Shatter [Hardcover]

The protagonist of Michael Robotham's "Shatter" is Professor Joe O'Loughlin, a clinical psychologist who teaches behavioral psychology at the University of Bath. He has been married for twenty years to Julianne, a beautiful and successful high-flyer in the corporate world, and they dote on their two daughters, twelve-year old Charlie and three-year-old Emma. Unfortunately, Joe's health has been deteriorating since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago. In spite of tremors, twitches, and other alarming symptoms, he is determined not to let his illness define him.

Joe's fortunes take a turn for the worse when he is asked to talk a jumper down from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. When he reaches the site, Joe sees an unidentified female standing in the rain, naked except for a pair of red shoes. She is conducting an intense conversation on a mobile phone. The potential suicide barely notices Joe's presence and is not interested in anything that he has to say. This disturbing encounter foreshadows future similar incidents that will challenge O'Loughlin's ability to cope, both professionally and personally.

The villain turns out to be a psychopath who knows how to bend minds. He boasts, "You've got to be smart. You've got to know people--what frightens them, how they think, what they cling to when they're in trouble." He uses his considerable intellect and patience to threaten and intimidate those he hates. When the police, led by the tough and aggressive Detective Inspector Veronica Cray, finally comprehend what is going on, they desperately try to locate and apprehend the killer. Joe and his buddy, retired DI Vincent Ruiz, lend a hand in the investigation, but they are stymied by a phantom who strikes at will and escapes with ease. What is his motive and what will his endgame be? In spite of Julianne's protests that he is endangering his family, Joe refuses to back off.

"Shatter" has some powerful and wrenching moments, but it is not an unqualified success. Many readers will be skeptical that law enforcement officials would allow a civilian psychologist and a retired detective to attend briefings, read case notes, interview witnesses, and speak to the media. In addition, the identity of the perpetrator, "a bully, a sadist, and [a] control freak," is given away too early. He is a one-dimensional monster, straight out of central casting. Another plot point that might raise a few eyebrows is whether this individual's methods of mind control would work on otherwise confident, poised, and worldly women. Although the conclusion has its share of excitement, it is too predictable to be truly harrowing.

On the plus side, Joe is a sympathetic and caring person as well as an accomplished psychologist who constructs a fairly accurate behavioral profile of the suspect. At first, his marriage to the lovely Julianne appears solid, but it is actually developing ever-widening fissures; Robotham depicts both their tender and wrenching encounters with skill and compassion. The dialogue is generally clever and witty, and there are are some intriguing secondary characters, such as Darcy Wheeler, a mature sixteen-year whom Joe takes under his wing after her mother's death. In spite of its flaws, "Shatter" is a workmanlike and fast-moving novel that should appeal to fans of psychological suspense.

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.

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 stuff here!

On a personal note, in my particular profession I have worked with many individuals suffering from the ravages of Parkinson's disease and can assure you that this work will give the reader vast insight to this condition which is much more common that generally known. I was gratified to see the author treated this subject with knowledge and understanding.

For those lovers of psychological thrillers, I cannot find any reason not to be delighted with this offering and do highly recommend it.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks