JIGSAW

JONATHAN KELLERMAN

Jigsaw, by prolific and super-talented writer and child psychologist Jonathan Kellerman, proves that the longer you do something, the better you become. Jigsaw is Kellerman's 41st Alex Delaware novel, and it is just as involving and entertaining as in any of his prior novels. Reading Jigsaw is like reuniting with old friends who happen to be law enforcement or law enforcement adjacent.

At the beginning, this case looks like a slam-dunk homicide. But, as any mystery reader knows, no such concept exists. The defense attorney presents an airtight alibi for the initial arrestee, and, with a shrug of his shoulders, Milo Sturgis, the long-suffering LAPD detective, goes back to work, but calls in his friend, Dr. Alex Delaware, an experienced psychologist and crime consultant.

Soon enough, the case turns into what looks like a serial killer when Milo and Alex discover a corpse surrounded by brick brack that makes them think that the victim was a hoarder. But they also find an inordinate amount of cash, which adds an ingredient to what is becoming an all-too-difficult case. Add another body to the case, and you have a compelling mystery with great characters and plot. As usual, any Kellerman can be read as a standalone; however, those new to the world of Jonathan Kellerman, and it is a big world, ought to check out every single one of his Alex Delaware novels, starting with When the Bough Breaks, written in 1985.