The Collaborator of Bethlehem

The Collaborator of Bethlehem by Matt Rees is a reprint edition published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2008, featuring 264 pages in English. This novel marks the beginning of a mystery series set against the backdrop of the Middle East, where the murder of a Palestinian Martyrs Brigade leader leads to the arrest of George Saba, a Palestinian Christian accused of collaboration with Israelis. The story follows Omar Yussef, a history teacher at a United Nations school in the West Bank, as he investigates the murder to clear his former pupil’s name, navigating a complex web of allegiances and enmities.

Readers will find a richly detailed narrative that delves into the intricacies of the Palestinian conflict and its political ramifications. As Omar Yussef embarks on his quest for justice, he confronts a landscape where distinguishing friend from foe becomes increasingly challenging. This exploration of mystery and detective elements is woven into the fabric of a society marked by tension and complexity, offering insights into the lives of those caught in the turmoil.