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Ike Schwartz Mystery #6
The Eighth Veil: A Jerusalem Mystery
Jerusalem, 28 CE. When a servant girl is found in the palace of King Herod Antipas, her throat cut, Prefect Pontius Pilate coerces Gamaliel, the chief rabbi, into investigating the girl's death. Gamaliel is a Talmudic scholar, not a sleuth. But as he learns more of the dead girl's background and that of some key suspects, he begins to fit the evidence together.
Paperback
First published May 27, 2010
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About the author
Frederick Ramsay
22 books19 followersDr. Frederick Ramsay was born in Baltimore, the son of a respected teacher researcher and scientist. He graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia and received his doctorate from the University of Illinois. After a stint in the Army, he joined the faculty of the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, where he taught Anatomy, Embryology and Histology; engaged in research and served as an Associate Dean. During this time he also pursued studies in theology and in 1971 was ordained an Episcopal priest.
Leaving academia, he tried his hand at a variety of vocations. At one time or another, he served as a Vice President for Public Affairs, worked as an insurance salesman, a tow man and line supervisor at Baltimore’s BWI airport, a community college instructor, and substitute. Finally, he accepted a full time position as a clergyman.
He is now retired from full-time ministry and writes fiction.
Dr. Ramsay is the author of several scientific and general articles, tracts, theses, and co-author of The Baltimore Declaration. He is an iconographer, an accomplished public speaker and once hosted a television spot, Prognosis, on the evening news for WMAR-TV, Baltimore. He currently lives in Surprise, Arizona with his wife and partner, Susan.
Leaving academia, he tried his hand at a variety of vocations. At one time or another, he served as a Vice President for Public Affairs, worked as an insurance salesman, a tow man and line supervisor at Baltimore’s BWI airport, a community college instructor, and substitute. Finally, he accepted a full time position as a clergyman.
He is now retired from full-time ministry and writes fiction.
Dr. Ramsay is the author of several scientific and general articles, tracts, theses, and co-author of The Baltimore Declaration. He is an iconographer, an accomplished public speaker and once hosted a television spot, Prognosis, on the evening news for WMAR-TV, Baltimore. He currently lives in Surprise, Arizona with his wife and partner, Susan.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 20, 2016
One of the perks of membership in the Historical Novel Society is their magazine that consists mainly of book reviews arranged by century. There’s usually not much for Late Antiquity [1st-5th century], but I eagerly check anyway. Imagine my astonishment when I saw the review of “Holy Smoke” by Frederick Ramsay, the second of his “Jerusalem Mysteries,” which takes place in 1st century Roman Palestina and stars as master detective – Rabban Gamliel, head of the Sanhedrin.
Ancient Talmudic scholar solves murder mysteries! How could I pass up such a hero, especially when the novel was well reviewed and available in my local library? Since this was Book II, I checked out Book I, “The Eighth Veil." I admit to some trepidation after reading Ramsay’s author bio and learning that he is a retired Episcopal priest. But I figured that if this were a thinly disguised effort to promote Christianity, I would immediately stop reading and post a scathing review online.
But to my surprise, Jesus, while mentioned in passing as an itinerant rabbi in the North, is neither a character nor an important figure. Ramsay paints a fairly accurate picture of 1st century Judaism and the difficulties Jerusalem Jews faced living under King Herod and Pontius Pilate. Gamliel is the voice of Rabbinic Judaism, which puts him in some conflict with the High Priest, but all this is in the background of the murder mystery that first and foremost shows how Gamliel, in classic reluctant detective mode, goes about discovering the truth so he can get back to his studies.
I’ve been a murder mystery fan for as long as I can remember, devouring Agatha Christie, PD James, Ellis Peters, Dorothy Sayers, Arthur Conan Doyle, etc. After reading both of Ramsay’s “Jerusalem Mysteries,” I’m pleased to discover a novelist who does a pretty good job of combining this genre with my current passion, history of rabbis in Late Antiquity. Who knew?
Ancient Talmudic scholar solves murder mysteries! How could I pass up such a hero, especially when the novel was well reviewed and available in my local library? Since this was Book II, I checked out Book I, “The Eighth Veil." I admit to some trepidation after reading Ramsay’s author bio and learning that he is a retired Episcopal priest. But I figured that if this were a thinly disguised effort to promote Christianity, I would immediately stop reading and post a scathing review online.
But to my surprise, Jesus, while mentioned in passing as an itinerant rabbi in the North, is neither a character nor an important figure. Ramsay paints a fairly accurate picture of 1st century Judaism and the difficulties Jerusalem Jews faced living under King Herod and Pontius Pilate. Gamliel is the voice of Rabbinic Judaism, which puts him in some conflict with the High Priest, but all this is in the background of the murder mystery that first and foremost shows how Gamliel, in classic reluctant detective mode, goes about discovering the truth so he can get back to his studies.
I’ve been a murder mystery fan for as long as I can remember, devouring Agatha Christie, PD James, Ellis Peters, Dorothy Sayers, Arthur Conan Doyle, etc. After reading both of Ramsay’s “Jerusalem Mysteries,” I’m pleased to discover a novelist who does a pretty good job of combining this genre with my current passion, history of rabbis in Late Antiquity. Who knew?
July 23, 2013
I read this book over the weekend on the recommendation of Maggie Anton, the author of the Rashi's Daughters' series and also Ravi Hisda's Daughter, the latter set in the 2nd--3rd centuries CE. She commended that The Jerusalem Mystery series by Ramsay, beginning with The Eighty Veil, accurately portrays Jerusalem when it was set, 28CE, and also does a good job of telling of the Jewish leadership/community, etc.
The mystery was complex, with the Chief Rabbi, Gamaliel, asked by Pontius Pilate, to solve what seemed to be the murder of a simple slave girl. It turned out to be much more complex than that. I enjoyed learning more of life in Jerusalem at that time. The author definitely did his research on Jewish life at that time.
The author is a retired medical school teacher who later became an Episcopal priest.
The mystery was complex, with the Chief Rabbi, Gamaliel, asked by Pontius Pilate, to solve what seemed to be the murder of a simple slave girl. It turned out to be much more complex than that. I enjoyed learning more of life in Jerusalem at that time. The author definitely did his research on Jewish life at that time.
The author is a retired medical school teacher who later became an Episcopal priest.
March 14, 2021
Neither King Herod nor Pontius Pilate wanted the task of identifying the killer of a murdered servant girl, nor did they trust each other. Instead, they turned to a neutral third party, Gamaliel, chief rabbi of the Sanhedrin (who didn’t want the job, either, but wasn’t allowed to turn it down). As the mystery progresses, we watch Gamaliel systematically follow the clues, identifying likely suspects, motives, and the identity of the dead girl, who was not who she seemed.
The author included useful background material, attempting to help the reader keep track of the historical characters. I don’t know whether the historical details were accurate, but I very much enjoyed the character of Gamaliel, and both the setting and the story kept me increasingly absorbed until the end.
The author included useful background material, attempting to help the reader keep track of the historical characters. I don’t know whether the historical details were accurate, but I very much enjoyed the character of Gamaliel, and both the setting and the story kept me increasingly absorbed until the end.
March 19, 2021
It was fine but I never quite got into it. Some bits were plainly known by the narrator and dangled before the reader but never divulged until the end, which was a bit annoying. I did appreciate the effort to integrate obscure history with the Biblical versions.
January 18, 2026
salem book club..really good mystery set in biblical Jesus time....parts of Nile history....story of murdered servant girl...thought provoking...
"the Lord in my view does not punish folks who act in the face of limited choices". page 116
"the Lord in my view does not punish folks who act in the face of limited choices". page 116
December 23, 2024
A lot of Jewish history
February 1, 2025
Fascinating
Fascinating, interesting and a fun read. This author takes a period in time that can be so confusing in history and makes it so fun to read and follow these characters. I understood the levels of government with their own gaurds and the many secret places in the Palace.
The storyline was beautiful with the characters done do well with each described in detail so you could feel their motives. You will love this book.
Fascinating, interesting and a fun read. This author takes a period in time that can be so confusing in history and makes it so fun to read and follow these characters. I understood the levels of government with their own gaurds and the many secret places in the Palace.
The storyline was beautiful with the characters done do well with each described in detail so you could feel their motives. You will love this book.
January 18, 2015
Frederick Ramsay in his new book, “The Eighth Veil” Book One in the Jerusalem Mystery series published by Poisoned Pen Press introduces us to Gamaliel.
From the back cover: The Eighth Veil is a mystery set in the year 28 CE in Jerusalem during the feast of Tabernacles. A murdered servant girl is found in the palace of King Herod Antipas. The Prefect, Pontius Pilate is in attendance. The populace is still buzzing over the brutal death of one of their Prophets, John, known familiarly as the Baptizer, and scandal is in the air.Pilate does wants no trouble and insists an independent investigation into the murder be made. Antipas will have none of Pilate’s men in the palace and Pilate doesn’t trust Antipas. Gamaliel, the chief rabbi and head of the Sanhedrin is coerced by Pilate to do the detective work.Gamaliel is a Talmudic scholar, not a sleuth and at first struggles. But as he learns more of the dead girl’s background and that of the other major players in the drama, particularly Menahem, Antipas’ foster brother, he soon becomes eon over to the process and, Sherlockian-like, begins to fit the pieces together. Or, as his “Watson” Loukas says, strips the veils from his personal Salome.The girl turns out not to be the mere servant everyone assumed, in spite of his impatience with the pace and direction of the investigation Pilate is rewarded and the fascinating, little told but critically entwined, histories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Herod the Great, Anthony and Augustus Caesar, and the Battle of Actium suddenly seems more relevant to the Gospel narratives than anyone might have previously imagined.Meanwhile, the figure of Jesus, the rabbi from Nazareth, with his ragged band of enthusiasts and his habit of annoying Caiaphas, the High Priest, moves enigmatically in the background.
I think one of the hardest things to do is to craft a complex murder mystery. To add in a Rabbi that really doesn’t want to solve a murder but is being forced to just adds to the flavor of the story. “The Eighth Veil” is a murder mystery set in Jerusalem at the time of Christ and is a gem of a story with a lot of real-life characters that we are already aware of. It has the feel of meeting up with old friends. Get ready to pound the streets of Jerusalem as Gamaliel not only sets out to discover who murdered the woman but who she really is. Danger, excitement and murder all figure into this highly complicated plot. These are fascinating characters that seem very real and a killer that seems impossible to discover. “The Eighth Veil” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. I am so glad I found Mr. Ramsay and am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Poisoned Pen Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: The Eighth Veil is a mystery set in the year 28 CE in Jerusalem during the feast of Tabernacles. A murdered servant girl is found in the palace of King Herod Antipas. The Prefect, Pontius Pilate is in attendance. The populace is still buzzing over the brutal death of one of their Prophets, John, known familiarly as the Baptizer, and scandal is in the air.Pilate does wants no trouble and insists an independent investigation into the murder be made. Antipas will have none of Pilate’s men in the palace and Pilate doesn’t trust Antipas. Gamaliel, the chief rabbi and head of the Sanhedrin is coerced by Pilate to do the detective work.Gamaliel is a Talmudic scholar, not a sleuth and at first struggles. But as he learns more of the dead girl’s background and that of the other major players in the drama, particularly Menahem, Antipas’ foster brother, he soon becomes eon over to the process and, Sherlockian-like, begins to fit the pieces together. Or, as his “Watson” Loukas says, strips the veils from his personal Salome.The girl turns out not to be the mere servant everyone assumed, in spite of his impatience with the pace and direction of the investigation Pilate is rewarded and the fascinating, little told but critically entwined, histories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Herod the Great, Anthony and Augustus Caesar, and the Battle of Actium suddenly seems more relevant to the Gospel narratives than anyone might have previously imagined.Meanwhile, the figure of Jesus, the rabbi from Nazareth, with his ragged band of enthusiasts and his habit of annoying Caiaphas, the High Priest, moves enigmatically in the background.
I think one of the hardest things to do is to craft a complex murder mystery. To add in a Rabbi that really doesn’t want to solve a murder but is being forced to just adds to the flavor of the story. “The Eighth Veil” is a murder mystery set in Jerusalem at the time of Christ and is a gem of a story with a lot of real-life characters that we are already aware of. It has the feel of meeting up with old friends. Get ready to pound the streets of Jerusalem as Gamaliel not only sets out to discover who murdered the woman but who she really is. Danger, excitement and murder all figure into this highly complicated plot. These are fascinating characters that seem very real and a killer that seems impossible to discover. “The Eighth Veil” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. I am so glad I found Mr. Ramsay and am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Poisoned Pen Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 30, 2019
An excellent read, even if the ancient royal lines were as confusing to me as to Gamaliel!
January 23, 2014
More accurately, I quit. Gamaliel is a reasonable, intelligent, likable character surrounded by fools, charlatans, bad Jews and Romans. It's was a good idea--have the Rabban of the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel, investigate a murder in the palace of Herod and Herodias (her daughter's Salome). He's got the stuff to do it. It starts off with a bang, but the narrative stumbles then collapses under poor writing and poor conception. Unbelievable situations such as interviewing Herod, his wife, and Salome aren't the only problem. So much of this story is told through dialogue, frequently overtagged with description, with actually little action mixed in. Characters walk on stage, say their piece, walk off. Once the head-hopping--shifting POV from one character without warning within a scene--I bolted.
April 11, 2014
Admittedly, this is not my kind of book - historical fiction and cozy too. Nonetheless, I did enjoy it, despite having a little trouble keeping all the names straight.
It is 26 CE, in the time of the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. Playing out in the background are Julius Caesar, Herod, John the Baptist and a mysterious carpenter preaching to the masses.
A servant girl is murdered in the palace of King Herod and an esteemed, moderate Rabbi is asked to look into the death. He (and we) learn all about the inner workings of the palace and the changes taking place around them.
Once I got into the book, I did enjoy this look at an ancient time and the solving of the mystery was pretty interesting also.
It is 26 CE, in the time of the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. Playing out in the background are Julius Caesar, Herod, John the Baptist and a mysterious carpenter preaching to the masses.
A servant girl is murdered in the palace of King Herod and an esteemed, moderate Rabbi is asked to look into the death. He (and we) learn all about the inner workings of the palace and the changes taking place around them.
Once I got into the book, I did enjoy this look at an ancient time and the solving of the mystery was pretty interesting also.
July 9, 2012
This is my first Ramsay book although my husband is a big fan. He thought I would love this and he was right. The historical setting and the plot were really fascinating. I especially enjoyed the characters though. The Rabban, Gamaliel, is wonderfully drawn and I enjoyed both his inner dialog as he worked through this case as a reluctant sleuth and his conversations with his friend the physician. I hope there will be more! I can selcom take time for adult books but this was a completely enjoyable diversion.
June 19, 2012
A mystery set in Jerusalem when Christ was an upstart preaching to the downtrodden. The story has very little to do with Christ but it does talk about the different religions of the time as well as the balance of political power with Rome and King Herod. A young woman, thought to be a servant, is killed in the palace and the rabbinic leader is put into the position of having to investigate her death.
June 17, 2013
A murder in Herod's palace, the Chief Rabbi ordered to investigate by Pontius Pilate and an annoying holy man from Galilee stirring up trouble. What's not to love? Actually, everything. By the time I reached page 100 I felt that nothing ahd happened. No real progress had been made and I had no interest in finding out who done it. I brought it back to the library and wouldn't recommend it for anyone.
August 25, 2012
Not a bad excursion into Jerusalem around Jesus' time. Jesus, Caiaphas, and Pontius Pilate are all minor characters in this mystery. Gamaliel, the chief rabbi, is tasked to investigate the murder of a servant girl in the palace. Lots of good political intrigue and history. The characters are OK, but the setting is this book's real strength.
July 14, 2013
I enjoyed this much more than Judas. Interesting point in history and geography to set a traditional mystery. I look forward to more from Rabban Gamaliel.
April 19, 2014
This was a very compelling book set in Ancient Jerusalem. It was a bit challenging to understand the events of that time. I really had to concentrate. Still I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews