Not very subtle and the characters are cliche to the core but it's a solid thriller and was a really fun and quick read. And if this review sounds generic then that's probably apt. ( )

I'm a fan of Michael Robotham's work. I think he's written better books than this one, but even a mediocre book by Robotham is still high above the average. This was not a mediocre book, but a highly enjoyable, captivating read. ( )

Bombproof was my first Michael Robotham novel, and it was quite an intense ride. Sam MacBeth has recently been released from serving time in prison for a crime he did not commit. Only, the bad guys don't know that. They think he's something he's not. As a result, he gets mixed up in a plot that can only lead to more trouble. On the run from the police who think he is a terrorist after the train he was on blew up, Sami must find a way to clear his name. Unbeknownst to him, he has a little help on his side. Retired police detective Vincent Ruiz is also on the case.

Bombproof is on the violent side. The author pulls no punches. It is dark and at times quite crazy. Yet, there is also a bit of humor mixed in, which takes some of the edge off. Sami is one of those guys you can't help but feel sorry for and want him to come out on top. ( )

'Bombproof' is a bit of a departure from Michael Robotham's typical thriller. It's a little more light hearted in a way and some of the action crosses the line into 'huh?' territory, but otherwise it's a fine thriller and a tightly plotted story.

Sami, the main character, is both the luckiest and unluckiest guy around. He's thrown into prison for something he didn't do (unlucky), but he's given credit by the other criminals inside for the safe-cracking caper that they thought he did (lucky) so they leave him alone. On his release he discovers his devoted sister has been kidnapped, he uncovers who has her (some really bad dudes, unlucky again), and begins to negotiate for her release. Unfortunately for him, they want him to help another bad guy break into a safe at the London criminal court to steal evidence, even though he has no idea how to do it. The team inadvertently blows up the entire area with an explosive he didn't know how to use. On their escape, the duo gets on an underground train where Sami's partner jiggles his bag with the remaining explosive a little too much, causing the train car to blow up. Sami survives (lucky!) but becomes a fugitive when he's spotted on CCTV leaving the scene (unlucky). However, in his rucksack he retained some of the spoils of his burglary that he can use for leverage later (lucky again).

Subplots abound, and they're woven into the main story seamlessly. The remainder of the story involves Sami's attempts to remain out of the grips of the police, his interactions with various criminals who are after him and each other, his attempts to locate and free his sister, his love interest, and so on.

The writing is fine, a little simpler than other Robotham novels I've read, and the action moves quickly. Retired detective Ruiz, who has a large role in several other of his books, is a pretty significant character in this one but Joe O'Loughlin, my favorite Robotham guy, unfortunately does not. Otherwise, Bombproof is definitely a worthwhile read! ( )

Sami has a knack of being in the right place at the wrong time and always seems to dig himself deeper into trouble. All he really wants is to become a rock god and look after his younger sister. But Nadia is missing and every move to find her puts him deeper and deeper in trouble.

Bombproof is a gritty, coarse and satirical story of London’s criminal underbelly and how an ordinary guy, who just wanted to play guitar, brought them unstuck.

Robotham has mixed a colourful, well developed cast of characters with a storyline that will make you squirm and hold your breath leading up to an adrenalin pumping finish. ( )