I enjoyed this book. It's the author's first novel (at least in this series) and it shows a bit in the language and character development. It was also written in the late 80s and, while it doesn't seem really dated (save for some accents like decor description), you do have to take it into account when he describes some of the criminology techniques. But it was good. I've already ordered the second book in the series. Kellerman went on to write many of these and according to reviews I've read, they just get better as he gains more experience.
I'd definitely recommend it to people who enjoy crime fiction.
I'd definitely recommend it to people who enjoy crime fiction.
Helpful Score: 1
enjoyable read
Helpful Score: 1
The very first book in the Alex Delaware series.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent who donnit book. will definitely read the rest of the series.
Jim P. (deserttrout) -
Helpful Score: 1
Murder, blackmail and institutional child abuse are thrown at Dr. D and Milo. Good read.
Helpful Score: 1
The first Alex Delaware novel. Gives you a good background if you've already discovered Alex, Milo, Robin, et al.
Shirley E. (luvantiques) -
Helpful Score: 1
Jonathan Kellerman introduces Dr. Alex Delaware, child phycologist, in this first of many novels with Delaware as the main character.
Alex has been asked to step into a police investigation as a consultant when a 6-year-old girl seems to be the only witness to a gruesome double homicide. His probing unveils a sinister group that not only exploits children but has committed more murders.
Kellerman is a master storyteller. His plots are rich and well grounded, the characters believable and the endings never fail to surprise you. As with all his books, this is a definite page-turner that will keep you reading until late into the night.
Alex has been asked to step into a police investigation as a consultant when a 6-year-old girl seems to be the only witness to a gruesome double homicide. His probing unveils a sinister group that not only exploits children but has committed more murders.
Kellerman is a master storyteller. His plots are rich and well grounded, the characters believable and the endings never fail to surprise you. As with all his books, this is a definite page-turner that will keep you reading until late into the night.
indepth who done it
The first book to the popular Alex Delaware series. I truly enjoyed this thriller. It is a fast-paced read with some minor twists in the story to keep you interested.
First time I read this author. I'll read him again. Good characters with a little humor to them. The plot was interesting, but a little bit convoluted. This is the first book in the Alex Delaware series.
Alex Delaware series. These are really good mysteries.
First in the Alex Delaware ("retired" [at age 32] child psychologist, now assists the LA police in solving crimes) series, this one sets the pace for all those that follow. It's full of twists and turns, right up to the last twist that precedes the end of the book by only two sentences! A nice change of pace from the cop/lawyer/private investigator crime drama/thriller.
Michele K. (michelek) reviewed When the Bough Breaks (Alex Delaware, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
another excellent delaware novel
One of his early books and it shows why he became such a popular writer
The first book in the Alex Delaware series - and the first I've read of Jonathan Kellerman. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the second in the series!
The first in the Alex Delaware series. Great book with a surprising ending!
Alex Delaware--child psychologist counsels a young lady with some terrible secret in her past. The case uncovers a shocking incident from his past. Very intriguing book.
The first Alex Delaware mystery, first printed in 1985. If you like to read in order. Read this one first.
its dr. alex delaware's job to try tounlock the terrible secret locked in melody's memory but as the si
The first Alex Delaware novel. Good Book!!
I think I have read too many books by Kellerman and then I stumbled upon this early one.
Typical mystery thriller-I call these time fillers. This book is also trying to set up a new series of books starring a \'new\' character.
There is something spooky about this one,even for the dark side of L.A.A child molester's grisly suicide.A shockingly brutal double murder.A hidden network of perversion in high places,and a terrified 7-year old who could put it all together...if child psychologist Alex
Delaware could help her remember the horrors she'd witnessed.
Delaware could help her remember the horrors she'd witnessed.
Diane G. (icesk8tr) -
A girl is a possible witness to a murder, and she can't remember any details. The psychologist Alex Deleware assists in trying to unravel the mystery and find the murderer.
Tracey B. (Tracey1025) reviewed When the Bough Breaks (Alex Delaware, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
A friend of mine gave me a Jonathan Kellerman book and I was hooked instantly! Now I am going back and reading all of his books.
This story was griping and left me on the edge of my seat! Fabulous
This story was griping and left me on the edge of my seat! Fabulous
ANOTHER GREAT ALEX DELAWARE NOVEL! SUBJECT MATTER ON THE SICKENING SIDE, BUT EXCELLENT WRITING AND HARD TO PUT DOWN!
I love Jonathan Kellerman and I have read every book he has written...this is where it all started. So start here and read away!!! Kellerman may not be the best written novelist but he can turn one of the best plots and he loves to get into the psychological mind of all of his characters, so you will never be bored. You will learn a lot about the mind of the killer, but you will also learn a lot about all involved, and you will never cease to be amazed by the way the new page turns at the last moment.
The 1st of the Alex Delaware novels, an engrossing psychological thriller of a child psychologist trying to unravel a pedophilia web that continues to threaten his 7 year old assault victim despite the general disinterest on the part of the police.
Good read. Catches you from the very start and holds your attention throughout. I loved this book.
1st Alex Delaware Novel
Bobbie L. (nascargal) reviewed When the Bough Breaks (Alex Delaware, Bk 1) on + 352 more book reviews
This is the first book in the Alex Delaware series. It is an exciting mystery/thriller.
This is the first Kellerman book I'vew read, I will read all of them now.
I really loved this book. Jonathan Kellerman writes very well. The story for me was a bit disturbing, because I have been through what some of the characters in this story are going through. I am starting on book 2 of this series now! Definitely recommended.
For an older dated book, it turned out to be a great thriller.
Michael S. K. (msk1757) reviewed When the Bough Breaks (Alex Delaware, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
This was a great story. I highly recommend reading it,& not to sound like the proverbial critic,which I'm not,but this book was a page turner.
Alex Delaware is the kind of guy that you'd like to have as a friend.
Ronald M. (Fasturtle) reviewed When the Bough Breaks (Alex Delaware, Bk 1) on + 593 more book reviews
This was a great read.
