When the Bough Breaks

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: Alexander Adams

Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

In the first Alex Delaware novel, Dr. Morton Handler practiced a strange brand of psychiatry. Among his specialties were fraud, extortion, and sexual manipulation. Handler paid for his sins when he was brutally murdered in his luxurious Pacific Palisades apartment. The police have no leads, but they do have one possible witness: seven-year-old Melody Quinn.

It's psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware's job to try to unlock the terrible secret buried in Melody's memory. But as the sinister shadows in the girl's mind begin to take shape, Alex discovers that the mystery touches a shocking incident in his own past.

This connection is only the beginning, a single link in a 40-year-old conspiracy. And behind it lies an unspeakable evil that Alex Delaware must expose before it claims another innocent victim: Melody Quinn.

©2003 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

"An engrossing thriller.... this knockout of an entertainment is the kind of book which establishes a career in one stroke." ( New York Newsday)
"Suspenseful, neatly spun, fascinating." ( Philadelphia Daily News)
"Grab yourself a copy soon." ( Los Angeles Times)

Great Dane

I’m I realize this is one of his early works but I truly miss Milo. And why kill the dog? I like the new narrator better

Tooooo wordy

My least favorite of his books. Way too many words. Could have been at least 1/3 shorter.

Excellent

I’m speechless. It was just gripping, tense, intelligent, and horrifying. The references are familiar to those of us of a certain age. 😊. I can’t wait to listen to the next one, and look forward to the day when Dr Delaware and I are old friends. Enjoy!

loved the narrator

Story line is good, the twist in plot was good. Really enjoyed this entire book

Economic Snobbery Conspiracy Loses

I found the number of people who were killed without repercussions unbelievable. However, the ending resolved all issues, was surprising and yet believable. Over all, a non taxing and enjoyable listen. Good narration.

A wee bit long in the tooth.....

Would you consider the audio edition of When the Bough Breaks to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but the narrator was clear and interesting.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It did, however his use of quite a bit of purple prose and overly descriptive language took away from some of the suspense.

What does Alexander Adams bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought his voice work was above average, and the characters were unique.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Dr. Delaware's compassion towards children. He truly cares.

Any additional comments?

A great introduction to a thus far interesting series. Just finished book 2 and am going back for more. You can tell the author is/was a medical professional by his proper use of terminology.

Well done

Loved the narrator. It was a well written mystery that held my attention. The book is an older book but enjoyable.

Not for me

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I don't think any of my friends read this genre

Has When the Bough Breaks turned you off from other books in this genre?

Not at all

What does Alexander Adams bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Not Alexander Adams as such, but I get different visuals from audiobooks than I do when I read on my own

Do you think When the Bough Breaks needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I don't know, I didn't finish the book

Twisted & Delicious

It's obvious why this novel had to become the first in a "series"...it's that good on every level and the performance puts it over the top! The forthcoming Alex Delawares have now been
moved to the top of my wish list!

good book

Enjoyed the book very much. I have followed this character for a while. Love his passion for children.