I first read Michael Robotham's 'When she was good' and 'Good Girl Bad Girl' (waiting for the 3rd in the trilogy). I liked his style and the character development and picked up this book. I was not disappointed. It was a roller coaster ride and the story was not predictable. Keep in mind it is a work of fiction -- however, the story line will make your jaw drop (at one point toward the end I had to re-read a pivotal part to make certain I truly understood where this was going). If you like psychological thrillers I highly recommend! ( )

I decided to read this based on a review in the NY Times Book section on Sunday and it turned out to be better than I even expected. It is a page turner of a thriller that manages to be intelligent and plausible (remembering that it is fiction) and goes places I did not expect. Really an enjoyable read and one I devoured quickly. This was one of those books that I hated to put down. Now I shall go and explore the rest of Mr. Robotham's books. ( )

4.5 stars.

Watching You is another spine-tingling thriller by Michael Robotham starring Dr. Joe O'Loughlin and his friend, ex-cop Vincent Ruiz. This chilling mystery is full of intriguing plot twists that will keep readers guessing right up until the novel's spectacular conclusion.

Joe's patient since her husband Daniel's disappearance a year ago, Marnie Logan is becoming increasingly desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to Daniel. The police investigation has yielded no leads and financially strapped, Marnie's stress is intensified when she is expected to work off Daniel's huge gambling debt to a local thug. Equally concerning for Marnie is the feeling that someone is watching her-nothing she can prove but she is unable shrug off the eerie sensation. The discovery of a birthday project Daniel was working on for Marnie at the time he disappeared offers vital yet puzzling clues and completely turns the investigation around. When people connected to Marnie begin turning up dead, Marnie becomes the chief suspect but she denies any involvement. Joe is convinced of her innocence but even he begins to harbor doubts when shocking information about her past comes to light. Is Marnie a cold-blooded killer? Or is there a far more sinister explanation for both Daniel's disappearance and the murders?

As with previous novels in the series, Watching You is written from multiple perspectives-Joe's, Marnie's and presumably, the killer's. Marnie's emotions and growing desperation are palpable and easily draw the reader in to the story. She is sympathetic and early on, there is no reason to doubt her. But when it becomes clear that she has carefully edited her past, it is very easy to become suspicious of her and that of course, leads to second guessing everything that has happened up to this point in the story.

Joe is still struggling with the day to day difficulties from his Parkinson's disease but overall, he seems to be holding his own in that battle. He and Julianne are separated but not divorced and as a matter of fact, she is only briefly mentioned in passing. With his incredible ability to read people, Joe has picked up on the fact that Marnie is holding something back from him during their sessions but he has been unable to convince her to completely trust him. Even in the face of damning evidence, Joe remains convinced that Marnie is not capable of the crimes she has been accused of and his persistence pays off when he uncovers vital evidence that may exonerate her.

The third perspective is quite fascinating and provides psychological insight and valuable information about the unfolding story. This history is full of clues but offers little context of where these pieces fit into the puzzle.

Watching You is an ingeniously creepy story that is full of unexpected twists and turns. The plot is multi-layered and refreshingly unique. The characters are complex and realistic. Michael Robotham brings the novel to a jaw-dropping ending that is satisfying in some areas but will leave you guessing in others.

Another brilliant mystery by a true master storyteller that old and new fans are going to love! ( )

Norwegian author Michael Robotham keeps the pace set high and the reader guessing until the very end. You may think you have figured it out sooner, but there's a twist that makes this author one to put on your "favorites" list. Marnie Logan's life seems to be taking one turn for the worst after another, but someone wants to help her. That someone causes Marnie's life to become a nightmare. Could the feeling that someone is watching her be just that; a feeling, a mental disorder, or perhaps the real thing? Two of Robotham's staple characters appear in this book, Ruiz and Joe, but you don't have to read his other books first to fully experience this suspense-filled mystery. This translation from the original Norwegian exposes the reader to social norms and settings quite different from what we experience in the U.S., stretching our boundaries and mental imagery. If you enjoy Jo Nesbo, you'll like Robotham, too. And if you enjoy this book, step up the pace to a new level and read Nesbo.

Karen J. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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Michael Robotham returns after a winning performance of Say You're Sorry (Joseph O'Loughlin #6), with another superb, edge-of-your-seat, complex, and chilling psychological thriller, WATCHING YOU (Joseph O'Loughlin, #7).

Marnie was married to Daniel and he has gone missing. He has been missing for over a year and she is left with raising two children on her own, with no money. The authorities have found no body and she has no death certificate; therefore she cannot get the insurance money, or access his bank accounts in order to buy food and pay for her children’s essentials. The police offer no help, nor her in laws. She is forced to work as an escort.

Marine seeks the help of London-based psychologist, Joe O’Laughlin as she is desperate and depressed. (Love Joe)! Daniel also has a past as he gambles, has lots of debs and was not the best with money management. A debt collector ends up dead and the police suspects Marnie. It is weird, when anyone gets in her way, they wind up dead, as a cold hearted killer is out to protect her for some reason, but is Marnie in danger along with her children.

When O’Laughlin’s office is broken into and only Marnie’s file is stolen, he turns to Ruiz for help (from Say You’re Sorry) —a great team. As they work together to solve the case, they discover a dark past of mental health among other surprises which will leave readers glued to the pages for a mind blowing suspenseful thriller.

Say You're Sorry, was my first book by Michael Robotham and was blown away, followed by another winner with Watching You--loving this author and quickly adding the previous books to my reading list. What a fantastic crime fiction writer, in a class all his own!

The audiobook performance narrated by Sean Barrett, a perfect match with a voice so captivating, will give you chill bumps, matching the intensity -- haunting and demented tone. Highly recommend this mysterious and engaging series!

Can't wait to read Life or Death (not available in US until March 15, 2015), via Kindle. ( )