Bones

Kellerman's Delaware series can almost always be counted on for intelligent, involving and hugely entertaining mysteries. Protagonist Alex Delaware is a child psychologist who brings his keen insights and forensic experience to every case he investigates as an unpaid assistant to the LAPD. Since the stories are told through Delaware's eyes, they are filled with insightful character observations that really pull you in. You get to simultaneously play amateur analyst and detective as Kellerman colorfully brings to life every character's quirks and possible motivations. As in every long series, not every book will be equally good. While I was slightly disappointed with the previous entry, which I thought wrapped up too quickly with a somewhat out-of-the-blue conclusion, Kellerman is back in strong form with Bones. It's a terrific read - funny, suspenseful and involving to the end. If you like smart, psychologically-complex mysteries, you'll love Bones and the rest of Alex Delaware's adventures. Scott Sherman, author, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery

When a body is discovered, via anonymous tip and openly displayed in a marsh near LA, the strangest thing about it is the missing right hand. Shortly thereafter, three other bodies are discovered - also missing hands. Then a man who goes to auctions for the contents of storage units finds a carved box containing small bones. Polished bones, like a treasure. The bones turn out to be human hands. Detective Milo Sturgis and his sidekicks, along with Dr. Alex Delaware, the psychologist who frequently consults for the LAPD, all team up to search for what now appears to be a very disturbed killer. Almost immediately, the first victim's connection to a wealthy family, whose musical prodigy child is a student of hers, leads to the pursuit of the caretaker, who has gone missing. Or is he hiding? Most of the fun in the story is following the clues as the assorted team of "detectives" pursues the connections and where they lead. Like most of Kellerman's Alex Delaware stories, this one is told with Alex as the first-person narrator - this technique lends itself to understanding how his clever mind works, as he sorts through the clues and speculates about the possibilities. We also are privy to a bird's eye view of his personal life, including his long term relationship with Robin. These segues into the lighter moments of Alex's life, including his friendship with Milo Sturgis, help to lighten what could otherwise be a very grim tale. And not at all surprising is the final revelation as to the motives and nature of the perpetrator/s - after all, the art of misdirection has been at play throughout the circuitous path to resolution. Bones (Alex Delaware, No. 23) is a must-read for Kellerman fans.

Kellerman and Alex Delaware are always good reads. I listen to the audio while I work and drive. Didn't want to get out of car LOL.

Much, much better than Compulsion. Whew - I was worried. I've read every Alex D. novel, and this one works whether it's your first or last. It stands on its own and all the characters are crisp and clear. If you're already a fan, it won't disappoint. The addition of a baby detective for Milo to mentor is a great development. If you like murder mysteries, you will love this book. Highly recommended!

Alex is back, and this is one of his better books. When one body is found in a protected wetland, oddly, with a hand missing, the chase is on. Within a short time, more bodies missing hands have been located in the same marsh. All the bodies face east and all except the latest one were prostitutes. Apparently, a serial killer is stalking LA, and Alex and Milo are in pursuit. The characters in "Bones" are memorable, including an environmental fanatic, a genius child set to inherit a mind boggling fortune, a smarmy rich teenager so awful even his mother can barely stand him, and, I kid you not, a fifty year old prostitute. It's entertaining. It's quick. It's one not to miss.