Heartbreak Hotel

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: John Rubinstein

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis investigate the death of Alex's most mysterious patient to date in the sensational new thriller from the master of suspense, New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman.

At nearly 100 years old, Thalia Mars is a far cry from the patients that child psychologist Alex Delaware normally treats. But the charming, witty woman convinces Alex to meet with her in a suite at the Aventura, a luxury hotel with a checkered history.

What Thalia wants from Alex are answers to unsettling questions - about guilt, patterns of criminal behavior, victim selection. When Alex asks the reason for her morbid fascination, Thalia promises to tell all during their next session. But when he shows up the following morning, he is met with silence: Thalia is dead in her room.

When questions arise about how Thalia perished, Alex and homicide detective Milo Sturgis must peel back the layers of a fascinating but elusive woman's life and embark on one of the most baffling investigations either of them has ever experienced. For Thalia Mars is a victim like no other, an enigma who harbored nearly a century of secrets and whose life and death draw those around her into a vortex of violence.

Heartbreak Hotel is classic Delaware and classic Kellerman.

©2017 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"I’m fortunate that John Rubinstein's incredible talents have graced the Alex Delaware novels since the series began. John’s illumination of Alex and Milo is perfectly in tune with my view of the novels. His masterful work is at its best in Heartbreak Hotel - a page-turner that is also Alex and Milo at their best." (Jonathan Kellerman)

"Narrator John Rubinstein has portrayed child psychologist Alex Delaware, LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis, and Alex's live-in girlfriend, Robin Castagna, for several years.... Rubinstein seems to enjoy narrating this engaging mystery populated with old-time gangsters, a femme fatale, a long-ago jewel heist, and hidden treasure. Listeners will be delighted with the story and with Rubinstein's presentation." (AudioFile)

Kellerman does it again

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would. I've enjoyed the Alex Delaware novels for years, and often recommend them to others.

Which character – as performed by John Rubinstein – was your favorite?

Milo is, and always has been, my favorite character.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Heartbreak Hotel was an enjoyable book, but way too long to listen in one sitting. That said, I listened as often as possible.

Not fond of the style.

The book feels a little out of date. The narrative was more 1950s and not 2020s
The performance was likewise old sounding. I'm 70 and grew up in the Los Angeles area and never met people that talked like old gangsters.

Not Kellerman's best

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Creating multiple plot lines, maybe intersecting, maybe not. Anything to create some tension. We had no sessions in this book with his actual patients. There was not even much reference to Delaware's real job - he was always working on the police case, giving little time to his practice other than doing just enough paperwork to keep the $$ rolling in. Steven White with Alan Gregory is much better at creating multiple plot lines that make his life more interesting, showing the difficulty in balancing his work with the police with his real job.

What was most disappointing about Jonathan Kellerman’s story?

I felt like this installment of Alex & Milo started slow, and never got going. The reader, in my opinion, just is not given enough meat to pique their interest. The plot line just plods along. We do get resolution at the end, but getting there is like a visit to the dentist. I had trouble believing the police would dedicate this many resources to what is, in essence, a cold case. No way a front line detective would have been assigned to it.

Which character – as performed by John Rubinstein – was your favorite?

I love Milo, always have. He gets the good lines. Although, in previous outings, he's been more interesting. I don't think he cleaned out the fridge once in this installment.

Was Heartbreak Hotel worth the listening time?

If you like hearing Rubenstein narratives, then go right ahead. If you're looking for another fun ride with Alex, Milo and Robin, forget it.

Any additional comments?

Not since "The Web" in 1995 has Kellerman managed to produce a Delaware novel that did not satisfy. This one was hard to finish, although it did have a satisfying conclusion, neatly wrapped up. But Robin did not get enough lines to make her role interesting, and I did not identify with the good guy(s), or come to dislike the villians, or feel much sympathy for the victim(s). It was just dull and unsatisfying as a listening experience. Message to Jonathan - I think it's time to follow Ian Rankin's model, as to how he's developed the Rebus character, taking him into retirement, and old age in a believable way. I think Rebus is more interesting retired than he was before. I feel like the Delaware/Sturgis relationship as it stands, has nowhere to go that's interesting. A dramatic changeup is required.

Jonathan Kellermam at his best!

A really good book With a complicated plot. Well written and very well read. I enjoyed it till the last word.

Great story - surprising ending

I really liked this story and I was very surprised by the ending. Alex and Milo is working together again but I won't ruin the story for you by giving away detailed information. I think you will be pleased.

As usual John Rubinstein does a fantastic job of narrating; he is one of the best! 😄

Alex Delaware

99 year old woman is killed 3 weeks before her 100th BD & 1 day after Alex's first visit to her. Enjoyable storyline with instructions & outs told wonderfully by Mr. Rubinstein.

Wonderful story better voice

Loved the story. Was most impressed by the way John Rubenstien is able to go between characters seamlessly.

Not his best, as many have said

I've been reading the Alex Delaware series since the beginning, but it does happen that things get stale. It is the usual character interaction that is familiar, comfortable, but predictable. The story line is a bit stale also. What made this book hard to finish was the casual lack of concern regarding the science of gemstones. As a mineralogist, that made things go steeply downhill. Not important to the story, or probably to most readers, but does an author have to promote inaccuracy? Just my opinion and reaction.

always ready for another Delaware novel.

Ehat better team than Alex and Milo? I have to confess Milo is my favorite. look forward to them every time.

Great Kellerman as usual!

Great story (plot), narration, & over all great experience! Recommend it to all Dr. Delaware fans!