The Ritual Bath

In Faye Kellerman's debut novel, "The Ritual Bath," readers are introduced to the unlikely but compelling partnership of Detective Peter Decker, a gruff LAPD officer, and Rina Lazarus, an Orthodox Jewish widow. The tranquility of a yeshiva in the Reseda section of Los Angeles is shattered when a young woman is brutally raped in the miqveh (ritual bath). The insular and devout community, unaccustomed to police intervention, reluctantly allows Decker into their world. As Decker, a secular Jew with a complicated past, navigates the strict customs and close-knit relationships of the Orthodox community, he finds himself increasingly drawn to Rina. Rina, a sharp and resilient woman, becomes an invaluable guide and interpreter, bridging the cultural chasm between Decker and the victims. Together, they uncover layers of secrets, piety, and potential deceit, as Decker grapples not only with the crime but also with his own spiritual awakening and unexpected attraction to Rina, setting the stage for a beloved series that explores faith, justice, and interfaith relationships.