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The Right Thing to Do
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman heralds the arrival of his thrilling new stand-alone novel, The Murderer’s Daughter, with this eBook original prequel short story—a powerful portrait of a young man seeking his destiny, who will ultimately play a key role in the life of an unforgettable new Kellerman heroine.
It’s the summer of 1965, and Malcolm Bluestone, fresh out of Harvard and bound for law school, is taking a break — from the books and Brooklyn — to soak in the sun and sights of California. Free from his doting parents, he’s enjoying a whirlwind tour of his older brother Steve’s glamorous movie-star lifestyle. Yet all the excitement only seems to leave Malcolm feeling haunted by the sheltered, studious life he leads — and trapped by the secure but predictable future that awaits him.
It is a future he has the power to change, if he’s brave enough to dare and wise enough, like his brother, to listen to his heart. But it will take a shocking incident on a movie set to finally spur Malcolm to action — and free him to walk the path he knows he was meant to.
It’s the summer of 1965, and Malcolm Bluestone, fresh out of Harvard and bound for law school, is taking a break — from the books and Brooklyn — to soak in the sun and sights of California. Free from his doting parents, he’s enjoying a whirlwind tour of his older brother Steve’s glamorous movie-star lifestyle. Yet all the excitement only seems to leave Malcolm feeling haunted by the sheltered, studious life he leads — and trapped by the secure but predictable future that awaits him.
It is a future he has the power to change, if he’s brave enough to dare and wise enough, like his brother, to listen to his heart. But it will take a shocking incident on a movie set to finally spur Malcolm to action — and free him to walk the path he knows he was meant to.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
366 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
203 books5,826 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 37 reviews
July 15, 2015
This short story lays the foundation for Jonathan Kellerman's upcoming book, The Murderer's Daughter, set for release in mid-August 2015. Although I've been vocal about not being a fan of the so-called "prequels," I caved in this time simply because it's written by an author at the Top 3 of my favorites list.
At just 47 pages it took only half an hour or so to read, and I'm happy to say it's excellent. The story stands alone, but - as I'm sure is the intent - the ending left me wondering what will happen next. No doubt I'll forget everything I read by the time I get the full book on my Kindle Fire, though (one of the reasons I avoid prequels), so I'll write a quick review that I can use to refresh my memory before I dive into the real thing.
The story begins in 1965 (put in my perspective, at that time our son would have been two years old and I was a stay-at-home mom), when a young man named Malcolm Bluestone takes a break between finishing a Harvard degree and starting law school to visit his older brother Steve in California. The two are far enough apart in age that they've never been close, but Malcolm admires Steve and his free-wheeling lifestyle as a movie "star."
So far, Malcolm has walked the more conventional path favored by his elderly parents - Jewish immigrants who fled Germany to escape the wrath of Hitler's regime - but he's also harbored a desire to veer off course and create his own walkway. While visiting his brother's movie set and witnessing an incident that shocks him to the core, he makes the decision to do exactly that: After all, it's the right thing to do.
At just 47 pages it took only half an hour or so to read, and I'm happy to say it's excellent. The story stands alone, but - as I'm sure is the intent - the ending left me wondering what will happen next. No doubt I'll forget everything I read by the time I get the full book on my Kindle Fire, though (one of the reasons I avoid prequels), so I'll write a quick review that I can use to refresh my memory before I dive into the real thing.
The story begins in 1965 (put in my perspective, at that time our son would have been two years old and I was a stay-at-home mom), when a young man named Malcolm Bluestone takes a break between finishing a Harvard degree and starting law school to visit his older brother Steve in California. The two are far enough apart in age that they've never been close, but Malcolm admires Steve and his free-wheeling lifestyle as a movie "star."
So far, Malcolm has walked the more conventional path favored by his elderly parents - Jewish immigrants who fled Germany to escape the wrath of Hitler's regime - but he's also harbored a desire to veer off course and create his own walkway. While visiting his brother's movie set and witnessing an incident that shocks him to the core, he makes the decision to do exactly that: After all, it's the right thing to do.
April 1, 2018
Background sketches for characters in A Murderer's Daughter. Not enough story to justify the time to read.
November 3, 2016
For the sake of people who have read other reviews, let's make this clear. This is a short story. Beginning, middle, and end. It is not a piece of another novel that never came out. I see some confusion here and just wanted to clarify.
This is a long meandering little tale, that is just a character piece about a minor character from The Murderer's Daughter. That's all. It's intense and interesting if you stick it out, but you might get frustrated looking for the trademark fast pacing of your typical Kellerman. Honestly? I really liked the character, I liked taking time to get to know him. Of course it's colored somewhat by my knowing his future thanks for the aforementioned "Murderer's Daughter" but even that can be accepted, and enjoyed. I wanted so much more from this story. I wanted to follow him throughout his life and into all the interesting things he's done between this and what happens later.
Did I fall a little in love? Yes. Can this have been better...maybe. But I will still accept it for what it is. If you have a copy of "Murderer's Daughter" lying about, don't neglect reading this. It is worth your time.
This is a long meandering little tale, that is just a character piece about a minor character from The Murderer's Daughter. That's all. It's intense and interesting if you stick it out, but you might get frustrated looking for the trademark fast pacing of your typical Kellerman. Honestly? I really liked the character, I liked taking time to get to know him. Of course it's colored somewhat by my knowing his future thanks for the aforementioned "Murderer's Daughter" but even that can be accepted, and enjoyed. I wanted so much more from this story. I wanted to follow him throughout his life and into all the interesting things he's done between this and what happens later.
Did I fall a little in love? Yes. Can this have been better...maybe. But I will still accept it for what it is. If you have a copy of "Murderer's Daughter" lying about, don't neglect reading this. It is worth your time.
May 13, 2021
Jonathan Kellerman is one of my favorite authors, especially for his Alex Delaware series, but all his books are great. This one is a stand alone short story about two brothers--one is a Hollywood actor in the 50s-60s & the other, much younger, is a Harvard grad starting his post-grad study to become a lawyer. They are the sons of Jewish refugees who underwent many hardships in their native Germany during the rise of Hitler. The younger son is visiting his brother on the set of his western movie filming in the desert where he is thinking over his choices & situation when he comes across a shocking crime taking place. This event will force him into action to get involved to try & stop it from happening again & will also force him to make a big decision in his future plans. This is a short story, a quick read, & very good. I enjoyed it.
March 23, 2022
Short story by one of my favorite authors - evidently a prequel to The Murderer’s Daughter (which I have not read). Malcolm heads to California after Harvard graduation and before entering law school; brother Steve is an actor in "B" movies. Story sometimes moves between past and present - not my favorite format. The focus of the story is upon Malcolm, his ambivalence about entering law school, when his interests and achievement lie elsewhere. Okay read for a short story.
January 31, 2017
A light band easy read
As a short story it was good. This was definitely a different venue for Kellerman writing a short story; that I am aware. It was good band interesting pertaining family relationships.
As a short story it was good. This was definitely a different venue for Kellerman writing a short story; that I am aware. It was good band interesting pertaining family relationships.
August 7, 2020
I love Jonathan Kellerman and have read everything that he has written. This short story was very disappointing. It didn’t have good flow and the story seemed to me to be all over the place. At least it’s a short story. Key word being short.
January 23, 2023
I loved this short story. Not what I was expecting but had a great ending.
Don’t want to put a review so I don’t spoil it for those who are going to read it. Highly recommend if you are a reader of Jonathan’s.
Don’t want to put a review so I don’t spoil it for those who are going to read it. Highly recommend if you are a reader of Jonathan’s.
February 11, 2023
This was a bonus read at the end of The Murderer’s Daughter, a sort of prequel telling you where Malcolm Bluestone came from. It was OK but if you haven’t read The Murderer’s Daughter, you’ll be completely clueless.
January 2, 2026
This short story is a background part of the book The Murderer's Daughter.
It is part of Malcolm, a main character in the book, and some of his family's history.
That said, it is not essential for the book and doesn't provide enough information to stand on it's own without the book.
It is part of Malcolm, a main character in the book, and some of his family's history.
That said, it is not essential for the book and doesn't provide enough information to stand on it's own without the book.
September 21, 2019
read this as part of the murderer's daughter...2019, september 21st, the last weekend of summer. kindle library loaner good read four stars really liked it.
September 30, 2020
I’m a Jonathan Kellerman fan but this wasn’t one of my favorites. It was nice though to read a short story and something from him different than I usually read. This one just didn’t capture me much.
November 5, 2020
This is only available in E-read. A powerful short story about doing the right thing.
January 10, 2021
Sad short story
What a sad story. It was sad from beginning to end. There was no happy ending or crime to solve.
What a sad story. It was sad from beginning to end. There was no happy ending or crime to solve.
July 16, 2021
Heartline from Kellerman
Heartline for Kelerman
That family never misses a beat.They!nw how to
write from the heart! A 'blessing in tbeir
eir words!Shellie
Heartline for Kelerman
That family never misses a beat.They!nw how to
write from the heart! A 'blessing in tbeir
eir words!Shellie
July 30, 2015
So far, I have only read 2 books by Jonathan Kellerman, and that was ages ago. On the other hand, I have been a constant fan of Faye Kellerman's books (his wife). The Decker/Lazarus books are great.
As for the kindle singles, I have mixed feelings about them. It’s great to finish a story in a couple of hours sometimes, on the other hand, it needs to be really captivating and well-balanced as for depth and amount of information to process - on a limited amount of pages, that is. Let’s just say that short stories are difficult to appreciate these days and they often leave me unsatisfied. I suppose that writing short stories is a particular skill. Sometimes it can work, especially when the author writes it in order to introduce a new book that’s about to come out.
Here, I liked the characters well enough. I particularly liked the way the author went back to the time when Steve & Malcolm’s parents fled Nazi Germany. This kindle single has certainly piqued my interest again in this author.
As for the kindle singles, I have mixed feelings about them. It’s great to finish a story in a couple of hours sometimes, on the other hand, it needs to be really captivating and well-balanced as for depth and amount of information to process - on a limited amount of pages, that is. Let’s just say that short stories are difficult to appreciate these days and they often leave me unsatisfied. I suppose that writing short stories is a particular skill. Sometimes it can work, especially when the author writes it in order to introduce a new book that’s about to come out.
Here, I liked the characters well enough. I particularly liked the way the author went back to the time when Steve & Malcolm’s parents fled Nazi Germany. This kindle single has certainly piqued my interest again in this author.
August 30, 2015
This is just a snippet of a story, and I have a feeling it'll be one of those short stories that is better once you've read the main series. However, it is well done. Even if his name wasn't taking up a third of the cover, this is very recognisable as JK's work. The only concern I had was: another psychologist? With an awfully similar sounding backstory? But I guess this is supposed to be a sidekick instead of the new main character for the new series, so it might not feel too repetitive once the main story kicks in.
October 18, 2015
Malcolm Bluestone is a young man trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life--practice law because it can earn him a living, or follow his interest in psychology--conform to the norm, or be unconventional. He is visiting his movie actor brother, and trying to figure out what fits and what doesn't. Circumstances give him a nudge, and the result will likely change his life.
The Right Thing to Do (Short Story) by Jonathan Kellerman leads the reader into The Murderer's Daughter which is on my list of books to read.
The Right Thing to Do (Short Story) by Jonathan Kellerman leads the reader into The Murderer's Daughter which is on my list of books to read.
August 16, 2015
A Great Start
Looking forward to the novel for which this short story is the set up. I doubt I will be disappointed as this short story has me primed and ready for a good read, even without Alex and Milo. It reminds me of how much I enjoyed his "The Conspiracy Club," and how sorry I have been not to meet up with that character again. Go ahead and spend the $1.99. Easily worth it, no matter how brief the read.
Looking forward to the novel for which this short story is the set up. I doubt I will be disappointed as this short story has me primed and ready for a good read, even without Alex and Milo. It reminds me of how much I enjoyed his "The Conspiracy Club," and how sorry I have been not to meet up with that character again. Go ahead and spend the $1.99. Easily worth it, no matter how brief the read.
July 17, 2015
This is the worst I have ever read from Kellerman. It was all over the place & if this is a prequell to the next book I am not sure I want to read it. I think it may have been better to incorporate this in the book because it made no sense to me. It just started and then you come to a possible crime? I gave it a one just to rate it. I am a big fan but this missed the mark bigtime.
August 7, 2015
This short story is the prequel to Kellerman's new stand-alone, The Murderer's Daughter. It's a quick read, taking the reader through a quick tour of the early lives of the Bluestone family. Immigrants from Hitler's Germany, the two Bluestone brothers take different paths. Sidney becomes a Hollywood actor while Malcolm considers law school. But one day on a movie set can change everything...
July 15, 2015
Interesting fast read. Unexpected twist.
Takes the reader places you don't expect to go. Recommend it. Learn about the movie industry,history,personal struggle. Kellerman is always on target
Takes the reader places you don't expect to go. Recommend it. Learn about the movie industry,history,personal struggle. Kellerman is always on target
September 27, 2015
I read this short story before purchasing a book by this author. Suffice it to say, I will not be reading any of his books. This was horribly disjointed and full of extraneous detail that added nothing to the story.
August 14, 2015
THE RIGHT THING TO DO is a short story and prequel to the authors next book. Malcolm, years younger than his brother Steve, is following the path his parents have set for him. A visit to "B" action hero Steve opens his eyes to following his own dream. Happy ending.
January 26, 2016
Unexpected end
The book ended so shortly after the begining that I couldn't believe it had finished. There are a lot of introduction and no story at all. It was a disappointment coming from such an author.
The book ended so shortly after the begining that I couldn't believe it had finished. There are a lot of introduction and no story at all. It was a disappointment coming from such an author.
March 27, 2016
I never really got into it. Lots of build up for the point to be made right at the end. Definitely unique insight that wasn't brought up in the Murderer's Daughter. Idk if there was a point to reading this after the main novel.
August 5, 2015
Hoping that the series this introduces is better.
July 27, 2015
Like his style. This was only a short story so i felt it ended with a lot more to be done. i want to now read a full length book to see if it is any different.
July 27, 2015
seriously wondering what's going on here? 41 pages .. story doesn't develop .. ends like it's only a chapter. disappointed .. didn't feel it was Kellerman's usual quality
September 12, 2015
Not much
I was looking for a quick ,good read and felt that might fill the bill. Really not much of a story that didn't have a plot. Dissatisfied.
I was looking for a quick ,good read and felt that might fill the bill. Really not much of a story that didn't have a plot. Dissatisfied.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews