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Clay Edison #6
Coyote Hills
The electric new Clay Edison thriller from the New York Times bestselling, acclaimed father-son duo who write “brilliant, page-turning fiction” (Stephen King)
Clay Edison has left behind the Alameda County coroner’s office to strike out on his own as a private investigator. He’s perfectly happy working low-stakes embezzlement cases—that is, until PI Regina Klein calls him with a mystery only he can solve. The son of a wealthy couple has washed up dead on the shores of San Francisco Bay with drugs in his system and a head injury. The police are calling it an accident. But the parents are adamant something’s not right—and as Clay digs deeper, he uncovers a horrifying tangle of betrayal and lies.
Clay Edison has left behind the Alameda County coroner’s office to strike out on his own as a private investigator. He’s perfectly happy working low-stakes embezzlement cases—that is, until PI Regina Klein calls him with a mystery only he can solve. The son of a wealthy couple has washed up dead on the shores of San Francisco Bay with drugs in his system and a head injury. The police are calling it an accident. But the parents are adamant something’s not right—and as Clay digs deeper, he uncovers a horrifying tangle of betrayal and lies.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
455 people are currently reading
9940 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
199 books5,796 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 148 reviews
November 3, 2025
Another great installment of the Clay Edison series!! This one is definitely a head scratcher, and it's always fascinating how Clay's persistence and tenacity pays off. When things start falling into place, it just flows smoothly. A very easy read.
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2025
Sixth book in series.
Each book can be read without reading the entire series.
Well written, yet parts bizarre, in my opinion.
A map in this book would have definitely helped.
I do like Clay Edison, Private Investigator.
Each book can be read without reading the entire series.
Well written, yet parts bizarre, in my opinion.
A map in this book would have definitely helped.
I do like Clay Edison, Private Investigator.
October 6, 2025
If you're looking for a good mystery series, this father-son team has come up with one I've thoroughly enjoyed (this is the sixth installment). And IMHO, it's the best of the lot so far. For those who don't want to start at the beginning (always my recommendation with any series), this book easily stands on its own.
Private-eye friend Regina Klein calls Clay Edison, a former coroner turned private investigator, to ask for help with a case. Adam Valois, who earlier went missing, has turned up dead in a park in Coyote Hills, California. Apparently, he hit his head and drowned, but especially since he had drugs in his system, the question of accident or murder comes into play.
Adam's wealthy parents are sure it's not an accident, so Clay goes to work - in between spending time with his wife, Amy, and kids Charlotte and Myles (it was not lost on me that Clay's children have the same names as two of my four grandkitties, not that it matters much on the book review side of things). Digging around turns suspicion on Adam's former girlfriend, Olivia, as well as a sketchy childhood friend, Trevor Vogel, who's a known druggie. But then Clay recalls an old case of his in which the victim died in a similar manner and, more importantly, with the same drug combination in his system at the time of his death. Followed by another, and another. Coincidence? Possibly, but Clay isn't so sure.
The rest of the book follows the investigation, and I while it gets a bit convaluted in spots, the generous heaping of humor sprinkled throughout more than makes up for it (hint: Regina is positively a hoot). Bottom line? Easy to read, easy to love and I'm ready for the next one. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get in on the action once again by way of a pre-release copy.
Private-eye friend Regina Klein calls Clay Edison, a former coroner turned private investigator, to ask for help with a case. Adam Valois, who earlier went missing, has turned up dead in a park in Coyote Hills, California. Apparently, he hit his head and drowned, but especially since he had drugs in his system, the question of accident or murder comes into play.
Adam's wealthy parents are sure it's not an accident, so Clay goes to work - in between spending time with his wife, Amy, and kids Charlotte and Myles (it was not lost on me that Clay's children have the same names as two of my four grandkitties, not that it matters much on the book review side of things). Digging around turns suspicion on Adam's former girlfriend, Olivia, as well as a sketchy childhood friend, Trevor Vogel, who's a known druggie. But then Clay recalls an old case of his in which the victim died in a similar manner and, more importantly, with the same drug combination in his system at the time of his death. Followed by another, and another. Coincidence? Possibly, but Clay isn't so sure.
The rest of the book follows the investigation, and I while it gets a bit convaluted in spots, the generous heaping of humor sprinkled throughout more than makes up for it (hint: Regina is positively a hoot). Bottom line? Easy to read, easy to love and I'm ready for the next one. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to get in on the action once again by way of a pre-release copy.
December 25, 2025
3.74 / 5.0
Great book from start to finish, definitely an upgrade from the mess of the previous book. It’s a thrilling read where we join Clay Edison and PI Regina Klein on their mission to solve this as a PI. It’s a logical plot, things make sense and the direction the book takes all make sense which we didn’t see in the previous book. I like how we see Clay’s dry humour and remarks, and their banter-y relationship between Regina and Clay are top notch. A book that takes you on a journey, unpredictable and had me gripped to the seat to finish in one sitting!
The book centres around Clay Edison who is now working as a PI, he’s taking on low risk type work like embezzlement cases when his mate PI Regina comes in with a case she thinks he can help solve. It centres around Adam Valois, who is the son of a wealthy family who was found dead in the bay with head injuries and drugs in his system. The police lost interest ruling it an overdose that caused his death. In comes Clay and Regina who are tasked by the family to review the case again. But as clay begins to dig deeper into Adams death, he begins to suspect there’s more to it at play!
Great book, definitely an upgrade than his previous book! Still keeping my eyes out on this series!
Great book from start to finish, definitely an upgrade from the mess of the previous book. It’s a thrilling read where we join Clay Edison and PI Regina Klein on their mission to solve this as a PI. It’s a logical plot, things make sense and the direction the book takes all make sense which we didn’t see in the previous book. I like how we see Clay’s dry humour and remarks, and their banter-y relationship between Regina and Clay are top notch. A book that takes you on a journey, unpredictable and had me gripped to the seat to finish in one sitting!
The book centres around Clay Edison who is now working as a PI, he’s taking on low risk type work like embezzlement cases when his mate PI Regina comes in with a case she thinks he can help solve. It centres around Adam Valois, who is the son of a wealthy family who was found dead in the bay with head injuries and drugs in his system. The police lost interest ruling it an overdose that caused his death. In comes Clay and Regina who are tasked by the family to review the case again. But as clay begins to dig deeper into Adams death, he begins to suspect there’s more to it at play!
Great book, definitely an upgrade than his previous book! Still keeping my eyes out on this series!
December 7, 2025
usually with Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware books it's the characters who stand out...and the plots can be guessed..mostly.
this one has some twists and turns....and did sort of keep me guessing.
this one has some twists and turns....and did sort of keep me guessing.
September 15, 2025
Coyote Hills by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman is #6 in the Clay Edison series. It follows Edison (a former Alameda County deputy coroner who has transitioned to private investigation), as he untangles the myriad of clues surrounding the death of the son of a wealthy couple. Adam has been found dead in San Francisco Bay with drugs and a head injury, and the police have ruled it as an accident. However, the parents don't believe it for a minute so they hire Edison to investigate.
This was a fascinating book, with a bit of humor from sentences such as: "The dog was some sort of designer poodle mix; a labradoodle, apple strudel, pool noodle." I love Regina Klein, who is the character who said that. (She is also the one who dumped this case into Clays lap.) Also, Clay's children are hilarious!
I read the first book in the series, and then didn't read another until #5, which is my long-winded way of saying that these books can be read as standalones. Coyote Hills is a police procedural, but the addition of intriguing geography and new tech made it even more interesting. My only nit to pick is I felt the ending was a little abrupt.
Trigger warning: the crimes and the descriptions of the bodies are a bit gruesome.
I recommend Coyote Hills, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
A big thank you to #BallantineBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley! All opinions are my own. Coyote Hills has an expected publication date of October 28, 2025.
#JonathanKellerman #Crime #Mystery #PrivateInvestigation
This was a fascinating book, with a bit of humor from sentences such as: "The dog was some sort of designer poodle mix; a labradoodle, apple strudel, pool noodle." I love Regina Klein, who is the character who said that. (She is also the one who dumped this case into Clays lap.) Also, Clay's children are hilarious!
I read the first book in the series, and then didn't read another until #5, which is my long-winded way of saying that these books can be read as standalones. Coyote Hills is a police procedural, but the addition of intriguing geography and new tech made it even more interesting. My only nit to pick is I felt the ending was a little abrupt.
Trigger warning: the crimes and the descriptions of the bodies are a bit gruesome.
I recommend Coyote Hills, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
A big thank you to #BallantineBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley! All opinions are my own. Coyote Hills has an expected publication date of October 28, 2025.
#JonathanKellerman #Crime #Mystery #PrivateInvestigation
September 19, 2025
Clay Edison returns as a PI after leaving the Alameda County coroner’s office where he worked for many years. Another PI, Regina Klein, asks Clay to help her on a case. The son of a wealthy family had washed up in San Francisco Bay a year ago, with a head injury and drugs in his system. The family is not satisfied with the police work and want the son’s death looked into as a homicide (the police had ruled it an accident). Clay starts investigating and is reminded of a past case from his early days in the coroner’s office. He soon finds some similarities and begins looking into other deaths with similar circumstances (drownings with the same drugs in systems). This book kept me very interested. I liked how Clay went about digging deeper into the case. He has a great instinct combined with his expertise in the coroner’s office that allows him to put together things that others miss. The story moves along at a good pace and I enjoyed the main character of Clay. Clay’s interactions with Regina were quite funny and entertaining. Overall I thought it was a really good book and you don’t have to read others in the series to know what’s going on. I give the book 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on October 28, 2025.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on October 28, 2025.
May 16, 2025
This is #6 in the Kellermans’ collaboration about former coroner turned private investigator Clay Edison. I’m an admitted Kellerman junkie (all of them!) and I noticed that my reviews of the previous Clay Edison thrillers tell me that I’m liking this character more and more as he develops his professional skills and sense of self-worth.
Clay is recruited by a fellow PI, Regina, to follow up on the year old drowning death of Adam Valois, 30-something son of a wealthy Bay Area couple, whose body washed up on the shore of the Coyote Hills Regional Park. The parents have already tried another investigator and the police deemed their son Adam’s death was undetermined and probably accidental, but what Clay brings to the reopened case is unique — his extensive coroner background and the memory of another unsolved drowning.
This is a police procedural, but the addition of intriguing geography and new tech give it a polished storyline. The Kellermans introduce us to the cool “The Bay Model” which charts tides in the area — an investigative tool that assists Clay to track where the drowned man might have entered the water. Another hoot is when Clay interrogates a virtual intimate chat bot, trying to get the “large language model” to give up her AI soul and some new clues. The outcome was unexpected and how Clay and Regina solved the puzzle was filled with revelations gained by their deft interviewing of suspects. 5 stars!
One quibble: there’s a Tesla up on a hydraulic lift at a Jiffy Lube — but Teslas don’t need oil changes.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Multiple colors but no green ones.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s obvious the authors are very familiar with the locales where the action occurs, the Coyote Hills park in particular.
Thank you to Random House/Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Clay is recruited by a fellow PI, Regina, to follow up on the year old drowning death of Adam Valois, 30-something son of a wealthy Bay Area couple, whose body washed up on the shore of the Coyote Hills Regional Park. The parents have already tried another investigator and the police deemed their son Adam’s death was undetermined and probably accidental, but what Clay brings to the reopened case is unique — his extensive coroner background and the memory of another unsolved drowning.
This is a police procedural, but the addition of intriguing geography and new tech give it a polished storyline. The Kellermans introduce us to the cool “The Bay Model” which charts tides in the area — an investigative tool that assists Clay to track where the drowned man might have entered the water. Another hoot is when Clay interrogates a virtual intimate chat bot, trying to get the “large language model” to give up her AI soul and some new clues. The outcome was unexpected and how Clay and Regina solved the puzzle was filled with revelations gained by their deft interviewing of suspects. 5 stars!
One quibble: there’s a Tesla up on a hydraulic lift at a Jiffy Lube — but Teslas don’t need oil changes.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Multiple colors but no green ones.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s obvious the authors are very familiar with the locales where the action occurs, the Coyote Hills park in particular.
Thank you to Random House/Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
December 4, 2025
Eager to delve into the latest novel by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman, I sought to see what Clay Edison might be getting up to these days. After his time in the Coroner’s Office, Clay Edison is happy to branch out on his own as a private investigator. He’s enjoyed working on the ‘lighter’ cases, but is presented with a case that has his name all over it. Fellow PI Regina Klein presents him with a mystery only he can solve. When the son of a wealthy San Francisco couple washes up in Coyote Hills, Edison scans the details of the police and coroner reports. The victim has a head injury and drugs in his system. The parents and the victim’s girlfriend are sure that he did not accidentally die and Edison pokes a little deeper. What he finds is a connection to other deaths along the same region that are chalked up to accidents or missing persons. Edison is sure there is something dark and sinister going on, but cannot place it just yet. Trying to prove it will be much more difficult and Clay Edison is not one to shirk his responsibilities. Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman deliver a gripping sixth novel in this series that is sure to impress series fans.
The Kellerman men have never failed to impress me with their collaborative writing and story ideas. The piece straddles a police procedural with something lightly medical. Either way, it was a stunning depiction that captivates the reader from the opening pages. The narrative paints a powerful story and keeps the reader in the middle of the action until the final pages. Momentum builds with each chapter, usually full of information well-placed to keep the reader guessing. While I have only read the younger Kellerman's solo work, I am eager to delve into the world of the elder to see how this collaborative work compares.
Characters under the authors tend to develop easily and yet nothing is entirely smooth, even with so much backstory to offer. Many of those who emerge have their own struggles and successes, which connect with larger themes on offer. These characters flavour the larger story, none more so than Clay Edison, who is slightly jaded about the situations in which he finds himself. Readers familiar with the series will surely enjoy the flavouring of the characters, as well as how they all link together with ease.
The plot points of the book develop slowly and with much intensity, particularly as it relates to events regarding the murder. The authors weave the story together with a number of surprises as they build up rationale, which comes in the latter portion of the story. Surprises are plentiful and needed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, tapping into all aspects of the series. I liked the fast-pace nature of the story, as it accentuates many of the surprise elements in play. The Kellermans have a great handle on this collection and I cannot wait to see what's to come for Clay Edison.
Kudos, Messrs. Kellerman, for a gripping piece that had me flipping pages for answers.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The Kellerman men have never failed to impress me with their collaborative writing and story ideas. The piece straddles a police procedural with something lightly medical. Either way, it was a stunning depiction that captivates the reader from the opening pages. The narrative paints a powerful story and keeps the reader in the middle of the action until the final pages. Momentum builds with each chapter, usually full of information well-placed to keep the reader guessing. While I have only read the younger Kellerman's solo work, I am eager to delve into the world of the elder to see how this collaborative work compares.
Characters under the authors tend to develop easily and yet nothing is entirely smooth, even with so much backstory to offer. Many of those who emerge have their own struggles and successes, which connect with larger themes on offer. These characters flavour the larger story, none more so than Clay Edison, who is slightly jaded about the situations in which he finds himself. Readers familiar with the series will surely enjoy the flavouring of the characters, as well as how they all link together with ease.
The plot points of the book develop slowly and with much intensity, particularly as it relates to events regarding the murder. The authors weave the story together with a number of surprises as they build up rationale, which comes in the latter portion of the story. Surprises are plentiful and needed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, tapping into all aspects of the series. I liked the fast-pace nature of the story, as it accentuates many of the surprise elements in play. The Kellermans have a great handle on this collection and I cannot wait to see what's to come for Clay Edison.
Kudos, Messrs. Kellerman, for a gripping piece that had me flipping pages for answers.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 1, 2025
Too Much !
I’m a big fan, BUT I was numbed by all the, do I dare say it, boring details. Wow!! Better luck next time.
I’m a big fan, BUT I was numbed by all the, do I dare say it, boring details. Wow!! Better luck next time.
November 25, 2025
Enjoyed the book and it was hard to put it down. But a few things bothered me:
1. Why were events happening in the future…2026? (Page 93)
2. The Valois’ house mysteriously moved from Los Gatos (page 7) to Los Altos (page 142).
1. Why were events happening in the future…2026? (Page 93)
2. The Valois’ house mysteriously moved from Los Gatos (page 7) to Los Altos (page 142).
September 16, 2025
Coyote Hills
Clay Ellison, a private detective, was hired by a wealthy couple to discover what really happened to their dead son. The young man’s body had washed up on the shore in San Francisco Bay. The police investigation determined the cause of death to be inconclusive. The body had been in the water for some time before it was discovered. There were signs of a blow to his head as well as drugs in his system.
Clay had once
worked in the Cororner’s office and so started his investigation with autopsy results. Then he interviewed the dead man’s girlfriend who had alerted the police to his disappearance. The man had few close friends but none of them were helpful.
Clay discovered that a few other men had also washed up on the shore in that area in the last few years. The similarities of the condition of their bodies when found as well as the drugs in their systems made Clay investigate them further.
The discovery that Clay made was shocking but gave some closure to the families of the victims.
This story deals with people on both ends of society in the San Francisco area. It also deals with the online dating scene today.
I enjoyed this fast moving story. One thing I found strange was that dates throughout the book were late 2025 and early 2026.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Clay Ellison, a private detective, was hired by a wealthy couple to discover what really happened to their dead son. The young man’s body had washed up on the shore in San Francisco Bay. The police investigation determined the cause of death to be inconclusive. The body had been in the water for some time before it was discovered. There were signs of a blow to his head as well as drugs in his system.
Clay had once
worked in the Cororner’s office and so started his investigation with autopsy results. Then he interviewed the dead man’s girlfriend who had alerted the police to his disappearance. The man had few close friends but none of them were helpful.
Clay discovered that a few other men had also washed up on the shore in that area in the last few years. The similarities of the condition of their bodies when found as well as the drugs in their systems made Clay investigate them further.
The discovery that Clay made was shocking but gave some closure to the families of the victims.
This story deals with people on both ends of society in the San Francisco area. It also deals with the online dating scene today.
I enjoyed this fast moving story. One thing I found strange was that dates throughout the book were late 2025 and early 2026.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
With book 6 in this series, I am finding more to like about
Private Investigator Clay Edison. He is clearly a gifted
investigator, and is a far more interesting character
than he was when he was with the Coroner’s
Bureau. He’s happier and his family is supportive
and thriving ~all important to his success.
There are dozens of locale references, some of
which are not well known, and some might not
be completely recognizable to the folks who live
or work in these places, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
As I read this fun story I realize I must now wait for the
next installment…
My thanks Ballantine Books via NetGalley for the download
of this book for review purposes.
Private Investigator Clay Edison. He is clearly a gifted
investigator, and is a far more interesting character
than he was when he was with the Coroner’s
Bureau. He’s happier and his family is supportive
and thriving ~all important to his success.
There are dozens of locale references, some of
which are not well known, and some might not
be completely recognizable to the folks who live
or work in these places, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
As I read this fun story I realize I must now wait for the
next installment…
My thanks Ballantine Books via NetGalley for the download
of this book for review purposes.
December 10, 2025
A complicated murder(s) thriller…the complex details-without a map to follow-on wind, water, time of death, etc kinda ruined it for me. The bizarre list of characters, although the persistence of the PI’s was dooley noted, a few twists and turns to get the investigation on track. Enjoy
September 6, 2025
Clay Edison is a former sheriff’s deputy/coroner turned private detective. A colleague of his, Regina Klein, enlists his assistance in solving the mystery of a dead body washed up in San Francisco Bay. Although the victim was laced with drugs and had a head injury, the police have deemed it an accident, something his wealthy parents refuse to believe. They hire Clay to investigate.
This is the sixth in the father-and-son author team’s Clay Edison series. I have read all of them and think this is the strongest. It can be read as a standalone.
A well-crafted, steady investigative procedural, this features the authors’ signature vivid and detailed descriptions, creating a strong sense of place. It is a fast-paced, compelling read with a likable protagonist.
Fellow PI Regina Klein was introduced in the last installment, and I love this character. She’s a delightful mix of humor, ability, and a great addition to the series I also like the incorporation of technology and AI into the investigation, adding a modern twist to a classic detective story.
As with all of the Kellermans’ books, this read leaves me eagerly anticipating the next in the series.
Thanks to @NetGalley and #BallantineBooks @RandomHouse for the DRC.
This is the sixth in the father-and-son author team’s Clay Edison series. I have read all of them and think this is the strongest. It can be read as a standalone.
A well-crafted, steady investigative procedural, this features the authors’ signature vivid and detailed descriptions, creating a strong sense of place. It is a fast-paced, compelling read with a likable protagonist.
Fellow PI Regina Klein was introduced in the last installment, and I love this character. She’s a delightful mix of humor, ability, and a great addition to the series I also like the incorporation of technology and AI into the investigation, adding a modern twist to a classic detective story.
As with all of the Kellermans’ books, this read leaves me eagerly anticipating the next in the series.
Thanks to @NetGalley and #BallantineBooks @RandomHouse for the DRC.
November 16, 2025
The best in the series yet!!!!
November 18, 2025
2 1/2 stars. A complicated mystery that got bogged down in the small details which slowed down the momentum of the storytelling.
December 13, 2025
While the detective work herein was we suppose impressive, there just seemed inadequate suspense throughout as a PI tries to find the cause (let alone the culprit) of a couple's son washing up on a shoreline, apparently murdered. The incredulous computer work herein, the abundance of rough language, including various sexual obscenities; and strings of texts, even with emoji's, didn't add to the fun when we have to put up with that in real life. Didn't particularly care for it. {2.5}
November 13, 2025
This is a good solid murder mystery. The main characters are relatable, especially if you have read earlier books by these authors. The crimes are well developed with a lot of twists and turns. The scientific methods introduced that aided in solving the crimes are fascinating and well described. I especially enjoyed learning about the company that monitors and tracks ocean tides and currents within the San Francisco Bay. This is a real company although the characters are not.
This book can be read as a stand alone, although, as with any series you will miss details and nuances. Allusions to his previous career and involvement with law enforcement may lead to reading pre ious novels. I recommend books by both these authors. They are accomplished individually as authors and as collaborations are top notch
Johnathan Kellerman writes the Alex Delaware series. He is a child psychologist and police consultant. Jesse Kellerman is a playwright and also has his own police crime fiction novels. I would also recommend the books by Faye Kellerman. She writes police crime fiction centered around her detective Peter Decker.
This book can be read as a stand alone, although, as with any series you will miss details and nuances. Allusions to his previous career and involvement with law enforcement may lead to reading pre ious novels. I recommend books by both these authors. They are accomplished individually as authors and as collaborations are top notch
Johnathan Kellerman writes the Alex Delaware series. He is a child psychologist and police consultant. Jesse Kellerman is a playwright and also has his own police crime fiction novels. I would also recommend the books by Faye Kellerman. She writes police crime fiction centered around her detective Peter Decker.
December 8, 2025
Can't go wrong with the Kellermans- they've all yet to disappoint :)
November 1, 2025
Coyote Hills is the 6th novel in the Clay Edison Series. It’s the only novel I’ve read in this series and I had no problem getting into it. The authors gave enough of a background so it works as a standalone murder mystery which I appreciate.
The story is quite engrossing and has a few dark twists to it. The characters are well developed, Regina’s sense of humor is a good balance to Clay's more serious approach. His background as a Medical Examiner helps him tie together a series of similar deaths. It was an interesting use of technology with tidal forces to aid in the investigation.
I enjoyed the novel enough that I will read the others in the series and give it 4 stars.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this novel for my honest review.
The story is quite engrossing and has a few dark twists to it. The characters are well developed, Regina’s sense of humor is a good balance to Clay's more serious approach. His background as a Medical Examiner helps him tie together a series of similar deaths. It was an interesting use of technology with tidal forces to aid in the investigation.
I enjoyed the novel enough that I will read the others in the series and give it 4 stars.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this novel for my honest review.
July 4, 2025
EMOJIS!
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman and published by Ballantine Books, an Imprint of Random House in 2025, this is a murder mystery with a few twists. The primary protagonist is an ex-cop named Clay Edison. He was a cop because he used to work as a police coroner. Now he is a Private Investigator (PI). He has a part-time partner: a woman named Regina Klein. Regina has her own business, which is some sort of independent practice that I was never too clear about. She could be a psychologist. She is somehow affiliated with Stanford University. Clay is married and has a wife named Amy and two kids named Charlotte and Myles. Regina’s boyfriend, Ed, has repeatedly and unsuccessfully asked her to marry him. Ed is a professor of Biology at Stanford University and is fifteen years older than Regina, which might explain her hesitation. Both Clay and Regina live in the Bay Area of Northern California, and that is where this story is set (in 2026, however).
The dialogue between the two PIs is brisk and sharp, with Regina often calling Clay “Poirot.” When text messages are presented in the story, their emojis are also included, which I found interesting and amusing. That’s not to mention that it added to the clarity of the story. Richard (Rick) and Elizabeth (Liz) Valois are colleagues of Ed, and they have requested help from a well-known and reliable private investigator. Ed passed it along to Regina, and she called Clay. After meeting with the wealthy couple, Clay and Regina accepted the assignment to investigate the death of their son Adam a year earlier. His body had been found floating in the Bay near Coyote Hills Park, hence the title of the book. The coroner in that case ruled the cause of death to be “drowning,” but the manner of death to be “undetermined.” Rick and Elizabeth are convinced that Adam was the victim of foul play, especially since the autopsy showed a serious head injury. After accepting the case and signing a contract prepared by Rick’s attorney, Shelby Fuller, that included a non-disclosure agreement that Clay insisted be modified to suit him, the two PIs were off and running.
Adam had a girlfriend named Olivia Parisi. They did not live together but saw each other frequently. Tiffany Reuss and Gary Kinney, two detectives from the park police, had contacted Rick and Liz and asked them to come in to identify a body found floating in the Bay. The body was in bad shape from being in the water for a long period of time. A tattoo on Adam’s back, later confirmed by dental records, confirmed his identity. Adam’s car had been recovered in Oakland, but it was not clear how it had gotten there. Initially, the two detectives had seemed to be treating the death as a possible homicide, but then toxicology tests came back showing that Adam had several drugs, including Ketamine, in his system. That made the detectives believe that the death might have been accidental. Rick and Liz commissioned a private autopsy that indicated that the head injury had occurred prior to the drowning death, and that convinced Rick that his son had been murdered.
Adam had a close childhood friend named Trevor Vogel who ultimately helped the PIs in their investigation, and his name appears often in the story. It isn’t long before Clay and Regina find three additional deaths of young men washing up from the Bay after having drowned. In each autopsy, however, Ketamine was found in the victim’s system. Only one of the deaths had been ruled a homicide, while the others were ruled to be undetermined or accidents. Only the police involved in the case of the homicide seemed interested in the case, and some of them went so far as to refuse to talk to Clay and Regina. This made their task more difficult, but they persisted, eventually finding an expert who was able to reconstruct the probable water entry point of all four victims by analyzing the current, wind and temperature patterns of the San Francisco Bay.
Eventually, of course, the private investigators were able to solve the case, but the results were surprising to me. The book is very well-written and was a treat to read. It is an adult novel, however, so keep it away from the kids. I recommend this book to readers and fans of the genre. I plan to read more of the works of these two authors. I like their style, and I award all five of the five stars available for this review.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman and published by Ballantine Books, an Imprint of Random House in 2025, this is a murder mystery with a few twists. The primary protagonist is an ex-cop named Clay Edison. He was a cop because he used to work as a police coroner. Now he is a Private Investigator (PI). He has a part-time partner: a woman named Regina Klein. Regina has her own business, which is some sort of independent practice that I was never too clear about. She could be a psychologist. She is somehow affiliated with Stanford University. Clay is married and has a wife named Amy and two kids named Charlotte and Myles. Regina’s boyfriend, Ed, has repeatedly and unsuccessfully asked her to marry him. Ed is a professor of Biology at Stanford University and is fifteen years older than Regina, which might explain her hesitation. Both Clay and Regina live in the Bay Area of Northern California, and that is where this story is set (in 2026, however).
The dialogue between the two PIs is brisk and sharp, with Regina often calling Clay “Poirot.” When text messages are presented in the story, their emojis are also included, which I found interesting and amusing. That’s not to mention that it added to the clarity of the story. Richard (Rick) and Elizabeth (Liz) Valois are colleagues of Ed, and they have requested help from a well-known and reliable private investigator. Ed passed it along to Regina, and she called Clay. After meeting with the wealthy couple, Clay and Regina accepted the assignment to investigate the death of their son Adam a year earlier. His body had been found floating in the Bay near Coyote Hills Park, hence the title of the book. The coroner in that case ruled the cause of death to be “drowning,” but the manner of death to be “undetermined.” Rick and Elizabeth are convinced that Adam was the victim of foul play, especially since the autopsy showed a serious head injury. After accepting the case and signing a contract prepared by Rick’s attorney, Shelby Fuller, that included a non-disclosure agreement that Clay insisted be modified to suit him, the two PIs were off and running.
Adam had a girlfriend named Olivia Parisi. They did not live together but saw each other frequently. Tiffany Reuss and Gary Kinney, two detectives from the park police, had contacted Rick and Liz and asked them to come in to identify a body found floating in the Bay. The body was in bad shape from being in the water for a long period of time. A tattoo on Adam’s back, later confirmed by dental records, confirmed his identity. Adam’s car had been recovered in Oakland, but it was not clear how it had gotten there. Initially, the two detectives had seemed to be treating the death as a possible homicide, but then toxicology tests came back showing that Adam had several drugs, including Ketamine, in his system. That made the detectives believe that the death might have been accidental. Rick and Liz commissioned a private autopsy that indicated that the head injury had occurred prior to the drowning death, and that convinced Rick that his son had been murdered.
Adam had a close childhood friend named Trevor Vogel who ultimately helped the PIs in their investigation, and his name appears often in the story. It isn’t long before Clay and Regina find three additional deaths of young men washing up from the Bay after having drowned. In each autopsy, however, Ketamine was found in the victim’s system. Only one of the deaths had been ruled a homicide, while the others were ruled to be undetermined or accidents. Only the police involved in the case of the homicide seemed interested in the case, and some of them went so far as to refuse to talk to Clay and Regina. This made their task more difficult, but they persisted, eventually finding an expert who was able to reconstruct the probable water entry point of all four victims by analyzing the current, wind and temperature patterns of the San Francisco Bay.
Eventually, of course, the private investigators were able to solve the case, but the results were surprising to me. The book is very well-written and was a treat to read. It is an adult novel, however, so keep it away from the kids. I recommend this book to readers and fans of the genre. I plan to read more of the works of these two authors. I like their style, and I award all five of the five stars available for this review.
November 5, 2025
This is the sixth book in this wonderful series featuring Clay Edison, by father and son duo Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman. For full enjoyment, especially as Clay has a bit of a back story, and cos they are brilliant books, please do start from the beginning and read in order.
So... I make no secret of the fact that I absolutely love Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series, but I am also swiftly becoming a Clay Edison groupie too. If you have followed him from the start (and you have, haven't you?!) you'll know that for "reasons" he has now left the County Coroner's Office to set up as a PI. Initially working low stakes cases. Until one day, fellow PI Regina Klein (happy to see her back) calls him with a case she wants him to work with her. The son of wealthy parents, Adam Valois went missing a while back, only to wash up later having apparently hit his head and drowned. The autopsy showed drugs in his system and the police have ruled it an accidental death. But his parents aren't convinced and strongly believe there is more to it...
Clay agrees to an initial interview with the parents and then with the sister and girlfriend. He also calls in favours to see the police case file and coroners report... and from these, his spidey senses are triggered, especially when he possibly links the drug cocktail to another case...
Long story short and so begins a cracking case for him and Regina to get their teeth into. One that, once the truth is out, will leave many people reeling...
I love this series. Clay is a cracking character. Very well balanced and he does his best juggling family life with work. I love his interactions with his kids especially, they're great! He also works well with Regina although they do rub each other up the wrong way on occasion! Chalk and cheese but also brilliant together.
And this case is an absolute doozy. Whoa... I never saw that coming, not one bit. But, at the end of the day, it all made total sense. Leaving me, at the end, shocked but also wholly satisfied and champing at the bit for book 7.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well loved series for me... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... I make no secret of the fact that I absolutely love Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series, but I am also swiftly becoming a Clay Edison groupie too. If you have followed him from the start (and you have, haven't you?!) you'll know that for "reasons" he has now left the County Coroner's Office to set up as a PI. Initially working low stakes cases. Until one day, fellow PI Regina Klein (happy to see her back) calls him with a case she wants him to work with her. The son of wealthy parents, Adam Valois went missing a while back, only to wash up later having apparently hit his head and drowned. The autopsy showed drugs in his system and the police have ruled it an accidental death. But his parents aren't convinced and strongly believe there is more to it...
Clay agrees to an initial interview with the parents and then with the sister and girlfriend. He also calls in favours to see the police case file and coroners report... and from these, his spidey senses are triggered, especially when he possibly links the drug cocktail to another case...
Long story short and so begins a cracking case for him and Regina to get their teeth into. One that, once the truth is out, will leave many people reeling...
I love this series. Clay is a cracking character. Very well balanced and he does his best juggling family life with work. I love his interactions with his kids especially, they're great! He also works well with Regina although they do rub each other up the wrong way on occasion! Chalk and cheese but also brilliant together.
And this case is an absolute doozy. Whoa... I never saw that coming, not one bit. But, at the end of the day, it all made total sense. Leaving me, at the end, shocked but also wholly satisfied and champing at the bit for book 7.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well loved series for me... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 18, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
In Coyote Hills, Jonathan Kellerman returns with his signature psychological acuity, but here, it’s filtered through a bleaker lens—one that exposes the fragmented landscape of both the California desert and the human psyche. While longtime fans of the Alex Delaware series may think they know the rhythm of Kellerman’s storytelling, this Clay Edison novel subtly shifts its cadence—opting for disquiet over resolution, erosion over eruption.
The titular Coyote Hills serves less as a setting and more as a symbol: of isolation, of beauty worn down by time, and of the mysteries that hide in plain sight. Kellerman’s prose hums with quiet menace, where heat shimmers and silence speaks louder than any confession. Dr. Alex Delaware, ever the steady observer, feels more reflective here, his internal commentary tinged with a weariness that mirrors the moral fatigue of the case he’s drawn into.
What distinguishes this entry isn’t just the crime itself—a gruesome tableau awaiting easy classification—but the way Kellerman dissects the layers of memory and guilt that ripple outward. There’s a psychological heft to the investigation that transcends genre norms. Yes, there’s detection, forensics, and slow-boiling suspense, but beneath it all is a meditation on the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Kellerman’s deft hand with dialogue shines, especially in scenes between Alex and Milo. Their banter, textured with long-standing camaraderie, balances the grim subject matter with human warmth. And for audiobook aficionados, the narration complements that intimacy—rich with nuance, particularly in parsing the silences between words.
Coyote Hills may not deliver the clean catharsis of some earlier entries, but that feels intentional. This is Kellerman grappling with ambiguity, and in doing so, he invites the reader not just to solve a mystery, but to examine it.
In Coyote Hills, Jonathan Kellerman returns with his signature psychological acuity, but here, it’s filtered through a bleaker lens—one that exposes the fragmented landscape of both the California desert and the human psyche. While longtime fans of the Alex Delaware series may think they know the rhythm of Kellerman’s storytelling, this Clay Edison novel subtly shifts its cadence—opting for disquiet over resolution, erosion over eruption.
The titular Coyote Hills serves less as a setting and more as a symbol: of isolation, of beauty worn down by time, and of the mysteries that hide in plain sight. Kellerman’s prose hums with quiet menace, where heat shimmers and silence speaks louder than any confession. Dr. Alex Delaware, ever the steady observer, feels more reflective here, his internal commentary tinged with a weariness that mirrors the moral fatigue of the case he’s drawn into.
What distinguishes this entry isn’t just the crime itself—a gruesome tableau awaiting easy classification—but the way Kellerman dissects the layers of memory and guilt that ripple outward. There’s a psychological heft to the investigation that transcends genre norms. Yes, there’s detection, forensics, and slow-boiling suspense, but beneath it all is a meditation on the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Kellerman’s deft hand with dialogue shines, especially in scenes between Alex and Milo. Their banter, textured with long-standing camaraderie, balances the grim subject matter with human warmth. And for audiobook aficionados, the narration complements that intimacy—rich with nuance, particularly in parsing the silences between words.
Coyote Hills may not deliver the clean catharsis of some earlier entries, but that feels intentional. This is Kellerman grappling with ambiguity, and in doing so, he invites the reader not just to solve a mystery, but to examine it.
December 12, 2025
📚Coyote Hills
✍🏻Jonathan Kellerman
✍🏻Jesse Kellerman
Blurb:
The electric new Clay Edison thriller from the New York Times bestselling, acclaimed father-son duo who write “brilliant, page-turning fiction” (Stephen King).
Clay Edison has left behind the Alameda County coroner’s office to strike out on his own as a private investigator. He’s perfectly happy working low-stakes embezzlement cases—that is, until PI Regina Klein calls him with a mystery only he can solve. The son of a wealthy couple has washed up dead on the shores of San Francisco Bay with a head injury and drugs in his system. The police are calling it an accident. But the parents are adamant something's not right—and as Clay digs deeper, he uncovers a horrifying tangle of betrayal and lies.
My Thoughts:
Adam Valois's body washed up a year earlier and the police consider it an accident. Adam's parents hire Clay and Regina. The story had me engaged right from the start and didn't let up. While some believe these deaths to be accidents, others are convinced they are homicides, setting up another gripping investigation for Clay. If you're looking for a good mystery series, this father-son team has come up with one
The family is not satisfied with the police work and want the son’s death looked into as a homicide (the police had ruled it an accident). Clay starts investigating and is reminded of a past case from his early days in the coroner’s office.This story deals with people on both ends of society in the San Francisco area. It also deals with the online dating scene today.
Thanks NetGalley, Ballantine Books and Authors Jonathan Kellerman & Jesse Kellerman for the advanced copy of "Coyote Hills" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BallantineBooks
#JonathanKellerman
#JesseKellerman
#BallantineBooks
#CoyoteHills
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger warning: the crimes and the descriptions of the bodies are a bit gruesome.
✍🏻Jonathan Kellerman
✍🏻Jesse Kellerman
Blurb:
The electric new Clay Edison thriller from the New York Times bestselling, acclaimed father-son duo who write “brilliant, page-turning fiction” (Stephen King).
Clay Edison has left behind the Alameda County coroner’s office to strike out on his own as a private investigator. He’s perfectly happy working low-stakes embezzlement cases—that is, until PI Regina Klein calls him with a mystery only he can solve. The son of a wealthy couple has washed up dead on the shores of San Francisco Bay with a head injury and drugs in his system. The police are calling it an accident. But the parents are adamant something's not right—and as Clay digs deeper, he uncovers a horrifying tangle of betrayal and lies.
My Thoughts:
Adam Valois's body washed up a year earlier and the police consider it an accident. Adam's parents hire Clay and Regina. The story had me engaged right from the start and didn't let up. While some believe these deaths to be accidents, others are convinced they are homicides, setting up another gripping investigation for Clay. If you're looking for a good mystery series, this father-son team has come up with one
The family is not satisfied with the police work and want the son’s death looked into as a homicide (the police had ruled it an accident). Clay starts investigating and is reminded of a past case from his early days in the coroner’s office.This story deals with people on both ends of society in the San Francisco area. It also deals with the online dating scene today.
Thanks NetGalley, Ballantine Books and Authors Jonathan Kellerman & Jesse Kellerman for the advanced copy of "Coyote Hills" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BallantineBooks
#JonathanKellerman
#JesseKellerman
#BallantineBooks
#CoyoteHills
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger warning: the crimes and the descriptions of the bodies are a bit gruesome.
May 26, 2025
The Kellermans have done it again with this solid entry into the Clay Edison series. When the son of a wealthy couple washes up on shore, Clay Edison is recruited by PI Regina Klein to help discover how he got there. Law enforcement have ruled it an accident, but the young man's parents are adamant that it's something else. Clay's investigation leads him to more deaths in similar circumstances, but are they related? He'll have to dig deep into several lives and get help from some unusual sources in order to ferret out the truth.
These books are always packed with interesting, real characters. I like that we meet all kinds of people with real flaws and complex personalities. I'm not so much talking about our main character who always seems to stay the same and whose life I would always like to know more about, but the people in each investigation, both the criminals and everyone else we meet. I did not see the ending of this one coming at all, and talk about character flaws! In addition, and I say this every time I review a Jonathan or Jesse Kellerman book and every time it's true, The settings have a way of coming alive in their novels. Their geographic details always make me feel like I'm right their in place and time, and I appreciate that feeling of inclusion. Finally, the mystery here is very intriguing, and they way in which it's solved was fascinating. I don't want to say to much and spoil anything, but the technology and science that were employed here, were really cool. My conclusion? This is a solid read for fans of this series, these authors, or thriller fans in general.
These books are always packed with interesting, real characters. I like that we meet all kinds of people with real flaws and complex personalities. I'm not so much talking about our main character who always seems to stay the same and whose life I would always like to know more about, but the people in each investigation, both the criminals and everyone else we meet. I did not see the ending of this one coming at all, and talk about character flaws! In addition, and I say this every time I review a Jonathan or Jesse Kellerman book and every time it's true, The settings have a way of coming alive in their novels. Their geographic details always make me feel like I'm right their in place and time, and I appreciate that feeling of inclusion. Finally, the mystery here is very intriguing, and they way in which it's solved was fascinating. I don't want to say to much and spoil anything, but the technology and science that were employed here, were really cool. My conclusion? This is a solid read for fans of this series, these authors, or thriller fans in general.
June 25, 2025
Solid entry in the Clay Edison series, and my favorite so far. This series, and the protagonist, have evolved over several books and it's been a pleasure to read.
The team of Jesse and Jonathan Kellerman has grown more seamless. It's a true blended voice, I didn't feel any of the subtle shifting back and forth that you can sometimes find when authors team up.
It's been a few years since Clay has had a case that puts him in danger. His children have grown, his PI business is thriving. Then Regina Klein dumps a death in his lap and things get complicated. Clay recognizes something from a past case, something unusual enough to have him dive in with both feet.
Technology makes it easier to find commonalities with other cases, yet, there's a realism here because things do take time. Nothing is handed to the investigation.
The characterizations are solid. Regina is as feisty as ever and her ever-changing outfits are fun. She's an excellent addition to the series, a partner for Clay, and a friend. The partnership is balanced and the friendship feels genuine, respect hiding behind some snark.
I enjoyed diving into the complications of the case. While some of it was a bit out there, it's easy to suspend disbelief--this is San Francisco and the rich do what they want and to excess. The weaving of the details from a tangled ball of thread into a tight tapestry of color was handled with even pacing, detailed imagery, and the occasional flash of cynical insight.
A author team and series that's underrated. I recommend it and this addition. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to review.
The team of Jesse and Jonathan Kellerman has grown more seamless. It's a true blended voice, I didn't feel any of the subtle shifting back and forth that you can sometimes find when authors team up.
It's been a few years since Clay has had a case that puts him in danger. His children have grown, his PI business is thriving. Then Regina Klein dumps a death in his lap and things get complicated. Clay recognizes something from a past case, something unusual enough to have him dive in with both feet.
Technology makes it easier to find commonalities with other cases, yet, there's a realism here because things do take time. Nothing is handed to the investigation.
The characterizations are solid. Regina is as feisty as ever and her ever-changing outfits are fun. She's an excellent addition to the series, a partner for Clay, and a friend. The partnership is balanced and the friendship feels genuine, respect hiding behind some snark.
I enjoyed diving into the complications of the case. While some of it was a bit out there, it's easy to suspend disbelief--this is San Francisco and the rich do what they want and to excess. The weaving of the details from a tangled ball of thread into a tight tapestry of color was handled with even pacing, detailed imagery, and the occasional flash of cynical insight.
A author team and series that's underrated. I recommend it and this addition. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to review.
October 28, 2025
“Coyote Hills,” by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman, Ballantine Books, 352 pages, Oct. 28, 2025.
Clay Edison has left behind the Alameda County coroner’s office to strike out on his own as a private investigator. He’s working on an embezzlement case when Regina Klein, another private investigator, calls. She needs his help.
Elizabeth and Rick Valois are friends with Regina’s boyfriend. Their son, Adam, 33, disappeared the previous summer. A couple of weeks later, his body was found in Coyote Hills.
With the anniversary of his disappearance coming up, the parents are hiring investigators because they feel that they got the runaround from police who called the death an accident because of drugs in Adam’s system and a head injury. Adam was a videographer who had a girlfriend, Olivia Parisi.
But when Clay reads the toxicology report, he remembers the death of Denny Kudelka, who died under similar circumstances. It was also ruled an accidental death. Then a search of records shows additional similar deaths. Is there a serial killer?
This is the sixth in the series. The plotting is good and has a psychological element exploring memories and guilt. There is an unusual element as an expert in tidal technology tracks where the body entered the water. I didn’t see the ending coming at all.
I rate it four out of five stars.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Clay Edison has left behind the Alameda County coroner’s office to strike out on his own as a private investigator. He’s working on an embezzlement case when Regina Klein, another private investigator, calls. She needs his help.
Elizabeth and Rick Valois are friends with Regina’s boyfriend. Their son, Adam, 33, disappeared the previous summer. A couple of weeks later, his body was found in Coyote Hills.
With the anniversary of his disappearance coming up, the parents are hiring investigators because they feel that they got the runaround from police who called the death an accident because of drugs in Adam’s system and a head injury. Adam was a videographer who had a girlfriend, Olivia Parisi.
But when Clay reads the toxicology report, he remembers the death of Denny Kudelka, who died under similar circumstances. It was also ruled an accidental death. Then a search of records shows additional similar deaths. Is there a serial killer?
This is the sixth in the series. The plotting is good and has a psychological element exploring memories and guilt. There is an unusual element as an expert in tidal technology tracks where the body entered the water. I didn’t see the ending coming at all.
I rate it four out of five stars.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
November 10, 2025
Interesting, and I'm a fan of the Kellerman Family
If you are not a big Kellerman fan (of Dr. Delaware, and Lt. Milo Sturgiss who are not in this book) you could skip this one. There is not much here, imho.
I just finished it because it is The Kellermans and I owe them that much. Jonathon Kellerman answered a fan letter from me when I was in prison for a crime I committed in which no injuries occurred, but I stole drugs from a pharmacy. I read all of his books that were available in the 1990s, the years in which I was "inside." He replied personally; it was not a form letter. I needed any support I could get from "Society" as I was one of "Them." Not a member of society, not someone's brother, and son, and father, no--I was one of those "Other" people, a bad guy, a guy who was in prison. I couldn't possibly be your friend, your neighbor, you English teacher (which I was at certain times after I got a Master's degree in Linguistics in 2001, five years after my release.
Thanks again, Mr. Kellerman, Senior; you treated me as though I were human, when I was a prisoner. I'm never allowed to serve on a jury, or have 2nd Amendment Rights in the USA for life, and the majority of Americans do not believe that I never again committed a crime after my release 30 years ago, or that I could babysit their children a helluva lot more trustworthy than President Trump would be babysitting teenage girls. Ask my daughter, wife, sister, mother, and granddaughter if I'm a trustworthy person or not.
The previous paragraph is as exciting as Coyote Hills.
If you are not a big Kellerman fan (of Dr. Delaware, and Lt. Milo Sturgiss who are not in this book) you could skip this one. There is not much here, imho.
I just finished it because it is The Kellermans and I owe them that much. Jonathon Kellerman answered a fan letter from me when I was in prison for a crime I committed in which no injuries occurred, but I stole drugs from a pharmacy. I read all of his books that were available in the 1990s, the years in which I was "inside." He replied personally; it was not a form letter. I needed any support I could get from "Society" as I was one of "Them." Not a member of society, not someone's brother, and son, and father, no--I was one of those "Other" people, a bad guy, a guy who was in prison. I couldn't possibly be your friend, your neighbor, you English teacher (which I was at certain times after I got a Master's degree in Linguistics in 2001, five years after my release.
Thanks again, Mr. Kellerman, Senior; you treated me as though I were human, when I was a prisoner. I'm never allowed to serve on a jury, or have 2nd Amendment Rights in the USA for life, and the majority of Americans do not believe that I never again committed a crime after my release 30 years ago, or that I could babysit their children a helluva lot more trustworthy than President Trump would be babysitting teenage girls. Ask my daughter, wife, sister, mother, and granddaughter if I'm a trustworthy person or not.
The previous paragraph is as exciting as Coyote Hills.
October 29, 2025
By father and son, Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman, Coyote Hills reads like two outstanding authors wrote it. Both Kellermans are outstanding at weaving an involving, twisting, and entertaining novel that keeps the reader's attention until the very last page.
At the outset of this outstanding novel, Clay Edison, a former coroner investigator and now private detective, has accepted a case from a wealthy resident in the Bay Area. Their son was found deceased in an area called Coyote Hills. Who is responsible for the death that is not yet determined. The reader meets the deceased, an all-American girlfriend, and soon the case grinds to a halt. As the book continues, the reader suspects that the girlfriend may or may not be telling the truth. The beauty of Coyote Hills is that the reader is compelled to speed through the book to get to the denouement.
The Kellermans are experts at their craft and weave a tale of mistrust, realistic investigative procedures, and protocols that smack of authenticity. Coyote Canyon is a wild ride through twisted motivations, unusual sexual proclivities, and insight into the criminal mind.
Readers unfamiliar with either of the Kellermans will have a field day reading all of the books written by these multitalented writers. Coyote Hills is a near-perfect example of what makes the mystery genre sparkle like a diamond.
At the outset of this outstanding novel, Clay Edison, a former coroner investigator and now private detective, has accepted a case from a wealthy resident in the Bay Area. Their son was found deceased in an area called Coyote Hills. Who is responsible for the death that is not yet determined. The reader meets the deceased, an all-American girlfriend, and soon the case grinds to a halt. As the book continues, the reader suspects that the girlfriend may or may not be telling the truth. The beauty of Coyote Hills is that the reader is compelled to speed through the book to get to the denouement.
The Kellermans are experts at their craft and weave a tale of mistrust, realistic investigative procedures, and protocols that smack of authenticity. Coyote Canyon is a wild ride through twisted motivations, unusual sexual proclivities, and insight into the criminal mind.
Readers unfamiliar with either of the Kellermans will have a field day reading all of the books written by these multitalented writers. Coyote Hills is a near-perfect example of what makes the mystery genre sparkle like a diamond.
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