Where to start
The Mentalist
2 versions · originally a series, 2008
The Mentalist centers on hyper-observant investigators who exploit their uncanny ability to read human behavior to solve complex mysteries.
✦ Most fans start here
The Mentalist (2008)

The original tv
✦ Start hereThe Mentalist
Bruno Heller · Series · 2008
The Mentalist (2008) is the definitive television procedural, showcasing Patrick Jane’s transition from celebrity psychic to CBI consultant. It is ideal for viewers who enjoy charismatic, psychologically-driven crime-solving dynamics.
2017 book
The Mentalist
John Tallon Jones · Book · 2017
The Mentalist (2017) presents a traditional private detective narrative featuring Morris Shannon. This book offers a grounded, literary take on the genre, perfect for readers who prefer classic, methodical investigative fiction.
Common questions
Is The Mentalist (tv, 2008) based on The Mentalist (book, 2017)?
No, The Mentalist (tv, 2008) is not based on The Mentalist (book, 2017). The television series premiered in 2008, while the book was published separately in 2017. They are distinct works that share a title but do not have a direct source material relationship.
Should I read The Mentalist (book, 2017) before watching The Mentalist (tv, 2008)?
You do not need to read The Mentalist (book, 2017) before watching The Mentalist (tv, 2008). Because the television series began production years before the book was published, the two titles are not connected by plot or shared narrative continuity.
Is The Mentalist (book, 2017) a novelization of The Mentalist (tv, 2008)?
The Mentalist (book, 2017) is not a novelization of the television series The Mentalist (tv, 2008). Despite the identical titles, the book and the television show are separate projects and the book does not serve as a written adaptation of the 2008 show.
How long has The Mentalist (tv, 2008) been available?
The Mentalist (tv, 2008) first debuted in 2008. It is a television series that concluded its run after several seasons. It remains a distinct entry in media history, separate from the 2017 book that shares the same title.