Clay is not pleased when he learns Fred has not purchased the Sargent painting he was seeking. As a consolation prize, Fred tosses Clay the rolled-up newspaper, remarking that he can practice his French reading the paper. Clay retreats upstairs, only to return a short time later, eyes shining. Contained within the paper is an illuminated parchment, depicting Lazarus arising from the dead, obviously part of an ancient Bible.

Fred, realizing to whom the treasure belongs, namely the old man in the airport, thinks he should return it to the man, or rather his heirs, as it turns out the man died at Logan. Clay would like to play Finders, Keepers, since the parchment is a beautiful work of art. Not to be denied, Fred commences his search for the old man’s identity and the story behind the parchment.

A slim volume, only two hundred pages, Lazarus, Arise holds many delights for the reader. Billed correctly as an art mystery the novel could also be considered a bibliomystery. The mystery entails the unraveling of the story of what this illuminated manuscript really is, and how it came to be in the possession of the elderly gentleman. Along the way, author Kilmer manages to teach the reader much about early bookmaking and illustration. Quite fascinating stuff!

Mr. Kilmer vividly describes the world of book collectors, a small, but impassioned group of people. These people vary from simple lovers of books to those who think of it as a money making profession. The ethics of the players in the book collecting game varies considerably also. Poor Fred and Clay are besieged by requests and/or demands to take possession of their find. Indeed, some would-be owners are quite ruthless in their methods to obtain the desired parchment.

Lazarus, Arise is filled with diverse facts on many different subjects, attesting to the author’s wide range of knowledge. For example, the origin of saffron, its uses, the reason for its high price tag are discussed. There is also an interesting explanation on the properties of honey, a true delight for the trivia buff. If Mr. Kilmer’s other mysteries are as packed with information as this one, they would make an adequate source for the person preparing for an appearance on Win Ben Stein’s Money.

The author has not neglected the history lover. Researching the origin of the manuscript leads Fred into the world of 15th century politics and religion. Mr. Kilmer patiently describes the political situation in Europe at that time that even the history-impaired reader can understand and enjoy. As a card carrying member of the historically inept, I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable those passages were.

Lazarus, Arise is not only a wonderful mystery, but an educational exercise as well. This slim volume has something that should appeal to most readers. Those folks that normally reject art mysteries or historicals should give this one a try. Chances are excellent that they will be pleasantly surprised.

--Andy Plonka