Alex Delaware and his homely, bulldog detective, pal Milo Sturgis have been around for a long time and Mr. Kellerman is to be applauded for how he's developed these characters, especially Milo, who is much more acceptable today, then he was way back when he was first introduced. The fact that Kellerman has been able to keep him alive all this time is a testament to his craft.

I have to confess that when a new Alex Delaware book comes out a whole day is trashed for me, because I'll spend all night reading, then spend the following day in sort of a sleep fog, reliving the story and this one, was no exception, Delaware is better than ever here, even if he's a little more acceptable to Milo's bosses by now.

It's dark out and Katrina Shonsky has run out of gas. The auto club won't come, because she hasn't renewed her membership. The battery in her cellphone dies. We know Kat's in trouble deep when a black Bentley stops and a woman gets out to offer aid.

Milo is asked to investigate a small blood stain in a black Bentley. The car had been stolen, but was found right away and not far away from where it was supposed to be. How did the blood get there?

Other women die and black luxury cars are spotted by the crime scenes. Are they connected? We find out early on they are and we know who the killer is, well if we've every read a mystery before, we do. What makes this book is how Kellerman takes us along with Alex and Milo as they solve the crime. Like all the Delaware books, the relationship, the banter and dialogue between these two keeps the reader glued to the story and propels the book along.

I can't imagine a year without Alex and Milo in it. Well, actually I can, because a few years back when Mr. Kellerman released the thriller The Conspiracy Club a fine stand alone, I thought he was finished with Delaware and crew, that he had killed them off, but fortunately I was wrong.

However, I have to admit there is one character I'm kind of tired of and who dragged the book down just a bit in my opinion and that's Alex's on again, off again girlfriend Robin. She needs to go. Hey, I've got an idea for the next Delaware book, how about if it opens with Robin running out of gas on a dark night.

Nathan Kellerman's novel Compulsion is the epitomizes the word duality - it isn't Kellerman's best Alex Delaware novel, but by no means the worst. But after you've written a fair share of excellent detective novels it's only natural that a few sink to the middle. Regardless, Compulsion still exhibits the usual characteristics that all Kellerman's novel have: A strong plot, excellent character development, and a story that flows as smooth as a river. This time around the Rhine we're investigate a very strange scene which involves a highly prized auto and an out-of-place blood stain. But while investigating , Lt. Sturgis discover the calling card of a hit man who hides behind unusual costumes. Though this may not be Kellerman's best work, it is an excellent mystery and one fans of the genre shouldn't miss.

Editor of the highly recommended novel: The Fates by Georgiou, Tino Fates (2nd Edition)

I tend to look upon the Alex Delaware novels as brain candy -- an interesting puzzle to figure out along with Alex and Milo. They don't take too much thought from me, adn there's always an interesting take on the abnormal psychology of the perpetrator.

It ain't literature, that's for sure, but it's always fun catching up with Alex and Robin and Milo and Rick. Great beach read.

I tend to look upon the Alex Delaware novels as brain candy -- an interesting puzzle to figure out along with Alex and Milo. They don't take too much thought from me, adn there's always an interesting take on the abnormal psychology of the perpetrator.

It ain't literature, that's for sure, but it's always fun catching up with Alex and Robin and Milo and Rick. Great beach read.

I've read all the Alex Delaware books, and I would place this one somewhere in the middle as far as ratings go. Neither Alex nor Milo seemed as involved or intense about the case this time. Alex was reallly coasting with his psych analyses. And Robin, who used to have all kinds of issues with Alex's obsessive interest in his cases, was quiet as a mouse, even when he disappeared for two nights. Alex and Robin didn't even make love during the story, which seemed odd given their passionate and stormy history. They could've been roommates. The side stories about Robin's client and Milo's secondary case seemed very out of place. And I really, really miss Spike. But Kellerman's novels have become as comfortable as a pair of old slippers for me. My slippers don't look as pretty as they used to, and the cushion on the soles is all but gone, so sometimes my feet hit the floor harder than I would like. But even if I pick up a new pair, I'll keep them for the days I need something comfortable and familiar. I've moved on to other authors for more variety - but I'll always pick up the new Alex Delaware book!

I've read all the Alex Delware books- and until now have been pleased. This book disappointed on many levels. Almost too many plot lines going on - and none really reached the plateaus seen in previous books. Normally I keep all Kellerman's books for my personal library - but this one I'll be donating to the public library. Hopefully this was just a one-time lapse in otherwise wonderful writing.

or I would'nt have bothered to read any others. I agree with the points made by most of the 3 and 2-star reviewers, so no need to rehash them.

After the first fifty pages I reached for aspirin.On the second attempt I tossed it in the recycle bin.

Confusion would be a better title than Compulsion. Seems to be written randomly--much to scattered a plot--gets worse as you read.

Compulsion is author Jonathan Kellerman's 22nd offering in his series about Alex Delaware, a child psychologist who assists police detective Milo Sturgis in solving murder cases. Being a psychologist myself, I've read and generally enjoyed all of the books in the Dr. Delaware series, although I felt that somewhere around the 15-20th books or so, Kellerman began to lose some steam. However, with this newest novel as well as the previous one, Obsession, Kellerman seems to again found what works.

In Compulsion, Detective--now Lieutenant Sturgis--is back from an extended vacatinon after sustaining a serious injury in the line of duty. Just as he is complaining about having nothing to do, an old woman is murdered in broad daylight. At the same time, a luxury car is reported stolen, and a young woman goes missing--could these events be related? As usual, Alex and Milo slowly brainstorm possibilities and track down long-shot leads until a suspect emerges. What is unusual about Compulsion, however, is that Kellerman also introduces a subplot which runs throughout the book and continues even beyond the resolution of the main plotline; this adds an extra element of interest.

While Compulsion is not the best novel in the Dr. Delaware series, it is a suspensful, solid story, and definitely a cut above some of Kellerman's other recent offerings.

So glad to see a return to the strong Alex Delaware books of yore after being disappointed in the last few entries in this series. Readers can expect psychological thrills, violence, mayhem, and some serious sleuthing by Delaware, Milo, and friends as they track an apparent homicidal "do-gooder" who takes it upon himself (herself?) to rid the world of those he (she?) deems unworthy of life.

I figured this one out early on, but still enjoyed the plot twists that kept me guessing. Great characters, even for those who make minor appearances. I still take issue with Robin's two-dimensional character -- I'd like to see her as more than a convenient helpmate who has no wants or needs of her own.

All the same, a good read for fans of Kellerman and psychological thrillers.

As usual, this latest installation of the Alex Delaware novels co-starring stalwart Detective Milo Sturgis, is a page turner from beginning to end.

Making the streets of Los Angeles come alive with his description of the ordinary denziens, we watch Delaware and Sturgis pull together all of the pieces of the mysterious killer without a face.

Great summer read.

I have read all of Kellerman's Novels.I love Alex Delaware--however, I really think that it's time to retire him and Milo. They seem to have run there course. I found this book to be a total bore and did not even finish it.

Not his best but it still got me and held my attention. There is also a new kid in town to watch, who echos some of his greatness. Try the book Refraction. There are some good parallels in the psychology that the authors hooks us with. I always love to read books with good twists and turns that I don't see coming.

This is one of the most disappointing books of Kellerman. The story line was flimsy and you didn't really understand or buy the progression of the "bad guy" in the book. He just sort of developed out of no where and most importantly - you didn't even care. I didn't care about any of the characters, or the fact that Robin was back and Milo, always interesting, was just a shell of himself. Nothing inspired me to keep reading, nothing intrigued and I only finished because I always finish a book once I start it no matter how bad.

Love Alex Delaware and this novel was classic Delaware. If you are a reader of the series then you will be glad that you read it! If you are new to the series start at the beginning of the series so that you can appreciate the characters more.

I would have liked to have seen more in depth character presentation. I didnt feel as connected to the characters as I have in previous novels. I did feel more of a connection to Detective Milo Sturgis but I would have liked to have heard the characters thoughts more clearly.

I have read every book that Jonathan Kellerman has written and this is the first book of his that I thought did not measure up to his previous ones. This one seemed to lack the character development that all of his others had and it lacked mystery.

The Delaware series seems to be follwing a pattern of one OK book followed by one stinker. This is a stinker. The plot is convoluted and all over the map (literally) until the author finally decides to end the suffering with a bolt out of the blue. Delaware solves the case with a burst of intuition that is totally unbelievable. It was so contrived and unlikely. One pet peeve is the author decides to perpetuate the canard of the crazy homeless Vietnam vet being representative of the breed. As with most of these "vets" (see Stolen Valor for details) the character probably wasn't a vet at all but he uses words like "up-country" and "doc" for a medic so of course in Delaware's eyes he must be legit. What a maroon!

This is another in a succession of fine novels incorporating physiological conditions into a crafted set of events that eventually solve the crimes and aprehend the villan.

The dialogue between Alex and Milo was snappy, but way overdone. Other than that the book was hard to get into and get through. I have read every one of Kellerman's Delaware novels, and have loved them all; but this was by far the least interesting. I am also very sure he will rebound on his next one ...... At least I hope so!!!???

I, too, am a longtime Kellerman fan. Yet, like many others, I was disappointed in his latest effort. I was reading the book on my Kindle, and so didn't realize I was coming to the end until it was there. I was seriously shocked. Too pat, too neatly tied in a package, too . . . everything. I got the feeling that Kellerman's publisher wanted another book and he delivered, but his heart clearly wasn't in it. The "subplot" of Delaware's on-again lover, Robin, and the customer who made her nervous was entirely unnecessary and added nothing to the book. The other "subplot" involving solving the disappearance of a missing boy also seemed out of place. I don't want this series to end; I'd just like Kellerman to do more than "phone it in."

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis and his psychologist friend, Dr.Alex Delaware team up once again, this time to solve a crime of a possible kidnapping and murder. Stupid, feather brained Kat, a beautiful girl but intellectual lightweight, goes missing after being left behind by her two girlfriends, following a night of clubbing and heavy drinking. Her car runs out of petrol so she accepts a lift from an older, well dressed woman, and is never seen again until her mutilated body is uncovered by earth moving equipment during the excavation of a swimming pool. Her body has suffered unspeakable damage which suggests the work of a psychologically motivated killer. The killer seems to use a number of identities, using classic and expensive automobiles to which only a millionaire would have access. Alex's wife, Robin, who has appeared in many of Jonathan Kellerman's books, plays a minor role in this novel, leaving the focus on Alex and Milo. Kellerman's fans will love this book which deals with murder, thrill killing and dangerously mad criminals and so, I think, will all lovers of good murder/mysteries.

I've slogged half way through & still hoping & waiting for the story to pick up - I've been an Alex Delaware fan so will try to make it to the end but at this point it's an effort. I'm sorry but I cannot recommend.....

Compulsion is riveting. The complex plot kept me reading. Milo and Alex were at their best.

I've never read an Alex Delaware Novel before, but the jacket sounded interesting. Frankly, I don't understand how anyone could have published this book. It is the worst book I've read in a very long time, maybe ever.

Over-stylized and descriptive to the point of being annoying, the book was pointless. It had a ridiculous, boring plot with no suspense at all. It was like a bad homework assignment; I just wanted to get it over with.

I have to wonder if this is another example of a writer using another writer to fulfill a publishing commitment. This practice of the publishing industry should be stopped and is completely unfair to the buyers of this garbage.

I've never read an Alex Delaware Novel before, but the jacket sounded interesting. Frankly, I don't understand how anyone could have published this book. It is the worst book I've read in a very long time, maybe ever.

Over-stylized and descriptive to the point of being annoying, the book was pointless. It had a ridiculous, boring plot with no suspense at all. It was like a bad homework assignment; I just wanted to get it over with.

I have to wonder if this is another example of a writer using another writer to fulfill a publishing commitment. This practice of the publishing industry should be stopped and is completely unfair to the buyers of this garbage.

I enjoyed this book more than many of the reviewers, maybe because I've forgotten how good the earlier books are and maybe because it gave me just what I was looking for -- a comfortable visit with old "friends" and a story to pass the time. It wasn't a grippingly suspenseful, nail-biting page turner, but there is always the next book.

My one caution is for any new readers of the Alex Delaware series: put this book back on the shelf and get one of the earlier books. Better yet, start with the first book in the series and read them in order. Part of the reason I enjoyed this book even though it was far from Kellerman's best, is that the characters have grown familiar over the course of the series. I understand who they are and what they do. This is particularly important for understanding why Alex tags along with Milo, presumably unpaid most of the time. Because of that familiarity, I can fill in the blanks and enjoy the book much more than if I had not read all the preceding books.

For the regular fans of the series, just enjoy it for what it is and don't set your expectations too high. It isn't the best of the series, but it is still a book you can enjoy reading.

I've loved Jonathon Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels for many years now, and Compulsion continues his tradition of writing highly-involving and often moving psychological thrillers.

That being said, Compulsion is not his strongest effort. It actually reads very well till the end, when the payoff is not as rewarding as one would have hoped. Everything just kind of stops, or is wrapped up too quickly and conveniently to be truly satisfying. It's a shame, because the set-up is so good!

Still, Kellerman on an off day is better than most writers at their best. Kellerman sees his characters like a jeweler sees diamonds - every aspect, every flaw is brilliant highlighted and remarked upon. He's a master of illuminating the human psyche.

This book is full of vivid characters whom Kellerman is able to convey in their myriad complexities. His dialogue is always fresh and smart. A lot of this book took me by surprise - Kellerman's villians are always pretty twisted, and the bad guys in Compulsion are memorably creepy.

If you've read some of the other books in the Alex Delaware series, and enjoyed them, you'll want to pick up Compulsion, too. Just the interplay between Delaware and his crusty friend/partner-in-crime Milo Sturgis, are worth the price of admission.

If you're new to the Delaware books, you might want to check out some of the earlier books in the series first. Bad Love (Alex Delaware) and Self-Defense (Alex Delaware) are great places to start. Then, like me, you may find this a four or five star read, as you'll have come to love the recurring characters no matter what they do.

Scott Sherman, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery

Would this book even have been published if it had been Kellerman's first entry in his "Prey" series rather than, what, his 18th? In this latest title, the author's characters were thinly drawn, the story lines confusing, and the dialog rather mundane. I just didn't care about his characters, or the cars! Maybe Kellerman is trading on his reputation hoping his loyal fans (like me) will buy the book based on his past performance. I checked out the book from my library hoping to enjoy a great read, but instead, I got a by-the-numbers formula. (and I don't mean a Formula One).

If you haven't read Jonathan Kellerman you should start at the beginning and you'll love Alex Delaware. I can't wait to read what Alex is up to next!

In the spring it is time to return to visit our old friends Alex and Milo as they deal with murders. This one is follows the normal format but for some reason did not involve me. I was expecting more than what happened. As usual there are several stories developing in parallel. This time the least interesting was the main story. I most enjoyed the minor stories,one involving an old murder and one involving Robin. Unfortunately good supporting actors can not carry stars who are boring.

Hopefully next year's installment will be better. In the interim I will try Jesse Kellerman to see how the son is doing.

j kellerman seems to have lost his ability to tell an interestng story. this is a book with the same very old and very predictable characters and a disjointed storyline. this book lacks imagination and passion which seems to be a trend over his last few books

No matter how predictable an Alex Delaware Novel can be, it is always different, interesting and informative. Alex demonstrates his knowledge of psychology; his sidekick Milo his detective skills; the evildoer the psychological characteristics for the two protagonists to use their skills. In other words, predictable but wholly entertaining.

In the current novel, we have a murderer who is rather clever, and no two victims are alike. The only clue is the killer's use of black luxury vehicles. But there is no motive for Alex and Milo to discern. Meanwhile Milo is confronted with the resurrection of the 16-year-old disappearance and possible murder of a young boy. Pressure is brought to solve the cold case because a convict in another state seeking a deal promises to disclose where the boy is buried.

One cannot sufficiently praise Jonathan Kellerman's talent for suspense. The text flows swiftly, while the reader is moved forward slowly but surely with explanations of the how and why. Always enjoyable.

One of his worst Delaware novels. I actually forgot who some of the characters were and could not remember the plot to one of the stories.

this series has maybe run its course?

I have always loved Kellerman's books and especially have most always enjoyed Alex Delaware stories. But this one was very difficult for me to follow. Too many plots, too many characters. I just got too confused. For me, it wasn't flowing correctly and I didn't really enjoy most of it. I thought for sure it would be another great book and was surprised that I didn't like it that much. Parts were "ok" but others were----well, a disappointment.
I hope the next one is better.

Compulsion: An Alex Delaware Novel (Alex Delaware Novels) I loved this newest offering from Jonathan Kellerman. I have not enjoyed some of his more recent books (Rage and Gone), but in Compulsion, he seems to be writing like he used to. I thought it was a compelling plot and I love the character of Alex Delaware.

Why do we like to read about monsters? By bringing them out of the dark, they become merely menacing . . . rather than terrifically frightening. That allows us to relax and feel better. The problem with the police procedural and crime novel genres is that the monsters are pretty predictable. As such, they don't satisfy.

Jonathan Kellerman manages to twist the usual psycho model enough to make Compulsion more interesting reading than the plot that shelters the unique character. The story could have been trimmed down by about 100 pages and the book would have been more entertaining. The police procedural element mostly detracts from the interesting criminal.

If you don't like reading about weird criminals, you will probably think this is a two-star book.

I agree with the one and two star ratings..... I am barely 1/3rd through and can hardly read the rest. Plot seems disjointed, confusing. I'll probably attempt to finish but am very disappointed with this book.

Half way through this book, I wanted to scream, oh no, not another
interview. You've got to keep a scorecard of all the folks Milo
and Alex come into contact with, it's more like chewing up the
scenery from a bad movie. This story could have been told in 50
pages. I agree with another reviewer, time to move on from the
Deleware novels.

Only one thing links the disparate murders of an inebriated young woman on a lonely stretch of road, a retired schoolteacher killed in broad daylight and two women murdered in a small town, and luxury cars--not to mention other acts of evil.

Dr. Alex Delaware and LAPD detective Milo Sturgis begin with an odd bloodstain in a stolen Bentley sedan which may or may not mean anything. Together they begin the hunt for an unidentifiable killer who works in madness--without any discernable motive. From LA to NYC, commodities brokers to transvestite hookers, a picture of directed lunacy emerges from the shadows and the twisted secrets.

There's a reason Kellerman is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Added to an intriguing plot and characters that are true, he uses his background as a clinical psychologist to take us into the mind of a killer--a mind so far beyond belief it must be real.

Compulsion brings us back to the Jonathan Kellerman we first fell in love with twenty years ago. This is a read well worth getting your hands on and settling in with.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

I was profoundly disappointed. The characters are tired, the plot is just silly, and worst of all, there is very little mystery in this novel. The whole car angle was pointless, too many marginal characters and no believable connections between them. Also, it's time to either involve Robin or retire her entirely. I have read every Kellerman novel, and this is by far the weakest. Very, very disappointing.

Alex Delaware and his homely, bulldog detective, pal Milo Sturgis have been around for a long time and Mr. Kellerman is to be applauded for how he's developed these characters, especially Milo, who is much more acceptable today, then he was way back when he was first introduced. The fact that Kellerman has been able to keep him alive all this time is a testament to his craft.

I have to confess that when a new Alex Delaware book comes out a whole day is trashed for me, because I'll spend all night reading, then spend the following day in sort of a sleep fog, reliving the story and this one, was no exception, Delaware is better than ever here, even if he's a little more acceptable to Milo's bosses by now.

It's dark out and Katrina Shonsky has run out of gas. The auto club won't come, because she hasn't renewed her membership. The battery in her cellphone dies. We know Kat's in trouble deep when a black Bentley stops and a woman gets out to offer aid.

Milo is asked to investigate a small blood stain in a black Bentley. The car had been stolen, but was found right away and not far away from where it was supposed to be. How did the blood get there?

Other women die and black luxury cars are spotted by the crime scenes. Are they connected? We find out early on they are and we know who the killer is, well if we've every read a mystery before, we do. What makes this book is how Kellerman takes us along with Alex and Milo as they solve the crime. Like all the Delaware books, the relationship, the banter and dialogue between these two keeps the reader glued to the story and propels the book along.

I can't imagine a year without Alex and Milo in it. Well, actually I can, because a few years back when Mr. Kellerman released the thriller The Conspiracy Club a fine stand alone, I thought he was finished with Delaware and crew, that he had killed them off, but fortunately I was wrong.

However, I have to admit there is one character I'm kind of tired of and who dragged the book down just a bit in my opinion and that's Alex's on again, off again girlfriend Robin. She needs to go. Hey, I've got an idea for the next Delaware book, how about if it opens with Robin running out of gas on a dark night.

Ken Douglas, author of Dead Ringer, Desperation Moon & Running Scared.

We've read every single Alex Delaware novel, so are big fans, well-informed about this series. What started out great - the child psychologist by profession who consults with the police; specifically Milo Sturgis, a gay, very interesting, and persistent homicide cop; on murders where the police feel they need a consultant's help - has resolved into little more than two detective buddies, one paid, the other an amateur hardly more skillful than we at surfing the web, chasing clues until typical procedure dissolves into dénouement. Alex joins Milo seemingly whenever he wants (presumably being paid at premium consultants' rates), often as little more than a pastime, not because his skills are pertinent, which is pretty far-fetched in terms of the state of most public budgets! His relationship with live-in girlfriend Robin, always an on-again, off-again, "affair", barely gets a nod herein, with a silly custom musical instrument buyer paying too much attention to her a lame attempt at stalker suspense, resolved equally poorly in our opinion. Meanwhile, the excuse for the plot, a serious of murders involving luxury autos, barely holds our attention, and while we plodded along to see whodunit, we hardly cared by the time we got there.

To us, the series has run its course. While Milo per se is one of the more interesting police characters to come along over the last couple of decades, and while the original premise of Delaware's involvement was novel, there's virtually nothing left to excite or entertain us. It seems to us we're at that deadly state of an author not knowing what to do or where to go except to the bank, as he churns out contract-fulfilling installments of mediocrity. Sorry `bout that!

About one third of the way through this book I considered putting it in the "I just can't read this garbage bin". I wanted to give Kellerman another shot; however, there were three more almost visits to the "bin". finally, at page 242 the loud thump of book hitting the wall and into the bin resounded throughout my apartment. When I put this one up for resale, I will list it as "Like new, never finished".

Did J.K. get tired of writing this one part way through? Did he realize how much he was reaching to come up with the premise to begin with? Did he have a contract deadline and have to write a book, however bad?
I don't know, but "Compulsion" is not worth the money as far as I am concerned. Cross-dressing, killing for no particular reason sometimes, money sometimes, who know why othertimes, Kellerman's bad guy in this one is someone we don't even get the "joy" of getting to know. He/she is just a paper villain, and we are left at the end, wondering what the heck happened to make this person the way they were. No explanations were given.
The subplot with Robin and a customer who may or may not be starting to stalk her is thin, too.
And, oh, by the way, why don't Robin and Alex get married already?? Or something. Instead of drifting in and out on each other. Commit, you two!