Naomi Ragen

Naomi Ragen (born 1949) is a prominent American-Israeli novelist, playwright, and women’s rights activist living in Jerusalem. Her work frequently explores the lives of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) women, often highlighting issues of domestic struggle, injustice, and the tension between religious tradition and modern life. Ragen is a vocal advocate for gender equality and was notably involved in the legal battle against gender-segregated buses in Israel. Two of her many novels may be included in the “mystery” genre:

The Covenant (2004): While primarily a political thriller dealing with Islamic terrorism and a family kidnapping, the book uses elements of suspense and intrigue as an alliance of three women works to rescue the captives against time.

The Devil in Jerusalem (2015) is based on a true event involving a corrupt Haredi cult rabbi. It features the protagonist Detective Bina Tzedek, who investigates a horrifying case of child abuse within an ultra-Orthodox cult in Jerusalem. The story unfolds as a mystery, with the detective peeling back layers of secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind the traumatic injuries of two young children whose mother refuses to cooperate with police. [Google/AI]

Ragen, Naomi, (The Covenant [hc, St. Martin’s Press, 2004]) 978-0312291198 [pb, St. Martin’s Griffin, 2005] 978-0312335069

Ragen, Naomi, (The Devil in Jerusalem [hc, St. Martin’s Press, 2015] 978-1250043139 [pb, St. Martin’s Griffin, 2016] 978-1250109439