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Alex Delaware
Alex Delaware
Alex Delaware
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Alex Delaware
Alex Delaware character
First appearanceWhen the Bough Breaks
Created byJonathan Kellerman
Portrayed byTed Danson
In-universe information
GenderMale
OccupationForensic psychologist for LAPD
NationalityAmerican
DogsFrench Bulldog; Koi

Alex Delaware is a literary character created by American writer Jonathan Kellerman.[1] The Alex Delaware detective series begins with When the Bough Breaks, published in 1985. Delaware appears in 39 of Kellerman's popular murder mysteries. Kellerman set the series in Los Angeles. Delaware is a forensic psychologist, although Kellerman wrote a back story in which Delaware practiced as a child psychologist.

Delaware has a friend, Milo Sturgis, who is a gay LAPD detective. Delaware helps Sturgis in his investigations, and the detective, who eventually reaches the rank of lieutenant, appears in each book in the series. As the series progresses, Delaware's relationship with Robin Castagna evolves, despite two long separations, during which various other romantic interests are introduced. In some of the more recent books in the series, Detective Petra Connor, introduced in Kellerman's standalone novel Billy Straight, also makes an appearance.

The Post-Modern Detective

[edit]

Alex Delaware (born in 1951) is empathetic and caring with particular emphasis on his concern for children. In Alex Delaware, Kellerman draws a hero who appears to be "a levelheaded, appealingly thoughtful guy".[2] Kellerman also provides Alex Delaware with a side-kick, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, as is customary in the mystery genre. It is also revealed that his mother was a manic-depressive and his father a raging, physically abusive alcoholic. Kellerman also adds a girlfriend, Robin Castagna, and a French bulldog, which serve to emphasize Delaware's empathetic nature. In several novels, Alex and Robin break up. Alex begins dating Dr. Alison Gwynn, also a Ph.D., clinical psychologist, while Robin dates Tim Plachette, a voice coach.[3]

'I tried to create Alex as a good psychologist,' says Kellerman, 'Actually he's much more sensitive than I am. But then, I get to rewrite his dialogue .... When you do therapy as a psychologist you focus on the patient,' [Kellerman] says. 'You keep yourself out of it as much as possible. Basically you sit there and try to get that person to communicate to you. So Alex asks people to talk to him. He doesn't inject a lot of himself in there.'
—Jonathan Kellerman [4]

Kellerman's characterization of Delaware is typical of the "Post-Modern Detective" whom Professor Dick Gibson defines as "often an untrained amateur ... often sensitive, caring, thoughtful and socially aware, and he is often from a traditionally noninvolved group."[3] Kellerman characterizes Delaware as "sensitive, socially involved, loving and passionate about his patients and his family relationships and cynical only about 'bad guys.'" Additionally, Kellerman brings a professional "sophistication" to the series.[3][5]

Delaware's friend Milo Sturgis, adds to the portrayal of the post-modern detective. As Gibson explains: "[The] other important male role is Milo, a career policeman, a big shambling bear of a man, but, in a stunning role reversal, he is gay."[3] Milo, Gibson points out, "the gay cop all too often functions as the cavalry. Delaware as amateur Knight Errant often gets into horrendous nightmare difficulties."[3]

In the American Psychological Association Patrick McGuire writes about Kellerman's characterization of Delaware: "Alex Delaware's style is unlike that of the typical hard-nosed private eye. He goes about his work by interacting sympathetically with the people he meets and by quiet, professional observation. Kellerman says an empathetic psychologist is an ideal model for a detective."[4]

Some reviewers, however, have criticized the Delaware novels based on overly intricate plotting, too much description of unnecessary elements, and "formula characters."[6][7]

Plot summaries

[edit]
When the Bough Breaks (1985)

Kellerman introduces Alex Delaware, Ph.D., in When the Bough Breaks. Kellerman characterizes Delaware as a successful (albeit retired) child psychologist suffering from burn-out after working on a case of systematic child molestation that culminates when the offender commits suicide in Delaware's office. Detective Milo Sturgis urges Delaware to come out of retirement and interview a seven-year-old child who may have witnessed a crime. Sturgis appoints Delaware as a "special consultant" to the Los Angeles Police Department.[8] Kellerman's timing in this novel coincided with news stories about child abuse in child care facilities.[9] The book was adapted as a 1986 film starring Ted Danson as Alex and Richard Masur as Milo.

Blood Test (1986)

In Blood Test, Alex Delaware acts as a consultant in the divorce and child custody case of Richard Moody, a bipolar and potentially dangerous father of two. At the same time, Delaware is contacted by a former colleague, Dr. Raoul Melendez-Lynch, of the oncology department at Western Pediatric Medical Center. Dr. Raoul Melendez-Lynch asks Delaware to consult with Mr. and Mrs. Swope whose child, Woody, needs treatment for cancer. Before Delaware has the opportunity to visit Woody, he vanishes from the hospital and the parents turn up murdered. Delaware sorts through a maze of clues to find the child.[10] Additionally, Kellerman highlights the issue of established medical treatments and new "cult cures" for children.[9]

Over the Edge (1987)

In Over the Edge, Kellerman presents Delaware's back story as a researcher in the study "Project 160", that involved the treatment of gifted children. As the novel opens, Delaware receives a phone call from Jamey Cadmus, who had been involved in the research project. Jamey has been arrested and accused of being a serial killer who preys on young male prostitutes. Delaware is hired by Cadmus' attorney to investigate. In this novel, Kellerman examines preconceived notions about homosexuality; and he examines how others perceive Delaware because of his friendship with Milo Sturgis. In the course of the investigation, Delaware eliminates the obvious clues and discovers a greater evil than he imagined.[11] Additionally, Kellerman investigates psychological problems resulting from childhood genius.[9]

Silent Partner (1989)

In Silent Partner, Kellerman has Delaware involved in a romantic interlude with a former girlfriend. Delaware's lover apparently commits suicide, and he begins an investigation into her death. His lover's identity becomes the focus of the investigation, as Delaware peels away layer after layer to discover a maze of childhood abuse.[9]

Time Bomb (1990)

Time Bomb highlights a school shooting at a Los Angeles elementary school; although the only fatality is the shooter herself, Holly Lynn Burden. Holly's father contacts Delaware and asks him to perform a psychological autopsy. During the course of the investigation Delaware encounters dysfunctional families and political extremism as he races to unravel the real villain as he pulls together all the threads.[12]

Private Eyes (1992)

In Private Eyes, former patient Melissa Dickinson contacts Delaware with a request to investigate a past crime. Her mother, Gina Dickinson had been the victim of an acid attack before Melissa's birth and subsequently suffered from agoraphobia. Shortly after Delaware contacts Dickinson, she disappears. With the help of Milo Sturgis, Delaware begins an investigation into the disappearance.[13]

Devil's Waltz (1993)

In Devil's Waltz, Delaware is asked to investigate the case of 20-month-old Cassie Jones, who is frequently hospitalized. The investigation leads Delaware to uncover secrets within Western Pediatric Hospital and to a "chilling discovery." When a physician is found murdered, Delaware turns to previous murders for clues to the puzzle.[14]

Bad Love (1994)

In Bad Love, Kellerman presents Delaware with an incident involving an anonymous cassette tape with the sound of a screaming child and chants of "bad love". The phrase refers to a seminar Delaware participated in when employed at Western Pediatrics. As usual, his interview skills provide the clues to keep the sleuthing psychologist moving from locale to locale. The action culminates in a fiery climax, when Delaware's canyon home is destroyed.[15]

Self-Defense (1995)

Thirteen months after the events in Bad Love, Delaware meets a former patient who sat on the jury in a serial killer case. The woman suffers recurring nightmares. Delaware must unravel two puzzles: the young woman's recurring nightmares; and the present-day patient who may be the target of a killer. Unraveling the two strands, Kellerman has Delaware face repressed memories, murder groupies, jailhouse autobiographers, all on the trail of a serial killer.[16]

The Web (1996)

Delaware and his girlfriend Robin travel to an island where Delaware assists a doctor collect and organize his works. A complicated plot, laced with ever-present murder, and a weird experiment gone terribly wrong is woven through the uneven writing, uncharacteristic for Kellerman.[17]

The Clinic (1997)

In The Clinic Kellerman presents Delaware with a cold case of murder, and the victim was a "pop psychology" author named Hope Devane. When Sturgis gets the cold case he calls in pal and psychologist Delaware hoping to find insights to Devane's life. The two uncover an execution style crime, her compartmentalized life, and her link to a second murder victim. However, Delaware's turns his forensic psychology skills toward her childhood where he finds answers, danger, and a killer.[18]

Survival of the Fittest (1997)

In the previous books, Kellerman often used a first person narrative form with Alex Delaware's voice, as well as the more objective third person. Character insights have been limited to those observations made by Delaware. However, in this novel, while the first person is limited to Delaware, there are also multiple presentations of the internal perspective of the character of Daniel Sharavi.[19]

Monster (1999)

In the thirteenth novel of the Delaware series, Kellerman paints an end-of-millennium Los Angeles reminiscent of Kenneth Millar's works, to whom Kellerman dedicates Monster. Delaware and Sturgis investigate a crime that leads them to an inmate in the Starkweather Hospital for the Criminally Insane. As usual the plot twists as Delaware and Sturgis uncover the monster living openly in society.[20] The novel also offers a realistic depiction of a mental disorder caused by psychiatric drugs; and features a character, wrongfully blamed for a multiple murder, who suffers mental illness as a result of psychoactive medication.[21]

Dr. Death (2000)

In Dr. Death, Kellerman opens with a corpse found in the Hollywood Hills area, and Alex Delaware is called in to help. Delaware, teamed up with Sturgis, investigates the grisly death of the victim, a Jack Kevorkian type assisted suicide doctor known as "Dr. Death" the victim. Suspects abound with relatives of Dr. Death's "victims". Detective Petra Connor, who Kellerman introduced in Billy Straight, puts in an appearance and helps Sturgis and Delaware.[22]

Flesh and Blood (2001)

In this novel, Delaware receives a call from a former patient's mother, whose daughter is missing. Delaware last saw her at a bachelor party performing as a stripper. Once again, he finds himself in dangerous situations as he attempts to help Sturgis uncover clues.[2]

The Murder Book (2002)

In The Murder Book, Jonathan Kellerman presents a new and "spellbinding" case for Delaware and Sturgis. Delaware receives a photo album from an unknown source that chronicles a number of murders. Sturgis recognizes the photo of a victim from one of his unsolved crimes two decades earlier. The first part of the novel focuses on Sturgis' early career and a cover-up that's lasted to the present.[23]

A Cold Heart (2003)

In A Cold Heart, Kellerman has Milo Sturgis tell Delaware "I've got a weird one, so naturally I thought of you." Sturgis summons Delaware to an art gallery where a young artist has been murdered and the scene suggests to Delaware the work of a serial killer. Teaming up with Petra Connor and her new partner, Sturgis and Delaware follow the clues to a fanzine writer, and as they track down the clues to the killer, bringing them to the doorstep of Delaware's ex-lover Robin Castagna.[24]

Therapy (2004)

In Therapy, Delaware and Sturgis investigate the death of a double murder on Mulholland Drive that leads to human rights' atrocities in Rwanda. Full of red herrings and clues, Kellerman throws out a plethora of psychological leads for Delaware.[25]

Rage (2005)

In Rage Kellerman presents Delaware with a case of child abduction and murder. Upon his release from prison, the child murderer contacts Delaware, but is murdered himself. Teaming up with Milo Sturgis, Delaware encounter "wayward children, a foster family from hell....and a serial killer who's the exact opposite of the genre's usual madman slasher but just as deadly." Delaware and Sturgis sift the evidence piece by piece in this complicated case.[26]

Gone (2006)

Delaware investigates the kidnapping of two aspiring young actors. When one of the actors is murdered, Delaware and Sturgis follow the clues that show the two were prey to an odd acting coach and an aspiring real estate developer.[27]

Bones (2009)

In Bones, a wealthy teenager gets an unnerving message about something "real dead . . . buried in your marsh." Later, the body of a young piano teacher is found in the swamp. Delaware and Sturgis begin their investigation, as more bones begin to surface from the protected urban swamp. Delaware and Sturgis unearth the details of the young piano teacher's life.[28]

Deception (2010)

In Deception, Deputy Chief Weinberg assigns LAPD Lt. Milo Sturgis the particularly sensitive murder case of Elise Freeman, a teacher and tutor at exclusive Windsor Preparatory Academy in Brentwood. Despite Elise's having left a DVD accusing three fellow teachers at the academy of repeated sexual harassment, Sturgis and Delaware have it made clear to them that their investigation is to involve the prestigious academy as little as possible. As the investigation reveals a victim that had a lot to hide and a boyfriend, students, teachers, administrators as well as a Deputy Chief who are all anxious to keep those secrets hidden—and at least one of them is willing to kill again.

Mystery (2011)

In Mystery, Delaware and Sturgis tackle the online dating world, when one of its sexy girls gets her face blown off in real time. Said website sets up sugar daddies with young women ("sweeties") looking for someone to take care of them, but all hell breaks loose when corpses variously mutilated start turning up and a rich family is somehow involved. Some interesting privacy issues in the cyberspace.

Victims (2012)

A serial killer à la Jack the Ripper, with disemboweled victims lined up in ritual precision, where compulsion and obsession mix in an explosive cocktail of violence and gore. A disturbing scenario that involves a former asylum and psychiatric malpractice: it's Alex's habitat indeed, and he knows how to move.

Killer (2014)

In Killer, Dr. Delaware becomes briefly embroiled in a bizarre custody battle between two sisters; one, a sophisticated, successful doctor, the other, an itinerant groupie. When the former is found murdered and the other disappears with her child, gay LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis will need Dr. Delaware's insight, expertise - and instinct - to solve the case.

Night Moves (2018)

Alex is called in to assist with a murder of a faceless victim, with whom the owners of the home the body is found in, the Corvins, are unfamiliar. The investigation uncovers that, aside from the Corvins, the rest of the community is particularly secretive and uncooperative, and unwilling to divulge information to Alex and the LAPD to solve this violent crime. Alex navigates the secrets of this well-to-do enclave of Los Angeles, exploring everything from the greed to shady sexual and deadly secrets, to get to the bottom of this case.

Bibliography

[edit]

Adaptation

[edit]

The first novel in the series, When the Bough Breaks, was adapted as a 1986 film starring Ted Danson as Alex Delaware and Richard Masur as Milo Sturgis.

Footnotes

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Delaware

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alex Delaware is a fictional character created by American author , serving as the protagonist in a long-running series of novels centered on crime-solving. A clinical child psychologist based in , Delaware frequently partners with his close friend, LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis, applying his expertise in to unravel complex murder investigations that often involve , family secrets, and societal undercurrents. The series, known for its blend of forensic detail, character-driven narratives, and exploration of the human psyche, debuted with the novel When the Bough Breaks in 1985 and has grown to encompass over 40 books as of 2025, making it one of the most enduring modern detective series. Delaware is portrayed as an insightful yet introspective figure, shaped by his past experiences, which adds depth to his analytical approach to cases. His personal life, including relationships with artist Robin Castagna and their Blanche, often intersects with professional challenges, highlighting themes of resilience and emotional complexity amid the grit of ' criminal landscape. Kellerman, a trained clinical himself, draws on his background to infuse the series with authentic psychological insights, earning praise for intricate plotting and realistic portrayals of investigative work.

Creation and development

Inspiration and debut

, a clinical with a Ph.D. from the earned in 1974, drew heavily from his professional background to create Alex Delaware, a forensic who serves as the in his crime novels. During his internship at , Kellerman encountered cases involving and trauma at a time when such issues were poorly understood, experiences that profoundly shaped his writing by emphasizing the psychological dimensions of criminal behavior. He sought to blend authentic psychology with crime-solving narratives, using his expertise to explore how individuals, particularly children, process and reveal truths under stress. Kellerman conceived Delaware in 1981 as an alternative to clichéd portrayals of professionals in , whom he viewed as either manipulative villains or ineffectual neurotics; instead, he aimed to depict psychologists as stable, intelligent, and empathetic contributors to investigations. This vision positioned Delaware as a sensitive, caring figure—a "post-modern " who relies on emotional insight and psychological acumen rather than physical toughness, contrasting sharply with the hard-boiled, grizzled protagonists of traditional stories. Influenced by authors like , whose novel The Underground Man inspired Kellerman during his graduate studies, the character emerged from a desire to humanize the genre through realistic behavioral analysis. Delaware made his debut in Kellerman's first novel, When the Bough Breaks, published in 1985 by after four years of writing and revisions. The book, centering on a child's repressed memories of a , marked the beginning of the Alex Delaware series and quickly became a , establishing Kellerman's approach to psychological thrillers.

Evolution across the series

Alex Delaware, born in 1951, begins the series as a 34-year-old child psychologist in the 1985 When the Bough Breaks. Over the subsequent 40-plus installments, spanning four decades, the character ages in real time, reaching his mid-70s by the 2025 novel Open Season. This progression provides a framework for authentic character maturation, aligning his personal timeline with contemporary societal and technological shifts while maintaining continuity in his core traits. Initially portrayed as an actively practicing who reluctantly enters forensic consulting, Delaware's professional role evolves into that of a semi-retired advisor by the later books, such as The Ghost Orchid (2024), where he selectively engages in investigations to preserve his . This shift reflects a realistic response to the cumulative demands of his career, emphasizing a move toward work-life balance amid ongoing consultations with LAPD detective Milo Sturgis. Author has noted that Delaware's experiences draw from his own psychological background, allowing the character to navigate cases with a blend of and caution honed over years. The series increasingly explores Delaware's psychological depth, highlighting the long-term consequences of exposure to violence and human suffering, including trauma from near-fatal encounters in recent novels like The Ghost Orchid, where he recovers from a life-threatening incident. These elements introduce PTSD-like symptoms, such as reflective introspection on past cases and emotional strain, underscoring the toll of his dual life as therapist and investigator. Kellerman incorporates these developments to portray an evolving investigative style, one that prioritizes psychological insight over physical risk, informed by accumulated wisdom and a desire for personal stability.

Fictional profile

Background and personality

Delaware's personality is characterized by , social awareness, and a compassionate drive to address without resorting to , preferring intellectual analysis to confront challenges. He is driven, curious, and compulsive in his pursuit of truth, traits that align with his role as a child psychologist but distinguish him as more adventurous and risk-tolerant than his creator. Physically, Delaware is depicted as lean and athletic, maintaining his fitness through activities like running and tennis, which reflect his active lifestyle and contrast with more sedentary detective archetypes. As a post-modern detective figure, he embodies an intellect-led approach sensitive to societal and psychological nuances, diverging from the conventional tough, action-oriented sleuths in crime fiction by emphasizing empathy and mental insight over physical prowess.

Career and methods

Alex Delaware is a trained child psychologist who specialized in treating young patients dealing with emotional and behavioral issues. After experiencing significant trauma from testifying in a high-profile child molestation case, he retired from full-time clinical practice in his mid-30s due to burnout. Despite his retirement, Delaware serves as an unofficial consultant to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), particularly on cases involving children or complex psychological elements. He was drawn into this role through his longtime friendship with LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis, collaborating on investigations where his expertise proves invaluable. Delaware's methods center on psychological profiling of both suspects and victims, employing behavioral to uncover hidden motives and patterns in criminal acts. He relies heavily on intuition-based deductions, drawing from his deep understanding of human motivation to interpret subtle cues that traditional police work might overlook. These approaches transform cases into "whydunits" as much as "whodunits," emphasizing the psychological underpinnings of crime. His key expertise lies in assessing and applying to homicide investigations, allowing him to evaluate credibility, reconstruct offender mindsets, and identify between past abuses and present violence. This specialized knowledge often reveals connections that advance stalled cases. As a consultant without formal police authority, Delaware operates under significant limitations; he lacks the power to , search, or compel cooperation, instead depending on , personal networks, and Sturgis's official status to access evidence and pursue leads. This unofficial arrangement adds tension to his investigations but underscores his role as an insightful outsider.

Personal life

Relationships

Alex Delaware's most significant romantic relationship is with Robin Castagna, a talented and artist specializing in handcrafted musical instruments such as guitars and violins. Their on-again, off-again partnership begins in the early novels of the series, providing Delaware with a source of emotional stability amid his demanding career, though it is frequently strained by the psychological toll of his investigative work and the dangers associated with his consultations for the LAPD. The couple experiences multiple breakups, including a notable separation following events in The Murder Book, where unresolved tensions from past cases lead to temporary estrangement, but they reconcile in later installments, underscoring themes of resilience and forgiveness in their bond. Delaware's past relationships highlight his struggles with commitment, often exacerbated by the isolating nature of his profession. In Silent Partner, he becomes entangled in a brief but intense romantic interlude with Sharon Ransom, a former acquaintance whose reappearance stirs unresolved feelings and complicates his dynamic with Castagna. Later, after another rift with Robin, Delaware enters a more stable but ultimately short-lived romance with Dr. Allison Gwynn, a fellow clinical whose shared professional background offers intellectual compatibility, though it lacks the depth of his connection with Castagna. These encounters illustrate Delaware's pattern of seeking solace in relationships that mirror his introspective world, yet they frequently falter under the weight of his emotional unavailability. On the familial front, Delaware maintains distant ties to his own family, with little direct involvement from parents or siblings depicted in the series, reflecting his self-reliant and somewhat solitary upbringing. He has of his own, a choice aligned with his aversion to the vulnerabilities of personal entanglements, but he channels his paternal instincts into mentoring young patients through his psychological , forming protective bonds that echo familial roles without the permanence of blood ties. These interpersonal connections serve as crucial emotional anchors for Delaware, counterbalancing the professional perils he faces alongside detective Milo Sturgis and offering moments of normalcy that humanize his otherwise high-stakes existence. The ebb and flow of his romances, in particular, drive his character development, revealing vulnerabilities that deepen his as a and .

Home and companions

Alex Delaware's residence is a secluded home on a quiet, easily overlooked street in , providing a peaceful contrast to the city's relentless pace. Purchased early in the series, this domestic space symbolizes a retreat from professional turmoil, allowing him moments of normalcy amid his consulting work with the LAPD. His non-human companions, primarily s, offer loyalty and comic relief, grounding his character in everyday tenderness. Early in the series, Spike served as his devoted pet, later passing peacefully of old age. Blanche, a small with a sausage-like body, succeeded Spike, often depicted snoring and squeaking in her sleep while lounging on the kitchen floor or joining family walks. These dogs highlight Delaware's empathetic nature, providing emotional support and lighthearted interruptions during tense investigations. Delaware's lifestyle revolves around simple, humanizing routines that reinforce the stability of his home life. He frequently engages in cooking, such as preparing omelets or pancakes for leisurely weekend breakfasts shared with his partner and . Regular two-mile walks with Blanche further emphasize his commitment to physical and mental , often occurring on calm Sunday mornings before cases intrude. These habits portray a man seeking balance, using domestic rituals to recharge from the psychological demands of his career. Over the course of the series, Delaware's home evolves from an unassailable sanctuary to one increasingly vulnerable to the encroachments of his work. Professional calls from detective Milo Sturgis frequently disrupt these idylls—such as a vibrating phone halting a Saturday omelet—pulling him into grim crime scenes and underscoring the blurring boundaries between his personal refuge and the dangers of his consultations. This tension amplifies the stakes, as the haven that sustains him becomes a fragile counterpoint to the chaos of ongoing cases.

The series

Overview and themes

The Alex Delaware series, created by , comprises 40 novels spanning from 1985 to 2025, combining elements of police procedurals and psychological thrillers, all set against the backdrop of . The stories center on Alex Delaware, a forensic who collaborates with the LAPD to unravel complex criminal cases, often delving into the motivations behind baffling homicides. This structure allows for intricate explorations of crime intertwined with insights, distinguishing the series within the mystery genre. Central themes in the series include the profound impacts of and trauma, frequently portrayed as underlying drivers of criminal behavior. It also examines the societal underbelly of , highlighting contrasts between Hollywood glamour and wealth disparities, as well as broader issues of moral ambiguity in the pursuit of . These motifs blend for victims with escalating suspense, offering provocative commentary on human nature's darker aspects, such as or unpredictability in behavior. The narratives underscore a tension between and the harsh realities of investigation, emphasizing ethical dilemmas in . The series employs a from Alex Delaware's perspective, prioritizing and psychological profiling over high-octane action sequences. This style fosters an introspective tone, where cases unfold through detailed analysis rather than physical confrontations, allowing readers to experience the protagonist's thought processes intimately. Overall, the tone remains dark and chilling, yet hopeful in its focus on psychological resolution and the potential for understanding amid chaos.

Publication history

The Alex Delaware series, authored by , began publication in 1985 and has continued as a mainstay of , with serving as the primary U.S. publisher for the novels. The debut novel achieved status, establishing the series' commercial trajectory, and subsequent entries have frequently topped bestseller lists, contributing to Kellerman's designation as a #1 . The series consists of 40 novels released over four decades, with a pattern of near-annual publications, occasional double releases in a single year (such as 1997 and 2008), and brief gaps (notably in 1991 and 1998). The books have been translated into two dozen languages and published internationally, expanding their reach beyond English-speaking markets.

Full Bibliography

  • When the Bough Breaks (1985)
  • Blood Test (1986)
  • Over the Edge (1987)
  • Silent Partner (1989)
  • Time Bomb (1990)
  • Private Eyes (1992)
  • Devil's Waltz (1993)
  • Bad Love (1994)
  • Self-Defense (1995)
  • The Web (1996)
  • The Clinic (1997)
  • Survival of the Fittest (1997)
  • Monster (1999)
  • Dr. Death (2000)
  • Flesh and Blood (2001)
  • The Murder Book (2002)
  • A Cold Heart (2003)
  • Therapy (2004)
  • Rage (2005)
  • Gone (2006)
  • Obsession (2007)
  • Compulsion (2008)
  • Bones (2008)
  • Evidence (2009)
  • Deception (2010)
  • Mystery (2011)
  • Victims (2012)
  • Guilt (2013)
  • Killer (2014)
  • Motive (2015)
  • Breakdown (2016)
  • Heartbreak Hotel (2017)
  • Night Moves (2018)
  • The Wedding Guest (2019)
  • The Museum of Desire (2020)
  • Serpentine (2021)
  • City of the Dead (2022)
  • Unnatural History (2023)
  • The Ghost Orchid (2024)
  • Open Season (2025)

Recurring characters

Primary partner: Milo Sturgis

Milo Sturgis is a lieutenant with the (LAPD) and the primary professional partner of Alex Delaware in Jonathan Kellerman's long-running mystery series. Introduced in the When the Bough Breaks (1985), Sturgis is depicted as an openly at a time when the LAPD officially denied employing officers, making his character pioneering in for portraying a competent, non-stereotypical law enforcement professional. Kellerman created Sturgis to subvert the of the grizzled, straight , instead using his to add narrative tension without defining or limiting the character's abilities. Physically, Sturgis is described as a towering 6-foot-3, 250-pound with an unkempt appearance that underscores his no-nonsense demeanor. His personality is gruff yet brilliant, marked by street-smart procedural expertise, unwavering loyalty, and a high case-solve rate that earns him respect despite widespread from colleagues due to his sexuality. This contrasts sharply with Delaware's intellectual, psychological approach, forming the core of their dynamic: Sturgis provides official police access and investigative resources, while Delaware offers insights into criminal motivations and victim behaviors. Their partnership began unofficially in the first and has endured through over 40 , evolving into a deep, brotherly friendship that withstands professional and personal challenges. Sturgis faces ongoing harassment, such as colleagues planting derogatory materials in his locker or patients refusing his partner's medical care, yet he remains resilient and focused on his work. In his personal life, Sturgis has been in a long-term relationship with Rick Silverman, an emergency room physician, since the early ; this stable partnership develops alongside Delaware's own romantic life, highlighting themes of enduring amid adversity. Over the series, Sturgis's growth—from an isolated figure navigating homophobia to a more integrated professional—mirrors Delaware's maturation, strengthening their collaborative bond.

Supporting cast

In the Alex Delaware series, several LAPD colleagues provide procedural support and occasional comic relief to the investigations led by Alex and his primary partner, Milo Sturgis. Detective Petra Connor, a sharp and intuitive homicide investigator, first appears in Survival of the Fittest (1997) and recurs in novels such as Dr. Death (2000), A Cold Heart (2003), and Obsession (2007), often assisting with casework while navigating her own professional challenges. Another recurring officer is Sean Binchy, a younger, freckled detective who joins the team in later entries like The Wedding Guest (2019) and The Museum of Desire (2020), where he contributes fieldwork and benefits from Alex's psychological insights during high-stakes operations. Milo's superiors, such as various captains and lieutenants, appear episodically to authorize resources or impose bureaucratic hurdles, but no single boss dominates the narrative across books. Rick Silverman, an emergency room physician and Milo Sturgis's long-term romantic partner, offers emotional grounding and medical expertise in select stories, debuting in When the Bough Breaks (1985) and reappearing in titles like The Wedding Guest (2019), where he provides personal support amid the duo's caseload. Dr. Richard Doss, a wealthy and vengeful father from Dr. Death (2000), seeks justice for past traumas, blending professional consultation with plot-driving alliances in that novel. The series features no fixed recurring antagonists; instead, adversaries typically manifest as one-off patterns of psychologically damaged individuals, corrupt officials, or institutional enablers who challenge Alex's expertise in profiling motives and behaviors. These figures advance the plot by embodying the thematic exploration of mental fragility and societal decay without overshadowing the central investigative duo.

Adaptations

Film adaptation

The sole film adaptation of an Alex Delaware novel is the 1986 television movie When the Bough Breaks, based on Jonathan Kellerman's debut book in the series. Directed by , the film stars as forensic psychologist Alex Delaware and as his partner, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis. It premiered on on October 12, 1986, running 100 minutes. Produced by TDF Productions and Taft Entertainment Television, the movie was executive produced by Danson alongside Dan Fauci and Rick Husky, with Phil Penningroth adapting the screenplay. Casting Danson, then best known for his comedic role on , marked a deliberate shift to showcase his dramatic range in a serious thriller lead. Masur, a veteran of films like The Thing, was chosen for the grounded portrayal of Sturgis, emphasizing their buddy-detective dynamic central to the series. As a made-for-TV project, it operated on a modest budget typical of network movies of the week, prioritizing efficient storytelling over elaborate production values. The remains largely faithful to the novel's core involving investigating child-related crimes but simplifies elements for broadcast standards, reducing explicit and violence to suit family-hour airing. This results in less depth in exploring Delaware's internal conflicts compared to the book's narrative, streamlining the story into a more straightforward procedural. Reception was mixed, with an IMDb user rating of 6.7/10 reflecting appreciation for its tension and character interplay. Critics praised Danson and Masur's performances for their chemistry and sincerity, with People magazine calling it a "tight, tense murder mystery" featuring shocking twists. However, The New York Times critiqued the predictable plot and contrived situations, noting it as a standard TV thriller hampered by formulaic pacing. Despite positive elements, no sequels were produced, leaving this as the only completed screen adaptation of the series.

Proposed television series

In 2013, Fox Broadcasting Company placed a script order with penalty for a drama pilot based on Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels, described as an "adrenaline-packed mystery series" centering on the forensic psychologist's collaboration with law enforcement on criminal cases. In March 2017, IDW Entertainment acquired the worldwide television rights to the Alex Delaware series and announced plans to develop it as a straight-to-series adaptation, envisioned as a crime procedural highlighting the psychological insights of the protagonist alongside his detective partner. The project advanced in January 2018 when veteran producer , known for his work on series like and , was hired as writer and to helm the adaptation. As of 2025, there have been no further public updates on the IDW project since the 2018 showrunner announcement, suggesting it has stalled amid broader shifts in the television industry, such as streaming competition and production delays. The proposed format would emphasize a procedural structure infused with psychological depth, centering on the dynamic between Alex Delaware and his LAPD counterpart Milo Sturgis.

Reception

Commercial success

The Alex Delaware series by has sold over 80 million copies worldwide, establishing it as one of the most enduringly popular contemporary franchises. Launched in 1985 with When the Bough Breaks, the series has produced 40 novels by 2025, with new installments released roughly annually in recent years and consistently achieving New York Times bestseller status. These books have been translated into two dozen languages, expanding their reach to international markets and solidifying Kellerman's global publishing footprint. The series' commercial dominance elevated Kellerman from a practicing to a full-time author, fostering collaborations such as co-authored works with his son Jesse Kellerman and spin-offs like the Petra Connor series derived from the Alex Delaware universe. It maintains a devoted readership drawn to its procedural mystery elements, bolstered by robust sales in audiobooks—narrated primarily by and earning high ratings on platforms like Audible—and e-book editions available through .

Critical analysis

The Alex Delaware series has garnered praise for its integration of psychological depth into , leveraging author Jonathan Kellerman's expertise as a clinical to provide nuanced insights into criminal motivations and victim trauma. Reviewers have highlighted the empathetic characterization of protagonists like Delaware, a thoughtful and introspective forensic consultant, whose analytical approach humanizes complex cases. The vivid, authentic portrayal of as a sprawling, multifaceted backdrop further enhances the realism, immersing readers in the city's underbelly while grounding the narratives in everyday locales. Critics have occasionally pointed to formulaic elements in the plotting, with some later installments described as routine or showing signs of series fatigue through fewer unexpected twists and repetitive procedural beats. Descriptions of recurring character habits, such as Detective Milo Sturgis's eating patterns, have been noted as overly familiar across volumes, contributing to a sense of predictability. Additionally, the heavy emphasis on psychological exposition has drawn complaints of preachiness, with dialogue sometimes slowing the pace to deliver extended therapeutic analysis on social issues like mental health and family dysfunction. In literary context, the series draws comparisons to Ross Macdonald's novels for its focus on psychological underpinnings of crime, though some analyses argue Macdonald achieved greater subtlety in blending family secrets with detection. It shares thematic ground with Michael Connelly's Los Angeles-based procedurals, emphasizing urban grit and investigative rigor, but distinguishes itself through Delaware's therapeutic lens. Kellerman's work has influenced the portrayal of in the genre, popularizing the of the empathetic expert who deciphers to crack cases, thereby elevating the intellectual stakes of . The enduring legacy of the Alex Delaware series lies in its innovative fusion of and , creating a "post-modern" detective framework where supplants brute force as a primary tool for resolution. Spanning over three decades and nearly 40 novels, it remains a of psychological , though reviewers have observed waning freshness in recent entries amid its commercial longevity. The 2025 installment, Open Season, continues this trend, earning praise for its intricate plotting while facing similar critiques of predictability.

References

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