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Joseph O'Loughlin #1
Suspect
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.
At forty-two, psychiatrist Joe O'Loughlin seems to have it all: a thriving practice, a beautiful wife, an adoring daughter. But Joe's snug, happy world is crumbling. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he's dreading the inevitable and all too palpable deterioration of his body and mind. 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. As Joe begins to suspect that one of his patients may be responsible, the police zero in on him.
Michael Robotham possesses the rare ability to create fully believable characters, fashion terrific dialogue, and generate nonstop suspense. Suspect is a powerhouse first novel, intricately crafted and chillingly authentic.
At forty-two, psychiatrist Joe O'Loughlin seems to have it all: a thriving practice, a beautiful wife, an adoring daughter. But Joe's snug, happy world is crumbling. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he's dreading the inevitable and all too palpable deterioration of his body and mind. 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. As Joe begins to suspect that one of his patients may be responsible, the police zero in on him.
Michael Robotham possesses the rare ability to create fully believable characters, fashion terrific dialogue, and generate nonstop suspense. Suspect is a powerhouse first novel, intricately crafted and chillingly authentic.
351 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
1964 people are currently reading
17549 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robotham
53 books7,307 followersTwo-times Gold Dagger winner (2015 and 2020), twice Edgar best novel finalist (2016 and 2020) and winner of the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger (2021), Michael Robotham was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers and magazines in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies. Twelve of these non-fiction titles have been bestsellers with combined sales of more than 2 million copies.
His first novel 'THE SUSPECT', a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth “International Book of the Month”, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries.
Since then, Michael's psychological thrillers have been translated into twenty-five languages and his Joe O'Loughlin series is are currently in development for TV by World Productions. A six-part TV series based upon his standalone novel THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS was aired on BBC1 in 2020, and a second series begins filming in 2021.
Michael lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers and magazines in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies. Twelve of these non-fiction titles have been bestsellers with combined sales of more than 2 million copies.
His first novel 'THE SUSPECT', a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth “International Book of the Month”, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries.
Since then, Michael's psychological thrillers have been translated into twenty-five languages and his Joe O'Loughlin series is are currently in development for TV by World Productions. A six-part TV series based upon his standalone novel THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS was aired on BBC1 in 2020, and a second series begins filming in 2021.
Michael lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,788 reviews
February 7, 2017
4 .5 stars
I’ve had Michael Robotham’s Suspect, book #1 of the Joseph O’Loughlin series, on my radar for a couple of years and finally decided to give it a go. Two thumbs up!
Suspect gets off to a banging start and kept me glued to the pages throughout. The story is told in first person narrative from O’Loughlin’s point of view. Since he is a psychologist, we get considerable psychological insight, not only into Joe’s head, but also in his take on some of his patients, particularly the enigmatic Bobby. I thought Joe’s in depth perspective added some real meat to the tale. Joe makes some unwise decisions along the way, putting himself in significant jeopardy. He ends up needing to figure out on his own who killed a young woman or his life will deteriorate into ruins and his loving family will be destroyed. His methods are unorthodox, to say the least, which leads to some very entertaining reading.
There is a plentiful amount of intrigue and suspense in this pacy novel. The plot is ingenious and the bends and curves of the story keep the reader alert. Some of Joe’s actions had me scratching my head, but I understood all at the end. There are some prize-winning twists in this one, especially the big bomb at the end. Holy holy cow, that was a good ‘un!!
Many reviewers did not like O’Loughlin. I did. I found him very human and thought his flaws were much less dastardly than those of protagonists in many other books. The added complication of his developing Parkinsonism intensifies the burden of his challenges.
Thanks, Mr. Robotham, for creating this character Joe O’Loughlin. I look forward to checking out more of his adventures. By the way, DI Ruiz plays a big role in Suspect, and I understand he takes the lead in a couple of the O’Loughlin books. Fine with me. I liked this guy too. He is essentially a gruff, straightforward, no-nonsense type of guy who just wants to solve the case.
I highly recommend Suspect to all readers of crime fiction, suspense, and thrillers. Quality stuff.
I’ve had Michael Robotham’s Suspect, book #1 of the Joseph O’Loughlin series, on my radar for a couple of years and finally decided to give it a go. Two thumbs up!
Suspect gets off to a banging start and kept me glued to the pages throughout. The story is told in first person narrative from O’Loughlin’s point of view. Since he is a psychologist, we get considerable psychological insight, not only into Joe’s head, but also in his take on some of his patients, particularly the enigmatic Bobby. I thought Joe’s in depth perspective added some real meat to the tale. Joe makes some unwise decisions along the way, putting himself in significant jeopardy. He ends up needing to figure out on his own who killed a young woman or his life will deteriorate into ruins and his loving family will be destroyed. His methods are unorthodox, to say the least, which leads to some very entertaining reading.
There is a plentiful amount of intrigue and suspense in this pacy novel. The plot is ingenious and the bends and curves of the story keep the reader alert. Some of Joe’s actions had me scratching my head, but I understood all at the end. There are some prize-winning twists in this one, especially the big bomb at the end. Holy holy cow, that was a good ‘un!!
Many reviewers did not like O’Loughlin. I did. I found him very human and thought his flaws were much less dastardly than those of protagonists in many other books. The added complication of his developing Parkinsonism intensifies the burden of his challenges.
Thanks, Mr. Robotham, for creating this character Joe O’Loughlin. I look forward to checking out more of his adventures. By the way, DI Ruiz plays a big role in Suspect, and I understand he takes the lead in a couple of the O’Loughlin books. Fine with me. I liked this guy too. He is essentially a gruff, straightforward, no-nonsense type of guy who just wants to solve the case.
I highly recommend Suspect to all readers of crime fiction, suspense, and thrillers. Quality stuff.
March 3, 2022
The Suspect (Joseph O'Loughlin #1)
by Michael Robotham, Simon Prebble (narrator)
Psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin's life is blowing up in a very bad way. In his early 40s, he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite having a lovely wife and daughter, who he loves very much, and despite knowing the tools he needs to use to communicate with others, Joe is closing himself off. The day he found out his diagnosis, he makes a very bad choice for how to start dealing with it. But then, Joe seems to be really good at making bad choices. Instead of doing the best thing, the right thing, he seems to run straight into "you've got to be kidding me" choices.
When a former patient is found dead in a most brutal way, Joe hides things he knows and that he did, knowing he should say certain things and but holding back and making his life a huge and dangerous mess. He decides he's going to figure out this murder himself and is surprised how much one of his most troublesome patients knows about his life, the murder, and other things that he shouldn't know about.
I do not like Joe. He rationalizes and excuses things he does and doesn't do and he's really lousy at it. Never one to ask for help or trust anyone else, Joe digs himself into a deeper hole, and seems to put the welfare of someone he thinks could be a murderer above the victims of the murders or the future victims of the murders. Still, the story is very interesting and I plan to continue on with this series to see where it takes Joe.
by Michael Robotham, Simon Prebble (narrator)
Psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin's life is blowing up in a very bad way. In his early 40s, he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite having a lovely wife and daughter, who he loves very much, and despite knowing the tools he needs to use to communicate with others, Joe is closing himself off. The day he found out his diagnosis, he makes a very bad choice for how to start dealing with it. But then, Joe seems to be really good at making bad choices. Instead of doing the best thing, the right thing, he seems to run straight into "you've got to be kidding me" choices.
When a former patient is found dead in a most brutal way, Joe hides things he knows and that he did, knowing he should say certain things and but holding back and making his life a huge and dangerous mess. He decides he's going to figure out this murder himself and is surprised how much one of his most troublesome patients knows about his life, the murder, and other things that he shouldn't know about.
I do not like Joe. He rationalizes and excuses things he does and doesn't do and he's really lousy at it. Never one to ask for help or trust anyone else, Joe digs himself into a deeper hole, and seems to put the welfare of someone he thinks could be a murderer above the victims of the murders or the future victims of the murders. Still, the story is very interesting and I plan to continue on with this series to see where it takes Joe.
January 7, 2017
I am going to rate this 4.5 stars, only because it was a little slow in the beginning. I was at about 30% then the action started and it was a rollercoaster ride. This is the first book in the Joseph O'Loughlin Series. I will surely be reading more of his books. This book was so hard to put down. I am serious. I recommend this to all thriller lovers.
London psychologist Joe O'Loughlin is a family man who has just received some devastating news about his health. Joe is at a meeting providing counseling for a group of prostitutes and is interrupted by an aggressive Detective holding a photograph of a murder victim. DI Ruiz believes the victim might have been a prostitute and he invites Joe to assist in his investigation. Joe soon learns the dead woman is a nurse, a former patient of his, and one with whom he shares bad history.
When Joe learns the identity of the dead woman, he fears exposing the connection he shares with her, aware it gives him motive. As the killing occurred near his home, he also had opportunity. As DI Ruiz uncovers the connection, he soon looks at Joe as the primary suspect. This would have been a great suspense plot by itself. However, the author introduces several other characters into the first chapters and the plot turns much more convoluted.
Joe believes one of his especially disturbed patients is behind the killing, but he can't find enough evidence to satisfy Ruiz. The more Joe hunts for the evidence, the guiltier he looks, until he finds himself alone and on the run, with his whole life crumbling around him. Joe could turn it all around if only he would admit to his alibi.
For the well-respected psychologist, the situation becomes suspenseful. The DI appears to want Joe to be guilty. Ruiz is an aggressive detective and does not seem willing to look at any other suspects. O'Loughlin tells one small lie which turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life. Suddenly, he's caught in a web of his own making. The story moves well and the characters well developed and mostly likable.
London psychologist Joe O'Loughlin is a family man who has just received some devastating news about his health. Joe is at a meeting providing counseling for a group of prostitutes and is interrupted by an aggressive Detective holding a photograph of a murder victim. DI Ruiz believes the victim might have been a prostitute and he invites Joe to assist in his investigation. Joe soon learns the dead woman is a nurse, a former patient of his, and one with whom he shares bad history.
When Joe learns the identity of the dead woman, he fears exposing the connection he shares with her, aware it gives him motive. As the killing occurred near his home, he also had opportunity. As DI Ruiz uncovers the connection, he soon looks at Joe as the primary suspect. This would have been a great suspense plot by itself. However, the author introduces several other characters into the first chapters and the plot turns much more convoluted.
Joe believes one of his especially disturbed patients is behind the killing, but he can't find enough evidence to satisfy Ruiz. The more Joe hunts for the evidence, the guiltier he looks, until he finds himself alone and on the run, with his whole life crumbling around him. Joe could turn it all around if only he would admit to his alibi.
For the well-respected psychologist, the situation becomes suspenseful. The DI appears to want Joe to be guilty. Ruiz is an aggressive detective and does not seem willing to look at any other suspects. O'Loughlin tells one small lie which turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life. Suddenly, he's caught in a web of his own making. The story moves well and the characters well developed and mostly likable.
December 12, 2016
Michael Robotham has a new fan! This was a very satisfying read!
Joe O'Laughlin is married, has an 8 year old daughter, is a psychologist, and was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Joe gets involved in the investigation of the murder of a hooker, but eventually DI Vincent Ruiz comes to think of Joe as a suspect. Well, THE suspect.
I really enjoy books centered on an ordinary guy getting himself into extraordinary circumstances. Joe doesn't always do the right thing and he makes a fair number of bad decisions, but he's a likable character.
Robotham has written a tightly woven story with a steady pace that increases near the end. The closer I physically got to the end of the pages, I kept wondering what could Robotham still have in store. It sure felt like the book was ready to end, but I was surprised again.
I'm so impressed that I'm going right into the second book of the series.
Joe O'Laughlin is married, has an 8 year old daughter, is a psychologist, and was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Joe gets involved in the investigation of the murder of a hooker, but eventually DI Vincent Ruiz comes to think of Joe as a suspect. Well, THE suspect.
I really enjoy books centered on an ordinary guy getting himself into extraordinary circumstances. Joe doesn't always do the right thing and he makes a fair number of bad decisions, but he's a likable character.
Robotham has written a tightly woven story with a steady pace that increases near the end. The closer I physically got to the end of the pages, I kept wondering what could Robotham still have in store. It sure felt like the book was ready to end, but I was surprised again.
I'm so impressed that I'm going right into the second book of the series.
February 18, 2023
5★
“it’s strange the things that occur to you at times like this. I suddenly remember a line my father used to quote to me whenever I was in trouble: ‘Don’t say anything unless you can improve on the silence.’”
And he was in trouble. Joe O’Loughlin is a psychologist who keeps trying to explain to the police why he’s been turning up in the wrong place at the wrong time. And why people who have an association with him are turning up dead.
Detective Inspector Ruiz is considering Joe as ‘the suspect’ in a murder case, and with good reason. He knew the victim, had a possible motive, and won’t give an alibi. He has also been newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s and is not his usual self. Irascible is a good word.
The book opens with Joe freezing on a high, slippery, slate roof, trying to talk down a young fellow with a brain tumour who is all set to jump on this, his 17th birthday. Won’t talk, won’t look at Joe, won’t acknowledge he’s there. Joe is frankly terrified.
Welcome to Joe’s world! Every day brings a possible new disaster.
He has an unlikely wife: “We were always an odd couple. . . Julianne didn’t go to parties – they came to her.”
And they have a funny, cheerful 8-year-old daughter, Charlie, whom they both adore, and are trying (with no luck) for another child. Now he feels stricken (the Parkinson’s) and overwhelmed.
He talks about his family and his beloved old auntie, who was a recluse, and he mentions a few clients. I’m sure his physical characteristics were described, but what I remember is a very strong sense of who this man is and why he keeps digging himself in deeper instead of listening to his father’s advice. After all, words (and listening to words) are his stock in trade.
Ruiz, the detective inspector, has scant regard for psychologists.
“Do you know what I think? A man gets attacked and he’s lying bleeding on the road. Two psychologists pass by and one says to the other, ‘Let’s go and find the person who did this – he needs help.’ His smile doesn’t reach his eyes.”
Ruiz is a cranky bugger, trying to give up smoking, and he sometimes engages in chit-chat with O’Loughlin, but it often seems he’s just trying to trip him up. They do play a bit of cat and mouse, since both are in the business of winkling bits of information out of people who would rather keep it to themselves.
“I know that I’m being semantic, but judging by the way people moralise and jump to conclusions, anyone would think that the truth is real and solid; that it’s something that can be picked up and passed around, weighed and measured, before being agreed upon.
But the truth isn’t like that. If I were to tell you this story tomorrow, it would be different than today. I would have filtered the details through my defences and rationalised my actions. Truth is a matter of semantics, whether we like it or not.”
Nobody knows what to believe, although Ruiz is pretty sure Joe is to blame. The bodies pile up, Joe’s alibis for where he is and what he’s been doing get weaker, and before he knows it, he’s in trouble on the home front.
Shakier and more miserable than ever, he turns to his oldest friend. They were side by side in the hospital when they were born. You don’t get much older than that! But he’s a bit of a womaniser and a rake – not a particularly good influence, all things considered. That doesn’t go quite as Joe had expected.
Could he have acted differently? Should he have seen the warning signs? Has he been fooled?
Loved it! Hard to believe it was a debut, it was so accomplished and polished.
No complaints at all and no suggestions for improvement. I had already read #6 in the series and liked it enough to go back and start at the beginning – glad I did. On to the rest!
“it’s strange the things that occur to you at times like this. I suddenly remember a line my father used to quote to me whenever I was in trouble: ‘Don’t say anything unless you can improve on the silence.’”
And he was in trouble. Joe O’Loughlin is a psychologist who keeps trying to explain to the police why he’s been turning up in the wrong place at the wrong time. And why people who have an association with him are turning up dead.
Detective Inspector Ruiz is considering Joe as ‘the suspect’ in a murder case, and with good reason. He knew the victim, had a possible motive, and won’t give an alibi. He has also been newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s and is not his usual self. Irascible is a good word.
The book opens with Joe freezing on a high, slippery, slate roof, trying to talk down a young fellow with a brain tumour who is all set to jump on this, his 17th birthday. Won’t talk, won’t look at Joe, won’t acknowledge he’s there. Joe is frankly terrified.
Welcome to Joe’s world! Every day brings a possible new disaster.
He has an unlikely wife: “We were always an odd couple. . . Julianne didn’t go to parties – they came to her.”
And they have a funny, cheerful 8-year-old daughter, Charlie, whom they both adore, and are trying (with no luck) for another child. Now he feels stricken (the Parkinson’s) and overwhelmed.
He talks about his family and his beloved old auntie, who was a recluse, and he mentions a few clients. I’m sure his physical characteristics were described, but what I remember is a very strong sense of who this man is and why he keeps digging himself in deeper instead of listening to his father’s advice. After all, words (and listening to words) are his stock in trade.
Ruiz, the detective inspector, has scant regard for psychologists.
“Do you know what I think? A man gets attacked and he’s lying bleeding on the road. Two psychologists pass by and one says to the other, ‘Let’s go and find the person who did this – he needs help.’ His smile doesn’t reach his eyes.”
Ruiz is a cranky bugger, trying to give up smoking, and he sometimes engages in chit-chat with O’Loughlin, but it often seems he’s just trying to trip him up. They do play a bit of cat and mouse, since both are in the business of winkling bits of information out of people who would rather keep it to themselves.
“I know that I’m being semantic, but judging by the way people moralise and jump to conclusions, anyone would think that the truth is real and solid; that it’s something that can be picked up and passed around, weighed and measured, before being agreed upon.
But the truth isn’t like that. If I were to tell you this story tomorrow, it would be different than today. I would have filtered the details through my defences and rationalised my actions. Truth is a matter of semantics, whether we like it or not.”
Nobody knows what to believe, although Ruiz is pretty sure Joe is to blame. The bodies pile up, Joe’s alibis for where he is and what he’s been doing get weaker, and before he knows it, he’s in trouble on the home front.
Shakier and more miserable than ever, he turns to his oldest friend. They were side by side in the hospital when they were born. You don’t get much older than that! But he’s a bit of a womaniser and a rake – not a particularly good influence, all things considered. That doesn’t go quite as Joe had expected.
Could he have acted differently? Should he have seen the warning signs? Has he been fooled?
Loved it! Hard to believe it was a debut, it was so accomplished and polished.
No complaints at all and no suggestions for improvement. I had already read #6 in the series and liked it enough to go back and start at the beginning – glad I did. On to the rest!
September 10, 2018
This one just never caught my interest.
Suspect is the first book in the Joe O’Loughlin series. Joe is a psychologist, called in to consult on a brutal murder. But the victim, initially thought to be a prostitute, is identified as a nurse that Joe knew from his time in Liverpool years earlier. It doesn’t take long before he is considered a suspect. Joe has also recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 42.
I had trouble identifying with Joe. Some of his decisions seem poorly made and I kept wondering if a psychologist would really react the way he did.
The book isn’t fast paced. More even keeled. It had trouble keeping my interest at times. This isn’t a series I’ll be following up on. The book is truly just “meh”. To be very honest, I'm just glad to be finished with it.
I listened to this and the narrator did a decent job but nothing special.
September 7, 2017
Someone is playing head games with psychologist Joe O'Loughlin. The doctor doesn't like easy answers, he thinks they are usually wrong. He's right. Known for his keen powers of perception, Joe is called on to consult on a murder investigation. As the spectre of his recently diagnosed Parkinson's Disease begins its insidious control of his body, his mind works overtime as he finds himself with closer ties to the killing than he ever imagined.
August 7, 2019
Suspect by Michael Robotham is the first in the Joe O'Loughlin series and my god it's a fantastic start I'm just a little worried how the rest of this series is going to compete with this one.
It's dark, twisted, exciting nerve-racking and you definitely need to hold on to your seat whilst shouting 'oh for goodness sake 🙄 go go go !!!! '
I found it to be a easy fast exciting read which you definitely need some ME TIME!!! to read this as it's a little impossible to put down.
I can't wait to read the next one and as you probably can guess I definitely recommend it 😉📖
It's dark, twisted, exciting nerve-racking and you definitely need to hold on to your seat whilst shouting 'oh for goodness sake 🙄 go go go !!!! '
I found it to be a easy fast exciting read which you definitely need some ME TIME!!! to read this as it's a little impossible to put down.
I can't wait to read the next one and as you probably can guess I definitely recommend it 😉📖
August 1, 2022
Another gripping outing with this author. I loved that Joseph O'Loughlin is a psychologist so we get his unique and interesting perspective that allows us to look into the mind of the suspects. That he is dealing with his own diagnosis adds a layer of tension because we get the sense that the clock is ticking in all aspects of this novel. Thoroughly engaging.
December 26, 2025
EXCERPT: My stomach is empty. Perspiring and shivering in the cold, I straighten up and look at the body. Nothing has been done to restore the poor woman's dignity. She is naked, stretched out with her arms against her sides and her legs together.
The dull whiteness of her skin makes her look almost like a marble statue, only this 'statue' has been vandalised. Her chest, arms and thighs have been covered in slashes of crimson and pink. Where the skin is pulled taut the wounds gape like empty eye sockets. At other places they naturally close and weep slightly.
I have seen post-mortems in medical school. I know the process. She has been photographed, scraped, swabbed and cut open from her neck to her crotch. Her organs have been weighed and her stomach contents analysed. Bodily fluids, flakes of dead skin and dirt from beneath her fingernails have been sealed within plastic or beneath glass slides. A once bright, energetic, vibrant human being has become exhibit A.
ABOUT 'THE SUSPECT': Even a flawless life can unravel...
Joseph O'Loughlin appears to have the perfect life - a beautiful wife, a loving daughter and a successful career as a clinical psychologist. But nothing can be taken for granted. Even the most flawless existence is only a loose thread away from unravelling. All it takes is a murdered girl, a troubled young patient and the biggest lie of his life.
Caught in a complex web of deceit and haunted by images of the slain girl, he embarks upon a search that will take him from London to Liverpool and into the darkest recesses of the human mind...
MY THOUGHTS: “Do you know what I think? A man gets attacked and he’s lying bleeding on the road. Two psychologists pass by and one says to the other, ‘Let’s go and find the person who did this – he needs help.’" - Ruiz doesn't hold psychologists in very high regard and little that Joe does in The Suspect will change his mind. And I have to admit that often even I wondered what the hell Joe was thinking!
The Suspect is Michael Robotham's 2004 debut novel and it is a brilliant start to the Joseph O'Laughlin series of which I have read several of the later books.
Joe's a pretty surprising sort of guy. He's dealing with fertility issues and a brand-new Parkinson's diagnosis. His body is letting him down and he seems determined to spit in the eye of his diagnosis. His actions aren't always rational or well thought out. He adores his wife Julianne and their daughter Charlie, yet his actions often bely this fact. Despite his sometimes blatant stupidity, I like Joe. His heart is in the right place.
My heart? - well, it was often pounding. Robotham has written a compelling tightly plotted thriller that impressed me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheSuspect(JosephOLaughlin#1) @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL ROBOTHAM was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.
Michael now lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
Full review to come.
The dull whiteness of her skin makes her look almost like a marble statue, only this 'statue' has been vandalised. Her chest, arms and thighs have been covered in slashes of crimson and pink. Where the skin is pulled taut the wounds gape like empty eye sockets. At other places they naturally close and weep slightly.
I have seen post-mortems in medical school. I know the process. She has been photographed, scraped, swabbed and cut open from her neck to her crotch. Her organs have been weighed and her stomach contents analysed. Bodily fluids, flakes of dead skin and dirt from beneath her fingernails have been sealed within plastic or beneath glass slides. A once bright, energetic, vibrant human being has become exhibit A.
ABOUT 'THE SUSPECT': Even a flawless life can unravel...
Joseph O'Loughlin appears to have the perfect life - a beautiful wife, a loving daughter and a successful career as a clinical psychologist. But nothing can be taken for granted. Even the most flawless existence is only a loose thread away from unravelling. All it takes is a murdered girl, a troubled young patient and the biggest lie of his life.
Caught in a complex web of deceit and haunted by images of the slain girl, he embarks upon a search that will take him from London to Liverpool and into the darkest recesses of the human mind...
MY THOUGHTS: “Do you know what I think? A man gets attacked and he’s lying bleeding on the road. Two psychologists pass by and one says to the other, ‘Let’s go and find the person who did this – he needs help.’" - Ruiz doesn't hold psychologists in very high regard and little that Joe does in The Suspect will change his mind. And I have to admit that often even I wondered what the hell Joe was thinking!
The Suspect is Michael Robotham's 2004 debut novel and it is a brilliant start to the Joseph O'Laughlin series of which I have read several of the later books.
Joe's a pretty surprising sort of guy. He's dealing with fertility issues and a brand-new Parkinson's diagnosis. His body is letting him down and he seems determined to spit in the eye of his diagnosis. His actions aren't always rational or well thought out. He adores his wife Julianne and their daughter Charlie, yet his actions often bely this fact. Despite his sometimes blatant stupidity, I like Joe. His heart is in the right place.
My heart? - well, it was often pounding. Robotham has written a compelling tightly plotted thriller that impressed me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheSuspect(JosephOLaughlin#1) @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL ROBOTHAM was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.
Michael now lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
Full review to come.
March 25, 2017
A solid 4 1/2 star read- but because this was a new author - and and author that I found out about from a wonderful Aussie Group I just had to bring it up to a 5 star read! Suspect is the first in the Joseph O'Loughlin series-and it was a good one for sure. The book was a bit long , and perhaps it could have been trimmed down just a bit- but at no time was I 'rolling my eyes' or getting impatient where I just skimmed thru it to get to the next chapter.
Joseph O'Loughlin - a psychologist is someone who has it all--a thriving practice, and a beautiful family. He's diagnosed with Parkinson's, and cant seem to get his head around his disease. Because of this- he, at times winds up making some really bad choices- that brings him heartache, and also gets him in some deep trouble.
He gets called into a high-profile murder investigation, but recognizes the victim as one of his former patients, an emotionally disturbed young woman. O'Loughlin doesn't let the lead investigator know that he knows this victim -and before you know it he soon placed at the top of the suspect list. From here the story gets even better- every time O'Loughlin tries to help himself- he winds up getting deeper and deeper into more trouble!
A great first read to a series that I just know is going to get better and better. Looking forward to picking up my second in this series !!
Joseph O'Loughlin - a psychologist is someone who has it all--a thriving practice, and a beautiful family. He's diagnosed with Parkinson's, and cant seem to get his head around his disease. Because of this- he, at times winds up making some really bad choices- that brings him heartache, and also gets him in some deep trouble.
He gets called into a high-profile murder investigation, but recognizes the victim as one of his former patients, an emotionally disturbed young woman. O'Loughlin doesn't let the lead investigator know that he knows this victim -and before you know it he soon placed at the top of the suspect list. From here the story gets even better- every time O'Loughlin tries to help himself- he winds up getting deeper and deeper into more trouble!
A great first read to a series that I just know is going to get better and better. Looking forward to picking up my second in this series !!
October 3, 2017
4.5 stars I came across this series a few years ago with Say You're Sorry which I absolutely loved & immediately put him on my radar. then read a few more that's when I knew I had to go back to the beginning, having said that I think for me this started out a bit slow picked up at about 35% there was a lot of dialogue that I found wasn't needed but other than that I liked this one.
Suspect gets off to a cracking start when Psychologist Joe Oloughlin a family man hears the news that he has Parkinson's disease he tries to hide it from his wife Julieanne & his daughter Charlie he is at a meeting trying to help people who have problems.
A woman turns up dead with stab wounds over her body its thought she was a prostitute & Joe is brought in to help to find out who she is?
Still trying to come to terms with his illness Detective Vincent Ruiz is leading the case as they look into the woman's past they find she is the daughter of a high profile politician, well then things really start getting interesting Ruiz looks into a patient of joe's Bobby Moran (AKA) Bobby Morgan who has a past history.
Joe starts to get into Bobby's head He starts looking for his parents Lenny & Bridget Morgan we find that Bobby was treated badly the evidence turned to Lenny BUT DID HE ACTUALLY HURT HIS OWN SON!!
As more bodies start turning up Joe finds out that the woman's wounds were self inflicted WHY WOULD SHE DO THIS!!
There are a lot of twists & turns in this thriller that will turn you upside down & inside out.
I connected with the disease of Parkinson's disease as my Grandfather had it so I knew what Mr Robotham was writing about. This is a must read for all thriller fans out there.
Suspect gets off to a cracking start when Psychologist Joe Oloughlin a family man hears the news that he has Parkinson's disease he tries to hide it from his wife Julieanne & his daughter Charlie he is at a meeting trying to help people who have problems.
A woman turns up dead with stab wounds over her body its thought she was a prostitute & Joe is brought in to help to find out who she is?
Still trying to come to terms with his illness Detective Vincent Ruiz is leading the case as they look into the woman's past they find she is the daughter of a high profile politician, well then things really start getting interesting Ruiz looks into a patient of joe's Bobby Moran (AKA) Bobby Morgan who has a past history.
Joe starts to get into Bobby's head He starts looking for his parents Lenny & Bridget Morgan we find that Bobby was treated badly the evidence turned to Lenny BUT DID HE ACTUALLY HURT HIS OWN SON!!
As more bodies start turning up Joe finds out that the woman's wounds were self inflicted WHY WOULD SHE DO THIS!!
There are a lot of twists & turns in this thriller that will turn you upside down & inside out.
I connected with the disease of Parkinson's disease as my Grandfather had it so I knew what Mr Robotham was writing about. This is a must read for all thriller fans out there.
June 7, 2018
Filled with...boredom. 1 of 10 yawns.
August 14, 2017
Over the years I've read most of Michael Robotham's Joe O'Loughlin series (in somewhat random order as they were uncovered in second hand bookshops) but I don't think I've ever read this first in the series before. It was interesting to go back and see where it all started, where Ruiz and Joe first meet and Joe first becomes involved in solving crime cases. However, in this first novel Joe is very much a suspect himself as a former patient is murdered and some of the evidence points towards him. There is much for Joe to work out in this murder mystery and Ruiz and the police are very much in the background trying to catch him up. It's a complex plot with Joe trying to catch the real suspect with an explosive twist at the end that even he didn't see coming. so, definitely worth going back and reading the first in the series and now I have to work out which other ones I may have missed.
September 3, 2014
This was my first book by this author and it will certainly not be my last. The story was gripping from the first page to the last. In fact even when it appeared to be finished the author came up with one last totally unexpected plot twist. The book was well written and the characters were honestly portrayed with all their bad as well as good characteristics. There were no heroes, just normal people struggling with abnormal situations. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next book in the series.i
September 25, 2016
Some time back I read a more recent book of this series Watching You, not taking note of it being part of a serialization. The book worked perfectly well as a stand alone, and I loved it. More recently, I read, Life or Death and loved that too. Therein, I decided to go right to the beginning and read Robotham’s first book. Guess what? I loved it.
Some reviews mention that the main character's actions are implausible and that he isn’t a very likeable person, and that may be true on both counts. My main reason for reading a book, however, is to be entertained, and I was entertained; I was also gripped to the point that I finished this book in extra quick time, picking it up whenever a spare five minutes came available. I also quite liked the character’s unlikeability – flawed characters are generally more interesting.
Reading the implausible claims in other reviews made me think about that claim. If an action is a possibility, why is it implausible? Just because most people wouldn’t take that course of action, it doesn’t mean nobody would. And, one doesn’t know how one would react to a particular situation, until one finds oneself in that circumstance.
I will definitely be carrying on with this Robotham series; I love his writing style and the way his plots unfold. If you haven’t read any Robothom, I recommend doing so, and this is the place to start.
Some reviews mention that the main character's actions are implausible and that he isn’t a very likeable person, and that may be true on both counts. My main reason for reading a book, however, is to be entertained, and I was entertained; I was also gripped to the point that I finished this book in extra quick time, picking it up whenever a spare five minutes came available. I also quite liked the character’s unlikeability – flawed characters are generally more interesting.
Reading the implausible claims in other reviews made me think about that claim. If an action is a possibility, why is it implausible? Just because most people wouldn’t take that course of action, it doesn’t mean nobody would. And, one doesn’t know how one would react to a particular situation, until one finds oneself in that circumstance.
I will definitely be carrying on with this Robotham series; I love his writing style and the way his plots unfold. If you haven’t read any Robothom, I recommend doing so, and this is the place to start.
August 2, 2025
Am ales cartea la întâmplare și am descoperit un thriller psihologic captivant care te ține prins în urzelile unei minți bolnave până la final. Joseph O' Loughlin, este un psihiatru care are multe probleme personale, dar se trezește la un moment dat suspect într-o crimă care are legături cu începutul cariei lui, iar rezolvarea acesteia îl aduce în fața celui mai complicat caz al său.
April 3, 2017
Psychologist Joseph O’Loughlin feels like his perfect life is unravelling faster than the clock is ticking. His friend Jock, a doctor, has just diagnosed him as having Parkinson’s Disease, and Joe is shattered. He closes in on himself, not talking to his wife, Julianne, making her unsure about him, and what is happening. His beautiful daughter, 8 year old Charlie, senses something is wrong…
When a young woman is found with multiple stab wounds that appear to be self-inflicted, Joe is horrified to realize she was a patient a few years ago. Catherine Mary McBride was a nurse when he knew her, but she had a troubled past, and in trying to help her, she caused problems for him. Now, Detective Ruiz is on her case, and in his blunt manner, Joe can tell he is a suspect in her murder. So when he makes the biggest mistake of his life by lying to Ruiz, things are set into motion that no-one could foresee, even Joe.
With one of Joe’s current patients, Bobby Moran, causing him immense discomfort and unease, and his violent tendencies seeming to be spiralling out of control, Joe decides to take matters into his own hands, not knowing how deeply he would spiral into a well of darkness in his search for the truth.
This incredible psychological thriller with its complex twist of characters is extremely fast paced, a truly gripping read. The plot twists throughout are brilliant, especially the one at the end! I didn’t see that one coming!
Highly recommended.
When a young woman is found with multiple stab wounds that appear to be self-inflicted, Joe is horrified to realize she was a patient a few years ago. Catherine Mary McBride was a nurse when he knew her, but she had a troubled past, and in trying to help her, she caused problems for him. Now, Detective Ruiz is on her case, and in his blunt manner, Joe can tell he is a suspect in her murder. So when he makes the biggest mistake of his life by lying to Ruiz, things are set into motion that no-one could foresee, even Joe.
With one of Joe’s current patients, Bobby Moran, causing him immense discomfort and unease, and his violent tendencies seeming to be spiralling out of control, Joe decides to take matters into his own hands, not knowing how deeply he would spiral into a well of darkness in his search for the truth.
This incredible psychological thriller with its complex twist of characters is extremely fast paced, a truly gripping read. The plot twists throughout are brilliant, especially the one at the end! I didn’t see that one coming!
Highly recommended.
May 26, 2011
It's very hard to like a book when you hate the main character. Joseph O’Loughlin is a shining example of everything I despise. He is self-centered, whiny, deceitful, unprofessional and weak. In short, he’s a lying, cheating bastard.
Postmodern fiction is full of antiheroes, but most of them have one redeeming quality you can hold on to. Joe has none. Robotham stripped him of anything a reader could like. The only thing left is the fact that he has Parkinson’s desease. I’m ashamed to admit there were times when I thought he deserved it.
The killer was pretty much clear all along, but his reasons weren’t, and that kept me guessing the entire time. I must have changed my mind a million times. The twist ending came as a bit of a surprise – I knew there was a second killer, but I had no idea who it was.
This would have been a solid four-star book for me, except that there were times when I couldn’t concentrate on the mystery because I was busy imagining hundred different ways to hurt Joe O’Loughlin! That’s also the reason why I won’t be reading the rest of the series. I just can’t force myself to spend another minute with the man.
Read-along adventures with 365andMe are always so much fun! Thank you! We should do it again real soon.
Postmodern fiction is full of antiheroes, but most of them have one redeeming quality you can hold on to. Joe has none. Robotham stripped him of anything a reader could like. The only thing left is the fact that he has Parkinson’s desease. I’m ashamed to admit there were times when I thought he deserved it.
The killer was pretty much clear all along, but his reasons weren’t, and that kept me guessing the entire time. I must have changed my mind a million times. The twist ending came as a bit of a surprise – I knew there was a second killer, but I had no idea who it was.
This would have been a solid four-star book for me, except that there were times when I couldn’t concentrate on the mystery because I was busy imagining hundred different ways to hurt Joe O’Loughlin! That’s also the reason why I won’t be reading the rest of the series. I just can’t force myself to spend another minute with the man.
Read-along adventures with 365andMe are always so much fun! Thank you! We should do it again real soon.
September 21, 2014
Psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin and wife, Julianne are happily married and have a young daughter named Charlie. Life had been going along really well for the family until, Joe is diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Joe does as much research as he can on the disease, but not wanting to tell anyone about it until he can come to terms with it himself.
The body of a young woman is found with stab wounds and at first it is thought she is a prostitute. Joe is asked to help find out who the victim is and he is shocked to discover the victim was a former patient of his. Catherine Mary McBride was a nurse who went to, Joe a few years ago seeking his help. Detective Ruiz and, Joe team up trying to find out who is responsible, but Joe feels that he could be a suspect himself.
Joe also has his other patients he must tend to and one patient in particular, Bobby is causing, Joe a lot grief and concern. Bobby's violence is spiralling out of control, but will, Joe be able to handle, Bobby or has he taken on more than he can handle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I cannot believe this is the first book I've read by this author. The suspense had me turning the pages quite quickly as I desperately wanted to know how it was going to end and with an ending like that I definitely wasn't disappointed. Highly recommended.
The body of a young woman is found with stab wounds and at first it is thought she is a prostitute. Joe is asked to help find out who the victim is and he is shocked to discover the victim was a former patient of his. Catherine Mary McBride was a nurse who went to, Joe a few years ago seeking his help. Detective Ruiz and, Joe team up trying to find out who is responsible, but Joe feels that he could be a suspect himself.
Joe also has his other patients he must tend to and one patient in particular, Bobby is causing, Joe a lot grief and concern. Bobby's violence is spiralling out of control, but will, Joe be able to handle, Bobby or has he taken on more than he can handle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I cannot believe this is the first book I've read by this author. The suspense had me turning the pages quite quickly as I desperately wanted to know how it was going to end and with an ending like that I definitely wasn't disappointed. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2018
I was going to give this 3 stars, but I think that's just being far too generous.
The blurb starts by saying our protagonist, Joseph O'Loughlin, seems to have the perfect life. Then a body turns up and everything starts to get complicated.
The book is divided into three parts, and the first part is boooooorrrrring. It talks about the 'perfect life' and is incredibly dull. I mean, the body turns up pretty much straight away but then we hear all about Joe's daily routine and his perfect wife and perfect child. Over and over and over ...
But of course everything is complicated so Joe also has a bit of an illness to contend with, and he's so freaking mopey about it. I get that it's a sucky thing but if you're not gonna talk to people about it then you don't get to mope about it. What. A. Drainer.
So yeah, first half is dull and Joe is an unlikable protagonist.
The second part amps up the action a bit, though, as we start to learn more about the crime and chase suspects and try to figure out what the heck is going on. This hooked me a little more, because I love the psychological stuff and this is where it started getting tangled.
Part three is the climax and conclusion and it was so mehhhh. I was underwhelmed and kinda saw it coming without even knowing what IT was.
So most of my complaints are with the main character, and how the story unfolds. I straight up didn't like Joe one bit because he's a liar and doesn't help the detective at all, making him seem overall like a pretty dodgy, conceited fellow. Plus did I mention he whines a lot? He makes himself out to be such a victim and he does stupid things and it made me SO FRUSTRATED.
The story drags through the first half and then actually gets interesting in the second part. But the third part is a disappointing conclusion that doesn't actually cover most of the important stuff and is more about Joe being hard done by than any actual exploration of our killer and why they did what they did. It felt like such a crappy conclusion and none of the characters really made me feel anything, even when we discovered why the killer did their killing. It was all surface stories and emotions and I just never got attached because it was too distant and bland. I finished it last night and I've already forgotten how it actually ends. That's how uninteresting it was.
I'm hoping the second one in the series gets a bit more exciting and does more mind-meddling than this one. I probably wouldn't even bother with the second book if I didn't already own it.
Not great as far as psych thrillers go but there's probably people who will like Joe more than I did and therefore appreciate this a bit more.
The blurb starts by saying our protagonist, Joseph O'Loughlin, seems to have the perfect life. Then a body turns up and everything starts to get complicated.
The book is divided into three parts, and the first part is boooooorrrrring. It talks about the 'perfect life' and is incredibly dull. I mean, the body turns up pretty much straight away but then we hear all about Joe's daily routine and his perfect wife and perfect child. Over and over and over ...
But of course everything is complicated so Joe also has a bit of an illness to contend with, and he's so freaking mopey about it. I get that it's a sucky thing but if you're not gonna talk to people about it then you don't get to mope about it. What. A. Drainer.
So yeah, first half is dull and Joe is an unlikable protagonist.
The second part amps up the action a bit, though, as we start to learn more about the crime and chase suspects and try to figure out what the heck is going on. This hooked me a little more, because I love the psychological stuff and this is where it started getting tangled.
Part three is the climax and conclusion and it was so mehhhh. I was underwhelmed and kinda saw it coming without even knowing what IT was.
So most of my complaints are with the main character, and how the story unfolds. I straight up didn't like Joe one bit because he's a liar and doesn't help the detective at all, making him seem overall like a pretty dodgy, conceited fellow. Plus did I mention he whines a lot? He makes himself out to be such a victim and he does stupid things and it made me SO FRUSTRATED.
The story drags through the first half and then actually gets interesting in the second part. But the third part is a disappointing conclusion that doesn't actually cover most of the important stuff and is more about Joe being hard done by than any actual exploration of our killer and why they did what they did. It felt like such a crappy conclusion and none of the characters really made me feel anything, even when we discovered why the killer did their killing. It was all surface stories and emotions and I just never got attached because it was too distant and bland. I finished it last night and I've already forgotten how it actually ends. That's how uninteresting it was.
I'm hoping the second one in the series gets a bit more exciting and does more mind-meddling than this one. I probably wouldn't even bother with the second book if I didn't already own it.
Not great as far as psych thrillers go but there's probably people who will like Joe more than I did and therefore appreciate this a bit more.
August 6, 2019
Chilling and Terrifying! An absolute must read! The audiobook is sensational to say the least!
I first read the novel back in 2017. I'm currently working my way through the entire Joseph O'Laughin series in audiobook format and was just about to start book #6, Say You're Sorry, when I discovered that I hadn't written a review for this back in 2017. Naturally, I couldn't remember anything about it other than I gave it 5★'s, so I decided to back track and listen to the audiobook this time. And I'm sooo happy I listened to the story rather than reading it!
Overview of the Joseph O'Laughin series from GR.
Joseph O’Loughlin is a kindhearted psychologist with a flawed family life and a sense of dry humor as he struggles with “Mr. Parkinson”. O’Loughlin works beside Vincent Ruiz, a hard-drinking tough talking homicide detective. The series is set in London, England.
The Suspect by Michael Robotham is the first book in the addictive Joseph O'Laughin series, where we are introduced to Joe and his family. Joe is thrust into his first case with the abrasive homicide detective Vincent Ruiz. Joe describes Ruiz in many unflattering ways and points out that the detective has an aura like a flashing light that warns people to give him space.
The dynamic, impressive, and unique storyline showcases Michael Robotham's incredible talent and his ability to mess with your mind and turn your emotions to jelly!
I literally had my hands over my eyes, my lungs frozen, my heart pounding in my throat, leaving me breathless and my mind reeling by the end!
Simon Prebble's narrative performance breathes life and emotion into each character, elevating the power and impact of the story to an entirely new level!
Note:
Joe and the main characters in this series grow and build with each instalment of this so it's best if they are read in order with two exceptions. Lost (#2) and The Wreckage (#5) feature Vincent Ruiz as the main character and Joe plays only a very brief and minor role in each book.
I first read the novel back in 2017. I'm currently working my way through the entire Joseph O'Laughin series in audiobook format and was just about to start book #6, Say You're Sorry, when I discovered that I hadn't written a review for this back in 2017. Naturally, I couldn't remember anything about it other than I gave it 5★'s, so I decided to back track and listen to the audiobook this time. And I'm sooo happy I listened to the story rather than reading it!
Overview of the Joseph O'Laughin series from GR.
Joseph O’Loughlin is a kindhearted psychologist with a flawed family life and a sense of dry humor as he struggles with “Mr. Parkinson”. O’Loughlin works beside Vincent Ruiz, a hard-drinking tough talking homicide detective. The series is set in London, England.
The Suspect by Michael Robotham is the first book in the addictive Joseph O'Laughin series, where we are introduced to Joe and his family. Joe is thrust into his first case with the abrasive homicide detective Vincent Ruiz. Joe describes Ruiz in many unflattering ways and points out that the detective has an aura like a flashing light that warns people to give him space.
The dynamic, impressive, and unique storyline showcases Michael Robotham's incredible talent and his ability to mess with your mind and turn your emotions to jelly!
I literally had my hands over my eyes, my lungs frozen, my heart pounding in my throat, leaving me breathless and my mind reeling by the end!
Simon Prebble's narrative performance breathes life and emotion into each character, elevating the power and impact of the story to an entirely new level!
Note:
Joe and the main characters in this series grow and build with each instalment of this so it's best if they are read in order with two exceptions. Lost (#2) and The Wreckage (#5) feature Vincent Ruiz as the main character and Joe plays only a very brief and minor role in each book.
August 16, 2022
Another excellent rec from my dad! And even better on the audio format. Crispin Redman did an outstanding job; it flowed like a stage show, I really enjoyed it. I loved the accents, especially Joe’s best mate, who also happens to be his doctor, Jock. Joe and Jock were born on the same day, both being caught on their way out by the same doctor. But as Joe said, their similarities end right there.
Joe, a gifted psychologist is absolutely committed to his wife and daughter, Jock is a serial womaniser who has gone through two marriages. These two seem to be very close, but it seems Jock isn’t exactly the mate he is cracked up to be. I do like Jock’s jokes though, as cheeky as they may be.
Joe is a very real character, full of faults and foibles. A brilliant psychologist, I’d trust him with my life! Joe and Jock have such a close relationship as Joe has Parkinson’s disease, mostly he is accepting of this and truly it doesn’t seem to get in the way. He’s also 42 – so he’s not a young whipper snapper. Which is refreshing.
A former client is found murdered, and Joe inevitably finds himself the main suspect, after willingly trying to help the lead detective, the very rough around the edges, Ruiz. The opening scene shows Joe talking a young man off a roof ledge, here we see he is very human, adept at handling the situation, and most of all, empathetic. He also has a definite tendency of analysing himself, but in this, we learn a lot about his character.
We see Joe as a counselor, a father, a son, a husband, a friend, a problem solver, but most alarmingly as a suspect. This becomes a complex and quite thrilling ride, and even though Joe clearly has many physical limitations, I was always left knowing he’d be able to handle himself. His family relationships seemed to be quite fractured, but I loved the scene where his father unexpectedly comes to his [much needed] aid.
A satisfying thriller with a very troubled but equally likable protagonist made for a very rewarding read. I’m looking forward to continuing this series, but it seems I can’t source the audio. I see many reviewers didn’t warm to him, but I enjoyed this very much.
Joe, a gifted psychologist is absolutely committed to his wife and daughter, Jock is a serial womaniser who has gone through two marriages. These two seem to be very close, but it seems Jock isn’t exactly the mate he is cracked up to be. I do like Jock’s jokes though, as cheeky as they may be.
Joe is a very real character, full of faults and foibles. A brilliant psychologist, I’d trust him with my life! Joe and Jock have such a close relationship as Joe has Parkinson’s disease, mostly he is accepting of this and truly it doesn’t seem to get in the way. He’s also 42 – so he’s not a young whipper snapper. Which is refreshing.
A former client is found murdered, and Joe inevitably finds himself the main suspect, after willingly trying to help the lead detective, the very rough around the edges, Ruiz. The opening scene shows Joe talking a young man off a roof ledge, here we see he is very human, adept at handling the situation, and most of all, empathetic. He also has a definite tendency of analysing himself, but in this, we learn a lot about his character.
We see Joe as a counselor, a father, a son, a husband, a friend, a problem solver, but most alarmingly as a suspect. This becomes a complex and quite thrilling ride, and even though Joe clearly has many physical limitations, I was always left knowing he’d be able to handle himself. His family relationships seemed to be quite fractured, but I loved the scene where his father unexpectedly comes to his [much needed] aid.
A satisfying thriller with a very troubled but equally likable protagonist made for a very rewarding read. I’m looking forward to continuing this series, but it seems I can’t source the audio. I see many reviewers didn’t warm to him, but I enjoyed this very much.
April 24, 2024
An intense, exciting psychological thriller!
Michael Robotham, a former investigative journalist from Britain and Australia has crafted a marvelous debut novel bringing back vivid memories of Jonathan Kellerman's THE SILENT PARTNER or Jeffrey Barlough's THE HOUSE IN THE HIGH WOOD. THE SUSPECT is a very tight, exciting thriller that stays intently focused on character and psychology supported by the leanest of realistic plots somehow managing, despite this simplicity, to be both bizarre and frightening at the same time! How wonderful is that?
Joe O'Loughlin is a successful career psychiatrist blessed with a wonderful loving wife and child. But when Catherine McBride, a former patient who once filed suit against him for sexual misconduct, is found murdered, horribly mutilated and buried in a shallow grave, O'Loughlin finds himself at the top of the list of the police suspects. Coincidentally occurring on the night of the murder, his alibi is his sole marital mis-step with ex-prostitute Elisa but a misguided sense of honour coupled with an all too human male fear of the results for his marriage means he keeps mum.
Unlike other more mundane, mainstream thrillers, THE SUSPECT makes no attempt to lead the reader too far astray with a typical collection of twists, turns or red herrings. The culprit, Robert Moran, another very deeply disturbed patient of O'Loughlin's practice is revealed to us early in the novel. The goose bumps in this novel are forced on us by the dark, creepy dialogue of Moran's therapy sessions and O'Loughlin's heart-rending attempts to maintain honour, professionalism and client confidentiality in the face of the almost certain knowledge of more murders to come. DI Vincent Ruiz piles up an astonishing array of circumstantial evidence and like THE DA VINCI CODE's Bezu Fache, the proverbial bull terrier with a bone who will not let go, Ruiz doggedly pursues O'Loughlin as his prime suspect in the brutal string of murders.
The characterization and humanity in the novel is served up in monstrous helpings with lots of garnish - O'Loughlin deals with the onset of Parkinson's disease and its effects on his daily living; Elisa, the reformed prostitute struggles bravely with her past and strong affection for O'Loughlin; Catherine McBride, the first victim, is a very troubled victim herself dealing with the mental demons of a difficult up-bringing and self-mutilation; and Ruiz, realizing his old-style, blunt, brutish methods of policing have dated him and are threatening his career, is determined to bring the murderer to justice against all odds.
A complex novel, no doubt, but so well-constructed that I had no difficulty following all of the well-maintained threads and plots! THE SUSPECT is a fast-paced, nail-biting, believable and authentic thriller that deserves far more press and acclaim than it has received. A five star read for sure!
Paul Weiss
Michael Robotham, a former investigative journalist from Britain and Australia has crafted a marvelous debut novel bringing back vivid memories of Jonathan Kellerman's THE SILENT PARTNER or Jeffrey Barlough's THE HOUSE IN THE HIGH WOOD. THE SUSPECT is a very tight, exciting thriller that stays intently focused on character and psychology supported by the leanest of realistic plots somehow managing, despite this simplicity, to be both bizarre and frightening at the same time! How wonderful is that?
Joe O'Loughlin is a successful career psychiatrist blessed with a wonderful loving wife and child. But when Catherine McBride, a former patient who once filed suit against him for sexual misconduct, is found murdered, horribly mutilated and buried in a shallow grave, O'Loughlin finds himself at the top of the list of the police suspects. Coincidentally occurring on the night of the murder, his alibi is his sole marital mis-step with ex-prostitute Elisa but a misguided sense of honour coupled with an all too human male fear of the results for his marriage means he keeps mum.
Unlike other more mundane, mainstream thrillers, THE SUSPECT makes no attempt to lead the reader too far astray with a typical collection of twists, turns or red herrings. The culprit, Robert Moran, another very deeply disturbed patient of O'Loughlin's practice is revealed to us early in the novel. The goose bumps in this novel are forced on us by the dark, creepy dialogue of Moran's therapy sessions and O'Loughlin's heart-rending attempts to maintain honour, professionalism and client confidentiality in the face of the almost certain knowledge of more murders to come. DI Vincent Ruiz piles up an astonishing array of circumstantial evidence and like THE DA VINCI CODE's Bezu Fache, the proverbial bull terrier with a bone who will not let go, Ruiz doggedly pursues O'Loughlin as his prime suspect in the brutal string of murders.
The characterization and humanity in the novel is served up in monstrous helpings with lots of garnish - O'Loughlin deals with the onset of Parkinson's disease and its effects on his daily living; Elisa, the reformed prostitute struggles bravely with her past and strong affection for O'Loughlin; Catherine McBride, the first victim, is a very troubled victim herself dealing with the mental demons of a difficult up-bringing and self-mutilation; and Ruiz, realizing his old-style, blunt, brutish methods of policing have dated him and are threatening his career, is determined to bring the murderer to justice against all odds.
A complex novel, no doubt, but so well-constructed that I had no difficulty following all of the well-maintained threads and plots! THE SUSPECT is a fast-paced, nail-biting, believable and authentic thriller that deserves far more press and acclaim than it has received. A five star read for sure!
Paul Weiss
September 26, 2019
Earlier this year I read The Other Wife by Michael Robotham and really enjoyed it. I did not realise when I picked it up that it was book 9 in the Joe O'Loughlin series.. the last book!
So I have decided to g back to the beginning and just finished The Suspect. Wow.. Joe attracts trouble! So many twists in this story where Joe believes his patient has murdered a woman from his past. He has also just been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It's a lot to handle. This story is like a non stop roller coaster.. so good!!
So I have decided to g back to the beginning and just finished The Suspect. Wow.. Joe attracts trouble! So many twists in this story where Joe believes his patient has murdered a woman from his past. He has also just been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It's a lot to handle. This story is like a non stop roller coaster.. so good!!
October 30, 2017
Excellent! Another great series (found by you lot years ago, no doubt!) and by Michael Robotham no less. I couldn’t put Life or Death down either, so there’s something about his writing.
This was set in the UK and the main character is a psychologist. We are taken on a twisty journey threatening to throw his entire life and everything he holds dear down the pan. I was amazed to discover this author isnt himself a Brit, as London is really well written about.
I will definitely be continuing with the series. Recommended!
20 minutes later..
Ok. That’s annoying- the rest of the series is t available on kindle. Grrrr!
10 minutes later than THAT.... ah ok. The second book Lost in this series is in kindle under the title The Drowning Man. Relax everybody!
This was set in the UK and the main character is a psychologist. We are taken on a twisty journey threatening to throw his entire life and everything he holds dear down the pan. I was amazed to discover this author isnt himself a Brit, as London is really well written about.
I will definitely be continuing with the series. Recommended!
20 minutes later..
Ok. That’s annoying- the rest of the series is t available on kindle. Grrrr!
10 minutes later than THAT.... ah ok. The second book Lost in this series is in kindle under the title The Drowning Man. Relax everybody!
January 23, 2022
This is the first book of a series by this author. If your like psychological thrillers as I do, well this should be considered without a doubt. The main protagonist Joseph O’Loughlin who is a clinical psychologist makes the character very interesting as opposed to the standard main detectives in a lot of stories.
Intelligence, compassion, humour, and a slick plot makes this an absorbing read from start to finish. Can’t wait to read the rest, another author that makes my collection list quite comfortably.
Intelligence, compassion, humour, and a slick plot makes this an absorbing read from start to finish. Can’t wait to read the rest, another author that makes my collection list quite comfortably.
November 28, 2024
Psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin was happy in his life; his wife Julianne and eight year old daughter Charlie were his life. Then he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, and Joe's life spiralled. When Detective Inspector Ruiz contacted Joe regarding a young woman pulled from a canal, dead, and wanted his advice, Joe was initially pleased. But when he recognised the young woman as an ex-patient, one who had caused him problems, he made the decision not to mention it to Ruiz. It was a mistake. Before long, Joe was in Ruiz's sights as the suspect. Did Joe kill the young woman? As Joe dug deeply to prove his innocence and find a killer, the hole he was digging became his own. He had to find proof before he was put away for murder - away from Julianne and Charlie...
The Suspect is the 1st in the Joseph O'Loughlin series by Aussie author Michael Robotham and I thoroughly enjoyed it. First read in December 2012, I couldn't remember much of the plot - so it was new and exciting again! Joe is an excellent character and while he fights the Parkinson's diagnosis, he knows there's nothing he can do about it. A great start to the series, and one I recommend highly.
The Suspect is the 1st in the Joseph O'Loughlin series by Aussie author Michael Robotham and I thoroughly enjoyed it. First read in December 2012, I couldn't remember much of the plot - so it was new and exciting again! Joe is an excellent character and while he fights the Parkinson's diagnosis, he knows there's nothing he can do about it. A great start to the series, and one I recommend highly.
December 20, 2024
the setup…
Joseph O’Loughlin is a highly respected and well known psychologist with a successful practice and a wonderful wife and daughter. When he’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it throws everything off kilter. He’s later called in as a consultant on a murder investigation that takes a turn when he not only recognizes the victim but the potential killer…one of his patients.
the heart of the story…
Nothing about this feels like a debut novel with its intricate plotting and well defined characterizations. O’Loughlin is an enigma since we’re meeting him following his diagnosis. The decisions he makes are sometimes curious and even I began to question his judgment, especially when it leads him into the trap set by a shrewd detective and he becomes the primary suspect. Yikes!
the narration…
Simon Prebble was at his finest with this story and his voice distinctions for the major characters seemed to fit them perfectly. The storytelling was off the charts riveting.
the bottom line…
I started reading the author’s later series and became a fan, fully expecting this earlier work to be “less than.” This is one time I’m thrilled to be wrong as the psychological entanglements kept me off balance from start to finish. I wasn’t a fan of O’Loughlin for much of the story but he redeemed himself (with me) by the astonishing end. I’m definitely continuing this series.
Joseph O’Loughlin is a highly respected and well known psychologist with a successful practice and a wonderful wife and daughter. When he’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it throws everything off kilter. He’s later called in as a consultant on a murder investigation that takes a turn when he not only recognizes the victim but the potential killer…one of his patients.
the heart of the story…
Nothing about this feels like a debut novel with its intricate plotting and well defined characterizations. O’Loughlin is an enigma since we’re meeting him following his diagnosis. The decisions he makes are sometimes curious and even I began to question his judgment, especially when it leads him into the trap set by a shrewd detective and he becomes the primary suspect. Yikes!
the narration…
Simon Prebble was at his finest with this story and his voice distinctions for the major characters seemed to fit them perfectly. The storytelling was off the charts riveting.
the bottom line…
I started reading the author’s later series and became a fan, fully expecting this earlier work to be “less than.” This is one time I’m thrilled to be wrong as the psychological entanglements kept me off balance from start to finish. I wasn’t a fan of O’Loughlin for much of the story but he redeemed himself (with me) by the astonishing end. I’m definitely continuing this series.
January 30, 2020
A very, very good book, which has almost everything you could look for: a decent plot, some memorable characters, both action and philosophical facts about life, some interesting twists and, quite important to me, a happy end. So, that's a redutable contender for My book of the year.
PS: I've seen some housekeepers arround here lamenting about the quality of this novel. A typical case for those who are dealing with tin and can't recognize silver...
PS: I've seen some housekeepers arround here lamenting about the quality of this novel. A typical case for those who are dealing with tin and can't recognize silver...
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