This is the 40th book in the Alex Delaware Series. In this book Alex and Milo Sturgis investigate another murder utilizing both psychological and forensic analysis. The author manages to keep such a long running series both fresh and engaging. A must read for fans of the series.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

3.5 stars on this one.

This didn’t feel right. I adore Alex and Milo, they’re probably two of my favorite characters in fiction, but this seemed off.

Since this was the 40th book, I was hoping there’d be more of the friendship between Milo and Alex. There was the usual traffic talk, lavish descriptions of musical instruments, and a lot of Milo being overly fawning of Alex for doing what he’s been hired to do. The last few books have talked about the disconnect between the two and how they were getting past it, but there didn’t seem to be more than business between them. Like I said, it felt off.

The story was tenuous. There was so much time wasted on a bunch of people who didn’t do anything, and then poof!, Alex magically pull the answer out of thin air. The ending seemed very rushed, the whole wrapped in a very unsatisfactory few pages.

I will never not love a Kellerman book, but I didn’t really like this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

Just a word of thanks to both Ballantine Books/Random House, as well as netgalley.com for an advanced copy of this manuscript in exchange for an honest review.

Open Season is the 40th installment of a highly successful series of crime novels by Jonathan Kellerman. I have read the entire series - and continue to be amazed at how enjoyable they are. The combination of a Los Angeles lieutenant, Milo Sturgis, and his psychologist friend, Alex Delaware, have been excellent reads throughout the years for me. Open Season continues this wonderful series. The novel begins with a strange murder in the Los Angeles area - an unknown man in a dark hoodie stops quickly in front of a local hospital and dispatches "something" - which ends up being a body - brings Milo to contact Alex to pick his brain on the murder. As the novel continues, the murders pick up, all becoming eerily similar - a marksmen-like shot to the neck of the victims. Kellerman uses Alex's psychological skills to come up with theoretical answers as to the how and why these murders occur. Ultimately, Alex does help Milo solve this string of murders, but getting to the end of the novel is always enjoyable.

This was an enjoyable read - I am certainly biased, having read all of the 39 previous Alex Delaware novels. The "tie-ins" from the murders to the psychology behind the "why" of the murders have always made these Alex Delaware novels truly enjoyable reads for me.

An aspiring actress is found near the door to an emergency room. She was drugged and murdered for no reason. A person of interest is another hollywood hopeful, who is then shot by a sniper using a weapon from a previous murder. Bodys are piling up, but no connection can be found between the victims. Will Milo and Alex be able to find this complex killer. thanks netgalley

Open Season is Kellerman's 40th book in the Alex Delaware series and I'm pretty sure I've read every one. I love the relationship and banter between the police detective Milo and child psychologist Alex and it is front and center here. This wasn't my favorite in the series due to the slow start, but it still had Kellerman's signature twists and turns, so kept me entertained.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Jonathan Kellerman’s character Alex Delaware, has, with the publication of Open Season, now appeared in 40 books by the author. Although I have read almost of the books written by his wife, the author Faye Kellerman, I had never read one of Jonathan Kellerman’s. As a fan of police procedurals, mysteries, and psychological thrillers, I was not aware of how remiss I was but I will easily atone for that by working my way through 39 of his past Alex Delaware books.
For those readers who start with Open Season, Dr. Alex Delaware is a former clinical child psychologist who consults for the Los Angeles Police Department and specifically with Homicide Detective and friend, Milo Sturgis. Delaware provides psychological profiles for the police. Delaware and Sturgis are a formidable team and the setting of this story is equally formidable, taking place in a seedy part of LA ripe with murderers, rapists, drug dealers and their clientele, kidnappers, sex workers and sex traffickers. Several murders, including that of two wannabe Hollywood actors and the mother of a young child have taken place. Other than a 308 rifle known to be the weapon used in all of the killings, no other similarities between the victims can be discovered. Adding to the mystery, the weapon is found to have been fired upon its victims from a great distance. Similar murders having taken place in other parts of the country are uncovered.
Alex must use all of his skills as a psychologist to piece together the puzzle and working with Milo, find the assassin who it is believed has a personal vendetta. The chase is on.
The plot is clever, exciting and suspenseful with good dialogue and warm relationships between the two main characters as well as between Delaware and his wife. The story does involve date rape and misogyny. The ending wrapped things up nicely and yet I believe there just might be what could be considered a bit of a cliffhanger ending.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Open Season and to provide an honest review.

The fact that I read this book in two days is probably enough of a hint that it was another winner from Jonathan Kellerman. Seriously, how does he keep it up - book #40 in the Alex Delaware series! This time a serial killer is on the loose, killing seemingly innocuous people (well at least 4 out of 6 were innocuous). One person was killed with a long range rifle taking out the trash, another with her two year old child in a row boat on a placid lake. Alex and Milo know that there is a connection, based on bullet ballistics, but it takes Alex’s brilliant mind to finally pull it all together and determine whodunnit. Please keep this series going!

Open Season
Jonathan Kellerman
Open season is a wonderful book. Opens slowly and builds wonderfully. More cerebral than many others of the genre but what we have grown to expect from the author being a clinical psychologist.
Milo the detective and Dr. Alex Delaware of what they suspect is a serial killer and once they notice murders separated by time and distance. The voyage to the conclusion is entertaining and provocative.
I recommend this book highly and recommend reading all the previous books as the characters backstories come into play from time to time. There is one instance in this book where a comment is directed at Milo that addresses part of story but never mentioned in this book. Enjoy

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC for this one. Kellerman kept me interested and hooked while reading this one.

I love the interaction between Milo and Alex, it's one of my favorite series. This book was pretty good, of course they solved the crimes!

Can it be that this is the 40th book in the Alex Delaware series? 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 open a Kellerman book, I can’t seem to put it down.  

A young woman who was drugged is found dead. Soon after, the main suspect is discovered shot through his neck. The bullet that killed him matches an earlier murder and the investigative team suspect other deaths may be tied to the same killer. What do the victims have in common that will help them find the shooter?

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 the duo 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. Yes, this can be read as a standalone, if you are unfamiliar with this series and enjoy police procedurals, do yourself a favor and read some of the earlier ones as well.

Thank you to Net Galley, Jonathan Kellerman and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read this book ahead of publication.

It has been a bit since I have read a Jonathan Kellerman book, I have read some of the prior Alex Delaware books, but certainly need to go back and catch up on those that I have missed!

Alex Delaware is a psychologist that is pulled in by detective Milo Sturgis as a 'consultant' on a variety of crimes in the LA area. This story was a typical L A story of wannabe actresses, models, bouncer and the like trying to survive and make it in the city of Angels. The problem is some of them are turning up date and Alex and Milo need to determine how and why? Is this the work of one particularly sick individual or the work of a few psycho's running around? That is their task and they are certainly up to the task!

Keep alert as the twists and turns just keep coming in the book!

Another great story from M. Kellerman. Have been reading his books for years and he always amazes me with the stories., Milo and Dr. Delaware have to catch a seriial killer but can they do it before more people get killed. A gripping story for sure.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Jonathan Kellerman’s latest thriller, Open Season, plunges readers into the dark and twisted underbelly of Los Angeles, where dreams can quickly turn into nightmares. This 40th installment in the Alex Delaware series showcases Kellerman’s mastery of psychological suspense and his ability to craft a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story begins with the discovery of an aspiring actress’s body, dumped near a hospital emergency room. The victim has been drugged and murdered, and the motive remains elusive. As psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis delve into the case, they uncover a series of murders linked by a sniper’s rifle, each victim seemingly unconnected to the others. The investigation becomes a race against time as more bodies pile up, and the duo must decipher the complex motivations of a highly skilled killer.

Kellerman excels at creating multi-dimensional characters, and this carries forward in Open Season.

Alex Delaware’s analytical mind and Milo Sturgis’s street-smart instincts, as always, make for a magnetically appealing partnership. Their dynamic is both professional and personal, adding depth to the narrative.

The supporting characters, from Hollywood hopefuls to seasoned detectives, are vividly portrayed, each adding a layer of intrigue to the story.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, with twists and turns, keeping us guessing until the very end.

Kellerman’s depiction of Los Angeles is glamorous and gritty, capturing the city’s dual nature as a place of dreams and despair. The psychological complexity of the plot is a testament to Kellerman’s background in psychology, providing a chillingly realistic portrayal of a killer’s mind.

Open Season is a testament to Jonathan Kellerman’s enduring talent as a storyteller. Fans of the Alex Delaware series will NOT be disappointed, while new readers will find themselves quickly drawn into the world of suspense and mystery. This novel is a wild ride through the surreal landscape of L.A., culminating in a conclusion as shocking as it is satisfying.

Open Season is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller with deep psychological insights and a plot that keeps you hooked.

Jonathan Kellerman has once again proven why he is a master of the genre.

Mr. Kellerman’s novels are a must read for me. I love the interaction of Alex and Milo, an unlikely duo who always manage to solve the crime. This is a great story and has some twists, so you will not know where the clues lead. But please Mr. Kellerman, enough of writing about what roads they drive on and how long it takes them to get places.

For a series 40 books in, they still hit without being overly repetetive. There are few things I love more than a reliably good series. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Kellerman never ceases to amaze, with yet another Alex Delaware novel. (I cannot fathom how he manages to keep each story fresh after so many preceding novels in this series.) In Open Season, Detective Milo Sturgis and Dr Delaware are up against a vigilante killer with his own ideas as to who deserves to die and who does not. Are our heroes up to the task?

I found several typos, along with what could be choices(?) for the editor... For example, phrases in proper grammar vs contractions, such as "He might have been going/He might've gone..."

(I'm mainly pointing this out as a way of volunteering myself as a free proofreader. Wink, wink)

Loved this series. Kellerman is one of my favorite authors I read any and everything he writes. He just gets better with every novel

This plot was absolutely bananas and how it came together in the end, just WOW. I must say, I loved the banter between Milo and Alex in this one. I chuckled multiple times while I was reading. However, those minor moments didn't detract from the graveness of the overall plot.

Lt. Milo Sturgis of the LAPD has got a doozy of a homicide. Woman was seen being dumped at a failing hospital garage on a security camera. Can't see the killer's face, make or model of the car. He has his BFF, Dr. Alex Delaware, evaluate the case. When the evidence leads back to another homicide victim, different method this time, the case becomes even more puzzling. However, being the ace Milo is and the psychological analysis of Delaware, pieces start coming together that don't make any sense. It appears there is a serial killer in the midst, although one with an undetermined purpose and there are no current viable suspects. Until....

Like I said, the plot for this Delaware novel, in my opinion, is one of his best. Think a psychological Stephen King in terms of plot intricacy (only with apologies to Mr. King, Kellerman's ending are much better!). I wonder and also worry about where he gets his ideas. I am still thinking about this book even after I finished it.

For 40 books in a series, I am darned impressed. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

My thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Not normally my cup of tea but I needed something a bit different from the norm and this book did definitely keep me in suspense! I've not read the previous books in the series but it didn't seem to impact my ability to enjoy this one on its own.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballentine Books for the complimentary review copy!