Thursday, October 4, 2018

The Other Wife - Michael Robotham

Michael Robotham is one of my favourite authors. I couldn't wait to read his latest book, The Other Wife - especially when I found out it was a Joseph O'Loughlin book. (9th in the series)

Joe is a clinical psychologist, a widower, a father to two girls, a man living with Parkinson's disease - and a son who thought he knew his parents well. But when Joe receives a call that his father has been admitted to hospital in a coma, his world is turned upside down. He arrives at his father's bedside to find
 the woman who called him. The woman who says she is his father's wife. His other wife....

Oh, great opening and what a great premise to work with!

I've always enjoyed the personal story lines that Robotham weaves through his books. Joe's life (and that of the other supporting players) has moved forward with each new entry. That personal aspect is real, believable and I always look forward to seeing where Robotham has taken his characters. I especially like his relationships with his daughters. And every good lead character needs a sidekick. In this series, it's now retired police Detective Vincent Ruiz, now a corporate fraud investigator. He's tough, intelligent, loyal and brings an alternate view to the crimes being investigated. I was quite happy to see him again as well.

The unraveling of Joe's father's hidden life is serpentine, with each new revelation leading to more questions. Who is William O'Loughlin really? I have to say, I had no idea what was truth or lies. Everything other wife Olivia says is hard to believe. Is she truly a devoted 'wife' or does she have another agenda? I couldn't decide. And Joe questions everything he ever believed about his father. There are many possible outcomes to this tale and it's not until the final pages that the whodunit is revealed.

Robotham's writing has it all - great characters, wonderful plotting and addictive, well written prose. I recommend any of his books. The Other Wife was another great read from Michael Robotham  - and one I finished far too quickly. Read an excerpt of The Other Wife.

5 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I don't think I've ever read this author but it sure sounds like I need to.

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

Ohh. This sounds good!

Luanne said...

Bermudaonion and ManyThoughts - start with the first in the series if you can - The Suspect. It's a wonderful series.

Kay said...

I love this series and haven't read this one yet. I've been toying with rereading a series or several series and then catching up on them as well. This one is on my possible list. Love the sound of this book and I love Joe too, Luanne.

Luanne said...

Ah re-reading. I own complete series that I think I will get to read again, but there's always that next new book on the horizon...