The Recommended Reading Order for Detective Jacob Lev
Because the Detective Jacob Lev series relies heavily on character development, family revelations, and a continuous narrative arc, it is highly recommended to read the books in order of publication. Skipping ahead will spoil major plot points regarding Jacob's family history and the nature of the supernatural mysteries he solves.
Here is the recommended reading path:
- The Golem of Hollywood (Published September 16, 2014)
- The Golem of Paris (Published November 3, 2015)
While some online catalogs and database records list The Golem of Hollywood with a 2013 publication year due to early listings and advanced reader editions, the novel officially hit shelves in September 2014. The two books should be read in this sequence to fully grasp the evolution of Jacob's personal struggles and the supernatural lore surrounding the Golem myth.
Detailed Guide to the Books
1. The Golem of Hollywood (2014)
The series begins with The Golem of Hollywood, which introduces readers to Detective Jacob Lev. Jacob is a depressed, burned-out LAPD detective struggling with alcoholism, a fractured relationship with his father (a former rabbi), and a general lack of direction. His life takes a bizarre turn when he is abruptly reassigned to a mysterious, unnamed special division of the police department. His first case is a grotesque crime scene in the Hollywood Hills: a severed head, no body, and the Hebrew word for 'justice' (Emet) written in ash on a wall.
As Jacob dives into the investigation, the story splits into multiple timelines and perspectives, including a historical narrative tracing back to Prague and the origin of the Golem. Along the way, Jacob meets Mai, a mysterious woman who seems to know more about his family and the crime than she lets on. The book sets the tone for the series, blending hard-boiled police procedural details with dreamlike, mythological sequences.
2. The Golem of Paris (2015)
Picking up shortly after the events of the first book, The Golem of Paris finds Jacob Lev still trying to make sense of the supernatural encounters that changed his life. Now working as a detective in a quiet, low-stakes detail, Jacob is drawn back into the supernatural web when he goes to Paris. Officially, he is looking into a cold case involving a double homicide, but his investigation quickly overlaps with his mother's mysterious past and the hidden history of the Golem.
The novel shifts between modern-day Paris and occupied France during World War II, exploring themes of memory, guilt, and ancestral trauma. The atmosphere is dense and psychological, emphasizing Jacob's internal battle with his demons as much as his external quest for answers.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into this duology, readers should prepare for a significant departure from Jonathan Kellerman's solo works, such as his famous Alex Delaware series. While the Delaware novels are grounded in psychological realism and standard police investigation, the Jacob Lev books lean heavily into the paranormal, magical realism, and Jewish folklore. The narrative style is often surreal and cinematic, mirroring the disorienting experiences of a detective who isn't sure if he is losing his mind or encountering ancient forces.
Additionally, because the series deals extensively with themes of alcoholism, generational trauma, and religious disillusionment, the tone is consistently dark and reflective. It is a slow-burn mystery that rewards patience as the authors thread historical folklore through a modern detective framework.
The Father-Son Collaboration
The Detective Jacob Lev series represents the first major writing collaboration between bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman and his son, Jesse Kellerman. The project was initially conceived by Jonathan, who became fascinated by the Golem legend during a trip to Prague. After writing an initial outline, he shared it with Jesse, a novelist and playwright, who encouraged him to expand the concept into a novel. Together, they combined Jonathan's expertise in psychological thrillers with Jesse's distinctive voice and interest in character-driven, genre-bending fiction.
Following the completion of the Jacob Lev duology, the father-son duo moved on to create the Clay Edison series, beginning with Crime Scene in 2017. The Clay Edison books represent a return to more traditional crime fiction and do not feature the supernatural elements found in the Jacob Lev novels.
Debunking the Rumor: Is There a Third Book?
For years, rumors circulated among fans that a third book in the series, tentatively titled The Golem of Shanghai, was in development. This speculation was fueled in part by search engine misindexings and online retail listings (notably on eBay) that incorrectly associated 'The Golem of Shanghai' with other co-authored books, such as the Clay Edison novel A Measure of Darkness. However, both authors have confirmed that the series remains a duology, and there are currently no plans for a third installment. The story of Jacob Lev concludes with the events of The Golem of Paris.