Human Nature (novel)

Human Nature is a novel by Jonathan Kellerman, published in 1998. The book is part of the Alex Delaware series, which features child psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware and LAPD detective Milo Sturgis.

The narrative centers around the brutal murder of a prominent UCLA professor. Delaware and Sturgis are drawn into the investigation, which quickly uncovers a complex web of academic rivalries, personal secrets, and hidden connections within the university's anthropology department.

As Delaware and Sturgis delve deeper into the case, they encounter various suspects and motives, each with their own dark secrets. The investigation leads them to explore the darker aspects of human behavior, touching upon themes of jealousy, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. The novel grapples with the question of what truly defines human nature and explores the capacity for both great good and profound evil within individuals. The plot incorporates elements of psychological suspense and police procedural, characteristic of Kellerman's work. The novel utilizes Delaware's psychological expertise to analyze the motivations and behaviors of the suspects, providing insights into their character and potential guilt.