Bleed for Me by Michael Robotham

Title: Bleed for Me by Michael Robotham
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Imprint: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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’Laughlin 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.

The Review:

Bleed for Me by Michael Robotham is a compelling mystery that brings murder close to home for psychologist Joe O’Loughlin. Joe’s investigation into Ray Hegarty’s death uncovers dark family secrets and startling revelations about Ray’s daughter’s Sienna’s private life.

Joe O’Loughlin is a complex and engaging protagonist who is struggling to maintain his relationship with his two daughters and estranged wife. Written in first person from Joe’s perspective, readers gain valuable insight into Joe’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease, his love for his wife Julianne, and his hope that they will reconcile. As the story unfolds, it quickly becomes apparent that Joe is at a turning point in making peace with his past so he can move into the future.

Joe’s investigation into Ray’s death is complicated by his emotional involvement with his daughter’s friend Sienna. His inability to maintain his objectivity adds an interesting dynamic to the plot and puts him at odds with longtime friends and fellow investigators. Seemingly unrelated incidents are interconnected and provide valuable clues into the identity of Ray’s killer.

Bleed for Me is an engaging novel with a fascinating plot and engaging characters. It is also an interesting character study as Joe employs his keen observation skills and psychological insight to catch a killer. Michael Robotham keeps the series fresh and unique as Joe finds a new perspective on his life and makes positive changes regarding his future.

Although part of a series, Bleed for Me can be read as a standalone novel.