjoyed reading and figuring out what Bible character was being represented. Some I recognized right away others took a bit longer. I also appreciated the bits of humor to help balance out the serious topic. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Christ.
January 17, 2008
This was about a CSI tech sent to Jersualem and when he steps out of the hotel he is transported back 2000 years to a few days after Jesus is risen from the dead. This book gives a different perspective of the 2000 year old "crime scene".
March 26, 2014
I enjoyed this fictional time travel piece back to Jerusalem after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The crime scene investigator is not a believer, and how he processes the evidence makes a very good read before Easter.
February 10, 2017
What do you think it would be like if you suddenly stepped back in time to when Christ was on earth? This is an interesting look at the time just following the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Well worth reading. As you get closer to the end, it's almost like you are the main character.
January 21, 2017
Did not like this at all. One of only two books I could not finish in my entire life. I will read almost anything, especially if it's free but not this. Subject matter was good just not well written. Will not be reading anything else by this author.
November 28, 2016
It was Ok. Not the best book I've ever read. I wish it would have gotten into better detail of the times and what all happened. It just kind of skimmed by with the information given. Didn't make me want to read more.
January 2, 2017
Very intense portrayal of the death and resurrection of Jesus through first-person accounts of those who played a role. The twist is that it is a 21st century criminalist who is led by his guide to Investigate the crime, talk to witnesses, and will be forever changed.
October 4, 2018
I read the first edition of this, had a different cover than this edition and it was published before 2015. I did enjoy it but not a 5 star for me. This was before I started my review blog, so no record of the review.
August 20, 2020
If you believe this story, u would start wondering the extent to which Jesus goes to captivate a man's heart. U'd even ask Him if He would go this far for the ones you're praying for. Read and fall in love!!
January 7, 2011
Gansky wrote a thought provoking story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 9, 2013
Crime Scene Jerusalem by Alton Gansky is an excellent Christian Fiction Mystery novel. A superb blend of crime scene investigation, time travel, and suspense make this novel quite entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews