Compulsion: An Alex Delaware Novel (Jonathan Kellerman) by Jonathan Kellerman
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Book Reviews of Compulsion: An Alex Delaware Novel (Jonathan Kellerman)
Book Review: Long & winding road to nowhere
Summary: 2 Stars
The main feature of Kellerman's latest, COMPULSION, is a lengthy parade of characters that takes up nearly 150 pages. I was left with the impression that the author had a bunch of character sketches that he didn't know what else to do with, so he strung them out in the midst of the story. Granted, in and of themselves, they're interesting. It was the sheer number that lost me.
The plot is filled with ends that are kept loose for too long; nothing begins to come together until the last 40 pages or so. And when it does, somehow you're still left hanging, waiting for the *real* killer to be revealed. This has got to be the least interesting literary sociopath I've ever met!
Even Alex and Milo's rapport seems more superficial than I remember in previous books. Their banter is clever and witty, but there's a little too much of it; here and there it crossed over into glibness.
And what's up with Alex spending all those nights on stakeout with Milo? Does he have nothing better to do with his time? No patients, no research to catch up on? He'd rather be up all night in a smelly car than be with Robin and their sweet little pup? I don't get that at all.
I couldn't bring myself to work up much sympathy for most of the main characters, not even Antoine's parents; Antoine's two friends, yes, especially the one who was worse off. Overall, however, although good and bad qualities were clearly drawn, it was like the middles were missing. I can't explain it any better.
Robin presents a lame side story. A rich client happens to mention that she looks like Audrey Hepburn. To Robin, that means that he gave her the huge commission just so he could stalk her. Didn't think she was that vain. That bit ended very sweetly, but on a false note. It was too extreme, overkill.
The whole story never gelled for me.
Book Review: Compulsion? More like Convolution!
Summary: 1 Stars
As a long time fan of Jonathan Kellerman and the Alex Delaware series, I was sorely disappointed in this latest effort.
Reading some of the other reviews, I was hoping this would indeed be a "fast-paced," "exciting" story. Instead, it was perhaps the worst work Kellerman has produced to date. The plot line is so convoluted and unlikely that I am still having a hard time keeping the characters straight (and I only have about 10 pages to go).
Some authors get better with each work, but this one feels as if it's been "churned out" to meet a deadline. I think Kellerman is in need of a much-deserved break, so he can come back refreshed and ready to give his long-term fans more of what we've grown to love in his books.
Also, the editing in this book was abysmal. Typos abound, and not just in the purposely misspelled sections (included as Internet communications).
Book Review: Just average
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this book at the same time I bought Harlan Coben's new book, Hold Tight. Kellerman's book is just an average novel. There's a lot going on and it's hard to keep the story lines straight which I found really annoying. I never really cared a whole lot what the end was going to be which is about as bad as it gets when you're reading a mystery/suspense novel. Coben's new book on the other hand was just the opposite. I read the whole thing in two days. I always read Kellerman's books but after the last two I may just get them from the library from now on. Coben's you should go out and buy right now. Book Review: Enjoyable book
Summary: 4 Stars
I haven't read all of JK's books, so I was less disappointed than those who have been longtime fans. I found it hard to put this book down. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the other Alex Delaware books. Recommend this book to other mystery fans.Book Review: Not his usual knockout
Summary: 3 Stars
I have read every book Kellerman has written. This one fell a bit short from all his others. There were many more characters than usual, with three seperate stories going on at the same time, with little to no intersection. The ending fell flat. Having said that, I am still a huge fan and will ready anything he puts out.