Rating: 
Summary: A fast-paced thriller!
Review: This is probably Kellerman's best novel yet. The pace never slowed and it was difficult for me to put the book down. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to Billy (whom, by the way, I wanted to adopt). This is an absolutely engrossing mystery. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I found out I was wrong. I hope there will be more Petra Connor mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: His best in years
Review: I have been reading Kellerman since his first Alex Delaware books, and thought the series had gotten a little stale and predictable. As a matter of fact, I had begun to prefer Faye's books. But Billy has set me straight...I was enthralled by the introduction of Billy Straight, a child of today one can love, and root for...not unlike a modern Oliver Twist or David Cooperfield. One can only hope that Billy becomes integrated into a series, as his large new extended family brings him into the fold of a humane fight against injustice towards kids. Thanks, Jonathan Kellerman. With all the bashing kids today get in the popular culture, a child hero is long overdue. By the way, a Det Grafton in Santa Barbara makes an appearance, for those of us who love inside jokes....perhaps, next time, Harry Bosch can ask Petra for a date?
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Jonathan Kellerman is one of my favorite authors but this book didn't measure up. There are three parallel stories going at once which breaks up the narrative flow. The characters are not well-developed. What happened to the great psychological insights I've come to expect? Worst of all, there is not much suspense, no amazing twist where some minor character reveals the key needed to unravel the mystery. There was potential here -- a good idea for a plot and potentially interesting characters. It's as if this were the rough draft and not the polished version. I recommend all his other novels except The Web; my favorite is Silent Partner.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific book!
Review: I bought this book knowing it was supposed to be a great book - and it lived up to all my expectations - I didn't even miss Alex Delaware! Billy Straight is Kellerman's best book yet!
Rating:
Summary: What was he thinking?
Review: I expect more of Mr. Kellerman, the plot was thin, I know "who done it", there was no mystery, just some plodding, predictable detective work, characters seemed prediictable as well, hard working woman "D" , idiot boss, . . . I'm a fan, but this one left me cold, wanted to just get it done, and move on.
Rating: 
Summary: Kellerman pulls off a stunt. But why?
Review: About half-way through the book you suddenly realize what Jonathan Kellerman is really doing with "Billy Straight". (The title is a clue.) Because he is a superb writer, he does it well. The question is: "Is it worth doing, at all?" And the answer, especially when it means diffusing and prolonging a story beyond any reasonable bounds, is... sadly... not really. Jonathan, what the dickens made you do it?
Rating:
Summary: Excellent characterization. I read the book in one night.
Review: I have long been a Kellerman fan and have read all of his books. His understanding of the psychological factors involving children is again represented in his current novel. Billy Straight is depressing in its reality of life on the streets for an adolescent male in the big city, but this is juxtapositioned with a taut, tense storyline that dares the reader to put the book down before the last page. My only disappointment in this novel was the lack of a substantive role for Alex Delaware or Milo Sturgis, my friends from his past novels. This book is a must read, classic Kellerman novel with more twists, turns, ups and downs than a roller coaster.
Rating:
Summary: His best book yet
Review: What a tremendous story! The characters are so well-drawn, and the story just leaps forward. And there are no annoying loose ends. Congratulations yet again to a wonderful writer. I'm looking forward to seeing Petra in her third adventure.
Rating:
Summary: Kellerman delivers once more
Review: I've read all of Kellerman's books, and while he is primarily known for the Delaware books, I feel that his only change-of-pace novel, The Butcher's Theater, was his best novel. Until now. Whereas Alex Delaware seems to have a major ego complex and what I call the "superstud self-awareness", Kellerman avoids all that in his new novel. He paints a portrait of a 12 year old who has seen all too much, and is just trying to survive. You'll want to root for Billy, and hope that he can truly conquer all of his personal demons to grow up into a fine young man. I am often engrossed in Kellerman's books, but I think this is the first that actually made me shed some tears. However, let's not leave out Petra, a policewoman overcoming some pain of her own. Kellerman has often misfired in his characterizations of women. Robin Castagna, Delaware's girlfriend-cum-common law wife, is still rather poorly described even after 12 books. Not so with Petra, who grabs you at the first and never lets go. Here's hoping that she gets a series of her own. Of course, Delaware can't be completely absent from a Kellerman book, and he makes a short cameo at the end. It is understated, but effective. Also, it is refreshing to view the usual protagonist through a child's eyes. Frankly, I think Billy was dead on. I give this five stars, but with a caveat or two. There were many, many points of view: Billy and Petra and the killer (necessary), but also Petra's partner, Billy's abusive stepfather, dead-eyed mother, and some other ones. It was a little too easy to get distracted, although when the action returned to Billy or Petra I was back into the story once more. But all in all, a wonderful read from an author who knows his niche inside and out, and has the courage to stretch his creative wings a little. Here's hoping we hear more from Billy and Petra in the future.
Rating:
Summary: Jonathan Kellerman wrote this one? Read like a Faye K. book
Review: Started off creating some new and intriguing characters with the detectives. Could have developed them a whole lot more. Why call this an Alex Delaware book when he is casually mentioned and hardly given a part? And Milo is briefly mentioned 2 times? The ending is rushed--did Jonathan really write this book? I expect a lot more from him--how about a re-write?
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