True Detectives: A Novel
by Jonathan Kellerman
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Book Reviews of True Detectives: A Novel
Book Review: Sibling Rivalry
Summary: 5 Stars
Ostensibly an Alex Delaware series novel, the good doctor merely makes a
cameo appearance in this book, merely offering a suggestion to detectives in a murder inquiry. In fact, Milo appears just in passing. Instead, the plot involves two antagonistic brothers, Moses Reed and his half-black/half-white step-brother Aaron Fox, who, despite their filial differences, previously solved the Marsh Murders in a prior novel. Mo is an LAPD homicide detective and Aaron, formerly a cop, now is a highly paid private eye.
Somehow, they both end up investigating the same murder. Even more surprising, they even help each other in their efforts despite competing fiercely. From the initial assignment investigating the disappearance of a missing college student, they progress to three more murders, all inter-related and involving Hollywood types.
Written with the usual psychological insights of a Jonathan Kellerman novel, the plot is tightly drawn. The juxtaposition of the brothers' thought processes and methodology deeply contrasts their personalities and provides an interesting approach to the story. Highly recommended.
Book Review: True Disappointment
Summary: 1 Stars
I think True Disappointment is a better title for this one. I, too, am an avid Jonathan Kellerman reader. Especially, his Dr. Delaware series. He has such a talent for keeping us engaged in his plots and characters so much so that you don't want to put the book down. I usually have to plan my time so that I can sit and read uninterupted.
Not with this one! I had a difficult time getting through it over a two week period. His characters, the 2 brothers, weren't bad. But his characterization of their dislike for each other was over done and just not believeable. And, what is up with the fashion commentary? I get it that one was a casual dresser and the other was Mr. GQ, but after that was established it just wasn't germain to the story.
I have to wonder who actually wrote this stinker. It certainly isn't what we usually see from Jonathan Kellerman's prophetic prose. Oh, Jonathan, please don't disappoint us again!
Book Review: Very disappointing ...
Summary: 2 Stars
I'm fond of Jonathan Kellerman's books, but this one was a disappointment.
Generally, his books are well-plotted with interesting well-developed characters & unusual spins on behavior that keep me absorbed & in suspense. I also really like his wife's books (Faye Kellerman) & I enjoy the way they mix their LA characters into each other's worlds. It makes the world of their LA more real somehow.
This book is okay, but just okay. The characters are okay, the plot is okay, it's just kind of flat & okay. It feels perfunctory in the way a series starts to feel when the author has written too many too fast for too long & is running out of ideas &/or desire (see also, Patricia Cornwell). Kellerman's writing about new characters here, but it still falls flat. Hopefully the next one out will have improved. He's capable of writing great mysteries/thrillers which makes this one even more disappointing.
Book Review: It's a Good Story, No Matter Where You Worship
Summary: 5 Stars
I like a good detective story and Jonathan Kellerman always delivers one. And I'm a fan of the slow reveal as we learn more about our two protagonists, Aaron Fox and Moses Reed, half-brothers with plenty of hostility but a shared desire to unearth the truth.
I'm aware that this novel has a lot of religious overtones and seems to condemn actor Mel Gibson in a not-so-subtle characterization. Personally, I read more of Michael Moore's career highlights into the bad guy's film ouvere than I did Gibson's. In any case, this story isn't so much about condemning God as it is about condemning Evil and hypocrisy.
Kellerman's world is always gory and a little seedy, but I enjoy a sense of physical relief when the bad guy is caught and made to pay. This would be a great novel for a long flight or a lazy day at the beach. Detective fiction fans will be pleased.
Book Review: A nice break from Delaware
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book. I am a huge Delaware fan, but I feel Kellerman did a good job of this book which follows the exploits of the detective brohters. I think the premise of their heritage (one is the cool black dude, and the other is the more easily flustered red headed gym freak) was very clever. As usual, his plots are complicated with lots of red herrings; but being an Angeleno, I enjoyed the locale and the dialogue between the brothers. There are also other memorable characters in the novel; my fave being a Heath Legder/Robert Downing Hollywood type who is both sardonically humorous and poignant. I listened to the fabulous John Rubinstein read the book on audio and I would highly recommend his amazing performance. I am always in awe of how Rubinstein brings these characters to vibrant life. I hope Kellerman writes a sequel, so we get to find out who killed their father!!!