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Deception  By  cover art

Deception

By: Jonathan Kellerman
Narrated by: John Rubinstein
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Publisher's summary

Masterly storytelling and expert insight into the darkest of human compulsions make number-one New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels as compelling as they are addictive. And just when you think he has taken his spellbinding tales of mystery and psychological suspense to the limit, withDeception he takes a bold leap into terrifying and uncharted new territory.

Her name is Elise Freeman, and her chilling cry for help to whoever may be listening comes too late to save her. On a DVD found near her lifeless body, the emotionally and physically battered woman chronicles a year-and-a-half-long ordeal of monstrous abuse at the hands of three sadistic tormentors. But even more shocking than the lurid details is the revelation that the offenders, like their victim, are teachers at one of L.A.s most prestigious prep schools. With Elise now dead by uncertain means, homicide detective Milo Sturgis is assigned to probe the hallowed halls of Windsor Prep Academy. And if ever he could use Dr. Alex Delaware's psychological prowess, its now.

From the get-go, this case promises to be an uphill climb for truth and a down and dirty fight for justice. Allegations of rape, assault, and possibly murder at this esteemed institution renowned for molding Ivy Leaguers make for a social and political time bombespecially given that one of the students has connections high up in City Hall. As the scandal-conscious elite of L.A. close ranks around Windsor Prep, Alex and Milo must penetrate the citadel of wealth and scholarship to expose the hidden anguish, dirty secrets, and deadly sins festering among societys manor-born. But power and position are not easily surrendered, for that's when the best and the brightest turn brutal and ugly. Searching for predators among the privileged, Alex and Milo may well be walking into a highly polished death trap.

Psyched? Listen to all of Jonathan Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware thrillers.
©2010 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2010 Random House

What listeners say about Deception

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Really disappointed

I really like the series but this one was very predictable and I wish I never would have downloaded it.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Fast-paced easy read

If you are a long time Kellerman fan you'll enjoy Deception. It follows the same formula, has some good twists and turns in the plot to stop it from being totally predictable. There are no long-winded descriptions that will have you yawning. The action moves quickly, characters are believable and it definitely is easy to read. Ideal for a snowed in day, airport or day at the beach.
What I do miss from Kellerman's latest books, are Alex Delaware's psychologist insights. The main protagonist is now Milo Sturgis and Alex has become his sidekick. I did enjoy the books more when it was the other way round.
In Evidence a school teacher is found dead in an apparent suicide, but things are not as straight forward as they initially seem. Milo and Alex uncover the layers to find the real killers.
The kind of book you can listen to in one sitting.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Ed
  • 06-25-10

Should be called the Milo Sturgis series

I'm not sure why they call this the Alex Delaware Series. It would be like calling the Hound of the Baskervilles an installment in the Dr. Watson series. That minor criticism aside, this was an average book that had some interesting characters and good dose of sarcasm and humor, courtesy of Milo Sturgis. Sturgis and Delaware seem to have a knack for deducing mysteries out of thin air but hearing them discuss various theories as to whodunit and why makes for a good story. This is one of those books that will hold your interest for its entire length because it is about the right length. But I will probably call it quits after my second listen in the Delaware series. Too many other good books and authors out there.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Just Entertainment

This audiobook is not Water for Elephants or The Help. I listen to those for intellectual stimulation. I listen to Kellerman for entertainment. No nuances or complicated characters. Kick back and relax with Deception.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Same old...

Nothing new here. And the suspects "lick their lips" and "blink" all the time, which is just annoying.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Predictable, But Still Delightful

This was not a "full of surprises" kind of mystery, but it was a good listen. Since, I work in college admissions, I especially enjoyed the send-up of prep schools and the pressure on adolescents to attend the "right school."

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story. Greatly read by John Rubinstein.

I really like this book, as with other Alex Delaware books. But an aside, John Rubinstein has the voices down, I can't imagine listening to another Delaware book without his Milo Sturgis voice. Well done.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

love Alex Delaware...

great read. characters are as beloved as ever and do not disappoint. even the dog!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Solid Kellerman Fare

At odds with the others who have reviewed at this point. Delaware & Co are characters I faithfully look forward to in each new installment. Predictable? Yep. So is dinner at my favorite dive, but it doesn't deter me from going. Kellerman is truly a master with the English language moreso than many popular authors these days - he truly paints with his words. Rubenstein is also just as ingrained as the voice(s) of these characters. Read elsewhere that this was the 25th Delaware novel - keep 'em coming.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Not great, but I liked it.

The plot is quite inventive and interesting. The characters are easy to follow and transparent. The action moves swiftly in an uncomplicated way, and all "clues" are eventually explained and rationalized. Nicely read. I was in the mood for sheer entertainment and didn't want to think too much. This book satisfied me, but it is not memorable.

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2 people found this helpful