A Cold Heart

A COLD HEART demonstrates why Jonathan Kellerman's novels are perennial bestsellers. This story, one of Kellerman's best, again features psychologist Alex Delaware, who now assists the LAPD in connecting and solving the seemingly unrelated murders of various rising stars. In addition, listeners can count on John Rubinstein, who has recorded 18 of Kellerman's novels, to give the books consistency and charm. Rubinstein's voice is warm, yet he is always able to give characters such as Detective Milo Sturgis distinct voices and personalities, while allowing the listener to be as awed by Kellerman's ingenious plot twists as the characters are. A welcome addition to Kellerman's characters is Detective Eric Stahl; Rubinstein's portrayal of Stahl's almost complete lack of emotion and identity is, perhaps, the highlight of the book. D.J.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

April 14, 2003
"This one's a twister, isn't it?" Kellerman is at it again with number 17 in his highly successful series starring smooth L.A. psychologist Alex Delaware. In this latest installment, Delaware is called in (via Homicide pal Milo Sturgis) to consult on a string of bizarre murders of fringe artists on the verge of stardom. The victims—a bluesman out of rehab, a punk diva screaming her way toward a record deal, a rising young concert pianist and an abstract painter—seem utterly unrelated. Their only connection, as Delaware shrewdly notes, is that each is " gifted, damaged soul snuffed out violently, during the first blush of comeback." Rounding out the investigative team is Det. Petra Connor (reprising her role from previous Kellerman books), this time paired with spooky, skinny Eric Stahl, a silent ex-soldier with a sweaty fear of hospitals. The clues appear in an underground zine covering art in absurdly pretentious tones ("This is DANCE as in paleo-instinctuo-bioenergetics") in articles signed by the "Faithful Scrivener," and lead the team to encounters with some of the weirder denizens of the City of Angels. Of course, Kellerman provides a meaty layer of interpersonal relationships beneath the surface of his plot, so that longtime fans can tune into the latest episode of Delaware's tense friendship with his ex, Robin, which is not where he hoped it would be, but which he handles with his usual aplomb ("When in doubt, ask about the dog"). That Robin's occupation places her squarely in the killer's crosshairs wraps things up nicely. Booksellers should have little trouble moving this along. Agent, Barney Karpfinger. Major ad/promo.