Title: Dr. Death
Author: Jonathan Kellerman
First published December 5, 2000
436 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345413888 (ISBN10: 0345413881)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
In Jonathan Kellerman’s gripping novel, Dr. Death, psychologist-detective Alex Delaware is once again thrust into a world of violence and madness. This time, the victim is Eldon Mate – a former physician with a notorious reputation.
Mate had been responsible for the deaths of countless individuals, but now someone has turned the tables on him, leaving him mutilated in a van. Delaware is called in to assist his friend, homicide cop Milo Sturgis, in unraveling the mystery of Mate’s killer.
As the investigation deepens, Delaware’s own secrets threaten to jeopardize their partnership and the case itself. With its heart-stopping suspense and chilling insights into the darkest recesses of the human psyche, Dr. Death is a riveting journey into a world of unspeakable horrors.
About the Author
Jonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and raised in Los Angeles. During his time at UCLA, he worked as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor, and freelance musician.
At the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.
Jonathan pursued a Ph.D. in psychology and specialized in the treatment of children, earning his degree at the young age of 24. He completed internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
In 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research on the psychological effects of extreme isolation on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these children and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology in 1977, which was the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer worldwide.
Jonathan was the founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the guidance of one of Jonathan’s former students, continues to make significant progress.
Jonathan’s first published books were a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980, and a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD, one year later.
In 1985, Jonathan’s first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published, and it became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was a smash hit and was produced as a TV movie.
It won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Every year since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel, and on occasion, two.
He has also written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Although he is no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to a bestselling novelist, and they have four children.
Editoral Review
In “Dr. Death,” Jonathan Kellerman has created a stunning addition to his beloved Alex Delaware series. For those who are already fans of Kellerman’s work or are simply looking for a captivating and engaging read, this book is an excellent choice.
Kellerman, who has been writing mystery novels for decades, is a master at his craft, and this novel is no exception. For those unfamiliar with the series, Dr. Death follows the titular character, psychologist Alex Delaware, as he investigates a series of macabre murders.
The victims, all wealthy and prominent individuals, are found brutally murdered in their homes – their throats slashed and their bodies laid out in grotesque tableaus. Together with his friend and LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis, Alex sets out to track down the killer before he strikes again.
Kellerman’s writing is as polished as ever, and he expertly weaves together the various plot threads and character arcs to create a truly compelling story. Alex Delaware remains a complex and engaging protagonist, and Milo Sturgis is as gruff and likable as ever.
Kellerman’s eye for detail adds depth to the novel’s setting, painting a vivid portrait of LA in the early 2000s. One of the strengths of this novel is the way Kellerman tackles societal issues such as wealth inequality and the excesses of the rich and powerful.
He does so without ever sacrificing the mystery at the heart of the story, making Dr. Death a smart and thought-provoking read. Kellerman’s exploration of the human psyche is as fascinating as ever, and his discussions of psychology and mental health add a layer of depth to an already engaging plot.
That being said, some readers may find the plot slow at times. While Kellerman’s attention to detail is commendable, it can slow the pacing of the story down.
Additionally, the plot’s twists and turns may be predictable for seasoned mystery readers. These flaws, however, are minor in the grand scheme of things and do little to detract from the overall quality of the book.
For mystery fans, “Dr. Death” is a must-read. Kellerman proves yet again that he is a master of the craft, creating a novel that is engaging, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining.
Fans of previous Alex Delaware novels will find plenty to enjoy here, and newcomers to the series will likely become hooked. Overall, “Dr. Death” is a brilliant addition to Kellerman’s already impressive body of work.
The Washington Post gives it four out of five stars.
