Order of Alex Delaware Book Series
The "Alex Delaware" series, co-created by Jonathan Kellerman and brought to life through the compelling narration of John Rubinstein, takes readers on an enthralling journey into the world of psychological suspense and crime investigation. Centered around Dr. Alex Delaware, a renowned psychologist turned detective, the series expertly weaves together intricate mysteries with deep psychological insights, showcasing the interplay between mind and criminal behavior.
Each installment follows Delaware as he navigates the complexities of human nature, often collaborating with his close friend, LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis, to unravel convoluted cases that challenge the limits of reason and morality. From high-stakes murder investigations to chilling psychological puzzles, the stories delve into the darker aspects of humanity while illuminating the resilience of the human spirit.
With Kellerman's adept storytelling and Rubinstein's gripping narration, the "Alex Delaware" series captivates readers with its rich character development, suspenseful plots, and profound explorations of trauma and recovery. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, this series offers a captivating blend of intellect and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Each book is not just a thriller; it's an exploration of the mind, making the journey with Alex Delaware a deeply engaging experience.
Order of Alex Delaware Series
# | Title | Year | Rating | Book Link |
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1 | When the Bough Breaks By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1985 | — | Amazon.com |
2 | Blood Test By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1986 | — | Amazon.com |
3 | Over the Edge By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1987 | — | Amazon.com |
4 | Silent Partner By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1989 | — | Amazon.com |
5 | Time Bomb By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1990 | — | Amazon.com |
6 | Private Eyes By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1992 | — | Amazon.com |
7 | Devil's Waltz By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1993 | — | Amazon.com |
8 | Bad Love By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1994 | — | Amazon.com |
9 | Self-Defense By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1994 | 4.3 | Amazon.com |
10 | The Web By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1995 | — | Amazon.com |
11 | The Clinic By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1996 | — | Amazon.com |
12 | Survival of the Fittest By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1997 | — | Amazon.com |
13 | Monster By: Jonathan Kellerman | 1999 | — | Amazon.com |
14 | Dr. Death By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2000 | — | Amazon.com |
15 | Flesh and Blood By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2001 | — | Amazon.com |
16 | The Murder Book By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2002 | — | Amazon.com |
17 | A Cold Heart By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2003 | — | Amazon.com |
18 | Therapy By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2004 | — | Amazon.com |
19 | Rage By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2005 | — | Amazon.com |
20 | Gone By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2006 | — | Amazon.com |
21 | Obsession By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2007 | — | Amazon.com |
22 | Compulsion By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2008 | — | Amazon.com |
23 | Bones By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2008 | — | Amazon.com |
24 | Evidence By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2009 | — | Amazon.com |
25 | Deception By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2009 | 4.4 | Amazon.com |
26 | Mystery By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2011 | — | Amazon.com |
27 | Victims By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2012 | — | Amazon.com |
28 | Guilt By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2013 | — | Amazon.com |
29 | Killer By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2014 | — | Amazon.com |
30 | Motive By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2015 | — | Amazon.com |
31 | Breakdown By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2016 | — | Amazon.com |
32 | Heartbreak Hotel By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2017 | — | Amazon.com |
33 | Night Moves By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2018 | — | Amazon.com |
34 | The Wedding Guest By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2019 | 4.3 | Amazon.com |
35 | The Museum of Desire By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2020 | — | Amazon.com |
36 | Serpentine By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2021 | 4.5 | Amazon.com |
37 | City of the Dead By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2022 | — | Amazon.com |
38 | Unnatural History By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2023 | — | Amazon.com |
39 | The Ghost Orchid By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2024 | — | Amazon.com |
40 | Open Season By: Jonathan Kellerman | 2025 | 4.6 | Amazon.com |
Alex Delaware Series Books Description
The "Alex Delaware" series, created by Jonathan Kellerman and primarily featuring the character of Alex Delaware, a psychologist and consultant for the LAPD, combines elements of psychological thriller and crime fiction. The series explores various criminal cases, delving deep into the psychological aspects of both the victims and the perpetrators. John Rubinstein is a voice actor who has narrated several audio versions of the series. Here’s a brief overview of the main books in the series:
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When the Bough Breaks (1985) - This is the inaugural novel where Alex Delaware, a child psychologist, is drawn into a murder investigation involving a young boy. The story sets the stage for Alex's character and establishes his role as a consultant for law enforcement.
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Blood Test (1986) - In the second book, Delaware's expertise is called upon again when he investigates a brutal murder tied to a series of child abuse cases. The novel tackles the themes of trauma and the complexities of familial relationships.
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Over the Edge (1987) - Delaware is asked to help when a young patient is found dead under mysterious circumstances. This case leads him into a web of psychological dilemmas and the psychiatric world.
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Silent Partner (1989) - This installment sees Delaware delving into the world of risk and relationships as he investigates the murder of a mother, intertwined with themes of complicity and denial.
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Time Bomb (1990) - In this thriller, the story revolves around a high-stakes case that delves into issues of terrorism and the implications of psychological manipulation.
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Private Eyes (1992) - This novel has Delaware and his partner, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, working on a case involving the investigation of a private investigator's murder, blending mystery with insights into the world of surveillance and privacy.
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The Web (1994) - Delaware tackles a complex case involving a mysterious death linked to a series of disturbing events, employing his psychological skills to get to the truth.
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Breakout (1995) - The interplay of psychological theory and real-life crime continues as Delaware investigates a case involving a prison escape and its far-reaching ramifications.
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The Clinic (1998) - This book features Alex working with a sexual abuse victim, interweaving his professional skills with a tense narrative involving the complexities of trauma.
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The Bureau (2000) - Delaware’s investigation leads him into the world of the FBI, raising the stakes with new dangers and psychological intricacies.
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The Sex Club (2004) - This installment explores the dark underbelly of a sexual addiction group, pushing the boundaries of morality and crime.
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Mystery (2007) - Delaware is back at it again, piecing together the events surrounding a suspicious death that ensnares the psychological realm effectively.
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The Con Man (2009) - In this novel, Delaware investigates the world of con artists and the psychological manipulation involved, offering insight into deception and trust.
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The Golem of Hollywood (2015) - A crossover novel that brings together Kellerman’s Alex Delaware with elements of magical realism, merging crime fiction with folklore.
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Killer (2020) - This latest entry finds Delaware and Sturgis investigating a bizarre murder case that contrasts speaker models of new forms of psychopathology.
Note: The series is ongoing, and new titles may have been released after October 2023. The descriptions above are general overviews and do not cover all intricacies or plots within each book. If you seek specifics on particular titles or other works by either author, feel free to ask!
Who are the main characters of Alex Delaware Series
The "Alex Delaware" series, written by Jonathan Kellerman and often performed by John Rubinstein as the audiobook narrator, features a set of compelling characters primarily revolving around Dr. Alex Delaware, a child psychologist turned consultant for the LAPD. Here are the main characters:
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Dr. Alex Delaware: The protagonist of the series, Alex is a highly skilled child psychologist who uses his expertise to help the police solve complex criminal cases. He is intelligent, compassionate, and often finds himself drawn into investigations that challenge both his psychological understanding and his moral compass. His insights into the minds of both victims and perpetrators are central to the series.
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Detective Milo Sturgis: Alex's close friend and a seasoned detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. Milo is tough, no-nonsense, and brings a gritty perspective to the investigations. Though he often approaches cases with a more hard-edged attitude, he relies heavily on Alex's psychological insights, and their partnership is built on mutual respect and camaraderie.
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Robin Delaware: Alex’s romantic interest, Robin is a supportive and loving partner. Although her role may not be as prominent in the investigative aspects of the narrative, she provides emotional grounding for Alex and serves as an anchor in his life.
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Various Victims and Suspects: Each book in the series introduces new characters who are often victims, suspects, or key witnesses in the cases that Alex and Milo investigate. These characters are crafted with depth and often reflect different facets of society, adding layers to the narrative.
The series is notable not only for its intricate plots and psychological depth but also for the strong bonds between characters, making the interactions just as engaging as the mysteries they unravel.
Interesting facts about Alex Delaware Series
The "Alex Delaware" series, created by Jonathan Kellerman, is a popular collection of psychological thrillers featuring the character Dr. Alex Delaware, a child psychologist who frequently assists law enforcement in solving crimes. Here are some interesting facts about the series and its author:
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First Appearance: The series started with the novel "When the Bough Breaks," published in 1985. This book introduced both Alex Delaware and the LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, who would become a recurring character and Delaware's friend.
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Themes: The series often explores complex psychological themes, including the impact of childhood trauma, the nature of evil, and the intricacies of human behavior, making it distinct from typical crime novels.
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Medical Background: Jonathan Kellerman has a background in psychology and has worked as a clinical psychologist. This professional experience greatly informs the character of Alex Delaware and the psychological aspects of the plots.
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Prolific Author: Kellerman has written over 30 novels in the "Alex Delaware" series, as well as numerous other books, including standalone novels and non-fiction works. His prolific output has made him a prominent figure in the genre.
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Collaborations: John Rubinstein is not a co-author of the Alex Delaware series. However, Kellerman has occasionally collaborated with other authors and has contributed to the development of characters and plots through various formats.
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Adaptations: While the series itself hasn't been adapted into film or television, Kellerman's works have generated significant interest, and there have been discussions about bringing the characters to screen.
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Critical Acclaim: The series has received numerous awards and nominations, highlighting Kellerman's skill in blending suspense with psychological depth.
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Strong Character Development: Over the course of the series, both Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis evolve significantly, with their backstories and personal lives explored in more depth, adding layers to their characters beyond their professional roles.
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Setting: Most of the books are set in Los Angeles, providing a vibrant and often gritty backdrop that enhances the narrative and atmosphere of the stories.
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Reading Order: While the series can largely be enjoyed as standalones, many fans appreciate reading them in order to see the development of the characters and ongoing plot threads.
Kellerman's intricate storytelling and insight into human psychology have made the "Alex Delaware" series a staple in the thriller genre, appealing to both fans of crime fiction and those interested in psychological narratives.
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