Safe Haven Book

Despite being written by the author of The Exorcist, "Dimiter" is not really a horror story. Nor is it a supernatural religious thriller. It's more of a mystery/suspense tale, with a policeman in 1970s Jerusalem investigating a series of related crimes. Before the main plot kicks in there's a really interesting section set in Albania in 1973 concerning the interrogation of a nameless prisoner. Eventually it ties into the policeman's story, but I thought those opening chapters were more interesting than where the book ending up going.

Throughout the novel there are transcripts of police interrogations and government debriefings that fill in some back story, as well as personal correspondence from characters who aren't identified until later in the book. It's a bit confusing at times, but the confusion is intentional and things fall into place by the end.

"Dimiter" was well-written and enjoyable overall, but I think it is the kind of book that would really benefit from a second reading.