The #1 New York Times–bestselling author discusses his early days as a writer and the creation of his beloved psychologist and sleuth.

In 1985, clinical child psychologist Alex Delaware made his debut in the mystery novel When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman. But how did Kellerman create a character who would go on to win him Edgar and Anthony Awards for best first novel and make him a number-one New York Times–bestselling author?

Discover in this short read how Delaware and his friend and partner, police detective Milo Sturgis, came to be. Inside, Kellerman shares his initial struggles with the publishing world and the story behind his first success. He also details when he realized he had a series on his hands and how he developed his heroes into the characters who continue to delight millions of readers decades later.

Praise for the Alex Delaware Novels

"Startling . . . Charged with suspense. This one is simply too good to miss." —Stephen King on Over the Edge

"Harrowing . . . The work of a novelist of uncommon insight and storytelling skill." —Los Angeles Times

"High-powered . . . Alex Delaware is no ordinary psychologist. . . . He is also a born detective." —The New York Times

"An engrossing thriller. . . . This knockout of an entertainment is the kind of book which establishes a career in one stroke." —Newsday on When the Bough Breaks