Time Bomb

An Alex Delaware Novel, Book 5

By: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrated by: Alexander Adams

Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

Edgar Award winner Jonathan Kellerman once more explores the corruption of California's golden coast and produces a novel of complex characterizations and nonstop suspense. By the time psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware reached the school the damage was done: A sniper had opened fire on a crowded playground, but was gunned down before any children were hurt. While the TV news crews feasted on the scene and Alex began his therapy sessions with the traumatized children, he couldn't escape the image of a slight teenager clutching an oversized rifle. What was the identity behind the name and face: a would-be assassin, or just another victim beneath an indifferent California sky?

Intrigued by a request from the sniper's father to conduct a "psychological autopsy" of his child, Alex begins to uncover a strange pattern of innocence, neglect, and loss. Then suddenly it is more than a pattern - it is a trail of blood. In the dead sniper's past was a dark and vicious plot. And in Alex Delaware's future is the stuff of grown-up nightmares: the face of real human evil.

©2003 Jonathan Kellerman (P)2014 Random House Aydio

Critic Reviews

"A meticulously constructed thriller." (Publishers Weekly)

"Virtually impossible to put aside until the final horrifying showdown." (People)

"Though a time bomb is ticking away at the heart of this novel, readers will forget to watch the clock once they begin it." (Chicago Sun Times)

Sorry, but cant finish

I really couldn't even get started, the performance is so monotone, no inflection with little variance between characters. Really one of the worst readers. ever.

WAY too long for the story told

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The story had its moments, but Kellerman takes forever to wrap things up. In-between, you have to get through lengthy descriptions of events unrelated to the plot itself. It would be a good story if 1/2 as long, but not this length. If you do try it out, listen to it at 1.25x speed. That's how I got through it.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Time Bomb?

All but a few that are not directly related to the plot. I always prefer unabridged recordings, but this book would have been better abridged.

another great book

I am really starting to get into this series. it's good and has my attention so I want to see where these characters go.

Endearing Characters

Even the character Alex Delaware dislikes has likable qualities. Dr. Overstreet is an especially attractive character for whom Alex does have fondness. And there are more characters, not to omit Milo.This is another compelling listen.

Intriguing story

I truly enjoy Patterson's Alex Delaware character, and this 5th novel in the series did not disappoint.

Another great Alex Delaware story.

Enjoyable, as expected. Milo and Alex are 2 of my favorite crime drama characters. The reader did a great job.

BORING!!

Has Kellerman lost it? YES. We've read many of his books and they have been good, but this is awful. It's hard to believe he wrote it. We will NOT read another.

Action

still a big fan of the author. still waiting for more medical facts into the story line like his first 3 books. MILO gives a great ending to the story.

Another great Alex Delaware novel.

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

Clearly one of Kellerman's early Alex Delaware novels yet enjoyable, nonetheless. The characters are well established making them feel like old friends. The plot was interesting, although if you are familiar with more recent AD novels you will see what l mean.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Time Bomb?

Listening to how Alex reacts when Robin calls unexpectedly while he is with his female friend for a night of intimacy.

What aspect of Alexander Adams’s performance would you have changed?

He does a good narrative but if you are familiar with Rubinstein, then it's hard to make the transition backward.

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

Yes, of course. It's Alex and Milo.

Any additional comments?

Over the last 20+ years I have read EVERY Alex and Milo novel and have recently begun listening to them on Audible beginning with the first, When the Bough Breaks. It's fascinating how different yet intriguing they remain! I've never been one to reread a fictional novel however, I recommend listening to them once again!

Don't really understand critics of narrator

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

It was enjoyable. I have listened to most of the Alex Delaware novels.

What other book might you compare Time Bomb to and why?

All of the Alex Delaware books are similar in my opinion and all of them are good. Kind of like Western Movies.

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

I have and he is quite good in this one. He does a ladies Texas accent and it is good. Let's face it when you have one reader doing all of these parts he can only go so far. He is a pro.

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

Nazis versus good guys.

Any additional comments?

I lived Los Angeles for many years and know many of settings in this book which adds to my enjoyment. Also, I like the way Alex Delaware analyzes everything. Kellerman is not Dickens but you can't have gourmet cooking for every meal.