Milo and Alex are back, Alex after a major injury. Two people are murdered and there are no clues. The woman’s precious life is a dead end, very few clues. The book has plenty of suspense along with a good story. The book is part of a series but could stand alone.

Another excellent addition to the Alex Delaware series. This is the 39th book in the series and surprisingly the story is as fresh as the first book in the series. These are great characters, the plot is well paced, and engaging. This can easily be read as a stand a lone but I highly recommend all the books in the series starting with the 1985 introduction of the series, "When the Bough Breaks" to follow the relationship developments of the characters. Highly Recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced reader copy

Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis are together again in the 39th book of Jonathon Kellerman's long-running series. They are called to a crime scene in Bel Air where a naked man and woman are found shot dead in lounge chairs by a swimming pool. Who killed them? Why? It's up to Alex and Milo to find the answers.

The story is told from Alex Delaware's point of view. I especially like the insight he is able to draw upon as a psychologist as he works with Milo to solve the case. I also enjoy reading about his career as a child psychologist, so I'm glad the author includes a story line dealing with that side of Delaware's life. The dialogue flows easily and keeps me invested in the characters and their stories. The novel's plot is interesting from the beginning and ends with a satisfying conclusion.

This is the 39th book in the Alex Delaware 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.

Gio and Meagin are found shot to death at the man’s home. She is married to a prosperous businessman; he is younger and a member of a wealthy Italian family. As the investigation proceeds, the team must dig deep to find out Meagin’s true background as she seems to be someone who has reinvented herself with no apparent history. Meanwhile, Alex is called upon to evaluate a young man adopted from a Russian orphanage whose parents are divorcing and neither want custody.

Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit a little different due to Milo being unconventional and Alex along to provide psychological insight. They tend to have a familiar rhythm, 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 spin on cases. I think this is one of the best installments of the series.

Yes, this can be read as a standalone, but if you are a fan of this series, it is always enjoyable to meet up once again with these characters.

Superb thriller with all the wonderful analytical sleuthing that Kellerman always delivers so fabulously!!
det Milo Sturgis and his favorite partner, psychologist Alex Delaware are back at it again when a pool boy disovers two bodies at a millionaire's home in Bel Air.
What seems to possibly be a fairly easy act of revenge on a cheating wife turns into so much more as Alex and Milo follow all the side stories of the deceased. In ways that Kellerman is so uniquely gifted, the plot is refined and refined some more as leads are chased and tossed and new avenues open up.
They are simoly fascinating to follow and pure delight for dedicated mystery readers.
Great character build ups and great story line movement.
Alex and Milo do it again.
Five stars all the way.

The Ghost Orchid is # 39 in the series and it does not let you down. Am amazed the author can keep it fresh engaging and entertaining so far into the series. But as usual the solid cast of characters pull their weight n do the heavy lifting needed to wrap of this complex crime. Truly fascinating and well written.I definitely enjoyed it and I hope you will give it a try.

When a book is #39 in a series, it can go one of two ways. The series can be dragging on OR the series is still full of life. The ladder is true with this book! There is still uniqueness to the mystery in this book. It is also a book that you can jump into without history from the past books and not feel lost. I always appreciate when there are twists and turns in a book that keeps the reader engaged!

So catch this......

A Ghost Orchid is a rare delight. It blooms infrequently in tropical areas. As an epiphyte, it clings its tendrils onto other surfaces in its surroundings. Deep and unassuming, it winds its way into the shady, tangled areas where others fear to tread.

But don't fear that the #39 sits within this title. The Ghost Orchid is a solid standalone with all the necessary back-fill filled. I started with #35 and have never looked back. Full speed ahead and lovin' it.

Welcome in Homicide detective Lieutenant Milo Sturgis of the LAPD. Milo has earned his stripes over and over again. He's the real deal. He's usually accompanied by psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware on some of his most difficult cases. In truth, the "how" is quick to pick up, but the "why" can be as elusive as that rare orchid. As Julia Roberts answered in one word about the state of this world: "People".

The call comes in on a dual murder. Not the back streets of LA. This time it's an upscale community in Bel Air. One male and one female enjoying the lush surroundings and the cooling waters of that shimmering pool. But someone ended them and ended their enjoyment of one another.

Milo finds out that the male is an Italian businessman who has rented the house. The female, married and gorgeous, hiked over from her own estate minutes away. How convenient. How brutal.

But who was the target victim? Her or him or both? Milo does a deep research on both and is coming up empty. Even Alex is having a difficult time connecting the dots on this one. Meagin March's expensive jewelry sits on a table by the pool including a rare purple diamond. Her multi-millionaire husband is shocked when he finds out about her death. Is he somehow involved?

Jonathan Kellerman always presents a smart read. His characters are not just cardboard figures leaning against a storyline. There's depth here with an inquisitive mind leading the way. What I enjoy is the doggin' diligence in every novel. Kellerman makes the reader part of the sifting process as one mighty hit leads to another. But I have one question for Kellerman that still dangles in my mind: What up with those dazzlin' jewelry pieces still left on that table at the crime scene? You didn't quite justify their avoidance under the ending circumstances, especially the pricey purple gem. You'll get it when you get to the finale, folks. Check it out for sure.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Ballantine Books (Random House) and to the talented Jonathan Kellerman for the opportunity.

Psychologist Alex Delaware is called in by Detective Milo Sturgis to investigate the murder of
a man and woman in a secluded upscale home. As the investigation starts they need to decide which one was the intended target. Then things get really interesting with mysteries surrounding the dead woman - who was she really? This was a good, solid, fun read. I love that Jonathan Kellerman never disappoints.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC which did not impact my review. A solid 4 stars.
#TheGhostOrchid #NetGalley

This is a great procedural mystery that keeps you guessing until the big reveal. A married woman and her boyfriend are found murdered and while the husband is an interesting character, all roads lead to the wife having a mysterious past that may have caught up to her.

Start to finish, this is an entertaining read and I’ve only read some of the more recent of this series, but will be going back to read earlier books of the series.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great read from Jonathan Kellerman..took a few pages and then it gained momentum and became the page turner that is typical for a Delaware novel. Recommend!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. A man and woman were found shot to death. Milo asks Alex for assistance. This book captured my attention from the start.

Great!

Another great installment in the Delaware series. Alex and his friend/detective Milo haven’t worked together for a bit, while Alex recovered from an injury during their last case together. After being prompted by Robin, Alex’s partner, Milo reaches out to Alex and they start working on solving a double homicide.

As always, the clues seem to point everywhere and nowhere. Every suspect seems to hit a dead end. The reader is drawn along on the journey and is just as clueless as they are. I enjoy that this author always keeps the reader guessing to the end, then ties it all together. The story moves fast, keeping the reader engaged. Highly recommend!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

The Ghost Orchid is a unique, intense mystery. I was hooked from the get-go and only got more so as I got deeper into the story. Milo and Alex are a familiar detective/psychologist duo who are insightful, curious, perceptive, and persistent. The secrets they uncover lead to a series of dead ends. Then, their hard work and the slightest clue bring all their efforts to an end I never saw coming! It's a great story that left me with a book hangover.

Psychologist Alex Delaware is called in by Detective Milo Sturgis to investigate the murder of
a man and woman in a secluded upscale home. As they investigate the murder victims, the question is
which one was the intended target. As the lives of the man and woman are revealed, it becomes obvious
that the dead woman's past is clouded in secrets. Learning her true identity is the key.
#TheGhostOrchid #NetGalley

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

The ghost orchid is a rare, elusive plant. It is an appropriate title for this book because we don't know the history of some of the characters. This makes it a real challenge for Alex and Milo as they try to solve this latest mystery.

I have been following the companionship of Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis for many of their cases and I am always impressed by their friendship and ability to work as a team. The Ghost Orchid can be read as a standalone but knowing the backstory of the main characters adds to the enjoyment of the story.

I look forward to the next Jonathan Kellerman mystery.

I love the back and forth that Alex and Milo have and I think this what makes the books so enjoyable.
Alex is still recovering from injuries in the last book and Milo is getting over guilt for putting him in harms way when they take on a double homicide in Bel Air. As Milo and Alex look into the suspects of the case there are a lot of twists and turns.
All books are very riveting to read whether you are a first time reader of this series or not. I look forward to the next escapade that they will be on.

With many authors, after reading several books I had tired of the standard Kellerman Alex Delaware books. But The Ghost Orchid has renewed my excitement in future Jonathan Kellerman stories. The Ghost Orchid brought back Kellerman's grasp of Southern California geography, making it an interesting part of the mystery. I would have like a bit more of the Delaware homelife, but perhaps that will be in his next one. Can't wait.

Sorry to share that I found this one boring, bordering on tedious. I've read all of the Alex Delaware books -- actually, I've read everything written by Jonathan Kellerman, even his non-fiction (including his book Savage Spawn, which shows up in this book by self-serving reference), and this one is simply boring. Can something happen? Marry the girl? (I thought maybe something with the kid . . .) Something? Still love the characters, But please.

Thanks, NetGalley folk, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Book: The Ghost Orchid
Series: Alex Delaware #30
Author: Jonathan Kellerman
Publisher: Penguin/ Random House Publishing Group ~Ballantine. Ballantine Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: February 6, 2024
My Rating: 4.4 stars
Pages: 304

I always look forward to Child Psychologist and Consultant Alex Delaware and Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis teaming up again.
I have read and enjoyed only fifteen stories in this series, they are the more recent stories and I am hooked am always excited about the latest.😊
In "Unnatural History" Book #38, Alex was nearly killed and Milo is feeling guilty. It has been over four months and sweet Robin calls Milo to let him know all is well and Alex needs to get back at it. So this story starts when Milo and Alex investigate a 911 call. The scene is at the kidney-shaped swimming pool at a BelAIr rental. (BTW: Why the illustrator chooses to make the pool a rectangle and not kidney shaped had me thinking - Hmm perhaps artist creativity or someone didn't read this story!)

Two people are from dead from gun shots. The renter is a thirtyish young Giovanni Aggiunta who is a big deal with an Italian shoe empire. The woman is Meagin Marsh an attractive neighbor and the wife of millionaire real estate developer Douglass March.
(The spelling of Megan got my attention and was pleases the story gets more into her background and the name.).

I enjoy these characters~ [author: Jonathan Kellerman|43626] still comes up with idea and does not disappoint! I believe this story is one of his best and should give 5 stars!

As you know the story is usually centered in LA. I was please to find Orange County mentioned when Milo and Alex want to talk to a social worker who is now a professor of social work at Chandler University , a small selective institution in Orange Ca.
(Chandler is factious however we do have Chapman University in Orange, Ca which is an excellent University. So this made me smile with delight!)

Story also included more about young Derek Ruffalo and I wonder if we will be seeing more of him in Book #40?
In other words I am already looking forward to Milo, Alex, Robin, Blanche, their French Bulldog, as well as the usual gang!

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group ~Ballantine. Ballantine Books for granted me this early uncorrected proof.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 6, 2024.