City of the Dead

Some of the Alex Delaware novel plots are pretty farfetched, and this is no exception. However, I almost believe this one more because the connections are based in a chance collision between Alex's professional lives, and less on a what-if riff. Still, glad to be back with the crew, witness healing in action, and it's always an interesting plot-twisting ride.

Advanced Reader's Copy Provided by Edelweiss.

Review of Advance Reader’s Copy eBook

In the dark, early morning hours, a moving van strikes something, presumably an animal darting out from the side of the road, running directly into the vehicle’s path. But Donny and Alfie are stunned to discover they’ve hit a young man. It isn’t long before Los Angeles Homicide Lieutenant Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist/police consultant Doctor Alex Delaware are on the scene where the unidentified, naked young man lost his life. It could have been nothing more than a tragic accident, but a blood trail leads to a nearby house . . . and to another victim. Someone Alex knows.

The victim, Cordelia Gannett, posed as a psychologist; Alex had encountered her while working on a child custody show more case. Has her past caught up with her? And what does the unidentified young man have to do with her murder?

As Milo and Alex investigate the gruesome double murder, secrets revealed bring more questions than answers. Can they find the links, the relationships, and the revelations that will lead to them to the truth?

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Thirty-seventh[!] in the Alex Delaware series, this intriguing mystery/police procedural works well as a standalone for readers new to the Alex Delaware canon. Along with the strong sense of place, nuanced, relatable characters [so well-known as to be like old friends to many readers], the unfolding narrative pulls the reader into the story from the outset. The large cast of characters keeps the story moving in unexpected ways and the twisting plot keeps the readers guessing until the surprising reveal that leads to a satisfying denouement.

Some bantering, a dollop of sarcasm, and some well-placed humor all work together to lighten the telling of the tale just a bit, offering readers a respite from the heaviness of the murders. As always, the friendship and camaraderie between Milo and Alex lie at the heart of the story; the complexities of the evolving case simply add to the enjoyment for the reader.

Highly recommended. show less

I used to be a huge Jonathan Kellerman fan but I have skipped probably the last 10 books of this series. They just seemed stale, long-winded and boring. This one I loved! We had less about Milo's problems that I seem to remember but the same give and take between Alex and Milo. There was still the police procedural and psychology aspects that make up Kellerman's books. This one had a real mystery that I wanted to see solved. Police are called to the scene of a naked young man hit by a moving van. It is near UCLA so maybe he is a student from a nearby party. But then they discover a dead woman in a house up the street and Alex recognizes her from a case a few years ago. With solid police work and Alex's gut feelings they go about solving show more this mystery with several twists and surprises along the way. The book can be read as a stand alone but it helps to have read Kellerman before. The relationship between these characters has developed over the years. I am now looking forward to read more Kellerman and maybe I will go back and pick up some of those I skipped. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an early copy. I am very glad I did. Thanks to Jonathan Kellerman for a good book. show less

Jonathan Kellerman usually writes a great book, some better than others. “City of the Dead” was in the win column. The staccato pace of the dialog and unspooling of the plot was perfect.
This is a multiple homicide, police procedural, cum psychological profiling mystery. Lots of ups, downs, twists, turns, and misdirection even when you are staring at the solution head on.

For a guy who describes himself as tending toward trusting and optimistic, you have to wonder how and why Alex Delaware is hip deep in the another one of Lieutenant Milo Sturgis’ gruesome murder investigations. His calm demeanor, insight and ability to piece together coincidences is a study in how crimes are solved. Many of the characters we expect to find in an show more Alex Delaware novel make an appearance along with a few cameos and new participants. It all feels familiar and a continuation of the police - profiler relationship.

Another page turner by Jonathan Kellerman. Thank you Ballantine Books / Random House for a copy. show less

City of the Dead begins with a bit of misdirection as we follow a couple of movers as they go about their job just long enough to think one of them is going to be the murderer or the victim when suddenly they hit something. A deer, they think, but when they get out to look, they discover the body of a naked man. And so begins the 37th Alex Delaware novel by Jonathan Kellerman.

Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis invites Alex along and a second body is discovered just down the street making the man’s death look less like an accident and perhaps a murder or maybe the murderer was run over while fleeing. Forensics show the man was murdered as well and the story focuses in on the woman and identifying the man.

The victim is someone Alex knows show more from a few years back, a woman who tried to testify in a custody case, but she was a fake. She has become an internet influencer/podcast therapist, though and had been doing well before being murdered. The investigation looks at her family and past relationships for clues. There are multiple red herrings and dead herrings, too.

Meanwhile, Alex is also dealing with a seriously rude lawyer who wants him to get to work on a custody case.

There comes a time in every series when it is time to start thinking of moving on and letting the characters ride off into the sunset. I think it might be time for Alex, Milo, Robin, and the gang to live happily ever after. To resolve this mystery took far too much coincidence to resolve. Alex seemed more detached than usual and altogether too perfect. Kellerman is a good writer, so City of the Dead kept me intrigued and reading as fast as I could, but in the end, I was left with a stale cookie of a book.

I received an e-galley of City of the Dead from the publisher through NetGalley

City of the Dead at Ballantine | Penguin Random House
Jonathan Kellerman author site

https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2022/02/21/city-of-the-dead-by-jonat... show less

This is the 37th book in the series and I have read all of them. Obviously, I enjoy the investigative duo of Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware, as well as all the supporting characters and look forward to each new addition. Whenever I crack open a Kellerman book, I can’t seem to put it down.

Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit a little different due to Milo being unconventional and Alex along to provide psychological insight. True, they do tend to be a bit formulaic, as Alex and Milo chase down leads, generate and discuss different theories, interview persons of interest, enjoy a few good meals. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly picturesque and entertaining and he always seems to put a fresh show more spin on cases.

The plot is intriguing and one where Alex’s private practice and his role as consultant to the police intersect.

Yes, this can be read as a standalone, but if you are familiar with this series, it is always enjoyable to meet up with these familiar characters. show less

I love books with mystery, detectives, and especially with a detective and civilian or some other kind of professional working together to solve cases like this with the detective and the psychologist, but unfortunately for me, this was not one of these kinds of books that I love. I was excited to receive and read this story because I've heard of these books and wanted to check them out before, but this one didn't work for me.
This is about a detective and a psychologist that investigate and solve another case together, but it seemed to drag some through parts and I had a hard time getting into it like I wanted. This case was about a double homicide of a guy and a girl who were friends that's starts out with the detective and show more psychologist being called on them finding a dead body in the road and then they go check things out and find out what really happened. I did like the interactions, banter, and back and forth between the psychologist, Alex Delaware, and the detective and between the psychologist and his girlfriend with their dog. If you like the Alex Delaware series and this kind of book then keep track of it and make sure to check it out when it comes out next year.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for letting me read and review this interesting story. All opinions and thoughts are my own. show less