Title: Day of Atonement
Author: Faye Kellerman
First published March 14, 1991
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780060554897 (ISBN10: 0060554894)
Rating: 4
Overview
Peter Decker, a seasoned detective of the L.A.P.D., finds himself on an unexpected mission with his new wife, Rina Lazarus, in the heart of an Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York. However, their honeymoon takes a drastic turn when a young boy goes missing.
Noam, the troubled runaway, is now under the wing of a dangerous killer who has introduced him to a world of violence and horror. Decker must act fast and find them both before Noam becomes another victim.
With time running out, will Decker be able to save the life of a lost boy and bring a killer to justice? Find out in Faye Kellerman’s gripping novel, Day of Atonement.
About the Author
Faye Kellerman grew up in Sherman Oaks, California after being born in St. Louis, Missouri. She pursued her education at UCLA, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, followed by a doctorate in dentistry.
Kellerman spent time researching oral biology before the publication of her first novel, THE RITUAL BATH, in 1986. The book was met with both critical and commercial success, earning Kellerman the Macavity Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Readers of America.
THE RITUAL BATH introduced readers to Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus, a mystery-solving couple that People Magazine described as “the most refreshing mystery couple around.” The New York Times praised Kellerman’s work, citing the couple’s domestic affairs as having “the haimish warmth of reality.”
Kellerman’s novels have sold over twenty million copies globally. Her Decker/Lazarus series includes SACRED AND PROFANE, MILK AND HONEY, DAY OF ATONEMENT, FALSE PROPHET, GRIEVOUS SIN, SANCTUARY, and her New York Times Bestsellers, JUSTICE, PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD, SERPENT’S TOOTH, JUPITER’S BONES, THE FORGOTTEN, STONE KISS, STRAIGHT INTO DARKNESS, THE BURNT HOUSE, THE MERCEDES COFFIN, and BLINDMAN’S BLUFF.
The books STALKER and STREET DREAMS introduced readers to Kellerman’s newest protagonist, Police Officer Cindy Decker. In addition to her crime series, Kellerman authored MOON MUSIC, a suspense horror novel set in Las Vegas featuring Detective Romulus Poe, and an historical novel of intrigue set in Elizabethan England, THE QUALITY OF MERCY.
She co-authored DOUBLE HOMICIDE, a New York Times Bestseller, with her husband and partner in crime, Jonathan Kellerman. Kellerman also wrote a young adult novel, PRISM, with her daughter, Aliza Kellerman.
Kellerman’s short stories and reviews have been published in numerous collections, including two volumes of the notable SISTERS IN CRIME SERIES, Sara Paretsky’s A WOMAN’S EYE, THE FIRST ANNUAL YEAR’S FINEST CRIME AND MYSTERY STORIES, THE THIRD ANNUAL BEST MYSTERY STORIES OF THE YEAR, WOMEN OF MYSTERY, and DEADLY ALLIES 11. In August 2006, Kellerman’s personally annotated collection of her award-winning stories, THE GARDEN OF EDEN and OTHER CRIMINAL DELIGHTS, was published.
When she’s not writing, Kellerman enjoys gardening, sewing, and jogging (if her back permits). She is the proud mother of four children, and her eldest son, Jesse, has just published his fourth novel, THE EXECUTOR, from Putnam.
Kellerman resides in Los Angeles and Santa Fe with her husband, youngest child, and their French Bulldog, Hugo.
Editoral Review
Faye Kellerman’s ‘Day of Atonement’ is a thrilling crime novel that was originally published on March 14, 1991. Kellerman, an American author of mystery novels, is best known for her Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series, of which ‘Day of Atonement’ is included.
The novel is set in Los Angeles and explores themes such as love, religion, and family. The story starts when Peter Decker, an LAPD detective, discovers the body of a young woman in a dumpster.
He soon realizes that the woman is the daughter of a prominent Orthodox Jew, and the investigation led by Decker and his partner, Marge Dunn, takes them deep into the Jewish community. As the investigation progresses, secrets are uncovered, and an intricate web of lies and deceit is revealed.
Kellerman’s writing style is engaging, and she creates a vivid picture of Los Angeles through her descriptive language. The pacing of the plot is impeccable, and the twists and turns of the investigation make it impossible to put the book down.
The characters are well developed, and their motivations and actions are believable, making the story all the more gripping. Kellerman’s portrayal of the Jewish community is both insightful and respectful, and the book has historical and cultural significance.
‘Day of Atonement’ explores the tensions between traditional and modern Jewish culture and the relationships between various religious groups. This is particularly relevant in today’s society, where issues of religious tolerance, antisemitism, and racial injustice are at the forefront of public discussion.
While some readers may find the novel’s focus on religion and culture to be limiting, Kellerman’s exploration of these themes is one of the book’s strengths. The plot is well-crafted, and the characters are engaging, making it a compelling read.
However, the writing style can be at times repetitive, and there are some inconsistencies in the plot, which may frustrate some readers. Overall, ‘Day of Atonement’ is an excellent example of the crime genre, and it showcases Kellerman’s skill as a writer.
The book provides an insightful glimpse into the world of Orthodox Judaism, and the characters are relatable and sympathetic. Readers who enjoy crime novels and are interested in exploring themes of religion and culture would undoubtedly find ‘Day of Atonement’ a satisfying read.
Based on our evaluation, we would give ‘Day of Atonement’ a rating of 4 out of 5. The book is a well-written crime novel with engaging characters and an intriguing plot.
While some aspects of the book could be improved, the overall experience of reading ‘Day of Atonement’ is memorable and thought-provoking. We highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy crime fiction and are interested in exploring themes of culture and religion.
