Serpent's Tooth: A Peter Decker/rina Lazarus Novel (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) [Hardcover]

Faye Kellerman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 6, 1997 | Series: Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels

In the aftermath of a horrific mass-murder at a trendy L.A. restaurant, Lieutenant Peter Decker, with the support of Rina Lazarus, risks his career and his reputation to investigate the alleged mad triggerman, ex-bartender and would-be actor Harlan Manz."

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kellerman's (Prayers for the Dead, LJ 8/96) popular L.A. detective duo here investigate a Southern California-style mass murder in a trendy restaurant.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

LAPD detective Pete Decker's latest case is a shocker. Estelle's, the watering hole favored by L.A.'s rich and famous, is the scene of a mass shooting that leaves a dozen dead and scores wounded. There is no need to look for the murderer, who shot himself following his killing spree, but Pete does have to figure out the killer's motive, wrap up loose ends, and make the LAPD come out looking good. Then Pete and his team turn up evidence to suggest that the killer may not have acted alone. But Pete has other troubles: a key witness has filed a sexual harassment suit against him, his wife is balking at his inattention, his kids want to move closer to town, and his grown daughter has decided to become a cop. It's no surprise that the phenomenally popular Kellerman has produced another sure winner. As did the earlier Pete Decker novels, this one offers a bang-up whodunit with gentle humor, a clever and convincing plot, well-drawn characters, and a warm portrait of family life. Buy plenty! Emily Melton

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; 1st edition (August 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688143687
• ISBN-13: 978-0688143688
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,586,356 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

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Kellerman at her best..., June 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Serpent's Tooth: A Peter Decker/rina Lazarus Novel (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) (Hardcover)

Having started in the middle of her series (Day Of Atonement)and gone back to start at the beginning (Ritual Bath)I've read all of the Decker/Lazarus books in order, "Serpent's Tooth" was a bit of a disappointment. The deeply religious family involvement that has been central in the other books, seemed included here out of a sense of obligation -- not to strengthen the story line. Rather than enhance the story, the inclusion of family seemed to make it choppy. The suspense and drama of the other books was somehow lacking here. But considering how much I've enjoyed the other books, I'll forgive an off day and look forward to Kellerman's next offering.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Faye Kellerman's best in the series., July 1, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Nel Cameron) (Comox, British Columbia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serpent's Tooth: A Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus Novel (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

I have read all of Kellerman's Decker/Lazarus series now and consider this one of the best. I agree with other reviews that Kellerman has a tendency to view women as almost inferior (other than her heroine) and that the men view the women in a "turned on" state. But, and there always is a "but", I've found that it's not unusual - in books or in life. So, let's take that with a pinch of salt and stick to the story and plot line. Terrific. I'm a great mystery buff and always look forward to a new Kellerman. I've recommended her writing to others who love the genre and will continue to look forward to more of her books. The restaurant killing scenario was fantastic and something I have never seen in other mysteries. I will continue to read her books and recommend them to others. They're certainly different and, in my opinion, better than her husband's! A great read all around.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A LITTLE LONG IN THE TOOTH, BUT..., November 14, 2003

By 

Michael Butts (Berkeley Springs, WV USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Serpent's Tooth: A Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus Novel (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

SERPENT'S TOOTH is one of the better novels in this series; her reduction of time spent on religious background and squabbles actually aids her in this one. The first chapter is intriguing as Kellerman sets us up for what's about to happen by letting us know a little bit about some of the people in the trendy restaurant who are about to meet a fatal end. Once the killer "kills himself," it seems like an open and shut case, but where would the novel be if this was the case? Decker is now more willing to accept the advice of his daughter, Cindy, who is about to enter the police academy; Rina once again goes behind Peter's back to give him some assistance; we learn more about some of the other detectives: Webster, the southern transplant, is a likeable and a good addition; I haven't decided if I like Scott Oliver yet, what a chauvinist and ... fiend, but Kellerman is smart in giving us that sensitive side that indicates his main problem might be loneliness; Marge continues to be the lonely amazon woman--I think she's really in love with Peter?
Anyway, the cast of meanies in this one are despicable: Jeanine Garrison, the daughter of two of the restaurant's victims, who has her own financial agenda; Sean Amos and Malcolm Carey, two vile teenagers; Joaquin, a rather nerdy teen, who is a champion Scrabble player; David Garrison, Jeanine's brother who has (there's one of these in each book it seems?) a drug problem, and winds up iced, too.
The whodunit isn't overly exciting, but the way Kellerman interweaves all these personalities makes for good reading for fans of this series.