Monster: An Alex Delaware Novel

A madman institutionalized in a secured hospital for the criminally insane is predicting the most gruesome murders. The horror of it is that these heinous murders are taking place. Alex Delaware is called to find out how this man can predict these crimes. Milo Sturgis and Alex work against time to stop the monstrous slayings. Beware this is a book that will keep you up at night. Read at your own risk. By Ruth Thompson author of "The Bluegrass Dream"

Reading this book makes me realize how much I prefer J. Kellerman's wife Faye's straight forward direct style of writing. This book, Monster, dragged on & on. It became so convoluted that it was hard to figure out its direction. I liked Billy Straight but this was no where near as well written. Dr. Argent was a difficult character to sympathize with. Her parents breezed in and out of the book too quickly. I did not care for Peake and was amazed that the killer had such an easy time getting in and out of Starkeweather and in & out of trouble. This book was very tedious and unrealistic.

Kellerman has, to date, never disappointed me. This latest book is another great one. I can usually tell whether or not a book is good by the length of time it takes me to read it. Not only was I ignoring emails and telephone calls while at home, but I was dragging the book in to work with me as well (something I very rarely do). Needless to say, if you like Jonathan Kellerman's writings, by all means buy this book - you will be mesmerized...

I liked Monster. After anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new Deleware novel and buying it on the first day, I read it in a weekend. It wasn't the biggest page turner in terms of excitement but I certainy was anxious to know who, how and why. The signature references to previous adventures were pretty slim here and so was any interaction with Robin. What little appearance of her there was seemed singularly sex-related. I'm just as interested in them and their relationship or Milo and his personal life as the bad guy du jour. Overall, I enjoyed it and have recommended it to my family and friends who read his books.

Not a good read. Have not read any other Kellerman but was not bothered by the absence of character development others have complained of. I could not stand, however, his decision to focus on the detail of certain events. One example, why dedicate so many plodding pages to a conversation with security guards at the end which contributed absolutely nothing to the resolution? There are other instances. Thankfully I picked this one up on the bargain table.

Once again, Dr. Alex Delaware, the white knight shrink rushes to the rescue. With his trusty cop sidekick,Milo(remember tho, the rule of sidekicks? Spock was cooler than Capt. Kirk and Ilya was cooler than Napoleon Solo? Well it works here too, Milo is much more intriguing a character than the blue eyed wishy washy Alex). The two of them are investigating a grisly murders with years old tie-ins. Who did it? The thorazined wreck in the William Castle-esque nut house? His cruel attendants? Or someone from the not so distant past? Your guess is as good as mine, and Kellerman weaves his usual conspiracy laden story. Robin the cutesy girl friend is there as well as Spike the even cuter dog. Nice fast read. thumbs up

I thought "Monster" was one of Kellerman's better efforts, but I missed the usual surprises he has at the end of his books.
Another thing I've noticed(and I'd like to get some feedback from other fans)is that Dr. Deleware never seems to get a good meal at a restaurant. Anyone else ever notice this? It cracks me up. Also, he never can seem to get a decent cup of coffee.
Overall, I thought the book was good. I always find myself having to restrain the urge to peek at the ending and end the suspense of 'whodunnit'. I guess that's just a sign of a good writer.
Buy it. Read it. It's worth the money.

Well worth the wait for this one. Lots of twists and turns which translates into many interesting charactors. Kellerman uses his prowness and expertise regarding psychological profiling to keep me on the edge of my seat. Missed Milo's beau, the Doctor in this one though and not nearly enough about Alex, Robin and the DOG...Anxiously awaiting a new Alex D. adventure

This is a tired old formula for Kellerman. The characterizations have become stuck, with no appreciable development. If Robin doesn't kill Milo then I hope someone else does. Talk about machismo, why the hell does Robin need to give her permission about anything anyway when its all lipservice. The same dialogues & the same same setting the only difference being the title. There is no life to this script & it becomes monotonous & predictable. Even Hercule Poirot was finally retired & killed off the same with Sherlock. Is this the end for Delaware or can he change, something should, e.g. Delaware without the smugness would be a start.

I really like Jonathon Kellerman's books. This one was very good but not quite up to the Kellerman standard. There was a lot more emphasis on Alex Deleware and not enough on Milo and the police process. Deleware is supposed to be a consultant to the police (or at least to Milo) but here he takes over the action and Milo doesn't get time to delelop as a character. It was an "almost" great Kellerman novel. I'm sure not complaining but I like the interaction between Milo and Deleware. Also, Milo's partner was not to be seen.

I usually quite like the Alex Delaware novels, however, I did find this one to be not only predictable, but farfetched. This book finds Alex and Milo investigating the death of a young psychologist who worked at a hospital for the criminally insane. Early on Alex begins tossing out theories that seem to be reaching at best and has you guessing at who the "players" might be, and who are, in fact, painfully obvious. This is definately up to the Kellerman's usual standards.

I love Jonathan Kellerman! I have read all of his books and the only one I disliked was Butchers Theatre....til now. Monster wasn't a bad book it just wasn't typical Kellerman fare. If this was your first J. Kellerman book...don't give up now. Go back and read the earlier stuff and I'll eagerly await the next one.

I started this book with much enthusiasm based on the reviews that I had read about this novel. It took me about 2 weeks to get through it because it just didn't keep me wanting to get back to figure it out.
First let me say that the premise of the story is a good one. (Psychotics in mental institutions is usually a great storyline). However, I went in thinking that this was going to be hair raising and get my heart pumping. I was disappointed.
There wasn't enough depth to the characters and it almost seemed like the author was getting bored and needed to "wrap things up". Bottom line: Just wasn't scary ENOUGH.

I have recently read monster and loved it. It is the first book I have read by JK and am hooked. I have already gone out and bought other books in the series. I like the twist and turns in this book even though I kinda had an idea of how it would play out and loved the erie ending. Cant wait to read another in the series.

J Kellerman is one of my favorite authors. Alex Delaware and Milo are two of my favorite characters. I was not disappointed in any of them upon reading this book. I especially like the way JK gives detailed descriptions of the characters and the psychological dialogue and hypothesis between Delaware and Milo.

Dr. Jonathan Kellerman proves once again that he is simply the best at what he does. This is powerful, absorbing, chilling and responsible fiction of the highest order, befitting a man who is both a brilliant storyteller and a trained and thoughtful psychologist. My hat is off....

I am beginning to think that Jonathan Kellerman should retire Dr. Alex and Milo except in cameo appearances (BILLY STRAIGHT). His main characters are lifeless anymore, and to be honest, by the end of the book, I only wanted to be done with it and couldn't have cared who was doing what to whom. I have read everyone of his fiction books, and more and more I think his stories involving Dr. Alex are boring. The characters do not come to life. I know Jonathan Kellerman is an excellent writer but I'm beginning to think his best books were THE BUTCHER'S THEATER AND BILLY STRAIGHT, non Dr. Alex Delaware sagas.

Kellerman continues to entertain Alex Delaware fans with his latest - "Monster". I must confess that half way through the novel I guessed the innocence of the monster. However, the book continues to twist and surprise the reader.
I recommend it to all Delaware followers. Looking eagerly to the next Milo and Alex series.

This is my first Kellerman. The book jacket hooked me at the store. I found the book exciting and fast-paced -- after a slow start. I loved the plot twists and the Chinatown-like subplot involving the little town of Treadway. I found the descriptions at the mental hospital evocative and interesting. Only one problem: I figured out the ending fairly early on, and was surprised that Delaware and Milo didn't, too. And I am one of those who virtually never figures out the ending. But even so, I found myself anxiously reading every page, and stealing extra time to do so.

This is an enjoyable book although I agree with other reviewers, not of the calibre of previous Kellerman books. The last couple I have really not enjoyed, with 'The web" being a lowpoint in my mind. But of your looking for an entertaining read that has an interesting plot, you'll enjoy this one.

I really enjoyed this book, I had not read Jonathan Kellerman before ( Only Fay) and thought the book was well written, and a great story that kept the reader wanting to read more. Now I want to read more Alex Delaware.

I have just finished reading this novel and am so pleased that there has been no lapse in the creativity of J.Kellerman. About 3/4 of the way through the book, I just kept thinking isn't amazing that he could plot this out so carefully--a rather intricate plot at that. While I thought the book was a bit over long and I wasn't completely convinced we were prepared for Hedy, I still feel that the mystery genre does indeed belong to Kellerman and his comfortable recurring characters.

Bring back Petra! Billy Straight was a much better book. Alex Delaware needs a rest. This novel, Monster, describes a psychopathic killer and his horrific murders. It does give an interesting insight into the mind of crazies, but I would prefer more description of the characters, and relationships among them, rather than the detailed, gruesome descriptions of the disgusting doings of the Monster.
If you are looking for a great mystery, a page-turner filled with excitement, I recommend Michael Connelly's Void Moon. Happy Reading!

Kellermans books have gradually declined and Monster is no exception. As serial killer books go its not very interesting. Too much formula, the characters are plug ins and the ending is very predictable.

I have read all the Alex Delaware novels and usually love them. I had a really hard time getting through this one though. The story picks up near the end but it is rough going to get there. I really enjoyed the Billy Straight novel before this one much more.

Monster started out with the potential to be a great listen but it never seemed to get off the ground. Too much dialogue that did not add to the story line or character development. I kept waiting for a surprise or a twist but the only surprise was that there was not one. A whole lot of verbage led up to very little content.

An avid Kellerman fan, I was extremely disappointed in this book. Boring and disjointed. Kellerman plants some interesting ideas and fails to follow through on them. I believe an unknown author would never have had this book published--just didn't hang together!

I gave Kellerman one more chance. I read a review in the Detroit Free Press. This reviewer thought it was excellent and once again I should have stuck with the real readers who thought it was ok. The story dragged on and on, typical of Kellerman, and my advice is: GET IT IN PAPERBACK!

Once again JK has delivered vintage Delaware. The plot was intriguing and the characters well defined. I was convinced though that this was an old manuscript dusted off and reworked for a current release. There were numerous references that felt like they were written in the mid 80's. In spite of that minor distraction I found myself reading late into the night.

Not like the usual flare of the other delaware novels....no relationship between alex and robin or between milo and alex. It starts out bizarre and never picks up. Cannot figure out the relationships between the victms to the killer not even till the end. I hope other novels will not follow.

Once again JK has delivered vintage Delaware. The plot was intriguing and the characters well defined. I was convinced though that this was an old manuscript dusted off and reworked for a current release. There were numerous references that felt like they were written in the mid 80's. In spite of that minor distraction I found myself reading late into the night.

Not like the usual flare of the other delaware novels....no relationship between alex and robin or between milo and alex. It starts out bizarre and never picks up. Cannot figure out the relationships between the victms to the killer not even till the end. I hope other novels will not follow.

I found this book to be tedious and repetitive. In my opinion, this is very unlike any other story I've read by J. Kellerman. The first three quarters of the story the author seemed to be "filling the pages." I own every Delaware story by the author and I still anticipate the next.

I have read most of Kellerman's books and enjoyed them. This book is non-stop gore. Do you enjoy children being slashed to death? Do you enjoy young women having their eyes gouged out? I can't believe he wrote it, it is so unlike any of his other books. I hope he never writes a book like it again.

This was my first Jonathan Kellerman book. I must say I wasn't overly impressed. I figured out the ending of the book a quarter of the way through it. It seemed to me that he raised questions to try to divert the reader away from the obvious. He should have spent more time on the interesting characters. Instead of all the other page fillers.

Kellerman shows us the logical and psychological twists in the thinking of the psychologists thinking. He is constantly working the information, looking for that thread that will bind and solve. Alex Delaware is very involved, thoughtful, and insightful. Absolutely a good read.

Having read and loved all the Jonathan Kellerman/Alex Delaware novels, I rate Monster several stars beneath his other offerings. Too violent, characters too crazy to be believable (I hope). Story line a little too far out. Finishing the last 6 or 7 chapters was a chore.

Monster has a decent plot, but what I look forward to most in Alex Delaware novels is the character, himself. Kellerman spent very little time on Alex, and, in fact, he was almost incidental to the story. I found it really hard to get through this one.

I was hooked from the start. Very intriguing, kept my attention throughout. I love Kellerman and Monster may be one of my favorites by him. The bad part is that I now have to wait patiently for him to write another novel.

I read Billy Straight and that book got me hooked on Jonathan Kellerman's works. Monster is good, but it is not quite as good as Billy Straight. The plot is a little contrived, but, all in all, it was a good read. A page turner that I hated to put down.