Miriam Drori

Drori, Miriam [Jerusalem Murder Mystery #1], (Style and the Solitary [pb, self-published, 2022]) 978-9659303106 [This first book introduces Asaf Lavi, a socially anxious office worker who prefers to remain invisible. His life is upended when he discovers a corpse in his office building early one morning and becomes the prime suspect. Languishing in a jail cell, Asaf is too paralyzed by fear and social anxiety to defend himself to the authorities. His colleague, Nathalie Gautier, a recent French immigrant, is the only one who believes in his innocence. Inspired by the moral of Beauty and the Beast, she enlists her flatmates to investigate the crime themselves. The story follows their amateur investigation as they navigate the streets and culture of Jerusalem to clear Asaf’s name.]

Drori, Miriam [Jerusalem Murder Mystery #2], (Loyalty and the Learner [pb, self-published, 2024]) 978-9659303120 [The sequel continues the story of Asaf and Nathalie, who are now engaged. Once again, a murder occurs, and suspicion initially falls on Asaf before shifting to Lihi, the victim’s wife. Convinced of Lihi’s innocence, Nathalie and Asaf set out to find the real killer. Their journey takes them beyond Jerusalem, venturing “west and north” across Israel. The book is described as maintaining the series’ signature blend of humor and emotional depth, with the characters using inspiration from historical figures and literature to solve the mystery.] [Google/AI – Amazon]