Jonathan Kellerman has distinguished himself as the master of the psychological thriller. Now L.A. psychologist-detective Alex Delaware confronts a long-unsolved murder of unspeakable brutality—an ice-cold case whose resolution threatens his survival, and that of longtime friend, homicide detective, Milo Sturgis. The nightmare begins when Alex receives a strange package in the mail with no return address. Inside is an ornate album filled with gruesome crime scene photos—a homicide scrapbook entitled The Murder Book. Alex can find no reason for anyone to send him this compendium of death, but when Milo views the book, he is immediately shaken by one of the images: a young woman, tortured, strangled, and dumped near a freeway ramp. This was one of Milo’s first cases as a rookie homicide cop: a vicious killing that he failed to solve, because just as he and his training partner began to make headway, the department closed them down. Being forced to abandon the young victim tormented Milo. But his fears prevented him from pursuing the truth, and over the years he managed to forget. Or so he thought. Now, two decades later, someone has chosen to stir up the past. As Alex and Milo set out to uncover what really happened twenty years ago, their every move is followed and their lives are placed in jeopardy. The relentless investigation reaches deep into L.A.’s nerve-centers of power and wealth—past and present. While peeling back layer after layer of ugly secrets, they discover that the murder of one forgotten girl has chilling ramifications that extend far beyond the tragic loss of a single life. A classic story of good and evil, sacrifice and sin, The Murder Book is a gripping page-turner that illuminates the darkest corridors of the human mind. It is a stunning tour de force.
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"This story may have had too many characters, but what made it so remarkable was the depth of Milo's story. Milo is perhaps the main reason I reach for Alex Delaware novels again and again. He is such a wonderful mix of grizzly bear and academic. My father was a police officer, and many of my friends are homosexual and I can see the struggles of both sides of life in his character. And the appearances, however brief, of Doctor Rick are gems."
— Kirsten (4 out of 5 stars)
" Haven't read this author before and thought I would give him a try. Book was a bit long-winded and not all that interesting. A cold case comes back and found many rich people who were blocking the path to justice. "
— Gwen, 2/9/2014" Initially, I gave it three stars im March last year (2009) but as I cannot remember the book at all for some reason now (February 2010), I have to conclude it was not that good. Hence the reduction in stars. "
— Antonia, 2/9/2014" Language! This is an Alex Delaware story and I usually enjoy these but not so much this one. Maybe because there were so many disfunctional families causing so much harm, even Alex's own relationship is going south. I need to read something happy!! "
— Carol, 2/9/2014" Mmm, not one of his better books. The whole thing about the "Murder Book" was definitely interesting but it kind of turned out ehhh for me. I'm still a loyal Alex Delaware fan though! "
— Kite, 1/30/2014" Pretty good as far as detective books go. I like how Kellerman avoids over-complicating the already twisted plot by assigning lesser characters funny names like "Sweatpants" or "Smiley." It added subtle humor and clarity as well. Good, light reading. "
— Nicole, 1/24/2014" Nice development, characters and resolution. Fun Book. "
— Michael, 1/23/2014" Alex and Milo set out to solve a 20-year-old murder of a 16-year-old girl. The rich boys, now men, are guilty, but how to prove it? Great mystery. "
— Pat, 1/17/2014" If you haven't read any of his books you are missing out. Great author, great reads! "
— Lisa, 1/15/2014" There is a lot going on here. Lots of Milo, lots of characters, and lots of wordiness about 60% through. Stick with it, though; the wrapup doesn't disappoint. "
— doug, 12/29/2013" Good, but wasn't my favorite Alex Delaware... "
— Mandy, 12/14/2013Jonathan 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.