The book runs smoothly and keeps the interest.

It refers to a difficult and strange period and area about which I wonder how much I know.

The plot takes place in Palestine.

Omar Joseph is rather likable to the reader but not perfect.

The characters are confused.

In the end, it is an interesting detective story.

This book offers a unique perspective on a particular time and place. The setting in Palestine adds an element of mystery and intrigue.

The main character, Omar Joseph, has his flaws but also manages to engage the reader.

The confusion among the characters adds to the complexity of the story.

Overall, it is a captivating read that leaves the reader wanting more.

It makes one think about the events and people of that era and how they might have influenced the present.

The book is well-written and the plot is engaging, making it a great choice for those who enjoy detective stories or historical fiction.

Usually, a stubborn amateur, in this case, a 56-year-old Palestinian history teacher named Omar Yussef, along with fortuitous last-minute escapes and a verbose villain at the climax, might seem to detract from the story. However, this superbly atmospheric and human novel, set in Bethlehem, manages to do something remarkable. It showcases the plight of Palestinians without devolving into an anti-Israeli diatribe. In fact, it is far more critical of the criminals who control the Intifada. When a Christian is condemned on trumped-up charges of collaboration following the murder of an Intifada hero, Yussef doggedly decides to challenge the corrupt extremists. His determination to seek the truth and expose the false accusations makes for a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that delves deep into the complex and often tragic situation in Palestine.

A Captivating Mystery

This story presents a truly captivating mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The twists and turns in the plot make it impossible to put down.

But it is more than just a mystery. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and political situation of the time. Through the characters and their experiences, we can see how society was structured and how people interacted with each other.

In addition, the story contains some profound philosophical musings. The characters grapple with questions of morality, ethics, and the meaning of life. These musings add depth and complexity to the story, making it not just an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking one.

Overall, this is a story that has something for everyone. It is a captivating mystery, a window into a different time and place, and a source of philosophical inspiration.

The Collaborator of Bethlehem is truly fascinating.

It functions superbly as an accurate portrayal of the life of a Palestinian in Bethlehem, as well as the significance of the rule of law in daily existence. In fact, it excels more in this regard than as a mystery. However, it still works quite well as a mystery, at least for the initial 80%.

At that point, I had the urge to grab Omar by the shoulders and shout, "stop!" just like when you yell at the TV or movie screen when your protagonist is about to enter a particular building because the score and the fact that he/she has no backup increase the risk of a bad outcome to nearly 100%.

But in the end, these characters are genuine and Rees' writing is a delight. Whether you choose to read it for the culture and history it offers or because you desire a fresh perspective on the cozy mystery genre, it is definitely worth reading.

Don't miss out on this engaging and thought-provoking book.

The occupied Palestinian territories, or Israeli territories depending on one's viewpoint, present a captivating backdrop to this mystery.

The author, being a Middle East expert, provides a detailed and nuanced perspective on life in the West Bank.

The book masterfully delves into the authorities' siege/victim mentality, revealing the complex web of emotions and power dynamics at play.

In this novel, the lines between a violent thug, a terrorist, and a "martyr for the cause" are astonishingly blurry, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Despite the fact that the mystery itself may seem somewhat mundane, it hardly detracts from the overall value of the book.

It is truly worth a read for those interested in understanding the intricacies of life in the Middle East and the moral and ethical dilemmas that often arise.

So, don't let the seemingly ordinary mystery deter you; pick up this book and embark on a journey through the fascinating world of the occupied Palestinian territories.

I first heard of this book from an NPR series on writers who set mysteries in particular cities.

The concept of a mystery series set on the West Bank immediately intrigued me. The author, a Welshman with a background as a journalist in the Middle East, has crafted the first novel in what is intended to be a series.

My feelings about this book are somewhat mixed. It was a slow read at times, and it was often difficult to discern the direction the story was taking. However, on the positive side, the outcome was completely unpredictable, and the author's portrayal of life in the Palestinian territories of Israel was both disturbing and fascinating.

The main character, Omar Yussef, is an aging history teacher at a UN refugee camp. He hails from a large clan that was forced from their lands but has sensibly decided that dwelling on the past is unproductive. Omar has friends of both Christian and Muslim faiths, and although he is a Muslim himself, he is not overly strict. He encourages his children and students to seek positive ways to build better lives for themselves, despite living in a violent and ideologically extreme environment.

The "enemy" in this novel is the Martyrs Brigade, and the crime that kicks off the story involves a Christian former student of Omar's who has been arrested as a collaborator. The student informed the Israeli soldiers about the location of a young man active in the resistance, resulting in his death. Omar discovers a few clues that hint at where the true blame lies and takes them to his friend, the police chief, a former terrorist with a prosthetic "black hand". Naturally, the policeman tells him not to investigate further, but Omar can't resist continuing.

Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on life in the West Bank and a complex mystery that keeps the reader engaged.

Gripping

I simply couldn't tear myself away from the pages. The story was so captivating that I found myself completely immersed. I have a passion for mysteries, and Bethlehem has always held a certain allure for me. However, as I delved deeper into this particular narrative, I started to feel an overwhelming sense of tension. It was as if the story was tightly coiled, ready to spring at any moment. I kept reading, unable to resist the pull, yet at the same time, I was relieved when it finally came to an end. The intensity had become almost too much to bear. But despite the stress it caused, I still have to admit that it was a remarkable read, one that will stay with me for a long time.

**Title: An Intriguing Read with a Blend of Characters and a Dash of Mystery**

A great title for a novel caught my attention when I picked it up. Then, seeing it was praised by David Baldacci, I initially put it back. But curiosity got the better of me, and I thought I might look at what else people had said. It was described as a cross between Yasser Arafat and Miss Marple. Ah, I simply could not resist that.

The hero of this book is a Palestinian, but that's where the similarity to Arafat ends. Let's say his detective abilities are not on a par with Jane's. I liked the book, not so much for its mystery qualities. Actually, it was more or less clear from the beginning that the people's habit of referring to a man by reference to his son would play a role in the "solution" of the crime. Our hero is called Omar Yussef, but everyone calls him Abu Ramiz, the father of Ramiz. One of the victims, an American who is Omar's boss, wants to be called Abu Scott because if he had had a son, he would have named him Scott.

Lots of people die, among them the prime suspect. So, the true villain is more or less found by elimination. I liked the characters, especially the police officer who had been "what people choose to call a terrorist" in his earlier life. I had hoped to learn a bit more about the daily life in Bethlehem than just that they drink lots of tea. Overall, I'd rate this book a 7/10.

The occupation of Palestine has given rise to a web of morbid social relations that is both complex and tragic.

The Palestinians have endured decades of displacement, discrimination, and violence at the hands of the occupiers. Their basic rights, such as the right to freedom, dignity, and a decent life, have been systematically violated.

Families have been torn apart, with loved ones separated by checkpoints and walls. Children grow up in an environment of fear and uncertainty, deprived of a normal childhood.

The occupation has also led to the destruction of Palestinian communities and infrastructure, further exacerbating the already dire situation.

This clear story of the morbid social relations is a testament to the inhumanity and injustice of the occupation. It is a call to action for the international community to stand up for the rights of the Palestinians and work towards a just and lasting peace in the region.

Review from Asia Thrills - https://asiathrills.com/the-collabora...

Author Matt Rees wastes no time in this captivating book, titled “The Bethlehem Murders” in the UK. It is the first in his Palestine Quartet series of thrillers, featuring school teacher and sleuth Omar Yussef and set in Israeli-occupied Palestine.

In the very first chapter, we are introduced to a plethora of elements. There is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the refugee camps, the Greek Orthodox Club, the Martyrs Brigade, an Arabic Bible dating back to Ottoman times, and Israeli soldiers.

We discover that Christians and Muslims once lived in harmony, but that is no longer the case. The operatives of the despised Martyrs Brigade shoot at the Israelis from the roofs of local villagers’ homes, leading to retaliatory Israeli fire that endangers lives and houses.

Thus, the stage is set for an enthralling saga. Rees, a former foreign correspondent in Jerusalem, presents a story that goes beyond the headlines.

One of Yussef’s former pupils, George Saba, a Christian, is arrested by the Palestinian authorities on suspicion of collaborating with the Israelis and aiding them in tracking down and killing a Palestinian fighter. He is sentenced to death by firing squad. An outraged Yussef knows that Saba has been framed and sets out to prove his innocence.

This powerful book delves into the lives of the people in this region, their fears, hopes, and struggles. Rees has humanized the conflict, and at times, the mystery story at its core seems almost secondary.

Here is an excerpt, with George Saba speaking from his prison cell:

“'I’ve lived a life of many changes. I learned that change is always a good thing. But here in Palestine change is always for the worse. Christian villages are overrun by new Muslim residents, and instead of living together in tranquillity, it becomes a bad place for Christians. Even to change a situation of hatred, they only make still more hatred. Love is not an option. It’s the choice of an idiot who wants to end with nothing, robbed and abused and humiliated. The result is that, in the end, everyone’s convinced that the only way to alter the bad relations between Christians and Muslims, or between Israelis and Palestinians for that matter, is to wipe out the other side. To kill them all. Like they’re killing me, now.'

Omar Yussef had seen that coming. 'No, they won’t, George. They can’t.'”

I read this book on the suggestion of a friend, and it truly did not disappoint.

It is the very first historical fiction that I have delved into which is set in Palestine. Having watched the series Fauda, it became considerably easier for me to visualize the atmosphere as I advanced in my reading.

Initially, I had thought that the Israelis might be incorporated into the story in a major manner, but in fact, they were merely a part of the backdrop for the local resistance movements.

The author also brings to light the fact that not every warrior is what he purports to be. This is stated straightforwardly, without any minced words.

The tale predominantly focuses on a person's struggle against such elements and what he has to endure. There are numerous twists and turns, and the local language plays a crucial role.

Overall, it is a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on the history and culture of Palestine.

Omar Yussef, a fifty-six-year-old history teacher, finds himself in the midst of a mystery set in Bethlehem, Israel. He is an alcoholic who has been dry for ten years, and although not a devout Muslim, he tries his best to teach his students right from wrong and respect for all in a violent and ever-changing world. When his former student, George Saba, is accused of collaborating with the Israelites and murdering a local hero, Omar takes a leave of absence from school to prove his friend's innocence. However, he soon realizes that those in power need a scapegoat and are thwarting his efforts at every turn. He even begins to question whether his close friends and confidantes, like the head of the police in Bethlehem, are working against him. This leaves him with a difficult choice: does he take the easy way out to keep his family safe, or does he continue to fight for what he believes is right?

Despite the unfamiliar setting and the many interesting cultural details, the book shows that humans are humans everywhere, and motives for murder like power and greed transcend national, religious, and cultural borders. It is a very interesting first entry in the series. Reading about a war-torn area of the world can be difficult, but it is always good to learn about new areas and cultures. Although I managed to figure out the mystery ahead of time, it was just a lucky guess or a gut feeling. I felt like I was on shaky ground due to my unfamiliarity with the culture and probably missed a lot of clues. Sometimes I had to stop and rearrange my thoughts. Nevertheless, I liked Omar, despite his occasional petty vanity and stubbornness, and I look forward to getting to know him better in future books.