Close Your Eyes – Michael Robotham

Close Your Eyes is the latest book by Michael Robotham. Clinical psychologist Joe O’Loughlin, Robotham’s most famous protagonist, features in this novel for the seventh time. The story usually flies off to a running start when Joe is the central character. My earlier reads, Shatter and Say You're Sorry, are good examples to substantiate my previous statement. Close Your Eyes is a tad different.

We have a crime, a double murder of a mother and daughter. The mother is butchered by multiple stab wounds where as the daughter’s body is sterile. The cops approach Joe, who is reluctant to offer help, as usual. Joe is informed that one of his old students has used Joe’s reference, without Joe’s approval, to be a part of the investigation. Worst part, he has made some confidential details public; to claim fame and also to make a quick buck. Unwilling Joe delves into the case to nab the perpetrator.

Joe unravels the truth bit by bit. He is also able to connect the murders with multiple cases of brutal physical abuse. As the victims fear shame, they don’t come forward to report these cases. This only helps the perpetrator to carry on with his scheme of things. The list of suspects only grows which makes Joe’s task harder.

There is a parallel track about Joe’s family. There is bonding, crisis and an unsavory stop. Though this subplot is woven without hampering the main story, I feel that this sub plot was unnecessary.

As a whole, this novel is a bit behind in meeting my expectations. Though the narrative begins with a bang and tries to keep the tempo, the story itself is not so compelling. Again, I have to clearly state that I am comparing this novel with Michael’s previous books I have already read. It might have been a good book, if I did not consider other works by the same author; I don’t know. Michael’s strong point is making his readers empathize with his characters. This is especially true when Joe is the main protagonist in the story. In Close Your Eyes, I empathized only during some portions of the climax. Read this book, it is good. However, I do not consider it to be the best from the stables of Michael Robotham.

Shatter by Michael Robotham

Joe O'loughlin, a clinical psychologist, is compelled to intervene in a police matter. A naked lady, wearing only a pair of high heeled shoes, is on the edge of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. As Joe tries to engage her in a conversation, the lady falls into the river. Her last words: “you don't understand”. The cops conveniently want to close the matter as a clear case of suicide. Joe is not convinced. He is disturbed by this unnatural death; not just because he couldn't save her, but because things don’t add up in this alleged suicide.

The story picks up steam after this incident. In comes the daughter of the deceased mother. There are differences between the cops and Joe. In comes Vincent Ruiz, Joe’s long time friend and ex-cop. Couple of other incidents makes the matter serious. Half way through the book, the plot is completely different. Joe meets his nemesis. There is exhilarating duel between the mind readers. I cannot divulge any other information as it would jeopardize the story.

Overall this is another mind blowing psychological thriller by Michael Robotham. The narration mesmerizes the reader. If you love thrillers then include this book to your read list / library. So far I have read four books by this author; two are thrillers (Life or Death and The Wreckage) and two are psychological thrillers (Say You're Sorry and Shatter). Except for The Wreckage, all the other three novels have swept me off my feet. I am eagerly waiting to read the remaining novels by Robotham.

Say You're Sorry by Michael Robotham

Say You’re Sorry tells the sorry tale of two teenage girls who go missing from a nondescript town. No one knows what has happened with them. There is no ransom demand, there is no letter stating a probable elopement, nothing. They just vanish together one fine day. The whole town is involved in their search which turns out to be futile. As days pass, cops, parents and people lose hope of ever finding them. They become the infamous missing girls; popular as Bingham girls. 

After a couple of years, a family is murdered. Joseph O'Loughlin is sought out for an opinion. Joe is a clinical psychologist who has worked with the cops in the past. He is coerced to take part in the investigation after he links the murders to the missing girls. He is ably assisted by his long time friend and ex-cop Vincent Ruiz. The rest is the crux of the story. 

The novel is gripping and the narrative is engrossing, yet different. We see two different narratives; one is through the eyes of the missing girl and the other is from the perspective of the outside world. Michael etches his characters in such a manner that you cannot ignore to empathize with them. We gradually come to know the background of the story and the characters in a timely manner. The suspense is taut till the end of the novel. 

This is the second book by Michael Robotham, I have read. I recommend people who have a flair for thrillers to try Michael’s book at least once. I can guarantee that you will go back for more. I, for one, am already hooked to this author!