Compulsion (Alex Delaware, No. 22)
by Jonathan Kellerman
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Book Reviews of Compulsion (Alex Delaware, No. 22)
Book Review: An Old Friend. . .
Summary: 4 Stars
I have done a lot of Kellerman's books on audio; John Rubenstein is a superb reader. I purchased this Kellerman out of state while fleeing Hurricane Ike, and needed something to read in my motel room.
This is the latest in a long series of Delaware books, and the reader is assumed to know his history. The books are rather chronological, and fortunately Kellerman doesn't waste a lot of words filling in past history. I have to agree that I don't hold a lot of affection for Robin, Delaware's former girlfriend who has returned from her rock star romance. She is, however, no more irritating than Allison, who had more hangups than his patients. I really enjoy reading about Milo more than Delaware, and he's entertaining in this book.
I don't find Kellerman's plots all that interesting, but I really like his dialogue. Doctor Delaware always seems to make enough money to live on despite doing only intermittent work, but I try not to focus on that bit of fantasy. Those who are familiar with, and enjoy, this series of books will enjoy this one also. Not too short, not too long, and not too complicated with excessive characters. Some writers of mystery require a legal pad and notes just to keep up with everyone!
A good read and not an overly long one. I finished it by the time I was allowed back in from the hurricane.
Book Review: Too Formulaic
Summary: 3 Stars
I can't say much about the plot of this book, because it is a who-done-it, and that would be unfair. But there is a murderer who cross-dresses and an African-American teen who disappears while selling magazines. I have read all of Kellerman's work, and while I don't think that this is his best effort, I do feel that he an outstanding author. He is a former clinical psychologist whose protagonist here, Dr. Alex Delaware, is also one. Two things about his work appeal to me: First, he really writes in an engaging way, making people and dialogue and scenes come alive, and second, he is able to bring his previous expertise to character development--both of which make for the real deal. I think his best work is "Butcher's Theater" which takes you fully inside the mind of a psychopath and serial killer. That book is a little long and involved, but if you don't mind that, it is the ultimate crime thriller. But you can never go wrong with Kellerman--he is always a good read.
Book Review: Expecting Too Much
Summary: 3 Stars
I think loyal reader's are expecting too much from Kellerman and Alex Delaware.
We used to look here for crime novels that offered real insight into American life, as lived on the Left Coast.
Now we realize that this is just another series of detective novels, turned out on a regular schedule, and they're going to keep coming forever. Criticizing COMPULSION would be like criticizing THE CASE OF THE WORRIED WAITRESS as "not up to the standard of previous Perry Mason adventures."
This is a standared Delaware/Sturgis adventure. We get still more foreshadowing of the heart attack Milo will have one of these days. The only real surprise is a "hit the pagecount, cut it off" ending in which Milo and Alex are tracking down yet another clue and run into the killer, who has a hostage with him, pretty much by accident.
Book Review: Confusing With Too Many Characters
Summary: 2 Stars
Like many of the other reviewers, I have read Jonathan Kellerman from the beginning of his Alex Delaware books. This is the only one that I absolutely could not finish. I can't stand the Robin character - she's like a live-in leech who takes and gives nothing (except an occasional toss in the hay) in return. She is so emotionless and boring that Alex gets most of his emotional connection from his dog and koi fish. I wish her character could be axed permanently. I would recommend that anyone reading this book keep a pad and pencil handy for jotting down the NUMEROUS characters' names and who the heck they are. Confusing and uninteresting plot. I give it the two stars strictly for the dialogue between Alex and Milo. I love the Milo character and his comments from a very seasoned detective who has seen it all!Book Review: Easy read with a happy ending!
Summary: 3 Stars
If you are looking for a quick and easy read, Compulsion might be the book for you. This is a true whodunit featuring Kellerman's popular characters Alex Delaware (psychologist) and Milo Sturgis (LA PD). The plot is well developed with "clues" peppered throughout enabling astute readers to determine who the bad guy is before it is actually revealed. Although I liked the book, I have two complaints. First, the killer's motive for killing is a little weak. And, second, I didn't like the introduction of new characters right at the end of the book. There really wasn't any need for introducing new characters...Alex/Milo could have caught the bad guy in a different and more creative way. But, all-in-all, a pleasurable read.