Customer Reviews:
 A nice addition to the Alex Delaware series July 20, 2008
Compulsion is author Jonathan Kellerman's 22nd offering in his series about Alex Delaware, a child psychologist who assists police detective Milo Sturgis in solving murder cases. Being a psychologist myself, I've read and generally enjoyed all of the books in the Dr. Delaware series, although I felt that somewhere around the 15-20th books or so, Kellerman began to lose some steam. However, with this newest novel as well as the previous one, Obsession, Kellerman seems to again found what works.
In Compulsion, Detective--now Lieutenant Sturgis--is back from an extended vacatinon after sustaining a serious injury in the line of duty. Just as he is complaining about having nothing to do, an old woman is murdered in broad daylight. At the same time, a luxury car is reported stolen, and a young woman goes missing--could these events be related? As usual, Alex and Milo slowly brainstorm possibilities and track down long-shot leads until a suspect emerges. What is unusual about Compulsion, however, is that Kellerman also introduces a subplot which runs throughout the book and continues even beyond the resolution of the main plotline; this adds an extra element of interest.
While Compulsion is not the best novel in the Dr. Delaware series, it is a suspensful, solid story, and definitely a cut above some of Kellerman's other recent offerings.
Classic Delaware. July 16, 2008
So glad to see a return to the strong Alex Delaware books of yore after being disappointed in the last few entries in this series. Readers can expect psychological thrills, violence, mayhem, and some serious sleuthing by Delaware, Milo, and friends as they track an apparent homicidal "do-gooder" who takes it upon himself (herself?) to rid the world of those he (she?) deems unworthy of life.
I figured this one out early on, but still enjoyed the plot twists that kept me guessing. Great characters, even for those who make minor appearances. I still take issue with Robin's two-dimensional character -- I'd like to see her as more than a convenient helpmate who has no wants or needs of her own.
All the same, a good read for fans of Kellerman and psychological thrillers.
Another really good Alex Delaware novel July 2, 2008
As usual, this latest installation of the Alex Delaware novels co-starring stalwart Detective Milo Sturgis, is a page turner from beginning to end.
Making the streets of Los Angeles come alive with his description of the ordinary denziens, we watch Delaware and Sturgis pull together all of the pieces of the mysterious killer without a face.
Great summer read.
 POOR, POOR, POOR June 30, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have read all of Kellerman's Novels.I love Alex Delaware--however, I really think that it's time to retire him and Milo. They seem to have run there course. I found this book to be a total bore and did not even finish it.
 Just words June 26, 2008
This is one of the most disappointing books of Kellerman. The story line was flimsy and you didn't really understand or buy the progression of the "bad guy" in the book. He just sort of developed out of no where and most importantly - you didn't even care. I didn't care about any of the characters, or the fact that Robin was back and Milo, always interesting, was just a shell of himself. Nothing inspired me to keep reading, nothing intrigued and I only finished because I always finish a book once I start it no matter how bad.
|
