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· 11,121 ratings · 848 reviews
Start your review of City of the Dead (Alex Delaware, #37)
City of the Dead by Jonathan Kellerman brings more than just murder and suspense to the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series. It combines a police procedural with psychology to bring additional insights into the story and people. The books are also tend to be cerebral in nature. Milo and Alex have been friends for years and while they often approach cases from different standpoints, their investigative and cognitive techniques gel as well as their dispositions, and they keep the cases fresh, entertaining and moving along. The way they bounce ideas off of each other feels
natural. At this stage of the series, the main characters are well known to this reader and have depth. Some secondary characters from previous books in the series show up to keep things interesting and provide additional awareness of how Milo and his team work together. The writing style flowed well and I knew I was back with old friends. Kellerman’s writing is polished and appealing, doing a good job of transporting me to the Los Angeles area. Whether they are talking about or
experiencing the traffic or food or the people, I was living the events with Milo and Alex. They both want to achieve justice and hold bad people accountable for their actions. The story had several twists and there were a couple of surprises at the end. It was definitely not predictable to me. Will you be shocked by the culprit’s identity? Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Milo and Alex’s world and their latest case. It was an engaging read with a solid mystery to
unravel. I also liked the insights into Alex’s work with child custody cases including his approach and his thoughts going into a new case. Readers that like the series and police procedurals should enjoy this latest novel. I don’t recommend jumping into this series at number 37, though. Start earlier in the series to have the best reading experience. I have read over 20 books in the series and plan to read them all. They’re never disappointing. I received a complimentary copy of
this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 8, 2022. ---------------------------------------
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when Milo is called to the scene of young naked man hit by a
van. But a blood trail leads to a nearby home where a woman has City of the Dead by Jonathan Kellerman brings more than just murder and suspense to the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series. It combines a police procedural with psychology to bring additional insights into the story and people. The books are also tend to be cerebral in nature.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up
again when Milo is called to the scene of young naked man hit by a van. But a blood trail leads to a nearby home where a woman has been murdered and any thoughts of accidental death disappear.
Per publisher guidelines, my 4 star review will be posted approximately 2 weeks prior to publication.
In this 37th book in the 'Alex Delaware' series, the psychologist helps LAPD detective Milo Sturgis investigate a tricky case. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a plus. ***** A moving van has almost reached its destination in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood near UCLA when it hits a young man who seems to appear out of nowhere.
The victim is dead....and naked.
When the police arrive a crotchety old man who lives on the block suggests the deceased came
In this 37th book in the 'Alex Delaware' series, the psychologist helps LAPD detective Milo Sturgis investigate a tricky case. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a plus.
*****
A moving van has almost reached its destination in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood near UCLA when it hits a young man who seems to appear out of nowhere.
The victim is dead....and naked.
When the police arrive a crotchety old man who lives on the block suggests the deceased came from a house down the street, that 'gets a lot of visitors.'
The cops approach the house in question, see some drops of blood, and enter to find the dead body of homeowner Cordelia Gannett.
LAPD homicide detective Lt. Milo Sturgis gets the case, and as always in unusual situations.....
......calls his friend Dr. Alex Delaware, a psychologist who consults for the Los Angeles Police Department.
It turns out Dr. Delaware is acquainted with deceased Cordelia Gannett, a beautiful blonde with a checkered past. When Alex was doing a child-custody evaluation for the court a couple of years ago, Cordelia Gannett showed up to testify for the husband, claiming to be a child psychologist.
Cordelia, who barely finished high school, was exposed as a fraud and charged with misrepresentation. Afterwards, Cordelia reinvented herself as a sort of life coach, a profession that doesn't require a license or credentials.
Milo and Alex conclude that the dead man was Cordelia's houseguest, and he may have killed her, panicked, and ran into the street. On the other hand, someone else may have killed them both and thrown the nude man into the moving van to confuse the authorities.
The naked victim can't be identified because his wallet is gone, his face is crushed, and his fingerprints aren't in the system. Thus an early order of business is to find out his name. The investigators also learn that a lawyer loosely connected to Cordelia was murdered, and things get even murkier.
Milo and Alex spend a lot of time driving around Los Angeles to interview people, including Cordelia's mother, stepfather, half-brother, clients, and acquaintances. When the naked corpse is identified, Milo and Alex speak to the people who knew him as well. It turns out both Cordelia and the naked man had difficult childhoods and broke away from their families to better themselves as adults.
Meanwhile, Alex is also working on a child custody evaluation for a divorcing couple. Alex meets with the parents separately, and learns the mother wants to take the couple's daughter to Kentucky, where her rich horse-breeding family lives.....
.....and the father opposes the plan.
The manipulations of both parents, and the shenanigans of a snooty devious lawyer, add interest (and a touch of fun) to the story.
As always in this series, Alex hobnobs with his girlfriend Robin and their cute French bulldog Blanche;
and Milo eats enormous amounts of food, including a monumental burrito and a huge steak.
I like police procedurals and I enjoyed the book. My major quibble is that the solution to the murders doesn't come from clues accumulated by the investigators but is more of a deus ex machina. Armchair detectives would have to be clairvoyant to suss out the killer, and I felt a bit cheated.
Still, I'd recommend the book to fans of the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Jonathan Kellerman, and Ballantine Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at //reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
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Dec 29, 2021 Thomas rated it really liked it
I enjoyed this psychological mystery. This book is number 37 in the
series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It is the only book that I have read by this author. It opens with a naked man hit by a moving van. But a second body is discovered. Psychologist Alex Delaware is called in to consult by LAPD detective Milo Sturgis. They do solve the crimes in a pleasant police procedural.
Two quotes:
"The pancake approach to parenthood. Toss the first batch."
" Not the two handed thing you see hundred I enjoyed
this psychological mystery. This book is number 37 in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It is the only book that I have read by this author. It opens with a naked man hit by a moving van. But a second body is discovered. Psychologist Alex Delaware is called in to consult by LAPD detective Milo Sturgis. They do solve the crimes in a pleasant police procedural.
Two quotes:
"The pancake approach to parenthood. Toss the first batch."
" Not the two handed thing you see
hundred pound actresses do in movies. "
I am retired law enforcement. I was taught to use 2 hands when firing my weapon, to ensure a secure grip.
I rate this book 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to Ballantine Books and the author for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#CityoftheDead #NetGalley. ...more
"I live in a very dangerous part of Los Angeles......it's called Los Angeles." (Ralphie May) Where else
can a fully naked guy run into a moving moving van down a dark street at 5:30 AM? Yup. It happened and scared the recently eaten breakfast outta the driver and his partner. And the quick call that follows to Lieutenant Milo Stugis doesn't skip a beat. Damage done and, of course, the victim wasn't packing his wallet for ID. Milo settles out the scene. But a neighbor shines a light on a house dow Where else can a fully naked guy run into a moving moving van down a dark street at 5:30 AM? Yup. It happened and scared the recently eaten breakfast outta the driver and his partner. And the quick call that follows to Lieutenant Milo Stugis doesn't skip a beat. Damage done and, of course, the victim wasn't packing his wallet for ID. Milo settles out the scene. But a neighbor shines a light on a house down the street where this guy
might have been running from. Milo and his team enter and find the body of a woman brutally murdered. Looks like there's a connection here, but it's up to Milo to piece it altogether. Milo calls in his trusted friend, Dr. Alex Delaware, psychologist extraordinaire, who recognizes the female victim. She's Cordi Gannett whom he met in court as a professional witness. Cordi liked to bend the rules when it came to her exact profession. She professed to having a doctorate while at the same time
touting her talents as a dancer, instructor, yoga master, and model. Pick your poison. But it wasn't poison in the end that got Cordi. Fear not. This is #37 in the Alex Delaware Series. The elevator door opened and this is exactly where I entered. Jonathan Kellerman fills in the blanks nicely and we're off and running. Kellerman is an expertise when it comes to laying out the mystery cards on the table. No need to bend the corners. He introduces us to a multitude of characters who wear
guilty like a second skin. And, as readers, we're running down dark corridors for a way out. Kellerman flips the switch and it all falls into place. Brilliant, intriguing, and a master at mind games. Don't miss this one even if you get out on the 37th Floor like I did. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Random House (Ballantine Books) and to Jonathan Kellerman for the opportunity.
As the removalist van left the motel in the early hours, ready for their final delivery a few hours away, the two men on board were enjoying the lack of traffic – until suddenly they hit something unseen in the darkness. Detective Moses Reed was first on scene to the death of a young white male, naked as the day he was born. When Lieutenant Milo Sturgis arrived with psychologist Dr Alex Delaware, they had
no idea what was ahead of them. When Moe discovered traces of blood at a nearby house durin When Moe discovered traces of blood at a nearby house during their early morning door knock, the detectives ventured inside the house to discover a young woman lying dead in the hallway. The brutality was evident, but when Alex saw the woman, he realized he knew her from a recent child custody case. The lack of evidence frustrated Milo, but they continued to dig deeply and what they found tied Alex’s own
cases to the current murders. Los Angeles was a vibrant, alive city but it was also a city of the dead. City of the Dead is the 37th in the Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman and it’s a beauty! I haven’t read a Kellerman in awhile, but he hasn’t lost any of his style. Milo and Alex work well together, and with Alex’s brand of psychology and intrigue, he hits the nail on the head for Milo quite often. And City of the Dead is one such time! An excellent read which I
recommend. With thanks to Yewon Son, Penguin Random House, Ballantine via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this was a quick read, I finished it in two days without much effort. I have read one other Jonathan Kellerman book that I could not wait for to be over... but this Alex Delaware series has a
huge following so I thought I would give it another shot. The characters were solid and obviously well-defined after 36 previous episodes. The mystery set up well, too... I bought into it. I just did not feel the road to the solution was satisfying. There was no early foreshadowing-- I can not say muc Well, this was a quick read, I finished it in two days without much effort. I have read one other Jonathan Kellerman book that I could not wait for to
be over... but this Alex Delaware series has a huge following so I thought I would give it another shot. The characters were solid and obviously well-defined after 36 previous episodes. The mystery set up well, too... I bought into it. I just did not feel the road to the solution was satisfying. There was no early foreshadowing-- I can not say much more without risking a spoiler. If you are getting onto an airplane and don't have anything disposable to read, pick this up at the gift shop. It is
done professionally and will not challenge you. Three out of five stars. Thank you to Ballantine / Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Los Angeles, a city many are drawn to for the light, action, and celebrities. The home of psychologist Alex Delaware and his best friend, Homicide Lt. Detective Milo Sturgis, a home in which they encounter the worst
that life can bring. And on this sunny morning, on a pretty street with nice houses, a naked man lies dead in the middle of the street, while a young woman is butchered in the house beyond. Just another day in paradise for these two friends, with a case that strings many different pe Los Angeles, a city many are drawn to for the light, action, and celebrities. The home of psychologist Alex Delaware and his best friend, Homicide Lt. Detective Milo
Sturgis, a home in which they encounter the worst that life can bring. And on this sunny morning, on a pretty street with nice houses, a naked man lies dead in the middle of the street, while a young woman is butchered in the house beyond. Just another day in paradise for these two friends, with a case that strings many different people together, even Alex's Child Consult case becomes involved when one of the parents are linked to the case!
I have read this series from the start, and this
is book #37!! The relationship between these two friends, including their loves and families, never cease to bring a smile to my face. Alex is put to a tough job here, attempting to understand just what happened, who is involved and that almighty question WHY?!! Milo does his job well, but his friend Alex is irreplaceable when trying to get to the heart of each murder, and this case is no different. The road they travel to find the answers is lumpy and twisted, but I'd not want any others on a
case I am trying to understand!! An entertaining read that makes you smile, turn your head the other way, and enjoy every little moment, by an author who just gets what people like to read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Random House Publishing, who I sincerely thank, and I offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in thisreview.
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I’ve only dipped into Kellerman’s long running Alex Delaware series once before – it was quite some time ago and I recorded no reaction to the book other than the lonely three stars listed on my Goodreads record of the event. But I like crime fiction stories set in the City of Angels so it was about time I gave the series another try. In this, the latest book in the series, Delaware – a child psychologist
- teams up with cop Milo Sturgis to investigate the strange death of a naked man hit by a r I’ve only dipped into Kellerman’s long running Alex Delaware series once before – it was quite some time ago and I recorded no reaction to the book other than the lonely three stars listed on my Goodreads record of the event. But I like crime fiction stories set in the City of Angels so it was about time I gave the series another try. In this, the latest book
in the series, Delaware – a child psychologist - teams up with cop Milo Sturgis to investigate the strange death of a naked man hit by a removal truck in the dark early hours. It’s not obvious why Sturgis asks Alex to help him but I suppose the pair have made a habit of working cases together and if it ain’t broke why fix it. Soon one body become two, as a woman is found to have been stabbed in a nearby house. So, what’s the link between the two – assuming there is a link? Did ‘Naked’ murder
the woman and was he then unlucky enough to get run down by the truck? But if so, why was escaping the scene with no clothes on? The interaction between the psychologist and the cop is well handled, their discussions on point but always with an undertone of humour. I liked both characters, but Delaware is the star of the show. As L.A. crime solvers go, Kellerman has drawn him closer in character to Elvis Cole (Robert Crais) than the more hard-bitten Harry Bosch (Michael Connelly): he’s good
looking, smooth and has an agile turn of phrase. The story moves along at a reasonable pace with the requisite number of switches and twists arriving at timely intervals. The only thing I found slightly irritating is that on a couple occasions people of interest were identified and tracked down through what felt like little more than guesswork. But this aside the story knots together pretty well and builds to an intriguing conclusion. It’s an easy and enjoyable read and I now know that
I’ll definitely return to this series again - and this time it'll be sooner rather than later. My thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After 37 books in a series kudos to the author who is able to keep his characters interesting and fresh. Having read all in the series there are some that did not live up to
Kellerman’s usual high quality, but in this one he is top of his game. Even the twist is a bit different from previous books in the series. Alex and Milo are investigating a double homicide that was kind of weird to begin with and it’s going nowhere, in fact they hit a brick wall – no viable leads. I wondered why the author was Having
read all in the series there are some that did not live up to Kellerman’s usual high quality, but in this one he is top of his game. Even the twist is a bit different from previous books in the series. Alex and Milo are investigating a double homicide that was kind of weird to begin with and it’s going nowhere, in fact they hit a brick wall – no viable leads. I wondered why the author was filling pages and pages with one of Alex’s child psychology cases. Until I got it. This
is a very solid 4+stars!
Feb 08, 2022 Donna Davis rated it it was amazing
The Alex Delaware series began in 1985 with the
publication of When the Bough Breaks, and it’s been going strong ever since. City of the Dead is number 37, and in many ways, its style is closer to the original than more recent editions, and I consider this a good thing. My thanks go to Net Galley and Random House Ballantine for the review copy. This book is available for purchase today. The story begins with a moving van, and two drivers looking to beat that nasty Los Angeles traffic by starting The story begins with a moving van, and two drivers looking to beat
that nasty Los Angeles traffic by starting early. They’re making their way through an upscale residential neighborhood when something hurtles toward them in the dark, and the van makes a sickening crunch as it rolls over it. It’s a man, clad in his birthday suit alone; nobody can see the face anymore, because that’s where the wheels went. Once it becomes clear that the man was already dead when he was tossed into the street, Detective Lieutenant Milo Sturgis is called in. Milo is a homicide cop;
Alex Delaware, our protagonist, is a child psychologist as well as Milo’s best friend. Milo often consults with Alex—sometimes officially, sometimes not—when a case has tricky psychological contours. There are two threads to our plot. The first is the aforementioned corpse under the van; a small trail of blood leads the police to the house from which it came, where they find another body, that of the woman that lived there. There are all sorts of twists and turns; the woman turns out to
be someone Alex knows slightly from a case in which he testified, but the man proves much harder to identify. The second thread is more straightforward, a custody case he’s been asked to evaluate for the court. Ultimately, there is some overlap between the two threads, and this is not something I can recall seeing in other books in the series. It’s very well done. One thing I often forget between Delaware novels is how funny Kellerman can be. In this case, the story unfolds fast, and it
isn’t until about the 70 percent mark that the humor is interjected. Delaware and Sturgis are interviewing a couple of enormous bodyguards, and the scene makes me snicker out loud. The pacing never flags, and there is a lot of dialogue that crackles and makes the pages turn.
There are two elements I’ve complained about in recent Delaware novels. The first is the sordid stuff; kinky sex that comes off as a bit seedy and leaves me with a sour gut. None of that this time! I’m so pleased. The second is the unrealistic elements in which Alex does way too much cop stuff for a civilian. There have been times, in other books, where Alex tackles bad guys, or is given a Kevlar vest, and when that happens, the magic is compromised. It makes me think about the author, because I’ve stopped believing 100 percent in the characters. Again, that is scaled way back here. In fact, there’s one instance where Alex suggests that he be the one to entice a suspect into giving up a coffee cup or something else containing DNA, and Milo shuts that down. It’s not necessary, and they’re not doing that.
The last several Delaware novels have been four stars from me, because although I did enjoy them, the issues that I just mentioned kept me from going all in. This time I feel everything was exactly right. You can jump in if you’re new to the series, but once you do, you’ll want to go back for the others. Highly recommended.
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Sep 05, 2021 Dave rated it really liked it
City of the Dead is the 37th book in Kellerman’s long-running police procedural series set in Modern Los Angeles and featuring as its main character a court-consulting child psychologist Alex Delaware who often rides along with Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis. Despite the plethora of corpses starting with naked man running into the moving van, this is not a shoot-em-up, action-packed book. It has a more realistic feel to it as Delaware goes through the humdrum aspects of being on top of a homici City of the Dead is the 37th book in Kellerman’s long-running police procedural series set in Modern Los Angeles and featuring as its main character a court-consulting child psychologist Alex Delaware who often rides along with Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis. Despite the plethora of corpses starting with naked man running into the moving van, this is not a shoot-em-up, action-packed book. It has a more realistic feel to it as Delaware goes through the humdrum aspects of being on top of a homicide investigation that seems to lead nowhere but into a mysterious past. One of the victims in particular is quite interesting as a fake psychiatrist from Delaware’s past and current internet sensation is murdered and suspected by her elderly neighbors of running a high class brothel. Delving into her past is like peeling into an onion cause it doesn’t get prettier the deeper you dig. Pay attention though cause nothing is set out by accident. ...more
This is the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series and not much has really changed over the years. Alex is a child psychologist who acts as a consultant for the Los Angeles police department.
This relationship began back with When the Bough Breaks first publised in 1985. He works with Lieutenant Milo Stugis, lives with his girlfriend; Robin Castagna, still has the same pet French Bulldog; Blanche, and drives the same car. What had changed over the many books in the series was
his consultant capac This is the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series and not much has really changed over the years. Alex is a child psychologist who acts as a consultant for the Los Angeles police department. This relationship began back with
When the Bough Breaks first publised in 1985. He works with Lieutenant Milo Stugis, lives with his girlfriend; Robin Castagna, still has the same pet French Bulldog; Blanche, and drives the same car. What had changed over the many books in the series was his consultant capacity. He went
from a consultant brought in when there was a crime that involved a child to Milo's buddy. With this book Alex's experience as a child psychologist plays a pivotal role. A couple of movers decide to get an early start on a delivery in order to beat traffic. It is still dark. They almost reach their destination when they hit something. Instead of a deer or some other animal it is a man. Naked. The police are called and begin their investigation. At first they believe the victim believe is a
local college student. Probably drunk or high. But, an elderly neighbor suggests they check out a nearby house. The investigating officer finds blood droplets on the sidewalk and upon further investigation the body of Cordelia Gannett inside the home. At this point Milo is called in who in turn calls Alex. Alex recognizes Gannett. When he was doing a child custody evaluation for the court a few years ago the husband's lawyer brought her in claiming she was a child psychologist. Gannett,
who didn't even finish high school, was exposed as a fraud and charged. This did not stop her though. Thanks to the internet she reinvented herself as a life coach. No degree or certificate required. The forensic evidence leads police to believe the man may have been sleeping on her couch but who is he? There are no clothes or wallet. His face was crushed in the accident and his fingerprints aren't in the system. Did he kill Gannett, panic and run? Or is he another victim? A lot of time
is spent interviewing Gannett's family and when the male victim is identified they learn both had difficult childhoods and split from their families. Alex is also working on a child custody evaluation for the court when he is not with Milo. The wife of a divorcing couple wants to take their daughter and move back to Kentucky. The husband opposes. It is Alex who discovers the truth and points Milo and his team in the right direction. This was an entertaining story and good to see Alex using
his skills rather than being along for the ride. Not very believable but there is some humor. Another thing that hasn't changed is Milo's relationship with food.
This most recent of the Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis novels begins in an unusual way, unusual even for Los Angeles. In the early morning hours, a naked man was killed when hit by a moving van. Sturgis’s team drew the case and one of his team noticed an unusual bit
of blood outside a nearby house, separate from the traffic accident, while checking the neighborhood. And so begins a much larger case. A woman is then found in the house at this separate scene, brutally murdered. Now all decisions about And so begins a much larger case. A woman is then found in the house at this separate scene, brutally murdered. Now all decisions about what has happened on this street must be slowed down. All thinking must begin again. The detectives have a much larger canvas to work with and will need the coroner's input as well. It's a
confusing picture, made all the stranger by the fact that Alex recognizes the female victim from one of his past child custody trials. This case moves in many directions and keeps a readers attention throughout. Once again. Kellerman is writing at the top of his game. A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware are paired up again in the 37th book in the series. They make a great investigative team and I have read several in this series. This one starts off with two men driving a moving truck early in the morning hit and kill a pedestrian. The victim was a young man, naked and unrecognizable. The conscientious moving guys called the police and this seemed a
simple accident. Except there's something else - blood is found nearby. Does it belong to the Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware are paired up again in the 37th book in the series. They make a great investigative team and I have read several in this series. This one starts off with two men driving a moving truck early in the morning hit and kill a pedestrian. The victim was a young man, naked and unrecognizable. The conscientious
moving guys called the police and this seemed a simple accident. Except there's something else - blood is found nearby. Does it belong to the victim? Did something happen to him before the moving truck hit him? What else is going on? This was a complex crime that unfolded slowly as clues turned up. I liked the story, but found it rather slow until about the last 25% of the book. Then it got really interesting. Unfortunately, I this one didn't grab me in that I couldn't seem to connect to any of
the characters. Still a good story. Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on February 8, 2022.
This is the 37th book in the series and I have read all of them. Obviously, I enjoy the investigative duo of Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware, as well as all the supporting
characters and look forward to each new addition. Whenever I crack open a Kellerman book, I can’t seem to put it down. Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit a little different due to Milo being unconventional and Alex along to provide psychological insight. True, they do tend to be a bit formul Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit a little different due to Milo being unconventional and Alex along to provide psychological insight. True, they do tend to be a bit formulaic, as Alex and Milo chase down leads, generate and discuss different theories, interview persons of interest, enjoy a few good
meals. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly picturesque and entertaining and he always seems to put a fresh spin on cases. The plot is intriguing and one where Alex’s private practice and his role as consultant to the police intersect. Yes, this can be read as a standalone, but if you are familiar with this series, it is always enjoyable to meet up with these familiar characters.
City of the Dead is the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series. I think I read more than half of the books in the series before I even joined GR. As usual, you really have to pay attention to every detail while reading one of Mr. Kellerman’s books. Once again, Lt. Milo Sturgis calls on his friend and psychologist Alex Delaware, to help in a grisly murder. The victim is someone Alex briefly met. As
Milo and Alex dig deeper, more comes to light and all is not what it seems. Of course, I thought I had Once again, Lt. Milo Sturgis calls on his friend and psychologist Alex Delaware, to
help in a grisly murder. The victim is someone Alex briefly met. As Milo and Alex dig deeper, more comes to light and all is not what it seems. Of course, I thought I had it all figured out. It was the butler in the conservatory with a candlestick! Yea, not even close. After so many twists and turns, I was completely blown away by the ending and not at all what I expected. Well played, Mr. Kellerman, well played!
I have enjoyed the book series and the characters over the years, but this last one was disappointing. Milo always has to be too gross for words, Alex too perfect and too handsome, and Robin too pretty and too what? We never learn much about her; don't she and Alex ever have conflicts, or is their relationship perfect too? In terms of plot, I see no psychological input really from Alex except for being part of a contrived solution that is much too much of a coincidence to be believable. Even the I have enjoyed the book series and the characters over the years, but this last one was disappointing. Milo always has to be too gross for words, Alex too perfect and too handsome, and Robin too pretty and too what? We never learn much about her; don't she and Alex ever have conflicts, or is their relationship perfect too? In terms of plot, I see no psychological input really from Alex except for being part of a contrived solution that is much too much of a coincidence to be believable. Even then, the psychology behind the perpetrator's actions isn't well explained. Kellerman needs to go back to the more psychologically-oriented themes of the earlier novels that made this series more than a routine police procedural. ...more
Another hit by Jonathan Kellerman! #CityoftheDead #NetGalley. #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine
I have been reading Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis books for years and I still enjoy them. There is some repetitiveness, in both recapping some history, but
also in phrases that seem to recur in every book. This is not enough of a negative to stop me enjoying these novels though. I find that they are a good palate cleanser, refresh if in a slump, type books. They are fast paced with characters that many have come to know and love.
Milo is in the LAPD and taps A Another hit by Jonathan Kellerman!
I have been reading Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis books for years and I still enjoy them. There is
some repetitiveness, in both recapping some history, but also in phrases that seem to recur in every book. This is not enough of a negative to stop me enjoying these novels though. I find that they are a good palate cleanser, refresh if in a slump, type books. They are fast paced with characters that many have come to know and love.
Milo is in the LAPD and taps Alex, “Dr. Delaware”, psychologist and keen-eyed assistant to Milo and team, when there is an unusual or difficult case with a
twist. Dr. Delaware is the able-bodied assistant who seems to look at cases with a unique and different perspective. This helps him pull out details that might be overlooked by law enforcement. Alex and Milo have teamed up on numerous cases with a high solve rate.
This novel focuses on the unusual discovery of a naked man who has been hit and killed by a delivery van. The investigation immediately leads to a nearby home that is found to have a second victim, making this clearly not an
accidental death by van. The story gets dark and twisted from there and watching this pair and the team unravel the mystery is fun.
Interestingly, my major critique of this edition of an Alex Delaware novel, is that in the first half of the book, Milo has a different speech pattern. This sounds like a strange critique, but when I say that I have read all of these books, I mean it and I feel like the speech patterns for these well known and beloved characters is engrained. Therefore, when Milo
spends the early part of the story with phrases like, “blah, blah, blah…no?” This is not Milo’s way of talking and oddly he quit doing it in the second half. I found it kind of distracting because it didn’t sound like the Milo that we know. He must have had at least 10 or more times where he ended his statement with “no?” Just a quirky and distinctive pattern that has not been present for him previously.
I absolutely recommend, as always, the latest Alex Delaware novel to those interested in
picking one up (you do not need to read them in order!) or to the longtime lovers of this series. Great fun to read.
City of the Dead, the 37th in the series featuring child psychologist Alex Delaware, by Johnathan Kellerman was quite the experience. How had I finished it in one sitting when I thought multiple times, "this is nothing
special"? No shootouts. No car chases. Relatively light on suspense. There were dead bodies all over the place. However, after turning the last page I said to an empty house, "wow that was good." To me that is a sign of a great writer. It's no wonder this series has lasted almost 40 years. I imagine I would have liked it more if I knew more of the characters and their previous exploits. And that is what I plan to do. My sincere thanks to Jonathan Kellerman, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley
for allowing me to read an advance copy of City of the Dead.
I've never read anything by Kellerman before so going in I was prepared to be
completely lost seeing I was almost 40 years late to the party. And I was right, sort of. I couldn't keep track of who was who in the beginning. And I was completely confused why a detective would ask a child psychologist to come to a murder scene involving no children. But, I kept readi City of the Dead, the 37th in the series featuring child psychologist Alex Delaware, by Johnathan Kellerman was quite the experience.
I've never read anything by
Kellerman before so going in I was prepared to be completely lost seeing I was almost 40 years late to the party. And I was right, sort of. I couldn't keep track of who was who in the beginning. And I was completely confused why a detective would ask a child psychologist to come to a murder scene involving no children. But, I kept reading. Before I knew it, I had finished it. And I was confused yet again.
I was so excited to receive this. This has been one of my favorite series since I read my first Alex Delaware book in college (1992). I took it off my boyfriend's shelf and that was it... I was hooked. So this is a hard review
for me to write. I think this series has run its course. These books used to pull me in and I would read all day and night until I finished it. The last few have taken me longer and this one I didn't even finish. For me, it was boring. The relationships felt forced. I didn I think this series has run its course. These books used to pull me in and I would read all day and night until I finished it. The last few have taken me longer and this one I didn't even finish. For me, it was boring. The relationships felt forced. I didn't like the flow or the story line. I think, for me, this is a series that I am just going to have say goodbye to. Thanks for 20+ years of Alex and Milo. Thank
you #netgalley and #Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
To beat L.A. traffic, two movers get up very early and are driving the van through a quiet residential neighborhood when they hit something. Instead of an animal, it's a naked man, who cannot be identified. Canvassing the
neighborhood, Lt. Milo Sturgis's teammate Moe Reed finds some blood droplets, leading to a second body. When Alex Delaware joins him at the scene, he recognizes the attractive blond woman as a charlatan, who tried passing herself off as a psychologist in a divorce/child custody To beat L.A. traffic, two movers get up very early and are driving the van through a quiet residential neighborhood when they hit something. Instead of an animal, it's a naked
man, who cannot be identified. Canvassing the neighborhood, Lt. Milo Sturgis's teammate Moe Reed finds some blood droplets, leading to a second body. When Alex Delaware joins him at the scene, he recognizes the attractive blond woman as a charlatan, who tried passing herself off as a psychologist in a divorce/child custody case years ago. Cordi Gannett is now an emotional advisor, with an Internet following and self-help videos. The murder scene suggests the naked man was sleeping on her couch.
You gotta love Kellerman's humor: "Platonic sleepover ... sounds like the name of an Indie band." The autopsy reveals that the naked man was already dead when hit by the moving van. Cordi has a troubled past, the result of a mother with her own troubles, a stepfather who has always been kind, and a half-brother who worships her. As always, Alex keeps asking questions and theorizing about the case with Milo. Given Cordi's unlicensed practice, there are many possible suspects, and more mystery
is introduced when we find out the identity and history of the naked man. Even though this is book #37, it's another good story with a surprising end.
3.5 stars. #37 in the hit series starring Psychologist Alex Delaware and Homicide Lieutenant Milo Sturgis. A moving van hits a naked man in the street. Police find a dead woman inside a house nearby. Alex recognizes her. I still find it hard to believe that it's been over 35 years since I read the first book in this series. I think the characters have aged well and it's mostly due to these characters that I continue to read the books. The author always point out the huge traffic jams in LA. The bo
A moving van hits a naked man in the street. Police find a dead woman inside a house nearby. Alex recognizes her.
I still find it hard to believe that it's been over 35 years since I read the first book in this series. I think the characters have aged well and it's mostly due to these characters that I continue to read the books. The author always point out the huge traffic jams in LA.
The books in this series are always slow moving police procedurals. If you are expecting a thriller, this is not it. The mystery was very conveniently solved. Definite twist out of nowhere. I was left scratching my head about what happened with the entire investigation, which I did enjoy.
...more
Feb 22, 2022 CL rated it it was amazing
Another great Delaware story Have read all of this author’s Alex Delaware books and have been hooked since the first one. If you like the good guy character then you will enjoy these books.
Five Stars! Even though I’m a relative newbie I had no problems jumping into the series at this point. Even after thirty-eight books, they are solid and well written, fast paced, with the characters and relat Even though I’m a relative newbie I had no problems jumping into the series at this point. Even after thirty-eight books, they are solid and well written, fast paced, with the characters and relationships clearly defined enough for
City of the Dead to work more or less a stand-alone book. I am so grateful to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review City of the Dead.
I’ve only read a few of the Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman and I really have
no excuse for that. I don’t know why, although I guess it’s great that there’s a HUGE back catalog to keep me busy catching up while I wait for new ones. No complaints here -- I really enjoy this series!
I’ve only read a few of the
Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman and I really have no excuse for that. I don’t know why, although I guess it’s great that there’s a HUGE back catalog to keep me busy catching up while I wait for new ones. No complaints here -- I really enjoy this series!
Sep 01, 2022 Linda rated it really liked it
Psychologist Alex Delaware and Lt Detective Milos Sturgis return to investigate and solve a double homicide, but manage to gather other bodies along the way. As always (book #37) this is a complicated detective story with solid main characters. It starts with a bang-bang set up then twists and turns through a complicated, unexpected plot line and ends with a satisfying finish. Reading Kellerman is like reading Connelly or Jack Reacher books- comforting, familiar and never disappointing. 4 stars
This book starts with a couple moving men trying to get a jump on traffic hitting a naked young man. It turns out
not to be. My first read by the author, it won’t be the last. When Alex makes his appearance, things are seen in a different light. Even though this was an uncorrected proof I think I might have only found one typo or grammar thing. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC introduction to this author. The review is my opinion.
What I liked was the walk through of possible scenarios and not as much detailed gore as some books. Enough to get the message through but not enough to totally be grossed out by it.
What I didn’t like: language, not as much as most like genres, but I am This book starts with a couple moving men trying to get a
jump on traffic hitting a naked young man. It turns out not to be. My first read by the author, it won’t be the last. When Alex makes his appearance, things are seen in a different light.
What I liked was the walk through of possible scenarios and not as much detailed gore as some books. Enough to get the message through but not enough to totally be grossed out by it.
What I didn’t like: language, not as much as most like genres, but I am a prude I guess. Just don’t like it. I skimmed and
went on. That being said I can recommend this book if you enjoy murder mysteries. I found nothing to rate below the 5 star rating.
Seriously hoping this isn't the last book!!! Seriously hoping this isn't the last book!!! ...more
37 books in and this series is still going strong. I started reading the Alex Delaware stories about 2 years ago, and am no where near
caught up. Luckily this series doesn't need to be read in order, to be enjoyed. The mystery was intriguing. There is enough to keep you guessing. When I started chapter 35 I thought, "Wow! Could that possibly be it?" The wrap up to the first murders in the story was a complete twist that I didn't see coming until then. The answer hinted at and then revealed in th The mystery was intriguing. There is enough to keep you guessing. When I started chapter 35 I thought, "Wow! Could that possibly be it?" The wrap up to the first murders in the story was a complete twist that I didn't see coming until then. The answer hinted at and then revealed in the last 10% of the story. An amazing job, once again, by Jonathan Kellerman.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to enjoy this fast paced mystery e-ARC.
City of the Dead is Book 37 and another winner in Kellerman's long-running series featuring psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis. The two friends are both intelligent, but are very
different. However, they get along well as friends and when working together to solve a case. I have read most every book in the series, but new readers would also enjoy this well-written mystery. Somehow Kellerman is able to keep the plots fresh for each book, and I was both surprised a I have read most every book in the series, but new readers would also enjoy this well-written mystery. Somehow Kellerman is able to keep the plots fresh for each book, and I was both surprised and satisfied by the unexpected ending to their latest case. It’s very complex and the shocking developments end up testing Alex’s professional
ethics. In addition to the compelling plot, the author is able to make even the minor characters come alive and I was completely engrossed in the story. I would rate this book 4.5 stars and I highly recommend it as well as the entire series. I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Ballantine Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I have read every Alex Delaware book. Each one shows new levels in the lives of the main characters and each one manages to throw me for a loop. This one was a doozy!
Jonathan 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 t Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA. IN 1975, Jonathan was
asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published
extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground. Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD. In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller.
BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck
School of Medicine. Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
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