Alex Delaware, The Crime Reader, returns in Self-Defence - a compulsive novel from Jonathan Kellerman, the master of psychological suspense.

An ingenious and terrifying thriller from New York Times No. 1 bestseller Jonathan Kellerman, author of KILLER and BREAKDOWN. An 'absorbing thriller in which Kellerman steers deftly round blind alleys and false clues to arrive at intolerable truths' (Literary Review), perfect for fans of James Patterson and Harlan Coben.

Lucy Lowell is traumatised after serving jury duty on the trial of a depraved killer. Horrific images haunt her waking life and at night she's terrorised by the recurring nightmare of a small child watching a terrible scene unfold in a darken wood.

Lucy's terrified that she's losing her grip on reality. Her psychologist, Alex Delaware, thinks her dreams are repressed memories of something very real - a very real murder. Alex knows that delving into Lucy's mind might awaken past terrors but nothing could have prepared him for the horrors about to be unleashed.

"'A gruesome novel psychodrama of depravity and organised vice...assured skill and horripilating effect'" - OBSERVER

"'Absorbing thriller in which Kellerman steers deftly round blind alleys and false clues to arrive at intolerable truths' LITERARY REVIEW" - LITERARY REVIEW

"'Good twists and a wicked portrait of Hollywood and Californian mores'" - TIME OUT

"'Sophisticated, cleverly plotted and satisfying'" - Sunday Telegraph

"'High-octane entertainment'" - The Times

"'Exceptionally exciting'" - New York Times

"'Ingenious and horrifying'" - The Sunday Times