Saturday, May 7, 2016

Book Review: Close Your Eyes



Sharon Long is here to review Michael Robotham, new psychological thriller, Close Your Eyes. This is the eighth book in the Joseph O’Loughlin series. It is published by Mullholland Books

A mother and daughter are murdered in what appears to be a ritual killing at a rural farmhouse. The mind hunter, a former student of Joe O’Loughlin, is brought in to help solve the case. However, after he deluges too much information to the public, the police chief turns to Joe for help. Joe, a clinical psychologist, begins interviewing friends and family of the deceased to begin to learn about them. He goes to the farmhouse to try to get into the killer’s thoughts and mindset. What Joe discovers about the murdered mother is shocking. 

Not only is Joe trying to solve a heinous crime but he is dealing with his separated wife’s health condition. He is spending the summer with her and their daughters at their summer home. Joe is also suffering more effects of his Parkinson’s. And of course, there are several attacks which may or may not be related to the farmhouse murders. 

This was my first book in this series, I know late to the party. I must say I was amazed to realize there were seven previous books because this read as a standalone. As a reader, I did not feel left out as the author gives plenty of back story about Joe, his childhood and his family. The story is fast paced with several possible suspects, a dramatic climax and a surprise ending. 

What I enjoyed most was how realistic and human all the characters are especially Joe. It is refreshing to see a main character with so many flaws as well as Parkinson’s disease. The story is emotional and deals with several issues including parenting. If you enjoyed The Mentalist tv show, you will definitely relate to and like Joe O’Loughlin. Joe solves crimes by getting to know the victims and their motivations.

This book was provided to Mystery Playground by the publisher. The review is fair and independent.


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1 comment:

  1. So good to hear you can read it as a standalone, before you go back and start from the beginning of course. Sounds really good.

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