Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 5/9/2009 + 949 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

The Collaborator of Bethlehem is an foreign take on the classic amateur detective story, but this one is definitely not a cozy! Omar Yussef is a middle-aged school teacher living in Bethlehem. When one of his favorite former Christian students is accused of collaborating with the Israeli army in the assasination of a local violent Palestinian activist, Yussef abandons his quiet intellectual life to prove his student's innocence. His investigation forces him to confront those with whom he shares ideals, but who have turned to the extremism and violence that he cautions his students against.

The murder plot itself is not particularly novel, but the insight Rees' provides into life in the Palestinian camps is. Though not overly political, this book is mildly anti-Israeli. However, Rees is very balanced in his treatment of the Palestinians - he is sympathetic to their cause, but critical of some of their means.

This is the first in a series of murders featuring the school teacher/detective. I have added the second to my wishlist. I highly recommend this book to mystery lovers who are looking for something different.

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