Deception

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: John Rubinstein

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

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

The storyline

Liked the whole book . I love Jonathan Kellerman’s writing. And especially the narrators voice. Great read.

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.

Recommend!

I really liked it. There is always a twist in these books that I don't see coming. The narration was lacking in a few places. It's like it didn't match. However, you could get past that:-) I recommend this book.

Suspense and Surprise

Jonathan Kellerman is a master of suspense and surprise. Deception demonstrates this. The mode of the murder is exceptionally unexpected. Twists and plot turns are signature Kellerman talents. Enjoy this listen!

Excellent read!

What makes these stories so entertaining and enjoyable for me, besides the storyline is the narrator.

Deception

Do not waste your time or money- not a good book.

Not one of his best...

I've been reading Jonathan Kellerman's thrillers for decades, but this one missed the mark, sorry. Too rote, a mediocre effort for the talented Kellerman. The story didn't flow well in my opinion. Dialog was often abrupt and hard to follow -- staccato rather than crisp and natural, which I imagine he was trying for. I felt he relied too heavily on long descriptions of the clothing/appearance/facial expressions of characters not even key to the story. All in all, it was okay. Just okay.

Just okay

Kellerman isn't is good as he used to be. I feel as though his last few books have been very formulaic. It's not horrible, but not great.

Same old...

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

Confusing

This may be a book better read then listened to. Very hard to follow.