) ( )īritish journalist/ghostwriter Robotham’s first novel is a masterful riff on I Confess with a psychologist substituting for the embattled priest. And, of course, it makes him seem more real, because really, most people besides me do some crazy things sometimes. So he can be forgiven for making a few mistakes I guess. Sometimes it was a little hard to like Joe when he did a few WTF things, but nobody's perfect, and he was under a lot of stress - not only being the suspect in what becomes multiple murders, but also having been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It was pretty complex, and a little slow at times, but the story built and kept me interested the whole way. As more and more evidence seems to point to him, he becomes a fugitive and is forced to investigate the case to save himself and possibly others.Īfter I listened to that law professor telling the various ways an innocent person can be arrested for a crime, this book doesn't seem very far fetched. Other omissions and facts along the way make him more suspicious, and eventually Joe becomes the primary suspect. Joe tries to help, but when he realizes that he knows the victim, he doesn't mention this right away, which makes Ruiz suspicious.

Joseph O'Loughlin, an innocent psychologist, tries to help a detective, Ruiz, who shows up at a talk Joe is giving having to do with prostitution asking questions about a murder of what he thought was a prostitute. This book illustrates what can happen when you ignore this advice and talk too much about a crime. He made a very good case, and was followed by a policeman who surprisingly agreed 100%. Suspect is a powerhouse first novel, intricately crafted and chillingly authentic.I recently watched a YouTube video of a talk made by a law professor/former criminal lawyer on why you should never talk to the police about a crime, whether you are innocent or guilty. Michael Robotham possesses the rare ability to create fully believable characters, fashion terrific dialogue, and generate nonstop suspense. As Joe begins to suspect that one of his patients may be responsible, the police zero in on him. Then, when the police ask for his help in solving the brutal murder of a woman they assume is a prostitute, he's horrified to recognize the victim as a nurse he once worked with, and with whom he had a bit of a past.

Recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he's dreading the inevitable and all too palpable deterioration of his body and mind.

But Joe's snug, happy world is crumbling. The hunter becomes the hunted when an expert consultant in a baffling murder case becomes the prime suspect in Michael Robotham's stunning debut thriller.Īt forty-two, psychiatrist Joe O'Loughlin seems to have it all: a thriving practice, a beautiful wife, an adoring daughter.

Suspect by Michael Robotham