I have been reading Jonathan Kellerman’s writing ever since the publication of THE BUTCHER’S THEATER in 1988. I have neither missed one of his novels nor been disappointed, whether it has been one of his somewhat rare stand-alone works, a collaboration with a family member, or his iconic Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis series. That said, no one is more surprised than I am to find that his newly published stand-alone thriller, THE MURDERER’S DAUGHTER, is his best book to date.

The strong and memorable protagonist is a clinical psychologist named Grace Blades. The first chapter, which is as quietly hair-raising as any you are likely to read this year, summarizes Grace’s early years, from conception to age five, within a few pages, which is more than enough to give the reader a taste of the damage done and what came after. The narrative alternates between the present and the past. In the present, Grace is a clinical psychologist in the Los Angeles area, and is highly prized by her patients for her unique and personal approach to treatment. And yes, she shares her universe with Dr. Alex Delaware, who flits into and out of the book very briefly on a couple of occasions --- not enough to interfere with or hijack the story, but just enough to settle the reader onto familiar ground.

"You will not be able to start it without finishing as quickly as possible. Kellerman sets the hook in the opening sentence and tugs you gently but inexorably through the narrative to its very end."

Grace is born and raised, at least initially, in a subtle horror. The backstory slowly and methodically --- not to mention believably --- tells the tale of how a child born into some of the worst circumstances becomes a sought-after and, yes, brilliant healer. We also learn early on that, despite her many talents and abilities to rise far above her background (to be what is classified in the nomenclature as a “supersurvivor”), Grace is damaged. It is during one of the outward manifestations of this that she finds herself confronted by a brief but momentous episode in her past that has haunted her for decades.

This prompts Grace to begin a personal odyssey during which she turns her powerful intellect to investigation, utilizing the extensive body of information available on the Internet --- there is so much there, if one knows where to look and what questions to ask --- as well as a kindly ally from the past who set her upon the road that led to her professional career. All sorts of questions are implicitly asked along the way, including, but not limited to, the eternal issue of nature vs. nurture, the source of good and the existence of evil. By the time the reader reaches the startling conclusion, the answers are formed (to a certain extent), but the questions continue to haunt.  

It makes no difference if you pick up THE MURDERER’S DAUGHTER as a fan of Kellerman or as a newcomer, if you read thrillers and mysteries as a matter of course or come to this book through a recommendation: You will not be able to start it without finishing as quickly as possible. Kellerman sets the hook in the opening sentence and tugs you gently but inexorably through the narrative to its very end. And while I have long ago given up on attempting to guess what will pique the general reading public’s interest, I can say that if there is any justice in the literary world, this is the title that should be on everyone’s lips over the next several months.