What do you think?
Rate this book
Petra Connor #1
Billy Straight
A resourceful runaway alone in the wilds of Los Angeles, twelve-year-old Billy Straight suddenly witnesses a brutal stabbing in Griffith Park. Fleeing into the night, Billy cannot shake the horrific memory of the savage violence, nor the pursuit of a cold-blooded killer. For wherever Billy turns—from Hollywood Boulevard to the boardwalks of Venice—he is haunted by the chuck, chuck sound of a knife sinking into flesh.
“Taut, compelling . . . Everything a thriller ought to be. The writing is excellent. The plotting is superior. The characters ring true.”—USA Today
As LAPD homicide detective Petra Connor desperately searches for the murderer, as the media swarms mercilessly around the story, the vicious madman stalks closer to his prey. Only Petra can save Billy. But it will take all her cunning to uncover a child lost in a fierce urban labyrinth—where a killer seems right at home.
“Taut, compelling . . . Everything a thriller ought to be. The writing is excellent. The plotting is superior. The characters ring true.”—USA Today
As LAPD homicide detective Petra Connor desperately searches for the murderer, as the media swarms mercilessly around the story, the vicious madman stalks closer to his prey. Only Petra can save Billy. But it will take all her cunning to uncover a child lost in a fierce urban labyrinth—where a killer seems right at home.
448 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1998
660 people are currently reading
2562 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
200 books5,803 followersJonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles. He helped work his way through UCLA as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor and freelance musician. As a senior, at the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
June 16, 2011
A gorgeous, relatively well-known woman is murdered. Billy Straight, a sweet 12-year old boy, recently a "street-kid" after leaving a dubious home; witnesses the murder. All signs immediately point to the woman's actor/ex-husband as the murderer, but due his Hollywood status, Detective Petra Connor is forced to appear to conduct an investigation as if there are no leads. In doing so, another likely suspect emerges while young Billy becomes a most wanted person. As the good guys and the bad guys search for the runaway, bodies pile up, adding more layers of mystery to what originally appeared to be a clean-cut case.
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels, so I thought I would try one of his books with different main characters. While I liked the story, and I loved the character, Billy Straight, as well as his pal Sam, this did not feel like a typical Kellerman book. It seemed to have too many arbitrary characters. Petra's partners seemed to be moot, even though some background was given, it was challenging to care about them. Mrs. Adamson, introduced late in the book, added some mystique--until I found out who she was, and she seemed to be an after-thought, to make a small point, that, I felt, had been made earlier in a different revelation. The snow-ball effect of people related to the case turning up dead was more of a distraction than a relevant part of the story. Although I did enjoy this, I would not necessarily recommend it, as there are too many great books out there (many of them written by Mr. Kellerman).
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels, so I thought I would try one of his books with different main characters. While I liked the story, and I loved the character, Billy Straight, as well as his pal Sam, this did not feel like a typical Kellerman book. It seemed to have too many arbitrary characters. Petra's partners seemed to be moot, even though some background was given, it was challenging to care about them. Mrs. Adamson, introduced late in the book, added some mystique--until I found out who she was, and she seemed to be an after-thought, to make a small point, that, I felt, had been made earlier in a different revelation. The snow-ball effect of people related to the case turning up dead was more of a distraction than a relevant part of the story. Although I did enjoy this, I would not necessarily recommend it, as there are too many great books out there (many of them written by Mr. Kellerman).
August 15, 2010
Excellent story told through the alternating voices of three of the main characters. This might be the best Jonathon Kellerman book I have read, not only a thriller, but a thought provoker as well.
September 11, 2018
Super story and a great new character!
June 21, 2014
I found this book in a Little Free Library in NC. It had obviously had paint spilled on it and some of the pages were stuck together at the outside edge. I laboriously cut them apart with fingernail scissors. Totally worth it! Kellerman weaves a suspenseful and complex yarn with so-real-you-could-touch-(and smell-them characters and more twists than a yoga class. His writing is so evocative and vivid, the story comes alive. He also weaves in his background in child psychology in the sympathetic character of Billy -- you really come to care what happens to this hapless, intelligent, and sensitive boy. Every time I read a Kellerman, it makes me wonder why I even bother with James Patterson mysteries any more (probably only because I've been reading two series for so long, and they are very quick reads). Loved this book!
February 21, 2014
Good read... though once again as in many of his books the ending is too dramatic and a bit contrived... too much coincidence... I liked the character of the young boy and the main protagonist Det. Petra Connor. Unfortunately half way through he switched to the antagonist and what he was thinking. Not sure why? Would have been better to leave us in the dark because up to that point there were questions as to who the guilty party was though the obvious one was up there. Should have stayed in the perspective of the detectives and the boy witness and had a less dramatic Hollywood finish. Most crimes do not end with a bang but a whimper.
April 10, 2021
This story was heartbreaking but hopeful because it was the story of a vulnerable kid who got a raw deal in life. Kellerman's Petra Connor character is very convincing and committed. She is an excellent detective with a sort-of-together life., not without her personal tragedies that she never lets get in the way of her pursuit of justice. The story line is full of twists and turns and even when you think Kellerman has dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's of the plot, there are more surprises. That is the true genius of Jonathan Kellerman. His books are hard to put down. I can't say I found anything about this book boring or tedious. Kellerman draws the reader into the plot by keeping you guessing all the time until everything converges and resolves at the end. Brilliant piece.
May 25, 2025
What an absolutely excellent book, found on a reading list in tandem with the Delaware series. I hope this one continues!
November 23, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down for sex and violence
Well written .. too gritty for me.
Detective Petra, Billy and Sam G. were my favorite
characters.
Well written .. too gritty for me.
Detective Petra, Billy and Sam G. were my favorite
characters.
March 18, 2022
Good characters, enjoyable whodunnit with some people meeting their demise and some suspense and some inappropriate language. Enjoyable.
July 24, 2014
Ο δωδεκάχρονος Μπίλι Στρέιτ, ένα αγόρι ιδιαίτερα ώριμο, με ακλόνητη ηθική και με ξεχωριστή διορατικότητα, δραπετεύει από το χάος και τη βία του σπιτιού του και προσπαθεί να επιζήσει στους άθλιους δρόμους του Λος Άντζελες. Ολομόναχος κι αβοήθητος, ζει στα όρια του κινδύνου, χρησιμοποιώντας διάφορα θεμιτά κόλπα για να επιβιώσει. Αργά, μια νύχτα, βλέπει από την κρυψώνα του έναν άντρα να σφάζει μια γυναίκα. Το θύμα είναι η πρώην σύζυγος ενός τηλεοπτικού αστέρα κι έτσι, αναπάντεχα, με τρόπο τρομακτικό, ο Μπίλι γίνεται στόχος των μέσων ενημέρωσης, των αδίστακτων ανθρωποκυνηγών και του ίδιου του δολοφόνου. Καθώς τρέχει για να σωθεί, βασισμένος στο ένστικτο και την εξυπνάδα του, τον ακολουθεί κατά πόδας κι ένα άλλο πρόσωπο, που ίσως αποδειχθεί ο σωτήρας του: η Πέτρα Κόνορ, μια σκληρή, ικανότατη και όμορφη ντετέκτιβ της Αστυνομίας του Λος Άντζελες, που έχει κι αυτή το δικό της παρελθόν...
Κλασικό θριλεράκι, με υπόπτους, αστυνομική γραφειοκρατία, πρόχειρα γεύματα και κοκακόλα (έλεος δηλαδή αυτοί οι αμερικάνοι). Όχι και πολύ ανατρεπτικό, μιας και από τους δυο υπόπτους που εξαρχής ξεχωρίζουν ο ένας είναι και ο πραγματικός (κατά συρροή όπως αποδεικνύεται) δολοφόνος. Τα μόνα καλά σημεία: καταρχάς, ο πρωταγωνιστής, ένα παιδί 10 χρόνων που το έσκασε από το σπίτι του. Μου άρεσε πολύ το σκηνικό του "σπιτιού του", ένα τροχόσπιτο όπου ζει η μάνα του φέρνοντας κατά καιρούς διάφορους γκόμενους, ο τελευταίος θέλει να σκληραγωγήσει το παιδί με τον δικό του ανορθοδοξο τρόπο κι έτσι ο Μπίλι το σκάει. Είναι ένα σπίτι γεμάτο δυστυχία, η μητέρα του Μπίλι πολύ καλά σκιαγραφημένη (πραγματικά ένας άνθρωπος αμόρφωτος μπορεί να πέσει τόσο χαμηλά;). Και όταν η Πέτρα συνδυάζει τα γεγονότα αναγκάζεται να αναζητήσει το παιδί μέσω εφημερίδων. Ναι αλλά εκτός από τον δολοφόνο βγαίνει στο κυνήγι και ο γκόμενος της μάνας του παιδιού. Κι ένας Ρώσος μικροπωλητής. Κι όλα αυτά στο Χόλιγουντ. Πολύ ωραία ατμόσφαιρα και δόθηκε η ευκαιρία στο συγγραφέα να περιγράψει τους πιθανούς κινδύνους που έχει να αντιμετωπίσει ένα παιδί-φυγάς. Τελείως άκυρη η εμφάνιση της πλούσιας γιαγιάς του παιδιού που έχασε τον γιο της και γέμισε χαρά που βρήκε τον εγγονό της. Δεν κατάλαβα το λόγο, για να εξασφαλίσει ένα πλούσιο μέλλον στον μπόμπιρα; Σίγουρα η αστυνομικός ή ο παπάς που τον προφύλαξε θα του προσφέρανε περισότερα. Τέσπα. Στο τέλος του βιβλίου εμφανίζεται κι ο Άλεξ Ντελαγουέρ (ήρωας σε άλλα έργα του συγγραφέα) κατόπιν πρόσκλησης της Πέτρας για να μιλήσει με το παιδί ως ψυχολόγος. Το βιβλίο αποφεύγει τα πολλά κηρύγματα και νουθεσίες και το πολύ σπλάτερ. Είναι καλό κι ευχάριστο αλλά όχι ανατρεπτικό ή καθηλωτικό. Και παρόλο που εκτυλίσσεται στην Καλιφόρνια και ιδιαίτερα στο Χόλιγουντ δεν αναφέρει και πολλά για τον κόσμο του ηθοποιού και του θεάματος, αν και οι ύποπτοι είναι ηθοποιοί (ο ένας ιδιαίτερα επιτυχημένος).
Στα ελληνικά από τις εκδόσεις Bell το 2000.
Κλασικό θριλεράκι, με υπόπτους, αστυνομική γραφειοκρατία, πρόχειρα γεύματα και κοκακόλα (έλεος δηλαδή αυτοί οι αμερικάνοι). Όχι και πολύ ανατρεπτικό, μιας και από τους δυο υπόπτους που εξαρχής ξεχωρίζουν ο ένας είναι και ο πραγματικός (κατά συρροή όπως αποδεικνύεται) δολοφόνος. Τα μόνα καλά σημεία: καταρχάς, ο πρωταγωνιστής, ένα παιδί 10 χρόνων που το έσκασε από το σπίτι του. Μου άρεσε πολύ το σκηνικό του "σπιτιού του", ένα τροχόσπιτο όπου ζει η μάνα του φέρνοντας κατά καιρούς διάφορους γκόμενους, ο τελευταίος θέλει να σκληραγωγήσει το παιδί με τον δικό του ανορθοδοξο τρόπο κι έτσι ο Μπίλι το σκάει. Είναι ένα σπίτι γεμάτο δυστυχία, η μητέρα του Μπίλι πολύ καλά σκιαγραφημένη (πραγματικά ένας άνθρωπος αμόρφωτος μπορεί να πέσει τόσο χαμηλά;). Και όταν η Πέτρα συνδυάζει τα γεγονότα αναγκάζεται να αναζητήσει το παιδί μέσω εφημερίδων. Ναι αλλά εκτός από τον δολοφόνο βγαίνει στο κυνήγι και ο γκόμενος της μάνας του παιδιού. Κι ένας Ρώσος μικροπωλητής. Κι όλα αυτά στο Χόλιγουντ. Πολύ ωραία ατμόσφαιρα και δόθηκε η ευκαιρία στο συγγραφέα να περιγράψει τους πιθανούς κινδύνους που έχει να αντιμετωπίσει ένα παιδί-φυγάς. Τελείως άκυρη η εμφάνιση της πλούσιας γιαγιάς του παιδιού που έχασε τον γιο της και γέμισε χαρά που βρήκε τον εγγονό της. Δεν κατάλαβα το λόγο, για να εξασφαλίσει ένα πλούσιο μέλλον στον μπόμπιρα; Σίγουρα η αστυνομικός ή ο παπάς που τον προφύλαξε θα του προσφέρανε περισότερα. Τέσπα. Στο τέλος του βιβλίου εμφανίζεται κι ο Άλεξ Ντελαγουέρ (ήρωας σε άλλα έργα του συγγραφέα) κατόπιν πρόσκλησης της Πέτρας για να μιλήσει με το παιδί ως ψυχολόγος. Το βιβλίο αποφεύγει τα πολλά κηρύγματα και νουθεσίες και το πολύ σπλάτερ. Είναι καλό κι ευχάριστο αλλά όχι ανατρεπτικό ή καθηλωτικό. Και παρόλο που εκτυλίσσεται στην Καλιφόρνια και ιδιαίτερα στο Χόλιγουντ δεν αναφέρει και πολλά για τον κόσμο του ηθοποιού και του θεάματος, αν και οι ύποπτοι είναι ηθοποιοί (ο ένας ιδιαίτερα επιτυχημένος).
Στα ελληνικά από τις εκδόσεις Bell το 2000.
October 22, 2012
This is the best novel Jonathan Kellerman has ever written.
It is a Detective Petra Connor book, the first, I think, of a new series. Delaware, Kellerman's bread and butter character, is mentioned in the last chapter only, so, yes, they live in the same universe.
Want to read a book that gives an excellent picture of a new street kid's introduction to a big city after running away from an abusive home? Want to understand why kids run away in the first place? This is a great thumbnail sketch, without psychiatric jargon, extended angst or melodramatic soap opera -just simple realism. The only things to fault here is Billy's incredible inner compass and sense of self-worth which informs his choices, as well as his amazing luck in avoiding destruction from street hoods and hanging on to his virginity as long as he does. He is 12 years old, which both protects him and handicaps him. He loves to read and believes in the emotional strengths and personal ideals that are represented in his books, while at the same time he doesn't trust a single adult to help him with only altruism in mind.
He is as appealing as a big-eyed puppy and as great of a hero as Delaware or Petra, but the life he is trying to save is his own. With almost no resources, he survives for 4 months on the street, despite witnessing a terrible murder and eventually having a great many people hunting for him. Obviously, he has no way of knowing who the good guys are.
The book is written with several points of view, each chapter carried forward by a different character, including the murderer, or I should say, murderers, because as usual, there are many characters here with unclean hands and motives. Billy Straight is the standout guy of the bunch, and I was in a state of high tension for him all the way through the book. It was like watching a family of ducks, mamma with her new babies, crossing a busy street full of speeding cars.
This was a wonderful read for me! But Kellerman's new character, Petra, was definitely a backseat noise in comparison to the drama of whether this sweet boy would exist in the last page of the book! I stayed up all night to finish it.
It is a Detective Petra Connor book, the first, I think, of a new series. Delaware, Kellerman's bread and butter character, is mentioned in the last chapter only, so, yes, they live in the same universe.
Want to read a book that gives an excellent picture of a new street kid's introduction to a big city after running away from an abusive home? Want to understand why kids run away in the first place? This is a great thumbnail sketch, without psychiatric jargon, extended angst or melodramatic soap opera -just simple realism. The only things to fault here is Billy's incredible inner compass and sense of self-worth which informs his choices, as well as his amazing luck in avoiding destruction from street hoods and hanging on to his virginity as long as he does. He is 12 years old, which both protects him and handicaps him. He loves to read and believes in the emotional strengths and personal ideals that are represented in his books, while at the same time he doesn't trust a single adult to help him with only altruism in mind.
He is as appealing as a big-eyed puppy and as great of a hero as Delaware or Petra, but the life he is trying to save is his own. With almost no resources, he survives for 4 months on the street, despite witnessing a terrible murder and eventually having a great many people hunting for him. Obviously, he has no way of knowing who the good guys are.
The book is written with several points of view, each chapter carried forward by a different character, including the murderer, or I should say, murderers, because as usual, there are many characters here with unclean hands and motives. Billy Straight is the standout guy of the bunch, and I was in a state of high tension for him all the way through the book. It was like watching a family of ducks, mamma with her new babies, crossing a busy street full of speeding cars.
This was a wonderful read for me! But Kellerman's new character, Petra, was definitely a backseat noise in comparison to the drama of whether this sweet boy would exist in the last page of the book! I stayed up all night to finish it.
August 26, 2013
My fifth Jonathan Kellerman read. As usual, I wasn’t disappointed.
When Billy Straight, a twelve-year-old runaway witnesses a gory murder at a park, he must do everything he can to protect himself from the unknown killer. The deceased is Lisa Boehlinger, a former model and ex-wife of Cart Ramsey, a TV star. Suspicion falls on Ramsey because Lisa had once publicly revealed how he beat her up. Detective Petra Connor and her partner Bishop Stu are called to investigate the case. When the case gets more complicated than they expect, and with Stu’s wife undergoing a mastectomy, Wil Fourrier joins them in the investigation.
A good mystery, fast-paced, and it pulls the emotional strings. Kellerman’s writing is superb. This book has a large cast of characters and the story is told from different point-of-views. The author does a good job of entering his characters’ head and telling the story the way they would tell it, using the kind of diction they’d use. Thus, you won’t encounter a twelve-year-old speaking like a detective, or a street hustler talking like a murderer. The whole California setting paints a solid image in the head. What’s more, Alex Delaware makes an appearance at the end of the book.
This is first book in the Petra Connor series, though I first encountered Petra in Twisted, my favorite Kellerman novel. I got to learn more about her background and her personality. I connected with her because she’s instinctive, caring, and she’s tough. A good detective, but not a perfect one. Here, she tackles one of her major cases.
As a result of being tormented severally by his mother’s boyfriend, Billy Straight, the titular character leaves home. He moves to Hollywood and lives in the streets and parks for four months before he witnesses the murder. Jonathan Kellerman does well in capturing this kid’s voice. Billy steals book from the library to read, though he says it’s not stealing because he always returns the books he takes from the library.
Billy Straight is just one amazing book. A five Star read.
Check it out if you like mysteries. You won’t be disappointed.
When Billy Straight, a twelve-year-old runaway witnesses a gory murder at a park, he must do everything he can to protect himself from the unknown killer. The deceased is Lisa Boehlinger, a former model and ex-wife of Cart Ramsey, a TV star. Suspicion falls on Ramsey because Lisa had once publicly revealed how he beat her up. Detective Petra Connor and her partner Bishop Stu are called to investigate the case. When the case gets more complicated than they expect, and with Stu’s wife undergoing a mastectomy, Wil Fourrier joins them in the investigation.
A good mystery, fast-paced, and it pulls the emotional strings. Kellerman’s writing is superb. This book has a large cast of characters and the story is told from different point-of-views. The author does a good job of entering his characters’ head and telling the story the way they would tell it, using the kind of diction they’d use. Thus, you won’t encounter a twelve-year-old speaking like a detective, or a street hustler talking like a murderer. The whole California setting paints a solid image in the head. What’s more, Alex Delaware makes an appearance at the end of the book.
This is first book in the Petra Connor series, though I first encountered Petra in Twisted, my favorite Kellerman novel. I got to learn more about her background and her personality. I connected with her because she’s instinctive, caring, and she’s tough. A good detective, but not a perfect one. Here, she tackles one of her major cases.
As a result of being tormented severally by his mother’s boyfriend, Billy Straight, the titular character leaves home. He moves to Hollywood and lives in the streets and parks for four months before he witnesses the murder. Jonathan Kellerman does well in capturing this kid’s voice. Billy steals book from the library to read, though he says it’s not stealing because he always returns the books he takes from the library.
Billy Straight is just one amazing book. A five Star read.
Check it out if you like mysteries. You won’t be disappointed.
March 7, 2018
Το καλό με τα audio books είναι ότι τα παίρνεις μαζί σου παντού και μπορείς να καλύψεις όλες τις μαύρες τρύπες του χρόνου σου. Το κακό είναι ότι δεν μπορείς να επεξεργαστείς πολύπλοκες γραφές και υψηλά νοήματα όταν τσαλαπατιέσαι να χωθείς στο μετρό.
Στα πλαίσια των εύπεπτων αναγνωσμάτων ο Μπίλι ήταν πολύ καλός.
Βέβαια, για να πω την αλήθεια, ξεκίνησα να ακούω με σηκωμένο φρύδι, διότι από την αρχή θεωρούσα ανέφικτο να επιζήσει ένα άστεγο παιδί 12 χρόνων στους αδηφάγους δρόμους του Λος Άντζελες χωρίς να καταλήξει σφαγμένο ή βιασμένο ή κομμένο φέτες ή ... άλλα χειρότερα. Αναρωτιόμουν πώς θα το επεξεργαζόταν ο συγγραφέας για να με πείσει.
Επίσης είχα και την περιέργεια να δω με τι κουσούρια θα στόλιζε την ηρωίδα του, αστυνομικό Πέτρα Κόνορ. Είχα κάτι εμπειρίες παλιότερα με κάτι αστυνομικίνες που έπρεπε να είχαν εγκλειστεί δια παντός σε ψυχιατρείο μαζί με το συγγραφέα που τις δημιούργησε.
Το τελικό αποτέλεσμα ήταν αξιοπρεπές. Από εδώ το είχε ο συγγραφέας από εκεί το είχε, ο Μπίλι τα κατάφερνε χωρίς να μαζεύουμε τα μαλλιά μας από το πάτωμα. Αληθοφανές στα περισσότερα σημεία του, μια χαρά κορίτσι η Πέτρα και αγωνιώδης σε αρκετά σημεία πλοκή, όπως ένα μπεστ σέλερ που σέβεται τον εαυτό του.
Η προέλευση του Μπίλι ήταν στερεοτυπικά αμερικάνικη : η μαμά - τσουλίτσα με τη σωρεία των ακατάλληλων γκόμενων και την περικεφαλαία της βλακείας που ζει σε ένα τροχόσπιτο. Και το αμερικάνικο χάπυ εντ με τη γιαγιά του Μπίλι που ως καλή νεράιδα αποκαθιστά το μέλλον του.
Αλλά είπαμε : δεν μπορείς να τετραγωνίσεις τον κύκλο ως σαρδέλα στο βαγόνι του ηλεκτρικού μέρα μεσημέρι. Μπορείς όμως κάλλιστα να τρέξεις να προλάβεις το λεωφορείο του Περάματος μαζί με τον Μπίλι.
Στα πλαίσια των εύπεπτων αναγνωσμάτων ο Μπίλι ήταν πολύ καλός.
Βέβαια, για να πω την αλήθεια, ξεκίνησα να ακούω με σηκωμένο φρύδι, διότι από την αρχή θεωρούσα ανέφικτο να επιζήσει ένα άστεγο παιδί 12 χρόνων στους αδηφάγους δρόμους του Λος Άντζελες χωρίς να καταλήξει σφαγμένο ή βιασμένο ή κομμένο φέτες ή ... άλλα χειρότερα. Αναρωτιόμουν πώς θα το επεξεργαζόταν ο συγγραφέας για να με πείσει.
Επίσης είχα και την περιέργεια να δω με τι κουσούρια θα στόλιζε την ηρωίδα του, αστυνομικό Πέτρα Κόνορ. Είχα κάτι εμπειρίες παλιότερα με κάτι αστυνομικίνες που έπρεπε να είχαν εγκλειστεί δια παντός σε ψυχιατρείο μαζί με το συγγραφέα που τις δημιούργησε.
Το τελικό αποτέλεσμα ήταν αξιοπρεπές. Από εδώ το είχε ο συγγραφέας από εκεί το είχε, ο Μπίλι τα κατάφερνε χωρίς να μαζεύουμε τα μαλλιά μας από το πάτωμα. Αληθοφανές στα περισσότερα σημεία του, μια χαρά κορίτσι η Πέτρα και αγωνιώδης σε αρκετά σημεία πλοκή, όπως ένα μπεστ σέλερ που σέβεται τον εαυτό του.
Η προέλευση του Μπίλι ήταν στερεοτυπικά αμερικάνικη : η μαμά - τσουλίτσα με τη σωρεία των ακατάλληλων γκόμενων και την περικεφαλαία της βλακείας που ζει σε ένα τροχόσπιτο. Και το αμερικάνικο χάπυ εντ με τη γιαγιά του Μπίλι που ως καλή νεράιδα αποκαθιστά το μέλλον του.
Αλλά είπαμε : δεν μπορείς να τετραγωνίσεις τον κύκλο ως σαρδέλα στο βαγόνι του ηλεκτρικού μέρα μεσημέρι. Μπορείς όμως κάλλιστα να τρέξεις να προλάβεις το λεωφορείο του Περάματος μαζί με τον Μπίλι.
November 25, 2011
Kellerman's thrillers are never disappointing. His characters; main, secondary, and even bit; are well-drawn and genuine. In this, the first Petra Connor novel, a young runaway witnesses the murder of the wife of a TV star and Petra immediately suspects said TV star. Kellerman alternates between the viewpoints of Petra, Billy the runaway, the killer, and a couple of other interested parties, but it's not as jarring as this can sometimes be. I really liked how Kellerman got into Billy's head and really conveyed his youth, his fear, and his survival acumen without dumbing him down. I found myself reading really fast toward the end because I wanted to make sure Billy was going to be okay. It was quite suspenseful. I look forward to reading more of this series, since I've only read his Alex Delaware books before.
September 8, 2019
Πολύ μέτριο ανάγνωσμα, για να μην πω κάτω του μετρίου, χωρίς εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Η πρωταγωνιστρια μας, η αστυνόμος Πέτρα Κονορ δεν μοχθησε και ιδιαίτερα για να εξιχνιασει το έγκλημα. Η πλοκή μου θύμισε τις σειρές τύπου CSI και NCSI με μπάτσους που ανακρίνουν, με ραντεβουδακια ανάμεσα στην πρωταγωνιστρια μας με συνάδελφο της και κλεφτα φιλάκια , με κακούς και άσχημους Ρώσους, με ένα σωρό αμερικανικές κλισεδιες που έχουμε συναντήσει πάμπολλες φορές σε ανάλογες σειρές. Τίποτα το σπουδαίο με ένα γλυκανάλατο φινάλε. Περίμενα κάτι καλύτερο!!!!
July 30, 2008
This is probably Kellerman's best novel. Don't read it if you want a peaceful night's sleep, but if you're looking for well-crafted characters, a suspensful storyline, and lots of twists, this is the book for you!
October 7, 2019
In all fairness, ever since I've been reading the Alex Delaware books by Jonathan Kellerman (I've read about 12 or 15, so far), most of the time I have enjoyed this author’s way of painting a story, penning down the details, thus far giving enough information and providing background to keep the reader interest, still not being too repetitive, nor too lingering or stagnating. Here, the contrary is true: this plot or story took an eternity to unfold; there was too much repetition and too much redundant back information, but most of all too much police bureaucracy; it’s maddening! The captain of the squad (his name is Hoefenkopf or such some name - well that guy is a pure idiot and not wordy of this author). This puppet captain, who supervises the detectives Petra Connor and Stu Bishop, and others, is simply a mere cowardly bureaucrat who’s afraid to step on anyone’s toes, especially since the suspects might be “famous” Hollywood people. How annoying that part of the story was - and there was A LOT of that – the investigation just stagnated (boring, boring, boring.... and went nowhere for 2 thirds of the book. Luckily the author also introduces the witness, young Billy Straight, a 12-year, intelligent, runaway. An endearing, quiet and polite boy. His journey was interesting. His encounters, sometimes harrowing, sometimes fortunate kept me captivated. I hope to read more of Billy.
Overall this book is a 2 stars, but Billy and his uniqueness deserves a 4 - so on average, I give it a 3.
Overall this book is a 2 stars, but Billy and his uniqueness deserves a 4 - so on average, I give it a 3.
August 29, 2017
PROTAGONIST: Detec. Petra Connor; Billy Straight
RATING: 3.25
WHY: 12-year-old Billy Straight is living rough in Griffith Park (LA) after escaping the abuse rendered by his mother's boyfriend. One evening he hears someone being killed, only seeing the license plate of the murderer's vehicle. He goes on the move, only to be sought after the police release a photo of him as a possible witness, which places his life in danger. The cops on the case, led by Detec. Petra Connor, are hamstrung by the department's politics. Very predictable plot and an annoying amount of questions about every action. The best part was the depiction of Billy and how he survived. I didn't appreciate the ambiguous conclusion.
RATING: 3.25
WHY: 12-year-old Billy Straight is living rough in Griffith Park (LA) after escaping the abuse rendered by his mother's boyfriend. One evening he hears someone being killed, only seeing the license plate of the murderer's vehicle. He goes on the move, only to be sought after the police release a photo of him as a possible witness, which places his life in danger. The cops on the case, led by Detec. Petra Connor, are hamstrung by the department's politics. Very predictable plot and an annoying amount of questions about every action. The best part was the depiction of Billy and how he survived. I didn't appreciate the ambiguous conclusion.
November 25, 2024
12 year old runaway, Billy Straight, sees a woman being murdered. Billy has run away to get away from his mother’s boyfriend. He has become very resourceful living on the streets of Los Angeles. Detective Petra Connor and her partner are assigned the case of the murdered woman and find out that she is the ex wife of a well known actor. The police need to proceed carefully and Billy’s life is in jeopardy once he is connected to the crime scene. A very good read.
December 6, 2020
Started out slow, but for the last half I couldn't put it down. More than one twist which is always good. I don't know if I'll continue with Kellerman's books. I had decided not to, but really enjoyed this one. Will see ... my bookcase is packed with so many books.
May 7, 2020
Enjoyable.
DD@Phila
DD@Phila
March 31, 2021
Really liked street-kid Billy. Good storyline with some strong characters. Looking forward to other Petra books.
August 5, 2012
This is an outstanding mystery/thriller, the best of Jonathan Kellerman's novels I've read. The title character is an intelligent, moral, book-loving 12-year-old boy who has run away from an extremely bad home situation and is living in Griffith Park when he witnesses a vicious murder. He flees the park, and soon finds himself pursued by both cops and bad guys. There's plenty of suspense and fast-paced action in this twisty tale, but what I liked best was the cast of well-defined characters, especially the boy, who is a brilliant survivor, and the brainy, determined, compassionate woman police detective, Petra. This book is a stand-alone, but for those of you who enjoy the author's Alex Delaware series, that child psychologist does make a brief appearance at the end of this book
December 9, 2016
Billy Straight is a 12 year old who has run away from an abusive home, he is bright, a voracious reader and is by himself living rough in Griffith Park. One night he sees a murder committed and although he has not been seen he runs from one of his hide outs and heads for another one. Petra Conner and her partner are assigned the murder case. The victim is the ex wife of well know actor and he becomes the prime suspect but Petra has been told to keep the investigation low key and not to have the actor suspect he is a person of interest. The tale follows Billy's adventures and Petra's investigation until the two meet up with the resolution of the case. Good read , Kellerman writes good tales.
March 7, 2017
One of my favorite Kellerman books this book centers on Petra Connor, a LAPD detective and a 12 year old boy, Billy Straight who witnesses a murder. Billy is living on the streets after escaping an abusive home, and is so good and moral, that you ache for someone to scoop him up and give him a chance. Petra is assigned the case, and she tries to track Billy down, as the killer is also after him. A top notch thriller, I wish Kellerman would write more books with Petra as the main character.
April 11, 2020
Really liked this book. The story is well written. I especially liked how every character had their own style of speaking. Differences in present and past tense. Using I for Billy and he/she for everyone else. Almost without reading the names you knew who the chapter was about. Very nicely done.
August 13, 2016
An enjoyable mystery.
July 11, 2013
It was not awesome, it was not exactly thrilling but it was ok.
I liked Petra, though the character could use more exploring.
I liked Petra, though the character could use more exploring.
June 12, 2014
A promising start to a new-to-me series. I look forward to delving further into it.
November 5, 2024
This is a spinoff from the Alex Delaware Series. It focuses on Detective Petra Connor from the Hollywood division. Although Dr. Delaware is mentioned, he takes no active part in this story until the very end, and even then, very slightly.
WARNING: A child is repeatedly in deadly danger in this story. If that bothers you then skip this one.
The story: a 12 year-old boy, Billy, witnesses a brutal night time murder of a woman in the park and notes the license plate as the murderer drives away, PLYR 1. Billy cannot depend on anyone to protect him, not even his mother who allows her biker boyfriend to abuse him, so Billy runs away from home. Detective Petra Connor soon discovers that the murder victim is the ex-wife of a TV celebrity, and no one wants anything to go wrong like with the OJ investigation. Petra must have solid proof.
Any problems with this story? Well... there were some misimpressions conveyed. Billy was clearly very smart, yet at times he seemed mentally disabled. Perhaps he was just very socially inept as some intellectuals can be. I also found some of the bad people Billy met along the way to be unbelievable... others quite believable. I'll leave it up to you to judge.
A technical religious issue: Billy ran into an Orthodox Jew who was opening up the synagogue. I suppose one would call him a sexton or custodian. I would call him a gabbai. A gabbai keeps the mechanics of the synagogue and the prayer services organized. The synagogue described in this story brought to mind "The Shul on the Beach" although it was never named in the story. The Shul on the Beach is Orthodox, but it is eclectic, and welcomes Jews of all denominations. (Actually, I think most Orthodox synagogues would welcome Jews from all denominations as long as they didn't try to convert people to something other than Orthodoxy.) Yet the gabbai did not always do things an Orthodox Jew would do. For example, he carried things on the Sabbath. He could do that under certain circumstances, such as if an eruv had been established in the area. In fact, an eruv was approved for the area in 2006. I don't know if it is still up. This novel was published in 1998 when there likely was no eruv, so it disturbed me that the gabbai carried on the Sabbath without an eruv. Of course, this was described as a failing synagogue, and they might have welcomed anyone who would dedicate themselves to keep things going, regardless of imperfections in ritual observance.
Any modesty issues? The F-word was used frequently. Given the neighborhood and the people, this seemed normal. The subject of sexual perversion came up quite a bit. A little boy living in a very bad neighborhood might know about such things and be wary. Sex did occur in this story. It was described in a little more detail than I am used to, but not overly so.
The ending was exciting and rather abrupt, but it worked for me.
I might read this book again.
WARNING: A child is repeatedly in deadly danger in this story. If that bothers you then skip this one.
The story: a 12 year-old boy, Billy, witnesses a brutal night time murder of a woman in the park and notes the license plate as the murderer drives away, PLYR 1. Billy cannot depend on anyone to protect him, not even his mother who allows her biker boyfriend to abuse him, so Billy runs away from home. Detective Petra Connor soon discovers that the murder victim is the ex-wife of a TV celebrity, and no one wants anything to go wrong like with the OJ investigation. Petra must have solid proof.
Any problems with this story? Well... there were some misimpressions conveyed. Billy was clearly very smart, yet at times he seemed mentally disabled. Perhaps he was just very socially inept as some intellectuals can be. I also found some of the bad people Billy met along the way to be unbelievable... others quite believable. I'll leave it up to you to judge.
A technical religious issue: Billy ran into an Orthodox Jew who was opening up the synagogue. I suppose one would call him a sexton or custodian. I would call him a gabbai. A gabbai keeps the mechanics of the synagogue and the prayer services organized. The synagogue described in this story brought to mind "The Shul on the Beach" although it was never named in the story. The Shul on the Beach is Orthodox, but it is eclectic, and welcomes Jews of all denominations. (Actually, I think most Orthodox synagogues would welcome Jews from all denominations as long as they didn't try to convert people to something other than Orthodoxy.) Yet the gabbai did not always do things an Orthodox Jew would do. For example, he carried things on the Sabbath. He could do that under certain circumstances, such as if an eruv had been established in the area. In fact, an eruv was approved for the area in 2006. I don't know if it is still up. This novel was published in 1998 when there likely was no eruv, so it disturbed me that the gabbai carried on the Sabbath without an eruv. Of course, this was described as a failing synagogue, and they might have welcomed anyone who would dedicate themselves to keep things going, regardless of imperfections in ritual observance.
Any modesty issues? The F-word was used frequently. Given the neighborhood and the people, this seemed normal. The subject of sexual perversion came up quite a bit. A little boy living in a very bad neighborhood might know about such things and be wary. Sex did occur in this story. It was described in a little more detail than I am used to, but not overly so.
The ending was exciting and rather abrupt, but it worked for me.
I might read this book again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews