“Open Season” by Jonathan Kellerman is #40 in this excellent series. Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis are immediately caught up in the mystery of a dead woman who was dumped near a hospital in a shabby part of Los Angeles. As the mystery enfolds, multiple people are showing up dead without a connection except for a 308 rifle used in their murders. It begins to look like we may have a very deranged serial killer without an obvious motive, and of course only Dr. Delaware can get behind the mind of this type of murderer while Milo works the tangible evidence to find him before he strikes again.

As always a very fun and exciting read. If you have never read any of this series before, this book stands on its own so it can be enjoyed by anyone who loves this genre.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

DNF at 44%

So, it’s an anniversary, but not the happiest of celebrations. First, let’s give credit where it is due. This is the 40th Alex Delaware book, so congratulations to Jonathan Kellerman on creating a character who, over time, has not become an insufferable asshole (looking at you, Kay Scarpetta) nor have his cases gone beyond the ludicrous by having every member of his family kidnapped, I think, and on and on (giving you the side eye, Alex Cross…plus, is Nama Mary 128 years old now? I haven’t read in book in awhile, so maybe she actually died…but I doubt it. Cash cow, that Nana Mary. Besides, who would cook?)

Nope, Alex and Milo Sturgis just keep fighting L.A. traffic (which, in true L.A. style you hear all about) and solving mysteries that don’t involve things like, you know, werewolves. So, for that, Mr. Kellerman, a tip of the hat.

This time Alex and Milo are investigating three seemingly unrelated murders. Note, by the way, that Milo has absolutely no reason to involve Alex so I guess Kellerman has decided that pretense was too much trouble this time.

The jacket information says the investigation is a “race against time” but some of these crimes took place over two years ago, so I’m not so sure about that. I’ll bet the jacket guy/gal didn’t even read the book. It IS the fortieth one. Just include the right names, “L.A.,” “murderous spree,” “twisted killer,” “race against time” and then “where’s my check?”

But I digress. This….is not the pair’s best outing. It was incredibly boring and hard to follow. I get that the crimes were unrelated, maybe they were so unrelated I couldn’t bring myself to care? So I gave up. Usually I find Alex pretty reliable, but not this time…sad for an anniversary book.

But in tribute to the 40th:

“Good Lord, Alex, how can you stand to live in that world, even part time?”
I said, “It can be challenging, Lee. But it’s not that different from the other work I do. From what you do.”
“Uh-uh, I’m sorry, that makes no sense to me.”
“Different tools for trying to fix the world.”

Happy 40th, Dr. Delaware. I’ll be back for more.

Another great Jonathan Kellerman book! I have read every book in the series and they are still as good as the first ones. Looking forward to reading the next installment. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

This is such a good book! I love Alex Delaware and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I just love the way Homicide Detective Milo and his Psychologist pal Alex play off each other. Whenever there’s a case Milo needs perspective and insight on, either the perpetrator or the victim, Alex has the ability to see things in a different light. The setting and atmosphere in L.A. authentic, I just wish I could walk to some of their local eateries. They seem to do their best theorizing over food and drink. Milo has a new investigation involving an unexplained death. It’s a body dump at a small hospital with no leads on suspected perpetrators or motives. Little does he realize that this is just the beginning of a demented rampage by a precise sniper. There are few clues other than the weapon’s history. Victims are piling up and Milo need a break soon to put this to an end. Can Alex come up with a profile or anything to help Milo stop this psycho? As always the plot kept me guessing and reading far into the night for answers.
These are characters I hear and see in my head as I read their stories. I can’t wait to see what difficult criminal they’ll encounter next. Thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “Open Season” An Alex Delaware Novel (volume 40) author Jonathan Kellerman, publication expected 02/04/2025. The honest personal thoughts and opinions given are mine given without compensation.

Open Season, Book 40 of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series, is another extraordinary action packed police procedural that will not bore even the most jaded cop book readers. Psychologist Alex Delaware is tasked by his close personal and professional friend, Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis, with stopping what appears at first to be a typical killer but turns out to be a brilliant challenge to Alex who often thinks he's seen it all. Not this one, though. This might be his cleverest mystery.

I always enjoy the interaction between Alex and Milo in the books, how they play off against each other, one inspiring the other as they together unravel even the knottiest crimes. Milo’s solid problem solving basics are a perfect complement to Alex's ability to connect even the most disparate dots. I am looking forward to the next book.

As a Jonathan Kellerman fan since When the Bough Breaks in the 80's, I have watched main characters Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis solve many cases. The stories are always twisty, turny with some being better than others. One thing that doesn't change however, is the men's deep friendship. I love that. I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning, but that is a LOT of books so one could read this one, #40, I believe, as a standalone for a really good mystery about acting hopefuls being murdered. The first victim is a young actress dumped at a hospital, dead of an overdose. Her friends swear she would not touch drugs. The next girl is shot to death. Possibly a serial sniper? Here come Alex and Milo to the rescue! As I have said before, enjoy this one, but do yourself a favor and read the entire series! You're welcome!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Jonathan Kellerman and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I will post my review to Amazon, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication.

What I'm about to say will sound slightly strange because I'm talking about a crime novel complete with multiple shocking murders, but the Alex Delaware series always makes me feel all warm and cozy. I think that's because I know exactly what to expect every time. There's always a mystery with some really bad guys, but the good guys also always prevail, and getting from start to finish is always filled with lots of detailed police procedure mixed with some awesome psychological sleuthing. This one was no exception. Since the plot of this book follows somewhat of a formula, and long-time fans no exactly what there getting, I'll just point out a couple of things that I think set Jonathan Kellerman's writing apart. First, the setting. I've never been to Los Angeles, but after reading this series, I feel like I have. The city almost comes alive in these books, almost like it's another character. I can't think of another book, not set in a fantasy world, where the setting is so vivid. Second, the male friendship. So many times male friends in literature are forced into romantic situations or are portrayed as something like drinking buddies or sports teammates, but in this series Alex and Milo are friends in the truest sense of the word. It's so refreshing to read. Even though I love the mystery aspect, if this series was written in another genre, I'd still read it just for the friendship.

Another great page-turner with Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis. Is Los Angeles facing another serial killer, this one with the skills of a sniper? People are turning up dead - shot with a .308 rifle and yet there are no connections and no reason why they show up dead. First is an aspiring actress dumped behind a hospital and when they come close to apprehending her killer, he winds up shot in the neck on his terrace. Then a mom is found floating on the lake in her boat, with her two-year-old traumatized beside her. A Rapper/DJ is next on the list and a beloved teacher is shot while taking out his trash. Only Alex Delaware can help get behind the mind of a killer and unravel this mystery before more are killed. Definitely one of Kellerman's best so far. I didn't want it to end. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the privilege of reading an advance reader copy of this amazing book.

Alex and Milo are at it again in their usual complementary and engaging manner.
When a couple of single shot victims seem too similar to be coincidence, they start to sift
thoughts of a possible serial killer, Milo and Alex go to work sifting clues and studying crime scenes to
find similar patterns.
As is usual for them, Alex works on the possible phycological profile presented by Milo works with the
tangible evidence.
Together, they work to stop a killer before he strikes again.
Great story with easy paced reading and strong. likeable, returning characters.
Every police force should have a Milo and Dt Delaware. in their ranks.

4 stars

This book didn’t captivate me like a good Jonathan Kellerman novel usually does.

It was still a very good read. Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and Dr. Alex Delaware hop into their latest case. This is a twisty story.

A young woman, desperate to become an actress, is found dumped at a local hospital. She is dead of an overdose. Her friends and roommates all claim that she would never touch drugs.

The second aspiring actress is shot to death. The gun turns out to be one used in another unsolved murder. In fact, multiple murders.

Just what is going on here?

The writing is very good, the plotting excellent. I enjoyed the story, as I have nearly all of Mr. Kellerman’s novels. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of Milo and Alex.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Jonathan Kellerman does it again with a twisty, turvy mystery that will have you guessing til the end!

Another great Kellerman novel. I am a huge fan and truly enjoyed this story. I enjoy how he develops his characters and settings. It is easy to picture in your mind as you read. 3 stars

Alex and Milo face an extremely complex case after the body of a young actress is left in front of a hospital emergency room. Things become even more complicated when, soon after, more bodies are found. Their investigation is complicated by the fact that there is no connection between the murder victims. If it is simply the act of a thrill-seeking murderer, they are now faced with an impossible task. They find themselves facing a highly motivated killer whom they have never encountered.
Jonathan Kellerman's latest best-seller is filled with twists and turns, leading the reader through a dark, complex world that ends with a shocking conclusion that ends with a fantastic ending.

I am a huge fan of the Alex Delaware series, I have read every single one, so I was ecstatic to get an early copy of the 40th (!) book from NetGalley. Kellerman never disappoints: intriguing mystery, great writing, characters you feel like you really get to know. Readers who are new to the series would enjoy this as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading all of the books. I loved this one and am anxiously awaiting #41!

Dr. Alex Delaware and homicide detective Milo Sturgis investigate when the body of an aspiring actress is dumped outside of a hospital. Their investigation gets complicated when more people start turning up dead and they fear a thrill killer may be on the loose. You can always expect a fast and entertaining read from Kellerman, and this is no exception.

On a personal note, I've been reading Kellerman since the eighties (my mom was a fan and I used to read Kellerman's books when she was done with them) and Milo Sturgis is the first nonstereotypical LGBTQ+ character I can remember seeing in a book, so thank.you to Jonathan Kellerman for giving me the representation I needed at a young age.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader's copy! The book will be published on February 4th, 2025.

Never disappointed! So excited to finish them and waiting impatiently for the next. This one is a super challenging one to connect the dots...but of course they do! I feel like Alex Delaware is almost full time working with Milo these days...answering every penny (is he even paid)? This one was excellent!

#OpenSeason #NetGalley

Thank you Random House Publishing and Jonathan Kellerman for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Alex and Milo have done it again! I’ve loved reading about these two and their adventures since I was a pre-teen. Jonathan Kellerman was the one who got me into my love for reading thrillers and true crime.

Alex and Milo start off trying to solve two murders whose only link to each other seems to be the murderer becomes the murdered. Then when more cases come to light matching that of the Murderer two stemming from over 15 years ago in Ohio they have to figure out who the killer is before someone else dies.

You get the familiar witty banter of Milo and Alex with a mix of other original characters of Robin and our four legged bestie Blanche.

5/5 yes.. can’t wait for the next one

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and TikTok and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Another hit in this ongoing series from the author. Filled with the usual mixture of mystery and suspense along with an intriguing storyline. This is a book which can be easily read and understood without reading others in the series. Certainly a book which I would recommend to others.

As a longtime fan of Dr. Alex Delaware and Lieutenant Milo Sturgis, I look forward to each new installment in the series. This 40th book reminded me of putting together a jigsaw puzzle. It starts off slowly with no real understanding of the final picture but piece-by-piece the process speeds up as the picture begins to take form.

Alex and Milo team up once again to solve what appears to be a string of unrelated homicides. Supported by the “kids” as Milo refers to the younger detectives, they begin to sift through the plethora of clues until the true suspect emerges with a surprising twist. At times there were so many variables and people that it was a bit challenging to keep them straight as the story unfolds.

The best part of Kellerman’s books is twofold. First, the repartee and quirky aspects of the Alex and Milo bromance are always entertaining. The second is Kellerman’s talent for highly evocative descriptions of places and characters. This is an entertaining addition to the series, but not my favorite.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.