Unnatural History

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: John Rubinstein

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The most enduring detectives in American crime fiction are back in this electrifying thriller of art and brutality from the #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense.

Los Angeles is a city of stark contrast, the palaces of the affluent coexisting uneasily with the hellholes of the mad and the needy. That shadow world and the violence it breeds draw brilliant psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis into an unsettling case of altruism gone wrong.

On a superficially lovely morning, a woman shows up for work with her usual enthusiasm. She’s the newly hired personal assistant to a handsome, wealthy photographer and is ready to greet her boss with coffee and good cheer. Instead, she finds him slumped in bed, shot to death.

The victim had recently received rave media attention for his latest project: images of homeless people in their personal “dream” situations, elaborately costumed and enacting unfulfilled fantasies. There are some, however, who view the whole thing as nothing more than crass exploitation, citing token payments and the victim’s avoidance of any long-term relationships with his subjects.

Has disgruntlement blossomed into homicidal rage? Or do the roots of violence reach down to the victim’s family—a clan, sired by an elusive billionaire, that is bizarre in its own right?

Then new murders arise, and Alex and Milo begin peeling back layer after layer of intrigue and complexity, culminating in one of the deadliest threats they’ve ever faced.

©2023 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This is Kellerman at his very best. Just the dialogue between Sturgis and Delaware is worth it. But also, the depiction of Los Angeles is always the star.”—Mystery & Suspense magazine

“Still one of the most talented authors working today, Kellerman dials up yet another page-turning adventure starring Alex Delaware. Riveting and full of twists and turns that’ll keep you glued to the pages, I found this to be one of Kellerman’s best books to date . . . and that’s really saying something when you look at his extraordinary body of work.”—The Real Book Spy

“Kellerman, a trained psychologist, brings authenticity to his thoughtful protagonist, as well as a genuine touch of humanity. . . . This long-running series is still going strong.”—Publishers Weekly

Boldly Going

Alex and Milo are looking for the killer of a billionaire’s son. A young man who took an interest in granting the wishes of homeless people. His project ended with his death. Another gripping thriller with elements of psychology that make JK’s novels so compelling.

Great book

As always Jonathan Kellerman knocks it out of the park
Narration is supreme and story line excellent

good book

great narrator! my new favorite, interesting novel, I will be looking for more. A+

Slow

I love Jonathan Kellerman books but this one dragged out. I couldn’t wait for it to be over.

Love story, hate performance

The reading was slow and stilted. I felt like reaching into my tablet and pulling the words out! We’re not a kindergarten class!

Unnatural history

Excellent novel, in Kellerman’s style of mystery wrapped in human psychology will keep the reader guessing

Excellent

The plot was fantastic with many twists and turns that were not easy to guess. I was mesmerized by the book.

Twists and turns

The crime solving duo are at it again with a wide range of sketchy characters. Overall could have benefitted from some careful editing.

Another great classic book by Jonathan Kellerman

Always eagerly look forward to any of Jonathan Kellerman‘s books. This is another great and captivating one. Highly recommend and hope the series continues. Enjoyed the twists and turns and his continued descriptive writing style.

Top read!

This is one of Kellerman’s best. Too bad it took so long to get the little boy’s potty mouth cleaned up. I truly enjoyed hearing Milo show his humanity. Keep up the good work