The First Decker/Lazarus Novel (Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus Series Book 1)

Exactly what I would expect from Faye Kellerman. Her story is fun and her characters all move with intelligence and direction. Never sure who the culprit is too soon. Nice to see where the relationship in this story started as I have read several of her later books.

I thought this book was absolutely wonderful - it told a great story that you don't usually find. I wasn't sure if I would really understand some of the aspects, since it focuses around a Jewish community, but Faye Kellerman does a very nice job at explaining some of the rituals and language. I found myself having several late nights to read this! The characters are beautifully developed and the book gives off a "real" vibe. It's not too much like a fairy tale, which I really enjoyed. It's also great to read a book that features a strong female main character - Rina isn't a "damsel in distress" type!

After this book, I definitely intend to look into some more of Faye Kellerman's other novels.

A great first book for Faye Kellerman. It delivers all that one could want in a thriller and more. When a murder happens in a Jewish community, the Detective meets an intriguing lady and starts to examine his own past, present and possible future. Along the way, the reader is privy to some insight into the Jewish faith and philosophy. I found this book glued to my hand until the end.

Apparently "The Ritual Bath" is the first book in a series. It revolves around a Jewish community and its Mitvah where women go for their ritual cleansing baths. A young woman is raped after she leaves the Mitvah and there the story begins....

Rina, who runs the Mitvah, and Detective Peter Decker are front and center of this story--is Rina really the target of the rapist? Peter develops the "hots" for Rina and during the whole book she plays with Peter's emotions trying to balance her feelings and the rules of the religious community she adores.

This is not the best book I have ever read.

It is not even in the top 50.

However I loved learning about orthodox customs--the rape case itself was mundane and I found the romantic game cloying and tedious.

Now I need input on others who have read more of this series...is this as good as it gets or is this series worth persuing?

this novel deals with the isolated group of religious Jews who are frightened by murders of their congregation. It all starts outside of the ritual bath house, used by the females. You learn about their customs, how they should not mingle with the gentiles and what the ritual bath means to them.

I have really enjoyed this series. I have learned so much about the Jewish religion from reading them. This book is early in the continuing romance of two so dissimilar people. How they interact with their children as they slowly accept love and building a family.

This was the 2nd Faye Kellerman book I have read. She tells a good story but to fully appreciate it one needs a thorough understand the Jewish faith. Unfortunately, I am not of the Jewish faith but still enjoyed the book.

Great book. Decker and Lazarus bring romance to detective novels. I'm currently reading (re-reading) the sequel Milk and Honey!

I recommend that a reader start at the beginning and read the books in sequesce.

It was okay, but just wasn't terribly interesting. Both protagonists were only mildly entertaining and the plot was pretty thin. Ultimately, the 'bad guy' came out of left field and did not make a compelling villain.

I thought this a very good piece of fiction writing. The characters were well constructed and were people I found myself caring about. The final outcome of the climax was not obvious until the very end. I would like to read the next in the series.

Wonderful to read a romantic detective.
And intriguing for me to read the beautiful customs and some rituals of te Jewish Faith.
Thank you for that extra bonus.
Fay s books are wonderful featuring the same detective and his colleges and his inner life and love life. Keep reading people!!

I always enjoy reading Faye Kellerman books. I was hooked many years ago when I read Moon Music.
She always seems to have an ability to let you know who dunnit but keeping you interested and guessing until the very end.
Never disappoints

It was interesting to learn how Decker and Lazarus met in the first place. Lazarus is possibly a little too perfect a human being, but the book holds your attention and the plot twists, with surprise ending, make for a very good read

This book was a great read. The characters blended well and now I am wondering what is the next case for Decker. I enjoyed reading this because it taught me a bit about Jewish customs. Very interesting it kept me reading, there weren't any lulls.

I had read later Faye Kellerman Decker/Lazarus novels and enjoyed them immensely but now I can say I have read the rest of the story. This is a great series with wonderful characters. Problem is nothing else gets done when I start reading.

I have read several later books by this author and these characters, so it was nice to read this first book and get some background to their history. This is also a good mystery. You will also learn some more about Jewish culture.

This was a well-written and captivating journey into another lifestyle. It really creates some wonderment about so-called different communities. Being Jewish, I could almost relate, but some people/sects in Judaism are just too bizarre. A thought provoking novel!!

Just wanted to say that I really liked this book. The characters were very real and the story line was interesting. I would really like to continue to read this series. It is an easy but interesting read that will definitely keep your attention. I bought this for my kindle and it cost .99 I don't know if they were running a sale?

Faye Kellerman has done it again. What a compelling read. The characters are so believable, who wouldn't fall in love with Rina,such a strong willed person. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a compelling mystery.

I enjoyed this book. Very well written and held my interest. The characters were likeable. I would definitely want to read other books by this author, and would like to see other story lines with these characters.

I really enjoyed tihs origin story for the Lazarus - Decker relationship. I have read many of the subsequent Lazarus - Decker books but never before found the one that started it all. It does not disappoint.

When you want to understand another's faith,this is a good way to start.For she was truly one of the chosen and he had to find out
What his true feeling are about his heritage. So in a book of fiction we could see both sides of the story..GREAT READ!

Always follow Rina and Peter. Excellent human interplay between two adults. Both are so respectful of each other and they are aware Rina is very vulnerable, yet holds her ground kindly. Peter is sensitive to her religious beliefs!

Bravo Faye Kellerman !

A little hung up on Jewish specifics, for a detective novel, but it explains how decker and Rina met and had the hots for each other. This helps for those of us who may have read some of the books later in the series first. Like me.

This book held my attention from start to finish. The ending was unexpected which is always welcome in aw mystery. The references to Orthodox Jewish customs added value to the story. I would recommend this book.

I enjoy the Decker/Lazarus series, first for the stories (which are always gripping) and second because I really do enjoy the insights into the Jewish faith that they contain. I look forward to the new releases with great anticipation.

I love Faye Kellerman's writing.style: graphic enough for the story line but not gory. Her characters Pete and Rina, are warm and believable. For those of us who are not Jewish, we get a little peek into everyday Jewish life.

I have been reading this series for many years but did not realize until recently that I had not read the first book. I was not disappointed. Faye Kellerman has developed the characters over the years, but it was refreshing to read the beginning of their story. I highly recommend this one.

Great read, very educational in regards to the Orthodox Jewish life. The main Characters, Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus are engaging and the supporting cast believable and enjoyable. The plot was interesting and left you wanting more!

This book gives Lt. Decker's wife the attention we goyim need to understand where she is coming from. A ritual bath, by the way, is the cleansing ritual that restores the Orthodox Jewish woman after menstruation, etc. Details? What does it have to do with a murder investigation? Read it for yourself. Kellerman's books are all good reads, well plotted, and cast with characters that are realistic--even the cops.

The start of the story of Rena and Peter. Characters take a while to develop but it is good seeing how they began with some good insight into their backgrounds - more than the bit in each future novel.

I always love the Decker/Lazarus novels and this did not disappoint. This is one, if not the first one, with Decker and Laarus and I had to wind my mind backwards a bit to start at the beginning as I thought I had read all the them.

As always Faye Kellerman weaves a wonderful story with Jewish traditions. The characters are so appealing in a friendly next door neighbor kind of way. This book is an great way to spend an afternoon.

Excellent source for used books! I received the book within a few days and it was in great condition for a used paperback. Better than I have purchased at Hastings (large brick and mortar retailer of used books). The story was great too!