As you’ll see below, I received this book from Penguin’s First to Read program, having forgotten that I already had a ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from BookExpo. Took the pressure off reading it in the time period Penguin allows before the digital copy disappears from my numerous devices. It was also a great reminder that I could be sitting on a goldmine of great books that I didn’t have to pay for.
Golems were popular around the time I read this. There was The Golem and the Jinni, which I still haven’t read, but I hear is amazing; a golem played a big role on an episode of Sleepy Hollow. I figured, marketing ploy. I was hesitant. I’m glad I read it, though.
I remember wishing this was part of a series, and turns out it probably is. I assume so anyway, since Goodreads now lists this as Detective Jacob Lev #1. Not sure I’ll ever read anymore of Kellerman’s titles, since his backlist goes back almost to the year I was born. From what I hear from other fans, though, this book is very different. I’m totally okay with that. As I’ve nothing to compare it to, I can still say I really liked it and look forward to more.
This review originally posted on Goodreads.
The Golem of Hollywood by Jonathan Kellerman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received this book as part of Penguin’s First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.
I would’ve given this 5 stars if not for most of my predictions about halfway through turning out to be spot on, which means it was a little too obvious for a crime/mystery novel. And that ending! I don’t know if I should be upset that it left me hanging or glad that it made me want more. I suppose that could be answered if this turns into a series/sequel.
This is my first Kellerman book, so I don’t know how it stacks up against his extensive backlist. But, I really enjoyed it. A nice mix of crime fiction, paranormal, and Judaic mysticism and mythology. I love a flawed character that still tries to do the right thing, and that is Jacob Lev. I also enjoyed the story-within-a-story structure, including the aged look of the pages for the Biblical parts. It might be jarring for some, but I loved the anticipation of waiting for these 2 timelines to finally meet.
But, I have questions!!
Reblogged this on Tqwana Explains It All.
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