The Murderer's Daughter: A Novel

Jonathan Kellerman

Aug 2015 · Sold by Ballantine Books

About this ebook

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the creator of the acclaimed Alex Delaware series comes a tour de force standalone novel that illustrates perfectly why “Jonathan Kellerman has justly earned his reputation as a master of the psychological thriller” (People). Includes bonus material!
 
A brilliant, deeply dedicated psychologist, Grace Blades has a gift for treating troubled souls and tormented psyches—perhaps because she bears her own invisible scars: Only five years old when she witnessed her parents’ deaths in a bloody murder-suicide, Grace took refuge in her fierce intellect and found comfort in the loving couple who adopted her. But even as an adult with an accomplished professional life, Grace still has a dark, secret side. When her two worlds shockingly converge, Grace’s harrowing past returns with a vengeance.
 
Both Grace and her newest patient are stunned when they recognize each other from a recent encounter. Haunted by his bleak past, mild-mannered Andrew Toner is desperate for Grace’s renowned therapeutic expertise and more than willing to ignore their connection. And while Grace is tempted to explore his case, which seems to eerily echo her grim early years, she refuses—a decision she regrets when a homicide detective appears on her doorstep.
 
An evil she thought she’d outrun has reared its head again, but Grace fears that a police inquiry will expose her double life. Launching her own personal investigation leads her to a murderously manipulative foe, one whose warped craving for power forces Grace back into the chaos and madness she’d long ago fled.

Ratings and reviews

The Murderer’s Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman is a perplexing novel. Grace Blades witnessed her mother murdering her father when she was five years old. Her mother then killed herself. Grace then entered the foster care system. Grace got lucky when she was moved to her eighth foster home. Her social worker, Wayne Knutsen was getting ready to change careers (go to law school) and wanted to place Grace in a good home (a last act of kindness). Ramona Stage runs Stagecoach Ranch. Ramona was a nice lady who recognized Grace’s intelligence and helped her utilize it. She called a friend, Dr. Malcom Bluestone who tested Grace and then got her the right study materials. Grace is now Dr. Grace Blades, a clinical psychologist. She is about to go on vacation when she gets an unusual new patient. He said his name is Andrew Toner from San Antonio, Texas. Andrew turns out to be the gentlemen Grace picked up in a bar the night before (what a coincidence). Andrew claims to have come to Grace based on an article she wrote many years ago (based on an actual experience from her life). Andrew ends up leaving the appointment abruptly with giving Grace any information. The next day Grace gets a call from the police department. Andrew was found dead with her business card in his shoe. Andrew is evidently not his real name. Who was he and why did he seek Grace out? While Grace is out driving, she notices that she is being followed. Grace starts investigating and finds a link to someone she met briefly when she was 12, but he left a big impression. Grace utilizes her skills to track down who is out to kill her before they can get her. I did not enjoy The Murderer’s Daughter. It was listed as a thriller, but was more of a book on revenge. It is a very long, drawn out plot. This book could have easily lost over a hundred pages. The most interesting part of the novel was reading about Grace’s upbringing. The novel would go back and forth from the present to Grace’s past. There is graphic violence, sex, and foul language in the book. I give The Murderer’s Daughter 2.5 out of 5 stars. It sounded like such a good novel, but the story was not enjoyable to read. I received a complimentary copy of The Murderer’s Daughter from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own are not influenced in any way.

I want to thank Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and Net Galley for giving me a copy of The Murderers daughter for an honest review of the book. I have read all of Jonathan Kellerman's book, and without fail this book is just as great. I loved Grace and the fact that that Jonathan can write a women as his lead character and it be spot on made it a great read.

Haven't read a Jonathan Kellerman novel for awhile. This one makes me anxious to catch up on the ones I missed!

About the author

Jonathan Kellerman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than three dozen bestselling crime novels, including the Alex Delaware series, The Butcher’s Theater, Billy Straight, The Conspiracy Club, Twisted, and True Detectives. With his wife, bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman, he co-authored Double Homicide and Capital Crimes. With his son, bestselling novelist Jesse Kellerman, he co-authored The Golem of Hollywood and The Golem of Paris. He is also the author of two children’s books and numerous nonfiction works, including Savage Spawn: Reflections on Violent Children and With Strings Attached: The Art and Beauty of Vintage Guitars. He has won the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony awards and has been nominated for a Shamus Award. Jonathan and Faye Kellerman live in California, New Mexico, and New York.