Sanctuary: A Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus Mystery (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) [Hardcover]

Faye Kellerman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994 | Series: Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels

L.A. homicide detective Peter Decker and his wife, Rina Lazarus, become involved in a series of murders, the international diamond trade, a bizarre religious cult, and two teen-aged brothers who may or may not have killed their parents. 125,000 first printing. $105,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Orthodox Jewish housewife Rina Lazarus and her husband-and convert to Judaism-LAPD Detective Sergeant Peter Decker (last seen in Grievous Sin) have their hands full in their seventh adventure. While Peter and his partner, Det. Marge Dunn, investigate the disappearance of prosperous diamond dealer Arik Yalom, his wife and their teenage sons, Rina plays hostess to Honey Klein, visiting from New York with her children and obviously escaping problems with her Hasidic diamond-dealer husband, Gershon. When the bodies of the older Yaloms are found buried on a local mountainside, their sons are seen as possible suspects or potential victims fleeing for their lives. The Yalom case leads Peter to L.A.'s diamond center; to elegant Kate Milligan, a power in the South African diamond trade; and eventually to Israel, with Rina along as interpreter. After Gershon Klein is found dead, Honey and her kids vanish too, further complicating this overrich brew. Scouring the environs of Jerusalem in their search for the missing Yalom boys, turning up bomb plots as they go, Peter and Rina get a fix on the killer and take an inside look at some Israeli institutions. The multitude of plot threads and characters, however, may trip up some readers. Mystery Guild selection; Doubleday Book Club alternate; author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Still living in Los Angeles, Sgt. Peter Decker and his Jewish wife, Rina, work on a series of murders that take them to Israel by way of the international diamond trade. From the author of Grievous Sin (LJ 8/93).
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Co; 1st edition (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688046126
• ISBN-13: 978-0688046125
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,348,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Faye Kellerman is the author of twenty-six novels, including nineteen New York Times bestselling mysteries that feature the husband-and-wife team of Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus. She has also penned two best selling short novels with her husband, New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman, and recently has teamed up with her daughter, Aliza, to co-write a teen novel, entitled PRISM. She lives in Los Angeles, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Ms. Kellerman's best, May 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sanctuary (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

I have now read all of Faye Kellerman's mysteries, and although I enjoyed every one, this is unquestionably her best in my opinion. The complexity of the story rivals that of a P.D. James, but the setting is familiarly California. I learned a great deal about Judaism and the fascinating world of diamond brokerage, but more importantly about the many roles that religion plays in our lives. It is, indeed, a "sanctuary," but can just as easily become a prison. Kellerman's characters are, as always, believeable and richly developed. I never tire of her books!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Faye Kellerman's best!, March 19, 1999

By 

Danalee Lavelle "Sugar and Spice" (Carmichael, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sanctuary (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

In my book, this title vies with 'Ritual Bath' and 'Justice' as Kellerman's best. As with 'Ritual Bath' the reader is treated to the all encompassing traditions of Judaism. Although the Honey Klein angle seems to get more emphasis in reviews, I found the diamond merchant subplot more believable and fascinating. Descriptions of Israel and the West Bank were super--I enoyed the travelogue. Faye, give us more!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best in an incredible series!, December 11, 2002

By 

S. Gould "gouldpjaks" (Woodmere, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanctuary (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

In my book 'Sanctuary' is one of the best in the Peter Decker/ Rina Lazarus series. The story revolves around the missing husband of Rina's friend. The search takes Rina and Peter to Israel where we are treated to a fascinating tour of the West Bank and the diamond trade in Israel. What makes this entry so important today is the portrayal of the continuing conflict and violence that shapes Israel's future and her people. It is a pleasure to read a book that is both thoughtful and fun to read.

My only other suggestion if you are new to Faye Kellerman is to start at the beginning with 'Ritual Bath' to see the relationship between Rina and Peter unfold. Then read all her books in the order in which they were written. Its a great series.