A Cold Heart

Rating:
Summary: A fast read - very enjoyable
Review: A COLD HEART by Jonathan Kellerman

I want to preface this review by saying that this is only my second novel in the entire Alex Delaware series. My first and only Jonathan Kellerman book was read ten years ago; it was a book titled BAD LOVE, also an Alex Delaware series. I enjoyed that book, and there is no excuse why there was a gap of 10 years between that book and A COLD HEART. My excuse is that I was only reading a book a year at that time, and therefore did not even know there was a series built around this character.

A COLD HEART features, of course, psychologist Alex Delaware, who helps solve crimes with his detective friend Milo Sturgis, who works for the LAPD in homicide. The two of them find themselves involved in a series of crimes that seem to be centered on a common theme: the victims are somehow related to the arts. The clues are vague, and there does not seem to be an obvious connection to any of these crimes.

Alex, Milo, and detective Petra O'Connor (who was introduced in BILLY STRAIGHT) work together to find the serial killer. Clues point to one young adult, a loner named Kevin Drummond, but some of the clues don't add up. It isn't until the very end that the reader, and Alex and the detectives figure out who-done-it. A side story about Alex and his ex-girlfriend Robin also ends up connected to the serial killer, with an exciting finish as they figure out who the murderer is.

I enjoyed A COLD HEART as much as I enjoyed BAD LOVE. From the amazon reviews I have read here, I was probably at an advantage since I have not read the entire series of books, and therefore did not find this one "tired". It was all "new to me". I did have a problem with the new character introduced in this book, Eric Stahl, who I thought at one point of the book was the killer. I am going to guess he may be used as a continuing character in future books. I will find out soon enough.

And on that note, I do recommend A COLD HEART.

Rating:
Summary: A fast read - very enjoyable
Review: A COLD HEART by Jonathan Kellerman

I want to preface this review by saying that this is only my second novel in the entire Alex Delaware series. My first and only Jonathan Kellerman book was read ten years ago; it was a book titled BAD LOVE, also an Alex Delaware series. I enjoyed that book, and there is no excuse why there was a gap of 10 years between that book and A COLD HEART. My excuse is that I was only reading a book a year at that time, and therefore did not even know there was a series built around this character.

A COLD HEART features, of course, psychologist Alex Delaware, who helps solve crimes with his detective friend Milo Sturgis, who works for the LAPD in homicide. The two of them find themselves involved in a series of crimes that seem to be centered on a common theme: the victims are somehow related to the arts. The clues are vague, and there does not seem to be an obvious connection to any of these crimes.

Alex, Milo, and detective Petra O'Connor (who was introduced in BILLY STRAIGHT) work together to find the serial killer. Clues point to one young adult, a loner named Kevin Drummond, but some of the clues don't add up. It isn't until the very end that the reader, and Alex and the detectives figure out who-done-it. A side story about Alex and his ex-girlfriend Robin also ends up connected to the serial killer, with an exciting finish as they figure out who the murderer is.

I enjoyed A COLD HEART as much as I enjoyed BAD LOVE. From the amazon reviews I have read here, I was probably at an advantage since I have not read the entire series of books, and therefore did not find this one "tired". It was all "new to me". I did have a problem with the new character introduced in this book, Eric Stahl, who I thought at one point of the book was the killer. I am going to guess he may be used as a continuing character in future books. I will find out soon enough.

And on that note, I do recommend A COLD HEART.

Rating:
Summary: You Can Never Go Wrong with Jonathan Kellerman
Review: Baby Boy Lee is a blues great on the verge of a comeback when he's found murdered outside of a jazz club. Detective Petra Conner and her Joe Friday like partner Eric Stahl are assigned to the case, but because Baby Boy was a client of Alex Deleware's one time squeeze, Deleware gets involved. Then Julie Kipper, an artist on the verge of her own comeback, is found murdered as well and because of family connections, Alex's buddy, Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis is assigned to the case. Now Alex has a connection to both cases and Mr. Kellerman's novel is off and running as they figure out that they have a serial killer on their hands.

This is number seventeen in the Alex Deleware series and I loved it. I particularly liked Petra Conners' new partner, Eric Stahl, and look forward to reading more about him in future Kellerman offerings. I also liked the way Dr. Deleware seemed to take the lead in the investigation. This is a good solid addition to the series and in my opinion can be read as a stand alone. Just a super, fine good book as far as I'm concerned. But then you can never go wrong with Jonathan Kellerman, everybody knows that.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Plot
Review: Either Jonathan Kellerman cut down a bit on his endless Los Angeles road map, or his plot was a cut above the rest, because I really got involved in this book from page 1, and forgot to be annoyed at the endless mention of street names.

In this yarn, Dr. Alex Delaware, still raw from his breakup with Robin, is in a new relationship and helping his friend Milo Sturgis in a new case--somebody is murdering people in the art world. And not just painters--It seems the murderer is targeting anybody who has just had a break. Thus, longtime bluesman Baby Boy, in obscurity for decades and suddenly once again in the spotlight, is found gutted in a filthy alleyway. A promising young pianist who finally makes his public debut is found seemingly dispatched. An up-and-coming ballet dancer in Boston is given the same treatment: Is she part of the same picture? And what is going on in the head of the perp?

Figuring that out is where Alex comes in, as always. He struggles to put together a viable profile as the murders keep on coming. And in the process, he meets with a whole collection of bizarre people who could only live in Los Angeles.

Adding to the pleasure of the read is the return of Petra Connor, Milo's sometime colleague and a primary on this case. Petra's been given a new partner, the silent, spooky "man in black," Eric Stahl. This guy is so weird I spent half the book thinking HE was the murderer. Alex's ex Robin is also part of the plot--she knew Baby Boy--enough to be mentioned on the liner notes of one of his CDs. And then there's Alex's new love interest, the lovely shrink Allison, who has to used all her skills to overcome the feelings Alex still has for his former love.

All in all, a satisfying book. I recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: What a disappointment!!
Review: I am so glad that this was not my first time reading a Jonathan Kellerman book. I am also happy that this was not my first time reading about Alex Delaware. Why? Because if this had been my first time, I'd never read another book by this author EVER AGAIN! Alex Delaware was sappy and boring in this novel and the situation between him and Robin was portrayed poorly. Both of these characters really worked my nerves and normally, I really like both of them.

Further, what is the deal with the ending?!?! I was marginally interested in this story from the beginning, but when I got to the last chapter, I was really disappointed. To me, it seemed as if Mr. Kellerman suddenly decided that he should cut the story short.... so he did exactly that without giving a lot of details that I thought he was building up to.

I am very disappointed in this book, but even so, Mr. Kellerman has not lost me as a fan. I know his work and what he is capable of, I just hope that the next Kellerman book that I read will be written in the manner/style that I am use to.

Rating:
Summary: Kellerman makes a great comeback...
Review: I just finished this book and I thought the story was great, much better than some of the author's more recent ones like Flesh and Blood, Dr. Death. We had plenty of action, interesting characters, characters from other novels by the author, and new characters that show promise. Putting Alex in a new relationship is also refreshing. The plot was intricate, and I didnt guess who the killer was until Milo and the others did. Kellerman must read these reviews, because he cut out a lot of the monotonous and pointless driving around LA, Alex mooning over Robin, descriptions of what the dog and the fish were fed for dinner, and so on. The book never dragged, and the ending had a few surprises and a good set up for the next novel. The reason I didnt give this 5 stars was because it contained a horrible gaffe that is really inexcusable. The 1920s blues artist on page 185 was Blind Lemon JEFFERSON, not Blind Lemon Jackson! This kind of carelessness with details tends to taint the author's credibility somewhat.

Rating:
Summary: Not in the same class as ¿The Murder Book¿¿
Review: Kellerman's 17th installment in the Alex Delaware series keeps you guessing, keeps you entertained, but hasn't the elements of true suspense that kept "The Murder Book" on pace with some of his earliest work. Unlike Michael Connelly, Kellerman just can't seem to take the risks with Delaware that he needs to take to keep the series fresh and compelling. Still, I'm giving the book four stars...

Delaware is the one who makes the leap in this mystery to connect seemingly unrelated homicide cases. He draws old friend Milo Sturgis and another former character, Petra Connor, (who makes a welcome return) into the mix, along with Connor's new and unusual partner. Focused on the arts and music, the victims of the killer have their lives taken from them mysteriously, by a killer who may just be jealous of their recent successes.

Sadly, Delaware, who has a new love in his life, can't seem to draw away from Robin Castagna, both personally and professionally, although many Delaware fans are hoping that Kellerman will "Give it up!" on their troubled romance. Robin's new love is a bit of an oddity, as well, who keeps getting in Delaware's way.

The mystery is just compelling enough, and the action realistic, to hold your interest, although Kellerman, who has now completed the last four books in the series with some of the style and characterization he had in the early going of the series, falls short of "The Murder Book". It may be time for Delaware to return to the field of crimes against children, where his original psychological skills best focused.

You'll not regret the read, and you'll finish quickly, but unlike some of his earlier work, it won't leave you with regrets that it will be awhile before Alex's next outing.

Rating:
Summary: Psycho murders
Review: LAPD Homicide detective Milo Sturgis involves his friend, criminal psychologist Dr.Alex Delaware inwhat seems to be a case of serial murders where artists and musicians are killed, with their bodies carefully arranged after death to suggest that the killer is deliberately the fact to boast to police.Alex and Milo fear that they've come across a new kind of celebrity killer, one who sets out to kill artists and musicians who have either become successful or who are on the brink of financial success.It's a very fast paced story, one of those which becomes a quick read because it's virtually impossible to put down.

Rating:
Summary: Predictable, but Still a Good Read
Review: Petra Connor returns in this Alex Delaware novel, this time helping Milo and Alex track a serial killer who murders artists on the rise. Although it didn't take long to figure out who the serial killer was, this is an interesting read. The first person/third person switches throughout the book are distracting. Alex and Robin have split, and Alex's new girlfriend does not seem to have much depth. As in the last few novels by Kellerman, the book reads "depressing". I'd like to see a happier Alex, more relaxed Alex, not so arrogant Alex. Would love to see more of Petra. She's a great character.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Whodunnit !
Review: Someone is murdering people involved in the art and music world. The first known victim is a blues singer by the name of Baby Boy Lee. Petra Connor (from the novel Billy Straight) is assigned to this case. However, after the next killing, that of an artist trying to make a come back, Milo Sturgis calls Alex Delaware into the case. Milo and Alex are puzzled over the motive to these crimes. As they proceed through their investigation, a young "zine" writer becomes a top suspect. Is he killing them out of jealousy? Or, is he even the killer?
What is different about this Kellerman novel is the shift in narration from chapter to chapter (one chapter Alex is narrator, another Petra, and so on....) I found Petra's new partner Eric Stahl very mysterious and intriquing.This is a good novel by Jonathan Kellerman. It's not one of my favorites, however it kept me interested, and I found the ending quite satisfying.