Though he was not raised Jewish by his adoptive parents, Decker learned many years later that his birth mother was an Orthodox Jew. Since then, he has formally converted and established tentative ties with his biological family. So when his half-brother Jonathan calls from New York, begging for his assistance, Decker reluctantly agrees. The brother of Jonathan’s wife has been found murdered, and the victim’s 15-year-old niece is missing after apparently witnessing the crime. Although New York is far from Decker’s jurisdiction, Jonathan pleads for him to come out and use his skills to help the local police.

Decker’s wife Rina and their daughter Hannah accompany him to the East Coast so they can visit Rina’s family. But the trip is far from a successful experience. Although Jonathan’s in-laws initially asked for Decker’s help, they are less than forthcoming with information. In fact, their interactions with Decker are almost hostile, as if they are offended by his presence. The NYPD detectives don’t appreciate Decker’s involvement and resent the implication that they aren’t capable of solving the crime on their own.

Without a working knowledge of the New York crime world, Decker is forced to make a very uneasy alliance with a former adversary. It’s a delicate and dangerous relationship, and Decker knows that this man who can help him might also shoot him in the head without warning. He knows he can take care of himself, but when his nemesis-turned-ally meets Rina, the stakes get much higher. Decker finds himself tangled in a mess of illegal drugs, prostitution, embezzlement, corruption and pornography. One wrong move will put those he loves most at risk.

Because of the New York setting, Stone Kiss focuses on Judaism more than many Decker/Lazarus novels. Some readers have criticized the book because it paints a less than flattering portrait of some Orthodox Jews. However, the story includes many Jewish characters in this novel, both good and bad, and I was not offended by the portrayal. Kellerman provides sufficient background about Jewish customs and traditions, so that non-Jewish readers will not be confused.

The reappearance of a Chris Donatti, a secondary character from Justice who played a major role in a former case, is a mixed blessing. Readers who are unfamiliar with the earlier books in the series will not fully appreciate the nuances of Donatti’s complex relationship with Decker. If you recall “C.D.” at all, however, you will be quickly caught up in the tense symbiotic partnership Decker develops with him. Donatti is twisted, sick and amoral, but Kellerman shows the tiny bit of humanity he still maintains. He is a fascinating character; you certainly can’t admire him, but you don’t despise him either. A jarring note is added when another secondary character from Justice appears briefly, inexplicably adding a chapter of first person narrative to the story. Kellerman is an experienced enough author that she must have realized that the first person chapter interrupts the narrative flow, so its inclusion is a puzzle

A much more straightforward and constructive relationship develops between Decker and his half-brother, Jonathan, whose desire to do the right thing conflicts with his need to protect his family. Unfortunately, Decker and Rina keep so many secrets from each other that you have to question the strength of their marriage, even after more than 10 years together.

With a definite post-9/11 somberness and a plot that becomes increasingly violent, Stone Kiss ends on a note of near despair and nihilism. I know that a murder mystery is unlikely to be upbeat, but the desolation that permeates the novel disturbed me enough that I may think twice about reading Kellerman’s 15th Decker/Lazarus book.

--Susan Scribner