Where to start withThe Mentalist
2 versions · originally a series, 2008
Themes: Redemption, Revenge, Manipulation, Grief, Team Dynamics.
Start with The Mentalist (Bruno Heller, 2008) — the series. The Mentalist exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a series in 2008; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Mentalist centers on hyper-observant investigators who decode human behavior to unravel complex crimes and hidden personal deceptions.
✦ Most fans start here
The Mentalist (2008)
The original tv
✦ Start hereThe Mentalist
Bruno Heller · Series · 2008
The Mentalist (2008) television series establishes the quintessential procedural format, showcasing Patrick Jane’s charismatic manipulation and psychological expertise as he assists the California Bureau of Investigation with high-stakes criminal cases.
2017 book
The Mentalist
John Tallon Jones · Book · 2017
The Mentalist (2017) book offers a traditional private detective perspective, following Morris Shannon as a routine infidelity investigation spirals into a much darker and more complicated criminal mystery.
Common questions
Is The Mentalist (tv, 2008) based on a book?
The Mentalist (tv, 2008) is not based on the 2017 book titled The Mentalist. While they share the same title, the television series and the book are separate works and do not share the same narrative source material or creative origin.
Should I read The Mentalist (book, 2017) after watching The Mentalist (tv, 2008)?
You can read The Mentalist (book, 2017) after finishing The Mentalist (tv, 2008), but note that they are distinct projects. The book is not a novelization of the television show, so you will not find the same plot or characters in the text.
How long is The Mentalist (tv, 2008)?
The Mentalist (tv, 2008) consists of seven seasons that aired between 2008 and 2015. The series includes a total of 151 episodes, providing a complete viewing experience that spans the entire duration of the show's original broadcast run.
What is the difference between The Mentalist (tv, 2008) and The Mentalist (book, 2017)?
The primary difference is the format and origin. The Mentalist (tv, 2008) is a long-running television series focused on episodic crime solving, while The Mentalist (book, 2017) is a standalone literary work. They are separate titles that share a name but not a story.