Lowly’s Book Blog

I really look forward to my annual Alex Delaware. How any author can maintain a character for 21 books is beyond me. Cornwell had a great idea with Kaye Scarpetta, but the series is now getting tired and just too improbable.

Kellerman does not have that problem, perhaps because he doesn’t try to push new boundaries with every book. He is comfortable with his characters. Alex Delaware is a child psychologist and most of the mystery involves psychoses that first revealed themselves in children. Now that the series has been going for many years, Kellerman has the added possibility of adults returning to see a friend from childhood, seeking his help with a new problem.

This book is one of the latter. Tanya was a child Delaware had treated for obsessive behavior. At the advanced age of 19, she makes contact again. Her mother had recently died leaving Tanya a message about a murder. Tanya was to tell Delaware about the death and seek his help finding out what happened.

Obsession brings back all kinds of favourite people from other books in the series. Naturally Robyn and Milo feature prominently, and Spike has been replaced by Blanche. But this time Rick gets to play a significant role, not just significant other, and Petra actually claims the case. And I love Raul. I hope he comes back regularly.

And as for the murder(s)? In the best of Kellerman (Mr) they are caused by truly mentally ill humanitiy. This book is well titled and the perp is totally believable.

And I loved the twist at the end!! Well done.