Jonathan Kellerman

Jonathan Kellerman is an American novelist best known for his series of psychological thriller novels featuring child psychologist Alex Delaware. A former child psychologist himself, Kellerman began publishing fiction in 1985 with "When the Bough Breaks," which became a bestseller and won the Edgar Allan Poe Award. With over 40 consecutive bestselling crime novels, Kellerman draws heavily on his background in psychology and his experience working in hospitals and mental health clinics. His Alex Delaware series, spanning more than 35 books, follows the protagonist as he assists LAPD detective Milo Sturgis in solving complex murder cases. Beyond the Delaware series, Kellerman has authored standalone thrillers and collaborated with his wife Faye Kellerman, also a bestselling crime writer, on several novels. His works have been translated into multiple languages and have earned him numerous awards including the Goldwyn Award and the Shamus Award. Kellerman maintains a parallel career as a clinical professor of pediatrics and psychology, contributing to scientific journals and writing books on psychology. His non-fiction work includes "Savage Spawn: Reflections on Violent Children" and "Helping the Fearful Child."

Readers value Kellerman's authentic portrayal of psychology and police procedures, with many noting his expertise adds credibility to the investigations. The Alex Delaware-Milo Sturgis partnership receives frequent praise for its natural dialogue and evolving friendship across the series. What readers like: - Detailed psychological insights into criminal minds - Complex puzzles and methodical detective work - Character development between Delaware and Sturgis - Accurate Los Angeles settings and atmosphere Common criticisms: - Later books in series become formulaic - Too much detail about driving routes and LA locations - Slow pacing in middle sections - Similar plot structures across multiple books On Goodreads, Kellerman's books average 3.8-4.2 stars. "When the Bough Breaks" rates 4.0/5 from 32,000+ readers. Recent releases average 3.9/5 on Amazon. Reader quote: "The psychology background makes his killers feel real and terrifying, not like cartoon villains." - Amazon reviewer Critical quote: "Lately feels like he's following a template. Same basic story with different names." - Goodreads reviewer

When the Bough Breaks - Child psychologist Alex Delaware investigates the murder of a therapist and the abuse of young patients at a Los Angeles clinic.

Blood Test - Dr. Delaware takes on a case involving a terminally ill child whose parents have disappeared, leading to discoveries of cult activities and murder.

Monster - A series of brutal murders connected to a psychiatric hospital draws Delaware into an investigation of current crimes linked to a twenty-year-old mass killing.

Michael Connelly creates police procedurals featuring LAPD detective Harry Bosch, with similar attention to Los Angeles locations and police work as Kellerman's Delaware series. His background as a crime reporter provides authentic details about law enforcement and criminal investigations.

Patricia Cornwell writes forensic thrillers featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, combining detailed medical knowledge with criminal investigations. Her professional background in forensic science parallels Kellerman's use of his psychology expertise.

James Patterson developed the Alex Cross series about a forensic psychologist who works with law enforcement, similar to Alex Delaware's role. The Cross series focuses on psychological profiling and complex serial killer cases.

John Sandford writes the Lucas Davenport series featuring a detective who consults with behavioral specialists and psychologists to solve crimes. His books emphasize the psychological aspects of criminal investigations and police procedure.

Tess Gerritsen combines medical expertise with criminal investigations in her Rizzoli & Isles series, featuring a detective and medical examiner team. Her background as a physician informs her work similar to how Kellerman's psychology background shapes his novels.