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STONE KISS, Faye Kellerman's latest Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus mystery, is one of her most interesting, complex and dark novels. With requisite tension and plot twists as well as her signature glimpses into Jewish Orthodox and Chasidic communities, Kellerman has again produced an entertaining and dramatic tale. STONE KISS stands out among her novels because of the psychological depth and complexity of one of its characters, Chris Donatti. Readers who have followed Rina and Peter since their less than romantic first meeting years ago can expect more of their wonderful partnership in this novel, although less attention is paid to the immediate Lazarus/Decker family than in previous works.
STONE KISS begins with a desperate phone call from Peter's half brother, Rabbi Jonathan Levine. The rabbi's brother in law has been murdered and his rebellious 15-year-old niece is missing. Peter and Rina fly to New York to comfort the family and to conduct an unofficial investigation. Immediately, Peter's intuition, honed by years in police work, tells him that the family is not divulging the whole story and that not everyone's grief is genuine: this case may be more complicated than it first appears. Soon, Peter hooks up with Officer Micky Novack, who helps him navigate the New York law enforcement system. But not everyone is being so helpful, especially not the grieving family, who resist all of his efforts and most of his suggestions. Frustrated, Peter turns to Chris Donatti, a mob assassin, pimp, and pornographer, with whom he has a professional history and a personal connection. Donatti may or may not be involved with the death of Ephraim Lieber but he soon becomes overly involved with both Peter and Rina in a frightening physical and psychological battle. As is typical, Rina's curiosity, her concern for her husband, and her desire to be helpful get her involved in the case as well. In Rina's encounters with Donatti, Kellerman seems to be leaving open the possibility of further confrontations between the two. As Peter gets closer to solving the crime, the risk to his and Rina's safety becomes greater. Sibling rivalries and the ever-present challenges to Peter's identity as an observant Jew further complicate this case involving drug smuggling, prostitution, and murder.
Kellerman's prose and dialogue flow naturally, making this a quick and easy read despite its grim subject matter. STONE KISS is a perfect read for a day at the beach or a stormy night spent curled up by the fire. As always, Kellerman has cleverly contrasted the sacred and the profane and has presented believable characters. Although Chris Donatti verges on being a stereotypical evil genius, he still is the most interesting and least predictable character in the novel. His story is rich and multilayered. Alternately cruel and sensitive, Donatti soon becomes the focus of the story and holds fast the reader's attention. Loving family bonds and murderous family deceptions come together in this exciting page turner.
--- Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman
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