Decker is investigating the mysterious death of "Father Jupiter," formerly known as Emil Ganz. Once Ganz was a respected astrophysicist, but he abruptly disappeared. Ten years later, he emerged as the leader of a cult known as the Order of the Rings of God. Now he has been found dead in his bed, with a bottle of pills and a fifth of vodka nearby. His estranged daughter, Europa, notified the police, but who notified her? Was his death an accident, suicide or possibly homicide? Who has the most to gain from the charismatic leader's demise and which of his four "disciples" will assume control of the Order?

The new would-be leaders of the Order resent Decker's interference, and unabashedly thwart his investigation. Decker, mindful of disasters such as Waco and Jonestown, attempts to defuse the tense situation before any of the Order's children are hurt. But then things rapidly spin out of control, and Decker has to confront his worst fears, working against the clock to save innocent lives.

I noted that the title page of this book labels it as "a novel." At least Kellerman is being honest with her readers. Unlike the previous Decker vehicles, Jupiter's Bones is less of a mystery and more of a thriller. The original mystery of Jupiter's death is neglected in favor of unnecessary ramblings about astrophysics and time travel. Fortunately, Decker's long-time partner and buddy, Marge, takes center stage for the dramatic, nail-biting denouement. It's about time that this long-suffering female received some recognition!

To me, the most interesting aspect of this series is the relationship between Peter Decker, a converted Jew, and Rina, his young, beautiful, Orthodox wife. A widow when she first met Decker ten years ago, she has two teenaged sons from her first husband and a five year old daughter with Decker. In the first few books of the series, Decker struggled with the decision he made to convert to Orthodox Judaism in order to marry Rina. Rina faced the challenge of loving someone whose personality was totally different from her first husband's. Now their relationship is more mundane, with Rina's role reduced to the neglected wife who nags Decker that he's never home on time. There is a disturbing incident involving Decker's two stepsons, who are on the verge on manhood whether Decker likes it or not. But overall, the family dynamics are secondary to the police work this time, to my vast disappointment.

The front cover of my copy of Jupiter's Bones featured a sticker proclaiming "Peter and Rina are back!" It should have read, "Peter's back but Rina's in the background!" I don't recommend Jupiter's Bones to anyone except loyal Kellerman fans. However, like any old friends, I'm glad to see these characters, even if the visit wasn't very satisfying. Kellerman explored new characters and a new setting in her recent novel Moon Music; I fear that her interest in Decker and Rina may be starting to wane. If she doesn't give Rina more of an active role in the next Decker/Lazarus novel, her loyal readers might have the same reaction.

--Susan Scribner