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Alex Delaware #39
The Ghost Orchid
Some secrets are worth killing for.
In an upscale Bel Air property, two lovers are found dead in a swimming pool. The man is the playboy heir to a business empire, and the woman is his even wealthier married neighbour.
An illicit affair is the perfect motive. But the house is untouched - no forced entry, no forensic evidence - and so LAPD homicide lieutenant Milo Sturgis and asks psychologist Alex Delaware to help unpick the case.
It quickly becomes clear that both victims had troubled pasts. Now Alex and Milo must confront LA's darkest side as they unravel a trail of deadly secrets . . .
In an upscale Bel Air property, two lovers are found dead in a swimming pool. The man is the playboy heir to a business empire, and the woman is his even wealthier married neighbour.
An illicit affair is the perfect motive. But the house is untouched - no forced entry, no forensic evidence - and so LAPD homicide lieutenant Milo Sturgis and asks psychologist Alex Delaware to help unpick the case.
It quickly becomes clear that both victims had troubled pasts. Now Alex and Milo must confront LA's darkest side as they unravel a trail of deadly secrets . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
2081 people are currently reading
7618 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
200 books5,804 followersJonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles. He helped work his way through UCLA as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor and freelance musician. As a senior, at the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
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January 23, 2024
The Ghost Orchid
by Jonathan Kellerman brings more than just murder to the 39th book in the Alex Delaware series. It combines a police procedural with psychology to bring additional insights into the story and people. The books also tend to be cerebral in nature and less on action.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when Milo is called to the scene of a double murder. Gio Aggiunta, the playboy son of an Italian shoe empire owner and his married neighbor Meagin March were found dead near the pool. There’s no forced entry, no forensic evidence, and no sign of a robbery. As Milo and Alex investigate the victims, they find both had troubled pasts. As they continue to pursue leads, more layers are added to the victims’ characters.
Milo and Alex have been friends for years and while they often approach cases from different standpoints, their investigative and cognitive techniques gel as well as their dispositions, and they keep the cases fresh and entertaining. The way they bounce ideas off each other feels natural. At this stage of the series, the main characters are well known to this reader and have depth. Some secondary characters from previous books in the series show up to keep things interesting and provide additional awareness of how Milo and his team work together. It was great to see Detective Alicia Bogomil have a larger role in this novel and Alex’s partner Robin showed up several times as well.
Kellerman’s writing is polished and appealing, doing a good job of transporting me to the Los Angeles area. Whether they are talking about or experiencing the traffic or food or the people, I was living the events with Milo and Alex. Food shows up frequently in this series. They both want to achieve justice and hold bad people accountable for their actions. The story is well-plotted and has characters that felt authentic.
As always, the story is descriptive. This book will thrill fans of police procedurals who relish a story with realistic and diverse characters. Additionally, several themes are explored including mental health, divorce, friendship, family, rage, and much more. While this story isn’t high on suspense, it is a well-conceived and executed mystery.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Milo and Alex’s world and their latest case. It was an engaging read with a deeply involved plot and a solid mystery to unravel. I also liked the insights into Alex’s work with child custody and evaluation cases.
Readers that like the series, mysteries, and police procedurals should enjoy this latest novel. I don’t recommend jumping into this series at number 39, though. Start earlier in the series to have the best reading experience. I have read over 20 books in the series and plan to read them all. They’re never disappointing.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 6, 2024.
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My 4.22 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when Milo is called to the scene of a double murder. Gio Aggiunta, the playboy son of an Italian shoe empire owner and his married neighbor Meagin March were found dead near the pool. There’s no forced entry, no forensic evidence, and no sign of a robbery. As Milo and Alex investigate the victims, they find both had troubled pasts. As they continue to pursue leads, more layers are added to the victims’ characters.
Milo and Alex have been friends for years and while they often approach cases from different standpoints, their investigative and cognitive techniques gel as well as their dispositions, and they keep the cases fresh and entertaining. The way they bounce ideas off each other feels natural. At this stage of the series, the main characters are well known to this reader and have depth. Some secondary characters from previous books in the series show up to keep things interesting and provide additional awareness of how Milo and his team work together. It was great to see Detective Alicia Bogomil have a larger role in this novel and Alex’s partner Robin showed up several times as well.
Kellerman’s writing is polished and appealing, doing a good job of transporting me to the Los Angeles area. Whether they are talking about or experiencing the traffic or food or the people, I was living the events with Milo and Alex. Food shows up frequently in this series. They both want to achieve justice and hold bad people accountable for their actions. The story is well-plotted and has characters that felt authentic.
As always, the story is descriptive. This book will thrill fans of police procedurals who relish a story with realistic and diverse characters. Additionally, several themes are explored including mental health, divorce, friendship, family, rage, and much more. While this story isn’t high on suspense, it is a well-conceived and executed mystery.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Milo and Alex’s world and their latest case. It was an engaging read with a deeply involved plot and a solid mystery to unravel. I also liked the insights into Alex’s work with child custody and evaluation cases.
Readers that like the series, mysteries, and police procedurals should enjoy this latest novel. I don’t recommend jumping into this series at number 39, though. Start earlier in the series to have the best reading experience. I have read over 20 books in the series and plan to read them all. They’re never disappointing.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 6, 2024.
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My 4.22 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
June 26, 2024
Child psychologist Alex Delaware who has also lent his help and expertise to the Los Angeles police department with their request from his best friend Lieutenant detective Milo Sturgis who calls Alex in on complicated cases which together they have solved many, many cases over the years. Now over in Beverly Hills they are called to the brutal double murder of model, handsome Gio Aggiunta and his apparent paramour, gorgeous Meagin March who also happens to be a very wealthy, married woman. The murders appear to be an assassination but Alex and Milo will have to find out who the real target was unless it happened to be both the man and the woman!
The case will take them down many twisted avenues involving several different suspects with plenty of motives yet the puzzle pieces don't quite fit and then a few more bodies turn up that could be connected to one of the victims or maybe not! This is where Milo depends on Alex to observe and analyze every player, victim and suspect with a fine toothed comb.
I really enjoyed this latest novel by author Jonathan Kellerman. This book brought me back to all the reasons I fell in love with the stand-alone
Alex Delaware series! The chemistry of the friendship between Alex and Milo felt comfortable again where the banter was appropriate and not overdone. Their personal lives are shown in a subtle, interesting and tasteful way yet stayed in the background so the story steered straight into the mystery and drama of all the characters who were involved somehow with the murder victims.
This book also showed an emotional depth which was quite unexpected. I forgot all about the title "The Ghost Orchid" and the big reveal doesn't occur until after the fifty percent mark. I also thought it was brilliant how that title intertwined with the back story of one particular character and I also loved the meaning behind "GHOST ORCHID" so this added another special dimension to this wonderfully written detective mystery/thriller.
I highly recommend to any dark, crime/mystery/ detective novel readers, you won't be disappointed!
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing/Ballantine" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 UNIQUE AND PUZZLING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
The case will take them down many twisted avenues involving several different suspects with plenty of motives yet the puzzle pieces don't quite fit and then a few more bodies turn up that could be connected to one of the victims or maybe not! This is where Milo depends on Alex to observe and analyze every player, victim and suspect with a fine toothed comb.
I really enjoyed this latest novel by author Jonathan Kellerman. This book brought me back to all the reasons I fell in love with the stand-alone
Alex Delaware series! The chemistry of the friendship between Alex and Milo felt comfortable again where the banter was appropriate and not overdone. Their personal lives are shown in a subtle, interesting and tasteful way yet stayed in the background so the story steered straight into the mystery and drama of all the characters who were involved somehow with the murder victims.
This book also showed an emotional depth which was quite unexpected. I forgot all about the title "The Ghost Orchid" and the big reveal doesn't occur until after the fifty percent mark. I also thought it was brilliant how that title intertwined with the back story of one particular character and I also loved the meaning behind "GHOST ORCHID" so this added another special dimension to this wonderfully written detective mystery/thriller.
I highly recommend to any dark, crime/mystery/ detective novel readers, you won't be disappointed!
I want to thank the publisher "Random House Publishing/Ballantine" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 UNIQUE AND PUZZLING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
June 18, 2024
In this 39th book in the 'Alex Delaware' series, the psychologist Alex Delaware helps his friend, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, investigate a double murder in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood.
The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a plus.
*****
Gio Aggiunta and Meagin March are preparing for a little illicit poolside nooky at Gio's ritzy Los Angeles home when someone shoots them both dead.
LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis......
.....and psychologist Alex Delaware, who consults for the LAPD, examine the crime scene and determine this was a premeditated murder, not a robbery gone wrong.
Looking into the background of the victims, the investigators learn that 29-year-old Gio Aggiunta was (nominally) an executive at the Aggiunta luxury shoe company, but Gio actually did no work. The Aggiunta family supported Gio, and paid for everything in his playboy lifestyle.
Gio's lover, 42-year-old Meagin March, was a nouveau-rich (by marriage) playgirl.
Meagin was wed to millionaire executive Douglass March, who claims he didn't know his wife was having an affair. Moreover, Douglass was out of town on the day of the murders. So unless Douglass ordered a killing-for-hire, Milo and Alex have to look for other suspects.
Milo and Alex proceed to interview people who knew the victims, and they learn that Gio has been dating 'older women' for years, ever since he was jilted by an 18-year-old girl. Gio has had many lovers, some of them married, so this seems like a rich suspect pool.
A deep dive into Meagin's history reveals that she's used many different names in the past, and was struggling financially until she married rich-boy Douglass March.
Alex and Milo use the backstories of Gio and Meagin to try to determine who was the primary victim and who was collateral damage. The investigators go back and forth about this until another murder occurs, which points them in the right direction.
Meanwhile, psychologist Alex - whose day job is consulting on court cases involving children - agrees to interview an adopted boy whose parents are divorcing. It seems neither parent wants custody of the child, which leaves Alex (and the judge) with a difficult dilemma.
As always in this series, Alex spends time with his girlfriend Robin and their cute French bulldog Blanche;
and Milo eats a lot, often raiding Alex and Robin's refrigerator for sustenance.
The earlier books in the Alex Delaware series, with perpetrators who were weird psychopaths, were more interesting in my opinion. Still, readers familiar with the Alex Delaware novels know what to expect, and this is an enjoyable suspense story.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
March 24, 2024
It has been quite a while since I have picked up an Alex Delaware book, and I forgot how much I enjoyed them. Love Milo, the big burly, but tender hearted detective. Despite all the horror he has seen, he manages still to be empathetic. Alex,a psychiatrist , often helps Milo with difficult cases and so they are working together to find the killer of a double murder.
One of the best things about this series, is the descriptive manner in which they are told. Clothes, human characteristics, setting are all so vividly described that one can picture them in one’s minds eye. Plus there are no graphic scenes, just a brief description of the murder and then some solid police work to catch the killer. This case is particularly twisty.
One of the best things about this series, is the descriptive manner in which they are told. Clothes, human characteristics, setting are all so vividly described that one can picture them in one’s minds eye. Plus there are no graphic scenes, just a brief description of the murder and then some solid police work to catch the killer. This case is particularly twisty.
April 12, 2024
I have to remove Mr. Kellerman from my authors to read list. Too boring.
December 15, 2023
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.
Thanks to #netgalley and @randomhouse #ballantinebooks for the ARC
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.
Thanks to #netgalley and @randomhouse #ballantinebooks for the ARC
February 13, 2024
Pathetic
I've read all the books in this series. This book barely has a plot. Much of it repeats basic character bits. Blanche, the Frenchie, begging for food, Robin working on guitars, Milo eating. The baby detectives are running around doing foot work. But the story is missing. Its less about Whodoneit and more about who the dead are. When that's revealed, it not much. The murderer is dropped into the story at the last minute and it's a cheat. One of the pleasures of mysteries is trying to guess the culprit, the reveal that shows what you as the reader didn't figure out. But this is a deus ex machina. The secondary plot just seems to have been written in as an after thought. Maybe AI wrote this? If this is the best Kellerman can do, it's time to send Delaware into retirement.
I've read all the books in this series. This book barely has a plot. Much of it repeats basic character bits. Blanche, the Frenchie, begging for food, Robin working on guitars, Milo eating. The baby detectives are running around doing foot work. But the story is missing. Its less about Whodoneit and more about who the dead are. When that's revealed, it not much. The murderer is dropped into the story at the last minute and it's a cheat. One of the pleasures of mysteries is trying to guess the culprit, the reveal that shows what you as the reader didn't figure out. But this is a deus ex machina. The secondary plot just seems to have been written in as an after thought. Maybe AI wrote this? If this is the best Kellerman can do, it's time to send Delaware into retirement.
January 28, 2024
The Ghost Orchid is Jonathan Kellerman’s 39th book in the Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis partnership dealing with crime in Los Angeles. And the mystery level ranks up with the best of them. Initially the crime scene appears much like many others but once they look below the surface, all bets are off. Not everyone is who or what they seem to be. But with layers and layers of clouds covering history, and many years, how will Alex and Milo use their various skills to find the facts they need to identify a killer?
Another positive aspect of this episode for me was Alex’s involvement in a difficult, and different, child custody case. Often in recent years, these cases have had minimal place in these novels. It’s nice to see Alex practicing his primary job a bit more overtly.
Ghost Orchid can be read as a standalone for anyone new to the series as it provides enough background on primary characters to enter into the action.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This review is my own.
Another positive aspect of this episode for me was Alex’s involvement in a difficult, and different, child custody case. Often in recent years, these cases have had minimal place in these novels. It’s nice to see Alex practicing his primary job a bit more overtly.
Ghost Orchid can be read as a standalone for anyone new to the series as it provides enough background on primary characters to enter into the action.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This review is my own.
February 11, 2024
The Ghost Orchid is the 39th book in the Alex Delaware Series, and it's an incredible addition to the series!!
I think my favorite part of this series is the camaraderie that Alex and Milo share. If you are searching for a compelling police procedural - one that brims with suspects, twists and turns, and an adorable dog named Blanche, give this series a spin. (The Ghost Orchid can even be read as a standalone.)
A bit of trivia: Ghost orchids are considered one of the most elusive orchids in existence due to loss of habitat, destructive hurricanes, rising sea levels, and poaching. And, sadly, ghost orchids rarely survive when taken from the wild.
Big thanks to both #Ballantine and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Ghost Orchid #JonathanKellerman
I think my favorite part of this series is the camaraderie that Alex and Milo share. If you are searching for a compelling police procedural - one that brims with suspects, twists and turns, and an adorable dog named Blanche, give this series a spin. (The Ghost Orchid can even be read as a standalone.)
A bit of trivia: Ghost orchids are considered one of the most elusive orchids in existence due to loss of habitat, destructive hurricanes, rising sea levels, and poaching. And, sadly, ghost orchids rarely survive when taken from the wild.
Big thanks to both #Ballantine and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Ghost Orchid #JonathanKellerman
February 4, 2024
I have read quite a few in this Alex Delaware series, so of course I had to pick this one up. I always enjoy Jonathan Kellerman's novels.
Description:
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 this riveting thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.
Los Angeles is a city of reinvention. Many come to start anew, to strike it big. Many kill the person they once were, the person they left behind. And in turn, someone else can turn around and kill them, too—permanently.
A housekeeper enters a secluded, upscale home and discovers two bodies floating in the The heir of an Italian shoe empire and an unknown woman. The house is untouched, but a "double" in Bel Air certainly makes this case stand out from the usual.
No forced entry means this could have been an inside job. After all, the woman floating in the pool is revealed to be Meagin March, a married neighbor from down the street, who lives in an even more opulent and sprawling mansion. Married woman having an affair? That's a perfect motive.
But not everything is as it seems. At her wedding, Meagin had no family and a tip from Meagin's mother-in-law raises their suspicions. Who was she, exactly?
Learning the truth about this mysterious woman—uncovering her identity and motivations—will take Alex and Milo on one of the most shocking journeys of their careers.
My Thoughts:
This book provided enough history in the course of the read to make it a stand alone and easily read and enjoyed even if you haven't read any of the others in the series (however, they are all good so I recommend that you read them if you get a chance). I enjoy the way Alex and Milo work together. Each of them has different skills that complement each other, which ultimately helps them solve cases. This is a strong police procedural and the investigation is not so much fast-paced as it it thoughtfully followed through. It is well written and kept my interest throughout. I recognized some of the charaters from previous books popping up from time to time. I really like Alex's partner Robin - she is an independent thinker and restores old or broken guitars. The dialog between the characters is enjoyable as they work through the clues and delve further and further into the investigation. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys police procedurals.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
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 this riveting thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.
Los Angeles is a city of reinvention. Many come to start anew, to strike it big. Many kill the person they once were, the person they left behind. And in turn, someone else can turn around and kill them, too—permanently.
A housekeeper enters a secluded, upscale home and discovers two bodies floating in the The heir of an Italian shoe empire and an unknown woman. The house is untouched, but a "double" in Bel Air certainly makes this case stand out from the usual.
No forced entry means this could have been an inside job. After all, the woman floating in the pool is revealed to be Meagin March, a married neighbor from down the street, who lives in an even more opulent and sprawling mansion. Married woman having an affair? That's a perfect motive.
But not everything is as it seems. At her wedding, Meagin had no family and a tip from Meagin's mother-in-law raises their suspicions. Who was she, exactly?
Learning the truth about this mysterious woman—uncovering her identity and motivations—will take Alex and Milo on one of the most shocking journeys of their careers.
My Thoughts:
This book provided enough history in the course of the read to make it a stand alone and easily read and enjoyed even if you haven't read any of the others in the series (however, they are all good so I recommend that you read them if you get a chance). I enjoy the way Alex and Milo work together. Each of them has different skills that complement each other, which ultimately helps them solve cases. This is a strong police procedural and the investigation is not so much fast-paced as it it thoughtfully followed through. It is well written and kept my interest throughout. I recognized some of the charaters from previous books popping up from time to time. I really like Alex's partner Robin - she is an independent thinker and restores old or broken guitars. The dialog between the characters is enjoyable as they work through the clues and delve further and further into the investigation. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys police procedurals.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
September 6, 2023
I wait patiently for each new book. This time I was waiting to make sure that Alex, (Dr. Delaware) was going to be
healed from his serious injuries of months earlier, and while he’s better, best friend, Lt Sturgis, is still feeling guilty
for allowing Alex to be placed in harms way… While not the focus of the story, I appreciated it because one of the
reasons few civilians are hauled around to crime scenes is the potential for injury or worse…
In this book, we have a series of oddities surrounding bodies found in a swimming pool. Suspects abound-
answers are long and hard to come to the surface. Not all victims pull at my heartstrings, but these folks worked at it until I almost felt for them…
This is one of.my favorite in this series because we do not exactly clear everything up in the usual ways, and there
is at least one situation left without much resolution..
Also, the Title of the book is really what caught my eye~ as a native and life long Californian, I had not heard of
a “Ghost Orchid.” Native to Florida. and while the tie wasn’t immediately obvious, it’s there..
As usual, I recommend this book highly, and am going to read it again to see if I can figure a few things out…
My thanks to Ballentine Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read
this book for review purposes.
healed from his serious injuries of months earlier, and while he’s better, best friend, Lt Sturgis, is still feeling guilty
for allowing Alex to be placed in harms way… While not the focus of the story, I appreciated it because one of the
reasons few civilians are hauled around to crime scenes is the potential for injury or worse…
In this book, we have a series of oddities surrounding bodies found in a swimming pool. Suspects abound-
answers are long and hard to come to the surface. Not all victims pull at my heartstrings, but these folks worked at it until I almost felt for them…
This is one of.my favorite in this series because we do not exactly clear everything up in the usual ways, and there
is at least one situation left without much resolution..
Also, the Title of the book is really what caught my eye~ as a native and life long Californian, I had not heard of
a “Ghost Orchid.” Native to Florida. and while the tie wasn’t immediately obvious, it’s there..
As usual, I recommend this book highly, and am going to read it again to see if I can figure a few things out…
My thanks to Ballentine Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read
this book for review purposes.
October 29, 2024
Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine /Penguin Random House LLC (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.
As a huge fan of this series (this is #39!) I am biased in that I love the characters and am invested in their evolution. But even if this weren't the case, as a mystery/crime lover, I am pretty sure I would still give the same 5 star rating given the depth of characters and the engaging storyline. No spoilers here to ruin the mystery for others, and you need not have read any of the prior books to enjoy this one.
What I will share is that the case, as usual, is a murder and the frustration of the characters as they work their way toward solving it is palpable. I was torn as I read along because I wanted to know who was responsible but also, I wanted to savor the reading experience for as long as possible. Other bookworms will understand this push-pull of not wanting to put the book down to find out the answer but forcing yourself to put the book down to extend the gratification since once it's finished, the long wait for the next one begins.
I am also happy to report that there seemed to be less descriptions of driving around L.A. I suppose it wouldn't be a true Alex Delaware story without these bits but I wasn't as distracted by the inclusion this time (in some past books these descriptions are mind-numbing and have pulled me out of the story- but not so in this one!).
As a huge fan of this series (this is #39!) I am biased in that I love the characters and am invested in their evolution. But even if this weren't the case, as a mystery/crime lover, I am pretty sure I would still give the same 5 star rating given the depth of characters and the engaging storyline. No spoilers here to ruin the mystery for others, and you need not have read any of the prior books to enjoy this one.
What I will share is that the case, as usual, is a murder and the frustration of the characters as they work their way toward solving it is palpable. I was torn as I read along because I wanted to know who was responsible but also, I wanted to savor the reading experience for as long as possible. Other bookworms will understand this push-pull of not wanting to put the book down to find out the answer but forcing yourself to put the book down to extend the gratification since once it's finished, the long wait for the next one begins.
I am also happy to report that there seemed to be less descriptions of driving around L.A. I suppose it wouldn't be a true Alex Delaware story without these bits but I wasn't as distracted by the inclusion this time (in some past books these descriptions are mind-numbing and have pulled me out of the story- but not so in this one!).
September 5, 2023
This latest entry in the Alex Delaware series has a lot of heart.
I ended up feeling for our victims in this one. I didn’t necessarily start out that way, but as the story continued and I learned more about them, it was heartbreaking.
And funnily enough, a relatively minor plot point had me actually tearing up at the end. I mean, geez…it wasn’t even anything do to with the story, but the author got me right in the feels!
The story is suspenseful and it’s the kind of story that sticks with you.
An excellent read!
• ARC via Publisher
I ended up feeling for our victims in this one. I didn’t necessarily start out that way, but as the story continued and I learned more about them, it was heartbreaking.
And funnily enough, a relatively minor plot point had me actually tearing up at the end. I mean, geez…it wasn’t even anything do to with the story, but the author got me right in the feels!
The story is suspenseful and it’s the kind of story that sticks with you.
An excellent read!
• ARC via Publisher
September 11, 2024
"Nearly getting killed can change your life in interesting ways."I must have missed something in the previous book because I sure don't remember Alex being seriously injured by something Milo did, nor do I remember Rick leaving Milo or vice versa.
"She reached into her purse, drew a cloth hankie, and dabbed. Milo always keeps a couple in his pocket. Linen, monogrammed set, a gift from the man he'd lived with for years.""he'd lived with" sounds past tense.
Both stuck in my mind throughout The Ghost Orchid, so feel free to let me know what I missed.
The Ghost Orchid is pretty much a boring snooze fest. The now undynamic duo again plod their way through discussions, guesses and wild goose chases trying to figure out which is the intended victim and who wanted both dead. They must not know about DNA and/or fingerprints. Luckily, Robin likes word puzzles.
I'm not even sure Jonathan Kellerman paid attention to his own writing. At one point Milo speaks to a woman about one of the victims,
"What'd he do?"Um, Alex, Milo never said he was a victim, only that he had died.
Milo said, "He died."
... "She pitched forward, caught herself. Lowered her hand and said, "No"
..."Such a nice guy. A sweet guy, he was always out to... sweet and nice. Who would do that?"
The only genuine characters were the Italians. The rest are one-dimensional.
The plot line about Alex's next child evaluation woven through The Ghost Orchid is awful, with a convenient ending that had nothing to do with Alex. It's unnecessary and dumb.
Robin, Milo, and Blanche all ate less in The Ghost Orchid. Whew. I was worried about their weight. No word on the Koi, though.
2 generous stars for The Ghost Orchid. I wonder how many more books are in Kellerman's contract.
September 2, 2023
This is the 39th (!!!) book in the Dr. Alex Delaware series and I’m one of those obsessed readers who has read them all. And Jonathan Kellerman keeps creating unique books full of new mysteries and interesting psychological analyses. This novel, “The Ghost Orchid” would have captured my interest by just the title alone (a rare, hard-to-find Florida orchid that was featured in Susan Orlean’s bestseller “The Orchid Thief”). This name is definitely Kellerman’s most unique and interesting title.
Dr. Delaware's assistance is again requested by Detective Milo Sturgis and together they take us on another amazing journey of deductive reasoning helped along by the doc’s keen observations of the people involved. It’s still a thrill to see well-developed play theories and ideas off each other, sometimes realizing they are going in the wrong direction, but ultimately hitting on the “just right” solution.
In this crime thriller, Alex is still recovering from almost being killed by a lunatic with a bat in the last book and it takes a guilty-feeling Milo over four months to again invite Alex on a “different case”. There’s two naked people shot poolside at a BelAir rental. He’s the scion of an Italian shoe empire (there’s an impressive closet); she’s an older married neighbor. Kellerman’s storytelling skills evolve from this point. Which one was the target? Both had shallow pasts. Why would a murderer kill both of them? As usual, it’s a steady pace of interviews and theories, following leads and then following new ones. I love this sort of police procedural — Alex and Milo are reliable and competent and it’s through hard police work that the crimes they investigate get solved. 5 stars! Can’t wait for number 40 next year!
Thank you to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): ALWAYS Milo has green eyes and this time another character, Kathy, has them, too. But I was amazed by this gem: “Surprising because only two percent of people have pure-green eyes and I’d never seen ocular emeralds like my friend’s.”
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO The title, “Ghost Orchid” tells you immediately that Kellerman, along with his always very descriptive observations of southern Californian landscaping, has done his esoteric horticultural homework. Yay!
Dr. Delaware's assistance is again requested by Detective Milo Sturgis and together they take us on another amazing journey of deductive reasoning helped along by the doc’s keen observations of the people involved. It’s still a thrill to see well-developed play theories and ideas off each other, sometimes realizing they are going in the wrong direction, but ultimately hitting on the “just right” solution.
In this crime thriller, Alex is still recovering from almost being killed by a lunatic with a bat in the last book and it takes a guilty-feeling Milo over four months to again invite Alex on a “different case”. There’s two naked people shot poolside at a BelAir rental. He’s the scion of an Italian shoe empire (there’s an impressive closet); she’s an older married neighbor. Kellerman’s storytelling skills evolve from this point. Which one was the target? Both had shallow pasts. Why would a murderer kill both of them? As usual, it’s a steady pace of interviews and theories, following leads and then following new ones. I love this sort of police procedural — Alex and Milo are reliable and competent and it’s through hard police work that the crimes they investigate get solved. 5 stars! Can’t wait for number 40 next year!
Thank you to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): ALWAYS Milo has green eyes and this time another character, Kathy, has them, too. But I was amazed by this gem: “Surprising because only two percent of people have pure-green eyes and I’d never seen ocular emeralds like my friend’s.”
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO The title, “Ghost Orchid” tells you immediately that Kellerman, along with his always very descriptive observations of southern Californian landscaping, has done his esoteric horticultural homework. Yay!
January 14, 2024
This is not one of the best Alex Delaware novels. I found it very boring and struggled to finish the book. There is not enough of Delaware’s home life, which should be integral in the book, as in the previous novels. Yet again we are subjected to the endless descriptions of the roads he and Milo travel to locations. If you really wanted to have the reader know where they were going, include a map in the book instead of this boring page filler. Once the case begins to be interesting, we are then subjected to more filler as the plot then dribbles along. Even the detectives are bored and pulled off the case. I thought the shootout plot portion unrealistic.
February 25, 2024
Twisty
Milo & Alex are always fantastic and this book didn’t disappoint! Will now be eagerly awaiting the next one…
To catch a killer, they’ll need to dig deep into the victim’s hidden past
Milo & Alex are always fantastic and this book didn’t disappoint! Will now be eagerly awaiting the next one…
To catch a killer, they’ll need to dig deep into the victim’s hidden past
January 4, 2024
Sometimes, even psychologists get the blues. This, the 39th book in the series, opens with Dr. Alex Delaware not quite sure how to deal with his longtime friend, Los Angeles Police Detective Milo Sturgis. As they worked together on a previous case, Alex was seriously injured, and Milo feels responsible and has been keeping his distance by not calling Alex in to help with investigations as he usually does. That changes a little bit, though, when he does need help at a crime scene in Bel Air; two victims, a man and a woman, have been shot through the heart, and Milo doesn't yet know who to blame.
The man, part of a family that owns a ritzy Italian shoe company, lives here, and the woman - who's married to someone else - lives in an even more oppulent home just down the street. With the bodies found outside and no signs of anything missing from the house, both Milo and Alex suspect that their presumably illicit affair could be a motive. But the husband, a successful businessman who's on the road far more often than at home, insists he knew nothing about the affair.
Little by little, clues pile up that suggest the dead woman might not be who she's been claiming to be - thus raising the possibility of an entirely different motive and an expanded search for the killer. Ferreting out her background, though, is no easy task - and Milo brings in other trusted department colleagues who are familiar to fans of the series to help. In the midst of the investigation, another body turns up - further complicating matters. A major turning point comes when Alex's longtime main squeeze, guitar restorer Robin, identifies an important clue (one that relates to the book title). To that end, I must say it was a treat to see Robin play a bit greater role than usual in this installment - as well as a little less of the descriptions of every street that Milo and Alex drive down (don't get me wrong - I enjoy that part, but sometimes it gets to be a bit much).
Of course, everything works out in the end, as does a potentially nasty situation with one of Alex's private patients that's a secondary thread throughout the latter part of the book. And oh yes, for those who haven't read other books in the series, don't sweat it; this one stands on its own. As for me, I'll just thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me once again to read and review a pre-release copy. Now bring on the next one!
The man, part of a family that owns a ritzy Italian shoe company, lives here, and the woman - who's married to someone else - lives in an even more oppulent home just down the street. With the bodies found outside and no signs of anything missing from the house, both Milo and Alex suspect that their presumably illicit affair could be a motive. But the husband, a successful businessman who's on the road far more often than at home, insists he knew nothing about the affair.
Little by little, clues pile up that suggest the dead woman might not be who she's been claiming to be - thus raising the possibility of an entirely different motive and an expanded search for the killer. Ferreting out her background, though, is no easy task - and Milo brings in other trusted department colleagues who are familiar to fans of the series to help. In the midst of the investigation, another body turns up - further complicating matters. A major turning point comes when Alex's longtime main squeeze, guitar restorer Robin, identifies an important clue (one that relates to the book title). To that end, I must say it was a treat to see Robin play a bit greater role than usual in this installment - as well as a little less of the descriptions of every street that Milo and Alex drive down (don't get me wrong - I enjoy that part, but sometimes it gets to be a bit much).
Of course, everything works out in the end, as does a potentially nasty situation with one of Alex's private patients that's a secondary thread throughout the latter part of the book. And oh yes, for those who haven't read other books in the series, don't sweat it; this one stands on its own. As for me, I'll just thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me once again to read and review a pre-release copy. Now bring on the next one!
February 20, 2024
Nice to see Dr. Alex Delaware back to work, on his own and with Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis.
Murder, mayhem, family, dog, artwork, jewelry, violin, food & more.
Also, the meaning of the title is revealed.
Typical easy reading and fun novel.
Murder, mayhem, family, dog, artwork, jewelry, violin, food & more.
Also, the meaning of the title is revealed.
Typical easy reading and fun novel.
June 17, 2024
This novel starts out as a classic Alex and Milo story. Its so easy to sit down with our friends and listen to the story. I personally love that as I read these books and they travel the streets of Cali, I am there. I love the easy candor between Alex and Milo.
The book started out well, lots of different suspects, some normal, some weird (Douglass). We move on to try and find out more about our victims, married and wealthy Meagin and the rich and carefree playboy, Gio. This goes into chapters and chapters of attempting to learn about Meagin's past. Personally, and maybe I missed it, but did anyone at the morgue take her fingerprints? As these chapters went on, I began to care less and less about Meagin as she became a one dimensional character.
As I drew closer and closer to the end, I felt the true suspect gets tossed in at the last minute and then is quickly disposed of in a police related shooting after he stole some gummies and bongs.
There is a secondary story of a young adoptee who is no longer wanted by either parent during their divorce, but that is solved quickly and really without Alex's help in the final small chapter. This was an "alright" book, but not up to par to Kellerman's past novels.
The book started out well, lots of different suspects, some normal, some weird (Douglass). We move on to try and find out more about our victims, married and wealthy Meagin and the rich and carefree playboy, Gio. This goes into chapters and chapters of attempting to learn about Meagin's past. Personally, and maybe I missed it, but did anyone at the morgue take her fingerprints? As these chapters went on, I began to care less and less about Meagin as she became a one dimensional character.
As I drew closer and closer to the end, I felt the true suspect gets tossed in at the last minute and then is quickly disposed of in a police related shooting after he stole some gummies and bongs.
There is a secondary story of a young adoptee who is no longer wanted by either parent during their divorce, but that is solved quickly and really without Alex's help in the final small chapter. This was an "alright" book, but not up to par to Kellerman's past novels.
September 12, 2023
The latest Alex Delaware mystery is coming out in early February - it's time to get your preorder in. Ghost Orchid is #39 in the series, and I've been reading them since When the Bough Breaks came out in 1985. Fans will gobble this up - it's like spending a day with old friends.
So, I enjoyed the check-in with Milo and Alex, but I have to say the books have become somewhat formulaic. We no longer see any development of the characters' backstories. I miss this aspect of the older books in the series. The plot in Ghost Orchid is okay - basic police procedural- but there aren't any good twists and turns, and the conclusion was kind of "eh." I'll keep reading as long as Kellerman keeps writing, but this volume didn't reflect the effort I've experienced with other books in the series.
Thanks to NetGally for providing me with an ebook ARC in exchange for a review.
So, I enjoyed the check-in with Milo and Alex, but I have to say the books have become somewhat formulaic. We no longer see any development of the characters' backstories. I miss this aspect of the older books in the series. The plot in Ghost Orchid is okay - basic police procedural- but there aren't any good twists and turns, and the conclusion was kind of "eh." I'll keep reading as long as Kellerman keeps writing, but this volume didn't reflect the effort I've experienced with other books in the series.
Thanks to NetGally for providing me with an ebook ARC in exchange for a review.
January 5, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of
The Ghost Orchid.
I've been a big fan of the Alex Delaware series for a reallllyy long time so I was excited my wishlist request was granted.
The mystery was good; a typical procedural where we follow Milo and Alex along in their investigation as they interview suspects, witnesses, and people who knew the victims.
I just wished the bad guy had received his comeuppance.
As always, the stars of the series is the bromance between Alex and Milo; their great chemistry as friends and colleagues, their rapport and banter, and how well they work together as friends and investigative partners.
And, it's always good to check in with Robin and Blanche.
Looking forward to the next book!
I've been a big fan of the Alex Delaware series for a reallllyy long time so I was excited my wishlist request was granted.
The mystery was good; a typical procedural where we follow Milo and Alex along in their investigation as they interview suspects, witnesses, and people who knew the victims.
I just wished the bad guy had received his comeuppance.
As always, the stars of the series is the bromance between Alex and Milo; their great chemistry as friends and colleagues, their rapport and banter, and how well they work together as friends and investigative partners.
And, it's always good to check in with Robin and Blanche.
Looking forward to the next book!
February 14, 2024
Questions
I had so many questions as I read this book. I wondered how a ghost orchid native to Florida was going to tie in to a book set in California. I was curious as to why Meagin had changed her identity. Was she hiding?
I really thought that Kellerman was going to end this book with no resolution. But Alex and Milo push through all the layers of lies and find the truth. Another great book by Kellerman!
I had so many questions as I read this book. I wondered how a ghost orchid native to Florida was going to tie in to a book set in California. I was curious as to why Meagin had changed her identity. Was she hiding?
I really thought that Kellerman was going to end this book with no resolution. But Alex and Milo push through all the layers of lies and find the truth. Another great book by Kellerman!
February 21, 2024
The real mystery here is why the author and publisher felt this book was worth foisting on the public.
Taking a wild guess I’ll say famous author name with following + formulaic plot = peddling pablum for profit.
This book has a thoroughly uninteresting plot, unsympathetic characters cut cleanly out of cardboard, no intriguing plot twists, and a secondary storyline that barely has any relevance to the rest of the story and regardless is terribly boring.
One star for a good title.
Taking a wild guess I’ll say famous author name with following + formulaic plot = peddling pablum for profit.
This book has a thoroughly uninteresting plot, unsympathetic characters cut cleanly out of cardboard, no intriguing plot twists, and a secondary storyline that barely has any relevance to the rest of the story and regardless is terribly boring.
One star for a good title.
April 27, 2024
I'm one of those people that when I start to read a series I pick it up from the beginning. Well, this is #39 in this series and I broke my rule. It would take me years to read this especially since I would have to order it thru my libary interloan. So, I started this and I really liked it - A LOT. I may attempt to pick up some earlier books in this series being that I enjoyed it so much. A very well written police procedure type book. Very enjoyable!
March 24, 2024
3.75 / 5
Not a bad book, this felt like a CSI episode that you normally tune in. Bog standard almost text book murder episode. I’ve not read the Alex Delaware series, but known it’s existed for quite some time. I was intrigued by the good reviews and thought why not give it a go. I’m surprised at how week the book portrays his relationship with Milo Sturgis given how late I’ve joined the series. I like how much of a short read the book is, digestible and understandable yet unpredictable in a sense.
The book follows the murder of a playboy heir and business empire owner with a married women in a swimming pool. Like standard Sturgis and Delaware investigate to solve their murders and find who is responsible. They soon began unraveling dead secrets between the two which opens a can of worms.
Overall, I’m surprised by the book I didn’t think I would enjoy it and I was sceptical about how much would be in the plot given the short read (shy of 300 pages). I’ll definitely be tuning in more to the series and keeping my eye out for the next instalment.
Not a bad book, this felt like a CSI episode that you normally tune in. Bog standard almost text book murder episode. I’ve not read the Alex Delaware series, but known it’s existed for quite some time. I was intrigued by the good reviews and thought why not give it a go. I’m surprised at how week the book portrays his relationship with Milo Sturgis given how late I’ve joined the series. I like how much of a short read the book is, digestible and understandable yet unpredictable in a sense.
The book follows the murder of a playboy heir and business empire owner with a married women in a swimming pool. Like standard Sturgis and Delaware investigate to solve their murders and find who is responsible. They soon began unraveling dead secrets between the two which opens a can of worms.
Overall, I’m surprised by the book I didn’t think I would enjoy it and I was sceptical about how much would be in the plot given the short read (shy of 300 pages). I’ll definitely be tuning in more to the series and keeping my eye out for the next instalment.
January 9, 2024
Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware are back in The Ghost Orchid - Book 39 in the series.
"In an isolated area of Bel Air, a pool boy discovers a man and woman shot in the backyard of a house. Milo brings Alex in to consult and they quickly find the couple was having an affair. As they dig into each victim's background, they struggle to find which one the killer came for. Was it both? Jealous husband? What secrets are worth killing for?"
Kellerman still finds ways to keep a story fresh. Milo is dealing with the guilt of the assault on Alex from the last book so he's using kid gloves to keep Alex as far from things as possible. This is a straight-up police procedural. They follow clues to find answers. With Alex there is always a psychological aspect. This often drives the direction the team will search. Kellerman keeps the killer right out of view so you won't guess.
I like that Kellerman throws in an Easter Egg for one of his nonfiction books. And Robin's work as a luthier is always fascinating.
Another great Alex Delaware story. Can be read as a standalone.
"In an isolated area of Bel Air, a pool boy discovers a man and woman shot in the backyard of a house. Milo brings Alex in to consult and they quickly find the couple was having an affair. As they dig into each victim's background, they struggle to find which one the killer came for. Was it both? Jealous husband? What secrets are worth killing for?"
Kellerman still finds ways to keep a story fresh. Milo is dealing with the guilt of the assault on Alex from the last book so he's using kid gloves to keep Alex as far from things as possible. This is a straight-up police procedural. They follow clues to find answers. With Alex there is always a psychological aspect. This often drives the direction the team will search. Kellerman keeps the killer right out of view so you won't guess.
I like that Kellerman throws in an Easter Egg for one of his nonfiction books. And Robin's work as a luthier is always fascinating.
Another great Alex Delaware story. Can be read as a standalone.
August 27, 2024
I’ve read or listened to all 39 books in the Alex Delaware series over the course of 30 years. Hearing John Rubenstein’s voice is like sitting beside a roaring fire. Alex’s voice is the hot cocoa and Milo is a crunchy biscotti for my brain.
However…
While Ghost Orchid was better than Unnatural History, it still carried on some of the same tired narrative tropes.
The characterization of Robin remains my least favorite aspect of the series. It is so achingly repetitive. Alex comes home. Robin is in the studio working on some vintage guitar or what not. Blanche the Frenchie is with her. Alex tells us the story of the work she is doing. 9 times out of 10 it has no substantive value. They kiss. They talk about eating. Then they have sex (off page). It’s a “realistic” enough portrayal of a daily life I suppose, but it’s all Robin ever does. I have to assume this is a post it on Kellerman’s laptop.
Robin Checklist:
1. Comments about Blanche vis a vis Alex.
2. Asks about or responds to a question about dinner.
3. Makes some sexual innuendos.
4. Cut to post coital.
Depending on the circumstances she may also say the following term. I pay good money for the books, but I’d pay even more not to have to hear it again.
5. A question about “The Big Guy” (Milo) and if Milo is actually there it is always (always) “Hey, Big Guy!”
Robin had been a more dynamic character in the early novels. They disagreed (the horror) on things. They broke up. They slept with other people. Now, I’m not saying they should cheat on one another. However, Kellerman could make her a more integral part of the story again. Her figuring out the anagram in the Ghost
Orchid was the most she had done in years.
As for the story, there are some fond flashes of the best of times. However, the ending was anticlimactic and dragged out. The bad guy is taken out by random cops and dies before saying anything meaningful. Then, like the ending of the movie Psycho, a random foster parent from 20 years earlier calls up and tells Alex how the kid was a sociopath back then too. It could have ended there, but instead it then went to the C-story of Alex’s child custody case. Then it’s several more pages about characters we haven’t interacted with as some teenager talks about how much he likes and is grateful for the step parents that are throwing him away (with a trust fund it’s true) because it’s better than being an orphan. Then it ends with the kid being taken in by one of his parents lawyers because that’s what happens in such cases I guess. Sure. Yeah yeah, I get it, he showed several different takes on parents and wanted to provide a full picture.
One point I particularly did not like and thought it was extremely lazy of Kellerman to do was to name the victim Persephone. Now, it’s a pretty name. That’s not the problem. Both Alex’s crew and a lawyer they talk to later say the same thing: Because the mythological Persephone was “raped by her uncle” (said twice I think), that means the father who chose that name must have intended to rape his daughter from the start. So, if you name your boy Jack you intend for him to be a serial killer Or beanstalk climber? If they named their daughter Andromeda do they intend to sacrifice her to a monster? I can see one person saying this but not confirming it by having Alex say it as well.
However…
While Ghost Orchid was better than Unnatural History, it still carried on some of the same tired narrative tropes.
The characterization of Robin remains my least favorite aspect of the series. It is so achingly repetitive. Alex comes home. Robin is in the studio working on some vintage guitar or what not. Blanche the Frenchie is with her. Alex tells us the story of the work she is doing. 9 times out of 10 it has no substantive value. They kiss. They talk about eating. Then they have sex (off page). It’s a “realistic” enough portrayal of a daily life I suppose, but it’s all Robin ever does. I have to assume this is a post it on Kellerman’s laptop.
Robin Checklist:
1. Comments about Blanche vis a vis Alex.
2. Asks about or responds to a question about dinner.
3. Makes some sexual innuendos.
4. Cut to post coital.
Depending on the circumstances she may also say the following term. I pay good money for the books, but I’d pay even more not to have to hear it again.
5. A question about “The Big Guy” (Milo) and if Milo is actually there it is always (always) “Hey, Big Guy!”
Robin had been a more dynamic character in the early novels. They disagreed (the horror) on things. They broke up. They slept with other people. Now, I’m not saying they should cheat on one another. However, Kellerman could make her a more integral part of the story again. Her figuring out the anagram in the Ghost
Orchid was the most she had done in years.
As for the story, there are some fond flashes of the best of times. However, the ending was anticlimactic and dragged out. The bad guy is taken out by random cops and dies before saying anything meaningful. Then, like the ending of the movie Psycho, a random foster parent from 20 years earlier calls up and tells Alex how the kid was a sociopath back then too. It could have ended there, but instead it then went to the C-story of Alex’s child custody case. Then it’s several more pages about characters we haven’t interacted with as some teenager talks about how much he likes and is grateful for the step parents that are throwing him away (with a trust fund it’s true) because it’s better than being an orphan. Then it ends with the kid being taken in by one of his parents lawyers because that’s what happens in such cases I guess. Sure. Yeah yeah, I get it, he showed several different takes on parents and wanted to provide a full picture.
One point I particularly did not like and thought it was extremely lazy of Kellerman to do was to name the victim Persephone. Now, it’s a pretty name. That’s not the problem. Both Alex’s crew and a lawyer they talk to later say the same thing: Because the mythological Persephone was “raped by her uncle” (said twice I think), that means the father who chose that name must have intended to rape his daughter from the start. So, if you name your boy Jack you intend for him to be a serial killer Or beanstalk climber? If they named their daughter Andromeda do they intend to sacrifice her to a monster? I can see one person saying this but not confirming it by having Alex say it as well.
December 13, 2023
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
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
September 6, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine books for providing a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have been reading Alex Delaware novels for decades and always look forward to the adventures of Milo, Alex, Blanche, Robin and the usual supporting cast.
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. Lots of possible suspects, memorable characters, dead ended theories, twists and following the evidence in a wonderfully done police procedural, as usual. The resolution was a bit abrupt after all the build up but I enjoy the journey of a Kellerman book just as much as the destination and I am always sad when they are over.
I highly recommend this series overall - its one of my top 5 favorites.
I have been reading Alex Delaware novels for decades and always look forward to the adventures of Milo, Alex, Blanche, Robin and the usual supporting cast.
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. Lots of possible suspects, memorable characters, dead ended theories, twists and following the evidence in a wonderfully done police procedural, as usual. The resolution was a bit abrupt after all the build up but I enjoy the journey of a Kellerman book just as much as the destination and I am always sad when they are over.
I highly recommend this series overall - its one of my top 5 favorites.
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