Blood Test

Blood Test follows child psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware as he becomes entangled in the case of a critically ill five-year-old boy whose parents refuse potentially life-saving medical treatment. Working alongside his friend LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis, Delaware must locate the family after they vanish from the hospital, leaving behind only troubling evidence. The investigation leads Delaware and Sturgis into the dark corners of the family's hometown, where they encounter a community operating under its own set of rules. The search becomes increasingly urgent as they race against time to find the sick child and understand his parents' motivations. The novel runs parallel with Delaware's ongoing work as a family court consultant, providing professional insight into the complex dynamics between parents and children. His expertise in child psychology becomes crucial as he navigates both cases. This second installment in Kellerman's Alex Delaware series examines the boundaries between personal beliefs and parental responsibility, while exploring how different value systems can impact life-or-death decisions.

Most readers found Blood Test to be a strong follow-up in the Alex Delaware series, with particular appreciation for the complex mystery and psychological elements. Reviews highlight Kellerman's medical knowledge and attention to procedural details. Readers liked: - The pacing and suspense build-up - Delaware's character development - The hospital setting details - The partnership between Delaware and Milo Sturgis Common criticisms: - Too many characters to track - Some found the middle section slow - A few readers felt the ending was rushed - Medical terminology can be dense Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (24,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,100+ ratings) "The medical aspects feel authentic and add credibility," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader commented: "The plot gets convoluted with too many players, but Delaware's psychological insights keep you reading."

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🔍 Dr. Alex Delaware's character was inspired by Kellerman's own experience as a clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric cases. 🏥 The medical ethics debate central to the plot reflects real-world controversies of the 1980s regarding parents refusing conventional treatment for their children. 📚 "Blood Test" (1986) was written during a pivotal time in thriller fiction, when psychological depth was becoming as important as plot mechanics. 👥 Author Jonathan Kellerman and his wife, Faye Kellerman, are one of crime fiction's most successful literary couples, both producing bestselling mystery series. 🔬 The novel's portrayal of alternative medicine communities was based on Kellerman's research into actual California wellness cults of the 1980s.