Sanctuary

Sanctuary (1994) Faye Kellerman

The seventh Rina and Peter Drecker mystery.

Marge feels like she is being given crappy assignments by their new lieutenant in homicide because she’s a women. So when she’s given a case where a woman has reported her brother’s entire family missing, Marge takes it seriously–partially because she wants to prove she can do the work, but also because the missing man is a diamond seller.

He knew there were lots of Orthodox Jews in the diamond business. He also knew there were lots of secular Israelis like Yalom in the business as well. He wondered how they got along. Then he wondered if there were other people besides Jews in the business at all.

Then Peter goes home to a childhood friend of Rina’s looking to “vacation” with Rina and Peter, bringing her four children out to California. Coincidentally, the wife’s husband is a diamond dealer in NY.

And if you were unsure that this mystery was set in the 90s:

“Cabs are expensive, Honey.” Rina hoisted a case on top of the car. “I think we can make it if you don’t mind squeezing. We’ll have to double-belt, though. I’ll keep the car seat up front.”

And Peter is still owning up to having been in Vietnam.

Orit turned and pointed to Decker. “You have the look. You were in the Gulf War?”

Decker shook his head. “Vietnam.”

This story was interesting, but 1) I got irritated at Rina who I immediately knew was going to do something stupid as soon as she set off following someone 2) the coincidence of the two diamond dealers seemed a bit much 3) it seems a little unlikely that even under the strict conditions, Peter would have been able to jaunt off to Israel.
Rating:7/10

Published by Harper Collins

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