Thalia Mars is almost 100 years old when she calls Alex Delaware in for a consultation. Although this case is certainly not within Delaware's usual sphere, he is charmed by the elegant and witty old woman.
Unfortunately, a second consultation that would have explained what the elderly woman wanted from Alex never happens as she is murdered before she can tell him.
Recent books in this series have been uneven--some are excellent, some are not. I'm sorry to say that Heartbreak Hotel did not engage me as many other books in the series have. I liked Thalia Mars' character; she was by far the most interesting in the book, but she didn't last long enough to become fully developed.
Read in November; blog post scheduled for Feb. 1, 2017.
NetGalley/Random House/Ballentine
Mystery/Crime. Feb. 14, 2017. Print length: 368 pages.
It's always sad to see an interesting character not fully developed; sometimes I think a supporting role is more engaging than the lead character. ;) Hopefully the next book will be better.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how a minor character can seize the spotlight, isn't it? :)
DeleteI loved this author's books for many years. I don't think I really got tired of them, but other authors and books crowded in. It's been years since I read a Kellerman book - Jonathan or Faye. I always have so many series to try to keep up with. LOL
ReplyDeleteI really liked his stand-alone The Murderer's Daughter which was published a year or so ago. It was different and had some great characters and Alex makes a cameo appearance. I was hoping he would right more about Grace Blades, but have not seen anything else.
DeleteI once read a Kellerman book, not the first one, and then picked up an armful of used paperbacks in the series and devoured them in one year or so. Then I borrowed or bought the next few, but somehow either I've changed or his writing has, because I just haven't enjoyed the last three or four I've read...as much as I used to. That being said, I am still so fond of Alex, Robin and Milo--and the French Bulldog :)
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't like the more recent books in the series as well either. I also find that the bigger Milo's part, the better I like the books. :)
DeleteThat's sad when the most interesting character dies early in the book...I sometimes have a hard time making myself keep reading when that happens. I haven't read any of Kellerman's books. Do you have a favorite?
ReplyDeleteI like the earlier books better than the more recent ones. Kellerman introduced Milo Sturgis, a gay policeman, long before most authors had a major gay character. Milo is my favorite of the long-running recurring characters. Of Kellerman's more recent books, I really liked his standalone The Murderer's Daughter--about a clinical psychologist who had a traumatic childhood.
DeleteOh no, that's too bad about Thalia's character. It's been so long since I've read a Kellerman book. I wouldn't mind checking out the series.
ReplyDeleteIn a series as long running as this one, it is no surprise that there are some that don't appeal as much as others, but I still like all the main characters. :)
DeleteIt's been a long while since I last read a book in this series, and your thoughts on this one don't make me anxious to dive back in.
ReplyDeleteWell, this wasn't my favorite by any means, but I've enjoyed the series for a long time and hope to like the next one better!
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