The Ghost Orchid

Jonathan Kellerman weaves his magic again in The Ghost Orchid. This book is the most recent in the Alex Delaware series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. It is both a mystery and a thriller.

Alex Delaware is a psychologist consultant who works with LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis. Alex has mostly recovered from his crushing injuries that occurred during the last case he worked with the detective. Sturgis is carrying a load of guilt because he feels responsible for Alex’s injuries. Put these two things together, and it has been a while since the two of them have worked a case together. Alex has been feeling left out, and his girlfriend reaches out to Sturgis and encourages him to get Alex back in the game. When Sturgis gets a new case, he calls on Alex for a consult.

Two bodies are found by a pool in a good neighborhood. Both have been shot in the chest. Robbery doesn’t seem to be the motive. The victims are soon identified as Gio Aggiunta, the younger son of an upscale family shoe firm, and Meagin March, wife of a wealthy real estate investor. Since the two were obviously having an affair, Meagin’s husband becomes the number one suspect. But soon it comes to light that Mr. March could not have done the deed.

It also soon becomes apparent that neither victim is typical. Gio entertained himself with a long line of wealthy yet unattainable women. Meagin socialized with few people, and she had remade her life after an abusive childhood. Milo and Alex search for clues as to who Meagin really was. Not even her husband can help as she was a stranger even to him. Just what or who was Meagin running from?

In amongst all of the mystery, the play between Alex and Milo continues to develop. Good friends and good working buddies, they have a lot of banter between the two of them. Alex is observant. Milo takes Alex’s observations and develops clues to solve the mystery of the holes in Meagin’s history. Who killed her and her lover and why?

Whether you follow this series or you are a newcomer, you will be sure to enjoy The Ghost Orchid. Jonathan Kellerman delivers once again. You may want to go back and read the series from the beginning!