Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Ballantine Books (2010), Edition: Reprint, 448 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Jonathan Kellerman's Victims. In a half-built mansion in Los Angeles, a watchman stumbles onto the bodies of a young couple—murdered and left in a gruesome postmortem embrace. Veteran homicide cop Milo Sturgis is shocked at the sight: a twisted crime that only Milo and psychologist Alex Delaware can hope to solve. While the female victim’s identity remains in question, her companion is ID’d as eco-friendly architect Desmond Backer, notorious for his power to seduce women. The deeper Milo and Alex dig for clues, the longer the list of suspects grows. But when the investigation veers suddenly in a startling direction, it’s the investigators who may wind up on the wrong end of a cornered predator’s final fury.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member DLKeur
Umm...not impressed. Plodding. But, on the good side, no "roll-eye" sex stuck in just for the sake of having it in there. It is a book you could safely let your grandmother read, though I don't suggest it unless she's in a vegetative state. While the book did pick up after awhile, this "who-dun-it"
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certainly wasn't a riveting read. On the contrary, it was pretty blah. Show Less
LibraryThing member etrainer
I don't remember so MUCH banter and wisecracking between Alex and Milo in previous books in this series. There was some, but it seems over the top in Evidence. This is not one of Kellerman's best efforts, but I've read all the previous Delaware/Sturgis novels, and one that I didn't like so much
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won't keep me from expecting better the next time. Show Less
LibraryThing member dickmanikowski
As a longtime Jonathon Kellerman fan, I immediately grabbed Evidence when I saw it on the library's New Books shelf.
Evidence was up to my expectations. Vivid characterizations, a tangled but believable plot line, plenty of not-over-the-top action. Vintage Kellerman stuff.
But then I tried to look at
But I digress. As a longime Kellerman fan, I loved Evidence. I'm only concerned that the author may be limiting his appeal to new readers by not providing them with sufficient backstory.
Evidence was up to my expectations. Vivid characterizations, a tangled but believable plot line, plenty of not-over-the-top action. Vintage Kellerman stuff.
But then I tried to look at
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it through fresh eyes. And I realized that there were too many unconnected dots for the Kellerman novice to be able to follow. Who was Dr. Alex Delaware? Was he independently wealthy? It was clear that he spent a lot of uncompensated time helping his detective buddy Milo solve perplexing crimes with disturbing psychological overtones, but how was he able to pay the his bills? There was some complex dynamic at work between Milo (who in my mind's eye has always been a larger-than-life fedora-wearing George Kennedy) and the police department . . . what was that all about?But I digress. As a longime Kellerman fan, I loved Evidence. I'm only concerned that the author may be limiting his appeal to new readers by not providing them with sufficient backstory.
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LibraryThing member jenniferthomp75
I love Milo. The cranky, way-too-intelligent detective's character study just gets better and better with time. In this book, he's a true tour-de-force.
Dr. Alex Delaware and his friend/partner Milo Sturgis have teamed up for another round at solving a murder. This particular plot has eco-terrorism,
The final showdown between Milo and a suspect is one of the best I've read. Smart, sharp and beautifully manipulative. Kudos!
Dr. Alex Delaware and his friend/partner Milo Sturgis have teamed up for another round at solving a murder. This particular plot has eco-terrorism,
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diplomacy issues and more.The final showdown between Milo and a suspect is one of the best I've read. Smart, sharp and beautifully manipulative. Kudos!
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LibraryThing member MmeRose
This is more of a Milo Sturgis police procedural than an Alex Delaware psychological thriller. Delaware is a ride along - I can't remember much more than one-liners from his character in this story! Even though I've always liked Milo, this book was a disappointment.
The character development, the
The character development, the
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psychological insight into the perpetrators, the story between Alex and Robin - all missing. Even the new dog has less personality than Spike. Show Less
LibraryThing member pharrm
Alex Deaware - 24,Milo Stugis
This one's all about Milo and Alex has a supporting role. Two dead bodies are found on the turret of an abonded construction site. The neighborhood is high rent and the neighbors see it as an eye sore. The two found dead and a man and woman who are found in a
The house is owned by a shell company that in turn is owned by a wealthy sultan's family. Milo delves into why the home was never finished and that in turn leads to more dead bodies and the full story.
The lead "architect " of a green firm is an interesting, but stereotypical, bald beauty from Europe that very cold and indifferent to people. Her back story also leads to the finish.
Good read.
This one's all about Milo and Alex has a supporting role. Two dead bodies are found on the turret of an abonded construction site. The neighborhood is high rent and the neighbors see it as an eye sore. The two found dead and a man and woman who are found in a
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"compromising staged" position. The man is identified immediately but the woman takes much longer.The house is owned by a shell company that in turn is owned by a wealthy sultan's family. Milo delves into why the home was never finished and that in turn leads to more dead bodies and the full story.
The lead "architect " of a green firm is an interesting, but stereotypical, bald beauty from Europe that very cold and indifferent to people. Her back story also leads to the finish.
Good read.
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LibraryThing member allthesedarnbooks
I was pretty disappointed in this latest Alex Delaware novel, as I have been, to be perfectly honest, with the last several. I still love Alex, Milo, and Robin, but the plotting is just not as interesting, the descriptions are too bare, and it feels like Kellerman is pounding the new books out
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without really putting his heart into it. I also thought the plot was a little bizarre (not in a good way) and far fetched. I will probably keep reading the series, just because they are easy and comfortable reads for me, and I still maintain a glimmer of hope that they will once again obtain their former glory. Not really recommended, unless you're already a fan. If you're not, I recommend Kellerman's earlier Alex Delaware books instead, like The Clinic, When the Bough Breaks, or Bad Love, for example. Two and a half stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member kraaivrouw
The Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis series written by Jonathan Kellerman have always been reliably enjoyable. The oddball partnership between psychologist and homicide detective made for an unusual focus on most of the books. Kellerman usually tells a good story and I like Alex and Milo so I always grab
Honestly, I'm really not sure why Alex was even a part of this case - there wasn't a strong psychological element to the crime nor did it deal with children in any way (both hallmarks of past Alex/Milo pairings). The case was pretty run of the mill with eco-terrorists and a revengeful woman burning up fancy L.A. houses. Even though he was the narrator, Alex's presence felt forced and he came off as a kind of tag-along.
This has been a strong series in the past, but I'm wondering if Kellerman is running out of steam. I've seen that happen in so many other series like this (Patricia Cornwell, I'm looking at you) and it's kind of sad and disappointing. I wish he'd wrap the series up if he's stopped caring about these characters. He has other characters he's written a little about (Petra, the Hollywood homicide detective and Daniel Sharavi, the Israeli homicide detective) and he could expand on their stories. Mostly I think Alex and Milo deserve a whole lot better than this and so do Kellerman's readers.
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these off the shelf when they become available, but this one was pretty disappointing.Honestly, I'm really not sure why Alex was even a part of this case - there wasn't a strong psychological element to the crime nor did it deal with children in any way (both hallmarks of past Alex/Milo pairings). The case was pretty run of the mill with eco-terrorists and a revengeful woman burning up fancy L.A. houses. Even though he was the narrator, Alex's presence felt forced and he came off as a kind of tag-along.
This has been a strong series in the past, but I'm wondering if Kellerman is running out of steam. I've seen that happen in so many other series like this (Patricia Cornwell, I'm looking at you) and it's kind of sad and disappointing. I wish he'd wrap the series up if he's stopped caring about these characters. He has other characters he's written a little about (Petra, the Hollywood homicide detective and Daniel Sharavi, the Israeli homicide detective) and he could expand on their stories. Mostly I think Alex and Milo deserve a whole lot better than this and so do Kellerman's readers.
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LibraryThing member judithrs
Evidence. Jonathan Kellerman. 2010. This Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis novel was better than the last one I read, Compulsion, but not as good as some of the earlier ones. Bodies of a couple are found in an abandoned construction site. The search for the murderer leads Alex and Milo to a weird green
Eco-terrorism is not my thing and the actual villain seemed to appear out of no where. Kellerman fans who aren’t tired of him will enjoy.
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architectural firm and to the prince of a fictional Asian country.Eco-terrorism is not my thing and the actual villain seemed to appear out of no where. Kellerman fans who aren’t tired of him will enjoy.
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LibraryThing member shazjhb
Prefer Milo to Alex. Much better character. Like the other young detectives as well.
LibraryThing member wiccked
I don't think this was my favourite Kellerman novel, but I did enjoy it. Maybe if I wasn't in my chemo-no-concentration stage I would have enjoyed it more, although in that state it was a hell of an achievement to read it in a week!
LibraryThing member Scrabblenut
The latest Kellerman book is a fast read, but very enjoyable, with lots of witty repartee between Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware as they try to figure out motives in a double murder in a half-built gigantic house in Los Angeles. There are many twists and turns and Kellerman
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fans will not be disappointed. Show Less
LibraryThing member Featherfire
I always enjoy reading about Alex and Milo's adventures... but after so many books, the series has sort of lost it's spark for me. I have a terrible memory and once I've finished the book, I pretty much forget what happens. Too many details, too many plot twists. This one was no different. I enjoy
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it while I'm reading, but honestly I don't carry much away from the books... but I love them anyway. Show Less
LibraryThing member Darrol
An entertaining read, but Delaware's involvement seems to be just a function of Milo's special status. I like it better when Delaware is involved specificallly for his psychological insight. Except for the psychopathic nature of the perps, the psychological element was limited. The ending dragged.
LibraryThing member hemlokgang
Audiobook.......I normally am a fan of the Alex Delaware series, but this one was difficult to stick with. And frankly, this was more of a Milo Sturgis story than an Alex Delaware story.
LibraryThing member crazybatcow
Someone left this on my deck so I thought I'd read it. I think I read a book from this series years ago... like that one, this book is not very memorable (I think I've already forgotten the story), but it was entertaining enough while I was reading it.
There was a bit too many "threads" in it, and
I'd read more of Kellerman's stuff, if I found it on my deck some day.
There was a bit too many "threads" in it, and
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I'm still not very clear on how the whole international component of the story prompted the events to occur like they did... it's like Kellerman brought two completely independent threads together in order to make the story more complex than it really should have been. I'd read more of Kellerman's stuff, if I found it on my deck some day.
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LibraryThing member Carol420
Psychologist Delaware is certainly a presence throughout, and the first-person narration that tells the tale is in Delaware's voice. But the real focus of the novel is on LAPD Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis, who doggedly pursues a solution to a mysterious double homicide.
From the very beginning,
Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis have been an unbeatable team. Over the years, this series has lost none of its freshness and attention to the details of psychological profiling and police investigation, and the mystery plots themselves are always solid and surprising. "Evidence" is perfect (forgive me) evidence of Kellerman's long-lasting mastery of his craft.
From the very beginning,
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there is nothing ordinary about EVIDENCE. The story commences with the discovery of two bodies in a half-finished house, which, even in its incomplete state, is a monument to ostentatiousness. The corpses are in carnal embrace, the man shot and the woman strangled. The identity of the female is unknown, but the male is Desmond E. Backer, a principal with a local architectural firm that has recently gone belly up. Backer, as it turns out, is quite the ladies' man, having dipped his pen in the company ink (among other places). Sturgis has no lack for suspects, as one of Backer's jealous lovers or one of their spouses possibly could have had the motivation to commit the dastardly deed. But the "who" isn't the only intriguing aspect of this case for Sturgis; he is also puzzled by the fact that the house where Backer and his ill-fortuned friend were found has sat unfinished for two years and that the identity of the owner seems to be a state secret.Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis have been an unbeatable team. Over the years, this series has lost none of its freshness and attention to the details of psychological profiling and police investigation, and the mystery plots themselves are always solid and surprising. "Evidence" is perfect (forgive me) evidence of Kellerman's long-lasting mastery of his craft.
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LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
I have really gotten behind on reading the Alex Delaware series, but I was really looking forward to getting back into it. I have enjoyed the partnership of Alex and Milo as well as looking at a crime from both the detective and psychologist angle. Well, this book disappointed me. It should have
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just been a Milo Sturgis story. Alex was there with Milo, almost like his partner, but there really was no psychological aspect to this story. I also did not like the flipping points of view. I have several more of this series on my bookshelf and the local librarian told me his books were not very good for a while, but that he got back on track. I will see how many it takes to get back on track. It was still a decent read, but not what I was expecting at all. Show Less
LibraryThing member lbswiener
Evidence is a good story. It is always interesting how there is no evidence and the characters or rather author is able to build upon theories, interviews, bits of evidence to figure out who was murdered and who was the murderer. The book has believable characters, settings and all around is just a
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good story. The book received four stars in this review. Show Less
LibraryThing member lamour
A security guard keeping watch on an abandon mega house construction site, on arriving at work discovers a young couple murdered and then posed in the embrace of having intercourse. The male's identity is quickly determined but the woman takes days as she has had her identity wiped as if she was
As they work their way through the twists and turns of the evidence, they discover a plot by eco-terrorits to burn expensive building projects as a protest. One target is a a wealthy, powerful sultan from Indonesia who is also target by a Swiss woman because he had her sister killed in an unrelated incident.
A fast moving plot with many twists and turns and as in real life, not all the the problems have a solution or answer.
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some secret agent. Detective Milo Sturgis gets the case and brings along his friend, psychologist Alex Delaware.As they work their way through the twists and turns of the evidence, they discover a plot by eco-terrorits to burn expensive building projects as a protest. One target is a a wealthy, powerful sultan from Indonesia who is also target by a Swiss woman because he had her sister killed in an unrelated incident.
A fast moving plot with many twists and turns and as in real life, not all the the problems have a solution or answer.
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LibraryThing member PaulaGalvan
When Lieutenant Milo Sturgis gets called out to investigate a double homicide, he invites Dr. Alex Delaware, an LAPD consulting psychologist, to accompany him to the crime scene. What comes after is Milo's investigation into a group of eco-terrorists while Alex tags along to observe. I love this
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series, but this book's plot was far-fetched and boring. Also, there's minimal action. Its semi-redeeming quality was the humorous dialog that Mr. Kellerman is so good at. Show Less
LibraryThing member bjmitch
There's only one good thing about frigid, snowy weather and that's the extra time for reading. For some reason I'm out of my serious book/mystery/serious book/etc. reading habit for the time being so I've been breezing through fun mysteries. Evidence is the latest and though not really appropriate
I've read many Jonathan Kellerman mysteries in the Dr. Alex Delaware series, but not for many years. This is his 24th Delaware novel and I've read maybe half that number. I think the reason I stopped for a while was that Delaware is a child psychologist who is an LAPD consultant and some of the earlier books had such creepy villains and psycho children that I needed a break. Delaware is a great character but in this book he takes more of a narrator role.
Delaware rides along with his friend, Detective Milo Sturgis, a gay man whose partner is a doctor. Milo has of course had tough times being an openly gay man in law enforcement but his rock has always been Delaware. Delaware lives with Robin, a lovely woman who builds and repairs guitars. She is internationally known, sought out by the best guitarists, so her schedule rivals that of Delaware's. I don't know if they have married yet or not but they've been together forever.
This story is about sorely dysfunctional adults and ecoterrorism plus a royal family from a fictional island in Indonesia. There is a bald, cold as ice woman architect, a formerly wealthy bigot who is a real nut case, young people who use a type of explosive made partially of Jello to blow up McMansions, and other distinctive characters.
It amazes me that after so many books in this series Kellerman can still come up with such unique characters and maze-like stories. His books aren't great literature but they certainly are fun. Milo for instance is a quirky character who frequently shows up at his friends' house to "clean out their refrigerator." As Robin says when they want Milo to come over, "We've got steaks, let's feed him." Too bad he's currently on an Indian food kick. His partner is having a fit about his cholesterol.
If you also freaked out on Kellerman's wacko kids mysteries, it's safe to return. This one will have you saying, "Oh boy, the kind of people you find in California!" I apologize to California folks, but you know the reputation your state has better than anyone. I assure you there are nutty people in Pennsylvania too.
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for Christmas, I sure did enjoy it.I've read many Jonathan Kellerman mysteries in the Dr. Alex Delaware series, but not for many years. This is his 24th Delaware novel and I've read maybe half that number. I think the reason I stopped for a while was that Delaware is a child psychologist who is an LAPD consultant and some of the earlier books had such creepy villains and psycho children that I needed a break. Delaware is a great character but in this book he takes more of a narrator role.
Delaware rides along with his friend, Detective Milo Sturgis, a gay man whose partner is a doctor. Milo has of course had tough times being an openly gay man in law enforcement but his rock has always been Delaware. Delaware lives with Robin, a lovely woman who builds and repairs guitars. She is internationally known, sought out by the best guitarists, so her schedule rivals that of Delaware's. I don't know if they have married yet or not but they've been together forever.
This story is about sorely dysfunctional adults and ecoterrorism plus a royal family from a fictional island in Indonesia. There is a bald, cold as ice woman architect, a formerly wealthy bigot who is a real nut case, young people who use a type of explosive made partially of Jello to blow up McMansions, and other distinctive characters.
It amazes me that after so many books in this series Kellerman can still come up with such unique characters and maze-like stories. His books aren't great literature but they certainly are fun. Milo for instance is a quirky character who frequently shows up at his friends' house to "clean out their refrigerator." As Robin says when they want Milo to come over, "We've got steaks, let's feed him." Too bad he's currently on an Indian food kick. His partner is having a fit about his cholesterol.
If you also freaked out on Kellerman's wacko kids mysteries, it's safe to return. This one will have you saying, "Oh boy, the kind of people you find in California!" I apologize to California folks, but you know the reputation your state has better than anyone. I assure you there are nutty people in Pennsylvania too.
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LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Alex assists Milo with an eco-terrorism case with international intrigue edges. Two people, Des Backer and Doreen Fredd end up dead in a framed out mega-mansion which leads to a trail of arson and eco-terrorism.
LibraryThing member nordie
Going through a "catch up with series" phase, I thought I hadn't read this one, but part way through, realised that I had (but couldn't remember whodunnit), so I took to the end.
Another multi threaded Alex Delaware book, this time involving a high murder count, eco-terrorism, multi agency work -
There are few appearances from Robin (for once they're not falling out, or getting back together, or she has a weird commission). More appearances from Blanche the dog however.
This is one of the harder books to review - it's not bad, but it's not brilliant either. This is probably why I cant remember reading it.
Another multi threaded Alex Delaware book, this time involving a high murder count, eco-terrorism, multi agency work -
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including an appearance by FBI. There are few appearances from Robin (for once they're not falling out, or getting back together, or she has a weird commission). More appearances from Blanche the dog however.
This is one of the harder books to review - it's not bad, but it's not brilliant either. This is probably why I cant remember reading it.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009-10-06
Physical description
448 p.; 4.2 inches
ISBN
0345495195 / 9780345495198