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Guilt: An Alex Delaware Novel Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,896 listener ratings
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Plot Summary
The 28th book in the Alex Delaware series, Guilt still packs the same punch as the earlier novels, involving us in the unlikely but effective professional relationship between psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis. Delaware is the one with a placid personality but a violent childhood, while Sturgis is a brilliant gay detective who has been given free rein by his police department to solve whatever case he likes. The personalities of the two protagonists are as different as could be, with Delaware being the coolheaded, rational one and Sturgis the impetuous and rather crude one. At times, we see Sturgis barging into Delaware's place and going straight for the refrigerator without any attempt at politeness.
In Guilt: An Alex Delaware Novel, Book 28, Sturgis brings Delaware in on a case involving an infant's remains which are found in the backyard by a woman who just moved into a new house. The remains are sixty years old but, of course, they still have to be investigated. However, soon after this discovery, another set of fresher infant remains are found buried in a nearby park and a young woman is shot dead, execution-style in the vicinity.
It's up to Delaware and Sturgis to discover whether these cases are related and they do so after much psychological deliberation, uncovering a story involving a hospital nurse, her mystery lover and a wealthy doctor. The investigation also leads to some famous people and back to Delaware himself. Eventually, Delaware and Sturgis uncover some unholy rituals and sacrifice—obviously, the work of a madman; they also bring justice to a secondary character.
Delaware is a fascinating individual who delves deep into the human psyche while remaining aware of his own motivations—no mean task. Sturgis helps to balance him out, keeping him grounded in the real world.
Jonathan Kellerman was born in New York City but grew up in L. A. where he went to school at U.C.L.A., studying psychology. He went on to do his Ph.D. at U.S.C. and is currently Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine. Himself a survivor of thyroid cancer, he has done a lot of research on the effects of being isolated in a plastic bubble in children with cancer, and what steps can be taken to help them. His first book, When the Bough Breaks, was published in 1985, became a bestseller and was made into a TV movie. He has written 1-2 books every year since then and is married to Faye Kellerman, also a crime novelist.
"I enjoyed this book quite well. It had a good story and took me to different places that I didn't expect. This was better than the last couple of Alex Delaware novels. None that I have read move at break-neck speed, but I think the speed of solving crimes in this series is much more realistic. If you like this series, you will like this newest one."
— Kathryn (4 out of 5 stars)
Publisher Summary
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 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 sixty 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. Praise for Jonathan Kellerman and Guilt “A solid, poignant tale of violence against the innocent . . . cool, brisk and polished.”—The Washington Post “Action-packed . . . Kellerman proves he can keep readers entertained and engrossed in a story that keeps them on the edge of their seats to the final page.”—Wichita Falls Times Record News “Certainly one of [Kellerman’s] best offerings to date . . . Do not miss this one.”—Bookreporter “Jonathan Kellerman’s psychology skills and dark imagination are a potent literary mix.”—Los Angeles Times “The combination of Alex Delaware [and] Detective Milo Sturgis . . . makes for the most original whodunit duo since Watson and Holmes.”—Forbes “Jonathan Kellerman’s novels are an obsession; once started it is hard to quit.”—Orlando Sentinel “Kellerman doesn’t just write psychological thrillers—he owns the genre.”—Detroit Free Press
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Quotes
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“A solid, poignant tale of violence and innocence…cool, brisk, and polished.”
— Washington Post -
“Certainly one of [Kellerman’s] best offerings to date…Do not miss this one.”
— Bookreporter
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
Guilt Listener Reviews
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" A typical Alex Delaware tale. Interesting look at Hollywood's A-list! I wonder if the police really allow friends of detectives to be so involved in investigations and are really able to take obscure clues and find the truth. "
— Bgrayyoung, 2/11/2014 -
" I love Jonathan Kellerman's writing and have read most of them. This is very good and anyone who likes a good thriller will enjoy it. "
— Lynette, 2/9/2014 -
" consistent "
— Phil, 1/31/2014 -
" I've read this series as each new book came out, and maybe that's why I haven't tired of Alex and Milo yet. I enjoyed reading this tale, and everything seemed to flow fairly smoothly even with the twists and wrong turns taken. "
— Knitter, 1/14/2014 -
" The story teller "
— Tiffany, 1/9/2014 -
" Not my favorite of Kellerman books but it was a good read. It didn't captivate my attention, but I didn't put it down halfway through either. Love the Delaware and Sturgis relationship. Overall, I'd say it was ok. Not his best, but not his worst. "
— Shannon, 1/9/2014 -
" I think this series is over and done. "
— Lesliebasney, 12/29/2013 -
" I really, really enjoyed this book. I have to admit that I was stunned to see a character based on Angelina Jolie in this book. I am fairly certain it was NOT a coincidence. Could barely stand to put it down, though. REALLY, that good! "
— Barbara, 12/16/2013 -
" I really like this writer and his characters. This one was a little bittersweet, too heavy on the Hollywood angles, and maybe ended too quickly, without really "knowing" the killer's mind very well. I will read the next one, hoping Kellerman improves on this one. "
— Vicki, 12/16/2013 -
" Great book! I really enjoyed reading it. "
— Angie, 12/8/2013 -
" I am a Kellerman / Alex Delaware fan having read everyone of his books. Guilt was an interesting story. "
— Lynne, 12/8/2013 -
" Kellerman is true to form. Although I did not have the urgency to finish this book that I usually feel for his books, it was a solid read and totally enjoyable. "
— Rose, 11/16/2013 -
" Quick read; excellent storyline "
— Heather, 10/3/2013 -
" I always can rely on an Alex Delaware novel to entertain. "Guilt" was no exception. I really enjoyed it and best of all, it was not too scary so I could read it while husband was out of town without losing any sleep. I enjoy the interplay between Alex and Milo, per usual. Reliable and enjoyable. "
— Charla, 10/1/2013 -
" Not my favourite of the Kellerman but it was still engaging and entertaining. Worth the read "
— Geoff, 6/18/2013 -
" I received this book as a First Reads Giveaway. I hadn't read a Kellerman book in a while. I really enjoyed this book and am going to go back and read some of the books I've missed. "
— Michele, 6/16/2013 -
" Great Book! A must read for Kellerman fans. "
— Karen, 5/9/2013 -
" another intricate story line. seems like a power couple we all know, that has fallen from the limelight. deleware should join the cops. "
— Hrn1947, 5/2/2013 -
" Like this series Always read Never disappointed "
— Nan, 4/16/2013 -
" A typical Jonathan Kellerman - it did get better as they began to unravel the pieces of the puzzle. "
— Jody, 4/4/2013
About Jonathan Kellerman
Jonathan Kellerman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty crime novels. His unique perspective on human behavior has led to the creation of the Alex Delaware series. He has won the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association. With his wife, bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman, he co-authored Double Homicide and Capital Crimes. With his son, bestselling novelist Jesse Kellerman, he co-authored six novels.
About John Rubinstein
John Rubinstein is an actor, composer, and director who won a Tony Award for his starring role in Broadway’s Children of a Lesser God. He has narrated dozens of audiobooks, earning several AudioFile Earphones Awards and being named a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration in 2013.