Bleed for Me

By: Michael Robotham

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

She's standing at the front door. Covered in blood. Is she the victim of a crime? Or the perpetrator?

A teenage girl - Sienna, a troubled friend of his daughter - comes to Joe O'Loughlin's door one night. She is terrorized, incoherent-and covered in blood. The police find Sienna's father, a celebrated former cop, murdered in the home he shared with Sienna. Tests confirm that it's his blood on Sienna. She says she remembers nothing.

Joe O'Loughlin is a psychologist with troubles of his own. His marriage is coming to an end and his daughter will barely speak to him. He tries to help Sienna, hoping that if he succeeds it will win back his daughter's affection. But Sienna is unreachable, unable to mourn her father's death or to explain it.

Investigators take aim at Sienna. O'Loughlin senses something different is happening, something subterranean and terrifying to Sienna. It may be something in her mind. Or it may be something real. Someone real. Someone capable of the most grim and gruesome murder, and willing to kill again if anyone gets too close.

His newest thriller is further evidence that Michael Robotham is, as David Baldacci has said, "the real deal - we only hope he will write faster."

©2012 Michael Robotham (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"This remarkable novel offers everything those 'literary' detective novelsought to but usually don't. This is crime fiction of the highest order." ( Booklist)

"A taut thriller....O'Loughlin continues to be an appealingly flawed hero." ( Publishers Weekly)

"One of the best novels to come out of the chaos of Iraq; a penetrating peek through the fog of war." (Nelson DeMille)

Good, not great.

This is my first book of this series, and I know I'm at a bit of a disadvantage. The main character is enormously likeable ... but I really thought I might be able to understand more if I'd listened to the first books in the series. That said, it is a good listen for the most part. The plot moves along but some of the details are depressing.

Thoroughly enjoyed

What made the experience of listening to Bleed for Me the most enjoyable?

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Bleed for Me... a very different book. A great story interwoven very interestingly.

Excellent story and narration

I guess I didn't realize this was book 4 in a series - I never read (or listened to) the first 3 books, but I didn't feel I missed anything either. The story was excellent and Sean Barrett did a superb job with the narration. I will look for other books by both this author and reader.

Another Great Entry in the JO Series

Robotham brings back Joe and his supporting cast... and the result is deliciously twisted and completely absorbing. Barrett's performances remain consistent and sparkling.

Outstanding

Would you consider the audio edition of Bleed for Me to be better than the print version?

Yes, because I was able to enjoy the story while performing a multitude of tasks. Occasionally, I nodded off listening to Sean's calm and relaxing voice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vincent Ruiz was absolutely terrific. Smart, tough, funny, and sympathetic.

What does Sean Barrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

That little twist of humor in his voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Joe consistently allows his teenage daughter to crap all over him. Every time he let another twist of the knife go by without comment, I lost a bit of respect for his character.

Any additional comments?

Don't make the same mistake I did! Read the books in proper succession!

Sometimes raw, but good

I think I got this one because I'd read Robotham before. His character's struggle with Parkinson's adds a twist to his books in the series. In this case, the trouble knocked on his door....

Another wonderful book from Michael Robotham

The main character Joe, his sidekick , his wife & kids, & the woman police officer are ALL flawed
characters that you actually care about and care deeply.The dialogue is absolutely realistic and settings become clear pictures in your imagination. The pace of the story is just right and the story itself captures the reader at once.
Sean Barrett the narrator has a voice that is deeply
soothing but it still evokes emotion, alarm, and danger. The book could not be as wonderful without him. I love his voice.
The story is a lot like life- glorious, devastating, messy, and meaningful. This can be said of all his books.
To be able to listen to his books his pure pleasure for me and I am looking forward to the next one.

Outstanding Thriller

Any additional comments?

This was a great psychological thriller. Michael Robotham has the touch on this one. I recommend it highly.

Good Listen

I enjoy listening to this book it was good listen - I liked it very much

Magnificent Work

The story, writing, characters, and narration of this novel are nothing short of magnificent.

There are quite a few great mystery series on Audible, but only a few that I consider magnificent. What marks a series as magnificent in my opinion is four fold.
- Each novel in the series can stand alone on its own merit.
- The author exhibits a unique blend of humor, irony, and melancholy.
- The main characters are unique, ingenious, but severely flawed or limited in some way. (No Jack Reacher, Gray Man, Mitch Rapp, Jack Ryan, who possess almost super powers or unlimited resources. Those may be great fun to read, but I find them less than magnificent.
- The plot, writing and narrative draws me completely into the experience.

My list of magnificent series includes Michael Robotham’s Joseph O’Laughlin series, Louise Penny’s Armand Gamache, Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole, and Jussi Alders-Olsen’s Dept Q.