Step into the thrilling world of Alex Delaware, where psychological insight meets gripping crime-solving in the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles! Jonathan Kellerman’s beloved series follows Dr. Alex Delaware, a retired child psychologist turned detective, whose sharp mind and big heart unravel the darkest mysteries. With his trusted friend, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, Alex dives into cases that blend suspense, empathy, and a touch of moral grit, captivating readers since 1985.
Unlike your typical hard-boiled sleuth, Alex brings a unique lens to crime, using his expertise to decode the human psyche. His adventures tackle heavy themes like abuse, identity, and justice, all wrapped in page-turning plots. Ready to explore this iconic psychological thriller series? Let’s dive into its origins, stories, and lasting charm!
How Alex Delaware Began
Jonathan Kellerman, a clinical psychologist himself, created Alex Delaware in 1985 with When the Bough Breaks. Drawing from his own experiences treating young patients, Kellerman crafted a hero who’s as compassionate as he is clever. The series was born from a desire to merge forensic psychology with crime fiction, a fresh angle that hooked readers instantly. The debut novel won Edgar and Anthony Awards, launching Alex into literary stardom and cementing Kellerman’s reputation as a master of the genre.
Kellerman’s background gave the series authenticity, with Alex’s cases reflecting real-world issues like child abuse and mental health. Writing in his garage at night, Kellerman poured his expertise into a character who’s both a detective and a healer, setting the stage for a 39-book saga that’s still growing.
The Heart of Alex Delaware
The Alex Delaware series is a rollercoaster of suspense, with each book delivering a standalone mystery tied to Alex’s evolving world. In When the Bough Breaks, Alex emerges from retirement to interview a seven-year-old witness to a brutal crime, uncovering a web of abuse. Blood Test sees him navigating a custody battle with a dangerous father, blending family drama with psychological tension. The Clinic tackles a cold-case murder of a pop psychology author, revealing secrets from her troubled past. Recent entries like The Ghost Orchid (2024) keep the stakes high, with Alex and Milo probing a double murder in a Bel Air mansion.
Themes of trauma, morality, and human depravity run deep, but Kellerman’s light touch keeps the stories accessible. Los Angeles is practically a character itself, its glitzy highs and gritty lows shaping each case. Alex’s partnership with Milo, a gay detective who defies stereotypes, adds warmth and depth, exploring friendship and social issues with nuance. Kellerman’s prose shifts between Alex’s introspective first-person and vivid third-person perspectives, making every twist feel personal yet cinematic.
Whether it’s a school shooting in Time Bomb or a serial killer’s taunts in Motive, the series balances plot-driven thrills with character-driven heart. Fans love Alex’s quiet empathy and Milo’s gruff charm, a duo often compared to Holmes and Watson for their chemistry and smarts.
Why Alex Delaware Resonates
The Alex Delaware series has left a mark on crime fiction by blending psychological depth with pulse-pounding mystery. Its focus on forensic psychology was groundbreaking, inspiring countless authors to explore the minds behind the crimes. Readers praise Kellerman’s ability to craft complex villains and relatable heroes, with Alex’s moral compass guiding them through LA’s underbelly. The series’ inclusive portrayal of Milo has also earned acclaim, offering a positive, non-stereotypical gay character in a genre often lacking diversity.
With over three decades of stories, the series remains a fan favorite, its mix of suspense and humanity keeping it fresh. Kellerman’s knack for tackling timely issues—like extremism or mental health—ensures Alex Delaware stays relevant, while his loyal readership eagerly awaits each new release, like 2025’s Open Season.
- First Book: When the Bough Breaks (1985)
- Total Books: 39 (as of 2024)
- Awards: Edgar and Anthony Awards for Best First Novel
- Setting: Los Angeles, California
Grab When the Bough Breaks and dive into Alex Delaware’s thrilling world of psychological suspense! Whether you’re a crime fiction newbie or a seasoned sleuth, Alex and Milo’s adventures will keep you guessing—and caring—until the very last page.