What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex Delaware #3
Over the Edge
When the phone rings in the middle of the night, child psychologist Alex Delaware does not hesitate. Driving through the dream-lit San Fernando Valley, Alex rushes to Jamey Cadmus, the patient he had failed five years before--and who now calls with a bizarre cry for help. But by the time Alex reaches Canyon Oaks Psychiatric Hospital, Jamey is gone, surfacing a day later in the hands of the police, who believe Jamey is the infamous Lavender Slasher, a psychotic serial killer. Wooed by a high-powered attorney to build a defense, Alex will get a chance to do what he couldn't five years ago. And when he peers into a family's troubled history and Jamey's brilliant, tormented mind, the psychologist puts himself at the heart of a high-profile case. Because Alex knows that in a realm of money, loss, and madness, something terrible pushed Jamey over the edge--or else someone is getting away with murder.
Paperback
First published April 23, 1987
1211 people are currently reading
3515 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
203 books5,823 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews
November 26, 2022
I think this is about the fourth book I have read in this series and, unusually for me, I am not reading them necessarily in order. It does not seem to matter though. I really enjoy watching Alex Delaware, forensic psychologist, and Milo Sturgis, police detective, when they work as a team, which they do so beautifully in this book.
Alex is woken at night by a mysterious phone call from a past student. Jamey Cadmus was part of a study of super intelligent young people who dropped out of the study and apparently became mentally unstable and had to be hospitalised. Now it appears that he may even have committed a number of murders. Alex determines to find out the truth behind this.
Milo is also investigating the murders and, although he believes Jamey is guilty, he listens to the evidence that Alex brings to him and investigates fully. Some of the best scenes in the book are Milo's interviews with the suspects, especially the final one where some really nasty people get their just desserts.
I enjoy the way Kellerman writes although he does occasionally overdo the descriptions. The way he writes several paragraphs about every room that Alex enters reminds me so much of Sara Paretsky. I love her books anyway, and I am not going to be put off by it from this author either!
Altogether a really good book and I am looking forward to reading all the rest of them. It should keep me busy:)
Alex is woken at night by a mysterious phone call from a past student. Jamey Cadmus was part of a study of super intelligent young people who dropped out of the study and apparently became mentally unstable and had to be hospitalised. Now it appears that he may even have committed a number of murders. Alex determines to find out the truth behind this.
Milo is also investigating the murders and, although he believes Jamey is guilty, he listens to the evidence that Alex brings to him and investigates fully. Some of the best scenes in the book are Milo's interviews with the suspects, especially the final one where some really nasty people get their just desserts.
I enjoy the way Kellerman writes although he does occasionally overdo the descriptions. The way he writes several paragraphs about every room that Alex enters reminds me so much of Sara Paretsky. I love her books anyway, and I am not going to be put off by it from this author either!
Altogether a really good book and I am looking forward to reading all the rest of them. It should keep me busy:)
June 3, 2022
Schizophrenia – “a malignant disorder, cancer of the thought processes, the scrambling and erosion of mental activity”
“Schizophrenic symptoms – delusions, hallucinations, illogical thinking, loss of touch with reality, bizarre speech and behavior – embody the layman’s notion of crazy. They occur in one percent of the population in virtually every society, and no one knows why.”
Jamey Cadmus was a very ill young man. Locked in a secure psychiatric institution for his own protection, he broke free from his caretakers and, hovering in a state somewhere in a triangle bordered by suicidal, terrified, and a complete psychotic break, he managed to reach a phone and call for help from Alex Delaware, a former caregiver from many years earlier. A late night emergency good Samaritan trip to the hospital to see what’s going down lands Alex into a grisly serial murder investigation in which Jamey Cadmus is the top suspect!
Ultimately, after a great deal of dirty, messy, bloody dust settles, the solution to OVER THE EDGE seems pedestrian – at least in the sense that the traditional motivators - money, wealth, power, sex, family squabbles - figure high in the final resolution. Nothing that doesn’t appear in dozens upon dozens of murder mysteries, suspense thrillers and police procedurals. But what a helluva ride to get there. Initially, Kellerman treats readers (who, frankly, have to be both patient and interested) to an extended treatise on the technical minutiae of schizophrenia, its treatment, and, believe it or not, the intentional creation of its symptomology and multi-faceted manifestation of its expression via arcane natural poisons and current modern drugs. And, trigger warning here, if your tolerance for graphic gore and violence is low, you may consider giving OVER THE EDGE a pass. The killings and the psychopathic but utterly banal attitude of the killers to the violence and their perverse killing methods will leave you slack-jawed.
OVER THE EDGE is a winner in a first-rate series. I’ve already read #4 in the series, SILENT PARTNER, (and awarded it 5 stars!), so it’s onward and upward to #5, TIME BOMB. Well done, Mr Kellerman. Count me a fan!
Paul Weiss
“Schizophrenic symptoms – delusions, hallucinations, illogical thinking, loss of touch with reality, bizarre speech and behavior – embody the layman’s notion of crazy. They occur in one percent of the population in virtually every society, and no one knows why.”
Jamey Cadmus was a very ill young man. Locked in a secure psychiatric institution for his own protection, he broke free from his caretakers and, hovering in a state somewhere in a triangle bordered by suicidal, terrified, and a complete psychotic break, he managed to reach a phone and call for help from Alex Delaware, a former caregiver from many years earlier. A late night emergency good Samaritan trip to the hospital to see what’s going down lands Alex into a grisly serial murder investigation in which Jamey Cadmus is the top suspect!
Ultimately, after a great deal of dirty, messy, bloody dust settles, the solution to OVER THE EDGE seems pedestrian – at least in the sense that the traditional motivators - money, wealth, power, sex, family squabbles - figure high in the final resolution. Nothing that doesn’t appear in dozens upon dozens of murder mysteries, suspense thrillers and police procedurals. But what a helluva ride to get there. Initially, Kellerman treats readers (who, frankly, have to be both patient and interested) to an extended treatise on the technical minutiae of schizophrenia, its treatment, and, believe it or not, the intentional creation of its symptomology and multi-faceted manifestation of its expression via arcane natural poisons and current modern drugs. And, trigger warning here, if your tolerance for graphic gore and violence is low, you may consider giving OVER THE EDGE a pass. The killings and the psychopathic but utterly banal attitude of the killers to the violence and their perverse killing methods will leave you slack-jawed.
OVER THE EDGE is a winner in a first-rate series. I’ve already read #4 in the series, SILENT PARTNER, (and awarded it 5 stars!), so it’s onward and upward to #5, TIME BOMB. Well done, Mr Kellerman. Count me a fan!
Paul Weiss
December 26, 2011
I found this book to be somewhat boring at times with too much talking and not enough action. And we barely got any breaking and entering, which is one of my most favorite things about the first two books (and Alex in general). And if the end of Blood Test was hokey, the end of Over the Edge was d r a w n o u t f o r a s l o n g a s p o s s i b l e. This is how I summed up the final third of the book for my husband..."Alex went somewhere and they talked, and then he went somewhere else and they talked some more, and then at the end when he and Milo were recapping the crime they talked even more. The End."
And I need more Milo. Drunk, sober, I don't care. Just give me more Milo!
And I need more Milo. Drunk, sober, I don't care. Just give me more Milo!
November 10, 2011
I have yet to read an Alex Delaware novel that I didn't like, but some stand out more than others. This was particularly unique and intriguing as it related to use of "natural" hallucinogens, among other drugs, to alter and control a person that had a very loose grip on reality to begin with. Amazingly well-written, the story pulled me in immediately and held my interest to the very end. Excellent and unique mystery.
November 23, 2025
3 Stars. There were times during my read that I had to check. Had I picked up a medical text from 1987 on drug abuse? Required for 2nd year medical students? With many newer drugs being abused these days, such a text might be in its 14th edition by now! No, the novel is clearly one of the interesting fictional cases of Doctor Alex Delaware, child psychologist. There's even an intriguing twist; Delaware finds his good friend Detective Milo Sturgis on the opposite side of his client. Sturgis is one of the arresting officers of the Lavender Slasher, the perpetrator of a series of murders for which 17-year-old Jamey Cadmus is the accused. Found with the murder weapon in his hand. Back to my complaint. At 525 pages, it's 200 pages too long. Why? For sentences like this on page 373: "In fact, before the term psychedelic was coined, LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline were called psychotomimetics, they mimic psychosis." I enjoy the Delaware cases, especially later ones where we find less of this. Reading Over the Edge was a strain. It's not even a credit course! Perhaps Kellerman was trying to demonstrate his in-depth research. But it does get extremely good at the end! (Mar2022/No2025)
September 27, 2012
I have read all of Jonathan Kellerman's novels, starting with WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS back in 1986, two years before I began writing a novel of my own.
I had to wait a while for BLOOD TEST, SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, and THE BUTCHER'S THEATER to come to a bookstore near me because I was in Europe at the time.
Then OVER THE EDGE hit the bookshelves. This is the only thriller I've ever read twice. I was so excited about this novel that I purchased several copies of OVER THE EDGE and sent them to my friends. Some people who'd never read a single book by Kellerman thanked me for getting them hooked on this highly intelligent and gifted author.
I love Kellerman's poetic prose. It manages to be imaginative and hard-core realistic at the same time. I have always been fascinated by genius, and what I loved most about this book is seeing into the mind of a child-genius from the perspective of a psychologist.
Even if you've never heard of Jonathan Kellerman, even if you don't usually read psychological thrillers, I'm confident you'll love this book.
I had to wait a while for BLOOD TEST, SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, and THE BUTCHER'S THEATER to come to a bookstore near me because I was in Europe at the time.
Then OVER THE EDGE hit the bookshelves. This is the only thriller I've ever read twice. I was so excited about this novel that I purchased several copies of OVER THE EDGE and sent them to my friends. Some people who'd never read a single book by Kellerman thanked me for getting them hooked on this highly intelligent and gifted author.
I love Kellerman's poetic prose. It manages to be imaginative and hard-core realistic at the same time. I have always been fascinated by genius, and what I loved most about this book is seeing into the mind of a child-genius from the perspective of a psychologist.
Even if you've never heard of Jonathan Kellerman, even if you don't usually read psychological thrillers, I'm confident you'll love this book.
February 26, 2017
Dr. Delaware receives a surprise middle of the night call from a patient he treated years ago. This young man is incoherent and Alex feels he must follow up and find out what is going on. What follows is a confusing, talk-heavy novel, that required a bigger suspension of disbelief than I was willing to give it.
October 26, 2010
Tedious. Found myself skipping great chunks of nothing but description. Kellerman is notorious for detailed descriptions of the scenery, but this was ridiculous. Also found myself skipping chunks of dialogue of main character with other secondary characters who I knew had little to do with the outcome of this story. I don't need detailed life histories of story people who ultimately don't matter. Having said that, the last chapter was quite touching and demonstrated how well Kellerman does write when he's focused on story. I don't recommend this book. He has written better ones.
September 16, 2019
(Book 3 of author's Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis series.) When child-psychologist Alex Delaware gets an incoherent, late-night call from a former patient, he is pulled into an investigation of the brutal murders of male prostitutes, among others. This rather salacious story has a lot of twists and turns which end when all is fully revealed during the final Sturgis/Delaware confrontation with the masterminds (i.e. guilty parties in the 'drawing room'). If only the book actually ended at that point. But Kellerman decides to grant Delaware a chance to be a psychologist - a session that should have stayed confidential and not brought the book to a dull ending.
Most Kellerman fans will enjoy this book. While the twists and turns are fun, some clues in the unraveling appeared too contrived. Kellerman also leaves some interesting threads dangling undeveloped - particularly in regards to detective Milo Sturgis. The beginning of the book continues to develop the friendship between Delaware and Sturgis, as well as issues Sturgis is having in his department and personal life. These threads are simply dropped about half way through the book. Delaware girlfriend, Robin, actually contributes a contact in this investigation, but continues to be a stick-figure, Barbie.
Most Kellerman fans will enjoy this book. While the twists and turns are fun, some clues in the unraveling appeared too contrived. Kellerman also leaves some interesting threads dangling undeveloped - particularly in regards to detective Milo Sturgis. The beginning of the book continues to develop the friendship between Delaware and Sturgis, as well as issues Sturgis is having in his department and personal life. These threads are simply dropped about half way through the book. Delaware girlfriend, Robin, actually contributes a contact in this investigation, but continues to be a stick-figure, Barbie.
June 26, 2019
The actual mystery is interesting. Alex Delaware is contacted by a patient he treated 5 years earlier. The patient's words are a word salad. All Alex knows is that he needs help. He rushes to the hospital to find him missing. Alex needs to find him and figure out what is happening with him and why he contacted him.
This book was published in the 80's and I just came across it now. As a writer, Kellerman has clearly changed over the years, however, this book carries some of the biases of the time, particularly prejudice against those from the LGBTQ community. Milo Sturgis, Alex's closest friend, has always been a strong gay character; he is targeted in this book. Members of the gay community are talked about as "deviants". I tried to read it as a book of the time period in which it was written, but the targeting of this group made it a tough read for me.
This book was published in the 80's and I just came across it now. As a writer, Kellerman has clearly changed over the years, however, this book carries some of the biases of the time, particularly prejudice against those from the LGBTQ community. Milo Sturgis, Alex's closest friend, has always been a strong gay character; he is targeted in this book. Members of the gay community are talked about as "deviants". I tried to read it as a book of the time period in which it was written, but the targeting of this group made it a tough read for me.
April 23, 2020
Forensic psychologist Alex Delaware & police detective Milo Sturgis, working together again in the third book in this series. A former child prodigy with behavioural problems whom Alex worked on, is found holding a knife with two corpses nearby! Everyone thinks he has been caught bang to rights, including Milo. The last thing the suspect did was call Alex, and it is Alex alone who expresses doubts about the case. A very methodological, but intriguing case involving psychosis, chemistry, homsexuality and family... and another great work by Kellerman in this series. 6 out of 12
April 2, 2019
Alex Delaware had left behind his practice as a child psychologist three years earlier. But when he receives a call in the middle of the night about a former patient, he doesn't hesitate to rush out to the psychiatric hospital where the young man was living. Except that Jamey Cadmus is no longer there. He's now in the hands of the police, accused of being the notorious Lavender Slasher, who has murdered six boy prostitutes. Alex has his work cut out for him when the high-priced lawyer hired to defend Jamey looks to him for a strong defense.
Six gifted children in an experimental program
In the investigation he launches on Jamey's behalf, Alex soon finds himself caught up in the murky circumstances surrounding an experimental program at UCLA involving six gifted children. Five of the six had set out on successful careers reflecting their genius-level IQs. Jamey was the glaring exception. And Alex feels bound to understand why. His quest for insight into Jamey's condition will bring him into conflict with the LAPD and expose him to great peril.
Kellerman brings psychological expertise to bear
One of the great virtues of the Alex Delaware novels is the psychological expertise that Jonathan Kellerman brings to his subject. He was a practicing clinical psychologist and professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine from 1974, when he obtained his PhD, until 1990, when he left his practice behind to write full-time.
How Kellerman views cliched TV forensic psychology
Here's an example of Kellerman's professional perspective on forensic psychology: "Even the most brilliant psychiatrist or psychologist who abandons scientific rigor to step into the bog of speculation called diminished capacity can be made to look like a complete idiot on the witness stand by a prosecutor of only moderate capabilities." That's an insight you're not likely to encounter on a TV crime series. It's a pleasure to read a psychological thriller written by someone with authentic psychological expertise.
Six gifted children in an experimental program
In the investigation he launches on Jamey's behalf, Alex soon finds himself caught up in the murky circumstances surrounding an experimental program at UCLA involving six gifted children. Five of the six had set out on successful careers reflecting their genius-level IQs. Jamey was the glaring exception. And Alex feels bound to understand why. His quest for insight into Jamey's condition will bring him into conflict with the LAPD and expose him to great peril.
Kellerman brings psychological expertise to bear
One of the great virtues of the Alex Delaware novels is the psychological expertise that Jonathan Kellerman brings to his subject. He was a practicing clinical psychologist and professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine from 1974, when he obtained his PhD, until 1990, when he left his practice behind to write full-time.
How Kellerman views cliched TV forensic psychology
Here's an example of Kellerman's professional perspective on forensic psychology: "Even the most brilliant psychiatrist or psychologist who abandons scientific rigor to step into the bog of speculation called diminished capacity can be made to look like a complete idiot on the witness stand by a prosecutor of only moderate capabilities." That's an insight you're not likely to encounter on a TV crime series. It's a pleasure to read a psychological thriller written by someone with authentic psychological expertise.
April 21, 2014
This book is part of the Alex Delaware series but is a stand alone novel. In this one, Alex receives a phone call in the middle of the night from Jamey who is an old patient. Jamey rambles incoherent sayings during this call. Jamey is then arrested for a series of murders and Alex is hired as part of his defense team.
This book is two parts. Alex trying to figure out why his patient deteriorated into his present condition and then the mystery part of the book. The problem with this book and my low rating is the part of the book with the diagnosis of Jamey. I understand that the author wanted realism in trying for this analysis but it was unexcitable as there was no action in this part of the book. During this section of the book, I lost interest and plodded through. When the plotline was about the mystery the pace did pick up but I just could not get back into the book.
One thing I enjoy about the Alex Delaware books is his interaction with other characters like Milo and his girlfriend. In this book, I thought that aspect was touched barely and I missed it.
The only way I can recommend this book if you are reading the entire series and need to read every one (like me).
This book is two parts. Alex trying to figure out why his patient deteriorated into his present condition and then the mystery part of the book. The problem with this book and my low rating is the part of the book with the diagnosis of Jamey. I understand that the author wanted realism in trying for this analysis but it was unexcitable as there was no action in this part of the book. During this section of the book, I lost interest and plodded through. When the plotline was about the mystery the pace did pick up but I just could not get back into the book.
One thing I enjoy about the Alex Delaware books is his interaction with other characters like Milo and his girlfriend. In this book, I thought that aspect was touched barely and I missed it.
The only way I can recommend this book if you are reading the entire series and need to read every one (like me).
July 4, 2013
Given that I love psychology and mystery novels this was a nearly perfect fit for me.
I loved the psychological background on schizophrenia and the "dim cap" (diminished capacity defense) that the author provides as part of the story.
I found it an interesting exploration of how police & prosecutor's viewed gay victims/gay suspects in the 80's. Labelling someone as deviant certainly does make it easier to assume the person is capable of serial murders. I also found the Milo character's experience (as a gay cop) to be interesting.
I'd have given this 5 stars except for the author's treatment of female characters. I felt like the women were much less fleshed out (no pun intended), but even that wouldn't have really bothered me- - it was the need to describe the breasts of every woman in the novel. Nipples like pearl onions? Really? Really? Pearl onions are pretty big, I don't think nipples get that big.
I'd still recommend it though, and I plan to go back & read the first two novels in this series.
I loved the psychological background on schizophrenia and the "dim cap" (diminished capacity defense) that the author provides as part of the story.
I found it an interesting exploration of how police & prosecutor's viewed gay victims/gay suspects in the 80's. Labelling someone as deviant certainly does make it easier to assume the person is capable of serial murders. I also found the Milo character's experience (as a gay cop) to be interesting.
I'd have given this 5 stars except for the author's treatment of female characters. I felt like the women were much less fleshed out (no pun intended), but even that wouldn't have really bothered me- - it was the need to describe the breasts of every woman in the novel. Nipples like pearl onions? Really? Really? Pearl onions are pretty big, I don't think nipples get that big.
I'd still recommend it though, and I plan to go back & read the first two novels in this series.
April 10, 2014
I think this review said exactly how I felt about this.
This book was long. And it FELT long. Why? Because OMG so many talks and not enough action. There were very detailed talks about drugs and prescriptions, and some scientific things. I got headaches over it. In the beginning, Alex also talked to his friend Lou about bonds and financial stuffs. Again, my eyes started to blur. It went on and on and on and on.
Plus not enough Milo. Because when Milo and Alex zooming in on the murderers, that scene was awesome. I also mildly appreciated that even if the crime started with murders against male prostitutes and there was some bigotry attitude, it didn't come down to simply crimes against gays (or deviants).
I still liked Alex and I still want to read all of these books (up to the current one). But this one was just okay and slightly forgettable for me.
This book was long. And it FELT long. Why? Because OMG so many talks and not enough action. There were very detailed talks about drugs and prescriptions, and some scientific things. I got headaches over it. In the beginning, Alex also talked to his friend Lou about bonds and financial stuffs. Again, my eyes started to blur. It went on and on and on and on.
Plus not enough Milo. Because when Milo and Alex zooming in on the murderers, that scene was awesome. I also mildly appreciated that even if the crime started with murders against male prostitutes and there was some bigotry attitude, it didn't come down to simply crimes against gays (or deviants).
I still liked Alex and I still want to read all of these books (up to the current one). But this one was just okay and slightly forgettable for me.
May 27, 2021
I finished this book quite a while ago and forgot to mark it complete so I am writing a review a little bit after the fact and, honestly, I don't remember it that well. What does that tell you? I remember enjoying it and I do remember some of the plot points. I do like the character of Alex Delaware and he does seem to get stuck in some very strange cases. The dealings with the patients felt very real to me. I also remember starting to lose interest a couple of times. I always got it back and I am glad I finished it. I just wish it had been a little more... taut (for lack of a better word). I do like the supporting characters (Milo and Robin among others) so will continue with this series. Let's hope it gets a little better. I am middle of the road on this one.
March 25, 2012
Great book! I think I have found another favorite author! Very interesting, fast paced and full of suspense. If you haven't read Jonathan Kellerman, now's the time to start! Alex Delaware is a great character. He's been added to my favorites too. I can't wait to read more of Kellerman's books and find out what other adventures Alex has! Every time I read one of these books, it gets me more and more interest in psychology. I found myself looking things up that I read about in this book because I found them so interesting. A real page-turner. Can't wait to read the next Alex Delaware book!
June 6, 2018
Audio with ebook
A good solid 3 stars because the author educates the reader using interesting fiction as opposed to reading a text book. Without telling the reader he draws on actual events that took place in California.
What kept it from a higher rating: his character descriptions are stereotypical.
his banter with his girlfriend is silly
I'm not sure if I buy his nerd/tough guy persona
The series is several decades on going so I am guessing that his writing improves
A good solid 3 stars because the author educates the reader using interesting fiction as opposed to reading a text book. Without telling the reader he draws on actual events that took place in California.
What kept it from a higher rating: his character descriptions are stereotypical.
his banter with his girlfriend is silly
I'm not sure if I buy his nerd/tough guy persona
The series is several decades on going so I am guessing that his writing improves
March 10, 2018
The 3rd of the Alex Delaware-Milo Sturgis series...I've read the later books in the series & loved them, so like many other series I'm trying to get thru the earlier ones...Alex receives a late night distressing call from one of his earlier patients in a study of young geniuses...perturbed by the deranged rantings Alex follows up & becomes entangled in a serial murder case with Milo on opposite sides...neat twists, but not as fast moving as his later work...still a very good read!
November 10, 2023
Over the Edge by Jonathan Kellerman is the 3rd book in the Alex Delaware Mystery series. Psychologist Alex Delaware receives a bizarre call for help from a former patient who is the arrested as the Lavender Slasher, a psychotic serial killer. A terrific and complex mystery with a lot of information regarding psychosis and psychology. An absorbing and fascinating book, that is well written and descriptive getting more interesting as it progresses.
April 23, 2015
I found this to be a terrific read. The plot was more than a little bizarre, but the story-telling was excellent. Lots of psychologist talk.
July 20, 2014
Another psychological thriller by Kellerman. In this one, Alex Delaware, the child psychologist gets a midnight call from his disturbed former patient, Jamie, who has been lost for follow up for many years. He is in distress and is incoherent. Later Delaware comes to know that Jamie, the rich heir is accused of serial murder of homosexual men, including his lover. Jamie's uncle and his family lawyer hire Delaware and things start to get further puzzling. Jamie, the child protegee comes from a psychotically disturbed lineage and they want him incarcerated in a mental home rather than be arrested and tried as a sane person. Delaware delves deeper into Jamie's background and unearths many seemingly unrelated facts which later culminate into shocking revelations.
This is a story of unmasking of politely veiled greed and betrayal, which leads to multiple murders and ripples of devastation.
I enjoyed this tautly placed psychological thriller, which delves into many psychological and psychiatric abnormalities, schizophrenia being one of them. Would recommend this one to those who enjoy this particular genre. Others may find it gory and macabre.
This is a story of unmasking of politely veiled greed and betrayal, which leads to multiple murders and ripples of devastation.
I enjoyed this tautly placed psychological thriller, which delves into many psychological and psychiatric abnormalities, schizophrenia being one of them. Would recommend this one to those who enjoy this particular genre. Others may find it gory and macabre.
July 27, 2012
This book felt like a bit of a departure from the style of the first two Alex Delaware books. It read less like a "whodunnit" and more like a "whydunnit." It was also very cerebral in nature-- very, very little action, and lots (and lots) of discussion/conversation that really felt like it was going nowhere. The pace was slow to start, but it did eventually (about 2/3 of the way through) turn around, stuff started happening and my interest finally engaged in a big way. Alex Delaware continues to be an interesting character, and I am enjoying following his journey, but I was definitely disappointed that the supporting crew (Milo, Robin) were not as present in this book. If it weren't for the fact that I am reading these for my book group, I would probably stop here and feel fine about it. But I shall continue onward!
October 3, 2020
So I almost gave up on this author at one point over a very trivial matter. I didn’t like his opinions. That’s why wars are fought, people are killed and countries fall. Opinions. I’m so glad that I got over my feelings as this author is not one to ever be skipped over my pride! This was another great Alex Delaware book! One of Alex’s former patients is in a mental facility and apparently breaks out and murders a male lover!!! And then accused of other murders!!! Is this brain child an evil genius killer and if so can Alex be his insanity defense? Read and find out!!! The outcome will shock!
April 3, 2022
4.25 stars?? I enjoyed this much more than I anticipated!! I absolutely loved all the psychology in this, I wish his later novels include it this much 😕. Despite the fact this isn’t the Alex Delaware novel I’m rating the highest, I do believe it is quite possibly my favorite in the series of all the 20 I’ve read. The only main thing that bothered me was how much homophobia there was…Although, since this was published in 1987 and set in 1987, I suppose the homophobia was more prevalent & “accepted🤬” than it is now.
April 18, 2023
OVER THE EDGE I give 4 ⭐️’s
Alex Delaware a Physiologist
Milo-Detective
In the middle of the night an old patient of Dr. Delaware , Jamey Cadmus calls him! Dr Delaware goes in the middle of the night to visit Jamey who’s in a secure psychiatric institution!
Blamed for Murder!
And the Thriller/Mystery begins!!!
Alex Delaware a Physiologist
Milo-Detective
In the middle of the night an old patient of Dr. Delaware , Jamey Cadmus calls him! Dr Delaware goes in the middle of the night to visit Jamey who’s in a secure psychiatric institution!
Blamed for Murder!
And the Thriller/Mystery begins!!!
February 28, 2022
Like these books, action and suspense with interesting story. This one is quite enjoyable. Murder, mayhem, corruption.
March 15, 2018
This is the third novel in the Alex Delaware series, and the fourth which I have read. I had previously read books 1,5, and 2 in that order.
"When the bough breaks" may very well be the best mystery I have ever read. It's fast paced, the charachters are interesting and they feel real. Kellerman describes a beautifully fascinating California life for some of us who have never been there. And the twists and turns were as sickening and perverted as they were unexpected.
The immediate follow up "Blood Test" is not quite as good, but is still an excellent companion for those who enjoyed "When the bough..."
Like Tom Clancy or JK Rowling, as Kellerman continued his series he felt entitiled to make his stories longer and perhaps needlessly more complicated.
Back in 2008 i read through this book at a slower than normal pace. ( I believe it took me several months to read) and that was caused by new alterations in schedule and difficulty finding time for reading for fun. By the time i reached the last 100 pages, i think i only had vague recollections of the content of the earlier 300 odd pages. One day in the not terribly distant future i will give this book another try when i expect to have adequate freetime to get through it in 30days or less. In the case of Timebomb, book 5 in this series which i had previously disliked and mentioned such in an earlier draft of this review. Rereading the book faster caused me to upgrade it 2 whole stars in the review meter. i hope that a faster reread of this story will do the same.
Update February 2017- Yes, rereading this book in 30 days or less does in fact enhance the quality of the material. I hearby declare, do not pick up any Kellerman mystery unless you suspect you have adequate free time available to read at least one chapter per day, everyday, and in result will finish a story in 45days or less.
"When the bough breaks" may very well be the best mystery I have ever read. It's fast paced, the charachters are interesting and they feel real. Kellerman describes a beautifully fascinating California life for some of us who have never been there. And the twists and turns were as sickening and perverted as they were unexpected.
The immediate follow up "Blood Test" is not quite as good, but is still an excellent companion for those who enjoyed "When the bough..."
Like Tom Clancy or JK Rowling, as Kellerman continued his series he felt entitiled to make his stories longer and perhaps needlessly more complicated.
Back in 2008 i read through this book at a slower than normal pace. ( I believe it took me several months to read) and that was caused by new alterations in schedule and difficulty finding time for reading for fun. By the time i reached the last 100 pages, i think i only had vague recollections of the content of the earlier 300 odd pages. One day in the not terribly distant future i will give this book another try when i expect to have adequate freetime to get through it in 30days or less. In the case of Timebomb, book 5 in this series which i had previously disliked and mentioned such in an earlier draft of this review. Rereading the book faster caused me to upgrade it 2 whole stars in the review meter. i hope that a faster reread of this story will do the same.
Update February 2017- Yes, rereading this book in 30 days or less does in fact enhance the quality of the material. I hearby declare, do not pick up any Kellerman mystery unless you suspect you have adequate free time available to read at least one chapter per day, everyday, and in result will finish a story in 45days or less.
February 27, 2021
Book #3 of Jonathan Kellerman's juggernaut series starring a child psychologist. The series kicked off in the mid-80's and as such, they feature shockingly racist, homophobic, sexist and overly appearance-focused dialogue. Reading older books illustrate how sanitized modern books generally are. I don't necessarily think the new stuff reflects the way a lot of people still think/feel/act; rather, it just idealizes.
But I digress. This is the one about Jamey Cadmus, a study participant for 10-14 year-old children with IQs of at least 160. Of the six study participants, Jamey was perhaps the most difficult. His mother died in his childbirth, and his father committed suicide several years later, leaving Jamey in the care of an aloof uncle and his trophy wife.
Years later, Jamey is involuntarily committed to a mental hospital with schizophrenia, accused of murdering several gay men and staging the scenes disturbingly. This mental state and crime doesn't jibe with the kid Dr. Delaware knew - Jamey was a genius, superior, depressed and a loner, but not a homicidal madman. Out of nostalgia for the sensitive child he once knew, Alex looks into the last few years of Jamey's life and the more he learns, the more somebody wants him dead.
I figured out the contributing factors of Jamey's current condition, and who's behind the crimes very early on in the book. I'm three for three on that mark in this series, so it's safe to say this series doesn't challenge my mystery solving drive. Between that and the distasteful dialogue I already complained about, it's a good thing I find the psychological aspects interesting to read about. Maybe the books published later on will be better.
But I digress. This is the one about Jamey Cadmus, a study participant for 10-14 year-old children with IQs of at least 160. Of the six study participants, Jamey was perhaps the most difficult. His mother died in his childbirth, and his father committed suicide several years later, leaving Jamey in the care of an aloof uncle and his trophy wife.
Years later, Jamey is involuntarily committed to a mental hospital with schizophrenia, accused of murdering several gay men and staging the scenes disturbingly. This mental state and crime doesn't jibe with the kid Dr. Delaware knew - Jamey was a genius, superior, depressed and a loner, but not a homicidal madman. Out of nostalgia for the sensitive child he once knew, Alex looks into the last few years of Jamey's life and the more he learns, the more somebody wants him dead.
I figured out the contributing factors of Jamey's current condition, and who's behind the crimes very early on in the book. I'm three for three on that mark in this series, so it's safe to say this series doesn't challenge my mystery solving drive. Between that and the distasteful dialogue I already complained about, it's a good thing I find the psychological aspects interesting to read about. Maybe the books published later on will be better.
March 18, 2020
Wow this was a tedious read. I don’t actually know how I managed to finish it and I hardly cared for the outcome so I skimmed through the last 100 pages.
Alex Delaware the psychologist goes on a quest to find out if a former patient of his committed some murders. He describes everything in great detail of what the people he meets are wearing to what they eat and drink. (I did salivate a little every time someone ordered a g&t)
This book was pretty fat and will make for great toilet paper when I run out of stock.
Alex Delaware the psychologist goes on a quest to find out if a former patient of his committed some murders. He describes everything in great detail of what the people he meets are wearing to what they eat and drink. (I did salivate a little every time someone ordered a g&t)
This book was pretty fat and will make for great toilet paper when I run out of stock.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews