Jupiter's Bones Puts Series Back In Play
Jupiter's Bones by Faye Kellerman
Faye Kellerman has returned to the characters who first brought her fame, after taking a trip to Las Vegas in Moon Music. Thank goodness! It seems the vacation did her well as Jupiter's Bones has all the energy and excitement that Kellerman's fans have come to expect from the Peter and Rina Decker canon. Indeed, Jupiter's Bones goes a long way toward redeeming the abysmal Serpent's Tooth, the previous book in the series.In Jupiter's Bones, Peter Decker receives a phone call suggesting that he investigate the recent death of Jupiter, the leader of a sequestered religious community and a formerly famous scientist. The words "religious community" are mine. Kellerman has no hesitation about branding the group as a cult. I'll confess to some surprise that the author who has been so adept at explaining religious customs and lifestyles of Orthodox Judaism-and the various sects comprising it-should show so little depth in her treatment of a non-established religious community. Instead, her portrayal built on the societal stereotype of religious communities as dangerous places where the primary pastimes are sexual exploitations, brainwashing, and the abuse of children. I suppose it makes a better novel. I have been spoiled by Laurie King and her expert handling of the subject and find now that few others can measure up.
Nonetheless, Jupiter's Bones is an exciting and fast-paced novel. Kellerman builds suspense extremely effectively, making this book a difficult one to put down. She also is a maestro at working our emotions. There are powerful scenes throughout the novel that can tempt tears, incite fury, and even coax pride.
It is ultimately a book about teenagers. The adults may be the ones forcing confrontations and weaving tangled webs, but it is the teenagers who are caught up in them and the teenagers who have much to teach us. None of the teenagers-Rina's boys or the children of the cult-have very much control over their lives. They are too strongly influenced by the adults around them-even the adults that want nothing but the best for them. Neither, though, are they willing to be victims. They surprise us with their mettle and their stubbornness. Kellerman does an incredible job with her portrayal of these strong and often confused teenagers. They aren't heroes or saints and are sometimes ridden with angst. At times they annoy us with their emotional stringency and stubborn adherence to foolish ventures. Then they amaze us with their endurance and survival instinct.
Rina plays a relatively unimportant role in this book. I continue to be surprised at the things Peter hides from her and his constant over-protectiveness-despite the strength and mettle she has continuously demonstrated. I enjoy Rina and I hope that she plays a larger role in future books.
Eclipsing Rina in this book is Marge Dunn. She is given a larger role in this book-and not just in support of Peter. We see more of her character than usual and there is much to like in the portrait Kellerman gives us. There were times when her actions and words brought tears to my eyes in this book.
A recommendation to those readers who have faithfully read the entire series and have a special spot reserved on their bookshelves for Kellerman's books. Go back and read The Ritual Bath right before you read this one. There are references made back to it that will be more clear with a refresher read.
If you haven't read anything else in the series, don't worry. Jupiter's Bones is actually a very good book to start with. Kellerman has done a superb job of making the book stand alone. It's an exciting thriller and the characters are worth getting to know.
