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Child of Dust: A Dotan Naor Thriller
In a gripping thriller that exposes the dark underbelly of paradise, Israeli investigator Dotan Naor is thrust into a treacherous web of deceit when he takes on the case of Eden, a wealthy young woman who vanished without a trace from the pristine beaches of Thailand.
Joined by Iris, Eden's beautiful and haunted mother, Dotan soon discovers that the girl's disappearance is linked to a sinister real estate deal gone wrong. As they delve deeper into the mystery, the exotic landscapes of Thailand and Cambodia reveal a bloody arena where greed, corruption, and unspeakable evil reign supreme.
From the glittering facade of luxury hotels to the gritty backstreets teeming with danger, Dotan and Iris must navigate a treacherous maze of Russian and Israeli mafia, human trafficking, and dark business dealings. With every step, they uncover more secrets and face greater threats, risking everything to find the truth behind Eden's disappearance.
In Child of Dust, the smiles of the missing are erased, and the hunt for a lost girl becomes a pulse-pounding race against time. Will Dotan and Iris unravel the twisted conspiracy before it's too late, or will they become the next victims in a ruthless game where no one is safe?
Joined by Iris, Eden's beautiful and haunted mother, Dotan soon discovers that the girl's disappearance is linked to a sinister real estate deal gone wrong. As they delve deeper into the mystery, the exotic landscapes of Thailand and Cambodia reveal a bloody arena where greed, corruption, and unspeakable evil reign supreme.
From the glittering facade of luxury hotels to the gritty backstreets teeming with danger, Dotan and Iris must navigate a treacherous maze of Russian and Israeli mafia, human trafficking, and dark business dealings. With every step, they uncover more secrets and face greater threats, risking everything to find the truth behind Eden's disappearance.
In Child of Dust, the smiles of the missing are erased, and the hunt for a lost girl becomes a pulse-pounding race against time. Will Dotan and Iris unravel the twisted conspiracy before it's too late, or will they become the next victims in a ruthless game where no one is safe?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
3 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 11, 2025
Without a doubt, this is the Best Thriller I have picked up this year. Bar none!
I read it at the behest of Yigal, whom I friended recently, and who asked me hesitantly if I would review his newest book. His book, like Dotan Naor himself, is not cheap - though like Dotan’s price it's less expensive than most.
But I had a solid feeling that it would be worth its cost in gold as I began reading, so I was glad I sized Yigal up well: he KNOWS whereof he writes. The lesson Yigal wants to impart to us is simply how to live our life AWAKE.
Not impartially or affectively. But by being experienced with Brokenness.
As most of you know by now, I was totally broken in my eighteenth year. If you are broken nowadays you are Put in a Truth Ward with assorted psychotics. And Truth Patients are taught to be Liars to Themselves.
You find your comfort in an Alternate Cozy Reality, and are put to sleep with your meds.
I believed in that Cozy Lie all the way to my 45th Year. Then I Burnt Out.
Diagnosed as such six years later, I was taken to the next step:
Truth Meds.
All the lights came on. SAVAGELY. I was where Dotan takes his wealthy Jewish client (a determined mother of a daughter who had disappeared without a trace - who is in denial of her tragic loss - and so determined to find her that she dare not even utter the words Child Abduction).
Now, Dotan awakens her to see that that Possibility is Perpetual when she hires him. She does, though her seeing is only intuitive, and ruefully he accepts the case. Reality is not Politically Correct - no, and not Incorrect as the Far Right would teach us - it's only Salt and Light.
You can't mix the two, as Jesus said. You find Light by Bearing the Smart of Salt on your Wounded Soul!
Dotan is not politically correct or incorrect. He's just Learned the Truth of Life. Life is a constant Loss, not perpetual Gain. A NECESSARY Loss. Like all our Cozy Realities! Dotan teaches his clients to trash theirs.
That's the way Life works, if you're honest about it. It hurts but it works.
And that's the key moral, now that I’ve said it, of this Fabulous Five-Star Book!
I read it at the behest of Yigal, whom I friended recently, and who asked me hesitantly if I would review his newest book. His book, like Dotan Naor himself, is not cheap - though like Dotan’s price it's less expensive than most.
But I had a solid feeling that it would be worth its cost in gold as I began reading, so I was glad I sized Yigal up well: he KNOWS whereof he writes. The lesson Yigal wants to impart to us is simply how to live our life AWAKE.
Not impartially or affectively. But by being experienced with Brokenness.
As most of you know by now, I was totally broken in my eighteenth year. If you are broken nowadays you are Put in a Truth Ward with assorted psychotics. And Truth Patients are taught to be Liars to Themselves.
You find your comfort in an Alternate Cozy Reality, and are put to sleep with your meds.
I believed in that Cozy Lie all the way to my 45th Year. Then I Burnt Out.
Diagnosed as such six years later, I was taken to the next step:
Truth Meds.
All the lights came on. SAVAGELY. I was where Dotan takes his wealthy Jewish client (a determined mother of a daughter who had disappeared without a trace - who is in denial of her tragic loss - and so determined to find her that she dare not even utter the words Child Abduction).
Now, Dotan awakens her to see that that Possibility is Perpetual when she hires him. She does, though her seeing is only intuitive, and ruefully he accepts the case. Reality is not Politically Correct - no, and not Incorrect as the Far Right would teach us - it's only Salt and Light.
You can't mix the two, as Jesus said. You find Light by Bearing the Smart of Salt on your Wounded Soul!
Dotan is not politically correct or incorrect. He's just Learned the Truth of Life. Life is a constant Loss, not perpetual Gain. A NECESSARY Loss. Like all our Cozy Realities! Dotan teaches his clients to trash theirs.
That's the way Life works, if you're honest about it. It hurts but it works.
And that's the key moral, now that I’ve said it, of this Fabulous Five-Star Book!
August 10, 2024
CHILD OF DUST is another fine thriller by Yigal Zur. He sent me a copy for me to review. In all honesty, I have to admit that I didn't finish reading it. So why the 4 stars you may ask? I will get to that in a moment. But first let me tell why I think why it deserves the rating.
This is not the first of his stories I have read. They say that you should write about what you know and it sure sounds like it here. Right off the bat he draws you into an exotic world were danger lies just below the surface for the unsuspecting innocent. There are no page after page of unrelated filler material here. Right away you sit up and take notice. You feel the agony of the victims. But there is the bait in the form of a shred of hope, just enough to keep you reading. For this I believe Yigal is a top notch writer.
To answer your question why I didn't finish it, I must tell you what it appears to be about. A young girl is kidnapped and being as no ransom is demanded I am led to believe it is another story of human trafficking and possibly the involvement of pedophiles. Although this is a serious problem that must be addressed and stamped out in the same manner as some countries treat drug dealers (by execution), I rather not read about it as I would other stories for entertainment. As long as government agencies protect former friends and cohorts of the likes of Jeffery Epstein because they are American politicians or British royalty justice will never be served. That is why I couldn't read any further.
If you can tolerate these triggers, you would probably give this story at least 4 stars as well.
This is not the first of his stories I have read. They say that you should write about what you know and it sure sounds like it here. Right off the bat he draws you into an exotic world were danger lies just below the surface for the unsuspecting innocent. There are no page after page of unrelated filler material here. Right away you sit up and take notice. You feel the agony of the victims. But there is the bait in the form of a shred of hope, just enough to keep you reading. For this I believe Yigal is a top notch writer.
To answer your question why I didn't finish it, I must tell you what it appears to be about. A young girl is kidnapped and being as no ransom is demanded I am led to believe it is another story of human trafficking and possibly the involvement of pedophiles. Although this is a serious problem that must be addressed and stamped out in the same manner as some countries treat drug dealers (by execution), I rather not read about it as I would other stories for entertainment. As long as government agencies protect former friends and cohorts of the likes of Jeffery Epstein because they are American politicians or British royalty justice will never be served. That is why I couldn't read any further.
If you can tolerate these triggers, you would probably give this story at least 4 stars as well.
June 25, 2024
Ex-Mossad agent Dotan Naor returns in this gripping series set in exotic global places. The latest, Book 4, focuses on human trafficking in Asia and is written with such passion and authenticity that we feel we are right beside him as he searches for a young woman who disappears in Thailand. Will keep you up late!
August 14, 2024
Child of Dust is an international romp set in various corners of the world, from Thailand to Tel Aviv. It's a book worth reading for anyone who's interested in the perils and trysts of our modern world, and who wants to travel through the mind of a unique author without borders or bounds.
July 6, 2024
Having read and enjoyed Passport to Death, I was very happy to receive a review copy of Child of Dust. And again, a book I thoroughly enjoyed because this story has many, many layers. Dotan needs to urgently find Eden, a 12-year old who disappeared from a holiday resort in Thailand. Her mother is frantic, her father - not so. Delving deeper into the family's relations, Dotan discovers a rather ugly truth; and if he doesn't find Eden soon, she'll be lost forever in the claws of a group of people who are so depraved its hard to describe them.
Dotan and Eden's mother Iris travel from Israel to Thailand and from there they find themselves in Cambodia. Not exactly a pleasure trip with criminals from all corners of the world following them and trying to stop them finding Eden.
In the mean time, Eden's father Sammy has his own agenda and of course the boss of all organized crime in Thailand, teaming up with Israeli's and Russians, is trying to keep Eden hidden - and killing Dotan and Iris.
Because there are so many characters it was a bit difficult to understand what's going on at the start of the story, but soon it all becomes clear. And as soon as you think you may understand what's happening, the author throws in some surprises.
What I especially liked about this book was Dotan, now on his fourth adventure already, really grows on you - he is not just an ex-agent, he's not superman, but a real person. Furthermore I liked the descriptions of the countries this story is set in; the author has travelled extensively and is very knowledgable but he is not padding the story with unnecessary details. He describes countries, people and events in broad strokes with enough small details thrown in where necessary.
This book deserves a lot of attention and I'm already looking forward to reading Dotan's next adventure. Out in Hebrew already, but next year the English translation will become available. My compliments for the cover design, it fits the story completely.
Dotan and Eden's mother Iris travel from Israel to Thailand and from there they find themselves in Cambodia. Not exactly a pleasure trip with criminals from all corners of the world following them and trying to stop them finding Eden.
In the mean time, Eden's father Sammy has his own agenda and of course the boss of all organized crime in Thailand, teaming up with Israeli's and Russians, is trying to keep Eden hidden - and killing Dotan and Iris.
Because there are so many characters it was a bit difficult to understand what's going on at the start of the story, but soon it all becomes clear. And as soon as you think you may understand what's happening, the author throws in some surprises.
What I especially liked about this book was Dotan, now on his fourth adventure already, really grows on you - he is not just an ex-agent, he's not superman, but a real person. Furthermore I liked the descriptions of the countries this story is set in; the author has travelled extensively and is very knowledgable but he is not padding the story with unnecessary details. He describes countries, people and events in broad strokes with enough small details thrown in where necessary.
This book deserves a lot of attention and I'm already looking forward to reading Dotan's next adventure. Out in Hebrew already, but next year the English translation will become available. My compliments for the cover design, it fits the story completely.
June 28, 2024
out on June 25, 2024. kidnapping crime fiction. military thrillers. international mystery & crime. sorry Goodreads is acting up ... like i have refreshed my page several times, odd?!? any who ... wondering what is going on. so the author did contact me and asked if i would like to read this book ... so cool ... love that. so Yigal did gift me a copy to check out. first book of Yigal i have read so far, and i am hoping it will not be the last. very engaging and had me curious. "edge of your seat" for sure. i say it often that when you read a book like this you have step away and read a more lighter, not to heavy book ....but this genre keep pulling me back. i see several more on Amazon, trying to figure out the order. are those contacted or? they do say "Dotan Naor" i will figure that out asap.
September 5, 2024
Review to follow
July 21, 2024
A Dotan Naor Thriller book #3
This thriller takes places in Thailand and in Cambodia and exposes the dark underbelly of paradise. Investigator Dotan Naor takes on the case of Eden, the daughter of a wealthy couple who vanished without a trace from the beaches of Thailand. Join by Iris, the young woman’s mother, they delve into the mystery and soon find out the link to a sinister real estate deal gone wrong and must navigate a treacherous maze of Russian and Israeli mafia, human trafficking and dark business dealings.....
My thoughts:
First of all be warned those sensitive with crude words may be offended, I was not one of them reading about the underworld bring foul language or should I say very colourful language. The story is peppered with them again you have to set your mind that this story navigates in an immoral and corrupt world.
Dealing with tugs, Bratva and Israeli mafia and a multitude of corrupt officials is a rough task to face. Mr. Zur gives Dotan, ex-Mossad, all the tolls needed for the job and he excels doing it. Following Dotan and Iris is very suspenseful they definitely not on a pleasure trip. The tension is high and I couldn’t read fast enough to see how things would turn out. Really I stayed on edge all through: action packed and very tense following these two. This hunt for the missing girl is a pulse-pounding race against time very hard not to be engaged in.
It all started with Eden’s father who had his own agenda being in deep financial trouble owing organized crime a lot of money which he couldn’t pay back. No wonder the mob took Eden and kept her well-hidden till he cough up the cash, if he doesn’t pay up she will be sold. Time is pressing Dotan needs to recues her. Did he succeed?....haha I urge you to get this book.
“Child of Dust” is very well-written to give us a message about official corruption, dark dealings, tourism prostitution and human trafficking especially of selling little girls to rich degenerates. You will meet a lot of characters but no worries they are easy to follow.
I love passing time reading this story, thank you Mr. Zur for the hours of enjoyment.
This thriller takes places in Thailand and in Cambodia and exposes the dark underbelly of paradise. Investigator Dotan Naor takes on the case of Eden, the daughter of a wealthy couple who vanished without a trace from the beaches of Thailand. Join by Iris, the young woman’s mother, they delve into the mystery and soon find out the link to a sinister real estate deal gone wrong and must navigate a treacherous maze of Russian and Israeli mafia, human trafficking and dark business dealings.....
My thoughts:
First of all be warned those sensitive with crude words may be offended, I was not one of them reading about the underworld bring foul language or should I say very colourful language. The story is peppered with them again you have to set your mind that this story navigates in an immoral and corrupt world.
Dealing with tugs, Bratva and Israeli mafia and a multitude of corrupt officials is a rough task to face. Mr. Zur gives Dotan, ex-Mossad, all the tolls needed for the job and he excels doing it. Following Dotan and Iris is very suspenseful they definitely not on a pleasure trip. The tension is high and I couldn’t read fast enough to see how things would turn out. Really I stayed on edge all through: action packed and very tense following these two. This hunt for the missing girl is a pulse-pounding race against time very hard not to be engaged in.
It all started with Eden’s father who had his own agenda being in deep financial trouble owing organized crime a lot of money which he couldn’t pay back. No wonder the mob took Eden and kept her well-hidden till he cough up the cash, if he doesn’t pay up she will be sold. Time is pressing Dotan needs to recues her. Did he succeed?....haha I urge you to get this book.
“Child of Dust” is very well-written to give us a message about official corruption, dark dealings, tourism prostitution and human trafficking especially of selling little girls to rich degenerates. You will meet a lot of characters but no worries they are easy to follow.
I love passing time reading this story, thank you Mr. Zur for the hours of enjoyment.
September 25, 2024
This is one of the best books I have read in many years. I would give it a rating of 8 out of 10. I am not going to spoil the storyline for future readers, but all I can say is that the very talented author has created a very interesting and impressive novel that keeps the reader emerged in the story right to the end. The author has a writing style that makes you feel that you are part of the story and this is a rare talent. Most books make you feel that you are reading has a person looking from the outside inwards, but I felt part of the story due to how the author writes. Great depth has been given towards creating the characters within the books and you can feel their varying emotion at various stages of the stories journey. The sensible pace of the story line allows the reader to understand the direction of the story and take in all elements that emerge. The story flows through various changing environments which brings excitement. The book is well structured and easy reading and I believe that it will be a very popular book in future years, I certainly would recommend reading it even if it outside the normal types of books that interest you. I hope to read more from this author in future years.
July 19, 2024
i had put so much effort in this thriller so i give myself only for this 5 stars. The rest you will read and judge for yourselves. Hope you will enjoy.
November 15, 2024
Child of Dust was full of so many unsuspecting plots and twists! I couldn’t put it down when I had the opportunity to read! Highly recommend!
October 3, 2024
Thanks for the giveaway read!
Yigal Zur’s Child of Dust introduces readers to the gritty world of Dotan Naor, an Israeli detective navigating a complex web of crime, politics, and personal demons. While the novel has its moments of intrigue and excitement, it ultimately falls short of delivering a fully engaging thriller experience.
The plot revolves around Naor's investigation into a series of murders that expose deep-seated corruption and tension within the Israeli landscape. Zur does a commendable job of setting up a tense atmosphere, and the pacing of the story keeps readers engaged through the twists and turns. The vivid descriptions of the settings—ranging from the bustling streets of Jerusalem to the haunting landscapes of the surrounding regions—add depth to the narrative and provide a strong sense of place.
Naor is a flawed but compelling protagonist, grappling with his own past while trying to solve the case at hand. His character development is one of the stronger aspects of the novel, and readers will find themselves invested in his journey as he confronts both external and internal conflicts. However, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, lacking the depth and complexity needed to fully resonate with the reader.
While the central mystery is intriguing, the plot can occasionally feel convoluted. Certain subplots seem to detract from the main storyline, leaving readers with a sense of confusion rather than clarity. This lack of focus can hinder the overall impact of the narrative, making it challenging for readers to stay fully immersed in the story.
Additionally, while Zur's writing style is generally strong, some passages could benefit from tighter editing to improve clarity and flow. A few sections may feel repetitive or overly detailed, which can disrupt the pacing and momentum of the plot.
Overall, Child of Dust presents a promising premise with a gritty backdrop and a compelling protagonist. Yigal Zur captures the complexities of the Israeli landscape and the challenges of investigating crime within it. While it may not reach the heights of a gripping thriller, it still offers an engaging read for fans of the genre. For those looking for a mix of mystery and character exploration, Child of Dust may provide a worthwhile journey, even if it doesn't fully deliver on its potential.
Yigal Zur’s Child of Dust introduces readers to the gritty world of Dotan Naor, an Israeli detective navigating a complex web of crime, politics, and personal demons. While the novel has its moments of intrigue and excitement, it ultimately falls short of delivering a fully engaging thriller experience.
The plot revolves around Naor's investigation into a series of murders that expose deep-seated corruption and tension within the Israeli landscape. Zur does a commendable job of setting up a tense atmosphere, and the pacing of the story keeps readers engaged through the twists and turns. The vivid descriptions of the settings—ranging from the bustling streets of Jerusalem to the haunting landscapes of the surrounding regions—add depth to the narrative and provide a strong sense of place.
Naor is a flawed but compelling protagonist, grappling with his own past while trying to solve the case at hand. His character development is one of the stronger aspects of the novel, and readers will find themselves invested in his journey as he confronts both external and internal conflicts. However, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, lacking the depth and complexity needed to fully resonate with the reader.
While the central mystery is intriguing, the plot can occasionally feel convoluted. Certain subplots seem to detract from the main storyline, leaving readers with a sense of confusion rather than clarity. This lack of focus can hinder the overall impact of the narrative, making it challenging for readers to stay fully immersed in the story.
Additionally, while Zur's writing style is generally strong, some passages could benefit from tighter editing to improve clarity and flow. A few sections may feel repetitive or overly detailed, which can disrupt the pacing and momentum of the plot.
Overall, Child of Dust presents a promising premise with a gritty backdrop and a compelling protagonist. Yigal Zur captures the complexities of the Israeli landscape and the challenges of investigating crime within it. While it may not reach the heights of a gripping thriller, it still offers an engaging read for fans of the genre. For those looking for a mix of mystery and character exploration, Child of Dust may provide a worthwhile journey, even if it doesn't fully deliver on its potential.
August 2, 2024
I was very happy when Mr. Zur asked me to read an advance copy of his novel. I’ve enjoyed his writing and his unique perspective on the world, and his skill as a writer in English has sharpened and matured. Of course, he must do the doubly difficult work of first writing a great piece of fiction in his native language (Hebrew) and then translate it into English without losing any of the story’s subtlety or edginess.
This book, a very fast read, is set in Southeast Asia. It rings true to anyone who has spent more time there than a typical tourist. It’s gripping from the outset and Mr. Zur’s characters are very well written; you immediately care for them (when they deserve it) or despise them. Dotan Naor is one of my favorite contemporary fictional PIs.
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series!
This book, a very fast read, is set in Southeast Asia. It rings true to anyone who has spent more time there than a typical tourist. It’s gripping from the outset and Mr. Zur’s characters are very well written; you immediately care for them (when they deserve it) or despise them. Dotan Naor is one of my favorite contemporary fictional PIs.
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series!
May 3, 2025
This captivating book is a swift journey through the vibrant landscapes of Southeast Asia. From the very first page, it entices you with its gripping narrative, drawing you into the intricate lives of Mr. Zur's vividly crafted characters. You can almost feel the weight of their emotions fluctuating as they navigate the various twists and turns of the story.
The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, allowing you to fully absorb the rich details and nuances of the plot. Each chapter presents a new environment, immersing you in a tapestry of sights and sounds that stir excitement and intrigue. If you have a taste for mysteries, this thrilling tale promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover its secrets.
This novel was provided free by the author for an honest review.
The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, allowing you to fully absorb the rich details and nuances of the plot. Each chapter presents a new environment, immersing you in a tapestry of sights and sounds that stir excitement and intrigue. If you have a taste for mysteries, this thrilling tale promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover its secrets.
This novel was provided free by the author for an honest review.
July 8, 2024
This is an intelligent version of the movie franchise Taken. Yigal Zur takes you behind the curtain of transnational crime and places you alongside Dotan Naor (an Israeli private investigator who use to work for Shin Bet) as he tries to find Eden, a 12-year old girl who has disappeared in Thailand. What follows is a 'mosaic' of corruption that includes members of Eden's own family and organized crime. Dotan soon finds himself in a labyrinth of greed and deception - and there are those who never want him to find a way out. Highest recommendation.
July 24, 2024
I got an ARC from the Author.
Not quite there. When the child of a rich Israeli is kidnapped in Asia, Dotan Noar is called in to find her. The Russian mafia is involved.
It just seems like a thriller should be more...thrilling, or at least exploitive. I think it's maybe a little too realistic. It's like watching a Russian movie that's been dubbed, where nobody really talks like a human being, and all the action is underwhelming.
I think with a little polish, there's potential.
Not quite there. When the child of a rich Israeli is kidnapped in Asia, Dotan Noar is called in to find her. The Russian mafia is involved.
It just seems like a thriller should be more...thrilling, or at least exploitive. I think it's maybe a little too realistic. It's like watching a Russian movie that's been dubbed, where nobody really talks like a human being, and all the action is underwhelming.
I think with a little polish, there's potential.
April 18, 2025
Solid 4
While the auction for little girls was rough to imagine, at least no actual acts were described
I am interested in the first 2 books of this series
This was a goodreads kindle giveaway win
While the auction for little girls was rough to imagine, at least no actual acts were described
I am interested in the first 2 books of this series
This was a goodreads kindle giveaway win
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews