Jonathan Kellerman’s Open Season is a gripping psychological thriller that delivers everything fans have come to expect from the New York Times bestselling author—sharp prose, intricate plotting, and the unshakable detective duo of Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis.

The novel opens with the discovery of an aspiring actress’s body, brutally murdered and dumped near a hospital. As Delaware and Sturgis investigate, they uncover a disturbing pattern—seemingly unconnected victims tied together by a complex killer with a hidden agenda. Each turn in the case raises new questions, with shocking twists that propel the story forward at a breakneck pace.

Kellerman’s strength lies in his ability to craft psychologically rich characters, making both the investigators and the villains feel eerily real. His portrayal of Los Angeles as a city of dreams and nightmares adds an atmospheric layer to the mystery, enhancing the tension and suspense.

For readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with intellectual depth, Open Season is a satisfying, edge-of-your-seat ride. This was my first Kellerman novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. If you’re a fan of psychological crime fiction, this is one to add to your list!

Dr Alex Delaware and his LAPD buddy are back investigating a new rash of unusual murders. The victims were shot in the same place, a difficult to hit area in the back of the neck. Now they need to figure out how a murder in Ohio relates to a string of murders in Los Angeles.
Kellerman’s plotting always keeps me guessing, and his characters are easy to empathize with. 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have been reading John Kellerman and his Alex Delaware series for as long as I can remember. Open Season is one of the best in this long-running series. Alex Delaware is a child psychologist who works with his friend and L.A.P.D. Detective Milo Sturgis. They are investigating a murder scene of a woman who, not surprisingly, had aspirations to become an actress living in Los Angeles. Paradoxically, the toxicology shows that she had amounts of tranquilizers in her system, although her friends stated that she never used drugs. The book continues as other detectives investigate a case that is undoubtedly related to this first murder. Open Season is another entertaining and well-crafted novel by one of the masters in the field; I strongly recommend that you grab Open Season and read it as soon as possible. Check out his long backlist for others unfamiliar with Jonathan Kellerman's work. You will have a long list to read, making any reader happy.

Open Season by Jonathan Kellerman gives readers more of the crime solving duo of Milo and Alex. They continue to match wits to see who come up with the leads that break the case.

"But that's LA, seductive and perverse."

I love that Los Angeles is a character in Jonathan Kellerman's novels. I'm still hoping someday he'll venture east of La Brea.

This is a good read, as usual. I'm still waiting for something new to happen but I'll keep reading about Alex and Milo.

Thanks to the kind folks at NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC.

I am a long-time fan of Jonathan Kellerman and his Alex Delaware character. His newest release ( February 4, 2025) Open Season, is another winner! Open Season brings Alex and his long time friend, Detective Milo Sturgis, together to solve what appears to be a "kill and dump" murder of a beautiful twenty five year old woman, want to be actress, Marissa French. Although there were no signs of physical violence, her autopsy revealed that she had been drugged with GHB and diazepan. Her friends all swore that Victoria never used drugs and only ever drank one alcoholic drink; she always wanted to be in control. While investigating her murder thet were told that she had been seeing a man who claimed to be a movie producer; her friends claimed he was definitely " not her type,"and had warned her not to see him. Petra and Raul, reoccurring characters in the Delaware novels, were investigating another murder - a man shot cleanly through the neck with a full metal jacket 308. Marissa's wallet and the clothes she was last seen wearing were in his apartment. Lo and behold, the victim was 43 year old Paul O'Brien, the supposed movie producer. Alex and Milo and Petra and Raul work together and series regulars: Sean, Moses and Alicia join the team. There are more murders; even 2 previous Ohio murders many years prior may be tied to their investigation; as well as several potential suspects. Open Season is a well crafted thriller that kept me reading into the wee hours. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series. By the way each book can be read as a stand-alone. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House/Ballantine Books and Jonathan Kellerman for the opportunity to read this ARC, and to post my honest review.

Open Season" is Jonathan Kellerman's 40th novel in his iconic Dr. Alex Delaware/Milo Sturgis crime series. These two characters have been the backbone of all 40 novels, providing the reader with an *Odd Couple* vibe to their sleuthing.

What was missing from this latest installment was the always anticipated propulsive, page-turning plot of many of Kellerman's previous novels in the series. What might have been a fast-paced race to a revealatory conclusion was instead a bit of a stroll through the team's detecting process with a conclusion that honestly was more akin to a balloon losing its air rather than popping.

While the story may not have been my favorite in the series, it is but a small bump in a very long, smooth road. I very much look forward to my next ride with Dr. Alex and Lt. Milo.

Here's looking at you, #41📚

This honest review is offered in exchange for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy through NetGalley. This novel was published on February 4, 2025.

#openseason
#jonathankellerman
#netgalley

This was a very well written, entertaining book. It was action packed and held me attention right from the start. I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read another book by this author.

Open Season is book 40 in the Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman.
With a unique plot that kept me engaged throughout the story.
This super suspenseful read will have you hanging on the edge of your seat.

This is a very low 4.

Milo asks Alex to help in the investigation of a young woman who was murdered and left in front of a clinic. After identifying the victim there is a trail of twists and turns until they reach a conclusion.

This is the 40th outing for Alex and Milo and I still enjoy them but I could do without the tour of LA. For me it doesn't add anything to know how long they were on the highway, how much traffic there was and how many turns they took to get there. Character development is nil except for Alex and Milo, not even Robin who just sits in the background polishing violins. There were a lot of characters to keep track of including various detectives working the case and everyone that they interviewed. I'm glad that I decided to write a cheat sheet.

All in all I enjoyed the book and would keep going with the series because I like the friendship between Alex and Milo.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing me with a digital copy.

Book #40 in the Alex Delaware series. When the first book debuted in 1985, 2025 was a long way away and Alex Delaware a child psychologist who treated abused children and assisted the LAPD when they had an interesting case. Partnered with Milo Sturgis, a gay policeman, Alex did not receive the respect he would come to earn through the years as he and Milo continue to investigate and solve cases others have failed. OPEN SEASON could easily be read and enjoyed as a stand alone thriller/police procedural but the back library is full of excellent books as Jonathan Kellerman built the LA community and the cast of support characters into a binge series worthy of your reading time.

Open Season starts with a murder, as do most Delaware books. A young actress is found drugged, bruised and dead. Her name has been linked to a stunt man who is well known for his mistreatment of women and unconcern of consequences. But this time, he's shot dead by a sniper before Milo and Alex can question him. Clues link the stunt man's death to several previous murders of men with the same attitude toward women. OK, yes it's a hint. No, it's not the last time Kellerman will leave his readers a "clue" that is not. That's one of the reasons we keep coming back for more Delaware and will be here bright and early for #41.

“Open Season,” by Jonathan Kellerman, Ballantine Books, 288 pages, Feb. 4, 2025.

In Los Angeles, the body of Marissa French, 25, an aspiring actress, is found dumped near a hospital emergency room. She’s been drugged and murdered.

While there is a poor security video of the body dump, she wasn’t found for six minutes. Homicide Detective Milo Sturgis is in charge of the investigation. He calls in psychologist Alex Delaware.

Then they get a call from Detective Petra Conner, who was assigned to the homicide of Paul O’Brien, 43, who was shot. Marissa’s clothes and identification are in his apartment. If he killed her, then who killed him?

The police learn that the gun that was used to kill O’Brien was used in an earlier homicide. And another before that. It’s not long before more bodies begin piling up.

The characters are believable and the plot is complex and fast-paced. The reason behind the murders is unusual and as a psychologist, Alex figures out the motive.

This is the 40th in the series.

I rate it four out of five stars.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Well well well... book 40 and still, for me anyway, as fresh as a daisy! This author is definitely one of my - don't even need to read the blurb to know I am going to love the book - authors. And he delivers every single time! This book being no exception to that. It's a great feeling when you open a book and reconnect with friends who have been with you for ages... I'm sure it's not just me...
This time Detective Milo Sturgis and his "consultant" Psychologist (and best friend) Alex Delaware are called to the scene of the death of a young aspiring actress, dumped at a hospital. Fingers swiftly start to point to a stunt double but he is killed before the case against him really gets going. Interestingly, the gun used in his death is linked back to several others... The body count increases at every turn, all men with dubious "interest" in women and how they should be treated. It appears maybe that someone is acting out some king of vigilante cleansing... but who and, more importantly, how do they bring it all to an end before the body count rises yet higher?
As already mentioned, I love this author and, indeed, this book. After all this time I do actually have a strong bond with all the main characters, yes, even Blanche! I love the interaction between Alex and Milo, as chalk and cheese as you can probably get but with the same values and drives. And the stories that the author sets for them fit them all just perfectly.
Obviously you will have a better time with this book if you are familiar with the characters and their journeys thus far, but I do appreciate that you might not have the time or energy, or patience, to go back and read all 39 previous. To be honest, I got into the series late and, although I have now read all the books, I didn't do it in the right order and it has done me no harm at all...!
So... this book has everything I need to make a good book a great read. I have already mentioned the characters and the story, but there is also the writing style. The pacing fitting the narrative, the absence of superfluous waffle and the balance between the crime and ongoing personal lives, all being perfectly executed to my satisfaction.
I could bang on about this author forever as he is definitely top 5 for me. But I do have other things to do. My tbr won't read itself! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is number 40 in the Alex Delaware series. Despite that, the book feels fresh and interesting. As always the murder of a young wanna be actress and others leads to all kinds of red herrings. This book has a host of characters and although it’s a little hard to keep them all straight it makes for interesting reading. My only complaint is that the supporting characters get very few pages devoted to them. But as always the story is solid, well written and engrossing. Can’t wait for the next installment.

When I saw this was Jonathan Kellerman's newest work, I picked it up right away.
This is the fortieth book in the Alex Delaware series. I haven't read them all, but I've read many and always enjoy them. This can easily be read as a stand alone.
Description:
Los Angeles is a city of stars, a city of strivers and wannabes. Not everyone can shine bright, but they’ll burn themselves up for a glimpse of the high life. LAPD homicide lieutenant Milo Sturgis knows it all too The best dreamers often make the worst monsters.

The body of an aspiring actress has been found—and she’d been drugged. The main suspect is a stunt double with the ego of an action star. He’s more brawn than brains, it seems, with few boundaries when it comes to women. But he’s offed before Milo and Alex can get to him. Worse yet, the rifle that killed him was used in a prior case . . . and another case before that. And then it's fired again and again, taking victims right under their noses.

They begin to think that someone is avenging the victims of men without boundaries—but is this a slick, efficient assassin with their own corrupt code of justice, or a knight errant, one who doesn’t want to be seen, but still wants to be known?

Alex and Milo soon find themselves in the thick of a truly complicated and twisted case—one with no shortage of suspects or victims that takes them on a wild ride through the surreal underbelly of Los Angeles.

My Thoughts:
I enjoy the characters Alex and Milo and the way they play off each other, each providing unique skills. That's why I keep reading on in this series. This one is a race against time with Alex and Milo always one step behind the killer. There are many characters in this one and quite a few red herrings that have to be checked out. It mostly seems random and they have trouble finding a motive for these murders and figuring out where he/she will strike next. This is a fast-paced story involving a sniper and it kept my attention. I can recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys thrillers and/or police procedurals.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.

In Open Season, the 40th installment of the Alex Delaware series, Jonathan Kellerman delivers a compelling psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of Hollywood dreams. The story kicks off with the body of an aspiring actress found near a hospital, setting the stage for a complex investigation led by psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis.

As the duo delves deeper, they encounter a series of murders linked by a sniper’s rifle, with victims seemingly unconnected. The narrative is fast-paced and suspenseful, keeping readers engaged as Delaware and Sturgis navigate the labyrinth of clues. Kellerman’s vivid descriptions and character development shine, making the protagonists’ enduring partnership a highlight of the novel.

While the plot is intricate and engaging, some readers might find the multitude of characters and subplots a bit overwhelming. However, Kellerman’s skillful storytelling ensures that the narrative remains cohesive and compelling.

Overall, Open Season is a solid addition to the series, offering a thrilling ride through Los Angeles’s underbelly. Fans of crime fiction and long-time followers of Delaware and Sturgis will find much to enjoy in this latest adventure.

Another gripping mystery. Alex and Milo are back and this case is complicated. I was gripped from the beginning. This series never disappoints. Complex and intriguing characters who feel like old friends. Mystery full of twists. The dynamic duo. There's a lot to love. Fans will gobble this one up!

Alex Delaware is back and in great form. In this installment, Alex is again aiding Milo and the police to unravel a complex case. The story begins with Alex and Milo investigating the case of a young woman's death. The woman's body had been dumped in front of a hospital and from all appearances whe seems to have OD'd and been taken advantage of. Finding the killer doesn't prove too difficult accept for the killer was killed too. Now Alex and Milo are trying to get to the bottom of several deaths that although might seem unrelated - definitely are. This is a must read for any fans of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware Novels.

I’ve enjoyed this series for many years and consider Alex & Milo as friends!
#40 doesn’t disappoint - it involves a sniper and is very suspenseful!!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Open Season is Jonathan Kellerman’s 40th episode in the long running Alex Delaware series. When the suspect in the drugging death of a young woman is killed in what looks like a hit, Milo Sturgis looks to his usual team for assistance, especially when the bulletin involved is linked to another death. Alex is called on to assess possible motivations of victims and killer(s). And a complex case of tracing information and wondering what might happen next begins.

Most of the regular secondary characters are present in Open Season but their roles are limited and even their words are few. And, I believe, this is part of my issue with this episode in the series. Certainly the focus must be on the crime and the work to solve it but usually those who work to solve it are more alive and lively than they are here. Perhaps it’s due to the complexity and danger of the case but usually these people help each relieve the stresses of their work with banter at times.

Other than that issue, the case itself was interesting and there is an interview near the end that is very well done. Milo shines. 3.5 rounded to 3*.

Thank you to NetGalley and RandomHouse/Ballantine Books for an eARC. This review is my own