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: A fast read - very enjoyable
Review: A COLD HEART by Jonathan KellermanI 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: 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: Disappointing Point in Series
Review: This installation of Kellerman's series on Alex Delaware has
to be the best of the bunch. His usual book is full of complexity
that most readers enjoy, but this one brings to full light the
additional work and personality of detective Petra Connor, who,
along with long-time pal detective Milo Sturgis, work with Delaware's psychological insights to find the killer of rising
artists.
At first, no one notices the connection among a handful of murders, which have happened in different districts, and even
far-flung jurisdictions, but someone finally notices that a series of
killings have involved victims who were all either rising young artists, or long-suffering artists finally on the brink of success.
But who would want to kill such a diverse bunch of artists, including a concert pianist, a blues guitar player, a drugged, out-of-control modern singer (who is more of a screamer, really), and
others who never knew each other and who never traveled in the
same circles, either artisticallly or physically?
The story realistically involves some false starts and phony leads, all of which the police (and Alex) must pursue, so the reader can
share the real frustration of police and detective work which requires them to work with insufficient information, reluctant witnesses and outright liars while trying to track down a relentless
killer who is getting more bold and lethal.
All the characters are fully developed, and the author has made
each of them interesting to the point where we want to know more
about them and to share their thought processes.
Of course, as in the Alex Delaware books in general, the hero
himself is in a personal turmoil, and he suddenly finds that he might be the target of the killer himself; but worse, he shockingly
realizes the fear that the next target may be someone very near
and dear to him.
So Alex has to help the police unravel a complex series of murders, all the while dealing with his own inner conflicts.
His psychological insights are helpful to the police, but the insights into himself are more elusive.
For anyone with any interest in this type of psychological thriller
or mystery, this is a must. And most readers will find it very
difficult to put down, as the story rolls forward with intensity.
|
