Sat 8 Oct 2016
Reviewed by Barry Gardner: JONATHAN KELLERMAN – Private Eyes.
Posted by Steve under Reviews[4] Comments
JONATHAN KELLERMAN – Private Eyes. Alex Delaware #6. Bantam, hardcover, 1992; paperback, October 1992.
Child psychologist Alex Delaware’s latest case involves people from 20 years in his past. An actress had been assaulted with acid, and become a neurosis-crippled recluse; her 7-year old daughter had called a hospital for help, and Delaware had become involved. The girl, now grown, is calling for his help again. The acid-thrower is out of prison, and the daughter is terrified for her mother again. Then the mother disappears.
I like the Delaware books, and have from the first. I think he’s a strong, believable character, as is his homosexual policeman friend, and his love interests have been well-handled. I enjoy the psychological background, and for the most part have found it believable. This is not the best in the series, but it’s good, and I recommend it.
Bibliographic Note: Including Breakdown, published this year (2016), there are now 31 books in Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series, with at least one more scheduled for next year
October 8th, 2016 at 9:36 pm
A series I really liked going in by an undoubtedly good writer, but the children in jeopardy thing quickly wore thin.
October 8th, 2016 at 9:55 pm
Besides novels about serial killers, I don’t read “children in jeopardy” stories, either. I don’t mind Kellerman’s success in the least, but I’ve checked his books out at Borders and Barnes & Noble many times over the years, but I’ve always put them back on the shelf. They’re just not for me.
October 9th, 2016 at 6:55 am
I read the first 4 – plus one non-series book – but the “children in jeopardy” thing (as well as the increasing length of the books) turned me off too.
October 9th, 2016 at 5:46 pm
I am in agreement with everything said so far in the comments.
Jonathon Kellerman also has likes ludicrous memes like (SPOILERS) 1) identical twins — one good/one evil–; 2) mad scientist-physicians. And several other stale cliches.
I’m not a fan.
I do like most of his wife’s police procedurals. Faye Kellerman is a much better writer imo.