I admit it. I love the duo of Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis. They are always at their best when they are together. Robin and the dog are OK, too. Though not his best, Jonathan Kellerman's story this time is a good one, full of murder, mystery and secrets. People die by the swimming pool in swanky L.A., but who are they really and why are they there? Wealth and privilege don't prevent the kind of mayhem brought on in this episode. Enjoyable read. Good job, J.K! Keep them coming.. I received this as an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review. Expected publication February 2024.. Many thanks to the author and publisher.

This author never disappoints. I love this series and this book is no exception. the characters are real and the mystery has lots of surprises.

I am a longtime reader of Jonathan Kellerman and this book does not disappoint. Alex and Milo are on the hunt to find a mysterious murderer who has left behind zero clues as to motive or identity. Through a twisting story, with many memorable characters, the surprise ending is worth it!

I enjoyed the continuing story of Alex and Milo, two of my literary friends, who I've followed for a long time. Picking up with the aftermath of the previous story, it was interesting to see how that relationship morphs over time. Although I felt the book was a little slow at the beginning, the more I get into it, the easier it was to read and the ending was not at all what I expected when I started the book. The author did a very good job of shifting through different suspects and scenarios throughout the book. I definitely look forward to reading more about Alex and Milo in the future.

A GRIPPING NEW THRILLER CRAFTED BY A DEFT HAND

It’s a double whammy for Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware. A couple is found poolside at a luxury home in Bel-Air. Both shot dead, the scantily clad bodies hint at more going on than just swimming. With no signs of robbery, the motive for the brutal murders points to a personal vendetta. But a vendetta against whom? Gio Aggiunta, a very much single Italian playboy? Or Meagin March, a married woman who swore off older men in lieu of youth? LA homicide lieutenant Milo Sturgis endeavors to find out. Enlisting friend and psychologist Alex Delaware to help, the two launch an investigation concentrating on identifying which victim was the real target. They quickly discover that questions only beget more questions, and that leads dry up into dead ends. In desperation they widen the scope, hoping to clear away the confusion. But the only thing that becomes clear is that they’ll have to dive into the deep end of the pool to unearth a tangled web of lies obscuring the truth.

That is the gist of this nifty new thriller from Jonathan Kellerman, A solidly constructed tale that wears its heart on its sleeve, it’s that way with all this author’s work. His stories always contain a deeper meaning, and an even deeper respect for the human spirit. It translates into the understanding that life happens sometimes, and when it does, we don’t always handle it very well. It’s why a psychological profiling takes place right alongside the search for tangible evidence. The characters of Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware are symbolic of this duality and represent the inclusion of investigating both aspects of every case to assure an exquisitely detailed journal of the hard work taken in tracking down a killer. It also assures having deliciously rounded out characters with a uniqueness that never fails to hold our interest.

The best part about a Jonathan Kellerman book? Everything. A superb writer—and a consistent one—he never seems to falter. And GHOST ORCHID is no exception. Flawless in composition, the dialogue bristles as the pacing keeps a steady advancement of plot. There’s also a surety in the words … a promise that you will be entertained. And we are. It’s why readers like me come back for more, and new releases are more an event likened to Christmas. Five stars for GHOST STORY and a salute for producing another winner.

Thank you to Random House/Ballantine Books for allowing me to read an advance copy.

Very goods. Many levels needed to be unraveled and it was done in a satisfying was. Small, secondary story was successfully concluded.

I can never say enough good things about JK. He was one of the first suspense authors I started reading and here we are at Alex #39!

Intriguing, smart, oddly charming.
This book was another hit.

Alex Delaware books are always a good read, but there is a very set formula to them. Alex and Milo have a weird murder, they speculate on the wildest possible explanations, and then it turns out they are right. I will keep reading them because I've read every one so far, but wow is it formulaic.

I don’t care how many books Mr Kellerman writes, I will read and cherish each and every one. This has been a go to author for me almost my entire life and I look forward every time I know a new book is coming.
Alex and Milo, as far as my opinion, have no other rivals in the book world as characters. I have loved reading their development. And I enjoy the way this author writes the plots. They bring the reader on a journey from start to finish. I also need to add the audiobooks are extremely well done also.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

The Ghost Orchid is written by Jonathan Kellerman. Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis are at it again. I absolutely love this team. This time - it's a double homicide. The victims Gio Aggiunta, the playboy heir to an Italian shoe empire, and a gorgeous, even wealthier neighbor named Meagin March. A married neighbor. However when they start to dig into Meagin's past - they suddenly have no idea who she actually is.

Meagin has a troubled past - she has overcome a poor and abusive background. She is married, living the life of luxury. Her husband leaves her alone a lot - which is how the affair with Gio Aggiunta starts. Who killed her? So many suspects. SO many twists and turns.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

It seems like forever I have been reading Alex Delaware books--and I never get tired, bored, or frustrated with them (well, maybe a little with Alex and Robin, they are the perfect couple; why don't they get married?). I have learned after all these years to plan on reading the book in one sitting--I just can't put it down and so must have uninterrupted time--I plan a Alex and Milo days. This new book is no exception to Kellerman's successful formula and yet it is always new and exciting. This one does seem to delve a little deeper into the character's backgrounds and Alex and Milo's relationship, but it makes the characters more real. I especially loved the author's reference to the Ghost Orchid made famous by Susan Orlean's book the Orchid Thief, it was kind of like an inside joke between author and reader...

I have been a huge fan of Jonathan Kellerman's books for a very long time and was extremely excited to read his newest Alex Delaware story, The Ghost Orchid. It is hard to believe that this is book number 39 in the series and all 39 of them have been a joy to read. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, whether you have read the other 38 Alex Delaware novels or not. These books are written so well, that you can pull out any one of them and be able to follow the story

Simply another fantastic Jonathan Kellerman book!

Another fantastic Kellerman novel. Always a great read from this fantastic author. Can’t wait to read the next by this stellar writer.

I became a big fan of Jonathan Keller man after reading his early works. But, it's been a long time since I last picked up one of his books. So,when he'd be publishing a new book soon, I jumped at the chance to read it. And I'm glad I did!

Most of Mr. Keller man's novels involve the character, Alex Delaware, a psychologist, and his best friend, Milo Sturgis, a detective lieutenant with the L. A. police. Their relationship is great. It's yin and yang. This time they're out to solve a double murder in Bel Air. They start out with nothing. And as usual, through good hard detective work, and a little help from their friends, manage to solve the crime. You will never guess who done it. It's that original.

This novel was fast paced and "unputdownable", if that's even a word. I loved it and think other mystery readers will too. It's a winner, as far as I'm concerned.

Once again Alex and Milo are back, and better than ever. I love how Kellerman continues their friendship and finds new mysteries and crazy stories to tell. What a great book!

I always think I will enjoy revisiting the characters in Kellerman’s books, it really seems like he’s calling it in. No interesting character development - they remain stagnant and have been for many books. Simple criminal procedure.

Another great Alex Delaware / Milo Sturgis mystery story! Jonanthan Kellerman stays true to the ongoing storyline of Alex and Milo working together to solve crimes and to help others. This is part of a series but easily reads as a standalone novel too. Entertaining, intriguing, easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis are faced with their most perplexing case yet when a double homicide investigation leads them to stolen identities and long-buried secrets worth killing for in The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman.

I cannot believe that this is the 39th book in the series. The stories still read fairly fresh and innovative. While this was just an okay read for me, I did like that I was back with familiar characters and getting more involved in their lives and storylines.

The plot held my attention, and the author's writing style kept me invested in the story. I wanted to find out more and see how the characters were going to handle all that was presented to them and what the outcome would be.

The Ghost Orchid is a good addition to the series and a good police procedural with twists and turns that are expected in this type of book to keep you guessing and reading to the revealing end.

#TheGhostOrchid #NetGalley @atrandom

The Ghost Orchid by Jonathan Kellerman is the latest book in Detective Milo Sturgis and Psychologist Alex Delaware series. The book starts off with a double homicide and Milo is pressed to figure out which one was the target and which one was collateral damage. I always enjoy the banter between Milo and Alex. This book kept my attention throughout and was a fast read.
I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for the ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Alex Delaware and Detective Milo are at it again. Together they are investigating a double homicide of a married wealthy woman and her younger lover. Both are shot through their hearts while lounging at the lover’s home. Who was the target and why were they targeted? Was it someone with an vendetta, the rich husband, or were they random victim’s. While the team investigates the woman’s home, Alex Delaware notices the woman’s paintings in her studio that is a different theme than all the rest. Will this painting lead to why she was killed and by whom?