It is a case unlike any psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware has ever encountered. Five-year-old Woody Swope is ill, but the real problem is his parents. They refuse to agree to the one treatment that could save this boy's life. Alex sets out to convince Mr. and Mrs. Swope--only to find that the parents have left the hospital and taken their son with them. Worse, the sleazy motel room where the Swopes were staying is empty--except for the ominous bloodstain. The Swopes and their son have vanished into the sordid shadows of the city. Now Alex and his friend, homocide detective Milo Sturgis, have no choice but to push the law to the breaking point. They've entered an amoral underworld where drugs, dreams, and sex are all for sale...where fantasies are fulfilled at any price--even at the cost of a young boy's life.
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"I ready most of Jonathan Kellerman's books many years ago. I enjoy his psychological approach to the murder mystery, and his intelligent plots. He really takes the time to explain what the characters look like, wear, or furnishings in a room, which slowed me down a bit with this book, but it's something I got used to and then I went on to enjoy the story. I'm pretty sure I read this book before, as I know I read all of the Jonathan Kellerman books. Other than the characters and settings, nothing jogged my memory about it being a repeat. I do remember that after many books in a row, I was starting to think like a psychopath, so I had to quit and read something else."
— Janice (4 out of 5 stars)
" Good characters easy to loose yourself in Kellerman's writings. I've read every book in the Alex Delaware series and enjoyed them all. "
— Stacie, 2/19/2014" Child kidnapped from cancer hospital - sister is mom and dad was plant freak. "
— Jamie, 2/18/2014" Definitely one of the creepier Alex Delaware books. "
— Marta, 2/18/2014" Love it! I am running out of compliments. No wonder he is a best selling author! He never disappoints. Another one for the shelf to get dusty! "
— Kj, 2/13/2014" OK, so anyone who has read Kellerman may be wondering why I am giving this 5 stars....? Well, first of all, it's great to have a protagonist that is a psychologist. Next, most of his books are purely entertaining, usually surprising and often quite interesting. They are not literary achievements and are almost formulaic, but they are always hard to put down and fun to read. I have read all of them and look for one when I want something that completely absorbs me, that I can read when I'm tired or traveling, and that isn't a heavy duty read. "
— Elizabeth, 1/29/2014" Did just enough homework to make it believable. "
— Ellen, 1/20/2014" I read every Alex Delaware novel I can get my hands on "
— J.W., 1/19/2014" I really like these books - the mystery is good and the writing is excellent "
— Jewett, 1/16/2014" It was a good book, plenty of twists and turns...Milo didn't make as big an appearance as he has later in the series. I missed the banter between him and Alex...there was some of that but not as much as I would've liked. Still, a good read. :) "
— Lorraine, 1/7/2014" Great book! Although, I must admit I was a little creeped out when I figured out why they called the group "the touch"..lol! Ive read the first 2 in the series now, and while I can say there are a lot of characters to keep track of, they always come full circle in the end. "
— Tara, 12/17/2013" I love all the Alex Delaware books. I always run out and get the most current one. "
— Susan, 12/11/2013" terrible! yes, i read the entire book, yes i even admit that i was reluctant to put the book down, the writing was alright. however, the story/plot line were ridiculous. normally, i enjoy kellermans novels but this one bombed. "
— Prettypinktulips, 12/9/2013" This is the second in the Alex Delaware series. When a former colleague asks Alex to talk to the family of a very ill child, he has no idea of the horrors he is about to uncover. This one kept me glued to my ebook reader! Good thing it has a great battery as I read this one in one sitting! "
— Kay, 12/6/2013" Good read. I'd forgotten who the bad guys were (always a good thing)! "
— Steve, 12/4/2013" Definitely kept me interested to find out what was going to happen! "
— Jason, 11/1/2013" Book #17 read in 2007 "
— Melissa, 8/6/2013" Not very impressed. Got a little boring. "
— Kate, 7/12/2013" The back of the book was a lot more interesting than the story. I will say Kellerman explored a lot of topics in his book that were interesting; like all the different varieties of fruit, but I just didn't get connected with the characters. "
— Lisa, 7/5/2013" The dialogue remains stilted. Who says those things? But it is better than his first book. Story is good, not great. "
— Joanne, 6/25/2013" Still enjoying the series. Wish Milo was more involved though. "
— Jeffrey, 6/17/2013" Reading this book made me want to buy some cherimoya... and that's about all I have to say about it. "
— Kenny, 6/5/2013" Blood Test (Alex Delaware) by Jonathan Kellerman (2003) "
— Julie, 3/13/2013" Thisis probably my least favorite of the 20+ books in this series. I predicted the ending right away. Not always that easy in an Alex Delaware mystery. "
— Sheryl, 12/16/2012" The second in Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware mysteries. A bit too tidily netted together but entertaining none-the-less if you like the crime-solving-hero who is independently wealthy, has a perfect girlfriend, and is a magnet for unscrupulous weirdos. "
— Martha, 11/15/2012" Good second book featuring Alex Delaware, Psychologist and amateur detective. Several situations a little far-fetched, but overall good story. I agree the ending is a bit lame and was sorry that Robin his girlfriend appears to be phasing out. "
— Rita, 8/29/2012" Over 100 ages in and I have no interest in picking it up again. It is a really dull story line. Mostly I find myself thinking "who cares?" "
— Hollie, 8/26/2012Jonathan Kellerman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty crime novels. His unique perspective on human behavior has led to the creation of the Alex Delaware series. He has won the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association. With his wife, bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman, he co-authored Double Homicide and Capital Crimes. With his son, bestselling novelist Jesse Kellerman, he co-authored six novels.
John Rubinstein is an actor, composer, and director who won a Tony Award for his starring role in Broadway’s Children of a Lesser God. He has narrated dozens of audiobooks, earning several AudioFile Earphones Awards and being named a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration in 2013.