Evidence

An Alex Delaware Novel

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: John Rubinstein

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

Number-one New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Kellerman writes unforgettable tales of crime and detection that expose the shadowy side of glittering Los Angeles. And in Evidence, listeners are once again in the dexterous grip of a master storyteller and stylist equally skilled at teasing your brain and taking your breath away.

In the half-built skeleton of a monstrously vulgar mansion in one of L.A.'s toniest neighborhoods, a watchman stumbles on the bodies of a young couple - murdered in flagrante and left in a gruesome postmortem embrace. Though he's cracked some of the city's worst slayings, veteran homicide cop Milo Sturgis is still shocked at the grisly sight: a twisted crime that only Milo's killer instincts - and psychologist Alex Delaware's keen insights - can hope to solve.

While the female victim's identity remains a question mark, her companion is ID'd as eco-friendly architect Desmond Backer, who disdains the sort of grandiose superstructure he's found dead in. And the late Mr. Backer, it's revealed, was also notorious for his power to seduce women.

The rare exception is his ex-boss, Helga Gemein, who's as indifferent to Desmond's death as she apparently was to his advances. Though Milo and Alex place her on their short list of suspects, the deeper they dig for clues the longer the list grows. An elusive prince who appears to harbor decidedly American appetites, an eccentric blueblood with an ax to grind, one of Desmond's restless ex-lovers and her cuckolded husband - all are in the homicidal mix spiced with eco-terrorism, arson, blackmail, conspiracy, and a vendetta that runs deep.

But when the investigation veers suddenly in a startling direction, it's the investigators who may wind up on the wrong end of a cornered predator's final fury.

Psyched? Listen to all of Jonathan Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware thrillers.

©2009 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2009 Random House

Revenge

Number 24 in the Alex Delaware/ Milo Sturgis series this audio focuses on two different stories of revenge and the collateral damage that occurs when hate spills over. Included is the push/pull dynamic of local and federal law enforcement, Islamic extremism, and Swiss banking.
Having just completed Time Bomb and Private Eyes two of the earlier works in the series I'm struck by the change that has occurred in the series. In the earlier books the fact that Alex used to be a psychologist is ever present, his approach to problems and his way of relating to people comes from a therapeutic point of view. In this work that approach is only present when Milo or some other "civilian" asks for his professional expertise. There is also more emphasis placed on the interviews/ interrogations done by the police; Milo's in particular. The manner in which the perps are led into into verbal corners is instructing and almost fascinating. Though this isn't one of the best books in the series, it's quite good and an easy recommendation to make.

Could not get interested in these people

The characters did not seem plausible, and the story was not interesting. The characters seemed shallow stereotypes. Honestly, I coudn't finish it. It is a rare audio book that I do not finish, but I felt relieved to throw in the towel on this one. I have been a Jonathon Kellerman fan for years, and also like some of the books Faye has written, but this one had little appeal.

A very different but WONDERFUL Kellerman!

I've read other reviews but have to disagree...I LOVED this book...don't know when I've laughed so much and right out loud! Not predictable and never boring. Milo Sturgis is great, and in a way it was nice to see him in the starring role. Topsy turvy and with twists and turns, this book was a real winner!

Not so Hot

Love the Alex Delaware novels, but this one was way off the usual quality. The story was boring... so boring that John Rubinstein (an awesome narrator for this series) couldn't keep track of the plot... It was have been more interesting listening to someone read the case file. No psychological thrill.

Good book... but

Not the best Kellerman. While it has Milo and Alex together, there is so little personal interaction between both men and their significant others, that it is purely an evidence chase. Not enough of the guys' personalities and various problems and pecadillos as in others. It's good, especially if you know the history. For someone reading this series for the first time, this is not the one to start with.

As Always a Favorite

Good story and held my interest all the way through.
A great Alex Delaware. Hope they never retire.

John Rubenstein

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

Up on the top, I love the stories of Milo and Alex Delaware

What did you like best about this story?

John Rubenstein created these characters for me

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

Milo

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

Just kept me listening

Any additional comments?

I love my audio books and probably would not have picked up Kellerman's books if not for seeing them on Audible...

What a disappointment

I can't recall the last time I didn't finish listening to a book I purchased, but I won't soon forget this one. Boring, uninteresting plot, and the nasal tone to the narrator's voice all combined to make this a real snooze fest. Do not listen in your car, or risk running off the road when you doze off...I want a refund!

Solid, if Predictable

The Delaware novels are like meat loaf and mashed potatoes - predictable, but in a good way. While in agreement that this wasn't the most solid in the series, it was still a most enjoyable listen. Not sure what folks' beef with Rubenstein is - he delivers consistent performance book after book. Realizing he's backed into a corner after all these years, you still wonder if somebody's called him on the light New York accent for Milo, who supposedly hails from Indiana...

Boring and an irritating narrator

I had to force myself to finish this book. A narrator can make all the difference. I found his Very Strong NY accent irritating and distracting. I would have enjoyed the book more with another narrator. The book itself wasn't bad but not worth using a credit. I generally like Kellerman but can't recommend this one. If you like a very basic mystery and don't mind the narrator, you might enjoy this one.