Reviews

City of the Dead by Jonathan Kellerman

clintonreissig's review against another edition

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3.0

Do you like twists? 

This book has a sort of far-fetched twist that kind of annoyed me. On one hand, I didn't see it coming and I was caught off guard. On the other hand, it made me wonder why most of the book mattered. This is my first Kellerman book and I don't know if this is the norm or not. 

Interesting story with good, probably well-known, characters but there was one glaring overused word that took me out of the story at some points. "Said". He said, she said, they said, I said. It was used so much that it caught my attention and distracted me at certain points.  

Overall, the story was a typical murder mystery that didn't disappoint but also didn't shine.

cecile87's review against another edition

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4.0

Entertaining

I always enjoy the teamwork of these kinds of police procedurals. I laughed out loud many times, even given the sobering circumstances.
This is my first read from Kellerman. I will listen to others (wow, is he prolific) of his in between other reads.
The reader I found mostly easy to listen to. When he adopted grating voices, or whiny ones, it was a bit much. Otherwise, his range of voice changes is amazing.

david_mazurowski's review against another edition

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tense medium-paced

5.0

hollsbooks's review

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.25

katelynjaynexx's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

3.5

lynguy1's review against another edition

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4.0

City of the Dead by Jonathan Kellerman brings more than just murder and suspense to the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series. It combines a police procedural with psychology to bring additional insights into the story and people. The books are also tend to be cerebral in nature.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when Milo is called to the scene of young naked man hit by a van. But a blood trail leads to a nearby home where a woman has been murdered and any thoughts of accidental death disappear.

Milo and Alex have been friends for years and while they often approach cases from different standpoints, their investigative and cognitive techniques gel as well as their dispositions, and they keep the cases fresh, entertaining and moving along. The way they bounce ideas off of each other feels natural. At this stage of the series, the main characters are well known to this reader and have depth. Some secondary characters from previous books in the series show up to keep things interesting and provide additional awareness of how Milo and his team work together.

The writing style flowed well and I knew I was back with old friends. Kellerman’s writing is polished and appealing, doing a good job of transporting me to the Los Angeles area. Whether they are talking about or experiencing the traffic or food or the people, I was living the events with Milo and Alex. They both want to achieve justice and hold bad people accountable for their actions. The story had several twists and there were a couple of surprises at the end. It was definitely not predictable to me. Will you be shocked by the culprit’s identity?

Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Milo and Alex’s world and their latest case. It was an engaging read with a solid mystery to unravel. I also liked the insights into Alex’s work with child custody cases including his approach and his thoughts going into a new case.

Readers that like the series and police procedurals should enjoy this latest novel. I don’t recommend jumping into this series at number 37, though. Start earlier in the series to have the best reading experience. I have read over 20 books in the series and plan to read them all. They’re never disappointing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 8, 2022.

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Per publisher guidelines, my 4 star review will be posted approximately 2 weeks prior to publication.

holl3640's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

roelia's review against another edition

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4.0

"City of the Dead" has been my first "Alex Delaware" series read in quite a while. And I so enjoyed it! The dynamic and friendship between psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis felt familiar and comfortable. This is book 37 in the series and I've got mixed feelings as to recommend it as a 'stand alone' or not? I guess that, after 36 books, there are some unspoken (and spoken) relationships and interactions that would help you as reader to feel as if you've got the 'full picture', but it will not necessarily stop you from enjoying it? It may even motivate you to read the rest! The way I feel now, I want to catch up!

This time the duo is investigating a grisly double murder - a naked young man's body is found in the street in an affluent neighourhood and in a house nearly, a young woman's dead body is also found. What happened here? The story flows at a good pace as more clues (and suspects) come to light.

If you are a fan of a police procedurals, this is definitely for you!

Disclosure: Thank you to #PenguinBookSA for the copy, in exchanges for a honest review.

traci1974's review against another edition

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4.0

How have I never read Jonathan Kellerman before now? Someone left a copy of this book in my Little Free Library, and it looked like something I'd enjoy, so I snagged it. It was exactly the sort of thing I love. Quick and easy read (no unnecessary flowery prose), solid plot, great cast of characters. I finished it in a day. Now I need to go back and start with book one. Yay for finding a new to me series with 37 books already written!

constantreader471's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this psychological mystery. This book is number 37 in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It is the only book that I have read by this author. It opens with a naked man hit by a moving van. But a second body is discovered. Psychologist Alex Delaware is called in to consult by LAPD detective Milo Sturgis. They do solve the crimes in a pleasant police procedural.
Two quotes:
"The pancake approach to parenthood. Toss the first batch."
" Not the two handed thing you see hundred pound actresses do in movies. "
I am retired law enforcement. I was taught to use 2 hands when firing my weapon, to ensure a secure grip.
I rate this book 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to Ballantine Books and the author for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#CityoftheDead #NetGalley.