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Jupiter's Bones
Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus Mystery, # 11

by Faye Kellerman



Peter Decker is called in to investigate what is the apparent suicide of Father Jupiter, the founder and leader of the scientific cult, the Order of the Rings. Fifteen years ago, Father Jupiter was a world renowned astrophysicist, Dr Emil Euler Ganz, who vanished without any warning to his colleagues or family. A vial of sleeping pills and an empty bottle of vodka by his bed give the appearance of suicide. But an autopsy reveals traces of arsenic in the Father's body. While Decker and his Homicide team are trying to find the answer, two of the Order, members disappear, the dismembered body of one of the privileged attendants is discovered, and another of the other leaders holds the 78 children hostage. The local police and the FBI are called in. Decker must try to solve the situation despite the opposition of the Order.

Decker's involvement prevents him from defusing his own family situation. His older step son wants to study in a dangerous section of Israel and the younger boy possibly may become involved in non'Orthodox sex and drugs. It is left to his wife, Rina to cope.

This is a well plotted, fast paced story with suspense, violence and love. The cooperation of the law enforcement agencies is evident. The dialogue between the Homicide team is engaging. Kellerman introduces many of the Orthodox Jewish traditions and practices to the reader. The scenes of the hostage situation are grim and suspenseful. I did find the many scientific explanations too long and not all necessary. But by skimming through them, the reader is given a page turner to keep his attention.

 

The Book

Avon / HarperCollins
June 2007
Paperback
0380730820

Mystery

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The Reviewer

Barbara Buhrer
Reviewed 2007
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© 2007 MyShelf.com