After working tirelessly through the previous two Decker/Lazarus novels to prove herself, Faye Kellerman doesn't have to prove herself anymore, and she shows that by relaxing in "Justice," which still has an intense plot, but the focus here is more on character development, giving more to Peter Decker and showing just how strong his and Rina's marriage truly is. Kellerman sends Marge on vacation in favor of developing Decker's conflict with Davidson, his superior, which leads to a shocking, surprising, though not unheard-of twist toward the end. After eight novels, Kellerman knows instinctively when she's gone as far as she can with a particular storyline, and she senses it enough here to begin a new chapter in Decker's life at the end of "Justice," one which will be very interesting in novels to come, and which will certainly keep me reading.There have been many times in this novel and Kellerman's previous ones when it feels like she's just padding her novels, but particularly in this one, she's building up her arsenal to make the shocking finale that much more potent. She's the kind of novelist that, once you put it all together after being jolted, not only does it make a lot of sense, but it adds new layers to what you've just read. I also hope that Decker has more dealings with Captain Strapp in the novels I still have to read ("Prayers for the Dead" is on hold at my local library), because I like Strapp. He's a calm, measured man who doesn't do anything rashly, and that should be a great help to Decker as he adjusts to a new beginning at the end of "Justice." I can't wait to see what happens next.
Faye Kellerman creates an enigmatic character with Christopher Whitman, a cello player and good looking guy, who just happens to be the nephew of a Mob boss, Joey Donatti. Chris is a suspect in the murder of his date on Prom Night, and because he has mob ties, is the immediate suspect. Chris is already engaged to a woman he can't stand to make peace between warring mob families. He is in love with Terry, a beautiful, smart and innocent girl. So he has a kind of Madonna/Whore thing going on. But did he really murder his date? And what about Terry? She's clearly in way over her head. I like the dynamic between Orthodox Jew Rina and her Policeman husband Peter, and have learned a lot about the faith through these books. Her characters are well drawn, and Peter is a nice guy with a sharp mind, who always examines ethics in his cases, having joined Rina's religion in order to marry her. They both have children from prior marriages, so have all those challenges too. The series is a good one, just as Kellerman's husband Jonathans are.
What do You think about Justice (1996)?
I've been reading this series in order, and I liked this one least of all of them. I'll read one more to see if I'll go further with the series. The interaction between Decker and his wife was limited, so that part of the "human interest" was lacking. Worst, to me, were the totally unbelievable characters. I see other people liked the them; not I. An 18-year-old cello virtuoso who's a mafia hitman? Really now, how believable is that? And who didn't figure out he was a hitman shortly after meeting him? In the end, the storyline got better, making me want to finish it, when Decker discovers an older crime with the same pattern.
—Kaye
This was a very interesting novel. The plot was not only well written, keeping me guessing as to whether or not the suspect actually was guilty of the murder; but it also intrigued me with two first-person points of view. The first-person point of view of the main character, Peter Decker, was maintained. However, the other first-person point of view was from the close friend of the suspect, who told his story and background and her relationship with him. That technique certainly kept the plot twisting with questions and "reasonable doubts." Very well done!
—Rosemarie
Questa indagine di Petere Decker è tutta americana. Eccolo alla omicidi in un nuovo dipartimento e senza l'appoggio della sua partner di sempre. Una indagine spinosa che coinvolge l'erede putativo di un boss malavitoso. C'è una certa fretta a chiudere le indagini, a non voler accentuare le problematiche tra popolazione bianca e nera (e qui la Kellerman ambienta la sua storia in una Los angeles realmente reduce dai disordini successivi al pestaggio di Rodney King)ed ad accontentarsi di una confes
—Mirrordance
