Over the Edge, the third book in Jonathan Kellerman’s highly successful series starring psychologist Alex Delaware, is more technical and clinical, though no less exciting, than the first two. Like its predecessors, the book addresses dark acts committed by disturbed individuals, but unlike the first two books, Over the Edge focuses more on the psychology behind the acts than on the acts themselves or the investigations that follow.

When Delaware is awakened in the middle of the night by a frantic and disjointed phone call from Jamey Cadmus, a former client, his concern leads him to the institution where the Jamey is hospitalized. Upon arriving, he finds that Jamey has escaped and is now being sought in connection with a series of grisly murders. When Jamey is apprehended, his lawyer hires Delaware as a psychological consultant in his defense. But the more Delaware researches Jamey’s condition, the less likely it seems that Jamey actually committed the crimes of which he is accused, despite the indicting physical evidence. As the investigation continues, Delaware must embark on a frightening virtual journey into the dark depths of the human mind.

All three of Kellerman’s early fiction books focus on the evils that people do to each other, but this one takes it a step further and explores the evil a person can do to himself. Schizophrenia, drug abuse, and suicide are prominently featured with lots of technical descriptions and jargon, slowing down the pace a bit in the middle of the book. But as always, the first-person narrative style and compelling interpersonal conflicts drive the story, and the unexpected ending is a tribute to the author’s storytelling prowess.

Unsurprisingly, there is little in the way of redemptive or uplifting content beyond the eventual triumph—for the most part—of human good over human evil. Depictions of drug abuse, some sexuality, and an entirely secular worldview are cause for caution in reading, but Kellerman is an excellent writer, and fans of the psychological thriller will not be disappointed. ( )

A decent read, though not one of Kellerman's better novels. The plot-line is interesting, but the pace is a bit lacking and slow at times. Still a good read. ( )

For some reason, I really enjoy Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels. Yes, they are formulaic, but the situations are always so different that it doesn't matter. Over The Edge was first published in 1987. I was looking for an airplane book, and saw it in Borders, not realizing it was 20 years old! I'm still not 100% sure I didn't read it years ago.

The only problem with reading the Alex Delaware novels out of sequence is the overall development of the recurring characters. Since you know where they are heading in their personal lives, it takes some of the interest out of the story.

As always, Kellerman develops the plot really well. There is a crime, a seemingly obvious suspect, lots of red herrings, numerous excursions into the seamier side of Los Angeles as well as an excursion into the dusty, poor regions north of LA. And of course Milo, Alex's LAPD detective friend, is on the job.

This was a great book to read on a very long airplane ride. Not too complex, easy to put down when the pretzels are distributed, and easy to pick up again. If you enjoy the who-done-it and haven't read this one yet, I'd recommend this. ( )

nr 3, Alex Delaware, Milo Sturgis