The #1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman's "psychology skills and dark imagination are a potent literary mix" (Los Angeles Times), and this intensely thrilling blend has never been so powerful as in the acclaimed author's new novel of murder and madness among the beautiful dreamers, seductive predators, and doomed innocents adrift in the glare of Southern California's eternal sunshine.
A series of horrifying events occur in quick succession in the same upscale Los Angeles neighborhood. A backyard renovation unearths an infant's body, buried sixty years ago. And soon thereafter in a nearby park, another disturbingly bizarre discovery is made not far from the body of a young woman shot in the head. Helping LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis to link these eerie incidents is brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware; but even the good doctor's vast experience with matters both clinical and criminal might not be enough to cut down to the bone of this chilling case—and draw out the disturbing truth.
Backtracking six decades into the past stirs up tales of a beautiful nurse with a mystery lover, a handsome, wealthy doctor who seems too good to be true, and a hospital with a notorious reputation—all of them long gone, along with any records of a newborn, and destined for anonymity. But the specter of fame rears its head when the case unexpectedly twists in the direction of the highest echelons of celebrity privilege. Entering this sheltered world, Alex imagines the macabre layer just below the surface—a decadent quagmire of unholy rituals and grisly sacrifice.
Before their work is done, Alex and Milo, must confront a fanatically deranged mind of such monstrous cunning that even the most depraved madman would shudder.
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"This was definitely one his better books in the past couple of years and less predictable and graphic. The depth of his characters combined his grasp of what motivates them makes all of his books worth reading."
— Sue (5 out of 5 stars)
“Certainly one of [Kellerman’s] best offerings to date…Do not miss this one.”
— Bookreporter" Not one of his best. Story has been done before by others. "
— Al, 2/8/2014" A solid entry in the Alex/Milo series. "
— Will, 2/7/2014" Classic Kellerman: There's a murder or two with a psychological edge that need to be investigated by Milo & Alex. Throw in a bunch of suspects where you're positive you know who it is only to have a wrench thrown in at the end to reveal the real killer who is not the one Kellerman was leading to all along. Love the twists. "
— Kris, 2/6/2014" It was okay. Not one of his best, but an easy read. "
— Debbie, 1/27/2014" Not a bad outing for Alex and Milo. The series is getting a bit tired, but this has an interesting twist. Alex's relationship with Robin still goes no where. But the mystery is deep and it takes a long while to zero in on the bad guy. In fact, the book could have been longer if you wanted to make getting in a bit harder. Overall a good read. "
— Nick, 1/17/2014" I think I'm getting tired of this series. For whatever reason, I'm finding the believability more ... unbelievable, I guess. So -- it's OK. I still like the series and I'm certainly not sorry I read it. But it's not one of my favorites. "
— Beth, 1/16/2014" A solid, typical, Alex Delaware story. Good, but not the best. "
— Jim, 1/15/2014" I liked this book until chapter 33 when it jumped tracks to a weird Brangelina thing. They forgot about the beginning of the book and put more importance in solving other murders, but to tie up loose ends, you get a bby announcement at the end--Big deal.......... "
— Pam, 1/12/2014" I was really disappointed in this book. Kellerman is one of my most favorite authors and Alex Delaware one of my most favorite characters. I just never really got into the book, but did read it all! Either Jonathan or I were having a bad week!!! "
— Leslie, 12/22/2013" I have read all of Kellerman's Alex Delaware books about a child psychologist and his detective friend; this is a very good entry in the series, very easy to read with a story that moves quickly and assuredly "
— Agatha, 12/22/2013" A typical Alex Delaware tale. Interesting look at Hollywood's A-list! I wonder if the police really allow friends of detectives to be so involved in investigations and are really able to take obscure clues and find the truth. "
— Bgrayyoung, 12/14/2013" I liked it. Kellerman is reliable - just a fun, quick read with the characters we know and love. "
— Missy, 11/25/2013" This book was just ok for me. This is the first book I've read by the author. It kept me interested but was expecting more. "
— Marty, 11/25/2013" I like the characters. This story was better than some, but not as good as his earlier Alex Delaware books, but to me, it was worth reading. "
— Sharon, 11/3/2013" Love Kellerman, but this book felt a little formulaic. "
— Rachel, 10/14/2013" For me this was a waste of a week of reading. Every time I picked it up I hoped it would improve. It did not. "
— Joanne, 9/5/2013" give it a 3.5-- last half for me was better than 1st half "
— Pete, 8/24/2013" Great book. Always a good series. "
— Gail, 6/30/2013" Lots of twists and turns--and great psychological insight---Jonathon Kellerman never ceases to disappoint me! "
— Kris, 6/12/2013" An Alex Delaware book is always a good read. "
— Rosemary, 6/9/2013" Another great Alex Delaware mystery, I loved it! "
— Rachel, 5/21/2013" Good book--one of my favorite authors!! (Thanks Chris!!) "
— Connie, 5/11/2013" Kellerman has done better books, but was an enjoyable read....not bad. "
— Russell, 4/7/2013" Great book! I really enjoyed reading it. "
— Angie, 3/1/2013" really good ride. Loved it. "
— Cynthia, 2/27/2013" Would give this book 3 1/2 stars. A good Kellerman read. "
— Jo, 2/25/2013Jonathan 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.