Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus — by Faye Kellerman

Order	Book	Date	Rating
1	The Ritual Bath	May-1986	4
2	Sacred and Profane	Jan-1987	4
3	Milk and Honey	Mar-1990	4
4	Day of Atonement	Jun-1991	5
5	False Prophet	Aug-1992	4
6	Grievous Sin	Aug-1993	5
7	Sanctuary	Oct-1994	4
8	Justice	Sep-1995	5
9	Prayers for the Dead	Jul-1996	5
10	Serpent's Tooth	Aug-1997	4
11	Jupiter's Bones	Aug-1999	4.5
12	Stalker	Aug-2000	4
13	The Forgotten	Aug-2001	4
14	Stone Kiss	Jul-2002	4
15	Street Dreams	Aug-2003	5
16	My Sister's Keeper (ss)	Dec-2006	3.5
17	The Burnt House	Aug-2007	4
18	The Mercedes Coffin	Aug-2008	4
18.5	Cold Case	Feb-2009	4.5
19	Blindman's Bluff	Aug-2009	4
20	Hangman	Aug-2010	4
21	Gun Games // Blood Games	Jan-2012	4
22	The Beast	Aug-2013	4
23	Murder 101	Jul-2014	5
24	The Theory of Death	Nov-2015	5
25	Bone Box	Mar-2017	4
26	Walking Shadows	Aug-2018	4
27	The Lost Boys	Jan-2021	4
28	The Hunt	Aug-2022	4

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Series Premise

The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus series blends police procedural with domestic and religious life. Peter Decker investigates homicide and major crimes through standard police work and interrogation. Rina Lazarus provides a contrasting perspective shaped by Orthodox Jewish beliefs and community life. Cases often intersect with cultural identity, ethics, and family dynamics.

The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Series Reading Order

The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus books can be read in any order, but are best read in publication order. Each novel presents a self-contained police investigation, often involving homicide cases handled by Decker, with a clear resolution. However, the relationship between Peter and Rina, their marriage, religious differences, and growing family develop meaningfully across the series. This continuity goes beyond background detail and shapes character decisions and emotional context. Readers starting mid-series will understand the case but miss character depth and evolving family dynamics.

Explanation of reading order types

The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Series Characters

Peter Decker is an LAPD detective whose investigative work drives each case. Rina Lazarus is an Orthodox Jewish woman whose beliefs influence family life and moral decisions. Their children and extended family become increasingly important over time. Law enforcement colleagues appear across multiple investigations.

Setting of the The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Series

The series is set primarily in Los Angeles, with scenes in police stations, crime scenes, and Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. The setting contrasts urban crime environments with structured religious community life. Cultural traditions influence both personal and investigative elements. The location shapes how cases unfold and how characters interact.

Tone & Themes of the The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Series

The tone is serious, character-driven, and grounded in realism. Themes include faith, identity, family, and justice. The series explores how religious beliefs affect daily life and decision-making. Moral and ethical conflicts are central to both personal and professional storylines.

Is the The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Series Worth Reading?

The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus series appeals to readers who enjoy crime fiction with strong character development. Each book offers a complete investigation alongside evolving personal dynamics. The integration of religion and family life adds a distinct perspective. It works well for both new and returning readers.

Content Warnings and Heat Level

The series includes violence related to criminal investigations, including homicide. Themes may involve trauma, religion, and family conflict. Language is moderate and realistic. Romantic elements are present but not explicit.

The Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus series combines self-contained mysteries with meaningful character continuity. Reading the books in order provides deeper insight into relationships and family life. It is a strong choice for readers seeking character-driven crime fiction.