Crimes of the City

A suspense thriller set in the city of Jerusalem. The main character is Detective Avram Cohen, who must search for a killer who is sure to strike again. The mystery is set against a backdrop of Jerusalem's political and religious tensions.

Publishers Weekly

Although the title of this impressive thriller debut is geographically nondescript, its story of religious, political and international tension could only be set in Jerusalem. Two nuns, mother and daughter, residing in the Red Russian Orthodox mission in Ein Kerem, are savagely knifed to death. Avram Cohen, head of Jerusalem's Criminal Investigation Department, and other police, security and political figures become involved, including the Begin-like prime minister, who is anxious that justice be done while hopeful that the perpetrator is not Jewish. More frustrated than usual by the byzantine strictures of Israeli politics, Cohen is stymied, until he is able to plant a mole in the Russian mission. The result is useful information and a tongue-lashing from the prime minister, who is anxious not to offend the Soviets on the eve of sensitive talks. Rosenberg, who lives in Tel Aviv and previously wrote Shcharansky: A Journey Home ) is obviously familiar with Jerusalem's geography, and descriptions of the neighborhoods that comprise the Holy City are woven skillfully into the narrative. The writing is fluent and mature, and one gets a clear, if foreboding sense of the religious fanaticism that threatens to disrupt the fragile truce of Jerusalem's daily life. (Feb.)

John Green works as an independent computer consultant and established his company, Execuplan Consulting, which specializes in developing computer based planning applications and in training. He's led training courses for software applications and operating systems and has been accorded the status of Most Valuable Professional by Microsoft for his contributions to the CompuServe Excel forum and MS Internet newsgroups. Contact him at [email protected].

Stephen Bullen set-up his own company called Business Modelling Solutions Ltd, which specialises in Excel and Access development and consulting. The BMS web site contains a large number of examples of his work, including tools and utilities to extend Excel's functionality and many examples of Excel development techniques. Stephen can be contacted by email to [email protected].

Rob Bovey is a software developer and is founder and president of the custom application development firm, Application Professionals. Rob developed several Addins shipped by Microsoft for Excel. He also co-authored the Microsoft Excel 97 Developers Kit. Microsoft has awarded him the title of Most Valuable Professional each year since 1995.

Robert Rosenberg runs his own consulting business which specializes in Microsoft Office advanced training and custom solutions. As a Microsoft Valuable Professional in Excel, he also continually offers advanced online support on Excel on behalf of Microsoft to users of their Internet newsgroups. Robert can be contacted on at [email protected].