Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, First Chapter/Intros, originally hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea and now hosted by I’d Rather Be at the Beach; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by The Purple Booker.
Today’s feature is an Alex Delaware mystery: Night Moves, by Jonathan Kellerman: The master of the psychological thriller makes all the right moves in this new novel of spellbinding suspense.
Intro: Nice house. If you put aside reality.
Sunset Boulevard, Sunday at ten thirty p.m., was an easy ride, cool April air sweetening the Seville’s interior. To get here from my place in Beverly Glen, I’d driven through Bel Air and Brentwood, turned south a quarter mile into Pacific Palisades, continued through tree-lined stretches of architectural revivals: Colonial, Spanish, Mediterranean, Greek, Unidentifiable.
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Teaser: When he collided with people, one eye winked and popped and drool dribbled from his slack mouth, a secretion often followed by copious productions of other body fluids. (p. 56).
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Synopsis: Even with all his years of experience, LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis knows there are crimes his skill and savvy cannot solve alone. That’s when he calls on brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware to read between the lines, where the darkest motives lurk. And if ever the good doctor’s insight is needed, it’s at the scene of a murder as baffling as it is brutal.
There’s no spilled blood, no evidence of a struggle, and, thanks to the victim’s missing face and hands, no immediate means of identification. And no telling why the disfigured corpse of a stranger has appeared in an upscale L.A. family’s home. Chet Corvin, his wife, and their two teenage children are certain the John Doe is unknown to them. Despite that, their cooperation seems guarded. And that’s more than Milo and Alex can elicit from the Corvins’ creepy next-door neighbor—a notorious cartoonist with a warped sense of humor and a seriously antisocial attitude.
As the investigation ensues, it becomes clear that this well-to-do suburban enclave has its share of curious eyes, suspicious minds, and loose lips. And as Milo tightens the screws on potential persons of interest—and Alex tries to breach the barriers that guard their deepest secrets—a strangling web of corrupted love, cold-blooded greed, and shattered trust is exposed. Though the grass may be greener on these privileged streets, there’s enough dirt below the surface to bury a multitude of sins. Including the deadliest.
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What do you think? Would you keep reading?
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This is one series I haven’t been following. The book sounds good, however.
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I have missed a few of the Alex Delaware books along the way, and have also enjoyed some of the stand-alone books.
Thanks for visiting, Margot, and enjoy your reading.
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I’ve ever read a Kellerman book. Maybe one of these days…
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Thanks for stopping by, Catherine; I’ve been a fan of these books for many years, but haven’t picked up as many lately. I’ve discovered so many mysteries and thrillers since I started blogging!
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There seems to be a bag full of suprises ahead for you and judging from the intro, a book that wil keep you hooked. Enjoy!
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I agree, Sharon; even though I haven’t read as many in this series lately, I am always eager to dive into a new one. Enjoy your pick!
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I do love the end of that first sentence!
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Ha! That took me by surprise, Cleo. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your reading.
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I like the sound of the opening here. This is one of those authors I’ve never read and always meant to so I’d carry on reading.
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Thanks for visiting, Emma, and I do love the comfort of reading an old favorite psychological thriller series. Enjoy your pick.
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Sounds promising Laurel; hope you enjoy this one. Here’s my link:http://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/2018/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday.html
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Thanks, Diane, I do hope to love this one…I’m a fan of Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis. Enjoy your pick.
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I’ve haven’t read this series either, but it looks good.
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Thanks, Candace, I am looking forward to another “episode” in the Alex/Milo adventure. Have fun with your pick.
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This one sounds interesting. Like the plot has a lot of potential.
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Thanks, Kristyn, I am eager to begin reading it. Enjoy yours!
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This sounds good. I’ve never read an Alex Delaware mystery though. This week I am featuring Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I have always liked how the author, a psychotherapist, brings his interesting take to thrillers.
Enjoy your reading.
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Wow, that sounds like a hard case to crack!
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I am looking forward to it! Thanks for visiting and hosting, Vicki.
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Sounds interesting.
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Thanks, Donna, I’m eager to dive in.
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This one sounds like it’s a really entertaining read, Laurel – I hope you continue to enjoy it. Would I be right in thinking there are echoes of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone in this one – or is that just wishful thinking?
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Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that, Sarah, but Alex Delaware is one of those lovable characters, just as Kinsey Millhone is…so maybe. Now I can’t wait to dive in. Thanks for stopping by.
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I look forward to hearing how you get on with it, Laurel – and I’ll bear it in mind if I want a change from my sci fi and fantasy…
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