Compulsion

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: John Rubinstein

Once again, the depths of the criminal mind and the darkest side of a glittering city fuel number-one New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman's brilliant storytelling. And no one conducts a more harrowing and suspenseful manhunt than the modern Sherlock Holmes of the psyche, Dr. Alex Delaware.

A tipsy young woman seeking aid on a desolate highway disappears into the inky black night. A retired schoolteacher is stabbed to death in broad daylight. Two women are butchered after closing time in a small-town beauty parlor. These and other bizarre acts of cruelty and psychopathology are linked only by the killer's use of luxury vehicles and a baffling lack of motive. The ultimate whodunits, these crimes demand the attention of LAPD detective Milo Sturgis and his collaborator on the crime beat, psychologist Alex Delaware.

What begins with a solitary bloodstain in a stolen sedan quickly spirals outward in odd and unexpected directions, leading Delaware and Sturgis from the well-heeled center of L.A. society to its desperate edges, across the paths of commodities brokers and transvestite hookers, and as far away as New York City, where the search thaws out a long-cold case and exposes a grotesque homicidal crusade.

The killer proves to be a fleeting shape-shifter, defying identification, leaving behind dazed witnesses and death - and compelling Alex and Milo to confront the true face of murderous madness.

Psyched? Listen to all of Jonathan Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware thrillers.©2008 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A]n intriguing plot, likable regular characters supported by an interesting secondary cast, diabolical villains, witty dialogue and a sense of humanity and justice." ( Publishers Weekly)

Got a Little Lost...

I really enjoy Kellerman books, be it Jonathan or his wife Faye. The narrator of this book was excellent, but somewhere along about the middle of the book, I got LOST and sort of limped along to the end. But I still recommend it as a good listen - maybe I was just distracted?

Good Read

I wonder what is in someone's mind to compell them to murder - Compulsion is a good novel to explore those thoughts while telling a very enjoyable story.

Convoluted.

This installment gets three stars because I continue to like Alex and Milo -- their friendship is intriguing, smart and funny. But the story itself is convoluted. There were too many subplots in this one. Rubinstein continues to excel and I will continue to listen but I hope the next one has a more interesting plot.

Just another Milo and Alex romp

All of Kellerman's series of Delaware and Sturgis mysteries are enjoyable reads. This was was no different. A few more plot twists than usual and a some frequent flyer miles added on trips to New York and elsewhere tracking down the latest nemesis.

Always predictably fun and engaging.

Recommended

Excellent Reading

Another great, fascinating story. However, Jonathan Kellerman needs to let go of so many people with bowed legs. It pops up too often in his novels.

please listen!

this was another excellent mystery from jonathan kellerman and masterfully read, as always, by john rubinstein. the alex delaware novels all have such a great amount of suspense, drama, as well as humor. i have yet to be disappointed.

Delaware fans won't be disappointed

If you are a fan of Kellerman's Delaware/Sturgis combo, you'll like the book. Nothing new, just your average psycho sicko out for a joy ride in a nice car. John Rubinstein has read many of these books and delivers the same quality as he has on other readings. If you are new to Kellerman's Delaware character, I strongly recommend listening to some of his earlier work. In this book there is very little tension between the "good guys", something that I thought gave the other books an edge. I enjoyed the book, it was exactly what I expected.

Compulsion created no cumpulsion for me.

Would you try another book from Jonathan Kellerman and/or John Rubinstein?

I am a big Jonathan Kellerman fan but this book could not hold my interest. It started off with action but took several chapters to tie the action into the story. I had to force myself to finish. Telling myself it would get better.

Read all and this is my favorite so far!

Being a practicing forensic psychologist, I am comforted by Kellerman’s 100% accuracy on the psychological info. This story, in particular, was especially riveting.

Kellerman satisfies, as always!

Excellent serving of my go-to comfort series! Old friends Milo & Alex solve with gusto. Always thrilling, immersive and fun, this tale took me to my "happy (?!) place"!!