Shatter

By: Michael Robotham

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Length: 14 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

A naked woman in red high-heeled shoes is perched on the edge of Clifton Suspension Bridge with her back pressed to the safety fence, weeping into a mobile phone. Clinical psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin is only feet away, desperately trying to talk her down. She whispers, 'you don't understand,' and jumps.

Later, Joe has a visitor - the woman's teenage daughter, a runaway from boarding school. She refuses to believe that her mother would have jumped off the bridge - not only would she not commit suicide, she is terrified of heights.

Joe wants to believe her, but what would drive a woman to such a desperate act? Whose voice? What evil?

©2008 Michael Robotham (P)2008 W.F. Howes Ltd

A great suspense

Would you listen to Shatter again? Why?

Yes because it was a well constructed story and was very well read

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes the plot provided many surprises and held my interest right through to the end

Which scene was your favorite?

No particular scene was overly memorable, however there were no flat spots so I was thoroughly entertained

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Another Joseph O'Loughlin thriller that should not be missed

Not As Good As The Other Books

I love Michael Rowbotham's books but for me this was not his best. I kept wondering why Joe was being so dense and not considering he would have been a target of the killer, not taking any precautions with his wife or children - it was quite frustrating. There also too much pycho babble and too much unnecessary detail making the listen a bit tedious. I think I prefer the books where Ruiz has a bigger presence.


Sean Barrett was outstanding with the delivery of the story

Keep on listening

Where does Shatter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best. I just wanted to keep on going. Especially good on the long drive.

What did you like best about this story?

Clever plot with continual twists

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

All books that I have listened to by Sean Barrett have been outstanding. It took me a while to forget Harry Hole but then I was hooked.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Same same but different

I was looking forward to this. I enjoyed his previous books but unfortunately this one, although often enjoyable was frustrating. The main character often does things that are slightly incredulous and it is a little frustratingly predictable. I would write more but don't want to ruin the story for others.

A very Disturbing character indeed

What made the experience of listening to Shatter the most enjoyable?

Getting a view of English People living in small communities and their daily lives.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dr. Joe, I have really enjoyed learning about his character, his strengths and weaknesses and his compassion for people in general and his family.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the Police finally trapped the psychopath

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

When Charlie showed how strong she was, even as an innocent victim.

Any additional comments?

I found that I was disturbed on so many levels by the actions and personality of the villain.
I have know people with some of his traits and his ability to inflict mental cruelty upon others and now look at those people with new insightful eyes. Holy crap!