What do you think?
Rate this book
Adam Lapid Mysteries #8
In That Sleep of Death
Not even murder can keep this secret buried. Israel, 1952 – A man lies dead in a city park, his head bashed in. No witnesses. No clues.
It seems like an impossible case. The police have given up. But private investigator Adam Lapid is determined to catch the killer. Hired to investigate the murder, Adam begins digging into the victim’s life. He learns the dead man was a Holocaust survivor, and that he may have had knowledge of a terrible crime that happened in Pre-WWII Poland. A crime that is still claiming victims in Israel more than a decade later. To solve the mystery, Adam must use all his wits and courage. And he must work quickly. Because the killer is already hunting for the next victim.
It seems like an impossible case. The police have given up. But private investigator Adam Lapid is determined to catch the killer. Hired to investigate the murder, Adam begins digging into the victim’s life. He learns the dead man was a Holocaust survivor, and that he may have had knowledge of a terrible crime that happened in Pre-WWII Poland. A crime that is still claiming victims in Israel more than a decade later. To solve the mystery, Adam must use all his wits and courage. And he must work quickly. Because the killer is already hunting for the next victim.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2024
41 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Dunsky
20 books214 followersJonathan Dunsky is the author of eight crime novels, seven of which -- Ten Years Gone, The Dead Sister, The Auschwitz Violinist, A Debt of Death, A Deadly Act, The Auschwitz Detective, and A Death in Jerusalem -- are mysteries taking place in the early days of the State of Israel and featuring private investigator Adam Lapid, a holocaust survivor and former soldier and Nazi hunter. He has also published a standalone thriller called The Payback Girl and a number of short stories in various genres.
Born in Israel, he served for four years in the Israeli Army. After his military service he worked as a team leader in various high-tech firms, ran his own Search Engine Optimization business, and lectured in the faculty of Business Management in Tel Aviv University. He holds a degree in computer sciences and business. He's lived for several years in Europe and currently resides in Israel with his wife and two sons.
You can contact him at http://jonathandunsky.com/contact/
Born in Israel, he served for four years in the Israeli Army. After his military service he worked as a team leader in various high-tech firms, ran his own Search Engine Optimization business, and lectured in the faculty of Business Management in Tel Aviv University. He holds a degree in computer sciences and business. He's lived for several years in Europe and currently resides in Israel with his wife and two sons.
You can contact him at http://jonathandunsky.com/contact/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 15, 2024
The book kept my interest that I didn’t want to sleep. Started reading on my kindle as soon as it downloaded. As it was after 12 at night I didn’t realize that when I took a break (actually the sun came up!), I then slept, my kindle said I read 66%, then I picked it back up. If you like mysteries with a strong character and a city is just one of the characters, you will like this as I have.
April 20, 2024
The Best One Yet!
I have loved all the books in the Adam Lapid series. Dunsky's multi-layered characters captivating. This installment of Adam's journey is by far the best one yet. I will eagerly await Book 9.
I have loved all the books in the Adam Lapid series. Dunsky's multi-layered characters captivating. This installment of Adam's journey is by far the best one yet. I will eagerly await Book 9.
May 25, 2024
Another very well written mystery/thriller in this series. The backdrop of Israel and the haunting memories of the Holocaust makes this series of books have an extra dimension. I was quite happy to see that Jonathan Dunsky is not done and plans to continue this series. I would recommend that the books be read in order. While each could be standalone, the Adam Lapid character does evolve.
April 15, 2024
another great book
Love the way Jonathan writes. His books are interesting on many levels, just so sorry that I have to wait for the next one. You cannot find a better series to read.
Love the way Jonathan writes. His books are interesting on many levels, just so sorry that I have to wait for the next one. You cannot find a better series to read.
April 22, 2024
It's been a very long time since I've sat up past two in the morning, unable to put a book down, but this is one of those books that grips you from the start. Mr. Dunsky should be very proud of this book. It's terrific. I really enjoyed number eight in the Adam Lapid series.
The plot is twisty and great to follow as Adam builds his case step by step looking for clues as to "whodunit " and why. The book is very well researched.too."
The characters are beautifully sketched and well-rounded. They have quirks and human frailties. Adam is an attractive and likeable main protagonist - flawed - with very good reason - but such a guy you'd most definitely want on your side in a crisis. I enjoy the historical elements and setting hugely. Well written with natural sounding dialogue and beautiful descriptions of Israel and her people. Good plot, too.
I really enjoyed the book. Couldn't part with it once I started reading.
I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Adam is an appealing and charismatic character with a good story arc whose story is far from over .He is both tough and caring and kind, an irresistible combination in a book character. Great stuff.
The plot is twisty and great to follow as Adam builds his case step by step looking for clues as to "whodunit " and why. The book is very well researched.too."
The characters are beautifully sketched and well-rounded. They have quirks and human frailties. Adam is an attractive and likeable main protagonist - flawed - with very good reason - but such a guy you'd most definitely want on your side in a crisis. I enjoy the historical elements and setting hugely. Well written with natural sounding dialogue and beautiful descriptions of Israel and her people. Good plot, too.
I really enjoyed the book. Couldn't part with it once I started reading.
I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Adam is an appealing and charismatic character with a good story arc whose story is far from over .He is both tough and caring and kind, an irresistible combination in a book character. Great stuff.
July 27, 2024
Such a good read! A must read for anyone interested in reading Dunsky’s books.
This book is very intriguing and nearing the end, I just couldn’t put it down.
I would recommend not just this book, but all eight in the series.
Looking forward to reading the next!
This book is very intriguing and nearing the end, I just couldn’t put it down.
I would recommend not just this book, but all eight in the series.
Looking forward to reading the next!
April 21, 2024
Great to be reacquainted with old friends
Adam, Greta, Rueben feel like old friends I haven't seen for a while and getting to hear about them is like a tonic that refreshes the mind
Adam, Greta, Rueben feel like old friends I haven't seen for a while and getting to hear about them is like a tonic that refreshes the mind
May 23, 2024
5-24
5***** well deserved
"In that Sleep of Death" was released April 12, 2024.
As expected, I loved every single minute of reading it.
Mr. Dunsky, you delivered again brilliantly, for the eighth time.
1952 Tel Aviv
"I did not know his name, had never seen him before, yet I felt a
strange kinship toward him, this night wanderer".
///
Sometimes it's difficult to write reviews without one quasi spoiler.
So... now may be that "sometimes".
I went on a great ride with this book, never once seeing the twist(s) coming, but am also one of those readers who tries to guess the plot and loves to be proven wrong.
-Adam's late night hours into the early morning are filled with torturous nightmares. It isn't rare for him to be walking the streets of the city in hope of relief for at least a few hours. On one such night, in the middle of a walk, Adam almost bumps right into a man wearing worn out army boots and old clothes, walking as if he were on a mission. Except.. the man doesn't even react -at all. He doesn't turn around, nothing. That lack of exchange gives Adam a feeling this man must be in a trance-like state, as he clearly has no clue anyone was that close to him.
Days later a stranger seeks Adam out to hire him in finding a missing person. A private detective such as Adam Lapid would never finish a case once he returns his retainer back to the person who engaged him. Adam needs the money; he better have a sound reason or moral issue to prove by closing this case. But to whom?
The story continues....
- Character development is extremely important in this genre. It was beyond strong as is the author's prose of intense passion and emotion. Mr. Dunsky's has the talented ability in melding together current topics which give equal amounts of credence as to why Adam continues working the case. It seems many times money breeds greed, and we do know history repeats itself. Equally important is the bittersweet topic of "What makes a family. In that simple statement, something kept nudging at me as I read more.
I found my answer within a thought; what will it take for a man who possesses the characteristics of kindness to leave his family of one; his wife. Honestly, just an abhorrent, repugnant woman named Batya, whom I actually wanted to slap. There is no amount of money or polish that could infuse her lack of charm and disposition.
The entire story stole my interest for another reason. The familiarity of settings, streets, and neighborhoods was a bonus for me. Because I knew where I was, I was pushed quickly inside the book to find that I was Adam's shadow, with differences. And, although he has an innate gift of patience, that will never be owned by me. I, as a living shadow would have also tried to take many shortcuts, but Adam is too meticulous to ever take a chance.
I was reacquainted with friends such as Greta and Rueben from the past who play significant roles in this book. Greta has a remarkable persona with instincts of a spy. She is blessed with wisdom and a style for advice not many people could reject. At one
point as she spoke with Adam, Greta shook open a small fissure of his being that still had hope to grow. When reeling from tragedies, no matter how bad or how long we don't always recognize how trauma affects us.
In this book, help comes when least expected, and I think, Adam will find it as a beginning for what it is.
Many have said already this is Jonathan Dunsky's best work to date. I feel strongly as well, but I must say it runs very close to his last book #7. Both can be read as stand - alone books. Thank you Mr. D. for this wonderful sequel.
5***** well deserved
"In that Sleep of Death" was released April 12, 2024.
As expected, I loved every single minute of reading it.
Mr. Dunsky, you delivered again brilliantly, for the eighth time.
1952 Tel Aviv
"I did not know his name, had never seen him before, yet I felt a
strange kinship toward him, this night wanderer".
///
Sometimes it's difficult to write reviews without one quasi spoiler.
So... now may be that "sometimes".
I went on a great ride with this book, never once seeing the twist(s) coming, but am also one of those readers who tries to guess the plot and loves to be proven wrong.
-Adam's late night hours into the early morning are filled with torturous nightmares. It isn't rare for him to be walking the streets of the city in hope of relief for at least a few hours. On one such night, in the middle of a walk, Adam almost bumps right into a man wearing worn out army boots and old clothes, walking as if he were on a mission. Except.. the man doesn't even react -at all. He doesn't turn around, nothing. That lack of exchange gives Adam a feeling this man must be in a trance-like state, as he clearly has no clue anyone was that close to him.
Days later a stranger seeks Adam out to hire him in finding a missing person. A private detective such as Adam Lapid would never finish a case once he returns his retainer back to the person who engaged him. Adam needs the money; he better have a sound reason or moral issue to prove by closing this case. But to whom?
The story continues....
- Character development is extremely important in this genre. It was beyond strong as is the author's prose of intense passion and emotion. Mr. Dunsky's has the talented ability in melding together current topics which give equal amounts of credence as to why Adam continues working the case. It seems many times money breeds greed, and we do know history repeats itself. Equally important is the bittersweet topic of "What makes a family. In that simple statement, something kept nudging at me as I read more.
I found my answer within a thought; what will it take for a man who possesses the characteristics of kindness to leave his family of one; his wife. Honestly, just an abhorrent, repugnant woman named Batya, whom I actually wanted to slap. There is no amount of money or polish that could infuse her lack of charm and disposition.
The entire story stole my interest for another reason. The familiarity of settings, streets, and neighborhoods was a bonus for me. Because I knew where I was, I was pushed quickly inside the book to find that I was Adam's shadow, with differences. And, although he has an innate gift of patience, that will never be owned by me. I, as a living shadow would have also tried to take many shortcuts, but Adam is too meticulous to ever take a chance.
I was reacquainted with friends such as Greta and Rueben from the past who play significant roles in this book. Greta has a remarkable persona with instincts of a spy. She is blessed with wisdom and a style for advice not many people could reject. At one
point as she spoke with Adam, Greta shook open a small fissure of his being that still had hope to grow. When reeling from tragedies, no matter how bad or how long we don't always recognize how trauma affects us.
In this book, help comes when least expected, and I think, Adam will find it as a beginning for what it is.
Many have said already this is Jonathan Dunsky's best work to date. I feel strongly as well, but I must say it runs very close to his last book #7. Both can be read as stand - alone books. Thank you Mr. D. for this wonderful sequel.
May 2, 2024
This latest one was the best. I have found all of these mysteries original and very well written.
To get the most out of the reading experience it doesn't hurt to know the history of Europe and Israel and maybe knowledge of shortage, culture and other life conditions of the earlier generations.
Book by book the life of Adam Lapid became more alive and vibrant. Plus, thinking of an earlier book in the series, one can't but see parallels with what's been happening during the past year, hatefulness that's flared up from beneath the surface again between groups. And togetherness, trust in each other and miraculous survival.
In crime fiction the core of police and detective work doesn't differ much between countries but the surrounding culture gives the stories the flavor that we want more of. This series is as addictive as the best Swedish ones, meaning excellent.
To get the most out of the reading experience it doesn't hurt to know the history of Europe and Israel and maybe knowledge of shortage, culture and other life conditions of the earlier generations.
Book by book the life of Adam Lapid became more alive and vibrant. Plus, thinking of an earlier book in the series, one can't but see parallels with what's been happening during the past year, hatefulness that's flared up from beneath the surface again between groups. And togetherness, trust in each other and miraculous survival.
In crime fiction the core of police and detective work doesn't differ much between countries but the surrounding culture gives the stories the flavor that we want more of. This series is as addictive as the best Swedish ones, meaning excellent.
May 20, 2024
Dunsky writes one of the best historical detective mysteries on the market today. In many ways, Dunsky’s protagonists, Adam Lapid, reminds me of the late Philip Kerr’s detective, Bernie Gunther. Both of these characters survived the worse parts of WWII, and emerged to become sharp and dogged detectives.
As far as Dunsky’s latest novel goes, the protagonist continues to follow a moral compass to do the next right thing, even though he certainly doesn’t play by the rules. Along with a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, Dunsky populates his story with an assortment of fascinating and believable characters. In addition, it must be said that the author has a gift for transporting his readers across time and place; and, as in the case of this novel, Dunsky places his readers directly in Israel of the early 1950s.
As far as Dunsky’s latest novel goes, the protagonist continues to follow a moral compass to do the next right thing, even though he certainly doesn’t play by the rules. Along with a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, Dunsky populates his story with an assortment of fascinating and believable characters. In addition, it must be said that the author has a gift for transporting his readers across time and place; and, as in the case of this novel, Dunsky places his readers directly in Israel of the early 1950s.
July 11, 2024
8th book in the Adam Lapid series, a private detective in Israel. Adam is still suffering from nightmares and sees a stranger wandering around aimlessly at night, muttering to himself. When Adam finds the stranger with his head bashed in, he does not believe the motive was robbery as the police conclude. He is hired by a man with little spare money married to a miserly and miserable shrew, who shames Adam into returning the small retainer. The victim had been living with the couple in their small shanty, hailing from the same town in Poland as the husband. Adam is relentless as ever, and eventually determines the murder had to do with some past skullduggery. Meanwhile, Adam discovers that he has feelings for a neighbor of the couple, who lives as she wishes.
September 16, 2024
The Sleep of Death
Yet again Jonathan Dunsky writes with words that evoke a gamut of emotions for the reader. I’ve learnt so much about the shaping of Israeli society in the aftermath of World War Two, the ever present shadow of the Holocaust forever being evoked of people trying to live with trauma that defies imagination. And woven into this is the story of a flawed human being trying to bring a measure of justice into his world. Well done Jonathan for once more allowing us a glimpse in the complex and heartbreaking life of Adam Lapid, this really is a book well worth reading.
Yet again Jonathan Dunsky writes with words that evoke a gamut of emotions for the reader. I’ve learnt so much about the shaping of Israeli society in the aftermath of World War Two, the ever present shadow of the Holocaust forever being evoked of people trying to live with trauma that defies imagination. And woven into this is the story of a flawed human being trying to bring a measure of justice into his world. Well done Jonathan for once more allowing us a glimpse in the complex and heartbreaking life of Adam Lapid, this really is a book well worth reading.
January 22, 2025
This could have been a very good story... but the ending is too complicated (double confession etc.), which then comes across as quite unconvincing. This is generally a weakness in Dunsky's books: exaggeration at the end. He writes well enough - such "sensational" endings only spoil the overall impression. Then there's that childish business with Hannah kissing her ex... which leaves a really bad taste.
But Adam telling the truth to Ami Rapoport - that's the right thing!
I hope his next book will have a more balanced ending.
But Adam telling the truth to Ami Rapoport - that's the right thing!
I hope his next book will have a more balanced ending.
April 19, 2024
again a compelling read
Again a compelling read one that I read in one sitting. Only this time I was able to figure out who was the “mastermind “ But not the exact killer. Still I love this series and can’t wait for the next Adam Lapid book to come out. I think of him as family and love reading about his life. I love too reading about another time eta esp about the Holocaust and Jews of that time period.
Again a compelling read one that I read in one sitting. Only this time I was able to figure out who was the “mastermind “ But not the exact killer. Still I love this series and can’t wait for the next Adam Lapid book to come out. I think of him as family and love reading about his life. I love too reading about another time eta esp about the Holocaust and Jews of that time period.
April 25, 2024
Another great Jonathan Dunsky novel. Adam Lampid, the main character is a private detective in Tel Aviv in the late 40’s and early 50’s. This is the 8th book in the series and I loved them all. The main character, Adam Lapid keeps getting better and better. This book had a nice plot twist at the end. Loved it!
May 5, 2024
Another well-crafted and we’ll-written story
The Adam Lapid mysteries evoke a time and place which are not oft depicted in fiction. Each has been complicated and extremely well developed. Excellent characterizations and situations which grab hold of you. In That Sleep of Death continues the tradition that Jonathan Dunsky has created.
The Adam Lapid mysteries evoke a time and place which are not oft depicted in fiction. Each has been complicated and extremely well developed. Excellent characterizations and situations which grab hold of you. In That Sleep of Death continues the tradition that Jonathan Dunsky has created.
May 5, 2024
Wonderful book
Adam is a great character and he can sure get into some messes. Bless his heart his experience and his guilt overwhelming. I was so glad to see him really happy in this book. The whole plot was so intertwined no one could figure it out. I highly recommend all these books.
Adam is a great character and he can sure get into some messes. Bless his heart his experience and his guilt overwhelming. I was so glad to see him really happy in this book. The whole plot was so intertwined no one could figure it out. I highly recommend all these books.
September 9, 2024
This is best Adam Lapid of the series (so far) There were a few twists that I did not see coming. I do not want to give anything away so this will have to remain vague.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I can't wait to find out more about Adam and the people in his life.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I can't wait to find out more about Adam and the people in his life.
May 12, 2024
I’ve read the entire Adam Lapid series and this was the best one yet! All the books have been page turner but this one was a cut above. Reading the books of this series brings you to Israel right after WWII. Can’t wait for the next book.
May 16, 2024
Totally absorbed
I sorted out the basic solution, but the ultimate solution, i.e. Soffer's involvement eluded me. Well plotted and written. I did not need Baggage infidelity. It did not add to the story.
I sorted out the basic solution, but the ultimate solution, i.e. Soffer's involvement eluded me. Well plotted and written. I did not need Baggage infidelity. It did not add to the story.
May 21, 2024
So lovely visiting old friends in this book. Having read all the other books in this series, this one did not disappoint. Intact, I loved the addition of Adam moving on from despair to the hope of new beginnings.
Can’t wait for the next one!!
Can’t wait for the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2024
Once again, Mr. Dunsky's incredible writing skill, to provide his readers with the sights and sounds of another time and place, takes us back to the early years of the State of Israel, with another mystery involving his private investigator, Adam Lapid. I loved it!
June 5, 2024
another Dunsky Bestseller
This book had many twists and turns….it will keep you coming back for more. Well worth reading, but if this is your first Dunsky novel, start with the first one.
This book had many twists and turns….it will keep you coming back for more. Well worth reading, but if this is your first Dunsky novel, start with the first one.
September 9, 2024
Adam’s Decisions
This author does it again! A story filled with twists of fate awaits the reader. Each character comes with intrigue and Adam has to adjust his thinking about each one. Readers enjoy the ride!
This author does it again! A story filled with twists of fate awaits the reader. Each character comes with intrigue and Adam has to adjust his thinking about each one. Readers enjoy the ride!
September 27, 2025
Typical Adam Lapid: descriptions of the early days of Israel, wanderings through Tel Aviv, resilient (though damaged) holocaust survivors, violent encounters, and, finally, a murderer who comes out of left field.
I subtracted one star because the scene with a stray cat is both ludicrous and pernicious. Ludicrous because stray cats do not tolerate being touched and certainly don’t purr. Pernicious because, contrary to Adam’s actions and common belief, cats should not be offered cow’s milk and do not thrive on such a diet. It often results in diarrhea, stomach upset, and vomiting.
Jonathan Dunsky, do not spread misinformation. Remove this scene from the next printing if you can.
I subtracted one star because the scene with a stray cat is both ludicrous and pernicious. Ludicrous because stray cats do not tolerate being touched and certainly don’t purr. Pernicious because, contrary to Adam’s actions and common belief, cats should not be offered cow’s milk and do not thrive on such a diet. It often results in diarrhea, stomach upset, and vomiting.
Jonathan Dunsky, do not spread misinformation. Remove this scene from the next printing if you can.
May 17, 2024
Nocturnal wanderings
The Adam Lapid mysteries are always entertaining reads. To me, there is always an eerie sense of the then recent Holocaust.
The Adam Lapid mysteries are always entertaining reads. To me, there is always an eerie sense of the then recent Holocaust.
May 18, 2024
Another great book in the Adam Lapid series! Looking forward to the next one!
June 2, 2024
The Adam Lapid mysteries keep getting better and better. Intriguing plots, characters you care about and a rarely explored period of Israel's history, make for a book you can't put down.
June 7, 2024
Loved it! Amazing book, just like the other 7 in this series! I hope he writes more!!!!
September 20, 2024
An excellent Israeli private detective series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews