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Faye Kellerman appears to be taking an extended break from her Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus series. 2005's STRAIGHT INTO DARKNESS was a fine, ambitious historical thriller, while this latest book is a collection of Kellerman's shorter works. Decker/Lazarus fans will find cause to rejoice in the inclusion of a number of stories featuring one or both of these characters, including two original tales appearing for the first time in this volume. It's the expanse of the stories contained in THE GARDEN OF EDEN AND OTHER CRIMINAL DELIGHTS, however, that demonstrates the extent and depth of Kellerman's craftship.
Its format is a model for how this type of book should be exhibited. We of course have the stories, though there's also an economic but informative introduction to each and a bibliography at the conclusion of the book. It is the latter, perhaps, that is most revealing. One does not immediately think of Kellerman as a short story author, yet the publication of her work in this format ranges from anthologies of original mystery stories to Family Circle magazine.
Another surprise is that not all of these stories are mysteries. The book closes with four pieces --- three stories and an essay --- that deal with the coming of age and the intergenerational relationships that we call "family." The last, "Summer of My Womanhood," is a tribute to Kellerman's father, a poignant, sweet account of a quietly admirable man whose occupation may not have been fulfilling but nonetheless was steadfastly performed for the most noble of reasons. It contrasts dramatically with "Bonding" --- a work of modern noir fiction that's as dark a tale as you're likely to encounter --- about a father and daughter whose relationship is decidedly...different.
While "Bonding" is closer in mood to the genre in which Kellerman typically works, the two stories, in juxtaposition, illustrate quite dramatically the range of mood that Kellerman is capable of creating. That she's able to move, with deceptive simplicity, from an account of the most base of human behavior to its greatest, quiet triumph says much. The Decker/Lazarus stories, on the other hand, are for the most part much lighter in tone, particularly the title story, a tale that is a modern-day morality piece and somewhat reminiscent of O. Henry in tone. There is also "Malibu Dog," a personal favorite, in which a neighborhood curmudgeon with an evil streak gets caught in his own juices.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN serves not only as a fitting introduction to Kellerman's work to new readers, but also as an exhibit of Kellerman's less familiar writings for her established legion of fans. What better recommendation does one need?
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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