Milk and Honey

Peter Decker, an LAPD detective, discovers a toddler in blood-stained pajamas while driving home one night. The search for her identity leads him to a grisly quadruple murder scene and sets in motion an investigation that spans across Los Angeles County. While working the case, Decker must also help his old Army friend Abel Atwater, who faces serious criminal charges. The situation becomes complex when Abel begins repair work on Decker's barn and develops an uneasy relationship with Decker's fiancée Rina, who has arrived from New York to discuss their upcoming marriage. Detective Marge Dunn pursues leads through dangerous territory, including custody battles and violent confrontations, while Decker navigates clues involving bee stings, biker bars, and remote locations. The investigation forces all involved to confront both present dangers and past wounds. The novel explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the impact of past trauma on present relationships, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles's diverse cultural landscape.

Readers of Milk and Honey report the book fails to capture the atmosphere and character depth of previous Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus entries in the series. The pacing moves slower than usual, with less tension. Readers liked: - The portrayal of Orthodox Jewish life and rituals - The relationship dynamics between Peter and Rina - The police procedural details Readers disliked: - Too much focus on mundane family activities - Less suspense than other books in the series - Plot takes time to develop momentum - Characters seem flatter than in previous novels Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (3,724 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (203 ratings) Common reader comments: "Not as gripping as her other books" - Goodreads reviewer "The mystery takes too long to unfold" - Amazon reviewer "Feels like filler in the series" - Barnes & Noble review "Good for die-hard fans but not a standout" - LibraryThing user

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🔎 "Milk and Honey" is the third book in Kellerman's Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series, which now spans over 25 novels. 📚 Before becoming a crime writer, Faye Kellerman earned a B.A. in mathematics and a doctorate in dentistry. 💑 The author is married to fellow crime writer Jonathan Kellerman, making them one of the most successful literary couples in the mystery genre. 🕊️ The series uniquely incorporates Jewish culture and traditions, as Peter Decker converts to Orthodox Judaism to marry Rina Lazarus. 📅 Published in 1990, the book captures a pre-digital era of police work, showcasing traditional detective methods like footwork and face-to-face interviews.