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

Kellerman is guilty of tedium

As a longtime fan of the series, I know some of the Delaware-Sturgis stories can be slow. Guilt is well beyond slow, however, reaching rather deeply into B-O-R-I-N-G.

Predictable

As with most long running series, the characters get to be a bit old. I think Dr. Delaware should think about retirement. But if you are a big fan of the series, or the sub-genre, you will probably enjoy this book well enough.

Kellerman Delivers Again

Where does Guilt rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Kellerman's novels are one of my favorites. Faye and Jonathan produce classic west coast detective novels. All though Jonathan's protagonist, Alex Delaware, is a psychologist, and Faye's is a real detective. The stories of Alex Delaware's consultation with the L.A.P.D. feel realistic and always are interesting.

What other book might you compare Guilt to and why?

The story falls into a "Hollywood" mystery, so I'm not sure what book I could compare it to. There isn't a feel of danger to Dr. Delaware. It's not a typical hard boiled detective, nor a real forensic novel either. But I enjoyed his tale of hunting a possible baby killer, and it is a good who done it.

Which scene was your favorite?

LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis, is always entertaining. His sarcasm and his view of the world being a cesspool of degenerate, never lets the book get stale. How he deals with his co-workers at the LAPD and the news hound, was realistic. He also provides a different take on solving the mystery.

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

It was shocking about dealing with a baby's corpse. To think of someone hurting a child is just awlful. But it happens every day, sadly. Kellerman's Hollywood characters were fun. The similarity between the real world Brad and Angelia, to Kellerman's Hollywood hot it couple was a bit funny.

These characters have become family to most of us

Yes the formula is played out. Yes John Rubenstein always sounds like an old man with a cough , no matter the character. But for some reason it's always a pleasure finding out what Alex and Milo are up to. And just like most of you out there,I read these books just because they are there.

Guilty Pleasure

Would you listen to Guilt again? Why?

I enjoyed the book but I probably won't listen to it again. I only listen to the Alex Delaware books once.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Guilt?

I don't have a specific moment to mention. I enjoyed the fact that there were two mysteries and two investigations. The characters--leads, suspects and witnesses--were unique characters.

What does John Rubinstein bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love John Rubenstein. I have seen him on stage and on TV. He makes Alex into a compelling character. He does all the voices well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

An old mystery and a new one--what happened to these babies?

Any additional comments?

This is one of the better Alex Delaware books.It is definitely worth a listen.

A reliable choice

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

I have rarely been disappointed in any books in this series. The plot pacing works will with the audio medium therefore I prefer to listen to this series rather that read it.

Would you listen to another book narrated by John Rubinstein?

Most likely .

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Possibly, I have often thought this series would translate nicely to the big screen. Depending on casting of the lead characters.

Vintage

Recommended for Kellerman fans like me. Chilling yet warmly human as a mystery is solved.

One of his best

Where does Guilt rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

No question that it is a fast and good 'listen'.

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

I do not think that Kellerman's works are edge of seat thrillers but thoughtful and tight pieces that keeps the reader (listener) glued.

What about John Rubinstein’s performance did you like?

Mr. Rubinstein is an excellent reader.

as always wonderful story and writing

Where does Guilt rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

10 out of 10

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

Yes lots of twists and turns and mystery to keep me reading.

What does John Rubinstein bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

H'es read the Alex series for years and in a way has become the charactor for me. it wouldn't be the same to simply read the book or to have someone else reading them. I truly wish he could record some of the older books in the series that are out in audio but read by someone else.

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

yes but sadly it took me 2 long days of reading.

Kellerman again ... great stuff

Another good Kellerman yarn with a favourite psych hero. If you haven't read him before, do!