EVIDENCE

by Jonathan Kellerman



L.A. police lieutenant Milo Sturgis takes center stage in Evidence, the twenty-fourth in Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series, as he investigates a double murder at an abandoned construction site in a neighborhood of the uber-rich.

Milo is my favorite character in this series, and it was a wonderful surprise to have him in the leading role. Alex himself is more of a tag-along without much of a presence other than to tell the story. That is fine with me! As much as I love this series, Alex's personal life can sometimes get in the way of a good mystery. The reader doesn't get Milo's personal life instead, but just a straight-up murder mystery with some eco-terrorism for good measure.

I listened to the audiobook of Evidence and was thrilled to hear the voice of John Rubinstein. I believe he has narrated every Alex Delaware book I have listened to, and I have become so fond of his characterizations that his is the voice I hear in my head when I read a Delaware novel. I hope he continues recording the series for as long as Kellerman continues writing it.

BONES

by Jonathan Kellerman



The bodies of three prostitutes and a piano teacher are found in a protected marsh, all missing their right hands, and Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis are on the case in Bones, Kellerman's 23rd Alex Delaware book.

I was skeptical when this book came out only five months after the previous Delaware book. That always looks suspicious to me, like a throw-away to finish out a publishing contract or something. And for all I know, that's what this is. Whatever the reason we lucked into a quick addition to the series, it turns out that it's pretty good. Not as meaty as some of the others, but it gave me a quick fix and will hold me over until the next installment is ready. If you're not already a follower of child-psychologist-turned-police-consultant Alex Delaware and his friend, L.A. detective Milo Sturgis, I doubt this is the book that will turn you into a one. If you are, it's a nice appetizer while you wait for the main course.

Those of you who, like me, need to read their series books in order, will want to start with When the Bough Breaks.

COMPULSION

by Jonathan Kellerman




Jonathan Kellerman's "Alex Delaware" series is like a good horse -- steady and dependable -- and the latest installment, Compulsion is no exception. Long time fans of the books know exactly what to expect, and new readers looking to test the waters could start here without being lost in confusion over long-term story threads that have nothing to do with the current case in which Alex and his friend, LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis, are embroiled. It's a straight-up murder mystery perfect for providing a few hours of beach relaxation. If you find brutal, cross-dressing serial killers relaxing, that is. :-)

Lezlie