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Alex Delaware #35
The Museum of Desire
__________________________
ONE NIGHT OF HEDONISM. FOUR COUNTS OF MURDER.
A run-down mansion nestled between Beverley Hills and the San Fernando Valley is leased out for one night to house a party big enough to herald the end of days.
When a limo is discovered in the grounds of the house the morning after with four dead bodies inside, a mind-bending case begins.
With no link between the four people in the car, and each of the victims murdered in a different way, psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis are about to begin their grisliest and most baffling case yet.
And as they struggle to make sense of the vicious mass slaying, they will be forced to confront a level of lust and evil for which their combined wisdom can provide no preparation.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
5829 people are currently reading
8224 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
197 books5,794 followersJonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles. He helped work his way through UCLA as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor and freelance musician. As a senior, at the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,129 reviews
January 23, 2020
3.5*
This is one of the longest running series in my reading arsenal. This being book #35 in the Alex Delaware series.
Though he may have gotten older, he certainly hasn’t grown fond of change. Alex remains firm in the same home on the outskirts of Los Angeles with his long-time girlfriend Robin. Come on, Alex…Put a ring on it already!
His best friend and confidant is LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis who continues to raid Alex’s fridge for any leftovers he can find!
The characters? I just adore them! After all these years, to pick up a Jonathan Kellerman book is like seeing a good friend. Like coming home.
Sooooo…it pains me to say the murder plot he was tangled up in this go around just didn’t hold my attention.
I wanted more focus on the primary players rather than the crime they were solving. (I find that happening more frequently in many of my longer series.)
But wait! I am in the minority here and most dedicated readers loved this one! Overall, if you’re a fan of the series, don’t miss out! You’ll still enjoy your visit with Alex and Milo! And don't forget Alex's adorable french bulldog Blanche!
Until next year....
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman for an ARC to read and review.
This is one of the longest running series in my reading arsenal. This being book #35 in the Alex Delaware series.
Though he may have gotten older, he certainly hasn’t grown fond of change. Alex remains firm in the same home on the outskirts of Los Angeles with his long-time girlfriend Robin. Come on, Alex…Put a ring on it already!
His best friend and confidant is LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis who continues to raid Alex’s fridge for any leftovers he can find!
The characters? I just adore them! After all these years, to pick up a Jonathan Kellerman book is like seeing a good friend. Like coming home.
Sooooo…it pains me to say the murder plot he was tangled up in this go around just didn’t hold my attention.
I wanted more focus on the primary players rather than the crime they were solving. (I find that happening more frequently in many of my longer series.)
But wait! I am in the minority here and most dedicated readers loved this one! Overall, if you’re a fan of the series, don’t miss out! You’ll still enjoy your visit with Alex and Milo! And don't forget Alex's adorable french bulldog Blanche!
Until next year....
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman for an ARC to read and review.
May 25, 2020
Wonderful Detective Series!
Dr. Alex Delaware and lieutenant Milo Sturgis are a duo and a force not to be reckoned with in sunny Los Angeles, California. They are the best of friends as well as working together to solve the most unthinkable of crimes. Alex is currently in private practice as a psychiatrist working mostly with children and custody cases although he is always ready, willing and able to dive into any case where Milo may need his expertise. Milo is a hands on detective and refuses to sit in an office all day and deal with politics and he a has a crime solving rate of over 350 cases to his credit. They are called to a scene at a Bel Air mansion and encounter a bloody massacre in a stretch limousine instead of inside the vacant property. Immediately after surveying the horrific crime scene the duo realize that the murders seem staged and and now there will be many more questions than answers as they begin the long process of identifying the murder victims and discovering why their bodies would be posed in such a ghastly fashion and track down the monster or monsters who derived such blood-lust pleasure in taking these lives.
I am a fan of Jonathan Kellerman and am so happy when I see new books being written in the Alex Delaware series. This was book #35 in the long running series and a treat for any of the Alex and Milo reading fans. The book was well-written with great characters and fun banter throughout the story. There were a lot of twists and turns which is always interesting but three quarters into the plot it really got complicated and took a few turns that had me disappointed although the story was still exciting I thought the plot went too haywire and got convoluted for me. The last quarter of the book though had an unexpected and high adrenaline finish where I couldn't take my eyes off the words wondering what would happen next?
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing and Ballantine Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reading Copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own!
I highly recommend this book to all Jonathan Kellerman fans and if you are a new reader, I would start with any of the earlier books in the series since most are stand-alone stories and they are so wonderful that you can get a good feel of the character development of their relationship and history over the years.
I have given a rating of 4 Creepy and Clever 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Dr. Alex Delaware and lieutenant Milo Sturgis are a duo and a force not to be reckoned with in sunny Los Angeles, California. They are the best of friends as well as working together to solve the most unthinkable of crimes. Alex is currently in private practice as a psychiatrist working mostly with children and custody cases although he is always ready, willing and able to dive into any case where Milo may need his expertise. Milo is a hands on detective and refuses to sit in an office all day and deal with politics and he a has a crime solving rate of over 350 cases to his credit. They are called to a scene at a Bel Air mansion and encounter a bloody massacre in a stretch limousine instead of inside the vacant property. Immediately after surveying the horrific crime scene the duo realize that the murders seem staged and and now there will be many more questions than answers as they begin the long process of identifying the murder victims and discovering why their bodies would be posed in such a ghastly fashion and track down the monster or monsters who derived such blood-lust pleasure in taking these lives.
I am a fan of Jonathan Kellerman and am so happy when I see new books being written in the Alex Delaware series. This was book #35 in the long running series and a treat for any of the Alex and Milo reading fans. The book was well-written with great characters and fun banter throughout the story. There were a lot of twists and turns which is always interesting but three quarters into the plot it really got complicated and took a few turns that had me disappointed although the story was still exciting I thought the plot went too haywire and got convoluted for me. The last quarter of the book though had an unexpected and high adrenaline finish where I couldn't take my eyes off the words wondering what would happen next?
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing and Ballantine Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reading Copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own!
I highly recommend this book to all Jonathan Kellerman fans and if you are a new reader, I would start with any of the earlier books in the series since most are stand-alone stories and they are so wonderful that you can get a good feel of the character development of their relationship and history over the years.
I have given a rating of 4 Creepy and Clever 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
December 24, 2023
3.5 stars
In this 35th book in the 'Alex Delaware' series, the psychologist helps his friend, Lieutenant Milo Sturgis, investigate an odd set of murders. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Two days after a party at an uninhabited Bel Air mansion that's rented out for 'events', a cleaner makes his way up the drive to scrub down the property. The cleaner is surprised to see a white stretch Town Car parked near the house, and optimistically thinks there might be something to steal inside....or maybe some drunken naked chicks.
Instead, the cleaner is horrified to discover four dead bodies.
LAPD Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis gets the case and calls his friend Alex Delaware, the department's consulting psychologist, to meet him at the scene.
At first sight the four victims appear to be a chauffeur and three passengers. However, a closer look leads Milo and Alex to suspect the scene was staged. The deceased were killed in different ways (shooting, stabbing, asphyxiation); two victims were posed in a sexually explicit manner; and there's too much blood.
The victims turn out to be Solomon Roget - a 78-year-old black man who owned and drove the for-hire limo; Benson Alvarez - a 44-year-old mentally challenged man who lived in a care home; Richard Gurnsey - a handsome, 36-year-old attorney who worked at Sony Studios; and Mary Jane Huralnik - a 59-year-old homeless woman.
There's no obvious connection between the deceased, and Milo and Alex struggle to think of a reason for the strange crime.
Most of the story is a police procedural as Milo data mines the internet; interviews people who knew the victims; obtains information from the medical examiner; analyzes forensic evidence; assigns his team of detectives (whom he calls 'the kids') to knock on doors and surveil persons of interest; and so on.
Alex helps by attending Milo's interviews; contributing psychological insights; and doing his own online research.
There are soon more homicides connected to the case, and the investigators discover clues that point to a possible suspect. All this leads to a dramatic and exciting climax.
When Alex isn't working with Milo or doing his own consulting job, he cozies up at home with his long-time love Robin and their French bulldog Blanche, both of whom are sensitive to Alex's moods. When the psychologist is on edge and trying to look relaxed, for example, Blanche looks up at him 'with big brown eyes full of pity.' 😊
As always, Milo frequently stops by Alex's house to discuss the case, and takes the opportunity to raid the refrigerator and make himself a snack - like turkey on rye with lettuce and tomatoes.
For me this mystery is better than most of Kellerman's recent books, probably because the author returns to his original formula - a psychopathic perp (or perps) with a bizarre agenda.
I enjoyed the book, which has an engaging plot and favorite recurring characters. Recommended to readers who like police procedurals, especially fans of Alex Delaware.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Jonathan Kellerman), and the publisher (Ballantine Books) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
February 4, 2020
1/21/2020 Update: It is now 2 weeks prior to publication and I can now post my review here.
THE MUSEUM OF DESIRE by Jonathan Kellerman is the 35th book in the Alex Delaware series. This is a favorite series of mine and this installment did not let me down.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when four people are found dead and strangely displayed in car at a vacant mansion in Bel Air. Multiple causes of death and a lot of twists, turns and blind alleys make for a great police procedural.
The story grabbed me right away and kept me turning the pages. The interactions between the characters are always great. In this case, several detectives also worked on the case and added to the depth of the plot. The characters felt real and three-dimensional. The characters acted in a plausible way.
This story was very complex and takes a look at the dark side of art, of homelessness, and of a demented mind. Other themes include revenge and violence. There are some graphic scenes depicted and there is some exploration of detectives dealing with the aftermaths of violence. The ending was dramatic and unexpected.
Overall, this was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout. I recommend this book to those that enjoy great police procedurals and those that enjoy this series. While not absolutely necessary, I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters and their growth over time.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books and Jonathan Kellerman for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review to come around 1/21/2020 (two weeks prior to publication per publisher's request).
THE MUSEUM OF DESIRE by Jonathan Kellerman is the 35th book in the Alex Delaware series. This is a favorite series of mine and this installment did not let me down.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when four people are found dead and strangely displayed in car at a vacant mansion in Bel Air. Multiple causes of death and a lot of twists, turns and blind alleys make for a great police procedural.
The story grabbed me right away and kept me turning the pages. The interactions between the characters are always great. In this case, several detectives also worked on the case and added to the depth of the plot. The characters felt real and three-dimensional. The characters acted in a plausible way.
This story was very complex and takes a look at the dark side of art, of homelessness, and of a demented mind. Other themes include revenge and violence. There are some graphic scenes depicted and there is some exploration of detectives dealing with the aftermaths of violence. The ending was dramatic and unexpected.
Overall, this was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout. I recommend this book to those that enjoy great police procedurals and those that enjoy this series. While not absolutely necessary, I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters and their growth over time.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books and Jonathan Kellerman for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review to come around 1/21/2020 (two weeks prior to publication per publisher's request).
March 4, 2020
With each Alex Delaware story I ask myself why bother? It's the definition of insanity that I continue to try to find a read worthwhile. This is absolutely my last attempt...until the next time. 0 of 10 stars
August 11, 2021
Wonderful Detective Series!
Dr. Alex Delaware and lieutenant Milo Sturgis are a duo and a force not to be reckoned with in sunny Los Angeles, California. They are the best of friends as well as working together to solve the most unthinkable of crimes. Alex is currently in private practice as a psychiatrist working mostly with children and custody cases although he is always ready, willing and able to dive into any case where Milo may need his expertise. Milo is a hands on detective and refuses to sit in an office all day and deal with politics and he a has a crime solving rate of over 350 cases to his credit. They are called to a scene at a Bel Air mansion and encounter a bloody massacre in a stretch limousine instead of inside the vacant property. Immediately after surveying the horrific crime scene the duo realize that the murders seem staged and and now there will be many more questions than answers as they begin the long process of identifying the murder victims and discovering why their bodies would be posed in such a ghastly fashion and track down the monster or monsters who derived such blood-lust pleasure in taking these lives.
I am a fan of Jonathan Kellerman and am so happy when I see new books being written in the Alex Delaware series. This was book #35 in the long running series and a treat for any of the Alex and Milo reading fans. The book was well-written with great characters and fun banter throughout the story. There were a lot of twists and turns which is always interesting but three quarters in the plot really got complicated and took a few turns that had me disappointed although the story was still exciting I thought the plot went too haywire and convoluted for me. The last quarter of the book had an unexpected and high adrenaline finish which I couldn't take my eyes off the words wondering what will happen next?
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing and Ballantine Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reading Copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own!
I highly recommend this book to all Jonathan Kellerman fans and if you are a new reader, I would start with any of the earlier books in the series since most are stand-alone stories and they are so wonderful that you can get a good feel of the character development of their relationship and history over the years.
I have given a rating of 4 Creepy and Clever 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Dr. Alex Delaware and lieutenant Milo Sturgis are a duo and a force not to be reckoned with in sunny Los Angeles, California. They are the best of friends as well as working together to solve the most unthinkable of crimes. Alex is currently in private practice as a psychiatrist working mostly with children and custody cases although he is always ready, willing and able to dive into any case where Milo may need his expertise. Milo is a hands on detective and refuses to sit in an office all day and deal with politics and he a has a crime solving rate of over 350 cases to his credit. They are called to a scene at a Bel Air mansion and encounter a bloody massacre in a stretch limousine instead of inside the vacant property. Immediately after surveying the horrific crime scene the duo realize that the murders seem staged and and now there will be many more questions than answers as they begin the long process of identifying the murder victims and discovering why their bodies would be posed in such a ghastly fashion and track down the monster or monsters who derived such blood-lust pleasure in taking these lives.
I am a fan of Jonathan Kellerman and am so happy when I see new books being written in the Alex Delaware series. This was book #35 in the long running series and a treat for any of the Alex and Milo reading fans. The book was well-written with great characters and fun banter throughout the story. There were a lot of twists and turns which is always interesting but three quarters in the plot really got complicated and took a few turns that had me disappointed although the story was still exciting I thought the plot went too haywire and convoluted for me. The last quarter of the book had an unexpected and high adrenaline finish which I couldn't take my eyes off the words wondering what will happen next?
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing and Ballantine Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reading Copy and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own!
I highly recommend this book to all Jonathan Kellerman fans and if you are a new reader, I would start with any of the earlier books in the series since most are stand-alone stories and they are so wonderful that you can get a good feel of the character development of their relationship and history over the years.
I have given a rating of 4 Creepy and Clever 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
February 4, 2020
3.5 stars
Full review now posted.
Museum of Desire is the 35th Alex Delaware novel by Jonathan Kellerman. I have read most of the series, and as usual, this one sucked me in from the beginning.
Forensic Psychologist Alex Delaware is once again is called to a horrific homicide scene by his best friend Lt. Milo Sturgis. Four victims with nothing in common from different walks of life. Alex and Milo are pushed to their limits trying to figure out who would commit such a horrific crime. They investigate the homeless of LA to the privilege residents of Beverly Hills, and just when they think they are close to figuring it out, there is another surprise.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed being back with Alex and Milo, I had problems with all the info dump and the abundance of people being introduced. In other words, you really have to pay attention.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Full review now posted.
Museum of Desire is the 35th Alex Delaware novel by Jonathan Kellerman. I have read most of the series, and as usual, this one sucked me in from the beginning.
Forensic Psychologist Alex Delaware is once again is called to a horrific homicide scene by his best friend Lt. Milo Sturgis. Four victims with nothing in common from different walks of life. Alex and Milo are pushed to their limits trying to figure out who would commit such a horrific crime. They investigate the homeless of LA to the privilege residents of Beverly Hills, and just when they think they are close to figuring it out, there is another surprise.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed being back with Alex and Milo, I had problems with all the info dump and the abundance of people being introduced. In other words, you really have to pay attention.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
February 8, 2020
“Museum of Desire” is book 35 of the Alex Delaware series (although only the 2nd one for me), a police procedural series featuring a tag team of a psychologist (Delaware) and a homicide detective (Milo Sturgis). This one begins with a bang. An ex-con with a job cleaning houses after parties opens a limousine parked in the backyard (seemingly abandoned) and finds when he opens the car door practically a gateway to hell inside, a quartet of corpses, an odd selection of people, and what appears to buckets of blood. Delaware and Sturgis soon arrive to try to puzzle this one out. And, although the opening might lead you to believe this is an action book with the good guys facing off against a mass murdering maniac, this is really a story about painstakingly piecing together little clues and chasing down every needle in every haystack. Though that may not sound too exciting, in this case it really works and the author has given us a real interesting story worth digging into.
March 4, 2021
An ex-con, with a job cleaning houses after parties, opens a limousine parked in the backyard of a Bel Air to find a nasty surprise: a dead chauffeur and three bodies, awash in buckets of blood, posed oddly and each killed in a different manner. Milo Sturgis and his team are called to the scene, and Milo asks his psychologist buddy Alex Delaware for help. Pulling at all of the threads, the team works to find the killer and the reasons for the murders. Strangely enough, it's Alex's longtime girlfriend (Robin) who makes the key connection for the solve. Only three stars because of all the threads that got pulled, most of which went nowhere.
March 9, 2020
So I just arrived with suitcase in hand peering into the window of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware #35. Nose pressed against the glass. Think I'm going to have to backtrack a few to get to the original flavor of this series.
Right off the bat, Kellerman rolls out an eye-poppin' creepy crime scene.....heavy on the creep. There sits a limo parked in front of a rental luxury home on the better side of LA. Inside are four dead bodies posed in a scene from inside the killer's mind. Three males and one elderly female. How are these victims related aside from sharing their last breath together?
Make room for LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis. We're likin' him from the get-go thanks to Kellerman's snappy dialogue. The man is quick-witted and knows his stuff. But this case is going to be a tough one. The mansion had been randomly leased for parties and charity events. A lot of fingerprints on those walls and doorknobs and not necessarily the victim's. Looks like the proverbial needle in that haystack.
Milo Sturgis taps on the shoulder of his often called brilliant psychologist, Dr. Alex Delaware. Delaware appears to have walked around inside the minds of mega numbers of the sick and demented. Kinda got a feel for it. But this case is not like the usual hit-and-run variety. Jonathan Kellerman has knotted this one up tightly with very little wiggle room. What's at the core of The Museum of Desire is a perplexing thread of a connection between the victims and their purposeful posing by the killer. Plenty of showcasing the police procedural with a lot of footwork involved.
The Museum of Desire is my first Kellerman. Seriously thinking of picking up a few priors to see what rounds out the characters of Sturgis, Delaware, all those sandwiches, and that chunky little French bulldog, Blanche. Some good stuff happenin'.
Right off the bat, Kellerman rolls out an eye-poppin' creepy crime scene.....heavy on the creep. There sits a limo parked in front of a rental luxury home on the better side of LA. Inside are four dead bodies posed in a scene from inside the killer's mind. Three males and one elderly female. How are these victims related aside from sharing their last breath together?
Make room for LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis. We're likin' him from the get-go thanks to Kellerman's snappy dialogue. The man is quick-witted and knows his stuff. But this case is going to be a tough one. The mansion had been randomly leased for parties and charity events. A lot of fingerprints on those walls and doorknobs and not necessarily the victim's. Looks like the proverbial needle in that haystack.
Milo Sturgis taps on the shoulder of his often called brilliant psychologist, Dr. Alex Delaware. Delaware appears to have walked around inside the minds of mega numbers of the sick and demented. Kinda got a feel for it. But this case is not like the usual hit-and-run variety. Jonathan Kellerman has knotted this one up tightly with very little wiggle room. What's at the core of The Museum of Desire is a perplexing thread of a connection between the victims and their purposeful posing by the killer. Plenty of showcasing the police procedural with a lot of footwork involved.
The Museum of Desire is my first Kellerman. Seriously thinking of picking up a few priors to see what rounds out the characters of Sturgis, Delaware, all those sandwiches, and that chunky little French bulldog, Blanche. Some good stuff happenin'.
February 16, 2020
The Museum of Desire is the 35th book in the long running Alex Delaware series. Alex is a child psychologist first introduced in When the Bough Breaks. In that story he meets homicide Detective Milo Sturgis and assists the police where the only witness is a seven year old girl. With that story, and some of the other earlier works, he was a refreshing protagonist. In the later stories his role appears to be hanger on. Milo calls Alex anytime there is a strange murder case. Which in L.A. is often. The detectives on Milo's squad accept Alex and the rest of the police department don't seem to care that he is a civilian.
The story opens with a cleaner heading to a mansion in Beverly Hills that had been rented out for a party. The author portrays the cleaner as black, a criminal, and looking for an opportunity to steal. He thinks he is in luck when he spots a white stretch limo. If there isn't anything to steal maybe there are some drunk girls who want to party some more. Instead he finds four bodies. The limo driver up front and three bodies in the back. Two men and a woman. There doesn't appear to be any connection between the victims. Different ages. Different ethnicities. In fact the passengers appear to have been posed in a strange / bizarre scene. The case falls to Milo who of course calls in Alex.
Alex and Milo investigate and the clues seem to point to the art world. When Milo is working solo Alex does some investigating on his own (with the help of his expired consultant badge). Even his longtime girlfriend Robin lends a hand and discovers an important clue. Near the end Alex even provides instructions to the detectives on Milo's team on how to make an arrest.
For longtime readers of this series you may want to read this story too. For readers looking to meet Alex and Milo I would recommend reading the earlier books in the series. This story is entertaining and is not bad but it has come a long way from when Alex had a legitimate role.
The story opens with a cleaner heading to a mansion in Beverly Hills that had been rented out for a party. The author portrays the cleaner as black, a criminal, and looking for an opportunity to steal. He thinks he is in luck when he spots a white stretch limo. If there isn't anything to steal maybe there are some drunk girls who want to party some more. Instead he finds four bodies. The limo driver up front and three bodies in the back. Two men and a woman. There doesn't appear to be any connection between the victims. Different ages. Different ethnicities. In fact the passengers appear to have been posed in a strange / bizarre scene. The case falls to Milo who of course calls in Alex.
Alex and Milo investigate and the clues seem to point to the art world. When Milo is working solo Alex does some investigating on his own (with the help of his expired consultant badge). Even his longtime girlfriend Robin lends a hand and discovers an important clue. Near the end Alex even provides instructions to the detectives on Milo's team on how to make an arrest.
For longtime readers of this series you may want to read this story too. For readers looking to meet Alex and Milo I would recommend reading the earlier books in the series. This story is entertaining and is not bad but it has come a long way from when Alex had a legitimate role.
December 3, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
As published on www.mysteryandsuspense.com
Four bodies are discovered in a limo, after a party held at a ritzy Beverly Hills estate. The victims are seemingly unrelated to each other, and have all been killed in a different way. At first glance, the only similarity is that the victims were all in the same place at the same time.When Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychiatrist Alex Delaware take on the grisly case, they realize that something more intricate may be behind the murders, but who is responsible?
Going into this novel unfamiliar with Kellerman’s work (and with this series of novels in particular) I had few expectations. The good thing about The Museum of Desire is I didn’t really need to have read any of the other Sturgis/Delaware novels to be able to keep pace. Milo and Alex work well together, and any significant parts of their back story were quickly covered. Readers will enjoy the detective-psychologist relationship these two characters had going, and they were both immediately likable and charming.
The crime itself is complex, and the investigation leads down many different paths. There are many, many players involved, and readers will have to pay attention to keep track of who-knew-who and who-did-what. The story starts going down one path, then immediately turns down another with no warning.
Overall, fans of police procedurals will feel right at home here, as Sturgis and his team investigate a brutal murder of four seemingly unrelated people. The ending itself is somewhat startling and definitely unpredictable, however there are many different routes that the plot takes (indigent and homeless, Nazi sympathizers, art dealers) and the ending seems to loosely connect them all, forged together weakly.
As published on www.mysteryandsuspense.com
Four bodies are discovered in a limo, after a party held at a ritzy Beverly Hills estate. The victims are seemingly unrelated to each other, and have all been killed in a different way. At first glance, the only similarity is that the victims were all in the same place at the same time.When Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychiatrist Alex Delaware take on the grisly case, they realize that something more intricate may be behind the murders, but who is responsible?
Going into this novel unfamiliar with Kellerman’s work (and with this series of novels in particular) I had few expectations. The good thing about The Museum of Desire is I didn’t really need to have read any of the other Sturgis/Delaware novels to be able to keep pace. Milo and Alex work well together, and any significant parts of their back story were quickly covered. Readers will enjoy the detective-psychologist relationship these two characters had going, and they were both immediately likable and charming.
The crime itself is complex, and the investigation leads down many different paths. There are many, many players involved, and readers will have to pay attention to keep track of who-knew-who and who-did-what. The story starts going down one path, then immediately turns down another with no warning.
Overall, fans of police procedurals will feel right at home here, as Sturgis and his team investigate a brutal murder of four seemingly unrelated people. The ending itself is somewhat startling and definitely unpredictable, however there are many different routes that the plot takes (indigent and homeless, Nazi sympathizers, art dealers) and the ending seems to loosely connect them all, forged together weakly.
January 16, 2020
I've never read a bad Alex Delaware novel.
Jonathan Kellerman has always written wonderfully real, vaguely lovable, characters (Milo, anyone?). His plots are creative and tightly woven...not a plot hole to be found, and he's another author who isn't afraid to "go there." The Museum of Desire definitely delves into some serious depravity and gore.
Having said that, I do have a few critiques. After 35 books (and yes, I've read them all), I am finding myself a bit tired of reading about Robin standing behind her man...and about Milo's enormous appetite, along with in-depth descriptions of every food item he tosses down his gullet. I can get past those things, but in this particular novel...there were a couple other scenes I really disliked...my own personal triggers, so to speak: dog abuse and a not-so-great depiction of a teenager suffering from autism. Hence, my 3-star rating.
Nevertheless, I will always be fond of this series, and although you can certainly read this book as a standalone, I'd recommend going back to the beginning and enjoying Alex and Milo as they once were. Their story is quite a roller coaster.
**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Jonathan Kellerman has always written wonderfully real, vaguely lovable, characters (Milo, anyone?). His plots are creative and tightly woven...not a plot hole to be found, and he's another author who isn't afraid to "go there." The Museum of Desire definitely delves into some serious depravity and gore.
Having said that, I do have a few critiques. After 35 books (and yes, I've read them all), I am finding myself a bit tired of reading about Robin standing behind her man...and about Milo's enormous appetite, along with in-depth descriptions of every food item he tosses down his gullet. I can get past those things, but in this particular novel...there were a couple other scenes I really disliked...my own personal triggers, so to speak: dog abuse and a not-so-great depiction of a teenager suffering from autism. Hence, my 3-star rating.
Nevertheless, I will always be fond of this series, and although you can certainly read this book as a standalone, I'd recommend going back to the beginning and enjoying Alex and Milo as they once were. Their story is quite a roller coaster.
**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
February 5, 2020
In Museum of Desire, the 35th of the Alex Delaware series, Jonathan Kellerman has written one of his signature novels of weird crime in Southern California. At the end of a weekend, Alex receives a call from Milo Sturgis, a homicide detective with the LAPD, who brings him in for consultation when a crime appears to have odd or abnormal components. Not that crime itself is normal, but we’re talking happenings that are strange even for crime. This crime occurred at an empty mansion used occasionally as a party venue. Apparently, in the hours after a party, some one left a limo of dead people at the site; not only dead, but staged, posed in a tableau with no obvious meaning. Definitely a case calling for Dr. Delaware’s skills.
One of the strengths of this outing in the series for me is the clear definition of Alex’s career and role as a consulting psychologist with the police, specifically with Milo Sturgis, as well as the snapshots of his other work and interactions with fellow professionals. This has been missing from recent novels. All of this means that a newcomer to the series could read Museum of Desire as a stand-alone with minimal difficulty.
As always, Kellerman keeps the action moving along. Here there are roadblocks galore but the team is persistent. The crimes appear perverse and without purpose which in itself is a block to solution. So there is the combination of interviews, searching the internet, seeking sources, and leg work. Following all the breadcrumbs. And it’s a complex, interesting search.
I do recommend this book. Kellerman is an excellent writer. As a side note, while the crimes themselves are indeed perverse and gory, they do happen off stage so the reader sees results not activity.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
One of the strengths of this outing in the series for me is the clear definition of Alex’s career and role as a consulting psychologist with the police, specifically with Milo Sturgis, as well as the snapshots of his other work and interactions with fellow professionals. This has been missing from recent novels. All of this means that a newcomer to the series could read Museum of Desire as a stand-alone with minimal difficulty.
As always, Kellerman keeps the action moving along. Here there are roadblocks galore but the team is persistent. The crimes appear perverse and without purpose which in itself is a block to solution. So there is the combination of interviews, searching the internet, seeking sources, and leg work. Following all the breadcrumbs. And it’s a complex, interesting search.
I do recommend this book. Kellerman is an excellent writer. As a side note, while the crimes themselves are indeed perverse and gory, they do happen off stage so the reader sees results not activity.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 6, 2020
It’s been quite awhile since I read a Alex Delaware novel and found this one a bit of a grind to read but fans of Alex and Milo should enjoy it and that’s why I give it 3 Stars at best
December 30, 2019
This is number 35 in the series, but for me it is the first Jonathan Kellerman book I have read as well as the first Alex Delaware story, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Alex Delaware is a brilliant psychologist and he is assisting Milo Sturgis, an LAPD detective (lieutenant actually), in a grisly murder investigation involving four victims. It's a very strange murder as the bodies are staged in a bizarre display in a limousine outside a deserted mansion. None of the victims seem connected.
The story follows the investigation as Alex and Milo try to solve this macabre murder. There are several red herrings as the investigators get misdirected as they try to find the right path to the killer or killers. This is a complex investigation with several surprises.
I will try to read another of the Alex Delaware books when I get a chance. Hopefully a much earlier one so I can get indoctrinated properly to the series.
Thanks to Jonathan Kellerman and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows the investigation as Alex and Milo try to solve this macabre murder. There are several red herrings as the investigators get misdirected as they try to find the right path to the killer or killers. This is a complex investigation with several surprises.
I will try to read another of the Alex Delaware books when I get a chance. Hopefully a much earlier one so I can get indoctrinated properly to the series.
Thanks to Jonathan Kellerman and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2019
Okay, so my request at NetGalley to read an advance copy of this book was approved. Big whoop. Now I'm finished. Another big whoop!
That first one, which was a literal shout-out that roused my husband from his recliner, came becauseI've been a fan of this series right from the start; I don't recall missing a single one, so of course I was excited. The second shout-out (prior to which I gave my long-suffering hubby a heads-up) came because, like the others, this one is very good. Main characters Dr. Alex Delaware and LAPD Lt. Milo Sturgis are in fine form with their banter (as well as their obvious respect for each other as they mesh their complementary investigative skills). Alex's main squeeze Robin gets some face time, as does their lovable pooch Blanche.
This one begins with a scene that unsettles just about everyone who views it, including Alex and Milo: Four very dead bodies are found in a limousine; the three passengers, two men and a woman, have been covered with blood (apparently after the fact) and posed in a very suggestive way. Other than the driver, identifying them all takes quite a bit of doing; but accomplishing that is followed by the even bigger challenge of determining the connection among the victims that could unearth a motive and the identity of the killer (or killers).
The nooks-and-crannies investigation, which I'm not about to detail here, takes Alex, Milo and his very capable team into a dark world of art (a nod to the book title) as well as the dark streets of the homeless and forgotten. If I have a "complaint," it's that the cast of characters is a rather large one, making it a little hard for me to keep all the names straight. In the end, though, no matter; this one kept me entertained from the first page to the last. Well done! And please, sir, may I have some more?
That first one, which was a literal shout-out that roused my husband from his recliner, came becauseI've been a fan of this series right from the start; I don't recall missing a single one, so of course I was excited. The second shout-out (prior to which I gave my long-suffering hubby a heads-up) came because, like the others, this one is very good. Main characters Dr. Alex Delaware and LAPD Lt. Milo Sturgis are in fine form with their banter (as well as their obvious respect for each other as they mesh their complementary investigative skills). Alex's main squeeze Robin gets some face time, as does their lovable pooch Blanche.
This one begins with a scene that unsettles just about everyone who views it, including Alex and Milo: Four very dead bodies are found in a limousine; the three passengers, two men and a woman, have been covered with blood (apparently after the fact) and posed in a very suggestive way. Other than the driver, identifying them all takes quite a bit of doing; but accomplishing that is followed by the even bigger challenge of determining the connection among the victims that could unearth a motive and the identity of the killer (or killers).
The nooks-and-crannies investigation, which I'm not about to detail here, takes Alex, Milo and his very capable team into a dark world of art (a nod to the book title) as well as the dark streets of the homeless and forgotten. If I have a "complaint," it's that the cast of characters is a rather large one, making it a little hard for me to keep all the names straight. In the end, though, no matter; this one kept me entertained from the first page to the last. Well done! And please, sir, may I have some more?
February 22, 2020
Surprisingly, I wasn't taken by this plot. Everything about it rather horrified me and, unlike the other Delaware books, there wasn't a counterbalance of good, nor was there the usual wit I like so much. Nope, there was no silver lining in sight; only a very dark tale of rich, sickeningly twisted, Nazi art-lovers, who leave Alex, Milo and his detectives rather speechless with their crime. Hence the gloomy mood to this book.
Like I said, on the whole, I couldn't muster enthusiasm for this book and I am already looking forward to a better plot for the next one, with more normal and genuine characters, whether they're the good guys or the bad guys, so far with John Kellerman the characters have been real - but not here.
Like I said, on the whole, I couldn't muster enthusiasm for this book and I am already looking forward to a better plot for the next one, with more normal and genuine characters, whether they're the good guys or the bad guys, so far with John Kellerman the characters have been real - but not here.
February 11, 2020
3-3/4*
Vintage J. Kellerman as Alex and Milo investigate a multi-homicide involving seemingly unrelated persons.
Same snappy dialogue driven narrative, but not without a bizarre murder scene to figure out.
There are several suspects (of course) and by the time the real perps are identified I had completely forgotten who they were.
All said and done this is much better than #34 “The Wedding Guest”, but even so the ending was a bit of a letdown for me.
However, this is #35 in this series and kudos to the author for keeping it interesting enough to keep me reading them.
NOTE: The mention of Kobe Bryant’s name gave me a start – yes, Kellerman wrote this book way before the accident, but maybe new editions can make a change.
Vintage J. Kellerman as Alex and Milo investigate a multi-homicide involving seemingly unrelated persons.
Same snappy dialogue driven narrative, but not without a bizarre murder scene to figure out.
There are several suspects (of course) and by the time the real perps are identified I had completely forgotten who they were.
All said and done this is much better than #34 “The Wedding Guest”, but even so the ending was a bit of a letdown for me.
However, this is #35 in this series and kudos to the author for keeping it interesting enough to keep me reading them.
NOTE: The mention of Kobe Bryant’s name gave me a start – yes, Kellerman wrote this book way before the accident, but maybe new editions can make a change.
February 13, 2020
I finished this book on my lunch hour, and I waited all day to review it in the hopes that it would grow on me, but, nope. I usually love Alex Delaware novels because I love the characters, and the story is usually a true psychological thriller, but this one was just plain boring. Gruesome, but boring. 3 stars is generous.
February 15, 2020
Holy mackerel!! Jonathan Kellerman creates some of the most insanely perverted crimes ever written. Then he turns Milo and Alex loose on the mystery and they solve them. This one is no exception and an astonishing read!!
August 22, 2020
Excellent!!! Mr Kellerman on top form!!
February 16, 2020
An excellent Alex Delaware novel. I would rate it 4.5 stars if I could. Alex and Milo are involved in a murder investigation of 3 passengers and the driver of a limousine at an abandoned mansion. Well done, plenty of plot changes, and a group of unsavory bad guys. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2020
The detective and psychologist duo of Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and Dr. Alex Delaware team up again to investigate a disturbing crime scene where the victims are unrelated and feel random and yet everyone knows they are not.
Thoughts:
The Museum of Desire starts off with an after-party house cleaner discovering the gruesome murders of four individuals in a car out front of the mansion he has been assigned to clean. The crime scene has a very distinctive manner about it so Dr. Alex Delaware is brought in to assist Milo with the investigation. While the scene itself has them scratching their heads into its meaning, they both are fairly perplexed about the randomness of the victims. They are seemingly different individuals and who they are and how they are associated with each other (or who they are to the murderer) leaves them with many avenues to follow. But all Milo and Alex can do is go with the one with the largest trail to follow and see where it leads.
Although this is book #35 in the series, this is my first Dr. Alex Delaware novel. I’m not sure how I keep finding popular series that I’ve haven’t had the chance to enjoy yet, but I do. Although the murder setup is an interesting and integral part of the story, it never overwhelmed it or became too much for the rest of the book to live up to. Instead, we see Milo and Alex spend a great deal of time just trying to find the basics on each of the victims. Nothing is handed to them, or at least most of the time it isn’t. They would learn a little about someone, but never enough to get a full picture or know exactly what to do with what they’ve learned except to it add it to the other puzzle pieces they’ve gathered. It was a slow process that I rather enjoyed. The murder is shocking, but thankfully I enjoyed that the detective part of it shined and showed through.
Overall, I found the story pretty enjoyable. What really impressed me was the title and how it pertained to the title. Recently, I’ve read a few thrillers where the title didn’t quite go with the story or was more of an eye-catcher type of title. This one actually has some significance, so thanks.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Thoughts:
The Museum of Desire starts off with an after-party house cleaner discovering the gruesome murders of four individuals in a car out front of the mansion he has been assigned to clean. The crime scene has a very distinctive manner about it so Dr. Alex Delaware is brought in to assist Milo with the investigation. While the scene itself has them scratching their heads into its meaning, they both are fairly perplexed about the randomness of the victims. They are seemingly different individuals and who they are and how they are associated with each other (or who they are to the murderer) leaves them with many avenues to follow. But all Milo and Alex can do is go with the one with the largest trail to follow and see where it leads.
Although this is book #35 in the series, this is my first Dr. Alex Delaware novel. I’m not sure how I keep finding popular series that I’ve haven’t had the chance to enjoy yet, but I do. Although the murder setup is an interesting and integral part of the story, it never overwhelmed it or became too much for the rest of the book to live up to. Instead, we see Milo and Alex spend a great deal of time just trying to find the basics on each of the victims. Nothing is handed to them, or at least most of the time it isn’t. They would learn a little about someone, but never enough to get a full picture or know exactly what to do with what they’ve learned except to it add it to the other puzzle pieces they’ve gathered. It was a slow process that I rather enjoyed. The murder is shocking, but thankfully I enjoyed that the detective part of it shined and showed through.
Overall, I found the story pretty enjoyable. What really impressed me was the title and how it pertained to the title. Recently, I’ve read a few thrillers where the title didn’t quite go with the story or was more of an eye-catcher type of title. This one actually has some significance, so thanks.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
January 12, 2022
Reading an Alex Delaware novel is like coming home to a familiar place. No new character development — Alex and Milo are never going to change. The villains are stock characters too, always horribly evil with no real explanation of how or why they pursue their evil ways. The author describes clothes, faces, and places in detail, but without a meaningful artistic eye. So, all that this series has going for it are the plots and on the whole this was one of the better Alex Delaware plot lines. Not a great plot but at least it kept on track and kept me reasonably entertained.
Admittedly, I lived in LA for a few years and I love following the city routes that are so painstakingly described. Someone who had never lived in LA would probably find those descriptions very boring.
Admittedly, I lived in LA for a few years and I love following the city routes that are so painstakingly described. Someone who had never lived in LA would probably find those descriptions very boring.
January 2, 2020
I've read many of the books in this series, and I have to say that this installment wasn't one of my favorites. I had a hard time staying engaged, as there were a number of lulls in the story line. It started out strong, but things started to fall apart midway through the book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
February 11, 2020
I’ve been reading the Alex Delaware mysteries since Kellerman wrote the first in the 1980s; The Museum of Desire is the 35th installment in a successful, long-running series. Thanks go to Net Galley and Random House Ballantine for the review copy; this book is for sale now.
Kellerman was a child psychologist before he became an author and he brings his knowledge of children and families when he creates characters and situations. This is a reliably strong mystery series and I always smile when Alex’s BFF, Detective Milo Sturgis, barrels into Alex’s kitchen and starts eating his food. I feel as if I am receiving a visit from an old friend also.
The premise here is more shocking than most, and I find myself a bit squeamish when reading it. In reviewing the others he’s written, however, I can see that this isn’t a lot more extreme than usual, and so I conclude that perhaps I am more sensitive than I used to be. Those with doubts should read the promotional blurb carefully before making a purchase.
That said, the dialogue here is first rate, and pacing is brisk, as always. Kellerman maintains credulity deftly by avoiding having Delaware tote a gun or tackle bad guys. In real life a kiddy shrink would be in his office, in the police station, or in court, period. But that’s dull stuff, and so the author has to strike a balance, creating fictional situations that don’t strain the reader’s ability to believe. He doesn’t wear a Kevlar vest or carry out other tasks that are clearly the work of on-duty cops; he provides his professional insights and does some extracurricular research, but the latter is the sort that a semi-retired professional might choose to do for a good friend. I had no trouble engaging with the story.
If I could change one thing, I would include more of the affluent, troubled teenager. Crispin is an interesting kid, but he pops in and out of the story in two very brief spots. Kellerman’s strongest suit is developing abnormal child characters, and I think this story would be more compelling if it had more of this bizarro kid in it.
One way or another, this is a solid entry in an already solid series, and I recommend it to you.
Kellerman was a child psychologist before he became an author and he brings his knowledge of children and families when he creates characters and situations. This is a reliably strong mystery series and I always smile when Alex’s BFF, Detective Milo Sturgis, barrels into Alex’s kitchen and starts eating his food. I feel as if I am receiving a visit from an old friend also.
The premise here is more shocking than most, and I find myself a bit squeamish when reading it. In reviewing the others he’s written, however, I can see that this isn’t a lot more extreme than usual, and so I conclude that perhaps I am more sensitive than I used to be. Those with doubts should read the promotional blurb carefully before making a purchase.
That said, the dialogue here is first rate, and pacing is brisk, as always. Kellerman maintains credulity deftly by avoiding having Delaware tote a gun or tackle bad guys. In real life a kiddy shrink would be in his office, in the police station, or in court, period. But that’s dull stuff, and so the author has to strike a balance, creating fictional situations that don’t strain the reader’s ability to believe. He doesn’t wear a Kevlar vest or carry out other tasks that are clearly the work of on-duty cops; he provides his professional insights and does some extracurricular research, but the latter is the sort that a semi-retired professional might choose to do for a good friend. I had no trouble engaging with the story.
If I could change one thing, I would include more of the affluent, troubled teenager. Crispin is an interesting kid, but he pops in and out of the story in two very brief spots. Kellerman’s strongest suit is developing abnormal child characters, and I think this story would be more compelling if it had more of this bizarro kid in it.
One way or another, this is a solid entry in an already solid series, and I recommend it to you.
October 28, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of
The Museum of Desire.
I've been a faithful reader of the Alex Delaware series for many years so I was excited when my request was approved.
I always look forward to reading about Alex and Milo's adventures and this next installment was another example of Mr. Kellerman's fine writing.
When Alex is called in to investigate Milo's next strange case involving four victims of differing backgrounds, the duo eventually discover a trail that leads back to revenge, violence, and artwork tinged with Nazism.
I love police procedurals and this satisfied in so many ways; I love the bromance between Alex and Milo, catching up with Robin and Blanche, and Milo's coterie of loyal, competent and faithful team of detectives.
No one is dumb or incompetent or makes lazy or facetious comments; everyone utilizes their strengths, their brains and their skills to do their job. It's only about the facts, the case, and seeking justice for the victims.
This was a good read a long standing series I've enjoyed since I was a college undergrad.
Looking forward to the next!
I've been a faithful reader of the Alex Delaware series for many years so I was excited when my request was approved.
I always look forward to reading about Alex and Milo's adventures and this next installment was another example of Mr. Kellerman's fine writing.
When Alex is called in to investigate Milo's next strange case involving four victims of differing backgrounds, the duo eventually discover a trail that leads back to revenge, violence, and artwork tinged with Nazism.
I love police procedurals and this satisfied in so many ways; I love the bromance between Alex and Milo, catching up with Robin and Blanche, and Milo's coterie of loyal, competent and faithful team of detectives.
No one is dumb or incompetent or makes lazy or facetious comments; everyone utilizes their strengths, their brains and their skills to do their job. It's only about the facts, the case, and seeking justice for the victims.
This was a good read a long standing series I've enjoyed since I was a college undergrad.
Looking forward to the next!
January 25, 2020
"I get in because it's bad and strange."
I have read most of Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware series. I adore Milo, the gay overweight LT that brings Alex in on his weird cases. And this one is truly weird - 4 people murdered in a limo, sitting in a pool of blood that doesn't appear to be there own.
A stretch Lincoln Town Car is found behind a Beverly Hills party house, complete with dead chauffeur and 3 dead occupants. The chauffeur is exactly who he looks to be - the man that owns the car and runs his own business ferrying around obnoxious rich people. But the occupants are another story - 3 varied people with varied pasts killed in different ways posed like characters in a play.
When the seasoned detectives and crime-scene techs are looking green, it's time for the doctor to make an appearance.
This is the 35th book in the series, and definitely one the more interesting crimes. I don't care how many he writes - if he keeps this up, I'll keep reading them!
I have read most of Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware series. I adore Milo, the gay overweight LT that brings Alex in on his weird cases. And this one is truly weird - 4 people murdered in a limo, sitting in a pool of blood that doesn't appear to be there own.
A stretch Lincoln Town Car is found behind a Beverly Hills party house, complete with dead chauffeur and 3 dead occupants. The chauffeur is exactly who he looks to be - the man that owns the car and runs his own business ferrying around obnoxious rich people. But the occupants are another story - 3 varied people with varied pasts killed in different ways posed like characters in a play.
When the seasoned detectives and crime-scene techs are looking green, it's time for the doctor to make an appearance.
This is the 35th book in the series, and definitely one the more interesting crimes. I don't care how many he writes - if he keeps this up, I'll keep reading them!
October 19, 2020
There are a lot of characters and a lot of dead bodies. In between, I had no effing clue what this author was blathering on about. I said this about the last book I read but in that case, I felt a need to go back over and reread sections to try to make sense of it. Until my daughter, in her most trenchant tone said to me, “She’s already been paid”, and I immediately gave up on that lousy book. For this book, I had zero motivation to even try to keep track of who killed whom and why. It’s bad enough that a psychologist solves all the crimes despite being surrounded by brilliant cops. Dr. Delaware’s consultant badge expired many moons ago. Now he gets to play real cop. The premise of these books is beyond insulting to all of the professions mentioned.
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