The Murderer's Daughter

            The latest thriller from author Jonathan Kellerman features a very different protagonist from that of his usual series character Dr. Alex Delaware. She is Dr. Grace Blades, a successful, intellectually gifted psychologist, also based in Los Angeles as is Delaware, whose well-balanced demeanor conceals a secret. Grace was the daughter of psychologically damaged parents who died in a murder-suicide when she was five years of age. She was shuffled around the foster care system until ending up with a caring woman who happened to have a brother-in-law, a psychologist and professor, who recognized Grace’s intelligence and spirit and worked with her to maximize her potential. When the foster mother died suddenly under suspicious circumstances, Grace is adopted by the brother-in-law and his wife.

            Grace grows into adulthood living a much better life with her adopted parents. But while she transforms herself into a successful career woman, Grace also has a reckless side that includes racing cars and anonymous sex. Then some individuals from her foster care childhood appear and Grace’s life is threatened. Reluctant to contact the police because of complications, Grace instead manages to protect herself, identify the murderer, and arrive at justice. The breakneck pace of the story and the well-developed characters add to the reader’s enjoyment.