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Police Inspector Hadas Levinger #1
Hill Of Secrets
An orthodox murder. A nonorthodox detective. On a blooming May morning, the five bodies of a religious family are found in their apartment in the quiet suburb of Samuel's Hill (Giv'at Shmuel).Detective Hadas Levinger, the renegade atheist daughter of a religious family, is put in charge of the police investigation. Slowly and skillfully she peels away the shell protecting this unique community and reveals hard and painful secrets.Can she survive them?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2014
357 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 2, 2015
Oh the typos! I could have appreciated this book more had it had some serious proofreading (it doesn't help that proofreading and editing are my background). I loved the fact that it is based on a true story, that the setting is Israel, and enjoyed learning more about the Jewish faith in its various forms but oh, the typos!
January 2, 2015
Killer secrets
This is a fast-paced mysterious thriller that centers around a police investigation into an apparent murder/suicide in Tel Aviv. A family of five is found shot to death, and, with no signs of forced entry, suspicion immediately falls on the husband, whose fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. The case falls to the intrepid police detective Hadas Levinger, who not only pieces together what happened, but discovers something very disturbing and unpleasant that results in an arrest for a crime not directly related to the family's murder. I can't say anything else about the story because to do so would spoil the story.
In addition to dealing with the murder investigation, Hadas has to deal with her family, who cannot understand why she chooses to remain childless, and the mishegos of family life anywhere. Much of this, as well as her interactions with her superior in the police department, is very entertaining. The story also describes modern Israeli society very well, in terms of the contrast between religious and secular Jews, and the vast range of difference within the religious community.
The book is a fast read. Ultimately, however, I was disappointed with the way the tale wrapped up, as the ending seemed quite contrived. It's not great literature, and it's not supposed to be. It held my interest, even if a lot of the story felt contrived.
This is a fast-paced mysterious thriller that centers around a police investigation into an apparent murder/suicide in Tel Aviv. A family of five is found shot to death, and, with no signs of forced entry, suspicion immediately falls on the husband, whose fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. The case falls to the intrepid police detective Hadas Levinger, who not only pieces together what happened, but discovers something very disturbing and unpleasant that results in an arrest for a crime not directly related to the family's murder. I can't say anything else about the story because to do so would spoil the story.
In addition to dealing with the murder investigation, Hadas has to deal with her family, who cannot understand why she chooses to remain childless, and the mishegos of family life anywhere. Much of this, as well as her interactions with her superior in the police department, is very entertaining. The story also describes modern Israeli society very well, in terms of the contrast between religious and secular Jews, and the vast range of difference within the religious community.
The book is a fast read. Ultimately, however, I was disappointed with the way the tale wrapped up, as the ending seemed quite contrived. It's not great literature, and it's not supposed to be. It held my interest, even if a lot of the story felt contrived.
April 6, 2018
Givaat Shmuel. 4/18/2009, Meir Danilowitz (estranged husband/father, (Bar-Ilan U; Econ/buss. mgmt.) murdered his whole family then committed suicide.
Ephraim, & Asher, are doing several investigations.
Aviva Levin called & claims she can’t reach Hannah (daughter), or her son-in-law.
Petach Tikva. 4th. floor, Apartment # 14. Alon & DI Hadas Levinger (33, Israeli PD, Tel-Aviv U; law, retired Army) arrived at the murder scene.
Meir, Hannah Levin (estranged wife/mother, Tel-Aviv U; law), Ariel (7, boy, ADHD), Galit (girl 5), & Noa (4, baby) all shot & all dead.
The bodies were taken to Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for the autopsies.
The funerals for the mom/children were at the Yarkon Cemetery.
Meir’s was later towards the evening.
Why had Shachar bugged Yigal Einav (42, Dina’s husband/father, Sr. electronics engineer, former Army, Tel-Aviv U) Ramat Hachayal work table?
Shivaat Haminim St. # 7, Givaat Shmuel. DI Levinger presented Dina Einav (38, Yigal’s wife/mother, in-home nursery care) with a search warrant.
Amos (computer tech) was checking out Yigal’s 2 computer hard-drives.
It seems he might also be a pedophile.
Will DI Levinger piece the Danilowitz & Mirashvilli murder mystery puzzles together, & figure out the why’s?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
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 fairly well written Israeli Jewish mystery book. It wasn’t always 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 huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Israeli Jewish mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is a cultural difference for me but I still am going to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Justkindlebooks; Oblivion; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Ephraim, & Asher, are doing several investigations.
Aviva Levin called & claims she can’t reach Hannah (daughter), or her son-in-law.
Petach Tikva. 4th. floor, Apartment # 14. Alon & DI Hadas Levinger (33, Israeli PD, Tel-Aviv U; law, retired Army) arrived at the murder scene.
Meir, Hannah Levin (estranged wife/mother, Tel-Aviv U; law), Ariel (7, boy, ADHD), Galit (girl 5), & Noa (4, baby) all shot & all dead.
The bodies were taken to Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for the autopsies.
The funerals for the mom/children were at the Yarkon Cemetery.
Meir’s was later towards the evening.
Why had Shachar bugged Yigal Einav (42, Dina’s husband/father, Sr. electronics engineer, former Army, Tel-Aviv U) Ramat Hachayal work table?
Shivaat Haminim St. # 7, Givaat Shmuel. DI Levinger presented Dina Einav (38, Yigal’s wife/mother, in-home nursery care) with a search warrant.
Amos (computer tech) was checking out Yigal’s 2 computer hard-drives.
It seems he might also be a pedophile.
Will DI Levinger piece the Danilowitz & Mirashvilli murder mystery puzzles together, & figure out the why’s?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
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 fairly well written Israeli Jewish mystery book. It wasn’t always 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 huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Israeli Jewish mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is a cultural difference for me but I still am going to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Justkindlebooks; Oblivion; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 20, 2020
Great book
This offers an intriguing look into Israeli life in the upper middle & lower upper class substrata of society. There are a lot of similarities but also a lot of differences in the way things are handled in both US & Israeli societies. It also offers a view into some of the religious subgroups in that strata the seems to exist between the reformed, secular, & Haredi groups. It seems more of the continuum I expected than any specific division. I'd liken it to the evangelical protestant movement in American Chrisitianity, where the core beliefs are very alike, but there are doctrinal differences. They get along, but they judge certain aspects either more or less harshly than others.
I really like the main character, a lawyer turned cop who gave up a position that gave her a high salary to do work that she felt would make a difference. She doesn't care about fancy clothes, or worry about hair & nails. She also knows what she does -& doesn't-want in her life & stands by it. Despite pressure from her ex & her family, she refuses to give in to demands that she have children when she doesn't want them. She likes playing with her nieces & nephews, but she doesn't want her own kids. It turns out that she finds, in this book, women with their own kids who believe she is smart to have figured out what she wanted from life & to stick by her guns.
She is also one heck of a good cop, good instincts, perseveres in following up, & works at pursuing leads until she is satisfied that no stone has been left unturned.
Most of the Jewish terms are explained, though some still need to be looked up. With a Kindle reader, that's thankfully easy to do.
The story revolves around a murder-suicide, a man who kills his wife, baby, & 2 young children, & turns the gun on himself. He created a makeshift silencer & locked the house up from the inside. In the process of investigating, another lead shows up that has explosive outcomes. The nagging suspicion that something else remains to be found follows Hada to her vacation, only resolving itself on her return.
This book will keep you turning the pages. Now that I have read this, I want to read the first book in this series, plus the author's other works.
This offers an intriguing look into Israeli life in the upper middle & lower upper class substrata of society. There are a lot of similarities but also a lot of differences in the way things are handled in both US & Israeli societies. It also offers a view into some of the religious subgroups in that strata the seems to exist between the reformed, secular, & Haredi groups. It seems more of the continuum I expected than any specific division. I'd liken it to the evangelical protestant movement in American Chrisitianity, where the core beliefs are very alike, but there are doctrinal differences. They get along, but they judge certain aspects either more or less harshly than others.
I really like the main character, a lawyer turned cop who gave up a position that gave her a high salary to do work that she felt would make a difference. She doesn't care about fancy clothes, or worry about hair & nails. She also knows what she does -& doesn't-want in her life & stands by it. Despite pressure from her ex & her family, she refuses to give in to demands that she have children when she doesn't want them. She likes playing with her nieces & nephews, but she doesn't want her own kids. It turns out that she finds, in this book, women with their own kids who believe she is smart to have figured out what she wanted from life & to stick by her guns.
She is also one heck of a good cop, good instincts, perseveres in following up, & works at pursuing leads until she is satisfied that no stone has been left unturned.
Most of the Jewish terms are explained, though some still need to be looked up. With a Kindle reader, that's thankfully easy to do.
The story revolves around a murder-suicide, a man who kills his wife, baby, & 2 young children, & turns the gun on himself. He created a makeshift silencer & locked the house up from the inside. In the process of investigating, another lead shows up that has explosive outcomes. The nagging suspicion that something else remains to be found follows Hada to her vacation, only resolving itself on her return.
This book will keep you turning the pages. Now that I have read this, I want to read the first book in this series, plus the author's other works.
December 27, 2016
This book serves as the source to understand contemporary Israeli culture than as a Crime Fiction. In fact I feel that the Author has used a murder being investigated as a front to neatly describe the current religious and liberal attitude of Israel.
The book begins with the murder/suicide of an affluent family. There is no mystery there. In fact the author doesn't try to cook up any mystery at all. It remains as a simple open and shut case from beginning to end. But what hooked me to the book was the way the protagonist describes every person she meets in the course of the investigation. She hails from a family of achievers but she herself is a disheveled perosn, or so she believes. She draws parallels from everyone she meets in the investigation to her own life and evaluates whether she is leading her life on the right track. She delves deep into the personalities of her siblings, spouse and parents, of the victim's relatives, friends and is ambivalent about where she is heading towards. But she is also content that she is not falling prey to the illogical trends of Israel, such as 4 children rule or frequent religious meetups. I also loved the way every person who was interviewed in relation to the incident was so immaculately articulate about their opinion on the murdered family.
The book begins with the murder/suicide of an affluent family. There is no mystery there. In fact the author doesn't try to cook up any mystery at all. It remains as a simple open and shut case from beginning to end. But what hooked me to the book was the way the protagonist describes every person she meets in the course of the investigation. She hails from a family of achievers but she herself is a disheveled perosn, or so she believes. She draws parallels from everyone she meets in the investigation to her own life and evaluates whether she is leading her life on the right track. She delves deep into the personalities of her siblings, spouse and parents, of the victim's relatives, friends and is ambivalent about where she is heading towards. But she is also content that she is not falling prey to the illogical trends of Israel, such as 4 children rule or frequent religious meetups. I also loved the way every person who was interviewed in relation to the incident was so immaculately articulate about their opinion on the murdered family.
February 4, 2018
The actual mystery plot in Hill of Secrets, took up maybe twenty-five percent of the book. In its defense, the book was advertised as an Israeli Jewish mystery. I'd really only recommend this book to readers who are interested in the Jewish religion and its practices, especially the ways and mores as they apply in the neighborhood of the lead character. Long dialogue, both inner and social, is spent discussing the pros and cons of having children. I hung in there until the end, skipping over many family scenes that did not pertain to the mystery one iota, only to get to the answer of whether Meir was really the one who killed his family.
Disappointing ending. Again, this book is a good choice if you are interested in family drama, the Jewish religion, and an ongoing debate about whether to have children.
Disappointing ending. Again, this book is a good choice if you are interested in family drama, the Jewish religion, and an ongoing debate about whether to have children.
August 28, 2023
Interesting murder mystery
This book had some interesting points and a good amount of twists and turns. It was interesting learning about the different Jewish traditions and how they were presented. I do feel like some of the time the author went on tangents that weren't necessarily part of the story. And at least in my version some editing issues probably should have been caught in subsequent beta readings. Outside of that, it didn't feel the genre's main tropes and understandings. There was some good character development and well-explained feminist thoughts. So those were nice to see. I would recommend this to anyone who likes an interesting murder mystery with a female protagonist.
This book had some interesting points and a good amount of twists and turns. It was interesting learning about the different Jewish traditions and how they were presented. I do feel like some of the time the author went on tangents that weren't necessarily part of the story. And at least in my version some editing issues probably should have been caught in subsequent beta readings. Outside of that, it didn't feel the genre's main tropes and understandings. There was some good character development and well-explained feminist thoughts. So those were nice to see. I would recommend this to anyone who likes an interesting murder mystery with a female protagonist.
March 6, 2017
What to say about this book? First of all, I am very interested in books of other cultures and I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of this authors cultural world. With that said I dislike first person books and this one is a good example why. Almost half of the book is written about the protagonist's sad existence and I just really didn't care. About half way through it got right down to a very good detective story which I quite enjoyed. After the author got away from the protagonist's spoiled girl rebellion attitude she did a fine job of developing a good story. I read this as an ebook and it needed some minor edits. All in all, I recommend.
February 18, 2018
On a blooming May morning, the five bodies of a religious family are found in their apartment in the quiet suburb of Samuel's Hill (Giv'at Shmuel).
Detective Hadas Levinger, the renegade atheist daughter of a religious family, is put in charge of the police investigation. Slowly and skillfullym she peels away the shell protecting this unique community, and reveals hard and painful secrets.
I enjoyed reading about the Jewish culture in this book, but it was not really a big mystery. At some points it moved kind of slowly. It was a good story, but not great. The information conveyed about Jewish culture was extremely interesting, though. I really enjoyed that part.
Detective Hadas Levinger, the renegade atheist daughter of a religious family, is put in charge of the police investigation. Slowly and skillfullym she peels away the shell protecting this unique community, and reveals hard and painful secrets.
I enjoyed reading about the Jewish culture in this book, but it was not really a big mystery. At some points it moved kind of slowly. It was a good story, but not great. The information conveyed about Jewish culture was extremely interesting, though. I really enjoyed that part.
June 23, 2018
Excellent murder mystery
This is a very down-to-earth mystery. The protagonyis assigned to solve murder and it is all written from her point of view. About 3/4 of the way through I thought the story was average - just anothee, typical mystery. I was wrong. This is really well written and not as typical or obvious as I suspected. As it grew closer to the end, I became riveted. I read the last 20% of the book in one non-stop sitting. Amazing...right up to the last page.
To the author: thanks for the entertainment.
This is a very down-to-earth mystery. The protagonyis assigned to solve murder and it is all written from her point of view. About 3/4 of the way through I thought the story was average - just anothee, typical mystery. I was wrong. This is really well written and not as typical or obvious as I suspected. As it grew closer to the end, I became riveted. I read the last 20% of the book in one non-stop sitting. Amazing...right up to the last page.
To the author: thanks for the entertainment.
August 29, 2020
This was a great read! The book is well written, the plot is well constructed and enthralling. The setting (Israel) with its societal constructs, its distinct culture, religious influences, economic classes, traditions and trends, it made the book really interesting and insightful.
I loved the mc and how she does her own thing without caving to peer pressure. Such a strong character!
I will definitely read the next installment.
I loved the mc and how she does her own thing without caving to peer pressure. Such a strong character!
I will definitely read the next installment.
December 31, 2019
I loved this book. Not being from Israel, I didn't totally understand the many different types of religious people. The author kept me engrossed every step of the way . I made several guesses about the end, but was completely off. What a twist. I will definitely be reading more from this author. Well done.
October 29, 2020
Read it in one evening
I found the book fascinating, although I disliked many of the characters. I found the gossip mills, the constant comparisons of "keeping up with the Joneses", the insistence that women must have children, the ever complaining mothers who constantly criticize their adult children, really quite odious. But the book was suspenseful and kept my interest.
I found the book fascinating, although I disliked many of the characters. I found the gossip mills, the constant comparisons of "keeping up with the Joneses", the insistence that women must have children, the ever complaining mothers who constantly criticize their adult children, really quite odious. But the book was suspenseful and kept my interest.
November 21, 2017
Enjoyed this book immensely.
I appreciated the fact that the author gave the meaning of the Jewish words and phrases . That way everyone could enjoy this book as much as I did. I also was impressed that the main character was an intelligent woman.
I appreciated the fact that the author gave the meaning of the Jewish words and phrases . That way everyone could enjoy this book as much as I did. I also was impressed that the main character was an intelligent woman.
February 5, 2018
Very well written
It captured my interest immediately even though I know very little about the Jewish religion. She keeps you involved through the whole book. Good character setting. Enjoyed the read.
It captured my interest immediately even though I know very little about the Jewish religion. She keeps you involved through the whole book. Good character setting. Enjoyed the read.
February 14, 2018
Why did this happen?
A family is murdered and the father commits suicide afterwards. Israeli detective Hamas Levinger is on the trail to find out why. Great Jewish cultural vibe in this book, including Yiddish words and their definitions.
A family is murdered and the father commits suicide afterwards. Israeli detective Hamas Levinger is on the trail to find out why. Great Jewish cultural vibe in this book, including Yiddish words and their definitions.
January 8, 2019
Stunning
A horrible story that gets disquieting and then disgusting as a well written novel. A statement on people, society and attitudes. Hard to read at times but worth the effort.
A horrible story that gets disquieting and then disgusting as a well written novel. A statement on people, society and attitudes. Hard to read at times but worth the effort.
July 17, 2019
Wow!!
This book has opened my eyes to do many things and I am so grateful. I earned about life in Israel and the religion there. And about the ways people are affected. The writer had me from the beginning. He is really good.
This book has opened my eyes to do many things and I am so grateful. I earned about life in Israel and the religion there. And about the ways people are affected. The writer had me from the beginning. He is really good.
January 29, 2022
Readable, interesting enough plot and environment, but very clearly not written by a native English speaker - would have been better to write in Hebrew (which I imagine is the author's native tongue) and get it translated. Interesting description of the Srugim culture.
January 30, 2018
This was a very interesting book. It grabbed my attention immediately. I loved the style of writing and the inside peek at Israeli culture.
February 7, 2018
What a book
This was so interesting and well written. The information about everyday life was so well described. As an American Jew, I learned so much.
This was so interesting and well written. The information about everyday life was so well described. As an American Jew, I learned so much.
May 27, 2018
Great book!
Fascinating story, excellent writing and build up, finished the book in two days. The ending leaves a bit of bitter taste, expected a bit more, but great reading.
Fascinating story, excellent writing and build up, finished the book in two days. The ending leaves a bit of bitter taste, expected a bit more, but great reading.
May 2, 2019
Hardly great literature, but I could not put it down until the last page...
July 4, 2019
Entertaining mystery but nothing really special. I enjoyed the character she created and the many references to life in Israel. But the subject matter is grim and uncomfortable.
September 10, 2020
A touching page turner
I Loved reading about Israeli society and familiar places and events. The story was unusual and gripping and had a satisfying ending.
I Loved reading about Israeli society and familiar places and events. The story was unusual and gripping and had a satisfying ending.
August 8, 2023
Liked it better because it showed life in a specific culture in Israel.
May 5, 2017
You can read my review at http://tims-reviews.blogspot.com/2017....
January 14, 2017
This is an excellent story about the dangers of keeping secrets especially secrets from ourselves when we just don't accept reality.I did not really expect the ending. Loved this book will read more from this author.
December 19, 2015
When five members of a religious family are found dead in their apartment, victims of a murder-suicide, Israeli police detective Hadas Levinger is put in charge of the investigation. An atheist rebel from a religious family, Hadas is a person who insists on being independent in a society that demands conformity. During the course of her investigation of the case, she not only reveals the painful truth about the dead family, but hard and painful truths from her own life.
Hill of Secrets by Michal Hartstein is a slow-paced mystery that delves into modern-day Israeli society while at the same time telling a riveting mystery story. The author writes with a deft hand as she describes not just the surface of a society struggling with modernity versus tradition while also striving to survive against many challenges both internal and external.
For fans of the more fast-paced mysteries with American or British detectives, this story might seem a bit too slow. But, that very slowness is its beauty. The author allows the reader time to get under the skin of the protagonist until he or she becomes one with the character. Don’t miss this book from an author who shows promise.
Hill of Secrets by Michal Hartstein is a slow-paced mystery that delves into modern-day Israeli society while at the same time telling a riveting mystery story. The author writes with a deft hand as she describes not just the surface of a society struggling with modernity versus tradition while also striving to survive against many challenges both internal and external.
For fans of the more fast-paced mysteries with American or British detectives, this story might seem a bit too slow. But, that very slowness is its beauty. The author allows the reader time to get under the skin of the protagonist until he or she becomes one with the character. Don’t miss this book from an author who shows promise.
September 12, 2015
When five members of a religious family are found dead in their apartment, victims of a murder-suicide, Israeli police detective Hadas Levinger is put in charge of the investigation. An atheist rebel from a religious family, Hadas is a person who insists on being independent in a society that demands conformity. During the course of her investigation of the case, she not only reveals the painful truth about the dead family, but hard and painful truths from her own life.
Hill of Secrets by Michal Hartstein is a slow-paced mystery that delves into modern-day Israeli society while at the same time telling a riveting mystery story. The author writes with a deft hand as she describes not just the surface of a society struggling with modernity versus tradition while also striving to survive against many challenges both internal and external.
For fans of the more fast-paced mysteries with American or British detectives, this story might seem a bit too slow. But, that very slowness is its beauty. The author allows the reader time to get under the skin of the protagonist until he or she becomes one with the character. Don’t miss this book from an author who shows promise.
Hill of Secrets by Michal Hartstein is a slow-paced mystery that delves into modern-day Israeli society while at the same time telling a riveting mystery story. The author writes with a deft hand as she describes not just the surface of a society struggling with modernity versus tradition while also striving to survive against many challenges both internal and external.
For fans of the more fast-paced mysteries with American or British detectives, this story might seem a bit too slow. But, that very slowness is its beauty. The author allows the reader time to get under the skin of the protagonist until he or she becomes one with the character. Don’t miss this book from an author who shows promise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews