Jigsaw

Alex Delaware #41

by Jonathan Kellerman

Brought to you by Penguin.

The gripping new crime novel featuring Alex Delaware from the bestselling master of suspense.

When a young woman is found dead at her kitchen table – with DNA belonging to her ex-boyfriend at the scene – psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis assume it’s an open-and-shut case.

But the guy has an airtight alibi. Could an enemy from his shady past have framed him?

Many miles away, a former LAPD officer is found brutally murdered in her garage. Her co-workers knew her as meticulously organized, but her house is full of junk and meaningless objects – except for the envelopes full of cash hidden within the chaos…

But as Alex and Milo dig deeper, they discover shocking links between the victims. It soon becomes clear they have a complicated – and deadly – puzzle to solve.


Praise for Jonathan Kellerman's New York Times No. 1 bestselling

'Sophisticated, cleverly plotted and satisfying' Sunday Telegraph

'High-octane entertainment' The Times

'Exceptionally exciting' New York Times

'Jonathan Kellerman has delivered the goods again, adding another instalment to a series that shows no sign of running out of stea' Shots Magazine


Jonathan Kellerman, New York Times bestseller, February 2024

Jonathan Kellerman 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published February 5, 2026

About the author

Jonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles. He helped work his way through UCLA as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor and freelance musician. As a senior, at the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.

Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.

IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.

Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.

In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.

Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid Alex Delaware novel. This one didn't really have the edge of your seat excitement, but the case was complex and interesting. The characters had distinct personalities which made it enjoyable. More of a good mystery as opposed to a thriller.

Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published February 3, 2016.

3 stars

Dr. Alex Delaware is back. Again. Along with Milo, Robin and Blanche (everyone’s favorite.)

This one revolves around two seemingly unrelated murders (yeah, right,) one of a former cop. There is some interesting side information about developmentally disabled adults and the life that some live, so I got a little bit of learning in.

This is a perfectly serviceable entry in the long-running series, not my favorite, but not my least favorite. Keller man does need to stop with the “you-know-whats” though. And zi’m not playing hide the ball here; multiple characters on several occasions refer to “you-know-what” or “you-know-where.” Use your words, people.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jigsaw is Jonathan Kellerman’s 41st entry in his Alex Delaware series. I haven’t read them all, but I have read a good number of them over the years. The timing of the reading was perfect for me, a fast reading procedural from an author I like, to give me some down time from other, heavier books. Jigsaw didn’t disappoint on that score. Milo Sturgis has a new case involving the strangulation of a young woman. Then a possible suspect who may not pan out. A second woman dies in a stranger case that lacks suspects. As usual for me, I’m not going to go into detail about the plot. This was a slow burn of a novel, perhaps reflecting what the daily life for police officers is really like: action, search for evidence and investigation, watch and wait. Address other cases that come in. Repeat.

Here, as always, Milo consults with Alex Delaware, who joins in when he is available for both cases for questions of method, motivation and personality. This was a less active episode than many others with lots of searching, waiting, and checking with the lawyers about warrants. In spite of this, I enjoyed the story for what it offered and look forward to the next Alex Delaware novel. Rated 3.5* rounded to 3.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This review is my own.

[OutlawPoet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally enjoy this writer and this series.

This one? Just okay.

I didn't really get invested in our crimes until about the 70% mark. While our main characters were doing their normal thing (and I do love them), I found the details of our victims to be so light that I didn't find myself really caring. I was interested in why one murder was done in a certain way - and the reason behind that was...interesting. I actually kind of liked that the reason behind it wasn't deep. It was surprising.

Unfortunately, this one is kind of a forgettable entry in the series. I'll still happily look forward to the next one, but I won't remember this one.

* ARC via Publisher

[Andrew Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I purchased an audio copy, having really enjoyed the last title in this series. However, after listening for about an hour, two murder cases had been outlined - the second in laborious detail - and I knew I was already bored. That was enough for me. I bailed.

A DNF for me.

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Kellerman may not be known for horror like Stephen King, he certainly knows how to paint twisted psychological pictures of characters and their reasoning behind their crimes. The human psyche can be a dark and scary place, how Kellerman comes up with these motives I am not sure I want to know.

What I appreciated most about this book is the banter between Milo and Alex. I have missed it in some of the prior books but Milo's deadpan deliveries in this book made me laugh out loud a couple of times. I enjoy the wordplay and the literary references (since Milo has a Master's in English lit). What also helps soften the darkness is Alex's darling Frenchie, Blanche, and his partner, Robin. Blanche brings a light in the darkness and every good dark story should have a furry light in it.

I will spare the plot details, you can read the blurb yourself, but suffice it to say I was hooked from the beginning and finished the book in one sitting. A true delight for Kellerman fans. I hope he can keep Alex and Milo going.

My thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate 3.5 Stars Rounded Up to 4
As someone who has read every book in this series, I always enjoy the next instalment. This one was like slipping on your favourite, well worn sweater and even though its a bit threadbare its comfortable and you love it. Longtime readers will appreciate spending time with Alex, Milo and the rest of the characters that frequently appear in these books

Truth be told, this wasn't "classic Delaware at its best". Sure, there are the crimes that need solving and the police procedural parts are fine but the usual depth of the characters seemed off, like something was missing. This won't be an issue for new readers who enjoy trying to solve murder mysteries. For those of us invested in the arc of character development over the whole series, this was just okay and a bit unsatisfying.

Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books/Penguin Random House LLC (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new release of an Alex Delaware novel by Jonathan Kellerman as it feels as though I am reconnecting with old friends: Alex a psychologist and police consultant, and Milo Sturgis, the LA detective and friend Alex consults with. Kellerman's newest book in the series, Jigsaw will definitely satisfy fans, and hopefully generate new readers as well. Alex joins Milo to discover the perpetrator of 3 crimes that initially don't seem related, yet are they?
Sophie Barlow, a 31 year old widow and fitness enthusiast, is discovered strangled at her kitchen table; little signs of violence and a dish with three smoked cigarettes in front of her. No ashtrays in her home; was the killer the smoker? Almost simultaneously a call comes in about another in-home strangulation, yet more gruesome, the victim's arms were severed. Milo was shocked to discover that the victim was Martha Joline Matthias, a former LA homicide detective- one of the first women achieving that distinction. Martha had been a loner and perhaps had some OCD tendencies while working, yet nothing prepared him for the state of her home or her frail appearance. As if those two cases weren't enough, a few weeks later Martha's forty six year old developmentally delayed daughter was discovered in a landfill with her head bashed in. Strangulation and death by blunt force trauma are not the typical methods to kill- were three in relatively close proximity and time just a coincidence or part of one killer's plan? Jigsaw is a well crafted, fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader guessing. Thank you to NetGalley, Ballentine Books and Jonathan Kellerman for the opportunity to read an ARC of Jigsaw; my review reflects my candid opinion. 4 stars.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman’s latest, Jigsaw,, is the 41st installment of psychologist’s Alex Delaware series, featuring Milo and the usual cast of side characters. Blanche is still my personal favorite. Three seemingly unrelated murders has the crew racing to connect the crimes, or not. I found Jigsaw to be a predictable police procedural which left me seeing the twist blindfolded. 2/5

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same old, same old. But I’m in for a penny, in for a pound. Milo and Alex. A detective who doesn’t seem to have a thought of his own anymore. And a psychologist who feels the need to give step by step directions to everywhere. I don’t care which highway you’re on and what exit you take.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis investigate three cases. In the first, an ex-boyfriend was set up to take the fall. In the second case, the body of an older woman, a hoarder, is discovered in a freezer, with her arms severed. Her daughter, who frequently visits and may be mentally disabled, is missing. Despite their seemingly unrelated nature, could these cases be connected?

This is the 41st in the Alex Delaware series. I have read all of them; however, each one can be read as a stand-alone as Kellerman does a good job of filling in background for the main characters. Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit with a unique twist as Milo is unconventional and Alex provides psychological insight. The stories follow a familiar rhythm, with Alex and Milo chasing leads, generating and discussing different theories, interviewing persons of interest, and enjoying a few good meals. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly vivid and entertaining, and he always manages to present fresh perspectives on cases.Whenever I open a Kellerman book, I can’t seem to put it down.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @RandomHouse #BallantineBooks for the DRC.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I pick up a new book featuring Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis, it's like having a reunion with old friends that I haven't seen in a while, friends who have been in each others lives so long, they can just pick up from where they left off, no matter how long it's been. Such was the case with Jigsaw. 🧩
While this might not be the best in this long-running series (book 41 peeps 😯)
it's still an engaging read. Milo has two (seemingly) unrelated murders to solve, but as more and more information about the victims is uncovered, it seems there may be a connection after all. 🧩
All of my favourite characters were here, although Blanche, the French Bulldog, wasn't in it as much as I would have liked. Plenty of unsavoury characters too, not least the killer. Wow! Some serious issues there. 😱
And that's it for another year. Can't wait for next year's reunion. 🧩

[Dez Nemec · Rating 3 out of 5]

We start when Alex Delaware gets a call to help Milo on one of those cases.

Sophie Barlow, strangled while sitting at her kitchen table. On the table is a container with cigarette butts, complete with DNA from her boyfriend. But said boyfriend has a rock-solid alibi. Then comes Martha Mattias, a former detective who is found on a welfare check initiated by a neighbor. She had also been strangled, then had her arms removed before being stuffed in her chest freezer.

Two women strangled, but two seemingly unrelated murders. But are they…?

I have read most - maybe all? - of the Alex Delaware books. They are always so good, but I have to say that I found this one lacking. I'm not quite sure why; the mystery was interesting, but I was never truly invested in the tale. Regardless, I finished it in 1 day and will definitely be on the lookout for the next. And the next and the next. Without a doubt, this is my favorite series. So please, keep writing them!

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoning it in

This writer has always captured my full attention and challenged my intellect. Not so much this time. Still very readable but thin on motive and detail. His body of work is most impressive so I guess a little laziness at this time is to be expected. His writing is still far better than most.

[Susan McAulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

pages
For me. Reading Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series is like wrapping myself in a fuzzy warm blanket; it is cozy and comforting. Although I have certainly not read every book in the series by any means, I have read enough to be familiar with the characters, who largely don’t change, even though the situations do.
In many such series, one has police detectives and sometimes one has other professionals solving the mysteries. In the Alex Delaware novels, there are both. There is Milo Sturgis, a gay police detective who is generally speaking, the odd man out in his department. Then there is Alex, who is a psychologist. I am not always a fan of the straight police procedurals but I do enjoy the more “incidental” detectives when other aspects are explored, as in the Delaware books. I also enjoy the friendship between them.
Now, not every book in the series is as good as the other. I have read a few that I thought were slow and did not maintain my interest. I thought Jigsaw was one of Kellerman’s better of his most recent novels. It started off with a bang. No slow burn here. If anything, there was a point later on, during the investigation, where the pace slowed down for a bit. Nonetheless, this was a classic and trademark entry in the Delaware series. It is for those readers that like a twist on the police procedural. While it helps to have read some of his prior books in the series, it is certainly doable to start here and get a sense of the characters. It is not for those who are looking for serious literature but that’s all right; we all need diversions now and then.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel. All of the opinions expressed herein are my own.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

igsaw is the 41st book in the Alex Delaware series from Jonathan Kellerman. He has been writing this character since 1985.

"A murder that looks like a quick solve is anything but. A body is found in a freezer and a vulnerable adult is missing. Milo calls in Alex to help because it's one of 'those' cases"

I'm always amazed that Kellerman can keep the stories and situations fresh and different. Alex Delaware is a consulting psychologist, but is just as driven as Milo to get to the truth and find the killer. I like that he's not always absolute, recognizing that there is gray in many motives.
This story has an old detective who is now a victim and became a hoarder after retirement. Kellerman hints around at where the killer came from and hides them in plain sight - but you won't guess. I like that things happen behind-the-scenes. Kellerman doesn't feel the need to explain every detail in an investigation. There's just enough for you to fill in what's going on. He does get very detailed with descriptions of people though so you know exactly what they're like. You can certainly feel the killer's anger in the pages.

Another good story from Kellerman.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jigsaw

So [spoiler alert] there's a saw used during the book. If you're a big "crime books set in Los Angeles" fan like I am, and you've already read the other 30 Milo & Dr. Delaware books, you should read it.
Otherwise, it's a pass. Kellerman just phones them in now, nothing new to mention, unbelievable dialogue that is the bane of the series of books, and etc. Stupid: that part rings too true, I have known several criminals during my long and fruitful life, and it's all true, they are just as stupid as you or I could ever be, and in most cases, very much more stupid, not caring about things like fingerprints or any of that forensic science. Just committing crimes, buying drugs, and in -&-out of prison. Life, on the installment plan, a year or two at a time.
Just a'ight for me, dog. I mean Dear Reader.

[HollyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 41st Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis novel full of their well-known interaction and casework. The characters in this series are like reconnecting with old friends. I look forward to each installment of Alex Delaware novels because the stories are good but even more than that, the atmosphere and characters are like coming home again.

This latest version of the series is another great story with twists and turns. And although I have been reading Alex Delaware books for decades, I appreciate that Kellerman gives enough detail about Alex and Milo as well as their supporting cast, that new readers can pick up any book within the series and enjoy the story. This is important. If you have no backstory to enter into the series and feel obligated to start at the first book, it is too daunting to even try one. Kellerman’s approach is to allow for entry at any point.

Highly recommend.

#Jigsaw #NetGalley #Ballantine

[Lee Rush · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant stroll with a familiar “family”.

It’s been an age since I picked up a Jonathan Kellerman book. When my voracious appetite for mystery first started bubbling into the magma it is today, Kellerman was a go-to. His characters in the Alex Delaware series felt like forgotten relatives from a bygone era.

And while the visit was pleasant, I found the style in the series sadly dusty around the edges. A lot of cerebral pontificating by the characters, mild action, and complex and interesting plot points made it a pleasant journey. But the style didn’t age well with me, and for that I only gave it 3 stars.

However, it’s never a bother to read a book under 300 pages, and it was nice to visit with Robin, Milo and Alex, even for a short while.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Kellerman and Alex Delaware never fail to keep me occupied. I read to keep my mind off of my illness. It works with these books. I've read every one of this series. Milo cracks me up. I don't always guess the killer. The characters are engaging and storyline fluid enough to keep me reading. Well done Mr. Kellerman, keep em coming. I started reading them so long ago and I'm old. Can't remember what I did yesterday half the time- I can re-read older versions.

[ZZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Jigsaw, Jonathan Kellerman once again proves why the partnership between Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis remains one of the most enduring duos in crime fiction. This installment sends them down two seemingly separate investigative paths that gradually and quite intriguingly converge into a single mystery.

One of Kellerman’s strengths has always been structure, and here he handles the dual narrative threads with confidence. What at first appears disconnected slowly reveals its internal logic, rewarding the reader with a satisfying ending as the pieces fall into place (true to the novel’s title).

Jigsaw is another engaging entry in the long-running series. The kind of absorbing, one-day read Kellerman continues to deliver with impressive consistency.

[Cheryl Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellerman has delivered another exceptional book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The dynamic between Delaware and Sturgis is particularly engaging. This novel exemplifies the police procedural genre, which happens to be one of my favorites. It features several unexpected twists and surprises, along with intriguing insights into mental health. I have rated it five stars, and I highly recommend adding it to your reading list.

[Jane Perron · Rating 4 out of 5]

very enjoyable read. easy to follow and did not want to put it down. I love the adventures of Milo and Dr Delaware

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars??

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Jigsaw” by Jonathan Kellerman is another solid addition to the long running forensic psychologist Alex Delaware, and detective Milo Sturgis mystery series.
The story revolves around two separate female strangulations with some very strange and unsettling details that will keep you reading way past bedtime. If you have enjoyed Kellerman in the past, I highly recommend this fun, short and intelligent police procedural. For new readers this book will leave you wanting more of our favorite duo Alex and Milo!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballentine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Milo ride again. Great plot interesting and at point sympathetic villain. All the pluses and none of the negatives of previous Alex Cross books

[Laura Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis book but I'll certainly go back and read others. Not sure how I missed this writer all these years. Nice clean writing -- not a lot of filler but also no long, drawn out chase scenes either (yawn). Characters interesting and real-feeling; plot twisted enough to keep me hooked without introducing ridiculous coincidences. Not necessary to read the earlier books (or at least I never felt like I was missing something)

[Elisabeth Heien · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all of the Alex Delaware novels, and while I always enjoy these, this latest is not as good as I anticipated. The "plot" seems (to me) too construed,too far-fetched, and the ( brief and few) interactions between Alex and Robin, and also the conversations between Alex and Milo seemed flat and uninspired. And, really, the sentence "he ran is hands over his face as if washing without water" used TWICE in such a relatively short book? I know this is an expression Kellerman uses frequently, but PLEASE don't let it become yet another irritating trope like "they released the breath they did not know they were holding" that "every author" seems to be using these days ( even Louise Penny, for heaven's sake)
In short: this novel feels like sth Kellerman did not really put much effort into,and while it is perfectly readable, it is nowhere near his normal standard.
too bad.

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. Entertaining, but uninspired. Lacking the twists and turns, the thrill and even the personal touch of earlier Delaware-novels.

[Val]

Milo Sturgis has a dead woman who is found strangled in her home. Another woman is found dead in a freezer with her arms removed. How do these two cases tie together? That's where psychologist Alex Delaware and Milo find themselves as they investigate the two murders. It doesn't help that Milo has to hold back from questioning a man because of possible civil lawsuit against the department. In their customary manner, the two set out to solve the crime. Another great entry in the series. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.