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Alex Delaware #14
Dr. Death
Death Is at Hand
In the 15 years that have passed since When the Bough Breaks was published, Jonathan Kellerman has produced a substantial body of fiction that combines viscerally exciting melodrama with subtlety and psychological complexity. These characteristic virtues are on full display in Dr. Death, Kellerman's 16th novel, and the 14th entry in the bestselling series featuring child psychologist -- and amateur detective -- Alex Delaware.
In the 15 years that have passed since When the Bough Breaks was published, Jonathan Kellerman has produced a substantial body of fiction that combines viscerally exciting melodrama with subtlety and psychological complexity. These characteristic virtues are on full display in Dr. Death, Kellerman's 16th novel, and the 14th entry in the bestselling series featuring child psychologist -- and amateur detective -- Alex Delaware.
As the novel opens, Alex has signed on, once again, as an independent consultant to the Los Angeles Police Department. Partnered, as usual, with gay homicide detective Milo Sturgis, Alex finds himself investigating the death of a notorious, Kevorkian-like figure named Eldon Mate, popularly known as "Dr. Death." A controversial advocate of the "right to die," and a direct
participant in at least 50 assisted suicides, Mate enters the headlines one last time when his grotesquely mutilated body is found strapped to the "humanitron," a machine designed to facilitate the suicides of terminally ill clients.
Alex's involvement nearly results in an unintended conflict of interest. Some months earlier, Alex had treated a teenaged girl named Stacy Doss, whose mother, Joanne, ended a protracted illness by taking her own life, presumably with Mate's assistance. Richard Doss, Stacey's father and Joanne's husband, bitterly resented the role Mate played in his wife's suicide. A wealthy, powerful man with a hair-trigger temper, Richard is one of a number of people with a viable motive for murder.
As the investigation proceeds, Alex and Milo steadily unearth a string of prospective culprits. Included among them are Mate's lawyer, who disappeared immediately after his client's death; Mate's son, a homeless, possibly psychotic artist whose father abandoned him many years before; and various members of the wealthy, terminally dysfunctional Doss family. Complicating
all this is the possible involvement of an unrelated suspect: a traveling serial killer who goes by many names and whose modus operandi eerily mirrors the methods employed by Eldon Mate's killer.
Kellerman assembles his complex, multilayered plot with typical ingenuity, leading Alex through a lethal labyrinth of possibilities toward a violent, ironic conclusion. But Dr. Death is more than just a compelling novel of suspense. Like so much of Kellerman's work, it is also an acute, painfully precise portrait of a family torn apart by internal pressures and by the combined effects of guilt, grief, rage, hatred, and twisted, misplaced love. Dr. Death offers intelligent, compassionate, high-adrenaline entertainment and reaffirms Kellerman's position as one the leading modern practitioners of psychological suspense.
--Bill Sheehan
Bill Sheehan reviews horror, suspense, and science fiction for Cemetery Dance, The New York Review of Science Fiction, and other publications. His book-length critical study of the fiction of Peter Straub, At the Foot of the Story Tree, has just been published by Subterranean Press (www.subterraneanpress.com).
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 5, 2000
556 people are currently reading
3848 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
197 books5,794 followersJonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles. He helped work his way through UCLA as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor and freelance musician. As a senior, at the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens 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 into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens 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 into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
August 6, 2017
Ok series! intrigue,twists and turns to find who's the evil killer,then there's a bit of mystery,fun and surprises also in the storyline (paperback!)
October 2, 2019
This author has a ton of dialogue with very little action. Typically, this style of writing does not hold my attention well (nor does non-stop chapter after chapter of action), but the psychology of the protagonist makes this interesting to me. The main character, Alex Delaware, analyzes not only each suspect, but various events throughout the course of his day. The author is a highly respected and successful psychologist, so there are times I feel like I am gaining insight into human nature. What separates art from entertainment is the capturing of the truth or essence of a thing, and those aha moments are sprinkled throughout the story.
When the action does appear it is nerve wracking, tense, brief, and well executed. The author knows how to develop a slow burn plot that gradually builds to a satisfying conclusion. Everything has a ring of verisimilitude to it that I find rewarding. There are times that the list of characters seems overwhelming, but there are definitely well developed and extended characters and plot elements that show a polish and expertise that makes the professionalism of this author shine.
4 stars.
When the action does appear it is nerve wracking, tense, brief, and well executed. The author knows how to develop a slow burn plot that gradually builds to a satisfying conclusion. Everything has a ring of verisimilitude to it that I find rewarding. There are times that the list of characters seems overwhelming, but there are definitely well developed and extended characters and plot elements that show a polish and expertise that makes the professionalism of this author shine.
4 stars.
December 2, 2017
Rounded up from a 4.5...did not see that ending coming!
April 28, 2019
I am sorry to give this 2 stars for one of my favorite authors. Some things were not explained thoroughly.
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April 7, 2018
Why did a wife and mother eat herself to death? Was Dr. Death responsible? Multiple possibilities, plausible ending. Very good (although I don’t recall the story anymore).
January 18, 2020
The twist at the end or the the actually done it was great!!! Do we have the right to die? If we are incredibly sick and never getting better do we have the right to die??
August 28, 2017
Another novel in the Alex Delaware series that feels a bit like two stories pinned together in order to create an interesting plot. 'Dr. Death' is interesting, but in the end I felt it too contrived because of the plot pasting. Still, definitely interesting.
The book has three candidates who could have killed the character Dr. Death, who, unlike the real-life Dr. Kevorkian, on whom the character Dr. Death is modeled (only Kevorkian's last two real-life suicidal patients Kevorkian helped to die were morally suspect choices to help), Dr. Death appeared to help anyone wanting to die for ANY reason.
Wanting to commit suicide because of a fatal or an awful illness is one thing (and I approve of the "Death with Dignity" legislation people are trying to pass in states) but being only clinically depressed is another case entirely. Assisted suicide, in my opinion, generally is a good idea though.
However, Dr. Death seemed to really be a serial killer with a thin legal and moral veneer. When he is murdered, it is not completely a sad thing. But it is soon very obvious that there must be more Dr. Deaths loose and they don't need any moral veneer to murder.
Delaware is very confused by this case and as a result is not on top of his game. Adding to his confusion, he is forced to avoid Milo, his best friend, because one of the possible suspects is Delaware's client. He cannot share ideas with Milo, a cop, without violating confidentiality. In addition, several murders and crimes cross each other muddying the tracks. It doesn't help that Delaware has had a previous professional relationship with most of the protagonists. In most of the book, the good psychologist is off his game and his appetite.
Unfortunately, I think the book was written a little off as well, but I enjoyed it.
The real life story behind the fictional Dr. Death is the real Dr. Jack Kevorkian. I agree with the author Jonathan Kellerman - there comes a time when doctors should relieve suffering compassionately by euthanizing patients who rationally request it, but Kevorkian seemed to me less interested in compassion in his last two assisted suicides and more interested in playing God for self-gratification and publicity. He helped people more than he hurt, though, imho.
Our society treats the whole subject of suicide as a black and white issue, when obviously there are definite nuances involved. Having seen the results of the ravages and torment of cancer, I think the option of suicide should be allowed. But I also understand the fears of handicapped people who are utterly dependent on caretakers. Many of the handicapped want as many high bars as possible in place to prevent some caretaker from murdering them in mistaken sympathy or exhaustion. But I'm exasperated by the handicapped who are using their fears to get in the way of folks who are in terrible pain who want to die. As for the religious protesters - I feel they are sadists or extremely stupid idiots hiding behind their religion to justify a complete lack of humanity or common sense.
The book has three candidates who could have killed the character Dr. Death, who, unlike the real-life Dr. Kevorkian, on whom the character Dr. Death is modeled (only Kevorkian's last two real-life suicidal patients Kevorkian helped to die were morally suspect choices to help), Dr. Death appeared to help anyone wanting to die for ANY reason.
Wanting to commit suicide because of a fatal or an awful illness is one thing (and I approve of the "Death with Dignity" legislation people are trying to pass in states) but being only clinically depressed is another case entirely. Assisted suicide, in my opinion, generally is a good idea though.
However, Dr. Death seemed to really be a serial killer with a thin legal and moral veneer. When he is murdered, it is not completely a sad thing. But it is soon very obvious that there must be more Dr. Deaths loose and they don't need any moral veneer to murder.
Delaware is very confused by this case and as a result is not on top of his game. Adding to his confusion, he is forced to avoid Milo, his best friend, because one of the possible suspects is Delaware's client. He cannot share ideas with Milo, a cop, without violating confidentiality. In addition, several murders and crimes cross each other muddying the tracks. It doesn't help that Delaware has had a previous professional relationship with most of the protagonists. In most of the book, the good psychologist is off his game and his appetite.
Unfortunately, I think the book was written a little off as well, but I enjoyed it.
The real life story behind the fictional Dr. Death is the real Dr. Jack Kevorkian. I agree with the author Jonathan Kellerman - there comes a time when doctors should relieve suffering compassionately by euthanizing patients who rationally request it, but Kevorkian seemed to me less interested in compassion in his last two assisted suicides and more interested in playing God for self-gratification and publicity. He helped people more than he hurt, though, imho.
Our society treats the whole subject of suicide as a black and white issue, when obviously there are definite nuances involved. Having seen the results of the ravages and torment of cancer, I think the option of suicide should be allowed. But I also understand the fears of handicapped people who are utterly dependent on caretakers. Many of the handicapped want as many high bars as possible in place to prevent some caretaker from murdering them in mistaken sympathy or exhaustion. But I'm exasperated by the handicapped who are using their fears to get in the way of folks who are in terrible pain who want to die. As for the religious protesters - I feel they are sadists or extremely stupid idiots hiding behind their religion to justify a complete lack of humanity or common sense.
February 20, 2021
3 stars
It's always nice too spend a few days with Dr Delaware. I'm always interested in the psychology behind the choices peop!e make
It's always nice too spend a few days with Dr Delaware. I'm always interested in the psychology behind the choices peop!e make
August 8, 2014
Pure junk.
Rarely does anything happen during the course of the story; most of the intrigue involves people sitting around talking about what's already happened, what's already been uncovered and investigated, and theorizing about what it means or what they don't know for sure. Then later someone admits to the thing they theorized about before, with few events actually occurring in the present. Dullsville.
Plus the description. Any time a new character or location is introduced he goes on and on and on about the clothes, hairstyle, physical type...the decor, the landscape, the freakin' weather…enough already, who cares? Create an impression and tell the story, use the setting and style to do so but don't give me a guided tour of every aspect of existence.
This is an international bestseller? This is lazy writing. This is a guy who got rich and famous and doesn't try anymore, if he ever did.
Pure junk.
Rarely does anything happen during the course of the story; most of the intrigue involves people sitting around talking about what's already happened, what's already been uncovered and investigated, and theorizing about what it means or what they don't know for sure. Then later someone admits to the thing they theorized about before, with few events actually occurring in the present. Dullsville.
Plus the description. Any time a new character or location is introduced he goes on and on and on about the clothes, hairstyle, physical type...the decor, the landscape, the freakin' weather…enough already, who cares? Create an impression and tell the story, use the setting and style to do so but don't give me a guided tour of every aspect of existence.
This is an international bestseller? This is lazy writing. This is a guy who got rich and famous and doesn't try anymore, if he ever did.
Pure junk.
June 16, 2019
I've read this before and remembered who the killer was; nevertheless, I didn't remember the majority of the story so it was still somewhat entertaining, I guess, for serial killer fiction.
I don't intend to ever read it again.
Dr. Delaware is called in on a case that may conflict with his psychological counseling of a teenage girl he had been treating. His cop friend Milo is acting weird and not returning Dr. Delaware's calls. Dr. Delaware seems particularly inept in this book, until he catches onto what is going on; a little late for some people, but, can't catch all the murderers all the time I suppose. The ending was satisfying because at least one person was not inept.
I don't intend to ever read it again.
Dr. Delaware is called in on a case that may conflict with his psychological counseling of a teenage girl he had been treating. His cop friend Milo is acting weird and not returning Dr. Delaware's calls. Dr. Delaware seems particularly inept in this book, until he catches onto what is going on; a little late for some people, but, can't catch all the murderers all the time I suppose. The ending was satisfying because at least one person was not inept.
May 21, 2014
Not my favorite Alex Delaware book, the whole premise was a bit contrived, but I still liked it. I think it's because I love the character of Alex Delaware and also his best friend Milo. Love how they play off each other. I also enjoy reading the inner struggle that Alex Delaware goes through...each mystery forming a little piece of his being.
May 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and especially the ending. It has an exciting surprise ending, I couldn't put it down! I would recommend this to anyone!
August 26, 2020
3...Great story, love me some Alex and Milo...the ending seemed disjointed though...the psyche a bit off...trying for the wow affect! And "child" psychologist...where exactly has that been happening lately???
March 21, 2019
Delaware gets drawn into the vicious murder of a controversial doctor well known for assisted suicide and a complex narrative emerges as potential suspects are pursued - this book was way too long which is why only 3 stars
August 14, 2017
What a horrible book. My touchstone is the Spencer series by Robert B. Parker. Every second or third chapter, it seems, Parker writes a dull scene between the detective and his psychologist girlfriend. They discuss the case. These scenes seldom move the story forward and are the low-points of each book. Imagine an entire book told from the psychologist’s perspective and you have this novel, for the protagonist is a psychologist who works with the police.
Aside from this problem, the book is given to the most lurid edge of an already lurid story. Fans of the lurid will enjoy this, but I do not. A huge problem is that the modern detective story gained respectability by unmasking the dirty little secrets of apparently average families. This began before Ross MacDonald, but he is credited with making it “art.” What MacDonald really did is make it a cliché. If his books are read expecting a Jerry Springer-style family secret to emerge, MacDonald’s plots yield their secrets early. Kellerman’s book has this disease. Perhaps 80% of the story is devoted to such a family, but they are a red herring. Is it possible to unread 80% of a book and somehow get that time back to devote to a better book?
Kellerman writes with sufficient craft to keep pages turning in the hope that the book will somehow prove to be worthwhile. It wasn’t for me. I picked it up hoping to find a new contemporary crime novelist to read now that Parker is gone. His replacement will not be Jonathan Kellerman.
Aside from this problem, the book is given to the most lurid edge of an already lurid story. Fans of the lurid will enjoy this, but I do not. A huge problem is that the modern detective story gained respectability by unmasking the dirty little secrets of apparently average families. This began before Ross MacDonald, but he is credited with making it “art.” What MacDonald really did is make it a cliché. If his books are read expecting a Jerry Springer-style family secret to emerge, MacDonald’s plots yield their secrets early. Kellerman’s book has this disease. Perhaps 80% of the story is devoted to such a family, but they are a red herring. Is it possible to unread 80% of a book and somehow get that time back to devote to a better book?
Kellerman writes with sufficient craft to keep pages turning in the hope that the book will somehow prove to be worthwhile. It wasn’t for me. I picked it up hoping to find a new contemporary crime novelist to read now that Parker is gone. His replacement will not be Jonathan Kellerman.
August 6, 2014
Shocking. Gripping. Page-turner.
I was expecting something in the line of Val McDermid but this turned out to be completely different. Towards the end,I couldn't even comprehend it and I guessed it would have been better if I didn't. But no use in closing one's eyes to what's happening around,I guess. Entirely different from most of the books in the genre,Kellerman does it again. My first read of him,'On the edge',made quite an impression on me. And it's the same with this one too. Looking forward to read more by him.
I was expecting something in the line of Val McDermid but this turned out to be completely different. Towards the end,I couldn't even comprehend it and I guessed it would have been better if I didn't. But no use in closing one's eyes to what's happening around,I guess. Entirely different from most of the books in the genre,Kellerman does it again. My first read of him,'On the edge',made quite an impression on me. And it's the same with this one too. Looking forward to read more by him.
March 21, 2017
After a Dr. Kevorkian type of doctor is found dead, murdered and hooked up to the machine he would use for his mercy killings, Milo enlists Alex's help in solving the case. But Alex has a conflict of interest, a connection to the case that he can not legally or morally divulge. There was an unrealistic conclusion, where Alex confronts the person involved, and all is poured out to reveal their motives.
June 25, 2011
I must say that I only read this book because someone gave it to me. I thought the mystery was satisfying and surprising in it's conclusion. I didn't really enjoy all the twists and turns of the of the pschologist's personal life, but all in all it was a complicated and suspenseful.
July 23, 2017
The build was good, just like every other book in the series. However, this one arguably had the most anticlimactic ending in the series. In retrospect, the mystery wasn't as complex and the plotting wasn't as intricate compared to previous installments.
June 4, 2017
My favorite of the the Kellerman books so far. Keeps you guessing throughout. Well conceived plot twists and surprises.
December 24, 2021
3.9 stars? I’m conflicted because I kind of almost wanna rate this a little higher, because I was so very very pleasantly surprised with how much therapy there was in this one (the most out of any of the other 16 AD books I’ve read)😯🤩. Also, I don’t think this one had any parts that really bored me, at least not many, like there were hardly any parts where my attention drifted away or I started to fall asleep. The reason I’m not rating this slightly higher is because the crimes in this are pretty freaking gruesome, like I had to fast forward through parts…and even so, I still ended up getting the gist of what happened & it’s just 😵🤢
October 23, 2024
Jonathan Kellerman a child psychologist puts himself into his psychological thriller books as character Alex Delaware aptly.
Delaware consults as a psychologist with LAPD detective Milo Sturgis on unsolved murder cases. In Dr. Death, the fourteenth book in the series, there is a little more revealed about the two characters. But not enough.
The story is told through a lot of dialogue taking the reader through all the twists and turns to a surprising conclusion. I just wish there was more action rather than people talking and thinking about what it all meant.
Kellerman cranked out a book each year to keep his followers satisfied. I read this because I had been collecting dust on my bookshelf for a long time. I figured I must have bought it for a reason.
Delaware consults as a psychologist with LAPD detective Milo Sturgis on unsolved murder cases. In Dr. Death, the fourteenth book in the series, there is a little more revealed about the two characters. But not enough.
The story is told through a lot of dialogue taking the reader through all the twists and turns to a surprising conclusion. I just wish there was more action rather than people talking and thinking about what it all meant.
Kellerman cranked out a book each year to keep his followers satisfied. I read this because I had been collecting dust on my bookshelf for a long time. I figured I must have bought it for a reason.
November 15, 2021
Alex and Milo are working the death of a mercy doctor with multiple suspects as a result of his activities. Of course the actual suspect is an unlikely candidate until it all comes together in the end.
February 11, 2020
Dark, complex, clever plots.
June 21, 2023
My gosh this book was boring.
It just seemed to slog on and on and on to the point that by the end I didn't ever care who the killer was, I just wanted to be done with this book.
Blech!
It just seemed to slog on and on and on to the point that by the end I didn't ever care who the killer was, I just wanted to be done with this book.
Blech!
July 31, 2021
Enjoyed the book not violent interesting twist.Caution the book talks about assisted suicide.
December 16, 2023
Dr. Death and death doctor interchangeable?
Enjoyed the look at euthanasia, though seems a bit dated now.
I also found the accent used for Milo disconcerting on this audio.
Enjoyed the look at euthanasia, though seems a bit dated now.
I also found the accent used for Milo disconcerting on this audio.
September 11, 2019
Unlike some other reviewer I watched on-line, giving a review to this book, I wouldn't be so inclined to find this book exceptional and I wouldn't be raving and gushing over it (smile). For me, it's another solid Delaware, one of Kellerman's better ones indeed. As a reader, you can't deny the author's first love, which is therapy. Clearly here in this book, Alex Delaware's first and foremost disposition is to help patients and to behave like a doctor first, trying to guide those kids through their troubles, and bowing out of the police investigation due to a conflict of interest, thus leaving behind his good friend Sturgis. Milo Sturgis totally thinks like a cop, which is normal, and acceptable. Here again we see how differently both men broach a situation. It's interesting. I also thought that the plot deserves high points, as I didn't see this denouement coming. I surely couldn't guess who helped Joanne reach her final destination. Bravo Jonathan. You finally succeeded in surprising me.
As always, John Rubinstein is sensational as narrator of the audio version. He definitely contributes to the success of the reading (listening) experience.
As always, John Rubinstein is sensational as narrator of the audio version. He definitely contributes to the success of the reading (listening) experience.
July 3, 2017
Good twists! One of my favs so far
Thank you Jonathan Kellerman
Thank you Jonathan Kellerman
Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews