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

Not up to Kellerman's standard

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, it was a disappointing read compared to his previous novels. The plot was tired and uninspiring, and the language seemed trite and over the top. I don't remember feeling this way about his previous books (I've read or listened to them all).

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

No surprises.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I absolutely hated the way the voice over talent read Milo Sturgis. It made him sound like a cheap Brooklyn detective. The rest of the read was okay but I found that part of the listening experience very irritating.

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

No

Any additional comments?

This wasn't really a mystery. I've read Jonathan Kellerman's books for years and he generally writes an entertaining book. The language in this book was trite. Too many metaphors, too corny. It's almost like someone wrote this one for him.

Good Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book because of the way it leads or better said misleads to the wrong conclusion,requiring you to listen closely.

Consistency is a Beautiful Thing!

I have been a fan of the series since the beginning. For me, there's comfort in checking in on the lives of Alex, Milo, Robin, et al every year or so. Kellerman does not disappoint in his ability to craft a sentence that captures the most benign detail of a character or his/her action without making it boringly intricate. Rubenstein's narration never disappoints. The Delaware series is my meat loaf and mashed potatoes - always comfortable, familiar, and enjoyable.

Brangelina? You Decide!

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

Absolutely! I listen to every Alex Delaware novel because of John Rubenstein. In my mind his IS Alex and he IS Milo. His voices are so good that I feel like I'm missing old friends when the books are finished. He's one of the best audiobook readers out there.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character in every Alex Delaware novel is Milo Sturgis. He is a unique character and the fact that he is gay isn't a big deal in his relationship with Alex. It's all handled very matter-of-factly, which is as it should be. He is a good guy, smart and gruff, great cop, frustrated over-eater, always in a tangle on the job, and then the fact that he is gay is just part of who he is. I love the way he is written and I love the way John Rubenstein creates his voice and inflections. These books work because of the unique relationship between Milo and Alex, which grows stronger with every story. I wish I knew these guys in real life!

What about John Rubinstein’s performance did you like?

He makes every voice unique. His female voices are natural and not annoying, and he has done these characters for so long now that they seem real.

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

"Sometimes the real Hollywood story is better than the script"

Any additional comments?

I've listened to every Alex Delaware novel and this was one of my favorites. I loved the Hollywood angle and the parallels to certain real life stars made it more fun than usual. But I can't help feeling frustrated that the subject of marriage is NEVER addressed between Alex and his longtime love, Robin. It's about time, Jonathan Kellerman!

Great series, this time, storyline was weak

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

I am a fan of the Alex Delaware series and particularly enjoy John Rubinstein's narration. This current storyline was rather predictable and not very compelling. I still enjoyed listening to "Guilt", though it was not one of the better ones in the series.

What do you think your next listen will be?

The new Alex Cross audiobook

Do you think Guilt needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I look forward to the next book in the series, but expect a much more compelling story.

Jonathan and John = Super Duo

Not my favorite Delaware novel but still a good read. Rubinstein always keeps you interested.

Sometimes a Review is Just a Review

When I ordered Guilt I looked at the review promanently displayed on the page with the synopsis of the story. I have read all of the Alex Delaware books and was so skepical of reading (listening) to this one when the reviewer said it was the last Alex Delaware she would read. I know the subject matter was delicate but I thought this was one of the bext of J. Kellerman's works.

All my favorite characters were there and acting appropriately (true to character). The stroy was a fascinating one and quite convoluted which adds to the mystery. John Rubinstein is a great reader as Alex and Milo and I have trouble identifying with him in some of the TV dramas where I see him as he is still my Alex.

Dissappointments - yes, one major one. I don't want to give it away to readers so I must say the quilty party was not a well developed character. Usually the detectives or someone has more contact with this person in order for the character to be deceptive and the truth revealed. Not so here and It made a hole in the story for me.

Straight-forward Mystery

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

I have pretty much listened to all the Alex Delaware series to date and this one ranks in the Top 10.

Who was your favorite character and why?

In this book it has to be Delaware because he carries the story line.

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

It would not be a Delaware book without John Rubinstein.

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

No. But it would have been less disjointed. Breaking it up makes you lose pertinent facts.

Any additional comments?

I liked this book mainly because I am an Alex Delaware fanatic. The one thing that mystifies me is why Kellerman insists on giving you a complete run down of each person's wardrobe. It just seems a little insignificant and has no real bearing on the end result.

Twists, turns and intrigue

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

The author does a great job of presenting a believable cast of characters, who are intertwined quite cleverly until the jaw dropping conclusion.

Another good, but not great, Alex and Milo

I love the Alex Delaware series and I enjoy John Rubinstein's narration of the stories. I'm unsure why I hadn't listened to this one until now, but I'm glad I didn't miss it altogether. This one led Kellerman's characters on a twofold mystery involving a dead baby and young girls.