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"A much loved woman's dead body is found in her apartment, victim of horrendous overkill even as her dining room table is perfectly set for a romantic dinner. Turns out her devoted boyfriend has an alibi and, with few clues leading to a suspect, LAPD's Lieutenant Milo Sturgis calls in psychologist Alex Delaware for help. Then another woman's shot execution style; three bullets in the back of her head leave her husband with a profitable business. He's got an alibi too. As the body count builds, Alex and Milo make the horrible realization that they're dealing with a diabolically manipulative killer intent on playing the most twisted and bloodiest kind of game with the cops -- and with Milo, specifically"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member 4hounds
Another author that I always enjoy. This one seemed a little slow in places, and I wonder more with every book about Robin - she didn't add a thing to the story. Dialog and descriptions are good - his habit of describing every character's appearance when you first meet them could get old, but it
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never does. I didn't figure out the killer until the revelation, so that's a big plus, too. Show Less
LibraryThing member terran
Milo Sturgis calls on his friend, psychiatrist Alex Delaware, to help him on a murder case. A woman has been killed as she left the office of her divorce lawyer. Obviously they suspect the husband initially, but then move through a series of suspects as more victims are found. The killer creates a
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"meal for two" scenario at the crime scene or at the victim's home, so the pair of crime solvers look into suspects with culinary skills. I like the relationship between Milo and Alex, and I like the way Kellerman makes fun of Los Angeles attitudes and lifestyles. Did not appreciate the treatment of horses and thought it was not an required part of the story or solution. Show Less
LibraryThing member AnnieMod
30 novels down the road, everyone knows what to expect from Kellerman. Alex and Milo will have a horrifying crime to resolve; the supporting staff in their lives and at Milo's precinct will make their usual appearances and by the end of the book, you will wonder just how bad humans can be.
This
One thing that starts gritting on me a bit lately is Robin - she is almost a prop. Not that I need her to be as involved as in some of the previous novels but I could predict what exactly she will do. Not really surprising after so many novels but still... On the other hand I am not sure what she may be doing -- and maybe we should start seeing less of her - the way we almost do not see Rick lately.
It can be read from someone that had not read the previous books but references will be lost and part of the charm of the series is exactly that continuity. But it is not important for the crime and its resolving so it can still work. And if that is your style of books, the whole series is worth reading.
This
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time it all starts as a few different unrelated crimes that start folding into each other (and anyone that does not expect that had not read Kellerman before). A few false leads later, Milo refusing food (now that was something that had not happened before) - and in a case that involved food actually, more dead people and the truth will emerge - as always logical but unexpected. Add the usual twists and turns and Kellerman's understanding of human nature (both criminal and not) and you have the usual good mix. It's exactly why I read the series year after year - it should start being repetitive but somehow it is not and it feels like meeting old friends again. As with most of the later books, the novel is not for people that do not like the grizzly details - it is part of the building of the novels. One thing that starts gritting on me a bit lately is Robin - she is almost a prop. Not that I need her to be as involved as in some of the previous novels but I could predict what exactly she will do. Not really surprising after so many novels but still... On the other hand I am not sure what she may be doing -- and maybe we should start seeing less of her - the way we almost do not see Rick lately.
It can be read from someone that had not read the previous books but references will be lost and part of the charm of the series is exactly that continuity. But it is not important for the crime and its resolving so it can still work. And if that is your style of books, the whole series is worth reading.
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LibraryThing member she_climber
Another solid showing by Kellerman. After about 30 installments in this series there's not much fresh and exciting going on but I do still enjoy them. I particularly enjoy the highly educated conversations between Delaware and Sturgis.
LibraryThing member MarlaAMadison
Thrilled to read Kellerman back at what he does best after hating the one he did with his son Jesse recently. Motive is once more Kellerman's best, another crime with an intricate plot and many suspects, solved by Alex Delaware and his friend Milo. Would like to see Milo improved a bit in one of
This was a super suspense read, and I'd highly recommend it.
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these, his bad habits are getting rather predictable. Might be interesting to have the next book be from his perspective.This was a super suspense read, and I'd highly recommend it.
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LibraryThing member doseofbella
Motive (An Alex Delaware Novel #30)
By: Jonathan Kellerman Pages. 336
Published By: Balantine Books February 2015
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads Early Reviewers
Reviewed By: tk
Alex Delaware and best friend-partner Milo Sturgis have once again joined together to solve a murder. Many murdered women. It
Kellerman is a superior in the writing of his many novels. I have enjoyed all that I have read over the years, and was not disappointed with this story of intrigue, and vengeance. I adore Alex Delaware, who always adds a personal interaction of life experiences, into his investigations. Milo is incredibly funny, and brilliant as always…
I spectacular read! A must have in your library. 5/5
By: Jonathan Kellerman Pages. 336
Published By: Balantine Books February 2015
Copy Courtesy of Goodreads Early Reviewers
Reviewed By: tk
Alex Delaware and best friend-partner Milo Sturgis have once again joined together to solve a murder. Many murdered women. It
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appears they are unconnected, and each lead takes them to a dead end. Through persistence, and gut feelings Alex and Milo will take you on a twisting psychological roller-coaster ride. Kellerman is a superior in the writing of his many novels. I have enjoyed all that I have read over the years, and was not disappointed with this story of intrigue, and vengeance. I adore Alex Delaware, who always adds a personal interaction of life experiences, into his investigations. Milo is incredibly funny, and brilliant as always…
I spectacular read! A must have in your library. 5/5
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LibraryThing member MustHaveFiction
Well Kellerman has done it again. You'd think after 30 books Alex Delaware would be boring, but he's not. Once again I raced through the book....couldn't wait to find out who did it. And it's never who you think it is.
As usual Alex Delaware (a Psychiatrist) is helping his best friend Milo Sturgis
This is the 30th book of the Alex Delaware series, and after reading all of them, Kellerman definitely makes you feel like you know this character, that he's a friend even and you want him to succeed, no matter what.
The author is actually a psychologist and has modeled his character after himself a bit, at least when it comes to previous work history and the knowledge he has in the psychiatric field. His knowledge and research go a long way to making these stories believable, because you know that the author knows what he's talking about.
If you're from the Los Angeles area, you get treated to descriptions of the area, down to specific roads/highways, buildings and history of the city. Which I know can be a treat if you're familiar. The descriptions of side streets and buildings can make you feel like you're really there.
However, they can be a little bit much if you're not from the area, so I personally tend to skim a bit on those parts since I have no frame of reference, but I've still spent many a night reading his books late into the night, from beginning to end, despite needing to get up early the next day. There is always some kind of twist you're not expecting, which makes each story exciting. Even after reading 30 of them.... you never quite know what's going to happen.
There are a few too many characters in this one, which makes it a bit confusing at times, which is why this one fell short of 5 stars, but still a very enjoyable read.
The writing is first person, from Delaware's point of view, which really helps with making you feel like you know him. His relationship with his girlfriend, Robin, throughout the series still makes you go "aww, they're so cute together" and of course the friendship between him and Milo is the heart of the story. The cop and the psychiatrist working hard together to bring down the scourge of Los Angeles.
The books don't have to be read in order, since each story is a new one, however some events in Alex's life might be mixed up a bit, but since those events aren't really central to the story, it doesn't effect much of anything.
If you like a good thriller, check out this series. You can pick up any of them, but if you want to start fresh, pick up When the Bough Breaks. I highly recommend it.
Side note: The author's wife Faye Kellerman is also a writer and has penned the Peter Decker series. Also highly recommended by me.
As usual Alex Delaware (a Psychiatrist) is helping his best friend Milo Sturgis
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(a Police Detective) in a "whodunit" regarding the death of a wealthy woman, in a parking garage, as she's leaving her lawyer's office. She was shot, at point blank range, and left in the garage for others to find. Nothing's stolen, even though she was wearing enough jewelry and cash on her to make a mugger extremely happy. So who wanted her dead? Well that's what Alex and Milo need to figure out.This is the 30th book of the Alex Delaware series, and after reading all of them, Kellerman definitely makes you feel like you know this character, that he's a friend even and you want him to succeed, no matter what.
The author is actually a psychologist and has modeled his character after himself a bit, at least when it comes to previous work history and the knowledge he has in the psychiatric field. His knowledge and research go a long way to making these stories believable, because you know that the author knows what he's talking about.
If you're from the Los Angeles area, you get treated to descriptions of the area, down to specific roads/highways, buildings and history of the city. Which I know can be a treat if you're familiar. The descriptions of side streets and buildings can make you feel like you're really there.
However, they can be a little bit much if you're not from the area, so I personally tend to skim a bit on those parts since I have no frame of reference, but I've still spent many a night reading his books late into the night, from beginning to end, despite needing to get up early the next day. There is always some kind of twist you're not expecting, which makes each story exciting. Even after reading 30 of them.... you never quite know what's going to happen.
There are a few too many characters in this one, which makes it a bit confusing at times, which is why this one fell short of 5 stars, but still a very enjoyable read.
The writing is first person, from Delaware's point of view, which really helps with making you feel like you know him. His relationship with his girlfriend, Robin, throughout the series still makes you go "aww, they're so cute together" and of course the friendship between him and Milo is the heart of the story. The cop and the psychiatrist working hard together to bring down the scourge of Los Angeles.
The books don't have to be read in order, since each story is a new one, however some events in Alex's life might be mixed up a bit, but since those events aren't really central to the story, it doesn't effect much of anything.
If you like a good thriller, check out this series. You can pick up any of them, but if you want to start fresh, pick up When the Bough Breaks. I highly recommend it.
Side note: The author's wife Faye Kellerman is also a writer and has penned the Peter Decker series. Also highly recommended by me.
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LibraryThing member jamespurcell
Good entry in a series that sustains well through interesting characters and complex but intriguing plots.
LibraryThing member Suzannie1
good, but found it difficult to keep up with the different characters .
LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Alex and Milo team up to try to figure out who murdered upscale uptown divorcee Ursula Corey. Through twists and turns, Alex and Milo track down exactly who and what happened to Ursula and who is staging elaborate dinner scenes for the dead.
LibraryThing member gail616
Good read. Not one his stronger stories. Enjoyable.
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Psychologist Alex Delaware has been assisting on homicide cases alongside his friend Detective Milo Sturgis for years. In Motive, the killer of Katherine Hennepin has also set up a dinner for two that had been left untouched. When the first case goes cold, Milo struggles to get over his feelings of
I enjoy the Alex Delaware series but this one seemed a little slow in places. The dialog and descriptions were good. For some reason I found my attention drifting away. There was no real excitement and the book seemed boring compared to the other books in the series. I enjoy the series and hope Kellerman gives us something a bit more riveting next time out.
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failure at bringing Katherine's murderer to justice. When wealthy businesswoman Ursula Corey is murdered in the parking garage of her divorce attorney’s office building, Alex and Milo believe it’s just another case. But when a similar culinary art display shows up in the kitchen of Ursula’s mansion, they begin to search for a correlation between the two victims. I enjoy the Alex Delaware series but this one seemed a little slow in places. The dialog and descriptions were good. For some reason I found my attention drifting away. There was no real excitement and the book seemed boring compared to the other books in the series. I enjoy the series and hope Kellerman gives us something a bit more riveting next time out.
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LibraryThing member lewilliams
A great police procedural. LAPD Detective Lieutenant Milo Sturgis with the help of psychologist Alex Delaware work to solve two murders with different MO's. They do find a clue that links them together. The race is on to find the murderer before there is another killing. This is my first Jonathan
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Kellerman novel but it won't be my last. Show Less
LibraryThing member gmmartz
This is a rare miss for Jonathan Kellerman. 'Motive' is a fairly standard whodunnit that's well-written and resolved satisfactorily, but the main characters, Davenport and Sturgis, seem to be getting a little tired. Davenport's psych-based contributions weren't all that significant in this case,
Don't get me wrong- Motive is an enjoyable novel, but not one of Kellerman's best. I hope his characters pick up their game soon....
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and the uniqueness of the Sturgis character (gay, huge, homely, serial eater) wasn't leveraged to any great extent. Don't get me wrong- Motive is an enjoyable novel, but not one of Kellerman's best. I hope his characters pick up their game soon....
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LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
This was an audiobook that I listened to on my IPad at night while visiting my dad in NC. I always like a Jonathon Kellerman book and especially in audio. This probably would have been more enjoyable if I had listened to in the car instead of at night while I was tired. Still, liked it, though.
LibraryThing member annbury
This is not one of the better Delaware/Sturgis novels, though it does keep the pages turning. In this installment, Milo and Alec are trying to work out the motive for a series of murders of women; in each case, a meal for two is left with the body, or appears shortly thereafter. They are looking
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for motive because they have no other clues, and the novel turns into a kaleidescope of possible murders, and possible perps. As usual, the investigation involves a lot of driving around LA in cars. In time of course it all gets resolved, but the process was not as interesting as in the last few novels in the series -- almost pedestrian, one might say -- and the personalities involved were mostly pretty unlikeable. Not an inspiring read, but I was interested enough to finish it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Preston.Kringle
Winning Motive by Jonathan Kellerman free from a Goodreads contest, presented an interesting read. Although, it had a good storyline, the book lacked a good flow making it a little difficult to read. At times, it was unclear as to which character was talking, as well as what some of the characters
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were talking about. Overall a good story, yet could use a little work. Show Less
LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
Very typical Kellerman "Alex Delaware" story, but quite enjoyable. I love Milo Sturgis' character.
LibraryThing member jennybeast
Hmmm, re-read this because I couldn't find my previous review and assumed I hadn't read it yet. Yes, my memory is that bad. Bad enough, actually, to enjoy reading this a second time as I'd forgotten all the murky permutations and the ultimate evildoer, so it was satisfying. Typical Sturgis and
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Delaware, in that unrelated cases turn out to be related, through convoluted paths. Show Less
LibraryThing member lbswiener
Motive is a good suspenseful story. There are several characters with motives who could easily have murdered the victims. The suspense is drawn out so that the reader can come to his or her own conclusions which are probably wrong. Four stars were awarded to this book for the good sleuthing on the
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parts of the characters Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware. Show Less