Guilt

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: John Rubinstein

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman's "psychology skills and dark imagination are a potent literary mix" (Los Angeles Times), and this intensely thrilling blend has never been so powerful as in the acclaimed author's new novel of murder and madness among the beautiful dreamers, seductive predators, and doomed innocents adrift in the glare of Southern California's eternal sunshine.

A series of horrifying events occur in quick succession in the same upscale L.A. neighborhood. A backyard renovation unearths an infant's body, buried 60 years ago. And soon thereafter in a nearby park, another disturbingly bizarre discovery is made not far from the body of a young woman shot in the head. Helping LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis to link these eerie incidents is brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware. But even the good doctor's vast experience with matters both clinical and criminal might not be enough to cut down to the bone of this chilling case - and draw out the disturbing truth.

Backtracking six decades into the past stirs up tales of a beautiful nurse with a mystery lover, a handsome, wealthy doctor who seems too good to be true, and a hospital with a notorious reputation - all of them long gone, along with any records of a newborn, and destined for anonymity. But the specter of fame rears its head when the case unexpectedly twists in the direction of the highest echelons of celebrity privilege. Entering this sheltered world, Alex little imagines the macabre layer just below the surface - a decadent quagmire of unholy rituals and grisly sacrifice.

Before their work is done, Alex and Milo, "the most original whodunit duo since Watson and Holmes" (Forbes), must confront a fanatically deranged mind of such monstrous cunning that even the most depraved madman would shudder.

©2013 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2013 Random House Audio

Good Solid Kellerman Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Guilt to be better than the print version?

I prefer audiobooks as I drive a lot for work and also listen as I'm cleaning my house, doing chores and exercising.

If you’ve listened to books by Jonathan Kellerman before, how does this one compare?

This is a good Kellerman book. Alex and Milo have a great relationship, Alex's observations are always fun and I love me some Blanche.

Which character – as performed by John Rubinstein – was your favorite?

Alex, of course.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

This is a good Alex Delaware read. Fans of the series will not be disappointed in the latest chapter of Milo and Alex's lives.

Not Kellerman's Best

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The book had a superficial quality about it. Kellerman's treatment of both the plot and the characters lacked substance and plausibility.

If you’ve listened to books by Jonathan Kellerman before, how does this one compare?

Not very well. Give this one a pass.

Who is guilty? Who feels guilt for past actions

What made the experience of listening to Guilt the most enjoyable?

John Rubinstein's infectious reading of the words of Johnathan Kellerman.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Guilt?

One of the most memorable moments is when the character who was suspected of being the murderer turns out to be a herione.

What about John Rubinstein’s performance did you like?

He gives different voices to each character and maintains that thoughtout the novel which makes the characters seem more real.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did not have an extreme reaction. There were moments of levity and moments of real joy when it turns out that the mother of the children and the children are guilt free.

Any additional comments?

Another great Kellerman novel.

Great Finish

this book started out great! enjoyed it to that point. then for me it went off the rails. after the dusenberg part, it got very complicated with the introduction of too many new characters to follow. and it made the story difficult to follow unless you were great at concentrating ... but the finish was great!!

Loved it!

Would you listen to Guilt again? Why?

I really enjoy the author's use of words. It pleases my ear and makes me smile. The descriptions of the places and the way the characters are developed have great appeal. I went back and replayed several chapters when I first listened to the audiobook, and will undoubtedly listen to the whole thing again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot developed nicely and kept me interested and entertained, which is why I finished it in two days. Actually I would have done it more quickly, but forced myself to slow down as I knew I would be disappointed when the book was finished.

Have you listened to any of John Rubinstein’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Love Rubenstein's narration - they really make these books come alive. The individual character voices are always recognizable, and word flow and timing are excellent. Rubenstein's narration is one of the things I most enjoy about the Alex Delaware novels, and when I see that a new book is out, that's the first thing I check.

Any additional comments?

I've read all the Alex Delaware books and this was one of my favorites.

Disappointed but still a fan

I hate to say anything bad about this book but it felt thrown together with very little thought. It could have had such a great twist (hoping in the future it might..in another book) and so much better ending. It felt like a waste of time.

Standard Milo and Alex

If you have read the series and enjoyed it despite the formulaic story lines then there is no reason to stop now!

This outing wasn't one of the best, still entertaining in a cheesy way. There are very obvious parallels to a current actress that make you wonder whether Kellerman is aiming for a movie deal. The crime was bizarre in keeping with the entire series premise, but it feels like this one was a bit of a stretch.

If you have never read any of the series do not make this your first, read When the Bough Breaks it is the first in the series and justifies how you can enjoy Guilt, an eventual watered down version of Milo and Alex.

Another Great Alex Delaware Novel

Would you consider the audio edition of Guilt to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the book so I don't know if the audio edition is better. I typically listen instead of reading.

What did you like best about this story?

I am a fan of the Alex Delaware series. This was not the best of the series, but it is a very good story line with some unexpected twists.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end where the police contacted the husband of the movie star and his girlfriend opened the door with white powder on her face as did the husband. It's art imitating life having been in law enforcement myself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No - even if I wanted to, I don't have that luxury. I do listen while I workout (sometimes), while I was traveling, before I went to bed and while I work around the house.

Any additional comments?

I very much enjoy Jonathan Kellerman and always look forward to the next Alex Delaware novel. I will wait for the next one in the series. :)

I am a closet hopeful novelist myself and love the twists that Kellerman throws in to each of his story lines. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something new comes along.

Alex is back!!

I've read a lot of Alex Delaware books throughout the years. I really loved the early books, but after a while I started getting tired of the series. I decided to take a chance on this new book and was quite pleased. Guilt was nothing spectacular, but a good listen. I will look forward to the next book. I think Alex is back!

A+

I love the characters and John Rubinstein. Another home run for Kellerman in my opinion.