Zaddik

Summary

A former detective investigates a deadly diamond heist among New York's Hassidic community in this "big, bright and successfully old-fashioned" thriller (Publishers Weekly).

Character Background

Dov Taylor is an ex-cop. He’s also an ex-husband, ex-drinker, and ex-observant Jew. The way he sees it, he doesn’t have much to offer anybody. So he’s surprised when he gets a summons from a rabbi in Brooklyn: A Hassidic man has been murdered during the theft of a priceless diamond, and the rabbi believes Dov is the man to solve the crime.

Historical Connection

Why Dov? Generations ago, his ancestor was a famous Polish mystic—a zaddik—revered for his ability to discern the truth. Perhaps some of that wisdom would whisper down the decades and help Dov see what others cannot.

Plot Elements

Despite his skepticism, Dov soon finds himself heading deep into Manhattan's Diamond District, the feuding of rival Hassidic clans, and a family connection to the missing diamond that reaches back to Napoleonic Poland.