Ten Years Gone (Private Investigator Adam Lapid Historical Mystery

I always enjoy a good historical mystery and this book did not disappoint. Not only does the author take you through twists and turns of who might have had a motive, he also gives the reader a small insight into the aftermath of the Holocaust as well as the British Mandate and the subsequent rebirth of an independent Israel.

I bought the first Adam Lapid book because the time and location were intriguing. I read all four books in three days. Adam is a good man, but dangerous. I would like him on my side, but not as my friend. Adam's experiences have shaped him and he survives in spite of them. He's a strong man. I respect him greatly, but would find it difficult to like him. I want to see how he does, if he will Find peace no matter how many more books about him I need to read. I care about this man.

The writing was a bit stiff, but I was willing to continue until the characters became too improbable and stereotypical which was quite soon. I'm very disappointed in this book, wish I could return it.

Ten Ytears Gone is the first in a series of classic murder mysteries set in the early history of the State of Israel, but rest assured. This and the others in the series have universal appeal and are true who dunnits, without political dialogue, Arab-Israel political tensions or characters too much larger than life to be believable. Protagonist P.I. Adam Lapid is an Auschwitz survivor, and on a personal level, he has little left to lose. The tensions involved in investigating murders is therapeutic and he is good at it. But he is not a super action hero. Some of his shots miss, some of his early conclusions collapse, and sometimes his good guys turn out bad. The mystery involved in Ten Years Gone deals with a woman who comes to Israel seeking to find what happened to her son, and if he is dead, how he died. The secondary characters in the tale all add color to the plot, and the author's ability to create post war independent Israel is a bonus, as is the quality of the writing. And you will not be able to stop with one.

The Private Investigator in this story is a man who has survived the Holocaust, and as a result is a very damaged man, but he is still a good man in many ways. The author does a brilliant job bringing out the character of Adam Lapid, the PI, by showing you his actions interspersed with glimpses of his thoughts as Adam narrates this story. The plot is excellent, but the writing is even better. Everybody is flawed but few of the characters are so flawed that I didn't care what happened to them. One of the best written books out of the thousands of books that I have read.

It is a very dark story about a very dark time, but not gratuitously so. The descriptions of violence were not extremely graphic even though there are some very brutal incidents that occur. Enough detail that you can understand what happened, and if you are squeamish about violence I would not recommend this book. But the author gives more detailed descriptions of the food Adam Lapid eats than of the fights Adam survives, matching the significance Adam Lapid places on both types of events in his life. For someone like Adam Lapid who has seen the men around him dying of starvation, each meal is still an event that he cannot take for granted. A fist fight or even a knifing or a shooting is just something to survive as well as possible. That is typical of what sets this story apart from the ordinary.

Unforgettable!

Well developed characters with complex plot and flawed, though admirable protagonist. One of the better semi-historical novels I have read, I was impressed with the author’s writing style and authenticity of the period. Much research obviously went into the crafting of this work. The setting in newly formed country of Israel was one I had not encountered before, but the author’s descriptions of the streets, buses, buildings, shops and politics of the era made the book even more real. The time frame was also an integral part of the narrative. The intricate twists and turns made for a real page turner with no dead spots that I highly recommend.

This story is woven so intricately, it moves along quickly and it's a very interesting subject matter. I think this author is a genius, he's extraordinarily skilled at writing. I tend to critique the books' writers as I'm reading them and this author's writing is, to me, flawless. There were no extraneous parts of the book where it was slow reading, it moves along so quickly it's hard to put down and you look forward to picking it back up and reading it again. It is historical fiction, crime/detective genre which is what I generally read. All four of his books are excellent and I can't wait until he puts out the next one. I'm very disappointed to have reached the end of the 4th book. I highly recommend all this books. This was excellent but it's really hard to choose because they are all fantastic!! If you like this genre, you'll love this!

I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of those rare books that will have that kind of impact for me. At the same time, it’s a richly crafted and highly entertaining view into a time and place and a people that too little is known about—Israel in the late 1940’s. The Israelis display a level of mental toughness that most of us can’t relate to, and this book helps make that more understandable. Jonathan Dursley has captured that magnificently. This book is more than just your everyday mystery tale.

Love a good detective yarn and this is one. As a history buff I love reading about the 30s 40s and 50s. The setting of post war newly independent Israel gives a different atmosphere. The main character is the well known hardboiled hero with a tragic past and a heart for the underdog. As a movie it would be classed "Tel Aviv noir." I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Loved reading this novel. It’s different from other WW2 books I have read and I really liked the style of writing. The descriptions are fantastic! You are there, present. I only have one complaint. Lol. There were so many different people being introduced, it was a bit hard for me to follow along in some places and remember who was who and who did what. But hey, I am not an experienced reader, so that explains it perhaps? Five most deserved stars nonetheless! Other than that last rant, this book was enjoyable and this is a talented, natural writer!

and it seems Adam Lampid is one of them. His character is not fleshed out fully because you are only told briefly what horrors he endured. You do know however the worst is the loss of his wife and daughters in the camps. It seems all the characters about whom he writes share at least the terror of being the prey of Nazi Germany. Well written and very interesting all the way through. I will read another of his books.........I want to see if he continues keeping his pain buried and only released in his nightmares.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I'm a big fan of crime fiction and police and private investigator procedurals with all the modern technology, but sometimes the old school way can be entertaining as well. Just following the clues. The "tortured soul, damaged, lone wolf, outsider" character is not new, but what IS new is the way in which this man has been damaged. I got to like Adam, and care what happens to him. If Mr. Dunsky will continue to write about him, I will continue to read them.

This is an interesting noir procedural with exceptionally good character development.
It takes place in Israel quite soon after Independence and the character's attitudes are fascinating.
The plot was intricate and twisty and the ending unexpected.
Let me recommend it.

The most beautifully written book. I could not put this book down. The characters went through so much tragedy,. Adam became my friend I wished I'd known him. Each of the characters came alive, they were believable, and triumphant it what they came through in their life.

I love to read a good mystery and a mystery with murders is even better. Dunsky did a great job of plot, pace, characters and the period environment. This book was well worth his three or four ‘starts’ on it. The result is terrific!

Started off slow but after the first few pages was difficult to put down until I finished the book. The author weaves a great investigative story around what might first appear to be ordinary characters among the pre and post world war politics of his day. And what you get from this book is that no human being's story is ever ordinary, and there's more even to a cleaning lady than meets the eye! Masterfully woven!

This is a superbly written, wonderful book. I read a lot of mysteries and this might be the best. I will find and read everything he has written. Please do the same. You won't be disappointed. I don't know this man but wish I did. Fascinating.

Really enjoyed this book, much more than the usual detective story. You want this man, survivor of the Death Camps in Polands WWII chaos, to find some sort of peace, you feel his guilt for surviving, and you have hope for him. Very well written, good plot, will read authors' other books because I like his style.

I read everyday. Sometimes it's hard for me to find a book that reels me in. That's what i like, a story that captures my attention and keeps it. Well, that's just what Jonathon did. I have to admit, i was a little surprised at the pull i got when i started reading. You will not want to put this down. I never ever could guessed the ending and i think I'm pretty good sleuth lol!

This was an exceptionally top notch read. A very well laid out complex plot with vivid well-developed relationships, characters and characterizations. Set back in time as the the writer conjures vivid images of the community telephone in sterile neighborhood drug store. I connat wait to read the next.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! After seeing a Facebook post I recently purchased this book for my Kindle & thoroughly enjoyed it! Found it difficult to put down & while I accomplished very little for a few days it was totally worth it! Looking forward to reading more books by Jonathan Dunsky.

Great read! Detective procedurals are my favorite kinds of books. Love Michael Connelly, Jon Sanford, Lee Child and now Jonathan Dunsky. This book is so well written and I’m so glad Jonathan didn’t give up on it! The setting is wonderfully described and the characters are well rounded and so real, not to mention the amazing plot. It’s one of those books you race to find out what happens but are sorry when you’re through because it’s like saying good-bye to good friends. That’s one of the reasons I love well written series books...you don’t have to say good-bye! I will definitely be reading the rest of them and all the others as fast as they come out.

I’m a big reader of mysteries and luckily have found Adam Lapid, not your ordinary detective...while characters are well developed it is the author’s mastery of plot twists that is so gratifying as their complexity mirrors human nature as it truly is, full of conflicts that aren’t readily apparent. Now I’m “hooked” and just ordered my second book of the series so I have lots to look forward to... happy reading and learning including about Israel, a fine setting for this subtle and incisive sleuth.

Once I started reading this book I could tell it would be hard to put it down. Very interesting and one of those books that you can't wait to see what happens next. A big twist for the murderer that I did not expect. Surprise ending.

When I first started reading I wasn’t sure that I would like it due to the setting being 70 years old. But I instantly fell in love with the description of Israel during this period. The story had so many twists and turns that I couldn’t put it down!! Loved it!

I loved this book so much that I couldn't put it down. I had another person in mind entirely as the murderer. I did guess that another child had taken the place of the murdered child, but I had the circumstances wrong. I highly recommend the author, and intend to read more by this author.

I love a good detective novel and this was the best I've read this year. I couldn't put it down and stayed up well past midnight to finish it. Great writing, great plot and the characters are realistic and memorable. Ordered book 2, "The Dead Sister" as soon as I read the last page.

Has it all, good character development, Great story line, a mystery you don't see the answer too early and interesting setting which allows you to learn of other cultures in important historical times.

I always enjoy a good historical mystery and this book did not disappoint. Not only does the author take you through twists and turns of who might have had a motive, he also gives the reader a small insight into the aftermath of the Holocaust as well as the British Mandate and the subsequent rebirth of an independent Israel.

I bought the first Adam Lapid book because the time and location were intriguing. I read all four books in three days. Adam is a good man, but dangerous. I would like him on my side, but not as my friend. Adam's experiences have shaped him and he survives in spite of them. He's a strong man. I respect him greatly, but would find it difficult to like him. I want to see how he does, if he will Find peace no matter how many more books about him I need to read. I care about this man.

The writing was a bit stiff, but I was willing to continue until the characters became too improbable and stereotypical which was quite soon. I'm very disappointed in this book, wish I could return it.

Ten Ytears Gone is the first in a series of classic murder mysteries set in the early history of the State of Israel, but rest assured. This and the others in the series have universal appeal and are true who dunnits, without political dialogue, Arab-Israel political tensions or characters too much larger than life to be believable. Protagonist P.I. Adam Lapid is an Auschwitz survivor, and on a personal level, he has little left to lose. The tensions involved in investigating murders is therapeutic and he is good at it. But he is not a super action hero. Some of his shots miss, some of his early conclusions collapse, and sometimes his good guys turn out bad. The mystery involved in Ten Years Gone deals with a woman who comes to Israel seeking to find what happened to her son, and if he is dead, how he died. The secondary characters in the tale all add color to the plot, and the author's ability to create post war independent Israel is a bonus, as is the quality of the writing. And you will not be able to stop with one.

The Private Investigator in this story is a man who has survived the Holocaust, and as a result is a very damaged man, but he is still a good man in many ways. The author does a brilliant job bringing out the character of Adam Lapid, the PI, by showing you his actions interspersed with glimpses of his thoughts as Adam narrates this story. The plot is excellent, but the writing is even better. Everybody is flawed but few of the characters are so flawed that I didn't care what happened to them. One of the best written books out of the thousands of books that I have read.

It is a very dark story about a very dark time, but not gratuitously so. The descriptions of violence were not extremely graphic even though there are some very brutal incidents that occur. Enough detail that you can understand what happened, and if you are squeamish about violence I would not recommend this book. But the author gives more detailed descriptions of the food Adam Lapid eats than of the fights Adam survives, matching the significance Adam Lapid places on both types of events in his life. For someone like Adam Lapid who has seen the men around him dying of starvation, each meal is still an event that he cannot take for granted. A fist fight or even a knifing or a shooting is just something to survive as well as possible. That is typical of what sets this story apart from the ordinary.

Unforgettable!

Well developed characters with complex plot and flawed, though admirable protagonist. One of the better semi-historical novels I have read, I was impressed with the author’s writing style and authenticity of the period. Much research obviously went into the crafting of this work. The setting in newly formed country of Israel was one I had not encountered before, but the author’s descriptions of the streets, buses, buildings, shops and politics of the era made the book even more real. The time frame was also an integral part of the narrative. The intricate twists and turns made for a real page turner with no dead spots that I highly recommend.

This story is woven so intricately, it moves along quickly and it's a very interesting subject matter. I think this author is a genius, he's extraordinarily skilled at writing. I tend to critique the books' writers as I'm reading them and this author's writing is, to me, flawless. There were no extraneous parts of the book where it was slow reading, it moves along so quickly it's hard to put down and you look forward to picking it back up and reading it again. It is historical fiction, crime/detective genre which is what I generally read. All four of his books are excellent and I can't wait until he puts out the next one. I'm very disappointed to have reached the end of the 4th book. I highly recommend all this books. This was excellent but it's really hard to choose because they are all fantastic!! If you like this genre, you'll love this!

I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of those rare books that will have that kind of impact for me. At the same time, it’s a richly crafted and highly entertaining view into a time and place and a people that too little is known about—Israel in the late 1940’s. The Israelis display a level of mental toughness that most of us can’t relate to, and this book helps make that more understandable. Jonathan Dursley has captured that magnificently. This book is more than just your everyday mystery tale.

Love a good detective yarn and this is one. As a history buff I love reading about the 30s 40s and 50s. The setting of post war newly independent Israel gives a different atmosphere. The main character is the well known hardboiled hero with a tragic past and a heart for the underdog. As a movie it would be classed "Tel Aviv noir." I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Loved reading this novel. It’s different from other WW2 books I have read and I really liked the style of writing. The descriptions are fantastic! You are there, present. I only have one complaint. Lol. There were so many different people being introduced, it was a bit hard for me to follow along in some places and remember who was who and who did what. But hey, I am not an experienced reader, so that explains it perhaps? Five most deserved stars nonetheless! Other than that last rant, this book was enjoyable and this is a talented, natural writer!

This is an extraordinary story filled with descriptions of what the Jewish people endured as they established a homeland. The toughness of the Irgun was skillfully worked into the story of an ex policeman who became a PI after losing his family in the holocaust. He undertook a case which was a ten year old murder of a woman and a child. All the twists and turns this investigation revealed made for a very interesting and page turning story. I'm on my way now to get the other three books written with this unforgettable PI as protagonist. Great reading! Thanks.

and it seems Adam Lampid is one of them. His character is not fleshed out fully because you are only told briefly what horrors he endured. You do know however the worst is the loss of his wife and daughters in the camps. It seems all the characters about whom he writes share at least the terror of being the prey of Nazi Germany. Well written and very interesting all the way through. I will read another of his books.........I want to see if he continues keeping his pain buried and only released in his nightmares.

I just read this historical novel. I don't usually go for this particular genre, however since I am Jewish i decided to read it. I'm so glad I did. The plot and characters are real. Who is to say that this plot couldn't have happened in real life. Just thinking of what the holocaust did to the spirit of those who survived. Some like Henretta never gave up, Adam became a hero that doesn't like the fame becomes a loner. That's just two of the characters. Amazing story. Thank you Jonathan Dunsky

Those of us that are avid readers and live in a country that isn't English speaking have to search the store for Kindle bargains. Sadly a good read in this category are hard to find unless an author wants to wet our appetite for his/her next novel. For sure this is the case of Ten Years Gone. I read many detective stories, and must say this is one of the best that I have read or a long time. Good characters and enough for us to remember who they are and yet not who did it. Good story that keeps us guessing till the end of the book. Excellent, highly recommend, hope the next in the series is as good.

I have never left a review of a book before. After reading a note by the author at the end of the book, I decided that I would. Historical fiction books are my favorite genre, and this one in particular was much more than I first thought it would be. It was interesting to read about the state of Israel during that time period. My knowledge is severely limited in this area after the war and the Jewish plight. On top of the historical interest, it was a really well written and well plotted book. It is a character that you really want life to be OK for him in the end. I'm certainly glad there are three more at this time to read. Well done!

When I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure if I would like it but after the first chapter I couldn’t turn off my kindle. The only thing I did not really feel comfortable with was the continuous referral to the weather and heat and the overly descriptive what was being eaten and all the spare time throughout the story. Overall, it’s an excellent mystery with lots of corners and nooks to be investigated.

It’s not often I find a book I can not put down, but I love historical novels and a good suspense and this is both. I enjoyed more of the beginning of Israel . I enjoyed the characters especially Adam and the story kept me guessing till the end. I can’t wait to read the next one. Thank you Mr Dunsky

This is an extraordinary story filled with descriptions of what the Jewish people endured as they established a homeland. The toughness of the Irgun was skillfully worked into the story of an ex policeman who became a PI after losing his family in the holocaust. He undertook a case which was a ten year old murder of a woman and a child. All the twists and turns this investigation revealed made for a very interesting and page turning story. I'm on my way now to get the other three books written with this unforgettable PI as protagonist. Great reading! Thanks.

I admit that I read the first 2-3 chapters then the last chapter. Amazingly this did not spoil the plot...in fact I needed to read the whole book to get all of the twists. The best book I have read in ages. Thank you, thank you for returning to writing this book Mr Dunsky.

Absolutely loved this book. It was set in the early years of Israel becoming a nation. The history of Israel came alive. I could just picture the country and city where Adam lived. It held my interest and could not put it down. Will buy the next book.

And it’s people. Adam Lapis’s character is clearly established. Although I wouldn’t call him a loner - he hangs out in a coffee shop all day! The plot twists and turns enough to be very interesting developing Esther’s character and giving a glimpse of Israel’s fight for independence along the way.

This is a compelling story--I learned a great deal about the early days of Israel, a time when the country was struggling to get on its feet, and deal with the tragedy of the past decade. I felt a strong connection to the protagonist, Adam Lapid, a complex, interesting, at times dark hero. Once I started reading this book, I just had to keep going until I finished it. I read tons of mysteries and thrillers, but I was taken by surprise by the ending. I just ordered the second book in the series.

A request to find a missing child turns into a hunt for a savage and barbaric killer.
Atmospheric and deeply moving, I found this book hard to put down.
Part of me wanted to get to the solution as quickly as possible, whilst another part of me wanted this story to never end.

This is a very compelling read. The historical backdrop gives the reader an idea of what Israel was like after the 2nd World War and the way the young country dealt with those who survived in Europe and those who had been long time inhabitants. Not always seamless. Conflicts among political parties, rationing, threats from outside set the stage for a mystery which is well thought out, completely plausible and overwhelmingly sad. The Holocaust casts its shadow over everything. I look forward to the rest of the series.

The book was interesting, intriguing, emotional and held my attention for the most part. The characters were life-like and descriptive. It was a little too long for my taste before the climax, however, I would highly recommend this book as pleasurable reading material.

An out of my usual realm of reads, and I loved it! Infused with a historical WWII tone, a PI who's tough as nails, and a happy - not so happy ending. Moving on to the next in the Adam Lapid series...

Has it all, good character development, Great story line, a mystery you don't see the answer too early and interesting setting which allows you to learn of other cultures in important historical times.

2 big thumbs up for Ten Years Gone. First, my father read the book and gave a huge endorsement to me. He told me the story was riveting with lots of twists and turns. Based on his recommendation I took up the book. Boy was he ever right. Everyday while riding my exercise bike I read the book. I liked it so much, I actually started looking forward to working out. Just a fantastic read. My thanks to the author.

If I could give this and the three that followed in this series ten stars. I certainly would. Being a voracious reader I could not wait to get my hands on each one. This author is terrific. He makes you feel like you are right there experiencing everything right along with his characters. I can’t wait for the next one. I call dibs on the first copy!!!!!

This book is a page turner. There are twists and turns in the plot that made me think I knew how the story was going, only to discover I was wrong. It kept me guessing until the end. Adam Lapid is a fascinating character, well developed and complex. I look forward to reading more Adam Lapid mysteries.

Undoubtedly one of the best WWII works of fiction I’ve ever read. I rarely read books that are depressing and the murders of Esther and Willie we about as gruesome as I can handle, I could put it down. There were so many twists and turns that held my attention to the end. Highly recommend this book.

Loved it! Dunsky did an excellent job of connecting me to the characters; making me invest in them. Lots of twists and turns. I'm so often disappointed and figure out the ending to most books. This one kept me guessing till almost the very end. I will definitely read more by him!

My husband and I are in our seventies,and we read this book together. What we liked best about this book was that we couldn’t put it down; we felt as if we became part of the story and tried to solve the mysteries. Also it is a story that is based on real history and characters.

Splendid read! You will fall in love with the characters. Have read all his books can’t wait for the next. If love Armand from Louise Penny and Gabriel from Daniel Silva you will love all these books. Do read in order

This book held my interest so well. In fact, I didn’t want to put it down! Historical, well developed and thrilling. You need to read this. I’m on his third in this series. I don’t want them to end!