The subject of human behavior has been the driving force of Alex Delaware series and Kellerman has made a name for himself. Like many others, his interest in psychology brings detective work to the forefront. Criminal Psychologists study the moral compass-or lack of-of the human mind. They strive to understand the motivations, reactions and actions of people who commit various levels of crimes.

Thirty-two books in a series is quite a feat to say the least. I appreciate and respect writers who take on the task of writing such stories. It cannot not be easy and there definitely is an art to the process. This particular genre’s depth is widely known. Some prefer to read about the subject without becoming too uncomfortable. While others want to read stories that delve deeper and darker into people’s behaviors. Kellerman’s stories are among the very few books in this genre that I began with when I was a younger reader.

I rather enjoyed the beginning of Heartbreak Hotel. With the brief yet cryptic conversation about psychopaths between Alex and Thalia that is meant to grab the reader’s attention. That in itself was nicely executed and absorbing. I liked Alex and Milo’s interviews and interactions with witnesses and suspects. Those scenes were entertaining to say the least.

Alex and Milo both likable and they work well together. Almost as they are conjoined. I guess that happens when you work closely with a person long enough. If you’ve read the other books in the series, you will know that Alex has seen far more than his fair share of tragedy that any person could fathom. How he maintains his cool is quite impressive. Alex’s every thought seems to be measured before uttering a word. To anyone. His principled and intellectual mind makes for an intriguing person but I found myself wanting more from him

While Kellerman takes us in-depth into human behavior, I felt the background story of the characters needed to be fleshed out and over half way through the book, I found it difficult to maintain my interest and remain objective. The mystery is captivating but you find the elements of the investigating and characters-in this case- Alex and Milo become all too formulaic. I swear I could almost predict what their next plan of action was going to be and what they would say next.

There was a time-several books back now-where I looked forward to reading an Alex Delaware story. But the main characters have become too comfortable in their roles. Perpetual dilly-dallying comes to mind when I read this book. Heartbreak Hotel is a vague remembrance of what was once a great series, in my opinion. I feel the series has long run its course for me to remain a fan.

Don’t allow my experience with this story sway you. Heartbreak Hotel is a good story for readers who want to stay safely in their comfort zone. No wrong in that. If you’ve never read the any of the books in the series, might I suggest you start with his earlier books?

I love Kellerman's Alex Delaware series and this latest installment did not disappoint.  Alex and his trust sidekick Milo Sturgis need to find out the answers behind the death of the charming Thalia Mars, who is almost 100 years old.  Welcome back, old friends!

Another good Alex Delaware book.  Kellerman switches it up this time with an adult as a patient, but still a tie to Alex through peds.

Johnathan Kellerman never disappoints and this time he has again written a suspenseful story that will grab and not let go until the end.

Jonathan Kellerman and Alex Delaware are back!  I didn't like Kellerman's last book, which only touched on Delaware but this one more than made up for it.  It's a twisty tale= I didn't see the solutions to the murder of Thalia et al coming- and it's more dense than he's been for a few novels.  My one quibble is that there's little of the Milo color and Robin is virtually absent but that's a small price to pay for a satisfying mystery.  THanks to netgalley for the ARC.  Some Kellerman fans are going to quibble about this one because it's outside his usual but hopefully most will enjoy it as much as I did.  He's got a great way with the cameo characters, using small details to bring them to life.  Thumbs up!

This is my favorite of Kellerman's Alex Delaware series in some time...the story, the characters and how everything played out. There is the same basic relationship in place between the characters, Alex and Milo, but the situation is somewhat different and drew me in. I have actually given up on a few series that are on the thriller side of mysteries...too much violence (sometimes it seemed for its own sake), some misogyny, just general over the top and unnecessary unpleasantness that I don't care for and can do without. I decided to keep on with this series for a bit longer because I like the main characters and how they work together. This episode cut back on mayhem considerably and became more plot than blood driven.

In the set up, Alex is employed by a woman days short of her hundredth birthday. She is somewhat coy about precisely what it is she wants him to do for her but admits she is fully aware of his police connections. She is a charming and affable soul whom he is puzzled by but also willing to see again at her request. But someone interferes with their plan. And the search is on for who would wish to kill such an elderly woman and why. And why had she contacted Alex in the first place?

I do recommend this episode to readers of the series or even as a stand-alone.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it.
In his 32nd book, Kellerman reunites Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis for another romp with the unexpected.  As a man who keeps his own hours as a part-time child psychologist/police consultant, Alex doesn’t mind following up on a cryptic request from a nearly 100 year old woman named Thalia Mars who basically wants to talk and pays him a substantial retainer fee to just listen. To Alex’s shock, he finds the police at the hotel where Thalia has lived for decades and his new client dead just one day after their initial consult.  Never one to accept things for face value, neither he nor Detective Sturgis think it’s a natural death.  The question is, who would murder a sweet little old lady right before her 100th birthday and why?  
As the pair delves more into Thalia’s personal life, they discover that the sweet little old lady might have had a not so docile past.  The first tip-off being how does someone whose career choice of a numbers cruncher who dabbled in real estate end up being worth multi-millions and secondly, who would have benefited from her death?
With a style that deviates from his regular Alex D. novels, Kellerman’s latest reminds readers of a 1940s film noir with a lot of back story and a variety of characters that I could almost picture in black and white.  Even after all these years, the author is still a master when it comes to painting the scene for readers.  
It shouldn’t shock anyone that few are who they seem to be on the surface, even sweet little old ladies and Alex and Milo do a bang-up job of not just scratching the top layer, but getting a shovel and digging away furiously to find why lays beneath.  My only complaint, and hence that last missing star in the rating is that beloved characters like Robin, Rick and even Blanche the dog seem to have been forgotten and are only mentioned in the briefest of scenes.  To me, they are part of the “family” and I missed them in this novel.   
Written by: Jonathan Kellerman
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Date: Feb 2017
Rating: 4 Stars
e-Book ISBN-978-0-345-54144-4
Genre: crime drama, mystery

I'm a huge Jonathan Kellerman fan and have read all of his other Alex Delaware mysteries. This one is probably my least favorite of the bunch. The plot seems kind of forced, and I found a lot of the dialogue to be trite and filled with cliches. I'll keep reading additional titles in the series, but this one is definitely skippable.

I've been a big fan of this author and his psychological thrillers for a long time. As per his usual this book was beautifully written and was very informative. This storyline wasn't one of my favorites by this author but it was still a book I would recommend and I will continue to be a big fan.

I always enjoy Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels and I thought this one is one of his best.  Of course the characters are familiar to anyone who is a fan of the series so that is part of the appeal; but the other characters are vivid and interesting. Kellerman has such a unique way with words in his descriptions - he makes the reader see the locations and feel the tension as it builds toward the end.

The story in this book is a good one - beginning with a sweet little old lady - who turns out maybe not to be so sweet after all.  

A very enjoyable read.

This was a well written, great mystery book, This is the first book read by the author and I am loving it. This book was about Alex (the child psychologist) and Milo (the homicide detective) who are investigating the murder of 99 year old Thalia Mars. Who would want to murder Thalia Mars? Clues lead all over the map, but it is Alex and Milo is put to the test to find the answers. My only reservation is that I did not have background information on the characters but I read this book as a standalone. Now I have a new series to start from beginning to end. Thank you to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Netgalley for an opportunity to read the ARC.

Another Alex Delaware novel sure to appeal to fans of the series.  Alex plays a substantial role leaning toward more traditional police work.  The characters remain a mystery for most of the story with only the victim being developed to any degree.

I always expect a good and entertaining read with writer Jonathan Kellerman and this book was no exception. Alex Delaware gets summoned to an old westside hotel to meet with an elderly resident who coyly fences and parries but never quite reveals what it is she expects of him. She does know his history and the fact that he works with Det. Milo Sturgis, so she's done her homework. After the rather mysterious but pleasant visit, she gives Alex a handsome check and agrees to meet him again the next day. Feeling him out, Alex decides, seeing if she thinks he's indeed trustworthy. Tired, she says, after all she'll be 100 in two weeks and doesn't have the stamina she once had. And therein begins the tale. The first third of the book is a delightful 'getting to know you' time for both the recurring characters and this book's newcomers. Then we settle down to the usual 'whodunnit' and why, with plenty of suspects to sort through, and a rather fascinating look behind the scenes at the combo LAPD/Sheriff's Evidence facilities. If you haven't read Kellerman before, you could start here and not miss a step - but I guarantee you'll be coming back for another Delaware story... and then another one. This being #32, there's plenty of future reads.

As a long time Kellerman fan it's fair to say I wait each year or so for the next installment. This one is a new favorite!  Each book is like revisiting old friends and for new readers that may be an issue because the backstory really isn't there. But I appreciate that the author does not rehash the old stuff much. As always I was a little frustrated that Robin and Rick are very minimally involved in the story. I always want them to get more of the storyline!  But that's a small complaint. This is a solid addition to the series and I highly recommend this police procedural for all fans who aren't too squeamish.  There is a tough scene but it adds to the story and makes sense. 

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy I received.

Ballantine Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Heartbreak Hotel.  This is my honest opinion of the book.

Alex Delaware receives an intriguing phone call from Thalia Mars, a ninety-nine year old woman who wants Alex to come to her cottage at the Aventura Hotel.  When she turns up dead the day after their initial meeting, foul play is suspected.  Enter Milo Sturgis of the LAPD Homicide Division, as it is apparent that the situation has been staged.  As Milo and Alex start their investigation, there are many seemingly unrelated questions that start to add up.  Did something in the past of Thalia Mars catch up with her in the end?

I have read all of the Alex Delaware novels put forth by veteran author Jonathan Kellerman.  Heartbreak Hotel features an interesting premise, but this book, not unlike those of recent memory, has kept Alex far from his beginnings in this series.  I do like how Alex has been integrated into the world of law enforcement, but I wish that the author would take him back to the cases involving children.  Robin's character has become stagnant, predictable, and with a lack of character development that has left me wondering why she still exists among these pages.  Nothing has really changed with the characters, so the case should have been the shining star of the book.  The story started strong, but fizzled out as the book progressed.  Regardless of the shortfalls in Heartbreak Hotel, the book was well paced and interesting.  As I have enjoyed the Alex Delaware novels in their entirety, I do look forward to reading more in the future.

This was my first book by Jonathan Kellerman, and I have no idea why.   Heartbreak Hotel was a fast-paced “whodunnit” with interesting characters and likable crime-solvers.

In this case, Dr. Alex Delaware is called to consult with Thalia Mars, who is just shy of her 100th birthday.  Before he can get the chance to know more about why she wanted to consult with him, Mars is found dead at her bungalow.

What at first seems like a natural cause of death, soon turns into a murder investigation, with detectives having to dig deep into the past to figure out the motive and the killer.  This one has it all--a vintage hotel, mob connections, money, jewels and revenge. 

Cleverly written so that readers are kept guessing as to who did it and why, Kellerman weaves the story into an action-packed ending that will leave most readers satisfied.

Many thanks to Net-Galley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance read copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

I wish I could say that I have read all 32 books in this series but I haven’t. It has been very hit and miss for me. But I have come to realize that it is also hit and miss for me if I enjoy the story. But this one I enjoyed. 

The feel of the book is pure film noir. So much is going on with a ton of characters that I found a bit hard to keep track of. There is a lot going on in this story but it does keep your interest. The downside is some things are a bit graphic. There is a rape scene that is really really hard to read. 

If you are a fan of film noir or dark thrillers or suspense in general I think you will enjoy this story.  

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Heartbreak Hotel by Jonathan Kellerman is another great mystery read with Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis.   Each time they manage to find their way through a maze of information with very few clues to solve a homicide that seems to baffle everyone.  I love the way they work together - each with their own way of seeing things.  

Dr Alex Delaware is called to meet with an elderly lady, Thalia Mars.  Even though, he specializes in working with children, he decides to meet her.  Thalia Mars is charming living in the Aventura, a luxury hotel from the past.  She has serious questions about criminal behavior and guilt, but it does not seem to ever get to the point of why she wanted to meet with him.  He agrees to go back the next day, but it is too late, she died during the night...or was she murdered and who would want to kill a charming elderly lady?

I can’t believe this is the 32nd Alex Delaware novel.  I have loved reading this series and look forward to each and every one of them.  I enjoyed this one especially because of Thalia and the historical aspect of her life.  Thank you Net Galley!

4.5 stars

Heartbreak Hotel by Jonathan Kellerman  is the latest fast-paced and engrossing addition to the Alex Delaware series.

A child psychologist and part-time consultant to the LAPD, Dr. Alex Delaware’s newest client is a surprisingly well-liked woman about to celebrate her 100th birthday.  Alex is intrigued and charmed by his first meeting with Thalia Mars, but he has no idea what exactly what direction their sessions are going to take.  Unfortunately, he never gets the chance to find out what his client hoped to gain from talking to him since she is murdered before their second appointment.  Alex and his friend, LAPD homicide detective, Lt. Milo Sturgis, team up once again to solve the case and their search for answers takes a very interesting  turn when Alex begins poking around in Thalia’s past.

By all accounts, Thalia is well-loved by everyone she knows. She has lived at the Aventura Hotel for most of her life and while her bungalow is a getting a little shabby, she is still paying a pretty hefty chunk of change in monthly rent.  When Alex begins trying to find out more about Thalia’s past, he quickly realizes there are a few incongruent details about the former CPA and long retired county assessor.  Thalia’s lawyer, Ricki Sylvester fills in a few of the blanks about her former client’s life but Alex is still very curious about how Thalia acquired her surprising wealth.  Once he figures out her unexpected ties to gangsters and a long ago jewel heist,  Alex and Milo’s investigation takes yet another compelling turn.  But the one piece of the puzzle they are having a difficult time finding is the link between those long ago events and Thalia’s murder nearly seventy years later.

With a cleverly plotted and very fascinating storyline, Heartbreak Hotel is a spellbinding installment in the Alex Delaware series.   The age of Delaware’s latest client makes the premise of this latest release very unique as does the discovery of Thalia’s ties to a decades old robbery and her surprising link to the mob.  The investigation never lags as Alex and Milo leave no stone unturned during their search for Thalia’s killer.  Veteran author Jonathan Kellerman has penned another solid police procedural that readers of the genre are going to love.

Dr. Alex Delaware, who usually treats children, takes on a case involving a woman approaching 100 years old who lives in a bungalow at a hotel. At their first meeting she asks several questions regarding criminal behavior, victims and guilt promising to tell him more about herself and her reason for the questions at their next meeting. Alex returned as had been arranged only to find her dead. given her age the cause of her death appears to be natural causes but is found to be murder-but who would want to kill a little old lady and why? This takes Alex and his sidekick detective Milo Sturgis on a decades old search involving mobsters, jewelry thefts and estate trusts.  This is a twisted mystery taking you back to another era when gangsters and unsavory characters were prevalent. Another winner by Kellerman. I loved the psychological aspect as well as the mystery-great combination.