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Alex Delaware: A Mysterious Profile
The #1 New York Times–bestselling author discusses his early days as a writer and the creation of his beloved psychologist and sleuth.
In 1985, clinical child psychologist Alex Delaware made his debut in the mystery novel When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman. But how did Kellerman create a character who would go on to win him Edgar and Anthony Awards for best first novel and make him a number-one New York Times–bestselling author?
Discover in this short read how Delaware and his friend and partner, police detective Milo Sturgis, came to be. Inside, Kellerman shares his initial struggles with the publishing world and the story behind his first success. He also details when he realized he had a series on his hands and how he developed his heroes into the characters who continue to delight millions of readers decades later.
Praise for the Alex Delaware Novels
“Startling . . . Charged with suspense. This one is simply too good to miss.” —Stephen King on Over the Edge
“Harrowing . . . The work of a novelist of uncommon insight and storytelling skill.” —Los Angeles Times
“High-powered . . . Alex Delaware is no ordinary psychologist. . . . He is also a born detective.” —The New York Times
“An engrossing thriller. . . . This knockout of an entertainment is the kind of book which establishes a career in one stroke.” —Newsday on When the Bough Breaks
In 1985, clinical child psychologist Alex Delaware made his debut in the mystery novel When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman. But how did Kellerman create a character who would go on to win him Edgar and Anthony Awards for best first novel and make him a number-one New York Times–bestselling author?
Discover in this short read how Delaware and his friend and partner, police detective Milo Sturgis, came to be. Inside, Kellerman shares his initial struggles with the publishing world and the story behind his first success. He also details when he realized he had a series on his hands and how he developed his heroes into the characters who continue to delight millions of readers decades later.
Praise for the Alex Delaware Novels
“Startling . . . Charged with suspense. This one is simply too good to miss.” —Stephen King on Over the Edge
“Harrowing . . . The work of a novelist of uncommon insight and storytelling skill.” —Los Angeles Times
“High-powered . . . Alex Delaware is no ordinary psychologist. . . . He is also a born detective.” —The New York Times
“An engrossing thriller. . . . This knockout of an entertainment is the kind of book which establishes a career in one stroke.” —Newsday on When the Bough Breaks
- GenresMystery
39 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
164 books5,913 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 13, 2022
Alex
My mother was a librarian. Thrust into the job because my father passed from cancer when she was 40. So she. had access to all the new books and When the Bough Breaks was one. I loved it and have been a Kellerman fan ever since. As for the gay issue, you portray Milo as a man who is gay. It doesn't take over his personality. He is a cop. Please keep.writing!!!
My mother was a librarian. Thrust into the job because my father passed from cancer when she was 40. So she. had access to all the new books and When the Bough Breaks was one. I loved it and have been a Kellerman fan ever since. As for the gay issue, you portray Milo as a man who is gay. It doesn't take over his personality. He is a cop. Please keep.writing!!!
May 10, 2022
Loved the Biography
I liked the idea of explaining the development of the characters. Kellerman and Sanders are my preferred authors.
This short biography explained why the characters developed as they did.
I liked the idea of explaining the development of the characters. Kellerman and Sanders are my preferred authors.
This short biography explained why the characters developed as they did.
May 13, 2022
Autobiography of Jon Kellerman’s writing career
Interesting to read authorʻs description of the emergence of his fabulous novels. Also read his wife Fayeʻs profile of her leading characters
Interesting to read authorʻs description of the emergence of his fabulous novels. Also read his wife Fayeʻs profile of her leading characters
May 20, 2025
I wish this essay had been longer.
This is an autobiography of the author where he focuses on where the character of Alex Delaware came from. It is obviously a portrait of the author himself, but more idealized. He also talked about how unlikely it was that his first novel, "When the Bough Breaks," would have been published.
I'm glad I read this essay and I might read it again some day.
This is an autobiography of the author where he focuses on where the character of Alex Delaware came from. It is obviously a portrait of the author himself, but more idealized. He also talked about how unlikely it was that his first novel, "When the Bough Breaks," would have been published.
I'm glad I read this essay and I might read it again some day.
April 11, 2024
I was curious to see how author Jonathon Kellerman would present and explain his main characters, and I was hoping he’d discuss his various choices as he “grew” the characters. Kellerman does journeyman’s work of discussing both psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware and LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis. I’m fond of both characters, but I recall I was truly astonished at the introduction of Detective Sturgis as a gay character, way back when. I’ve continued following the detecting duo through Kellerman’s numerous books.
February 2, 2026
Great book for Alex Fans
I first started reading Kellerman's books back in the 90's. I'd run across a used paperback and was immediately hooked and have never looked back. Reading about how my favorite character/series came to be was a quick interesting read. I also found out that I wasn't the only fan confused as to if Milo was black or white. I had envisioned him as black for many years. Anyways, was glad to have several of my questions answered.
I first started reading Kellerman's books back in the 90's. I'd run across a used paperback and was immediately hooked and have never looked back. Reading about how my favorite character/series came to be was a quick interesting read. I also found out that I wasn't the only fan confused as to if Milo was black or white. I had envisioned him as black for many years. Anyways, was glad to have several of my questions answered.
November 17, 2022
Somehow not surprised
Jonathan Kellerman writes so well that most everything in Alex Delaware’s Mysterious Profile was on point with what I would guess. Nevertheless, it was fun confirming so much about what I thought true of 2 of my favorite literary characters. Long live Alex & Milo!
Jonathan Kellerman writes so well that most everything in Alex Delaware’s Mysterious Profile was on point with what I would guess. Nevertheless, it was fun confirming so much about what I thought true of 2 of my favorite literary characters. Long live Alex & Milo!
May 3, 2023
Well not what I expected. I downloaded this then forgot what it was. Lol I kept waiting for the book to start. It is a good background for Kellerman’s books so now I can read a real one. This was a free download thank goodness.
October 7, 2023
loved it
Loved to hear about Dr D and Milo’s origins.
Best murder mystery books without being depressing! If the world only had more of Milo and Alex characters we would be in better shape.
Loved to hear about Dr D and Milo’s origins.
Best murder mystery books without being depressing! If the world only had more of Milo and Alex characters we would be in better shape.
April 16, 2024
Thank you!@
Nice to find out what
Makes you tick, Dr. Delaware. We seldom see what
Our authors actually think. Thank you! I have read your books for many years and enjoyed them so much!
Sharon Ritchie
seldom
yb
P
eldom
I'
Nice to find out what
Makes you tick, Dr. Delaware. We seldom see what
Our authors actually think. Thank you! I have read your books for many years and enjoyed them so much!
Sharon Ritchie
seldom
yb
P
eldom
I'
September 15, 2024
It is very interesting to find out how a character was developed, how the author feels about various social issues. I enjoy Jonathan Kellerman's books tremendously because he describes real life occurrences, and how police detectives deal with them.
May 16, 2022
So interesting to get background on one of my favorite series.
May 18, 2022
Not what I expected !
It answered some insight in to the prime characters. However I was expecting the first Alex and Milo story maybe next time
It answered some insight in to the prime characters. However I was expecting the first Alex and Milo story maybe next time
May 20, 2022
Not at all what I thought!
This is all about Kellerman and his method of writing. Not worth the money! Save the $2.99 and use it towards another book.
This is all about Kellerman and his method of writing. Not worth the money! Save the $2.99 and use it towards another book.
November 5, 2022
I love the Alex Delaware books, so this was very interesting. Again it gives insight to how Kellerman came up with his characters.
February 21, 2023
An interesting insight into the characters of Alex and Milo.
February 25, 2025
POV
Always interesting to see things from the writer’s point of view and where their characters originated from and how they’ve evolved.
Always interesting to see things from the writer’s point of view and where their characters originated from and how they’ve evolved.
March 2, 2026
Most insightful on the author, his thought processes and the development of his books/characters.
August 9, 2024
Wasn't expected
Wasn't what I expected but as always Jonathon Kellerman writes a good book! The book explains a lot about characters.
Wasn't what I expected but as always Jonathon Kellerman writes a good book! The book explains a lot about characters.
September 8, 2022
Loved this!
If you are already a fan of Alex you won’t learn a lot but there is joy in just hearing Mr Kellerman discuss what I think of as two old friends, that I get to visit with once a year or so.
If you are already a fan of Alex you won’t learn a lot but there is joy in just hearing Mr Kellerman discuss what I think of as two old friends, that I get to visit with once a year or so.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews