Step into the thrilling world of Decker and Lazarus, where gritty crime investigations intertwine with the rich tapestry of Orthodox Jewish life! Faye Kellerman’s beloved series, launched in 1986, follows LAPD lieutenant Peter Decker and his Orthodox Jewish wife, Rina Lazarus, as they solve chilling mysteries while navigating faith, family, and personal growth. With intricate plots and heartfelt character development, this series offers a unique blend of suspense and cultural insight that keeps readers hooked.
Unlike typical crime novels, Decker and Lazarus stands out for its authentic portrayal of Jewish traditions, weaving them seamlessly into pulse-pounding detective work. Whether you’re a mystery buff or curious about Jewish culture, this series promises an engaging ride through Los Angeles’ underbelly and beyond.
How Decker and Lazarus Began
Faye Kellerman, a practicing Orthodox Jew, crafted the Decker and Lazarus series to merge her love for mystery with her cultural heritage. Born in St. Louis and raised in California, Kellerman, a former dentist, turned to writing to satisfy her creative itch. Inspired by her own faith and her husband Jonathan Kellerman’s success as a mystery novelist, she debuted The Ritual Bath in 1986. The novel introduced Peter, a Baptist-raised detective discovering his Jewish roots, and Rina, a widowed Orthodox teacher, sparking a series that’s spanned over three decades.
Kellerman’s goal was to create stories that delivered justice—a hallmark of crime fiction—while exploring the nuances of Orthodox Judaism. Her authentic voice and compelling characters quickly earned acclaim, with The Ritual Bath winning the Macavity Award for Best First Novel.
The Heart of Decker and Lazarus
The series kicks off with The Ritual Bath, where Peter investigates a brutal rape at a yeshiva, meeting Rina, who becomes his guide to both the case and Jewish life. Their chemistry and cultural differences set the stage for a dynamic partnership. In Sacred and Profane (1987), Peter’s camping trip with Rina’s sons turns grim when they uncover charred skeletons, pulling him into a dark murder case that tests his resolve and faith.
Milk and Honey (1990) sees Peter obsessed with finding the family of an abandoned, blood-covered child, leading to a web of crime that challenges his and Rina’s partnership. Later, The Hunt (2022), the 27th book, brings the couple back to Los Angeles for a heart-pounding kidnapping case, showcasing their evolution as detectives and parents. Themes of justice, family, and religious observance permeate the series, set against Los Angeles’ gritty backdrop and, later, upstate New York. Kellerman’s intricate plots and deep character growth make each book a standalone gem, though the couple’s journey rewards loyal readers.
The series’ unique strength lies in its portrayal of Orthodox Jewish practices—mikvahs, Shabbat, kosher laws—woven into the narrative without feeling didactic. Rina’s faith contrasts Peter’s hard-nosed pragmatism, creating a balance that humanizes their detective work and resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
Why Decker and Lazarus Resonates
The Decker and Lazarus series has left a lasting mark on the mystery genre by blending police procedurals with cultural depth. Its 27 books, with over 20 million copies in print, have consistently hit New York Times bestseller lists, a testament to its broad appeal. Fans praise Kellerman for “getting it right” with Jewish representation, offering a window into a faith often misunderstood, while non-Jewish readers appreciate the universal themes of love, duty, and justice.
The series’ enduring popularity stems from its ability to evolve—Peter and Rina age, raise children, and face new challenges, mirroring real-life complexities. This authenticity, paired with Kellerman’s knack for suspense, ensures the series remains a fan favorite, inspiring readers to explore both the genre and Jewish culture.
- First Book: The Ritual Bath (1986)
- Total Books: 27 as of 2023
- Awards: Macavity Award for Best First Novel (The Ritual Bath)
- Setting: Primarily Los Angeles, later upstate New York
Grab The Ritual Bath and dive into Decker and Lazarus’s captivating world of mystery and faith today!