Deception, Jonathan Kellerman
Deception, Jonathan Kellerman
4 Rating(s)
List: $22.50 | Sale: $15.75
Club: $11.25

Deception
An Alex Delaware Novel

Author: Jonathan Kellerman

Narrator: John Rubinstein

Unabridged: 10 hr 23 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/30/2010


Synopsis

Masterly storytelling and expert insight into the darkest of human compulsions make #1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware novels as compelling as they are addictive. And just when you think he has taken his spellbinding tales of mystery and psychological suspense to the limit, with Deception he takes a bold leap into terrifying and uncharted new territory.

Her name is Elise Freeman, and her chilling cry for help—to whoever may be listening—comes too late to save her. On a DVD found near her lifeless body, the emotionally and physically battered woman chronicles a year-and-a-half-long ordeal of monstrous abuse at the hands of three sadistic tormentors. But even more shocking than the lurid details is the revelation that the offenders, like their victim, are teachers at one of L.A.’s most prestigious prep schools. With Elise now dead by uncertain means, homicide detective Milo Sturgis is assigned to probe the hallowed halls of Windsor Prep Academy. And if ever he could use Dr. Alex Delaware’s psychological prowess, it’s now.

From the get-go, this case promises to be an uphill climb for truth and a down and dirty fight for justice. Allegations of rape, assault, and possibly murder at this esteemed institution renowned for molding Ivy Leaguers make for a social and political time bomb—especially given that one of the students has connections high up in City Hall. As the scandal-conscious elite of L.A. close ranks around Windsor Prep, Alex and Milo must penetrate the citadel of wealth and scholarship to expose the hidden anguish, dirty secrets, and deadly sins festering among society’s manor-born. But power and position are not easily surrendered, for that’s when the best and the brightest turn brutal and ugly. Searching for predators among the privileged, Alex and Milo may well be walking into a highly polished death trap.

About Jonathan Kellerman

American author, Jonathan Kellerman, comes from a decisively different viewpoint when writing his novels, than most authors. Kellerman was born in New York City to parents who were successful authors themselves. His journey began when his family moved to Los Angeles California. He grew up there and received a BA in Psychology from UCLA. He paid for his education by various jobs as cartoonist, illustrator, journalist, and editor, as well as teaching guitar. An unpublished novel that he co-wrote won him a Samuel Goldwyn writing award. Screenplays were readily available to him, but he chose not to get into that venue. He received his PhD from USC in clinical psychology. His research thesis was entitled.....attribution of blame for childhood psychopathology. Kellerman is currently a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine.

The first published book from Kellerman was a medical text book entitled.....Psychological Aspects of Childhood Cancer. His extensive research and hands on experience while working at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles prepared him for the knowledge needed to write his first published book.

He published a book for parents titled Helping the Fearful Child. Through many cases and observations, came his first novel.....When the Bough Breaks, which became a bestseller and was adapted for a TV movie. His career in medicine continued all throughout his writing. He was a consultant and expert witness in the legal system which impacted the characters in his novels.

The psychologist and novelist has been very vocal in speaking out against the "misguided" release of mentally ill people into the community without benefit of counseling, psychotherapy, as well as medication. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, who is also a bestselling crime writer. They have four children, two of whom are also novelists.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Barbara on April 03, 2024

In this 25th book in the 'Alex Delaware' series, a female teacher at an exclusive prep school dies in odd circumstances. The book can be read as a standalone. ***** Windsor Prep Academy is a pricey, exclusive high school that prides itself on sending many of its graduates to top universities like Prin......more

Goodreads review by Heidi on June 29, 2024

Reading an Alex Delaware mystery is like settling back for a great conversation with old friends. But instead of kids and jobs, you’re talking murders, sandwiches and getaway cars. As always, Milo has some of the best lines and meals, but Alex can always be counted on to properly connect the dots, e......more

Goodreads review by James on April 13, 2011

When a teacher at a very exclusive prep school is found dead in a tub of dry ice, L.A. Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis is assigned to the case. The murdered teacher has left behind a DVD on which she claims that she was subjected to relentless sexual harassment by three other members of the school's......more

Goodreads review by Michelle on September 16, 2023

This was a bit better that my previous experiences with Kellerman. It did keep me guessing until the end and overall was ok. Three stars.......more


Quotes

“Kellerman doesn’t just write psychological thrillers—he owns the genre.”—Detroit Free Press

“Jonathan Kellerman’s novels are an obsession; once started it is hard to quit.”—Orlando Sentinel

“Entertaining . . . Kellerman masterfully keeps readers guessing.”—Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star
 
“The combination of Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis make for the most original whodunit duo since Watson and Holmes.”—Forbes