Serpent's Tooth: A Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus Novel (G K Hall Large Print Book Series) [Hardcover]

Faye Kellerman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1997 | Series: G K Hall Large Print Book Series

MysteryLarge Print Edition* A New York Times Bestseller A shocking mass murder at a trendy L.A. restaurant thrusts Lieutenant Peter Decker into the lurid world of moneyed Southern California where everything and nearly everyone can be bought. His wife Ninas steadfast support as well as unexpected allies from strange places help him solve his most challenging case yet.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kellerman's recent Peter Decker blockbuster is narrated proficiently by actor Jay O. Sanders. Lieutenant Decker of the LAPD is in charge of the investigation into a mass murder at a ritzy restaurant. Harlan Manz, former bartender and tennis pro, went to Estelle's and killed over a dozen people before shooting himself in the head. The tragedy draws the press, who draw their own conclusions. Had Manz snapped and gone to Estelle's to avenge losing his job there? Decker and his homicide team uncover evidence pointing to another scenario. What really happened at Estelle's? The overuse of adult language, however, detracts from an interesting story. Recommended for larger popular fiction collections.?Denise A. Garofalo, Mid- Hudson Lib. Sys., Poughkeepsie,
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 539 pages
• Publisher: G K Hall & Co; First Edition edition (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0783883226
• ISBN-13: 978-0783883229
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,704,899 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.