When the Bough breaks - [1] Alex Delaware mystery by Jonathan Kellerman

If you are looking to start reading the works of Jonathon Kellerman, specifically the Alex Delaware series, then this is a great one to start with. It, like the others, is written in the first person. IF you start with the others,  you may find trouble associating with or understanding Dr. Delaware, the protagonist, and his background. This book sets up the characters, lays the foundation for the following books, and at the same time delivers a great story.
    This is the first of Jonathan Kellerman's highly popluar Dr. Alex Delaware series, and one can see why this first book has led to many more. Dr. Delaware is an interesting character with several different - and often conflicting - aspects to his personality. Milo Sturgis, the slovenly LAPD Homicide detective with a heart of gold and unique personality foibles all his own is Alex's co-star, and is a fascinating character in his own right.

    Child psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware seems to have it all. A beautiful home, a loving woman, a luxurious car, and retirement in his early thirties. There aren't many that can claim the bounties that Dr. Delaware has in his life. However, all is not well with Dr. Delaware. With a psyche still scarred by the horrors brought to his doorstep by a lonely and sick man, Alex finds himself adrift, simply existing and not really living.
    That is, until his friend and LAPD detective Milo Sturgis comes to him and asks for help. Milo is working a double homicide case, and the only witness they have at this time is Melody Quinn, a quiet, troubled, 7-year-old girl. Milo wants Alex to dust off his couch and talk to Melody. Little did Alex know that this simple favor would set off a chain of events that would have dire consequences on his life.

[cover image = first edition]