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Alex Delaware #17
A Cold Heart
LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis summons his friend, psychologist-sleuth Alex Delaware, to a trendy gallery where a promising young artist has been brutally garroted on the night of her first major showing. The details of the murder scene immediately suggest to Alex not an impulsive crime of passion, but the meticulous and taunting modus operandi of a serial killer.
Delaware's suspicions are borne out when he and Milo find there's a link between the artist's death and the murder of a noted blues guitarist. The twisting trail leads from halfway houses to palatial mansions, and from a college campus to the last place Alex ever expected: the doorstep of his ex-lover Robin Castagna. As more killings are discovered, unraveling the maddening puzzle assumes a chilling new importance --- stopping a vicious psychopath who's made cold-blood murder his chosen art form.
Delaware's suspicions are borne out when he and Milo find there's a link between the artist's death and the murder of a noted blues guitarist. The twisting trail leads from halfway houses to palatial mansions, and from a college campus to the last place Alex ever expected: the doorstep of his ex-lover Robin Castagna. As more killings are discovered, unraveling the maddening puzzle assumes a chilling new importance --- stopping a vicious psychopath who's made cold-blood murder his chosen art form.
413 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2003
1127 people are currently reading
3207 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
200 books5,803 followersJonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles. He helped work his way through UCLA as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor and freelance musician. As a senior, at the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
March 14, 2018
These books are so addicting! They only get better and better.
September 4, 2021
The 17th book in the Alex Delaware series is enjoyable. Not bad. Not great. If you enjoy the mystery / suspense / thriller genre it provides a whodunit that has you trying to figure out who is killing artists who are up and coming or making a come back. A blues guitarist, Baby Boy Lee, is fatally stabbed behind a club where he has just finished a set. A young artist, Juliet Kipper, has been strangled on the night of her first major showing. The Kipper murder case is assigned to LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis who calls his friend Alex Delaware. "I've got a weird one, so naturally I thought of you." The Baby Boy case is assigned to Petra Connor. Naturally it is Alex who sees there is a connection between the cases. Soon other, similar cases appear. Is there a celebrity stalker kiling off rising stars? Milo, Petra, and Alex team up to find the answer.
This was my introduction to Petra Connor who apparently usually works solo. In this story she is given a partner, Eric Stahl, who is a bit of mystery himself. He doesn't talk much, whether with Petra or when the team gets together to discuss the cases. He also doesn't appear to eat. A mystery man. It will be interesting to see how the author develops this character.
In this story Alex and his long time girl friend, Robin Castagna, have seperated. She has moved out and has new person in her life. So does Alex. But Robin has a connection to two of the victims and that makes her a part of the story. Especially after a magazine article featuring Robin appears on the newsstands.
When the series started Alex Delaware was a child psychologist who was called in by the police to assist when a child was involved in a case (e.g. a traumatized witness). In this story there isn't even a child in the story. A dysfunctional family, addicts and the homeless. But, no children. Alex is more investigator than psychologist. He is more profiler sent out to solo on police cases than psychologist called in to assist. It is a good thing Milo and Petra have him to assist otherwise the cases probably wouldn't get solved. His investigation takes him from a college campus to a homeless shelter.
Overall though this is still an enjoyable story even if not believable. I have been reading Alex Delaware stories for decades. The first book, When the Bough Breaks, was published in 1985. This book was published in 2003. A lot has changed. The characters have evolved. As with most series some of the stories are better than others.
This was my introduction to Petra Connor who apparently usually works solo. In this story she is given a partner, Eric Stahl, who is a bit of mystery himself. He doesn't talk much, whether with Petra or when the team gets together to discuss the cases. He also doesn't appear to eat. A mystery man. It will be interesting to see how the author develops this character.
In this story Alex and his long time girl friend, Robin Castagna, have seperated. She has moved out and has new person in her life. So does Alex. But Robin has a connection to two of the victims and that makes her a part of the story. Especially after a magazine article featuring Robin appears on the newsstands.
When the series started Alex Delaware was a child psychologist who was called in by the police to assist when a child was involved in a case (e.g. a traumatized witness). In this story there isn't even a child in the story. A dysfunctional family, addicts and the homeless. But, no children. Alex is more investigator than psychologist. He is more profiler sent out to solo on police cases than psychologist called in to assist. It is a good thing Milo and Petra have him to assist otherwise the cases probably wouldn't get solved. His investigation takes him from a college campus to a homeless shelter.
Overall though this is still an enjoyable story even if not believable. I have been reading Alex Delaware stories for decades. The first book, When the Bough Breaks, was published in 1985. This book was published in 2003. A lot has changed. The characters have evolved. As with most series some of the stories are better than others.
June 20, 2012
I'm sometimes asked who are some author's who have influenced my writing. I always had a stock answer: Stephen King, simply because he's the King and is one of the best writers of the last thirty years. And Scott Smith, because his A Simple Plan was one of the inspirations for White Lies (a regular person in a simple situation that snowballs out of control).
Now I will likely add Kellerman to that list, and largely because of his writing style. There might be better writers out there, but I haven't read them. The best way to describe Kellerman's style is: confident. The way he can twist a sentence from mundane to special, and the frequency with which he does it, is pretty damn impressive.
Something as simple as this (describing a waitress):
"...chopped red hair and a sliver of torso, glasses riding her nose..."
And there's the humor too, which comes so naturally, and isn't forced like, say, Koontz's newer stuff:
"We traded Y-chromosome chuckles" or, in regard to his buddy's massive sandwich, "It was so big it required a building permit"
All in all, A Cold Heart is typical Jonathan Kellerman, a well-plotted, well-written and well-enjoyed journey into the world of investigative psychology. I enjoyed this one, but from some of the reviews I've read, some people didn't. If you've never read a Kellerman, I suggested browsing a few titles and choosing one that sounds interesting to you.
Now I will likely add Kellerman to that list, and largely because of his writing style. There might be better writers out there, but I haven't read them. The best way to describe Kellerman's style is: confident. The way he can twist a sentence from mundane to special, and the frequency with which he does it, is pretty damn impressive.
Something as simple as this (describing a waitress):
"...chopped red hair and a sliver of torso, glasses riding her nose..."
And there's the humor too, which comes so naturally, and isn't forced like, say, Koontz's newer stuff:
"We traded Y-chromosome chuckles" or, in regard to his buddy's massive sandwich, "It was so big it required a building permit"
All in all, A Cold Heart is typical Jonathan Kellerman, a well-plotted, well-written and well-enjoyed journey into the world of investigative psychology. I enjoyed this one, but from some of the reviews I've read, some people didn't. If you've never read a Kellerman, I suggested browsing a few titles and choosing one that sounds interesting to you.
November 16, 2024
4 Stars. Should it be a five? I'll think about it as I write. First - did I enjoy it? Very much. The audio version was well read by John Rubinstein and gripping. Second - was it a puzzler? Yes, Jonathan Kellerman sets up a perp who may be false, and it wasn't until almost the last page that I got an answer to that question (you'll have to read the book). Third - is it a new twist on a serial killer? Yes, but again nothing more from me. We start with Dr. Alex Delaware getting a call from his detective friend Milo Sturgis. This time about the strangulation of a young artist at the opening of her art show. Juliet Kipper had promise. Soon there's a second, Baby Boy Lee, a brilliant guitarist, but this artist seems to be on the way down. His body was found in an alley and there was a witness, a homeless man. Is there a connection? Alex thinks so but, but for most of the novel, it's tenuous. Another plus, or is it a minus, Alex and girlfriend Robin Castagna are estranged, both have new important others, but the liner notes of Baby Boy's latest album give effusive credit to her wonderful guitar restorations. Does this put Robin in danger? Does this bring them together? I'm going for five. (No2024)
February 14, 2017
Another solid Delaware yarn. I will bullet point this one.
- The character of Petra interests me as she is completely imperfect and stubborn but diligent and intelligent. I hope at some point she is hired by Milo.
- I missed Milo. He was barely present in this one and he is my favorite charachter.
- Allison seems smart and kind, but so far she is dull. I hope that she becomes more animated and less passive in the relationship or I will be over her sooner rather than later.
- Alex is less reckless and more cerebral again which I like.
John Rubenstein is excellent. He voices each character differently which makes it easy to follow. I especially like his portrayal of Milo. His weakness lies in the female characters who mostly sound alike to one another.
- The character of Petra interests me as she is completely imperfect and stubborn but diligent and intelligent. I hope at some point she is hired by Milo.
- I missed Milo. He was barely present in this one and he is my favorite charachter.
- Allison seems smart and kind, but so far she is dull. I hope that she becomes more animated and less passive in the relationship or I will be over her sooner rather than later.
- Alex is less reckless and more cerebral again which I like.
John Rubenstein is excellent. He voices each character differently which makes it easy to follow. I especially like his portrayal of Milo. His weakness lies in the female characters who mostly sound alike to one another.
March 22, 2017
One of my favorite Alex Delaware books, as this story actually has character development! A promising artist is found killed on the night of her first major showing, and Alex and Milo investigate. They find an unlikely connection between the artist's killing and the murder of a blues guitarist, and detective Petra Connor and her new partner Eric help with the case. Alex's former lover Robin is targeted by the killer, as the killer is jealous of upcoming artists since he is experiencing writers block and wants to hurt those more successful than himself. On the personal front, Alex has moved on rather quickly to a new lover Allison, who is too brittle for my taste.
April 6, 2008
Needing a book to read by the pool at Harrison Hot Springs I relied on an old favorite author. It was nice to have a familiar main character, but it was not Jonathan Kellerman's best. The main thing is that it could get a little wet at the pool since I had to actually read it in the pool because outside it was so cold.
June 16, 2021
This is my second time reading A Cold Heart, and I must admit, I'm inclined to give it a 3-star rating this time around, instead of a 2-star.
Last time I read it, I wasn't too keen on the role that Robin had in the book. Indeed, Alex and her split again, because Robin is so against the risks that Alex takes during his co-investigating with Milo Sturgis. I didn't like Robin then, but I must say she's grown on me, and I can totally see her point of view. Still, Robin plays a minor role. For me there's nothing that tops the character of Milo and as always - he's excellent and the narrator, John Rubinstein is stellar in his rendition of the various types & characters in the audio version. John Rubinstein is the reason I re-listen to these books!
Last time I read it, I wasn't too keen on the role that Robin had in the book. Indeed, Alex and her split again, because Robin is so against the risks that Alex takes during his co-investigating with Milo Sturgis. I didn't like Robin then, but I must say she's grown on me, and I can totally see her point of view. Still, Robin plays a minor role. For me there's nothing that tops the character of Milo and as always - he's excellent and the narrator, John Rubinstein is stellar in his rendition of the various types & characters in the audio version. John Rubinstein is the reason I re-listen to these books!
February 19, 2022
I’ve read 20 books in the Alex Delaware series, & I can easily say, this is my least favorite. 😑
August 6, 2022
I simply re-listen these Alex Delaware & Milo Sturgis audiobooks for the wonderful narration of John Rubinstein. This actor is such a master in his craft, that he can make any great story even more captivating than it really is. In one scene, Rubinstein can do a dozen different characters, each nuanced to perfection. It's truly delightful.
Of course, I enjoy Jonathan Kellerman's writing as well. Actually, I've been looking for one particular scene in one of the Delaware books, where Alex is in a bar with drunks and he talks to the barman. The scene is so hilarious, but I can't seem to put my finger in which book this takes place. I can only conclude that I will have to re-listen to all of the Delaware audio-books narrated by John Rubinstein (even the abridged one).
Of course, I enjoy Jonathan Kellerman's writing as well. Actually, I've been looking for one particular scene in one of the Delaware books, where Alex is in a bar with drunks and he talks to the barman. The scene is so hilarious, but I can't seem to put my finger in which book this takes place. I can only conclude that I will have to re-listen to all of the Delaware audio-books narrated by John Rubinstein (even the abridged one).
September 12, 2016
Every time I read one of Mr Kellerman's books, I get annoyed at his constant need to describe in detail what every character is wearing even if they are just a passerby on the street. In A Cold Heart, he takes this too far in detailed descriptions of every scene. If it doesn't add to the story, leave it out. It's okay to set the scene, but...
One thing I noticed in this book was his use of first person in scenes with Alex Delaware and third person with all other characters. This is another example of an established author growing lazy. In addition, Delaware may be the main character, but he doesn't appear until chapter 4.
This will probably be my last Kellerman book.
One thing I noticed in this book was his use of first person in scenes with Alex Delaware and third person with all other characters. This is another example of an established author growing lazy. In addition, Delaware may be the main character, but he doesn't appear until chapter 4.
This will probably be my last Kellerman book.
December 31, 2019
I’ve read many of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware books. This particular novel was overly long and the plot convoluted. Then I looked at the title page and saw it was published in 2003! I think he has honed his skills since-give this one a miss!
November 20, 2018
Someone is killing artists — a promising young painter garroted behind a co-op gallery, the stabbing of a noted blue guitarist during a break in his performance ...
So Alex Delaware is called in to see what he thinks. The psychologist and LAPD consultant is struggling over the breakup with his longtime girlfriend Robin Castagna but gives time to considering the crimes, who would be likely to be doing it and why. He delves into earlier cases and a mysterious fanzine that has written about all the victims.
Working with homicide detective Milo Sturgis, his colleague Petra Connor and noting Connor's new, almost silent partner Eric Stahl, Delaware seeks not only who is the murderer but what is driving him to do so. This is a fascinating look into the background of a murderer and how police go about tracking down suspects and clues. A fairly good read.
So Alex Delaware is called in to see what he thinks. The psychologist and LAPD consultant is struggling over the breakup with his longtime girlfriend Robin Castagna but gives time to considering the crimes, who would be likely to be doing it and why. He delves into earlier cases and a mysterious fanzine that has written about all the victims.
Working with homicide detective Milo Sturgis, his colleague Petra Connor and noting Connor's new, almost silent partner Eric Stahl, Delaware seeks not only who is the murderer but what is driving him to do so. This is a fascinating look into the background of a murderer and how police go about tracking down suspects and clues. A fairly good read.
October 12, 2013
It took me forever to get into this book, in part because of the horrible names he has for the characters (Baby Boy, Shull, not to be confused with Stahl, Sludge, or Strobe, and China Maranga, among others) and in part because I couldn't shake the feeling that Kellerman was trying to impress his readers with how cool he is; how much he knows about the music industry, yada yada yada. At least the annoying Robin, with her "mass of auburn curls trailing down her back like a heap of grapes" (I'm not making that up) had a minimal role in this one, although she was replaced by the equally annoying Allison. It got better about 3/4 of the way through, but I'd say it's not one of his best.
January 4, 2022
2nd read
Boring. I didn't remember who the killer was although I recognized who it was when we met him. Wouldn't it have been better if it had a twist and the real killers turned out to be the elegant Dept. Head and her tall husband?
It was boring, mundane. I remember the feeling from the previous read of wanting to be at Baby Boy's concert rather than reading this book. The only thing I saw this time that I missed last time was that Baby Boy was wearing a SRV t-shirt. Cool...except for the murder part. Oh, another twist I envisioned was that the new girlfriend was the killer. That would have been the apex twist.
Boring. I didn't remember who the killer was although I recognized who it was when we met him. Wouldn't it have been better if it had a twist and the real killers turned out to be the elegant Dept. Head and her tall husband?
It was boring, mundane. I remember the feeling from the previous read of wanting to be at Baby Boy's concert rather than reading this book. The only thing I saw this time that I missed last time was that Baby Boy was wearing a SRV t-shirt. Cool...except for the murder part. Oh, another twist I envisioned was that the new girlfriend was the killer. That would have been the apex twist.
December 13, 2017
It is one of my favorite books about Alex and Milo. This is when Alex Delaware was with Allison, whom I personally like better than Robin's character. I like the plot and characters better than most of the other stories. Petra (the detective) is also in this book as well as a new detective assigned to help her. He is coming in from being an investigator in the army. He is very quiet but the reason doesn't really come through until the end.
September 1, 2016
Reading this book was like cleaning out your refrigerator with leftovers, putting it all in a pan, bake it and expecting a delicious cake to emerge when pulled out of the oven. A hodgepodge. Definitely not one of the author's best.
January 5, 2022
Alex and Milo on the case of artists in the crosshairs this time. Petra is working the case too along with her new partner Eric and it looks like Alex and Robin have moved on with new love interests or maybe not.
November 9, 2020
3...I am having such a hard time with this series, and I am hoping it is due to the fact that I am a TAD bit behind...I love the characters, but the cases are just meh, for me. Here's to hoping they get better as I catch up!
February 11, 2009
Dull. Dull. Predictable. Dull.
July 10, 2016
Dull predictable and sloppy writing
A small waste of time
Not what I expect from a good writer
A small waste of time
Not what I expect from a good writer
August 13, 2019
Unfortunately, and this is notable; for once, I was disappointed with an Alex Delaware story. I think the author did us all (the fans) a disfavor by trying to make this story about Robin, Alex's big love, and only love interest, with whom he broke up in the previous book. Robin isn't a very interesting woman. It's not her fault really, because she's pretty normal, and that's okay (Alex is unique enough), but Robin shouldn't be made the center of a plot revolving around artists getting killed. Even Milo Sturgis wasn't very compelling here. Talk about a let-down after the Murder Book.
October 17, 2025
Not great, not terrible...
Το τέλος μου φάνηκε λιγάκι βεβιασμένο, αλλά κατά τ'άλλα δεν ήταν κακό.
Το τέλος μου φάνηκε λιγάκι βεβιασμένο, αλλά κατά τ'άλλα δεν ήταν κακό.
July 19, 2025
About a million times better than I expected a random-to-me "psychological stalks a serial killer" story to have any right to be. Which is not to say great, but still.
October 29, 2024
Die Geschichte ist okay.
April 24, 2019
It's probably as hard to write a long-lasting series as it is to review them without saying the same things over and over. This is the 17th book in the series and while Kellerman did shake some things up a bit, some things never change.
The good: this book featured Petra Connor and Milo more as the detectives instead of Alex doing all the work as they both land cases in which the M.O. is similar with the victims being up and coming artists or artists on the verge of a comeback. Milo has now been promoted to lieutenant but is still being kept on a short leash due to his sexuality, so his frustrations with the job continue even though he has a bit more latitude. Petra is given an incredibly stoic partner I'm surprised she didn't shoot. I like the characters of Petra and Milo and I keep hoping Petra will one day be given her own series, so it's always a welcome treat when she is featured. Petra and Milo work really well together, however, clearly holding each other in high esteem. I would have been content had this book just been about the two of them, to be honest.
The same ol', same ol': Robin and Alex are now broken up and have new partners, yet somehow still manage to be the most boring couple to ever exist. (Sadly, his new relationship with Allison, the fellow psychologist with a history of sexual abuse he interviewed in the last book, isn't shaping up to be anymore interesting). Robin's own rising star in her field and how that impacted her in this case was an interesting twist: after years of Alex's involvement in Milo's cases putting him in danger finally breaking them up and thereby making her "safe," it's her career that ends up putting her into jeopardy. This did provide an interesting look at the residual effects of she and Alex having been in a long-term relationship and how that still impacts them and their respective new partners.
The choice of victims in this book was interesting as the arts is a vast field which made it harder to predict what the killer was going to do next and how to tie it all together. But overall, I can't say this is one that is sticking in my memory banks. It wasn't bad; they're all just blending together at this point.
The good: this book featured Petra Connor and Milo more as the detectives instead of Alex doing all the work as they both land cases in which the M.O. is similar with the victims being up and coming artists or artists on the verge of a comeback. Milo has now been promoted to lieutenant but is still being kept on a short leash due to his sexuality, so his frustrations with the job continue even though he has a bit more latitude. Petra is given an incredibly stoic partner I'm surprised she didn't shoot. I like the characters of Petra and Milo and I keep hoping Petra will one day be given her own series, so it's always a welcome treat when she is featured. Petra and Milo work really well together, however, clearly holding each other in high esteem. I would have been content had this book just been about the two of them, to be honest.
The same ol', same ol': Robin and Alex are now broken up and have new partners, yet somehow still manage to be the most boring couple to ever exist. (Sadly, his new relationship with Allison, the fellow psychologist with a history of sexual abuse he interviewed in the last book, isn't shaping up to be anymore interesting). Robin's own rising star in her field and how that impacted her in this case was an interesting twist: after years of Alex's involvement in Milo's cases putting him in danger finally breaking them up and thereby making her "safe," it's her career that ends up putting her into jeopardy. This did provide an interesting look at the residual effects of she and Alex having been in a long-term relationship and how that still impacts them and their respective new partners.
The choice of victims in this book was interesting as the arts is a vast field which made it harder to predict what the killer was going to do next and how to tie it all together. But overall, I can't say this is one that is sticking in my memory banks. It wasn't bad; they're all just blending together at this point.
Read
September 9, 2020A Cold Heart by Jonathan Kellerman - published April 29, 2003
ALEX DELAWARE Series, Book 17
e-Audiobook (OverDrive/Richland County Library)
Narrated by John Rubinstein
Kinda agree with these reviewers ... just really couldn’t ever “get into this one”!
J. Hume
2.0 out of 5 stars/Cold Pen
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2013
“It took me forever to get into this book, in part because of the horrible names he has for the characters (Baby Boy, Shull, not to be confused with Stahl, Sludge, or Strobe, and China Maranga, among others) and in part because I couldn't shake the feeling that Kellerman was trying to impress his readers with how cool he is; how much he knows about the music industry, yada yada yada. At least the annoying Robin, with her "mass of auburn curls trailing down her back like a heap of grapes" (I'm not making that up) had a minimal role in this one, although she was replaced by the equally annoying Allison. It got better about 3/4 of the way through, but I'd say it's not one of his best.”
T. W. Barton
2.0 out of 5 stars What a disappointment!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2004
“I am so glad that this was not my first time reading a Jonathan Kellerman book. I am also happy that this was not my first time reading about Alex Delaware. Why? Because if this had been my first time, I'd never read another book by this author EVER AGAIN! Alex Delaware was sappy and boring in this novel and the situation between him and Robin was portrayed poorly. Both of these characters really worked my nerves and normally, I really like both of them.
Further, what is the deal with the ending?!?! I was marginally interested in this story from the beginning, but when I got to the last chapter, I was really disappointed. To me, it seemed as if Mr. Kellerman suddenly decided that he should cut the story short.... so he did exactly that without giving a lot of details that I thought he was building up to.
I am very disappointed in this book, but even so, Mr. Kellerman has not lost me as a fan. I know his work and what he is capable of, I just hope that the next Kellerman book that I read will be written in the manner/style that I am use to.”
ALEX DELAWARE Series, Book 17
e-Audiobook (OverDrive/Richland County Library)
Narrated by John Rubinstein
Kinda agree with these reviewers ... just really couldn’t ever “get into this one”!
J. Hume
2.0 out of 5 stars/Cold Pen
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2013
“It took me forever to get into this book, in part because of the horrible names he has for the characters (Baby Boy, Shull, not to be confused with Stahl, Sludge, or Strobe, and China Maranga, among others) and in part because I couldn't shake the feeling that Kellerman was trying to impress his readers with how cool he is; how much he knows about the music industry, yada yada yada. At least the annoying Robin, with her "mass of auburn curls trailing down her back like a heap of grapes" (I'm not making that up) had a minimal role in this one, although she was replaced by the equally annoying Allison. It got better about 3/4 of the way through, but I'd say it's not one of his best.”
T. W. Barton
2.0 out of 5 stars What a disappointment!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2004
“I am so glad that this was not my first time reading a Jonathan Kellerman book. I am also happy that this was not my first time reading about Alex Delaware. Why? Because if this had been my first time, I'd never read another book by this author EVER AGAIN! Alex Delaware was sappy and boring in this novel and the situation between him and Robin was portrayed poorly. Both of these characters really worked my nerves and normally, I really like both of them.
Further, what is the deal with the ending?!?! I was marginally interested in this story from the beginning, but when I got to the last chapter, I was really disappointed. To me, it seemed as if Mr. Kellerman suddenly decided that he should cut the story short.... so he did exactly that without giving a lot of details that I thought he was building up to.
I am very disappointed in this book, but even so, Mr. Kellerman has not lost me as a fan. I know his work and what he is capable of, I just hope that the next Kellerman book that I read will be written in the manner/style that I am use to.”
July 20, 2010
Very average (tired?) 17th entry in Alex Delaware series...
We read every Kellerman (even his wife Faye!) novel that comes out, but didn't notice at first that this was another police-helper, psychologist Alex Delaware story. Indeed, detective Petra Conner returns (from "Billy Straight") with a new and quite mysterious partner, and we presumed the unfolding murder plot would be a second entry in that series. Lo and behold, a couple of chapters later, Milo Sturgish (Delaware's buddy) catches a murder weird enough he calls in Alex to help. Alex soon develops the theory that the killing was related to Petra's homicide, along with a few other unsolved cold cases from across the country, and so we're off and running with his 17th outing. The (weak) similarity that the victims were aspiring artists (from various fields of endeavor) on the brink of success added little or no compelling interest or suspense to the goings-on.
It seems Kellerman has had difficulty in his last three or four efforts generating the kind of zest present in his earlier works that featured crimes involving children, Alex's true specialty as a professional (as is author Dr. Kellerman in real life). His mooning over lost love Robin is way beyond old, and a new love interest in this one does little to defray that nonsense. The strange actions of Petra's new partner provided almost more mystery than the mystery did -- and we really didn't understand why Milo, a competent cop, was posed as so goofy in this one. Lastly, by the time the pros decided whodunit, we readers had all figured it out.
We've heard Kellerman's next outing will feature an entirely new character; that's good news in our judgment. Fine writing skills, never a problem here, are just not enough to carry off more Delaware machinations. We suggest he go back to his original practice and let us all get on with life.
We read every Kellerman (even his wife Faye!) novel that comes out, but didn't notice at first that this was another police-helper, psychologist Alex Delaware story. Indeed, detective Petra Conner returns (from "Billy Straight") with a new and quite mysterious partner, and we presumed the unfolding murder plot would be a second entry in that series. Lo and behold, a couple of chapters later, Milo Sturgish (Delaware's buddy) catches a murder weird enough he calls in Alex to help. Alex soon develops the theory that the killing was related to Petra's homicide, along with a few other unsolved cold cases from across the country, and so we're off and running with his 17th outing. The (weak) similarity that the victims were aspiring artists (from various fields of endeavor) on the brink of success added little or no compelling interest or suspense to the goings-on.
It seems Kellerman has had difficulty in his last three or four efforts generating the kind of zest present in his earlier works that featured crimes involving children, Alex's true specialty as a professional (as is author Dr. Kellerman in real life). His mooning over lost love Robin is way beyond old, and a new love interest in this one does little to defray that nonsense. The strange actions of Petra's new partner provided almost more mystery than the mystery did -- and we really didn't understand why Milo, a competent cop, was posed as so goofy in this one. Lastly, by the time the pros decided whodunit, we readers had all figured it out.
We've heard Kellerman's next outing will feature an entirely new character; that's good news in our judgment. Fine writing skills, never a problem here, are just not enough to carry off more Delaware machinations. We suggest he go back to his original practice and let us all get on with life.
August 15, 2014
There is a lot to like about this novel for fans of Kellerman's Alex Delaware series. We see both Milo Sturgis and Petra Connor work the case. Also, we see Petra, who usually works solo, given a partner who has major quirks. Kellerman does a great job of shading in just enough of his backstory to keep the reader interested without disrupting the plot.
So why did I only give it three stars? It had to do with the tricky business of dropping clues. Most of the mystery writers that I enjoy give just enough of a hint when the bad guy is introduced that I think "this might possibly be the guy." Sometimes I have no idea at all during the introduction, and that is fine as long as some hint is dropped before the climax, even if it is disguised in a very clever manner.
My problem with A Cold Heart was that the clue at the introduction was too revealing. I had one of those Adrian Monk "That's the guy" moments where the whodunit element was absolutely over. As a fan of Alex, Milo, and Petra I still enjoyed the remainder of the book, but had to do so in the context of a police procedural rather than a whodunit.
So why did I only give it three stars? It had to do with the tricky business of dropping clues. Most of the mystery writers that I enjoy give just enough of a hint when the bad guy is introduced that I think "this might possibly be the guy." Sometimes I have no idea at all during the introduction, and that is fine as long as some hint is dropped before the climax, even if it is disguised in a very clever manner.
My problem with A Cold Heart was that the clue at the introduction was too revealing. I had one of those Adrian Monk "That's the guy" moments where the whodunit element was absolutely over. As a fan of Alex, Milo, and Petra I still enjoyed the remainder of the book, but had to do so in the context of a police procedural rather than a whodunit.
September 11, 2015
This was my first Jonathan Kellerman novel and I was very impressed; I'll be reading more in the future. The main character is a psychologist named Alex Delaware - who assists the LAPD with cases. The detectives in this novel are are his friend Milo Strugis and partners Petra Connor and Eric Stahl. Someone is killing people who are on the cusp of fame or a comeback and when Sturgis and Connor - working on separate murders - notice similarities they team up with Delaware to solve the case.
I thought this novel was a fantastic thriller/ mystery novel. Firstly, I liked all of the characters so I enjoyed chapters that focused on one but really enjoyed it when they teamed up. The mystery itself is clever and they unravel it logically and incrementally; making it all the more satisfying.
Kellerman's writing style is brisk and punchy and it suits the genre very well; I've a read a lot of novels where everything is agonisingly overwritten making the novel laborious but I devoured this.
One slight problem was the ending; it was very abrupt. The pacing to this point was great but the conclusion was a bit of a let down but overall, this was very good 8/10
I thought this novel was a fantastic thriller/ mystery novel. Firstly, I liked all of the characters so I enjoyed chapters that focused on one but really enjoyed it when they teamed up. The mystery itself is clever and they unravel it logically and incrementally; making it all the more satisfying.
Kellerman's writing style is brisk and punchy and it suits the genre very well; I've a read a lot of novels where everything is agonisingly overwritten making the novel laborious but I devoured this.
One slight problem was the ending; it was very abrupt. The pacing to this point was great but the conclusion was a bit of a let down but overall, this was very good 8/10
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