Customer Reviews

The Butcher's Theatre

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had read many of this writers books in his Alex Delaware series and found them to be fast harmless reads. The plots were fair and bordered on the inane. So, my expectations were not overly high when I began this earlier work by Kellerman. To my surprise, I found an extremely well written mystery. The characters herein are very well developed and the writer is skillfully able to manage numerous plot lines throughout his work. It is far more than a grippimg mystery as he takes on the issues of the Palestinians as well as possible discrimination existing within the country of Israel. It is part history lesson, part social commentary but most of all a gripping mystery. In the first half of the book, Kellerman creates his setting for the novel as well as depth for the characters therein. The book begins to pick up speed rapidly in the second half leading to double and triple twists that had me reaching for the book and wanting more. I would love to see the author get away from his stock character and write another book like this. It is a wonderful read and an excellent page turner and a book that I would strongly recommend to others.

Those attempting to read this work are advised to keep a copy of a map of Jerusalem nearby. This book assumes a level of knowledge of both the city of Jerusalem and the structure of Israeli society and politics that I lack, and is moderately preachy on the PLO/Israeli conflict. Speaking personally, there simply wasn't enough crime-solving to wade through the Israeli politics.

I read this years ago when it first came out in paperback and thought it riveting. You do not need a map or any knowledge of local politics to enjoy it, any more than you need a map and knowledge of local politics to enjoy a mystery set in Los Angeles, France, or the UK. If that were the case none of use would read and enjoy Agatha Christie!