Jonathan KellermanGenre: Psychological Thriller
Published: 1985
Personal Rating: 3.75/5
Yearly Count: 46
This is Kellerman's first in the Alex Delaware series. Alex is a 33-year-old, retired, child psychologist and is recouping from burn-out. During this time, Milo Sturgis enters the scene as a LAPD detective who asks for Alex's help with a case that includes a 7-year-old girl who has possibly seen something relating to a double homicide. Once Alex gets involved, he doesn't let up until all questions are answered.
Boy, was this dated. There were turn-tables playing Linda Ronstadt albums, knit ties, Merv Griffin and other 80's sightings. They were fun - not distracting or prevalent.
While Alex came across as a mild-mannered individual (although he could be tough when needed), the subject matter (child abuse) was the opposite - cruel and despicable. While getting to the source of evil, there were some spots that were sluggish due to an abundance of unnecessary details, but overall it was interesting and kept my attention.
Alex ended up playing both psychologist and detective, which I felt was too much for this character; I would have liked to have seen more of Milo. The plethora of bad guys and, in general, the many, many characters lead to a slightly complicated, but . . . satisfying ending. For a first, it was good. I will continue with the series; the next up is titled Blood Test.
Question to those that are up-to-date with this series: Does Alex progress with the times and does Milo play more of a role in future books? Just "Yes" and "No" answers are sufficient. Thank you! :)
Hmmm, I've always wondered whether I should give this series a go. I think I'll wait and see what you think of the next one.
ReplyDeleteNicola ~ I just read my thoughts again and it sounds worse than I intended. Thank goodness I'm not a "writer"! :)
ReplyDeleteThe book wasn't boring at all. I just found it to be over the top in characters, information, and "Super Alex", but it was his first and he's still going strong, so he can't be too bad.
Have you read Alex Cross by James Patterson? I know I've read at least two. I think I read the first one and another one, but I can't remember. They were read well before journaling.
I have read most of this series. Read this one many, many years ago and then took a break from the series probably in the late '90's. So, yes, Alex does develop and so does Kellerman's writing. And Yes, Milo does continue and is in most if not all the books. Alex himself changes over time, as those characters do in long-running series.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Jonathan Kellerman's wife's series? Her name is Faye Kellerman and she writes about Peter Deck and Rina Lazarus, orthodox Jewish people. Peter is a police detective. I highly recommend those as well but you have to start with book 1, THE RITUAL BATH.
Also, their son, Jesse Kellerman, has started writing. I haven't read any of his yet. This was probalby much more than you wanted to know but that's me, always having my librarian hat on.
Oh yes to both questions. It is an awesome series. Right now I am on book four in the Susan Wittig Albert Series - China Bayles. I absolutely have fallen in love with it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by any of the Kellermans, but after reading Kay's comment I can see that I need to.
ReplyDeleteI'd agree with Susan and say to both questions. Alex definitely develops and evolves. And Milo is always there, playing a bigger role in some books more than others. (I love him!)
ReplyDeleteI'm not totally up-to-date on the series...used to read them immediately upon release, but after a while they just didn't hold the same excitement for me. Not that I don't still enjoy them, but I think I'm three or four behind now.
Add my name to the list of those who love this series in general and Milo in particular! And I agree with their answers to your questions. :-) The newest one is out now, and I'm dying to get to it!
ReplyDeleteLezlie
Kay ~ "Does Alex progress with the times?" LOL Sometimes I say things so awkwardly! :) Hooray that it's YES to both questions. That encourages me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have read one Faye Kellerman book - years and years ago. I remember a lot of Jewish people, so it could have been a part of her series. ??? I know it wasn't A Ritual Bath, though.
I saw something written somewhere about Jesse Kellerman and wondered if they were related.
I totally appreciate everything you said. I wrote "Yes" or "No" answers, so people wouldn't feel obliged to write more AND so there wouldn't be any spoilers for me and others. I love your "librarian hat"! :)
Danielle ~ Glad to read that you believe it to be an awesome series. Woo Hoo!
ReplyDeleteAnd you are killing me with the China Bayles series. I want to read it, but other books keep having to be read first for one reason or another. I am tickled pink that you are enjoying it so much, though. My time will come. :)
Booklogged ~ Better get started - there's a long list! :)
Debi ~ Who's Susan? You silly goose! :) I liked Milo, too, and thought he needed a bigger role. I'm happy-happy to read that he's in all of them!
Lezlie ~ I've only heard good things about the Alex Delaware (and Milo) series. It's good to know that my blogger friends like him, too. I hope you enjoy the latest.
What is a knit tie! :) Ha ha--does that show how young I am?? I know who Linda Ronstadt is at least.
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ You young chick-a-dee, you! :) There's always Google!
ReplyDeleteOops...I meant Danielle! From her picture, she looks just like this woman I know named Susan. I'm such a dork!
ReplyDeleteDebi ~ LOL I thought you meant her. :)
ReplyDelete