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Historical Crime Thriller #1
The Kabbalistic Murder Code
The Kabbalistic Murder Code is an original and innovative Israeli thriller that was written for all those having an interest in Kabbalah. It incorporates two seemingly unconnected elements: a string of strange murders and the deciphering of ancient Kabbalistic texts, along with their hidden and mystical meanings.
A professor from Jerusalem, an expert in decoding ancient Hebrew manuscripts, is hired to carry out a mysterious task, one that sends him to three continents. He becomes entangled in a web of murders that leave him deeply puzzled. However, he quickly discovers that if he does not succeed in deciphering the enigmatic manuscripts, through his in-depth knowledge of Kabbalah, the lives of many people - including his own family - will be endangered.
Interwoven within this exciting tale are curious passages reviewing the many conquests that the city of Jerusalem has endured during its long history. Their relevance and significance become clear only at the end of the book.
The Kabbalistic Murder Code is an exciting and fast-paced thriller. Thanks to its unique structure and enriching subject matter (the secret wisdom of Kabbalah), you simply cannot put it down. The drama’s surprising solution integrates Kabbalistic elements and weaves the whole to a magical picture, leaving the reader almost breathless. It has been translated to date into four languages.
Scroll up and grab a copy today.350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
375 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Erez
8 books15 followersNathan Erez is a scholar of Jerusalem who is interested in many disciplines. He was born and raised in Israel. At the age of twelve, he was sent to Jerusalem to study, and since then he has lived there. He has many degrees (including a doctorate) in mathematics, computers, law, criminology, and humanities, from leading universities worldwide. In addition, he studied nine years in a Yeshiva (Rabbinical College).
He served in the IDF Armored Corps as a Tank Commander .
Erez has been involved for many years in martial arts and has a black belt in several systems.
In recent years, he has worked in a classified service position for the State of Israel.
He served in the IDF Armored Corps as a Tank Commander .
Erez has been involved for many years in martial arts and has a black belt in several systems.
In recent years, he has worked in a classified service position for the State of Israel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 27, 2014
This book was interesting from a history standpoint, but far from a "thriller". Probably deserving of closer to a 3 star, but kind of fell flat for me in the second half and the confrontation/resolution at the end was weak. However, if you are interested in it from a historical point of view, assuming the facts are correct, I actually learned a lot. Often the "history lessons" took away from the story, rather than adding to it.
August 29, 2017
A Outstandingly Captivating Unique Thriller!
The Da vinci Code & Indiana Jones, mixed well with a splash of infinite mysteries and hidden knowledge served perfectly chilled inside a outstanding story!
I love that it is NOT your avarage "kickass, well trained super hunk", with ex military/ police/spy background that has the hero role, because that is so stereotypical. This well defined protagonist is a soft spoken scholar, more brains than brawl type. A family man, with intelligence and knowledge, wit and a moral compass that is working. That in it self makes it a unique book. The subject around which this superbly written treasure evolve is the Kabbala, and that as well holds many secrets and hidden knowledge.
One would possibly be fooled by the unusual set of parameters, but let me tell you: dont be fooled, its a unparalleled trasure inside.
This book has lavishly enriched the reading experience of a good thriller with intriguing facts, attention to details, and a storyline that is unique, creative, mindboggling, and fast paced.
I would say its NOT the average "fast pacing" that some think is all there is, and where the pace is set by vulgar descriptions or gorging in violence.The pace in this treasure is set by events, intrigue, spectacular discoveries and findings, twists, and occurrences. That's the hallmark of a outstanding, well woven intrigue and a marvellous thriller. To top that of, it awoken a curiosity in me, far beyond captivated by a story, I just HAD to know, I felt as I was on the brink of discovering something essential.. but in fact it was the protagonist I was identifying with....
The Da vinci Code & Indiana Jones, mixed well with a splash of infinite mysteries and hidden knowledge served perfectly chilled inside a outstanding story!
I love that it is NOT your avarage "kickass, well trained super hunk", with ex military/ police/spy background that has the hero role, because that is so stereotypical. This well defined protagonist is a soft spoken scholar, more brains than brawl type. A family man, with intelligence and knowledge, wit and a moral compass that is working. That in it self makes it a unique book. The subject around which this superbly written treasure evolve is the Kabbala, and that as well holds many secrets and hidden knowledge.
One would possibly be fooled by the unusual set of parameters, but let me tell you: dont be fooled, its a unparalleled trasure inside.
This book has lavishly enriched the reading experience of a good thriller with intriguing facts, attention to details, and a storyline that is unique, creative, mindboggling, and fast paced.
I would say its NOT the average "fast pacing" that some think is all there is, and where the pace is set by vulgar descriptions or gorging in violence.The pace in this treasure is set by events, intrigue, spectacular discoveries and findings, twists, and occurrences. That's the hallmark of a outstanding, well woven intrigue and a marvellous thriller. To top that of, it awoken a curiosity in me, far beyond captivated by a story, I just HAD to know, I felt as I was on the brink of discovering something essential.. but in fact it was the protagonist I was identifying with....
August 21, 2017
I can't decide what I like most-the sort history essay starting each chapter or the story itself. Both are well done and made me want to keep reading. I'm not familiar with the Kabbalah so I don't know how accurately the author depicts it. I very much enjoyed absent-minded Elijah and his adventures. Who knew ancient documents could be so exciting?
September 18, 2014
This book is the best I have read in a long time. It covers several genres, and it is unique and I had trouble putting it down. It is History and mystery and touches on several more genres. It is well worth your time. It made we want to learn more about several things it touches on.
March 6, 2020
I listened to the audio version and really liked the premise, characters, and atmosphere. I am interested in Judaism and the Kabballa. So this was a lot more than a mystery, it had ancient manuscripts, prophetic writings, forbidden knowledge, super computers, and powerful occult practices. Fun, exciting, mysterious, and fascinating. Great main character.
September 21, 2017
What's the code, after all?
August 13, 2017
A difficult read
There are few people to whom I could recommend this book. Not being conversant with any teachings of the Kabbalah, I am not in a position to judge what might be fact and what might be fiction. I did feel that the author had tremendous knowledge which he tried to impart to the reader. However, I'm afraid that I felt the book was a vehicle to impart history rather than history being used as a framework for a story. Although I read the whole book, I'm afraid I feel no more enlightened or entertained than I was at the beginning. Maybe if I had even a rudimentary knowledge of Jewish history I would have felt differently.
There are few people to whom I could recommend this book. Not being conversant with any teachings of the Kabbalah, I am not in a position to judge what might be fact and what might be fiction. I did feel that the author had tremendous knowledge which he tried to impart to the reader. However, I'm afraid that I felt the book was a vehicle to impart history rather than history being used as a framework for a story. Although I read the whole book, I'm afraid I feel no more enlightened or entertained than I was at the beginning. Maybe if I had even a rudimentary knowledge of Jewish history I would have felt differently.
May 15, 2016
This is a jim dandy of a mystery set in modern day Israel, featuring Elijah, a scholar of ancient languages and texts. The written word. He doesn’t much care about the content. He is into scripts, and their wiggles and serifs and forms and handwriting styles of the ancients. He is also a student of the various conquests of Jerusalem, the history of this ancient city.
He is a modest guy, living a modest life, hoping to get tenure at the university where he teaches. He is called into the office of his superior and given a special assignment to assist an outside source in authenticating a manuscript which the person wishes to buy.
It turns out to be a manuscript of the Kabbalah, which is an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought that originated in Judaism. Traditional practitioners believe its earliest origins pre-date world religions, forming the primordial blueprint for Creation’s philosophies, religions, sciences, arts, and political systems.
As Elijah examines the manuscript, which is a photocopy, and declares the original to be authentic, the potential buyer sends him to look at another example in Hong Kong. There, he discovers a discrepancy in one line. He also is the target of attempted murder. Egad. This career of studying ancient scripts can be downright hazardous to your health!
After looking at a couple more manuscripts, and finding differences in that same line, Elijah figures out that these different lines make up a code. And that the guy who has hired him is out to change the world by occult and magic means, using the code found in the manuscripts.
We are introduced to Nash’s equilibrium point, which is a solution concept of a non-cooperative game involving two or more players, in which each player is assumed to know the equilibrium strategies of the other players, and no player has anything to gain by changing only his own strategy. How this applies to our rabid manuscript collector and the idea of the redemption of the world, is one of the great threads of this plot.
I love the way this book is written, its structure. Each chapter opens with a different conquest of Jerusalem, starting with the British conquest in 1917, and moving backward in time and in the history of the city. At the end of the book, we see the relevance of these to the entire story.
A fun thriller, if that is not a contradiction in terms, fast-paced and just packed with great material about the Kabbalah and Jerusalem.
He is a modest guy, living a modest life, hoping to get tenure at the university where he teaches. He is called into the office of his superior and given a special assignment to assist an outside source in authenticating a manuscript which the person wishes to buy.
It turns out to be a manuscript of the Kabbalah, which is an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought that originated in Judaism. Traditional practitioners believe its earliest origins pre-date world religions, forming the primordial blueprint for Creation’s philosophies, religions, sciences, arts, and political systems.
As Elijah examines the manuscript, which is a photocopy, and declares the original to be authentic, the potential buyer sends him to look at another example in Hong Kong. There, he discovers a discrepancy in one line. He also is the target of attempted murder. Egad. This career of studying ancient scripts can be downright hazardous to your health!
After looking at a couple more manuscripts, and finding differences in that same line, Elijah figures out that these different lines make up a code. And that the guy who has hired him is out to change the world by occult and magic means, using the code found in the manuscripts.
We are introduced to Nash’s equilibrium point, which is a solution concept of a non-cooperative game involving two or more players, in which each player is assumed to know the equilibrium strategies of the other players, and no player has anything to gain by changing only his own strategy. How this applies to our rabid manuscript collector and the idea of the redemption of the world, is one of the great threads of this plot.
I love the way this book is written, its structure. Each chapter opens with a different conquest of Jerusalem, starting with the British conquest in 1917, and moving backward in time and in the history of the city. At the end of the book, we see the relevance of these to the entire story.
A fun thriller, if that is not a contradiction in terms, fast-paced and just packed with great material about the Kabbalah and Jerusalem.
October 24, 2014
There are two books here. The history of Jerusalem is seen through its conquerors. It's where the author's strength lies, until it is conquered by one of his (or the translator's) major weaknesses: the inability (or refusal) to proofread. The mystery story begins with a complex but interesting premise that stretches kabbalah legend to the breaking point. Add the author's inability to flesh out characters, an irresistible need to begin far too many paragraphs with, "Suddenly..." along with a preposterous beat-the-clock 007-ish ending, and you have a bit of a mess.
The writing itself is so awkward one wonders if the author ever re-reads his work. Some of it falls to the translator who cannot be faulted for Mr. Erez's lack of craft. Dialogue is stilted, descriptions are general rather than specific, and those history lessons are never incorporated into the story proper. An intellectual work of crime fiction would be delightful. This book ranks as a pretender.
My interest and involvement in kabbalah, along with my love of a good mystery, brought me to this book with anticipation. I had to force myself to finish it. Mr.Erez would be well-served by a critically-oriented writing workshop where he would have to learn his craft.
The author has several doctorates, and refers to holding a "classified service position for the State of Israel." He also holds black belts in various martial arts disciplines. His author photo hides his face while he looks out over Jerusalem. Is this supposed to add to his "mystique"?
November 12, 2014
I love a good Middle Eastern mystery, thriller book. This is certainly a good read and I found it hard to put down at times but I also found it quite confusing at times.
It centres on Elijah - an expert on ancient script and documents connected to the Jewish way of life. He is approached by an aging American and asked to decipher clues hidden within 7 nearly identical scrolls. He is paid in amounts of money he has never seen before and jumps at the chance. Little did Elijah know that although having the skills and expertise to decipher the scrolls, he did not have the skills or expertise to deal with the international mystery and murder that went with it.
The story features very heavily on the history of Jerusalem and although very interesting, it did at times confuse me somewhat and a lot of it I didn't find relevant to the story. However that could have been me not understanding it correctly.
It's not a classic but still a good read.
It centres on Elijah - an expert on ancient script and documents connected to the Jewish way of life. He is approached by an aging American and asked to decipher clues hidden within 7 nearly identical scrolls. He is paid in amounts of money he has never seen before and jumps at the chance. Little did Elijah know that although having the skills and expertise to decipher the scrolls, he did not have the skills or expertise to deal with the international mystery and murder that went with it.
The story features very heavily on the history of Jerusalem and although very interesting, it did at times confuse me somewhat and a lot of it I didn't find relevant to the story. However that could have been me not understanding it correctly.
It's not a classic but still a good read.
May 25, 2014
The Kabbalistic Murder Code is a suspenseful mystery novel following Elijah in his efforts to decode an ancient file, but without giving away any spoilers, conflicts arise to make Elijah's job even harder. I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded and surprised me and especially uncovering the history of the Kabbalah as I read! This was my first time reading an international thriller, but boy, what a great place to start! Having been burned out on reading for a while this was just the thing to kick-start my interests again and give me a fun new genre to explore. I appreciate the way the author made this an action-packed adventure when other authors might have let the drama take up too much of the time resulting in a dry read. But not here! The author really knows how to pull it together in an intriguing way.
May 20, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. If you're a fan of mystery novels, "The Kabbalistic Murder Code" is definitely the next book to add to your list to read. It is full of excitement, it has some well thought out surprises and twists.
As a bonus, there is a ton of historical information on Kabbalah, which I also found fascinating. I really liked that the author took the time to take parts of Jerusalem's history and begin each chapter with various lessons from it.
The book is written well, it is very easy to read and follow, the descriptions are wonderful, the book is very well developed and put together, as I said, I completely enjoyed reading this book.
I highly recommend.
As a bonus, there is a ton of historical information on Kabbalah, which I also found fascinating. I really liked that the author took the time to take parts of Jerusalem's history and begin each chapter with various lessons from it.
The book is written well, it is very easy to read and follow, the descriptions are wonderful, the book is very well developed and put together, as I said, I completely enjoyed reading this book.
I highly recommend.
June 15, 2014
If I knew more about Kabbalah I might have enjoyed this more. The history of the conquests of Jerusalem by various people was very interesting -- my favorite part of the book. The professor's lack of the understanding of normal human interactions and lack of knowledge outside his narrow academic field might be a stereotype but I've known people like that. Elijah's awkward behavior and his naiveté/blank face look was funny.
Strange ending. There were a few copy reading issues.
No sex
No violence
Strange ending. There were a few copy reading issues.
No sex
No violence
September 30, 2014
Really intriguing book, filled with historic details about Jerusalem and its conquests as well as about the Kabbalah. Intriguing mystery, also. But the writing sometimes was overly simplistic and errors got in the way. I felt sometimes it had been translated, but poorly, but in the Kindle edition, I could find no record of that. Still, I liked the characters and would give this author another shot. Very reminiscent of the recent Da Vinci Code kind of genre in being a mystery based upon spiritual and historical mysteries.
May 25, 2014
Right off the bat I knew that this was going to be an interesting story. From the first chapter I was hooked and reading so I could find out what was going to happen next. The Kabbalistic elements, and all the mysteries that surround them made for a good story that was unique and readable. Overall, I'm happy I decided to give this book a read. I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a mystery that will keep them engaged.
May 25, 2014
I love thriller books but 'The Kabbalistic Murder Code' takes it to a whole new level! It is very fast paced and not only entertaining but also educational with all the history nuances included inside. Elijah, the main character is very likable and I felt like I knew him right from the beginning. If you enjoy thrillers this is a definite must-have - Nathan Erez did an amazing job and I thing I have a new favorite author :) 5 stars!
September 19, 2014
Wow this book is bursting with facts and information on Jerusalem and it's conquerors as early as 638 C.E. Numerous other facts regarding the Jewish religion, the customs of Kabbalah and the developments of the Hebrew scripts are described. Enjoyed much of this book especially the development of Elijah, our hero. But found it all a bit heavy threading.
May 18, 2020
I gave the book four stars because of the research. If I were a scholar of ancient Jewish manuscripts the story would have been more enjoyable. The references to history and all the names.... OUI! ... difficult for me to follow. I applaud the author's efforts in tying everything together; but, felt there was more reference than story.
December 11, 2022
Very Disappointing
After all the reviews I read I thought this book was going to be a can't put down thriller. How wrong I was. The characters were never developed, the editing was substandard and the writing was immature. The premise of the story was good but was not presented well.
After all the reviews I read I thought this book was going to be a can't put down thriller. How wrong I was. The characters were never developed, the editing was substandard and the writing was immature. The premise of the story was good but was not presented well.
July 17, 2014
I couldn't even get past the second section of this book because I felt like I was in a history lecture. Don't misunderstand, I enjoy historical fiction but there was not anything thrilling to keep me reading.
March 19, 2016
Not murder annihilation
I was consumed with the first half of the book, however the second part became a bit farfetched and I believe He could have done a better job with the ending.
I was consumed with the first half of the book, however the second part became a bit farfetched and I believe He could have done a better job with the ending.
May 22, 2017
Kabbalah
I have been researching Kabbalah , I thought could see how the author found his resources for writing this novel. This book was rather a slow read. The characters were flat uninteresting.
I have been researching Kabbalah , I thought could see how the author found his resources for writing this novel. This book was rather a slow read. The characters were flat uninteresting.
June 16, 2014
It was okay. Just okay. Light summer beach-chair book.
June 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book ... except for the ending.
July 9, 2014
Noe, not my kind of book. Too confusing for the most part. And too much history lecture.
October 15, 2015
Great. Kabbbalah? Based mystery
Very fantastical but keeps u turning the pages. Practically
impossible me to believe it keeps u wondering. Are there such people?
Very fantastical but keeps u turning the pages. Practically
impossible me to believe it keeps u wondering. Are there such people?
August 1, 2017
Great mystery
Nathan Erez has crafted a compelling story. It pulled me in and left mW wishing I knew more about this fascinating faitrh.
Nathan Erez has crafted a compelling story. It pulled me in and left mW wishing I knew more about this fascinating faitrh.
October 17, 2017
Boring
Jumped between historical and present too often. Lacked suspense. If you are into historical events/dates, this book might be for you. I like more suspense/action.
Jumped between historical and present too often. Lacked suspense. If you are into historical events/dates, this book might be for you. I like more suspense/action.
August 8, 2018
An Amazing Read!
If you're interested in Middle Eastern and Jewish history, ancient languages, the Kabbalah, or Jerusalem, you’ll find this book fascinating. But, though it's full of well-researched knowledge, it's no dry and ponderous tome. It's a suspenseful thriller that Dan Brown's Robert Langdon would find challenging to keep up with.
Elijah, a scholar, and Orna, an opthamologist, are an ordinary couple who dream of a roomier apartment and a good life for their children. When an incredible opportunity to make real money by doing the work he loves is presented to him, Elijah goes for it.
However, as he gets deeper into the project, he begins to feel like he's out of his depth. He becomes afraid that the work he's doing may have a sinister purpose. He's shocked to suspect that he and his family may be in danger because of it.
Elijah is no Indiana Jones. The secrets he uncovers aren't stolen from ancient tombs. He reads until he sees double, walks around the city, and thinks until his brain hurts. There's action, but no bullwhip or gun-play. Elijah is not a fighter and is the unlikeliest of heroes.
This is what makes the story so delightful. Elijah's ordinariness doesn't mean there's nothing special about him. I found that idea particularly inspiring.
This book is really special!
If you're interested in Middle Eastern and Jewish history, ancient languages, the Kabbalah, or Jerusalem, you’ll find this book fascinating. But, though it's full of well-researched knowledge, it's no dry and ponderous tome. It's a suspenseful thriller that Dan Brown's Robert Langdon would find challenging to keep up with.
Elijah, a scholar, and Orna, an opthamologist, are an ordinary couple who dream of a roomier apartment and a good life for their children. When an incredible opportunity to make real money by doing the work he loves is presented to him, Elijah goes for it.
However, as he gets deeper into the project, he begins to feel like he's out of his depth. He becomes afraid that the work he's doing may have a sinister purpose. He's shocked to suspect that he and his family may be in danger because of it.
Elijah is no Indiana Jones. The secrets he uncovers aren't stolen from ancient tombs. He reads until he sees double, walks around the city, and thinks until his brain hurts. There's action, but no bullwhip or gun-play. Elijah is not a fighter and is the unlikeliest of heroes.
This is what makes the story so delightful. Elijah's ordinariness doesn't mean there's nothing special about him. I found that idea particularly inspiring.
This book is really special!
May 1, 2019
Jerusalem, Israeli (Middle East). Luzatto Institute. Professor/Dr. David Norman (80+, aka John McDonald, mathematics) wanted Professor/Dr. Elijah Shemtov (husband, PhD) to decipher an ancient Hebrew text.
Professor/Dr. Shemtov had met & later married Orna.
David was wondering why Kim had been killed. He also thought he/Elijah might be the next victims.
Mei-Ling (granddaughter) was flying to Australia.
What was Isabel (Ruth’s BFF) revealing to Professor/Dr. Shemtov?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great international thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Professor/Dr. Shemtov had met & later married Orna.
David was wondering why Kim had been killed. He also thought he/Elijah might be the next victims.
Mei-Ling (granddaughter) was flying to Australia.
What was Isabel (Ruth’s BFF) revealing to Professor/Dr. Shemtov?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great international thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews