Title: Serpentine
Author: Jonathan Kellerman
Series: Alex Delaware #36
Release Date: February 2nd 2021
Length: 368 pages
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Publisher: Ballantine Books
**** My Review ****
To be completely honest, I’m not a fan of this genre. Not that anything, in particular, bothers me. But sometimes I simply can’t afford the luxury of fully devoting myself to a book, and this kind of genre usually demands that from the readers. Especially if it’s a good thriller.
However, when grandma takes the kids to a sleepover, I immediately pick a book that will leave me sleepless and keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. A book that will make me think, calculate, and, together with the characters, search for the truth from the scarce clues that the writer hides for us through the pages.
This book is just like that. Great plot and intriguing characters, it captured my attention from the beginning. And with finely scattered crumbs of satire and irony, the author manages to weave a mind-blowing mystery revolving around a cold case. An event from thirty years ago, in which most of the witnesses and suspects are not alive at all.
The desire to find out the whole truth about her mother leads her to Milo Sturgis. What happened to the woman who gave her life is a question that torments the brave girl all her life. And this great investigator will try to find out the truth. But where to start? All threads are intertwined and there is almost no motive or evidence.
The brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware comes to the rescue. Perhaps his insight will provide the springboard they need. A little truth and a series of new questions and twists emerge that lead to something much bigger. One death reveals others. Coincidence or covering up something much more?
If you have read other books from this series, you already assume that Serpentine is characterized by a slow pace and a multitude of interesting theories that lead you more easily through the investigation. Each book contains familiar elements but also enough freshness to attract and hold attention until the very end.
With an expressive writing style, the author has managed to create a story, filled with flawlessly fitted details that have the power to transport the reader directly into the investigation. If you close your eyes, you will be able to visualize every detail, every event, and every gesture…
The plot is rather complex with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes through the whole ride and a large list of suspects to make you question everyone and everything. The characters are well-built and fully correspond to the atmosphere of suspense and mystery. And if you have not read the previous installments, no worries, this can perfectly be read as a stand-alone book.
If you are looking for an excellent and twisty crime story, then Serpentine by Jonathan Kellerman is the right choice for you. Readers who have read the previous books in the series, already know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, well, this is a perfect start.