"Unveiling the Innocent: A Murder Mystery in Jerusalem"
- Tracey Holland
- Oct 9, 2024
- 3 min read
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I am thrilled to join the blog tour for Miriam Drori's latest book, Loyalty and the Learner, coordinated by Lynsey from Reading Between The Lines.
BLURB
Once again, Asaf is suspected of murder, but he’s soon released when the victim’s wife, Lihi, is arrested. Now engaged to Asaf, Nathalie is certain of Lihi’s innocence and is determined to find the real murderer. As Nathalie, Asaf, and their friends stumble along the path to achieving their goal, with a little inspiration from Molière, Hillel, and Adenauer, they discover unfamiliar places in Jerusalem and venture west and north. Despite experiencing fear, sadness and other painful emotions, they never lose their sense of humour – and find that sharing their worries helps them pull through. While some questions are answered along the way, new ones take their place. But what about the original question: Who killed Ofir? And how much is Nathalie willing to put at risk to solve this mystery? Her relationship? Her life?
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHYÂ
Miriam Drori was born and brought up in London and now lives in Jerusalem.
With a degree in Maths and following careers in computer programming and technical writing, Miriam has been writing creatively since 2004. After some success with short stories, Miriam turned her hand to longer fictional works, publishing NEITHER HERE NOR THERE and THE WOMEN FRIENDS: SELINA, co-written with Emma Rose Millar.
Social anxiety features in Miriam’s latest publications. SOCIAL ANXIETY REVEALED is a non-fiction guide that explores this common but little-known disorder from multiple points of view. The book has been highly recommended by ‘sufferers’ and professionals in this field. CULTIVATING an FUJI is the story of a fictional character who battles against social anxiety before learning to make friends with it. STYLE AND THE SOLITARY, a crime novel, asks an important question: what happens when a suspect can’t stick up for himself?
When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, hiking, dancing and touring.
Review
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In the bustling, culturally vibrant backdrop of Jerusalem, Miriam Drori "Loyalty and the Learner" submerges its readers into an entangled web of mystery and suspense, accompanied by a dash of humour and a deep dive into the intricacies of friendship and love. This second instalment in the Jerusalem Murder series will appeal to mystery aficionados and newcomers alike.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE NOVEL
The narrative grips the audience immediately with an intriguing prologue that sets a complexly woven mystery. Miriam does a fantastic job of placing sufficient suspects within the story to perpetuate a suspense that keeps readers on their toes. Characters are developed with palpable relatability; particularly, the dynamics among the group of friends—Nathalie, Tehila, and Yarden—add a substantial layer of depth to the storytelling.
What sets this novel apart is its vibrant setting. Miriam Drori intricately paints the daily life and cultural mosaic of Jerusalem without overwhelming the reader. From vividly described shuks (markets) to conversations that exhibit linguistic diversity, the essence of the city is elegantly integrated into the narrative.
For someone like me who hadn't read the first book of the series, this novel stands solid on its own. Previous events are interlaced gracefully, ensuring that newcomers can follow along without feeling lost. The commitment of the characters to solving the murder renders a compelling read, making one almost forget that they are not seasoned detectives, but simply ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances.
The pacing of the plot is meticulously managed, ensuring that every chapter propels the story forward towards a well-crafted climax. The continual addition of suspects and motives keeps the guessing game exciting and engaging.
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CONCLUSION
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"Loyalty and the Learner" is not just about solving a murder; it’s about the journey of relationships, the essence of trust, and the spirit of a city that plays a vital role in weaving this compelling narrative. Miriam Drori delivers a mystery that is both intelligent and enthralling.
This novel is a must-read for anyone who finds joy in curling up with an enjoyable book that offers both suspense and a tour through one of the most historically rich cities in the world. As someone previously unfamiliar with the series, I am now compelled to delve into the first book and eagerly anticipate further adventures with Nathalie and Asaf. Whether you're a seasoned fan of murder mysteries or just dipping your toes into the genre, this book promises a journey worth taking.
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