Customer Reviews

Serpent's Tooth

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Faye Kellerman's latest in her series of Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus novel's "Serpent's Tooth," if not equal to her other books certainly surpasses them. Once again husband Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus are placed in another situation of mystery, murder and mayhem. The two are modern Orthodox Jews. Peter, born a Jew but brought up in a Christian home, met Rina in "The Ritual Bath," Faye's first book. Their courtship continued as Faye's Orthodox husband had leaving her to bring up her two boys. Decker, himself, went through a "conversion-learning process" in early novels. Their Jewishness is much apart of all the novels. "Serpent's Tooth" opens in a Los Angles restaurant where a mass murder ensues. Thirteen are dead and scores are wounded. The book is fast-paced, and a usual her characters are very realistic. The interpersonal relationships, Decker, his daughter Cindy, by his first marriage; Faye's two teenage boys by her first marriage; and Peter and Rina's daughter add much to the novel. There are a number of twists as one would expect in a murder novel but there are some pleasant ones in the personal relationships among the Deckers as well. Of course the horrible crime is solved but Kellerman leaves one open end concerning the family's future housing arrangements. Next on my reading agenda is her "Quality of Mercy" written a few years back, but not part of the series. Her 12th book, now in the works, also out of the loop is "Moon Music," that will be set in Las Vegas. Book #13, will bring Decker and Lazarus together again.

This is one of Faye Kellerman's best books. In "Serpent's Tooth," she continues the ongoing process of creating her main characters. In each book, we learn more anout the past of both central and minor regular characters. The mystery is a good one, although that is not the best part of the book. Cindy, Peter Decker's first daughter from a previous marriage, is drawn in closer to Peter and Rina's family, including Rina's son from a previous marriage. I do not want to give the plot away, but even when you know who the killer was, you do not know the motivation and the exact way in which it was accomplished. Faye Kellerman is a deft writer. Her touch is delicate but sure. So, nu, when is the next one out?

This could have been a very interesting detective story, but it deteriorated into a boring chain of events from which the spineless characters couldn't save it. The sexist undertones really alienated me, as did the chirpy goodness of Decker's family. I kept waiting for a twist, but it never came.

Serpent's Tooth was my first exposure to Faye Kellerman and her Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series and it really was excellent. Kellerman tells an excellent tale and fills it with realistic characters.

In Serpent's Tooth Decker must solve a mystery that challenges his self-image and understanding of his relationship with Lazarus. While Decker is the street-smart cop and Lazarus is an orthodox Jewish wife who has no direct link the case, it is Lazarus who provides valuable contributions to Decker solving the case. Kellerman does spend considerable effort in character development and understanding relationships. However, that aspect complements rather than clashes with the mystery. The solution of the external mystery is dependent on the understanding of internal mysteries. The whole effect is mesmerizing.

Dissapointing after "Prayer for the Dead" - Their Orthodoxy, which used to be an interesting part of the book tapestry, has become a gimmic; the villan's identity is telegraphed by the title (yes, we have read "Lear"); and the family has become less compelling. Skip it.

After an horrific mass murder at a fashionable restuarant, Lieutenant Peter Decker is placed in charge of the follow up investigation. He slowly uncovers layer after layer of corruption involving drugs, high school students, tennis players and leading them all, a beautiful woman who seems to have a connection to everyone involved in the massacre. Jeanine Garrison initially tries to seduce Decker but becomes vicious when he rejects her advances and falsely accuses him of sexual harassment. It's a very fast moving plot, easy to read and therefore almost unputdownable-I loved it !

Faye Kellerman has out done herself with "Serpents Tooth"! An outstanding page turner. I read it in 2-days... would've read it faster, if I didn't have to work! This contains all the great elements of a suspensful murder mystery; murder, deception, greed, sex and the falls of the vulernable human condition. This is an absolute must read for new and old Kellerman readers!