The detective and psychologist duo of Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and Dr. Alex Delaware team up again to investigate a disturbing crime scene where the victims are unrelated and feel random and yet everyone knows they are not.

Thoughts:
The Museum of Desire starts off with an after-party house cleaner discovering the gruesome murders of four individuals in a car out front of the mansion he has been assigned to clean. The crime scene has a very distinctive manner about it so Dr. Alex Delaware is brought in to assist Milo with the investigation. While the scene itself has them scratching their heads into its meaning, they both are fairly perplexed about the randomness of the victims. They are seemingly different individuals and who they are and how they are associated with each other (or who they are to the murderer) leaves them with many avenues to follow. But all Milo and Alex can do is go with the one with the largest trail to follow and see where it leads.

Although this is book #35 in the series, this is my first Dr. Alex Delaware novel. I’m not sure how I keep finding popular series that I’ve haven’t had the chance to enjoy yet, but I do. Although the murder setup is an interesting and integral part of the story, it never overwhelmed it or became too much for the rest of the book to live up to. Instead, we see Milo and Alex spend a great deal of time just trying to find the basics on each of the victims. Nothing is handed to them, or at least most of the time it isn’t. They would learn a little about someone, but never enough to get a full picture or know exactly what to do with what they’ve learned except to it add it to the other puzzle pieces they’ve gathered. It was a slow process that I rather enjoyed. The murder is shocking, but thankfully I enjoyed that the detective part of it shined and showed through.

Overall, I found the story pretty enjoyable. What really impressed me was the title and how it pertained to the title. Recently, I’ve read a few thrillers where the title didn’t quite go with the story or was more of an eye-catcher type of title. This one actually has some significance, so thanks.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group – Balatine for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.

Jonathan Kellerman brings back Dr. Alex Delaware in his 35th book. I was excited when I was approved for this one because Kellerman is one of my favorite writers.

I really enjoyed this book, the plot was creative and well written and the friendship between Dr. Delaware and his police friend, Milo Sturgis, never gets old.

Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my very first Jonathan Kellerman, and it definitely won't be my last!

Although this is number 35 in the series, I had no problem understanding the story, and I could really feel the comeraderie between the 2 main characters, LAPD Lt. Milo Sturgis and Consultant psychologist Alex Delaware.

The writing was fast-paced and pulled me right in. They steadily built the case, investigating, interviewing, and hunch-ing their way to the twisty, ultimate end. It kept me turning the pages late into the night.

My only issue was that I felt the ending felt anti-climactic, and I would have loved to have seen it a little more drawn out. Also, the motive was kind of simplistic.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the writing and I am going back to read other books in this series.

I will post my review on Instagram, Goodreads, Twitter and my blog Jan 26 & 27 and will review on Amazon after publication on Feb 4.

The Museum of Desire is Jonathan Kellerman's 35th book about Dr. Alex Delaware. Alex Delaware works with Milo Sturgis, a Lieutenant in the Los Angeles homicide division. Together the two of them make a team to solve some of the weirdest and most unusual mysteries that show up in Los Angeles.

The mystery that makes up this book, believe it or not, is even more twisted than usual. Milo Sturgis called Alex to a crime scene that contains four victims but not very many clues. The victims do not seem to have anything in common and the presence of dog blood in the car ands a certain touch of weirdness to it. I enjoyed trying to figure out the guilty parties and have to admit I did not figure it out. As Mysteries go, I think this one was a fine read.

One of the things I like best about this series of novels is how much the characters have grown since the first novel to this one. I do admit I've missed some of the books in the middle, but I really enjoyed how both Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware have grown into more rounded characters. It must be hard to figure out new mysteries each time and I find it remarkable that Jonathan Kellerman each time presents something new and different. The Museum of Desire by Jonathan Kellerman is a good read.

It’s hard to believe that after 35 novels the duo of Sturgis and Delaware are still going strong! Kellerman knows how to write an engrossing Police Procedural that keeps the reader riveted to the page. With his cast of eclectic characters and his unique plots, Kellerman remains a master storyteller! Keep them coming!!

I have been reading Kellerman for 30+ years (since high school) and he never disappoints. I love the team of Alex and Milo. I have yet to read a bad entry to the series. This one is very good. The murders were interesting, seemingly unrelated people found dead in a limo. The ending is surprising, which I think is hard to still do after 35 novels with the same characters! A Johnathan Kellerman novel is like visiting old friends who you don't see a lot of. It's great when you do catch up! I just wish Alex and Robin would get married already!

Thank you to NetGalley, Johnathan Kellerman and Ballantine Books for this much loved ARC!!

"I get in because it's bad and strange."

I have read most of Kellerman's Dr. Alex Delaware series. I adore Milo, the gay overweight LT that brings Alex in on his weird cases. And this one is truly weird - 4 people murdered in a limo, sitting in a pool of blood that doesn't appear to be there own.

A stretch Lincoln Town Car is found behind a Beverly Hills party house, complete with dead chauffeur and 3 dead occupants. The chauffeur is exactly who he looks to be - the man that owns the car and runs his own business ferrying around obnoxious rich people. But the occupants are another story - 3 varied people with varied pasts killed in different ways posed like characters in a play.

When the seasoned detectives and crime-scene techs are looking green, it's time for the doctor to make an appearance.

This is the 35th book in the series, and definitely one the more interesting crimes. I don't care how many he writes - if he keeps this up, I'll keep reading them!

3.5*
This is one of the longest running series in my reading arsenal. This being book #35 in the Alex Delaware series.

Though he may have gotten older, he certainly hasn’t grown fond of change. Alex remains firm in the same home on the outskirts of Los Angeles with his long-time girlfriend Robin. Come on, Alex…Put a ring on it already!
His best friend and confidant is LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis who continues to raid Alex’s fridge for any leftovers he can find!

The characters? I just adore them! After all these years, to pick up a Jonathan Kellerman book is like seeing a good friend. Like coming home.

Sooooo…it pains me to say the murder plot he was tangled up in this go around just didn’t hold my attention.
I wanted more focus on the primary players rather than the crime they were solving. (I find that happening more frequently in many of my longer series.)

But wait! I am in the minority here and most dedicated readers loved this one! Overall, if you’re a fan of the series, don’t miss out! You’ll still enjoy your visit with Alex and Milo! And don't forget Alex's adorable french bulldog Blanche!
Until next year....

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman for an ARC to read and review.

The Museum of Desire by Jonathan Kellerman is a very highly recommended police procedural featuring psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware.

LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis has a bizarre case and he calls in friend and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware to assist him in the investigation. On the grounds of a deserted mansion in Bel Air four people are found murdered in a stretch limousine. But these four people have been arranged and displayed in a grotesque tableau that must mean something to the killer but is difficult for investigators to comprehend what it means. They are at a loss to explain the motive behind how the diverse group of people came to be found murdered together and arranged at the scene. Alex and Milo must use all their skills to uncover the truth, but the way to the answers is full of twisty turns and blind alleys.

The complex story grabbed me from the start and I enjoyed following all the trails and lines of questioning in the detailed investigation immensely. The writing is excellent. At this point in his writing career Kellerman is skilled enough to tell a complicated, interesting story while keeping the plot moving along swiftly. The denouement was unexpected and startling, but totally satisfying and fit right in with the case.
This is a wonderful police procedural. The characters are all well established at this point, but anyone new to the series could easily jump in and read The Museum of Desire without enjoying any of the previous Alex Delaware novels. Those who know the characters will appreciate this latest case. I've gleaned a new favorite quote:
"I've already got a mood disorder."
"What's that?"
"Personal variant of bipolar. Half the time I'm pissed off, the other I'm merely irritated."

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Penguin Random House
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/01/the-museum-of-desire.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3155836359
https://www.librarything.com/work/23431539/book/178060596
https://twitter.com/SheTreadsSoftly/status/1220150018201595910?s=20
Amazon and Barnes&Noble after publication

Lieutenant Milo Sturgis calls on his psychologist friend Alex Delaware for help on an unusual case. Four dead bodies are found in a party limo and the gruesome scene is disturbing to even the most seasoned members of law enforcement. Milo asks for Alex's help in determining the meaning behind this arranged crime scene and what kind of person would do such a thing. With the help of other LAPD detectives, Alex and Milo refuse to give up until they are able to track down whoever is responsible for these atrocious crimes.

"The Museum of Desire" is the latest in the long-running Alex Delaware series. I have read almost every book in this series and am always amazed at how Kellerman continues to keep each book fresh and different from the others. However, I think it would still be entertaining to a reader who hasn't read any of the prior books. Milo and Alex are both intelligent with a great sense of humor, but are different in so many other way. In spite of their differences, they remain best friends and make an excellent team when investigating together. I like that other officers also make a contribution to the case.

The case is disturbing, but Kellerman doesn't include gory details just for shock value. In addition, it's easier to read about the case because of they way it's written and the caring nature of both Milo and Alex in the way they handle the investigation. The book takes the reader through all the details of questioning witnesses and suspects, looking for clues, and dealing with false leads. I was very surprised by the ending. It was somewhat abrupt after seeing the investigation unfold step-by-step, but it was fitting. I'm always happy to read a new book in this well-written series and sorry to see it end.

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Ballantine Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Alex& Milo team up on another multi layered murder case investigation.Another book in this addictive series.I can always count on a well written multilayered case,Another one to recommend #netgalley#randomhouse,

I've never read a bad Alex Delaware novel.

Jonathan Kellerman has always written wonderfully real, vaguely lovable, characters (Milo, anyone?). His plots are creative and tightly woven...not a plot hole to be found, and he's another author who isn't afraid to "go there." The Museum of Desire definitely delves into some serious depravity and gore.

Having said that, I do have a few critiques. After 35 books (and yes, I've read them all), I am finding myself a bit tired of reading about Robin standing behind her man...and about Milo's enormous appetite, along with in-depth descriptions of every food item he tosses down his gullet. I can get past those things, but in this particular novel...there were a couple other scenes I really disliked...my own personal triggers, so to speak: dog abuse and a not-so-great depiction of a teenager suffering from autism. Hence, my 3-star rating.

Nevertheless, I will always be fond of this series, and although you can certainly read this book as a standalone, I'd recommend going back to the beginning and enjoying Alex and Milo as they once were. Their story is quite a roller coaster.

**Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Believe it or not, this is my first Jonathan Kellerman book. I'm glad I started with the extremely likable Alex Delaware and his sidekick Milo Sturgis. I'm not sure if this is Kellerman's usual style, I will need to read more of his books to find out. This a twisted slow burn that became fast-paced and more intense the closer I got to the end. The detective work felt realistic and the case nightmarish. A great book for lovers of mystery thrillers.

Years ago I read every book that came out in the Alex Delaware series and than I fell off the truck. Picking up Kellerman’s latest Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis foray into hideously horrific homicide was a reminder why I left off. Undoubtedly a mastermind of crime drama Kellerman writes about “Hitler-level cruelty...power lust... and manipulating human beings” wrapped into an esoteric plot.

It was Chapter 38 before I was able to tie the title to the denouement. Sure I could have googled it, but what fun is that and then I lose bragging rights. Usually quick to fit the puzzled pieces together, I admit to floundering and being lost through parts of the book and rereading didn’t clarify much for me. The murder, mayhem, depravity and copious amounts of blood were off putting and then factor in the Nazi Art aspect and I was “hmmmm, what?” Really lost. But and this is a big but, the writing is just so good and the shorthand “cop-speak” drew me in and made me feel part of the team.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for an advance copy.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This book is #35 in Mr. Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series and I have been a fan of this series for many years.
I love this series because I love the relationship that exists between the 2 main characters, Alex and Miles, and I love how all of the murder mysteries that they are involved in are very complex, original and well thought out.
This book had so many twists and turns that kept me very interested and entertained that I couldn’t wait to find some free time everyday to be able to continue reading it.
I can’t wait for book #36.

I have loved Alex and Milo for many years. They work well together and you can tell they have a deep and abiding friendship. In this book, they work together to solve a gruesome murder that occurs in a limousine. Another great book from Jonathan Kellerman.

Another winner. I enjoyed this and, as usual was partially surprise by the ending. Keep them coming!

This book can be read independently of the others in the series. I have only read one other book of his and found that to be the case there as well.
Great book. Detailed police procedural in which you may get bogged in details on occasion but keep moving-- it is worth it. Not a fast paced book, slow, drawn out and well planned. Obviously much research has been done in writing this book. Adequate description of the book is provided on the 'cover. Enjoy the great read.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author,NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC.

Bizarre murder scenes and few clues are a trademark of a Kellerman mystery/thriller. Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis team up again to solve crimes and stop killers. The clues are few so readers must pay close attention or you'll miss them. Suspense at the Kellerman level means a story that grabs your attention and brings you back to "just one more chapter". A gruesome murder but an excellent story.

In Kellerman’s thirty fifth murder mystery, LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and his talented sidekick, psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware are dealt a bizarre and gruesome multiple murder case. Four bodies are discovered in a limousine parked at an uninhabited Bel Air mansion. The scene appears almost theatrical or staged as the four victims seem to have little in common. The chauffeur, a middle aged mentally challenged man, a homeless woman, and a playboy, all murdered by different methods and leaving an inordinate amount of blood. The duo is challenged to identify the victims let alone discover a possible motive. But as more bodies related to this crime begin to fall, the imagination of Dr. Delaware and tenacity of Lt. Sturgis narrows in on a probable suspect.
This is Kellerman at his best--stage a bizarre crime with disturbing perpetrators looming in the background. Delaware finds clues and draws conclusions seen only by him while Sturgis, who has learned not to dismiss even to most bizarre of the good doctor’s hunches, charges forward… great entertainment. We learn little about the lead characters because after thirty five novels, we know them well.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of the book.