Review: The Murder Book

Alex Delawares relationship with his live-in-lover Robin Castagna is once again in trouble and he finds himself alone when she takes off on a three month charity music tour, taking their dog Spike for company. His time is soon filled when he receives a package containing a photo album; the words The Murder Book pasted in gold along the front. The album is filled with crime scene photos of murder victims with explanations on how they died. Only one photo is marked NS- not solved. Alex calls his friend Detective Milo Sturgis who remembers the case well. The viewpoint switches to Milo as he takes us back to his early days on the Police force when he was partnered with Pierce Schwinn. It is Milo and Schwinn who catch the case of Janie Ingalls who is found above the freeway, brutally raped and murdered. Before the detectives can gain any momentum with the case, Milo is transferred to another division and Schwinn is forced to retire. This time around Milo is determined to find the killer, and of course Alex helps out with his usual amateur sleuthing.

The Murder Book is the seventeenth novel in this series featuring psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware and his sidekick Detective Milo Sturgis. The last couple of books in the series have started to get a bit stale but this one was a major improvement for one very big reason Milo Sturgis. Jonathan Kellerman finally gives his brilliant detective a chance to shine as half the book is written from Milos point of view. This half is the best half as we are given a break from Alexs depressing life and instead gain insight into the hardships Milo faces as a gay police officer, as well as a poignant look at his relationship with long-time partner Rick Silverman. Long time fans of the series will appreciate this rounding out of Milos character which is long overdue. I hope Kellerman continues to give us more in the same vein or at least get rid of Robin for good this time.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jaynie - Australia

Book Review: The Murder Book