Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Ballantine Books (2012), 419 pages
Description
"Unraveling the madness behind L.A.'s most baffling and brutal homicides is what sleuthing psychologist Alex Delaware does best. And putting the good doctor through his thrilling paces is what mystery fiction's #1 bestselling master of psychological suspense Jonathan Kellerman does with incomparable brilliance. Kellerman's universally acclaimed novels blend the addictive rhythms of the classic police procedural with chilling glimpses into the darkest depths of the human condition. For the compelling proof, look no further than Victims--Kellerman at his razor-sharp, harrowing finest. Not since Jack the Ripper terrorized the London slums has there been such a gruesome crime scene. By all accounts, acid-tongued Vita Berlin hadn't a friend in the world, but whom did she cross so badly as to end up arranged in such a grotesque tableau? One look at her apartment-turned-charnel house prompts hard-bitten LAPD detective Milo Sturgis to summon his go-to expert in hunting homicidal maniacs, Alex Delaware. But despite his finely honed skills, even Alex is stymied when more slayings occur in the same ghastly fashion. yet with no apparent connection among the victims. And the only clue left behind--a blank page bearing a question mark--seems to be both a menacing taunt and a cry for help from a killer baffled by his own lethal urges. Under pressure to end the bloody spree and prevent a citywide panic, Milo redoubles his efforts to discover a link between the disparate victims. Meanwhile, Alex navigates the secretive world of mental health treatment, from the sleek office of a Beverly Hills therapist to a shuttered mental institution where he once honed his craft--and where an unholy alliance between the mad and the monstrous may have been sealed in blood. As each jagged piece of the puzzle fits into place, an ever more horrific portrait emerges of a sinister mind at its most unimaginable--and an evil soul at its most unspeakable. "This one was different," Alex observes at the start of the case. This one will haunt his waking life, and his darkest dreams, long after its end"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member rdurant1217
Solid Delaware novel, if nothing too memorable or gripping. The book is a quick read, but engaging, as Kellerman's usually are. His earlier works delved more into the lives of the characters, whereas his last few have shied away from that and have become more story/plot based. I would say that
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something seems to be missing - the heart and soul of making you love the characters is gaining insight into their lives. If I were new to the series, based solely on this book I wouldn't really feel compelled to read more about these characters, which is sort of a shame, because the world in which they live is quite interesting. Kellerman has made you love these characters over the years and, while this was pretty solid, didn't really do anything to make me feel anything for the characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member LeHack
A serial killer is carrying out his agenda, bodies are piling up but Milo doesn't seem to have clues that point to a specific suspect. Alex and Milo find a thread tying some of the recent victions that takes them to Ventura State Hospital, now closed, as are most state mental hospitals. Is the
Kellerman doesn't fail to deliver with this latest Alex Delaware novel.
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suspect a former mental patient? Kellerman doesn't fail to deliver with this latest Alex Delaware novel.
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LibraryThing member Cynthia357
Loved, loved, loved it. As usual Jonathan Kellerman delivers an interesting read. I usually listen to his books so this one was a bit hard to get into but I can say I'd reccommed it to anyone who loves a good thriller.
LibraryThing member debralu
Milo and Alex team up again in this Kellerman murder mystery. As with the other books I've read, this one keeps your interest, displays the morbid psychology of some very disturbed people, while interjecting some needed humor here and there. While I find Milo endearing, I'm not "feeling" Alex,
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still. I would recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bookish59
I enjoyed Victims more than I thought I would. The plot and flow of the story was exciting, the pace blazing fast. The wonderful synergy and emotional intelligence of Alex and Milo as they tackle cases together, Robin's loving support and spot-on insights, Petra, and Milo's motivated team, are what
Good read but beware its super grisly.
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compel me to continue reading the series. More character development would be welcome. Good read but beware its super grisly.
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LibraryThing member Judes316
I received this book as an ARC copy and was the first time I have read Jonathan Kellerman. Victims was a good thriller. "Victims" caught me on page one and I could not wait to read more. I am looking forward to going back and finding other Alex Delaware books. I would definately recommend this book
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to anyone that enjoys a good thriller. Show Less
LibraryThing member cswolff9
Another great Alex Delaware novel I couldn't put down. Grabs hold of you and keeps you guessing. I don't know how Kellerman does it, but he can create so many different psychopaths with doffering pathology it boggles the mind! Can't wait for the next book.
LibraryThing member KatharineClifton
This was my first Kellerman novel and, therefore, my introduction to Dr. Delaware. I enjoyed it on many levels. When I first realized that it was the latest in a series (#27 to be exact!) I was concerned that I would come across too much hinted-at backstory without being in on the inside joke. That
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did not prove to be the case. It was enjoyable as a stand alone thriller. Yes, some backstory and previous cases were referenced slyly, but you didn't need to know the references to follow the plot. On the flip side, I did feel like I wanted to know Dr. Delaware and Milo a bit better. Know more about their personal lives. I especially thought Robin to be an under-utilized character in this book. As for the plot, it has some very satisfying twists and turns. The old mental hospital, the dogs, the analysis of the seeming randomness of the crimes - all well explored and brought to fruition. The crime scenes were very well described. I found some of the metaphors and descriptions to be odd (comparing someone's face to uncooked haggis, for example), and the references to classical music might be meaningful to someone who has read the whole series, but were a bit overdone for this newbie reading it as a stand alone. Overall, it was an enjoyable mystery. Very fast-paced and easy to read. Show Less
LibraryThing member hippolytus
As much as I love the character of Alex Delaware, each new volume in his continuing adventures fills me with a feeling of trepidation. It's not the series it once was. Part of the problem with following such a long-running and, at one time, so satisfying a series is that you fall in love with the
I can't say I'm really happy with the way Alex has been written for the last several novels. He's still Alex, but he's now somewhat removed from the audience and perhaps even from himself. He's older, obviously, and probably wiser, but he speaks in sentence fragments and regards every new case with, in my opinion, a wariness. I still love him. I still believe he's a great character. I'm just afraid he's going to turn into Kay Scarpetta and we eventually won't even recognize him anymore.
As for the story itself, it's a much better offering than several of the last novels in the series. It's not as original and compelling as the early entries, but it's a nice middle ground. I sincerely hope that Kellerman's not losing his joie de vivre in writing Alex and his friends, because nothing's worse than a once-great series which dwindles down to mediocrity. I desperately don't want that here.
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characters and you remember when they were better written.I can't say I'm really happy with the way Alex has been written for the last several novels. He's still Alex, but he's now somewhat removed from the audience and perhaps even from himself. He's older, obviously, and probably wiser, but he speaks in sentence fragments and regards every new case with, in my opinion, a wariness. I still love him. I still believe he's a great character. I'm just afraid he's going to turn into Kay Scarpetta and we eventually won't even recognize him anymore.
As for the story itself, it's a much better offering than several of the last novels in the series. It's not as original and compelling as the early entries, but it's a nice middle ground. I sincerely hope that Kellerman's not losing his joie de vivre in writing Alex and his friends, because nothing's worse than a once-great series which dwindles down to mediocrity. I desperately don't want that here.
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LibraryThing member she_climber
I'm a long time fan of John Kellerman and the Alex Delaware series and this latest edition did not disappoint. A series of very gruesome murders, seemingly unconnected lead Alex and Milo through a series of possible theories trying to make something fit until finally pieces of the puzzle start to
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drop into place. As always it was a fun ride. Show Less
LibraryThing member CathyShelton
I really enjoyed Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delawarre books, and Victims is no exceptions. Kellerman is one of my favorite authors and enjoyed learning more about Alex's background and his training. The somewhat obscure relationship between the victims and the murderers was a wonderful twist, and
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the connections back to Alex made the book very circular in nature. Also the secrets that the old hospital and it's grounds make one realize that there are many old building that may hold the same type of secrets that may not be discovered until they are torn down. I highly recommend this book to all and especially to those who enjoy Alex Delaware books. Show Less
LibraryThing member Beamis12
As always I loved the interplay between Milo and Alex, but there were not as many ironic one liners from Milo as in previous books. Did enjoy the mystery and the slow reveals that were uncovered as more murder victims were found. Would have liked more info on the killer himself, we only get info on
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him from age 11 on, but I would like to know what made him the way he is. So I enjoyed this, but have liked previous books of his much better. Show Less
LibraryThing member kat_848
In Victims, Kellerman treats us to another of his convoluted plots. He and Sturgis are on the hunt for a killer guilty of several grisly murders. While I wouldn't rate this as his best book, it was still a great read, and did not disappoint. It was a fast paced book that I had difficulty putting
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down. The old hospital added just the right "creep" factor. Kellerman has a gift for description and character development, and his books are always interesting. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological thrillers. If you haven't read Kellerman before, you need to start! You will find yourself looking for his books! Show Less
LibraryThing member oldbookswine
This is a review copy. Alex and Milo have a new gruesome case to solve. A series of bodies mutilated are found in various parts of LA. With no apparent connection Milo feels the pressure to find the killer. Alex follows his personal history back to his interning at a Mental Hospital to find clues
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to solve this most frustrating of cases. More grisly than the rest of the series, the clues hang together well to bring the story to a satisfactory conclusion for the reader if not for Alex. Recomended Show Less
LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Psychologically disturbing novel. Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis are tracking down a serial killer who meticulously disembowels his victims. The crime scenes are perfectly staged and there IS a reason he chooses who he kills.
LibraryThing member sprocto
I felt this book was typical Alex Delaware style, but that is not a bad thing. The story was intriguing and well paced. It was also dark and brutal but not gratuitously so. I haven't read anything in this series for a few years and I am thinking of going back to catch up.
LibraryThing member hansue
Milo Sturgis calls Alex Delaware for help with a gruesome murder and the pair are off again to find the killer. As others victims start turning up murdered in the same way, the mystery deepens. None of the victims seem to be related. Then Alex Delaware discovers links to his past. It just so
I have read Jonathan Kellerman for years. I have always liked his books, but I found this one off. Every person who sees the murdered victims seemed to be horribly affected. Over the years Milo and Delaware have dealt with some pretty horrific crimes. It is never explained why this one seems to be so bad.
I also am bothered by the lack of development of Milo and Robin. They don’t really seem to be important in this book. Milo is a wonderful character. Kellerman’s books used to talk about his life with Rick and his problems with being gay. Now except for his eating everything that comes into view, he does not seem to be there for any other reason except to give Delaware an in on these murders. Robin does not seem to have any function except to give Delaware someone to talk to every once in a while. These are very interesting characters; I would like to see a larger role for them in future books. I want to know more about their lives.
This was an enjoyable read, but I found myself disappointed at the end.
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happens that he was at Ventura State, the largest mental hospital west of the Mississippi, when the perpetrators of the murders meet and the seeds of future destruction are planted. Every time Delaware turns around, he finds another fact or person who give him clues to solving the murders.I have read Jonathan Kellerman for years. I have always liked his books, but I found this one off. Every person who sees the murdered victims seemed to be horribly affected. Over the years Milo and Delaware have dealt with some pretty horrific crimes. It is never explained why this one seems to be so bad.
I also am bothered by the lack of development of Milo and Robin. They don’t really seem to be important in this book. Milo is a wonderful character. Kellerman’s books used to talk about his life with Rick and his problems with being gay. Now except for his eating everything that comes into view, he does not seem to be there for any other reason except to give Delaware an in on these murders. Robin does not seem to have any function except to give Delaware someone to talk to every once in a while. These are very interesting characters; I would like to see a larger role for them in future books. I want to know more about their lives.
This was an enjoyable read, but I found myself disappointed at the end.
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LibraryThing member Brenda63
I do not know how Jonathan Kellerman continues to write such riveting novels. All the "regular" characters are involved: Alex, Robin, Milo, etc. I couldn't put it down once I started it.
LibraryThing member cmeilink
What I enjoy most about reading Jonathan Kellerman's works is his command of dialogue and his ability to tell a story--unveiling characters and information little by little so that we feel that we are there, investigating the murders with him and Milo.
In Victims, a series of seemingly unrelated,
Good plot, good flow, good read.
I received an advance copy of this book from Early Reviewers.
In Victims, a series of seemingly unrelated,
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horrific murders have Milo and Alex Delaware searching for answers. Bodies have been cut open and disemboweled, and when they finally discover the common link, it turns out to be more frightening than they could have ever imagined.Good plot, good flow, good read.
I received an advance copy of this book from Early Reviewers.
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LibraryThing member GarySeverance
Jonathan Kellerman's Victims is the 27th novel in his mystery series featuring clinical psychologist Alex Delaware. The character is a consultant with the Los Angeles police department who gives low key information to Lieutenant Milo Sturgis that helps the detective understand the motivation of
Alex Delaware is not a master of "profiling" and the novel is more of a police procedural than a story of a brilliant psychologist who intuitively solves the case for the police. The interaction of Lt. Sturgis and Dr. Delaware is interesting and believable, each character with his own unique skills that help the team make progress toward solution of the horrific crimes in the story. This reminds me of Robert B. Parker's team of private detective Spenser and tough guy sidekick Hawk in the very popular and multi-novel mystery series. It also is reminiscent of John D. MacDonald's team of "salvage consultant" McGee and Dr. Myer. There is good dialogue, frequent humor, and sporadic violence in the novel that make the reading fast and entertaining.
I have read many mystery series writers in the past, enjoying the development of the recurring characters over fictional time: Parker, MacDonald, Christie, Doyle, Stout, and many others. I remember the excitement of finding a new series and learning all I could about the cases and life histories of the main characters. For living writers, I looked forward to new editions in the sagas of their detectives, police officers, government agents, forensic specialists, and free-lance operatives. Although, I moved away from these series and became interested in other novel genres, Dr. Kellerman's novel has interested me in reading the preceding 26 volumes in his Delaware series starting with, When the Bough Breaks (1985). Doing this retro-reading in the past has been rewarding because of the pleasure of reading good stories and seeing the development of writing skills in the authors as they have pursued their careers. I use the term "mystery," but I note that Victims is classified as a "thriller" probably for legitimate reasons of promoting and selling the book.
I strongly recommend Victims to readers who would like to look forward to a good story and potentially years of exploring Kellerman's earlier work. He has written other novels outside of the Alex Delaware series.
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murderers. In this case, the suspects are survivors of institutionalism, the warehousing of chronically mentally ill patients in large "institutions" in California. The closing of many of these hospitals on humanitarian grounds returned intractable victims to their communities where supposedly they would get locally funded care. Even though these people had irrational motives sometimes leading to violence, many of them were not intellectually deficient. Intelligent people with bizarre desires and unrestricted freedom lead to deadly consequences in this novel.The pursuit of the murder suspects is no easy task for Alex and Milo.Alex Delaware is not a master of "profiling" and the novel is more of a police procedural than a story of a brilliant psychologist who intuitively solves the case for the police. The interaction of Lt. Sturgis and Dr. Delaware is interesting and believable, each character with his own unique skills that help the team make progress toward solution of the horrific crimes in the story. This reminds me of Robert B. Parker's team of private detective Spenser and tough guy sidekick Hawk in the very popular and multi-novel mystery series. It also is reminiscent of John D. MacDonald's team of "salvage consultant" McGee and Dr. Myer. There is good dialogue, frequent humor, and sporadic violence in the novel that make the reading fast and entertaining.
I have read many mystery series writers in the past, enjoying the development of the recurring characters over fictional time: Parker, MacDonald, Christie, Doyle, Stout, and many others. I remember the excitement of finding a new series and learning all I could about the cases and life histories of the main characters. For living writers, I looked forward to new editions in the sagas of their detectives, police officers, government agents, forensic specialists, and free-lance operatives. Although, I moved away from these series and became interested in other novel genres, Dr. Kellerman's novel has interested me in reading the preceding 26 volumes in his Delaware series starting with, When the Bough Breaks (1985). Doing this retro-reading in the past has been rewarding because of the pleasure of reading good stories and seeing the development of writing skills in the authors as they have pursued their careers. I use the term "mystery," but I note that Victims is classified as a "thriller" probably for legitimate reasons of promoting and selling the book.
I strongly recommend Victims to readers who would like to look forward to a good story and potentially years of exploring Kellerman's earlier work. He has written other novels outside of the Alex Delaware series.
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LibraryThing member everfresh1
If you read other novels from Alex Delaware series - and there are many - you know what to expect. All the usual elements are here. The same characters, the same good quality writing, easy reading, good plot. It's not easy to maintain that quality throughout so many years and novels, but Jonathan
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Kellerman does it. The story is believable, which is critical for the success of such novel. Quite disturbing also - but I don't want to reveal he plot. Show Less
LibraryThing member AnneWK
Quirky characters -- that's what Jonathan Kellerman does best. Every other page he introduces another odd person to the readers and to his hero, Dr. Alex Delaware. These characters may not even be important to his plot but he never fails to provide full, compelling descriptions.
In this latest novel
In this latest novel
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there is also a plot, of course. Someone is committing terrible murders and Delaware, as a consulting psychiatrist to the police and especially to his friend Detective Milo, tries to help solve the crimes. There is not a lot of tension in the book. We never worry that the familiar characters are in danger. As for the whodunit question? It is always interesting to try to second guess Milo and Delaware as they always come to the right conclusion. Or sort of right. Show Less
LibraryThing member etrainer
Ask me who my favorite mystery authors are and I'd say Connelly & Coben. But I have every Kellerman title on my shelves (Well, I guess Mystery is not there - I better go get it!). Victims is one of the better recent books - gruesome murders and a tangled string of clues for Alex Delaware and Milo
This book lacked some of the 'personal life' detail of Alex and Milo and focused primarily on the hunt for the villain. The links between the victims and other characters were essential to the puzzle and were what made this book hard to put down. I consider it the best in the series for some time.
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Sturgis to follow. I am amazed that Kellerman can tell the same story over and over and make it interesting every time. Alex, the psychologist, follows the psych/medical trail and Milo, the police detective, pursues witnesses, physical evidence, all the traditional police methods. Alex provides some essential insight, and they both zero in on the bad guy. But always a new twist in every book to keep it interesting.This book lacked some of the 'personal life' detail of Alex and Milo and focused primarily on the hunt for the villain. The links between the victims and other characters were essential to the puzzle and were what made this book hard to put down. I consider it the best in the series for some time.
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LibraryThing member kimlord
Kellerman at his best! Seemingly unrelated gruesome murders highlight this thriller. This book moves right along, with tight dialog and fast paced action, with a bit more background added to Alex Delaware’s story. I highly recommend this mystery.
LibraryThing member shazjhb
As much as i like this series I think it is time to retire Alex. Focus on Milo and the new young detectives.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2012-03
Physical description
419 p.; 4.2 inches
ISBN
9780345505729