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bookcraft's review against another edition
1.0
To some degree, the fact that I don't particularly like this book comes from the era in which it was written; there's a lot of unexamined racism and sexism throughout the narrative, and while I don't feel outdated attitudes in books should be retroactively censored, I also don't necessarily want to read them — especially when the books are just average pulp genre works. The one positive thing I can say in this area is that at least he did a good job with the non-stereotypical portrayal of Milo (the gay cop) and Milo's doctor boyfriend.
In general, there was a lot of cognitive dissonance for me while listening to this. The narrative says that the protagonist is a nice guy, but his words, thoughts, and actions often feel kind of skeevy to me, not to mention ethically questionable for a mental health professional, suggesting that in reality he's a Nice Guy(tm). One of the things I really noticed is that almost everything Alex thinks about women revolves around whether or not they're attractive, which is not an appealing trait. Note that I don't inherently object to main characters of questionable ethics — I'm a big fan of the antihero, and occasionally even the villain — but I prefer that they be self-aware, or at least that the author be aware of what they're creating. I get the feeling that Kellerman actually thought Alex was a nice guy and a hero...which says more about Kellerman than I really want to know, to be honest.
In fact, I felt like Kellerman — whose background is in child psychology, just like his fictional avatar, Alex Delaware — was using the book as a soapbox from which to preach his opinions on a variety of topics he felt strongly about. While that's certainly his prerogative, as far as I'm concerned it doesn't make for an interesting narrative; when I pick up a novel, I want to be entertained, not lectured about the (over)medicating of ADHD children.
With so much already making me unhappy about the book, there was some stupidity for the sake of plot that I just couldn't handwave away like I might have otherwise been able to. Specifically, there's the incredible stupidity of, and pretty much the rest of his actions from that point on.
As I noted in an update while reading this, it became glaringly obvious midway through that it had been written in the mid-1980s when I realized that the plot was going to a place inspired by the
Despite not liking the book, I'm probably going to read another in the series — perhaps one written closer to the present — because so much of what I disliked could be attributed to attitudes of the period in which it was written.
Warnings, for those who like them:
In general, there was a lot of cognitive dissonance for me while listening to this. The narrative says that the protagonist is a nice guy, but his words, thoughts, and actions often feel kind of skeevy to me, not to mention ethically questionable for a mental health professional, suggesting that in reality he's a Nice Guy(tm). One of the things I really noticed is that almost everything Alex thinks about women revolves around whether or not they're attractive, which is not an appealing trait. Note that I don't inherently object to main characters of questionable ethics — I'm a big fan of the antihero, and occasionally even the villain — but I prefer that they be self-aware, or at least that the author be aware of what they're creating. I get the feeling that Kellerman actually thought Alex was a nice guy and a hero...which says more about Kellerman than I really want to know, to be honest.
In fact, I felt like Kellerman — whose background is in child psychology, just like his fictional avatar, Alex Delaware — was using the book as a soapbox from which to preach his opinions on a variety of topics he felt strongly about. While that's certainly his prerogative, as far as I'm concerned it doesn't make for an interesting narrative; when I pick up a novel, I want to be entertained, not lectured about the (over)medicating of ADHD children.
With so much already making me unhappy about the book, there was some stupidity for the sake of plot that I just couldn't handwave away like I might have otherwise been able to. Specifically, there's the incredible stupidity of
Spoiler
getting his fingerprints all over the motorcycle helmet of someone he'd caused the death of, and then taking away the gun that was evidence it had been self defenseAs I noted in an update while reading this, it became glaringly obvious midway through that it had been written in the mid-1980s when I realized that the plot was going to a place inspired by the
Spoiler
'day care center where satanic sexual abuse goes on' hysteria of the time, which I remember clearly.Despite not liking the book, I'm probably going to read another in the series — perhaps one written closer to the present — because so much of what I disliked could be attributed to attitudes of the period in which it was written.
Warnings, for those who like them:
Spoiler
animal harm, graphic violence & gory description, child sex abusesejames's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
boleary30's review against another edition
4.0
Very good start to a series with very likable main characters.
ptaradactyl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
It was well written and easy to get pulled in, although Alex was getting too stupid to live in the final moments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child death, Death, Death of parent, and Classism
dom1976's review against another edition
4.0
First book in the Alex Delaware and it was a good beginning. The story was well written and the relationship between Alex and Milo is intersting. Good book.
hollie313's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
alishacostanzo's review against another edition
3.0
I liked a lot of the book, but there was a lot of telling/monologuing throughout that slowed the story down. Overall, the best end for a pedophile ring plot possible. And the perspective was an interesting one.
I plan to give book two a try.
3.5 stars!
I plan to give book two a try.
3.5 stars!
martyfried's review against another edition
3.0
I had mixed feelings about this book. Parts of it were entertaining, but other parts seemed pretty far-fetched. I wanted to like it, since there are so many in the series, and since this is only the first, I'll read more to decide.
I think the most far-fetched part is that a psychologist, who was traumatized finding a dead body in his office, could suddenly become a policeman with skills in fighting and handling the bad guys so well. It also seems like he did some things that were pretty illegal along the way. But overall, it was pretty good, and some good lines here and there.
I think the most far-fetched part is that a psychologist, who was traumatized finding a dead body in his office, could suddenly become a policeman with skills in fighting and handling the bad guys so well. It also seems like he did some things that were pretty illegal along the way. But overall, it was pretty good, and some good lines here and there.
books10's review against another edition
3.0
I didn’t get in to this as much as I thought I would. It was “just ok.” Not planning the read the next in the series.