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Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus #14
Stone Kiss
When a Manhattan rabbi is brutally murdered, an LAPD officer and his wife begin a dangerous mission to save a young girl from kidnapping -- and investigate a deadly new case that puts them both at great peril.
Rina Lazarus has some shocking news for her husband, LAPD Lieutenant Peter Decker. A horrible murder has occurred in the family of his half-brother, Rabbi Jonathan Levin. The rabbi's brother-in-law was found slain in a seedy hotel room in upper Manhattan, and the victim's 15-year-old niece, with whom he was spending the day, is missing. Decker, with Rina at his side, immediately heads out to New York to assist in the investigation. But what starts out as simple inquiries soon evolves into a twisted and perilous journey -- from the darkened slums of New Jersey and the deserted industrial streets of New York to the recesses of sexual perversity and the hidden meeting places of Hasidic outcasts.
Thrust into a deadly maze of deceit, lies, and danger, the couple can no longer trust anyone -- friend or family. And when salvation is finally within Decker's grasp, it can only be delivered by a depraved lone wolf, hell-bent on his own personal vengeance.
Rina Lazarus has some shocking news for her husband, LAPD Lieutenant Peter Decker. A horrible murder has occurred in the family of his half-brother, Rabbi Jonathan Levin. The rabbi's brother-in-law was found slain in a seedy hotel room in upper Manhattan, and the victim's 15-year-old niece, with whom he was spending the day, is missing. Decker, with Rina at his side, immediately heads out to New York to assist in the investigation. But what starts out as simple inquiries soon evolves into a twisted and perilous journey -- from the darkened slums of New Jersey and the deserted industrial streets of New York to the recesses of sexual perversity and the hidden meeting places of Hasidic outcasts.
Thrust into a deadly maze of deceit, lies, and danger, the couple can no longer trust anyone -- friend or family. And when salvation is finally within Decker's grasp, it can only be delivered by a depraved lone wolf, hell-bent on his own personal vengeance.
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 30, 2002
371 people are currently reading
1771 people want to read
About the author
Faye Kellerman
180 books2,021 followersFaye Kellerman was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. She earned a BA in mathematics and a doctorate in dentistry at UCLA., and conducted research in oral biology. Kellerman's groundbreaking first novel, THE RITUAL BATH, was published in 1986 to wide critical and commercial acclaim. The winner of the Macavity Award for the Best First Novel from the Mystery Readers of American, THE RITUAL BATH introduced readers to Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus, termed by People Magazine "Hands down, the most refreshing mystery couple around." The New York Times enthused, "This couple's domestic affairs have the haimish warmth of reality, unlike the formulaic lives of so many other genre detectives."
There are well over twenty million copies of Faye Kellerman's novels in print internationally. The Decker/Lazarus thrillers include SACRED AND PROFANE; MILK AND HONEY; DAY OF ATONEMENT; FALSE PROPHET; GRIEVOUS SIN; SANCTUARY; as well as her New York Times Bestsellers, JUSTICE, PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD - listed by the LA Times as one of the best crime novel of 2001; SERPENT'S TOOTH; JUPITER'S BONES, THE FORGOTTEN, STONE KISS, STRAIGHT INTO DARKNESS, THE BURNT HOUSE, THE MERCEDES COFFIN and BLINDMAN'S BLUFF. . The novels, STALKER and STREET DREAMS, introduced Kellerman's newest protagonist, Police Officer Cindy Decker. In addition to her crime series, Kellerman is also the author of New York Time's bestseller MOON MUSIC, a suspense horror novel set in Las Vegas featuring Detective Romulus Poe, as well as an historical novel of intrigue set in Elizabethan England, THE QUALITY OF MERCY. She has also co-authored the New York Times Bestseller DOUBLE HOMICIDE, with her husband and partner in crime, Jonathan Kellerman. She has also written a young adult novel, PRISM, with her daughter, Aliza Kellerman
Faye Kellerman's highly praised short stories and reviews have been anthologized in numerous collections including two volumes of the notable SISTERS IN CRIME SERIES, Sara Paretsky's, A WOMAN'S EYE; THE FIRST ANNUAL YEAR'S FINEST CRIME AND MYSTERY STORIES; THE THIRD ANNUAL BEST MYSTERY STORIES OF THE YEAR; WOMEN OF MYSTERY AND DEADLY ALLIES 11. Her personally annotated collection of her award winning stories, THE GARDEN OF EDEN and OTHER CRIMINAL DELIGHTS, was published in August of 2006. H
Her other hobbies include gardening, sewing and jogging if her back doesn't give out. She is the proud mother of four children, and her eldest son, Jesse, has just published his fourth novel, THE EXECUTOR, from Putnam. She lives in Los Angeles and Santa Fe with her husband, Jonathan, their youngest child, and their French Bulldog, Hugo.
There are well over twenty million copies of Faye Kellerman's novels in print internationally. The Decker/Lazarus thrillers include SACRED AND PROFANE; MILK AND HONEY; DAY OF ATONEMENT; FALSE PROPHET; GRIEVOUS SIN; SANCTUARY; as well as her New York Times Bestsellers, JUSTICE, PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD - listed by the LA Times as one of the best crime novel of 2001; SERPENT'S TOOTH; JUPITER'S BONES, THE FORGOTTEN, STONE KISS, STRAIGHT INTO DARKNESS, THE BURNT HOUSE, THE MERCEDES COFFIN and BLINDMAN'S BLUFF. . The novels, STALKER and STREET DREAMS, introduced Kellerman's newest protagonist, Police Officer Cindy Decker. In addition to her crime series, Kellerman is also the author of New York Time's bestseller MOON MUSIC, a suspense horror novel set in Las Vegas featuring Detective Romulus Poe, as well as an historical novel of intrigue set in Elizabethan England, THE QUALITY OF MERCY. She has also co-authored the New York Times Bestseller DOUBLE HOMICIDE, with her husband and partner in crime, Jonathan Kellerman. She has also written a young adult novel, PRISM, with her daughter, Aliza Kellerman
Faye Kellerman's highly praised short stories and reviews have been anthologized in numerous collections including two volumes of the notable SISTERS IN CRIME SERIES, Sara Paretsky's, A WOMAN'S EYE; THE FIRST ANNUAL YEAR'S FINEST CRIME AND MYSTERY STORIES; THE THIRD ANNUAL BEST MYSTERY STORIES OF THE YEAR; WOMEN OF MYSTERY AND DEADLY ALLIES 11. Her personally annotated collection of her award winning stories, THE GARDEN OF EDEN and OTHER CRIMINAL DELIGHTS, was published in August of 2006. H
Her other hobbies include gardening, sewing and jogging if her back doesn't give out. She is the proud mother of four children, and her eldest son, Jesse, has just published his fourth novel, THE EXECUTOR, from Putnam. She lives in Los Angeles and Santa Fe with her husband, Jonathan, their youngest child, and their French Bulldog, Hugo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
October 13, 2016
After receiving an alarming phone call from his half brother Jonathan, Peter Decker and family fly cross country to help solve a missing persons and homicide case in New York. In this fourteenth case in the Decker series, Faye Kellerman brings us a multi layer case that includes recurring characters and thrills that make for a fun page turner.
Peter Decker with the help of the NYPD is asked to look for missing fifteen year old Shaynda Lieber. The New York cops think that the homicide could be the work of one Christopher Donatti. A thorn in Decker's side, he has maintained a relationship with Donatti's would be wife Terry over the years. A psychopath who's every move is planned, Donatti is not the easiest partner to work with. Yet, he is familiar with the underbelly of New York in a way that an outsider like Decker is not; especially in the area of runaway teenager, which he has used to his professional and personal advantages.
As Decker sludges through the case, Donatti forges a pseudo-relationship with Rina as a means to woo over Terry once and for all. Rina falls for Donatti's charm and attempts to placate Terry because she sees a facet to Donatti's personality that even Decker does not. Meanwhile, Rina is in her element in New York's religious community and even attempts to arrange a shidduch (arranged Jewish marriage) for Shmueli. I thought that scene was a nice respite from the case.
As Peter sludges through the case, he longs for a vacation or at least to be back in familiar territory in Los Angeles. Donatti is not the easiest person to work with and their relationship strains throughout, even creating some far fetched scenes. As in any long running series, some episodes are better than others. While I enjoyed Donatti's involvement in this case, I thought other scenes were not believable. I am looking forward to future cases and I am sure some will be better than others. A solid 3.75 stars.
Peter Decker with the help of the NYPD is asked to look for missing fifteen year old Shaynda Lieber. The New York cops think that the homicide could be the work of one Christopher Donatti. A thorn in Decker's side, he has maintained a relationship with Donatti's would be wife Terry over the years. A psychopath who's every move is planned, Donatti is not the easiest partner to work with. Yet, he is familiar with the underbelly of New York in a way that an outsider like Decker is not; especially in the area of runaway teenager, which he has used to his professional and personal advantages.
As Decker sludges through the case, Donatti forges a pseudo-relationship with Rina as a means to woo over Terry once and for all. Rina falls for Donatti's charm and attempts to placate Terry because she sees a facet to Donatti's personality that even Decker does not. Meanwhile, Rina is in her element in New York's religious community and even attempts to arrange a shidduch (arranged Jewish marriage) for Shmueli. I thought that scene was a nice respite from the case.
As Peter sludges through the case, he longs for a vacation or at least to be back in familiar territory in Los Angeles. Donatti is not the easiest person to work with and their relationship strains throughout, even creating some far fetched scenes. As in any long running series, some episodes are better than others. While I enjoyed Donatti's involvement in this case, I thought other scenes were not believable. I am looking forward to future cases and I am sure some will be better than others. A solid 3.75 stars.
January 7, 2009
Sheesh, could the plot have more machinations so it could include every character ever mentioned in every other Faye Kellerman novel?
Enough already with every character suffering sexual abuse.
Enough already with the super-purity of Rina.
Enough already. My last Faye Kellerman book.
Enough already with every character suffering sexual abuse.
Enough already with the super-purity of Rina.
Enough already. My last Faye Kellerman book.
October 29, 2017
I am a fan of Peter Decker and even though his wife had a bigger part in this I am never really sure why she gets equal billing.
Peter is asked to travel to New York to find out why his half brother's brother in law was murdered and where his 15 year old niece has disappeared to. Unfortunately when he gets there the highly orthodox Jewish community they are all part of won't talk to him.
Having read this out of order it help me understand Chris Donatti somewhat better and the overall story line was gripping.
However in my opinion there were 100 pages between 300 and 400 that dragged the book out and that weren't really needed and then the final 20 pages rushed and I never really did understand how it all came together.
Not bad but if you aren't interested in Jewish traditions and the differences between Orthodox Jews and reform then a large part of this book may be of no real interest to you.
Peter is asked to travel to New York to find out why his half brother's brother in law was murdered and where his 15 year old niece has disappeared to. Unfortunately when he gets there the highly orthodox Jewish community they are all part of won't talk to him.
Having read this out of order it help me understand Chris Donatti somewhat better and the overall story line was gripping.
However in my opinion there were 100 pages between 300 and 400 that dragged the book out and that weren't really needed and then the final 20 pages rushed and I never really did understand how it all came together.
Not bad but if you aren't interested in Jewish traditions and the differences between Orthodox Jews and reform then a large part of this book may be of no real interest to you.
September 26, 2022
Not my favorite in this series, but mostly because the mystery wasn't very exciting. I feel like this was a way to reintroduce CD than any attempt at a cohesive novel, but I am interested to see where things go with him.
September 30, 2018
Beetje fantastisch verhaal met veel toevalligheden. Maar wel spannend.
September 13, 2013
Total Points -- 96 out of 100 -- 5 stars
Taunt psychological thriller that keeps the reader on pins and needles.
1. Plot -- 19 out of 20 Points
The interwoven stories of various characters mesh with the psychological twists and turns in a thriller that keeps readers guessing. Unpredictable, tense drama unfolds in the life of Lt. Peter Decker's family, sucking him into an abyss from which there is no real safety net for all the peril. Unofficially working a case that involves his barely known half-brother, Decker doesn't have his normal law enforcement resources to work the case. Hamstrung, he's forced to hobble along, even as he has his doubts on the wisdom of making the effort to find a missing girl. Rejected by the victim's family, stonewalled as he tries to follow the scant clues, Decker, a man of conscience, has little choice but to stay on the case, lest he spend the future wrestling his demons.
2. Characters -- 19 out of 20 Points
Offering a glimpse into differences between Jewish sects, their philosophies, and even practices, the characters contrast on many levels. Some sexual predators hide behind their cloak of respectability; others are brazen in their embrace of criminal enterprise and flaunt their bad behavior, boldly inviting trouble. For Peter Decker, it must be like always walking on egg shells, navigating that difficult landscape where desperate people do desperate things. Wife Rina is a good partner for the burdened police lieutenant, offering him sanctuary from the grim realities of his work. When she is forced into contact with a very dangerous man, Rina manages to find her footing by using her wits and her knowledge of human behavior. Perhaps one of the best of the more minor characters in the book is the beleaguered rabbi, Decker's half-brother, Jonathan, because he plays the role of the decent man in over his head, forced to recognize the ugly truth about human nature again and again, even as he struggles to keep the faith. But the real villain of the book, Christopher Donatti, is Decker's nemesis. His pleasure in torturing the cop with a conscience, physically and emotionally, and deliberately (and sometimes menacingly) meeting with Decker's wife, puts the reader on edge as Donatti's intentions vacillate between helping and hurting the lieutenant he blames for destroying the only relationship that ever mattered to him.
3. Setting -- 19 out of 20 Points
Out of his normal California operating terrain, Lt. Decker must not only find transportation to and from crime scenes and witness locations in an unfamiliar state, sometimes relying on civilians, he's forced to deal with emergencies without his normal backup team. Some local cops are hostile to outsiders, others corrupt, but Decker still has to track down leads as he tries to cross a psychological mine field ready to explode as the tragedies pile up. Inclement weather just adds to his burden. As Decker's discomfort rises when he's forced to operate outside his comfort zone, it adds a jagged tension and unpredictability to the story.
4. Pacing -- 19 out of 20 Points
The non-stop drama moves rapidly through the pages, with no real down time. Constantly switching back and forth between character perspectives actually broadens the scope of the story, connecting the dots on a very human plane. At one point, the author writes in the "I" for a minor character. This simple change draws an important zigzag to one of the most dangerous characters in the book, that somehow makes him almost human, even at his most ruthless.
5. Tone -- 20 out of 20 Points
Faye Kellerman's strength is found in her ability to make readers connect to a very "unpretty" story of betrayal and brutality, through a variety of characters, good and bad, weak and strong. Decker's initial reluctance to take on the case shows his intelligence -- he knows that somewhere, somehow, this will end badly. And yet, the tone of the story always keeps the reader hoping that somehow, some way, Decker will at least manage to control the collateral damage, even as events spin out of his control. We trust this policeman to find some semblance of justice for the victims, even as we understand just how close to impossible that will be.
Taunt psychological thriller that keeps the reader on pins and needles.
1. Plot -- 19 out of 20 Points
The interwoven stories of various characters mesh with the psychological twists and turns in a thriller that keeps readers guessing. Unpredictable, tense drama unfolds in the life of Lt. Peter Decker's family, sucking him into an abyss from which there is no real safety net for all the peril. Unofficially working a case that involves his barely known half-brother, Decker doesn't have his normal law enforcement resources to work the case. Hamstrung, he's forced to hobble along, even as he has his doubts on the wisdom of making the effort to find a missing girl. Rejected by the victim's family, stonewalled as he tries to follow the scant clues, Decker, a man of conscience, has little choice but to stay on the case, lest he spend the future wrestling his demons.
2. Characters -- 19 out of 20 Points
Offering a glimpse into differences between Jewish sects, their philosophies, and even practices, the characters contrast on many levels. Some sexual predators hide behind their cloak of respectability; others are brazen in their embrace of criminal enterprise and flaunt their bad behavior, boldly inviting trouble. For Peter Decker, it must be like always walking on egg shells, navigating that difficult landscape where desperate people do desperate things. Wife Rina is a good partner for the burdened police lieutenant, offering him sanctuary from the grim realities of his work. When she is forced into contact with a very dangerous man, Rina manages to find her footing by using her wits and her knowledge of human behavior. Perhaps one of the best of the more minor characters in the book is the beleaguered rabbi, Decker's half-brother, Jonathan, because he plays the role of the decent man in over his head, forced to recognize the ugly truth about human nature again and again, even as he struggles to keep the faith. But the real villain of the book, Christopher Donatti, is Decker's nemesis. His pleasure in torturing the cop with a conscience, physically and emotionally, and deliberately (and sometimes menacingly) meeting with Decker's wife, puts the reader on edge as Donatti's intentions vacillate between helping and hurting the lieutenant he blames for destroying the only relationship that ever mattered to him.
3. Setting -- 19 out of 20 Points
Out of his normal California operating terrain, Lt. Decker must not only find transportation to and from crime scenes and witness locations in an unfamiliar state, sometimes relying on civilians, he's forced to deal with emergencies without his normal backup team. Some local cops are hostile to outsiders, others corrupt, but Decker still has to track down leads as he tries to cross a psychological mine field ready to explode as the tragedies pile up. Inclement weather just adds to his burden. As Decker's discomfort rises when he's forced to operate outside his comfort zone, it adds a jagged tension and unpredictability to the story.
4. Pacing -- 19 out of 20 Points
The non-stop drama moves rapidly through the pages, with no real down time. Constantly switching back and forth between character perspectives actually broadens the scope of the story, connecting the dots on a very human plane. At one point, the author writes in the "I" for a minor character. This simple change draws an important zigzag to one of the most dangerous characters in the book, that somehow makes him almost human, even at his most ruthless.
5. Tone -- 20 out of 20 Points
Faye Kellerman's strength is found in her ability to make readers connect to a very "unpretty" story of betrayal and brutality, through a variety of characters, good and bad, weak and strong. Decker's initial reluctance to take on the case shows his intelligence -- he knows that somewhere, somehow, this will end badly. And yet, the tone of the story always keeps the reader hoping that somehow, some way, Decker will at least manage to control the collateral damage, even as events spin out of his control. We trust this policeman to find some semblance of justice for the victims, even as we understand just how close to impossible that will be.
December 22, 2018
It is now post-9/11. Hannah is nine years old; both boys are attending school on the east coast and eldest daughter Cindy isn't referenced so she's still presumably fighting crime in L.A. Having been a lieutenant now for several years, Decker has become more of a "pencil-pusher" than an active duty cop when he gets a frantic call from his half-brother, Jonathan. Johnathan's brother-in-law (on his wife's side) has been found murdered and their 15 year old niece is missing. The family wonders if Peter can come to New York and poke around.
Naturally, Peter goes accompanied by Hannah and Rina, who go with him so they can visit Rina's late husband's parents with the plan that Peter will spend a couple of days asking a few questions, point the family in the right direction and then the Deckers will travel to Florida to visit Peter's parents as well. Naturally, Peter becomes engrossed in the case and it takes him more than two days to tie up loose ends and meet his wife and daughter in Florida...
This book brought back a character from a previous book as an unlikely "partner" for Peter: Chris Donatti, son of a reputed mob boss, as the murder had hallmarks of his hits. What a great plot point to have these foes revisit their history and have to decide whether or not to work together despite being on opposite sides of the law! I don't entirely remember all the details of the book Chris was introduced in, but enough information was sprinkled about this book that the details I don't quite remember didn't really matter. At any rate, it was an interesting alliance, to say the least, especially when Rina got herself involved as well.
Given that this is book 14 in the series, a lot has happened in the lives of Peter and Rina. I loved that their history was told in the form of a casual conversation between Chris and Rina - it helped the reader (listener) remember the timeline of Peter and Rina's relationship and it caused Chris to see the Deckers in a different light, which ultimately worked out well for Peter's trying to solve this case for his brother's family.
There were a lot of characters in this book and it was a bit hard to keep them straight at times as it in a sense dealt with all three of Peter's families: his family with Rina, his adopted "real" family as the case led to him consulting his brother, a vice cop in Miami, and his biological family, plus his brother's in-laws. Who was a biological family member and who was an in-law was what was hard to keep straight.
Overall, the story was fast-paced and engaging. This book had a different narrator than the others and that was hard to get used to as he seemed to be reading quickly and didn't consistently distinguish the characters with different voices as the previous narrator did so well. But the book still had some moments that made the characters feel real, such as this exchange between Peter and his "real" brother, Randy, in which Randy is grousing about Peter being stubborn:
Randy: "...just like some other Deckers that I know..."
Peter: "See, little brother, it runs in the family."
Randy (sounding exasperated): "We're ADOPTED, Peter!"
I do hope that the next book goes back to the old narrator but I'm sure I will enjoy it either way. I am so glad I didn't give up on this series after the last one I physically read in which I thought Peter was a controlling ass, because I really have enjoyed listening to this series.
Naturally, Peter goes accompanied by Hannah and Rina, who go with him so they can visit Rina's late husband's parents with the plan that Peter will spend a couple of days asking a few questions, point the family in the right direction and then the Deckers will travel to Florida to visit Peter's parents as well. Naturally, Peter becomes engrossed in the case and it takes him more than two days to tie up loose ends and meet his wife and daughter in Florida...
This book brought back a character from a previous book as an unlikely "partner" for Peter: Chris Donatti, son of a reputed mob boss, as the murder had hallmarks of his hits. What a great plot point to have these foes revisit their history and have to decide whether or not to work together despite being on opposite sides of the law! I don't entirely remember all the details of the book Chris was introduced in, but enough information was sprinkled about this book that the details I don't quite remember didn't really matter. At any rate, it was an interesting alliance, to say the least, especially when Rina got herself involved as well.
Given that this is book 14 in the series, a lot has happened in the lives of Peter and Rina. I loved that their history was told in the form of a casual conversation between Chris and Rina - it helped the reader (listener) remember the timeline of Peter and Rina's relationship and it caused Chris to see the Deckers in a different light, which ultimately worked out well for Peter's trying to solve this case for his brother's family.
There were a lot of characters in this book and it was a bit hard to keep them straight at times as it in a sense dealt with all three of Peter's families: his family with Rina, his adopted "real" family as the case led to him consulting his brother, a vice cop in Miami, and his biological family, plus his brother's in-laws. Who was a biological family member and who was an in-law was what was hard to keep straight.
Overall, the story was fast-paced and engaging. This book had a different narrator than the others and that was hard to get used to as he seemed to be reading quickly and didn't consistently distinguish the characters with different voices as the previous narrator did so well. But the book still had some moments that made the characters feel real, such as this exchange between Peter and his "real" brother, Randy, in which Randy is grousing about Peter being stubborn:
Randy: "...just like some other Deckers that I know..."
Peter: "See, little brother, it runs in the family."
Randy (sounding exasperated): "We're ADOPTED, Peter!"
I do hope that the next book goes back to the old narrator but I'm sure I will enjoy it either way. I am so glad I didn't give up on this series after the last one I physically read in which I thought Peter was a controlling ass, because I really have enjoyed listening to this series.
March 25, 2017
UGH!!!!!! the book is probablly great but my library had the abridged version...no so how do i rate this one??????? 4 stars for Mrs. Kellerman 0 stars for my library.
June 21, 2020
I couldn't get into this one
November 29, 2021
Having now read Faye Kellerman’s Stone Kiss, I am “caught up” on the Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series, save for the newest of the novels. I may have enjoyed Stone Kiss more than any of the other novels. In this book, which comes in the middle of the series, Kellerman returns to the roots of the collection, plunging us once again into the New York City Jewish world, something that attracted me to the books in the first place. Rina’s husband Lt. Decker is safely ensconced in his Los Angeles detective career when he gets a phone call from his half-brother, Jonathan, a New York rabbi. Jonathon’s wife’s brother has been brutally murdered and a niece is missing. Decker rushes to help solve the crime. This throws him into a seedy underworld and reconnects him to hit-man Christopher Donatti. Donatti is perhaps the most fascinating character Kellerman has ever created. I knew him from a novel that comes later in her series, but Stone Kiss features him so heavily that his backstory is opened up—backstory for me because of reading the books out of order. Donatti is a psychopath with hints of humanity. And in this novel, he teams up with Decker while all the while we readers wonder if he is the culprit. This is wonderful writing. I’ve said this before, but my only complaint about Kellerman is her desire to describe in detail every piece of clothing a character is wearing whether said description is relevant to the plot or not. I find that annoying. And yet, she remains one of my favorite authors.
July 8, 2017
This was the final book I needed to read in the series and it didn't disappoint. This time Peter and Rona are back in New York to help relatives of his half brother, the missing niece and brother in law that was killed. I was surprised to see CD back in the picture again, but then remembered this book is much earlier in their relationship which is why it is more strained, especially at the end. Peter solves the main mystery of what happens to his relatives along with some other twists at the end. I am bummed to have to wait for a new book in this series and if I had the chance I would have read all of these in order.
June 27, 2020
Another great case. Really like Rina and Decker characters and they grow with every novel. The good thing with these is that although the case may be resolved, the family drama is not. So you see the family evolve and grow with each novel
November 7, 2018
Two-haiku review:
Decker in New York
Brother's brother-in-law killed
Dead man's niece missing
Lots of excitement
Not-so-bad bad guy returns
Helps Decker solve it
Decker in New York
Brother's brother-in-law killed
Dead man's niece missing
Lots of excitement
Not-so-bad bad guy returns
Helps Decker solve it
April 6, 2024
What a great book
January 19, 2026
This was a fairly obvious whodunit. I felt like I was reading an old 1930s murder mystery set in 2010s which made it somewhat annoying. Odd POV's that added little to the main story, and it ended with the POV of a side character. Although the end had absolutely nothing to do with the main story, it was a good ending...but I repeat that it had nothing to really do with the main story.
September 28, 2017
Peter, Rina, and Hannah fly to New York in answer to a frantic call from Peter's brother. It seems that Peter's sister-in-law's brother is dead and her niece missing. However, when Peter gets there no one seems to want him. Still Peter continues his search because somewhere on the mean streets of New York is a 14 year old girl. Finally, in desperation, he turns to the last person in the world he'd want to ask for help. Despite the grimness of the mystery there is still golden interludes with Peter's family.
January 31, 2011
Apparently this is Book #14 in a series of books staring Lieutenant Peter Decker and his wife. It started off really good. A Jewish man is found naked and murdered in a sleezy New York Motel Room. He was supposed to be spending the day with his 15 year old niece, who is now missing. Peter Decker, resident of LA is called in, by his half-brother to help solve the crime and find the girl. Most of the characters are Jewish and it's full of info on the Jewish religion and culture. I didn't really think it was too much though and kind of enjoyed learning about it.
Then it just turned dark and twisted. Terrible language. Really? Are there really so few people left in the world that are offended by the F-word that authors feel the need to fill the pages of a book with it? And they always wait until you're good into the story before the bring it in to ensure that you're hooked on the story. There are a lot of successful authors that don't do it. Because of that, I won't be reading any more of Faye Kellerman's stories.
Other dark and twisted included prostitution and pornagraphy involving under-aged girls. Just left a yucky feeling.
The story itself wasn't bad. I liked the ending. I also found myself liking Christopher Donatti, who was a total sleeze-bag, so it's unfortunate she made him so likable. I enjoyed reading about the relationship he had with Terry, even though it was so twisted and not really relevant to the story. Though I liked that part, it seemed totally out of place.
Then it just turned dark and twisted. Terrible language. Really? Are there really so few people left in the world that are offended by the F-word that authors feel the need to fill the pages of a book with it? And they always wait until you're good into the story before the bring it in to ensure that you're hooked on the story. There are a lot of successful authors that don't do it. Because of that, I won't be reading any more of Faye Kellerman's stories.
Other dark and twisted included prostitution and pornagraphy involving under-aged girls. Just left a yucky feeling.
The story itself wasn't bad. I liked the ending. I also found myself liking Christopher Donatti, who was a total sleeze-bag, so it's unfortunate she made him so likable. I enjoyed reading about the relationship he had with Terry, even though it was so twisted and not really relevant to the story. Though I liked that part, it seemed totally out of place.
January 11, 2018
An older F. Kellerman book that I thought for sure I must have read years ago and forgot. If I did, lucky me, I get to actually re-read a book when I've got a pile of newer ones awaiting me!
Peter, Rina and Hannah go to NY to help Peter's half-brother Jonathan's in-laws when Jonathan's wife's brother turns up dead and her niece turns up missing. In an effort to help the grieving extended family navigate through the police and murder, Peter finds himself involved with a darker side of New York and the various Jewish sects and communities.
Chris Donatti and his girl friend Terry make appearances in this installment. Their son Gabe appears in later books, so their thread remains woven in and out of the lives of Peter and Rina.
Peter, Rina and Hannah go to NY to help Peter's half-brother Jonathan's in-laws when Jonathan's wife's brother turns up dead and her niece turns up missing. In an effort to help the grieving extended family navigate through the police and murder, Peter finds himself involved with a darker side of New York and the various Jewish sects and communities.
Chris Donatti and his girl friend Terry make appearances in this installment. Their son Gabe appears in later books, so their thread remains woven in and out of the lives of Peter and Rina.
October 24, 2009
There are more than a dozen mystery novels in the Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series by Kellerman. I enjoy glimpses of the Jewish faith that is always a part of her stories. In this novel Orthodox Judaism, with very strict Chasidic practices, is strongly featured. Yet, no one is beyond sin, the Chasidic men turn out to be smugglers, dopers, customers of prostitution, etc.
Kellerman’s characters, especially the lead couple, are always well presented. In this story, a character from her book “Justice” has a major ‘bad-guy’ role. The tension between Decker and bad-guy Donatti is intense.
Kellerman’s characters, especially the lead couple, are always well presented. In this story, a character from her book “Justice” has a major ‘bad-guy’ role. The tension between Decker and bad-guy Donatti is intense.
December 18, 2020
This one feels like two separate Decker/Lazarus mysteries in one. Five stars for the amazing return of Chris Donatti--can't wait to see where things go from here. Three stars though for the lackluster main mystery, though. It felt like this was here just to serve as background to Donatti's return. The fact that Peter, just "spit balling" in the van with his brother, is able to solve the case just like that didn't ring true.
May 9, 2016
A member of Lt. Peter Decker's extended family has been killed in New York City. Peter decides to go to New York to lend his expertise. His wife, Rina and daughter Hannah travel with him to visit family. Peter finds a very complex situation with family loyalties and resentments all tied into one ugly mess.
May 19, 2020
Decker and wife off to NYC to help find a murderer and miss 15 year old girl. Things don't work out as planned for poor Decker. I wonder when the airlines started charging for flights being delayed by customers. Rina does this about eight times. A dial tone on a cell phone? Really? Every character suffering sexual abuse? Did like the ending but otherwise the story was just to slow.
July 6, 2022
I could not get past the first few chapters. I do not mind reading stories about people of different religions, I have many books that were. But this one kept using terms and words I guess only people of Jewish faith would understand. So I finally just gave up. Now I am not sure if I want to ever read this author again after this book.
January 16, 2011
This series just keeps going and maintains the standard.
June 22, 2024
Too many story lines, strange past relationships, way too many explanations of Jewish customs, don't bother.
January 22, 2019
Stone Kiss
by Faye Kellerman
Hardcover and unabridged audio edition of 11 cd's
from the library
This book is about SEX. It might look like a murder mystery but it is really about sex.
The main characters of the series, Peter and Reyna(sp??) reveal that they both were molested as children. [can't remember for certain re Peter] The mob guy, stepson of a mob guy, was molested by his stepdad. The children, boys, of P and R were molested by a guy [teacher?] and the mob guy's girlfriend was also molested.
In addition to descriptions of molestation, there were descriptions of sexual assault (violent) and what amounted to sexual torture through coercion. Mob guy who was exploited and emotionally tortured by stepdad now expresses his disdain and dominance over stepdad (who has since been deposed in the crime family )though sexuality. Mob guy takes in desperate teenagers and turns them into sex workers. If they are 18 he makes porn movies from them. At all times he controls them with sex. He says it makes them loyal and sometimes it comforts them. It also teaches them what he wants them to do with the customers.
Mob guy's relationship with his girlfriend is complex. His sexual relationship with her is worth considering. At first he forced her into sex in a position of his choice until he figured out it was her position of choice too. Thinking about why he liked it (because it was less intimate and made less contact) he began to wonder if she might have the same reasons for liking that position. So thinking about what he wouldn't like and thinking she might not like it for the same reasons, he decided he would make her do that even though he would't like it either. It would give him power over her to have a lot more forced body contact and maybe help him break her spirit. As expected she fought him until she gave in to him. (This is a long term relationship.) As expected he didn't like it until one day biology and body contact won and she got into it. He discovered that he liked giving her orgasms. He expresses his frustration that he had gotten into this sexual relationship to get over his attraction for her but it wasn't working.
So mob guy is good at sex but he isn't educated about sex. He's also utilitarian about sex. He wants to control his young sex workers and he doesn't care whether they are male or female. He's violent by nature but he likes the advantages of having his workers stay voluntarily so he limits himself to other kinds of persuasion.
by Faye Kellerman
Hardcover and unabridged audio edition of 11 cd's
from the library
This book is about SEX. It might look like a murder mystery but it is really about sex.
The main characters of the series, Peter and Reyna(sp??) reveal that they both were molested as children. [can't remember for certain re Peter] The mob guy, stepson of a mob guy, was molested by his stepdad. The children, boys, of P and R were molested by a guy [teacher?] and the mob guy's girlfriend was also molested.
In addition to descriptions of molestation, there were descriptions of sexual assault (violent) and what amounted to sexual torture through coercion. Mob guy who was exploited and emotionally tortured by stepdad now expresses his disdain and dominance over stepdad (who has since been deposed in the crime family )though sexuality. Mob guy takes in desperate teenagers and turns them into sex workers. If they are 18 he makes porn movies from them. At all times he controls them with sex. He says it makes them loyal and sometimes it comforts them. It also teaches them what he wants them to do with the customers.
Mob guy's relationship with his girlfriend is complex. His sexual relationship with her is worth considering. At first he forced her into sex in a position of his choice until he figured out it was her position of choice too. Thinking about why he liked it (because it was less intimate and made less contact) he began to wonder if she might have the same reasons for liking that position. So thinking about what he wouldn't like and thinking she might not like it for the same reasons, he decided he would make her do that even though he would't like it either. It would give him power over her to have a lot more forced body contact and maybe help him break her spirit. As expected she fought him until she gave in to him. (This is a long term relationship.) As expected he didn't like it until one day biology and body contact won and she got into it. He discovered that he liked giving her orgasms. He expresses his frustration that he had gotten into this sexual relationship to get over his attraction for her but it wasn't working.
So mob guy is good at sex but he isn't educated about sex. He's also utilitarian about sex. He wants to control his young sex workers and he doesn't care whether they are male or female. He's violent by nature but he likes the advantages of having his workers stay voluntarily so he limits himself to other kinds of persuasion.
May 12, 2019
It runs in the family
When Ephraim Lieber is found murdered, his 15-year-old niece Shaynda who was with him is missing. But what have they been doing together? Was it really just her uncle helping her or was there anything in between them? And has she disappeared willingly or was she taken? LAPD-cop Peter Decker is asked to come out to New York to investigate, as his brother is married to the dead man’s sister. When he and wife Rina arrive in New York, they become entangled knee deep in religious discrepancies, distrust and hidden truths, all while trudging along sometimes cooperative, sometimes unwilling local police – this is alien ground to them. But this is nothing in comparison to the encounter with an old acquaintance from Los Angeles – mobster Chris Donatti. It looks like one of his hits. But does that make sense?
I loved the number 14 in the series – and that is SO unfair. I had intended to leave the series for good, as I had liked the first seven or so books that much better than the last ones. But this was ingenious – not to be read standalone, as one should definitely have read both, “The Ritual Bath” (no 1, how Peter and Rina met), “Day of Atonement” (no 4, how Peter meets his New York birth family – he was adopted), and “Justice” (no 8, the first encounter with Chris Whitman), to really profit best from the story. This is bringing all the best elements in the series together: background on orthodox jewish life, different variations, Rina is getting deeply involved, Peter brings in his baby-bro Randy (adoptive brother), the boys are over in New York, too, and you meet up with Terry and Chris. Add humor, footwork, and action – now I will need to get the next books, maybe even up to number 24 or 25, I lost track.
Only complaint – daughter Hanna is 9 years old. Who would carry a 9-year-old as much as Rina does? That kid must be pretty heavy. And the school child behaves much younger. But that is picking. Great read!
This is eight years after “Justice”.
p205 Rina is 38, Peter is 50.
p 208 Jacob almost 18
Hanna Rosie p 1 - 9 ys old
When Ephraim Lieber is found murdered, his 15-year-old niece Shaynda who was with him is missing. But what have they been doing together? Was it really just her uncle helping her or was there anything in between them? And has she disappeared willingly or was she taken? LAPD-cop Peter Decker is asked to come out to New York to investigate, as his brother is married to the dead man’s sister. When he and wife Rina arrive in New York, they become entangled knee deep in religious discrepancies, distrust and hidden truths, all while trudging along sometimes cooperative, sometimes unwilling local police – this is alien ground to them. But this is nothing in comparison to the encounter with an old acquaintance from Los Angeles – mobster Chris Donatti. It looks like one of his hits. But does that make sense?
I loved the number 14 in the series – and that is SO unfair. I had intended to leave the series for good, as I had liked the first seven or so books that much better than the last ones. But this was ingenious – not to be read standalone, as one should definitely have read both, “The Ritual Bath” (no 1, how Peter and Rina met), “Day of Atonement” (no 4, how Peter meets his New York birth family – he was adopted), and “Justice” (no 8, the first encounter with Chris Whitman), to really profit best from the story. This is bringing all the best elements in the series together: background on orthodox jewish life, different variations, Rina is getting deeply involved, Peter brings in his baby-bro Randy (adoptive brother), the boys are over in New York, too, and you meet up with Terry and Chris. Add humor, footwork, and action – now I will need to get the next books, maybe even up to number 24 or 25, I lost track.
Only complaint – daughter Hanna is 9 years old. Who would carry a 9-year-old as much as Rina does? That kid must be pretty heavy. And the school child behaves much younger. But that is picking. Great read!
This is eight years after “Justice”.
p205 Rina is 38, Peter is 50.
p 208 Jacob almost 18
Hanna Rosie p 1 - 9 ys old
August 13, 2020
The reader will have a reunion with the Gifted musician and artist as well as cold~blooded killer, Christopher Donatti, now 26, divorced from Fat Retarded Maria, and already the de facto head of the Donatti Family of New York... he was introduced to the reader as a high school senior studying in LA and as the suspected 'murderer of his girlfriend', Chris Whitman in Justice~Book 8... also he had a very contentious and ambivalent relationship with Decker... with the Lieutenant keeping a benevolent paternal eye on Terry (Justice~Book 8) and Chris' son... Terry still studying Medicine at UCLA. With Chris involved, bloody murder would soon follow... he did not start the killings but he and Decker would end them. Also with Chris, being psycho and a chronic deceptive liar, the women (Rina and Terry) binding the warring alpha males together including all their lives and their children's lives in a confused mix of reality and fantasy combining rivalry, machismo and jealousy into a thrilling cocktail would willy~nilly be embroiled as inevitably as night follows day. Rabbi Jonathan, Decker's youngest half~brother, would also see action... being the only one Decker could trust when the murdered victim's family apparently used the brothers, especially Decker who. with his wife and daughter, came to NY in answer to Jonathan's pleas for help, but was used as a means to get info from the NYPD about Ephraim's death at a sleazy motel where he was found naked and shot in the head and his companion and 15~year~old rebellious niece missing. The investigation going nowhere, Decker was forced to ask for Chris' help and saw where Chris' creative and business proclivities took him... into photography and publishing porn magazines of 18?~year~old ingenues on various persona poses catering to the fantasies of unhappily married old men and lusty young men.
January 14, 2018
"In Judaism Torah is light and light is God. Hell wasn't fire and brimstone and devils and torture. Hell was an abyss without sensations, without end."
This quote towards the end of "Stone Kiss" is very apt, and testifies that this series of books is more than 'just' a detective story. On a surface level this is a sublime example of such; gripping, fast moving and with a compulsive denouement. However, these books are also deeply thoughtful and psychologically complex and "Stone Kiss" is no exception.
I liked the change of scene from L.A to New York (where Peter is emphatically out of his comfort zone) and the consideration of the true meaning of family throughout. But what elevated this novel further for me was the re-apperance of the complex Chris Donatti, who though reprehensible is strangely charismatic. It is proof of Kellerman's incredible skill as a writer that one vacillates between disgust of him (in this book he is at his most misogynistic and disrespectful) and reluctant fascination. Despite his horrible actions and aberrations, he is weirdly likeable; a Byronic anti hero in the world of organised crime. The twist at the end, as is Peter's final re-assessment of the concept of family is very touching. Also liked the scene between Sammy and Rachael.
Fabulous as usual- only reason am not awarding 5 stars is that the plot was *slightly* confusing and convoluted in parts.
This quote towards the end of "Stone Kiss" is very apt, and testifies that this series of books is more than 'just' a detective story. On a surface level this is a sublime example of such; gripping, fast moving and with a compulsive denouement. However, these books are also deeply thoughtful and psychologically complex and "Stone Kiss" is no exception.
I liked the change of scene from L.A to New York (where Peter is emphatically out of his comfort zone) and the consideration of the true meaning of family throughout. But what elevated this novel further for me was the re-apperance of the complex Chris Donatti, who though reprehensible is strangely charismatic. It is proof of Kellerman's incredible skill as a writer that one vacillates between disgust of him (in this book he is at his most misogynistic and disrespectful) and reluctant fascination. Despite his horrible actions and aberrations, he is weirdly likeable; a Byronic anti hero in the world of organised crime. The twist at the end, as is Peter's final re-assessment of the concept of family is very touching. Also liked the scene between Sammy and Rachael.
Fabulous as usual- only reason am not awarding 5 stars is that the plot was *slightly* confusing and convoluted in parts.
August 3, 2024
This is my first Faye Kellerman novel and most likely my last. Several times I put the book down and decided to give it a try. The story itself was bad (not really good either) but the time I invested on the computer looking up all the words I was unfamiliar with. Most of the Hebrew words I did not know. One of the benefits was that I learned some things about the Jewish faith that I was very unfamiliar with. I didn't know if the words were paramount to the story or if I could just read over them. I'm glad I did look them up because I learned something, and for that I am happy. I don't think it would have made a difference if I just read over them. However, I do like learning. But going forward, I don't want to spend time looking up words on the computer. Usually, I can figure out the meaning if I don't know it but I do write it down and at a later date, look them up. Most of the time I was correct in the assumptions I made as to the meaning of the words. And again, learning something new is another reason to READ!!! But Ms Kellerman did not grab my attention (as did her husband, Jonathan) and at a later date, I might change my mind.
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