Step into the shadowy streets of Los Angeles, where Detective Jacob Lev navigates a thrilling blend of gritty crime and Jewish mythology in a series that’s as haunting as it is captivating! Co-authored by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman, the Detective Jacob Lev series follows a burned-out LAPD detective whose life unravels when he’s drawn into cases steeped in supernatural lore. With its unique fusion of mystery, paranormal elements, and deep personal struggles, this series is a must-read for fans of psychological suspense with a mythical twist.
Jacob Lev, a flawed yet compelling hero, battles his own demons—alcoholism, a fractured family, and a lost faith—while solving crimes that challenge reality itself. From Los Angeles to Paris, his journey weaves together ancient legends and modern detective work, making every page a gripping adventure.
How Detective Jacob Lev Began
The series was born from Jonathan Kellerman’s fascination with the Golem legend, sparked during a visit to Prague. A renowned psychologist and author of the Alex Delaware series, Jonathan teamed up with his son Jesse, a talented novelist and playwright, to craft a fresh take on crime fiction. Their collaboration merged Jonathan’s expertise in psychological suspense with Jesse’s flair for character-driven storytelling, resulting in a series that dares to blend the supernatural with hard-boiled detective work. The idea of a golem—a mythical creature from Jewish folklore—serving as both protector and enigma set the stage for a bold narrative unlike anything the Kellermans had written before.
The Heart of Detective Jacob Lev
The series kicks off with The Golem of Hollywood (2014), where Jacob, a disillusioned detective, is recruited by a secretive LAPD unit to solve a murder marked by the Hebrew word for “justice.” As he investigates, he encounters Mai, a mysterious woman tied to the golem legend, and uncovers truths about his own heritage that shake his world. The sequel, The Golem of Paris (2015), takes Jacob across the globe to probe a cold case linked to his mother’s troubled past, diving deeper into the golem’s dark history.
These novels shine with their rich exploration of Jewish mythology, particularly the golem, a clay figure brought to life to protect or punish. The Kellermans weave this folklore into gritty LA settings, creating a haunting contrast between ancient mysticism and modern crime. Themes of redemption, identity, and the blurred line between reality and the supernatural drive the narrative, while Jacob’s personal struggles—his fractured faith, strained family ties, and battle with addiction—add emotional depth. The series’ style is vivid and cinematic, blending procedural detail with dreamlike sequences that evoke a David Lynch film.
Why Detective Jacob Lev Resonates
Though a niche series, Detective Jacob Lev has carved a unique space in crime fiction by daring to blend genres. Fans praise its bold storytelling and Jacob’s relatable flaws, with reviews calling it “a witty, propulsive, and frequently chilling read” (Kirkus Reviews). Its exploration of Jewish culture and mythology offers a fresh perspective, appealing to readers seeking more than standard detective fare. While the series hasn’t reached the mainstream heights of Jonathan’s Alex Delaware novels, its cult following appreciates its daring narrative and emotional resonance, leaving hope for future installments.
- Publication Years: 2014 (The Golem of Hollywood), 2015 (The Golem of Paris)
- Number of Books: 2
- Authors: Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman
- Genre: Mystery, Supernatural Thriller
Ready to unravel mysteries with a mythical twist? Grab The Golem of Hollywood and dive into Detective Jacob Lev’s haunting world of crime and folklore!