Shatter

This work does not fall into the general genre that I usually read, but I have to admit that by any definition of the term, this one is a true page turner and for me, was an extremely satisfying read. The over all plot has been pretty well discussed here but if brief: Psychologist Joe O'Loughlin, is drawn into a rather strange set of terrifying and suspenseful tale of psychological mind control by a twisted but brilliant individual who seems to have the ability to completely control the actions of his victims primarily via the use of a cell phone. He is able to cause his targets to perform acts that simple are not within their nature; such as standing on a bridge naked with only a pair of red shoes and then leaping to her death, despite the best efforts of O'Loughlin and the police. This is a very complicated and complex read with many factors to consider; not the least being that our main character suffers from Parkinson 's disease and is fighting an on going battle with its devastating symptoms. To further complicate the issue, O'Loughlin's family is drawn into the circle of a truly master criminal; a completely wicked but brilliant psychopath, if you will. The police are at lost ends as to the cause, motive and methods the killer is using and indeed it is baffling to the reader as the story unfolds. Keep in mind that the killer's victims are extremely intelligent and sophisticated women and at first there seems to be absolutely no link between them what so ever. This book has several things going for it. First, the author is a most excellent story teller. His plot, as with his other works, is absolutely riveting. Secondly, Robotham is a master of describing and controlling his environment. He has a true sense of place and can draw his readers into the particular geographic region he is working with. I will probably be flayed alive for saying this, but I feel he is just as skilled in this aspect of his writing as the old master, Guy de Maupassant. In this case, the author has set his story in the West Country of England, in and around Bristol and Bath. Third, and quite important, the author can and does in this case create at truly twisted villain. Character wise, you like the good guys and despise the bad guys. Forth, and again, very important in a psychological thriller, the author keeps the reader guessing but does not wonder into the realm of the unrealistic; what he writes is understandable, logical and believable! Of course there are many side paths the author takes us on while spinning his tale; a troubled marriage, a life defining disease and condition, a complicated family and professional life and wonderful interaction between primary characters. The introduction to a very high tech world (an integral part of the story) is either a plus or minus depending upon how you view such things, but I personally found it rather fascinating; knowing little to nothing about techy sort of things...hey, I actually learned some

Having read all his other books, I was hoping Shatter would be as good a read. It's not - it's ten times better! Wonderful writing, great suspense - anyone who likes Rankin, Robinson, Burlingham, etc. will love this. I can't wait for the next one!

great read 5 stars - suspenseful keeps you readimg well into the night...sometimes "choices" aren't always good things!

I've read each of Robotham's very impressive novels. When I saw that the U.S. release date of Shatter was pushed back to 2009, I ordered the British edition. It's on sale, so even with the shipping costs the final price was close to the standard, undiscounted price it will carry here. This may well be his best to date. Reprising his top characters, psychologist Joe O'Loughlin and retired detective Vincent Ruiz, he has moved O'Loughlin from London to Somerset, near Bath. Setting is one of the things that Robotham does brilliantly, whether his characters are in northern Europe or in the sewers of London. Here, the solution of the case turns on the use of cell phone transmission technology and that requires Robotham to have a professional's knowledge of both that technology and the geography/topography of the west country in general, Bath and Bristol in particular. The results are very impressive. He must also plausibly discuss the realities of abnormal psychology and Parkinson's disease (which afflicts O'Loughlin). Needless to say, he's up to the task. The antagonist is a military interrogator who has gone over to the dark side, utilizing his skills for evil purposes in an attempt to avenge himself upon the friends of his wife who, he believes, has betrayed him. The cat and mouse game is complicated by the fact that Joe's marriage to his wife Julianne is on the rocks and his involvement in this case not only impacts on his marriage but draws his wife and eldest daughter into the antagonist's orbit. To save his marriage and his family Joe must solve the case and find the person who talks his victims into destroying themselves. The suspense is nonstop and the writing is expert. I stand by my earlier judgment that Robotham is the next big thing in crime and suspense writing. This was one of the top books of the summer for me (since I couldn't wait for the spring of 2009). Don't miss any of his books. Each is superb.

"Shatter" is Michael Robotham's best novel yet! It brings back the characters found in the earlier novels, and centers on my favorite, clinical psychologist Joe O'Loughlin. Joe is intelligent and humane, and suffers from Parkinson's Disease--all facets of his personality which conspire against him as well as for him, as he embarks on solving the murders of women who die under the most bizarre circumstances. And the killer? a trained interrogator gone awry (and AWOL). The end is surprising, and layered with many levels of action--a disappeared killer, a marriage on hold, a hero making his way in an alien world. At this writing, the novel is not available in the US--but you should make sure you are on the waiting list when it arrives!