Close Your Eyes (Joseph O’Loughlin, #8) in Aussie Readers

Jul 08, 2025 PattyMacDotComma rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: aa, australian-author, mystery-crime-thriller, fiction, 3000-lor-shelf-2025, aa-col, kindle, favourites-adult

5★
" 'I'm not here to argue with you. I want you to make this better.'

'How?'

'Review the case. Look at the statements and decision-making. Tell us what we've missed.'

'Are there any suspects?'

'Too many,' she grunts. 'The local community thinks we've cocked this up. Tempers are starting to fray. There's a public meeting tonight. I want you to be there.'

'Why me?'

'Let's call it a show of friendship.'

'That's not my definition of friendship.' "

No, it most definitely is not. Professor Joe O'Loughli ...more

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May 13, 2015 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own-read, thriller, 2015-release, suspense, mystery, aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher

4.5★s

When Chief Superintendent Veronica Cray called Professor Joseph O’Loughlin to help with the investigation into the brutal murders of a mother and daughter, he had no idea what lay ahead. But driving to the remote farmhouse to meet her, he was already wishing he’d declined the “invitation”. Joe was a clinical psychologist and was often asked to help the police – he had trouble refusing as he was drawn to helping the victims; to finding the killers.

Separated from his wife Julianne for the pas ...more

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Aug 24, 2015 Tracey rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller, australian, crime, 2015

I have never read a Michael Robotham novel and after ‘Close your Eyes’ I will be picking up the seven other books in the series. This is a cracking read, can be read as a standalone, is full of twists and turns with a great lead character.
Joe O’Loughlin is a clinical psychologist who is struggling to cope with his physical limitations and a desire to reunite with his family. He is trying to leave behind a career that has almost destroyed him and along comes a phone call that throws him back int ...more

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Feb 24, 2016 Kathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5 stars.

Close Your Eyes by Michael Robotham is another cleverly written and tightly-plotted addition to the Joseph O’Loughlin series. In this latest mystery, Joe reluctantly agrees to consult on a murder case that has been compromised by his former student who uses their tenuous connection to inveigle his way into the investigation.

With few leads and the public clamoring for an arrest, Detective Chief Superintendent Veronica “Ronnie” Cray convinces Joe to take a look at the scene of the double 4.5 stars.

Close Your Eyes by Michael Robotham is another cleverly written and tightly-plotted addition to the Joseph O’Loughlin series. In this latest mystery, Joe reluctantly agrees to consult on a murder case that has been compromised by his former student who uses their tenuous connection to inveigle his way into the investigation.

With few leads and the public clamoring for an arrest, Detective Chief Superintendent Veronica “Ronnie” Cray convinces Joe to take a look at the scene of the double homicide of Elizabeth Crowe and her university bound daughter Harper. The case has stymied the detectives and Ronnie hopes Joe can see something her team has missed. With a vocal radio announcer’s incendiary remarks riling up the village residents and psychologist Emilio Coleman aka “the Mindhunter” leaking confidential information to the press, the police and Joe are under intense pressure to solve this perplexing case before the killer strikes again.

No stranger to crime scenes, Joe is stunned by the brutal attack on Elizabeth Crowe. The violence inflicted during her murder is a stark contrast to the gentle manner in which Harper was murdered and almost lovingly arranged postmortem. Joe and the police cannot help but wonder if Elizabeth’s proclivity for sex in public places (dogging) might have put her in the crosshairs of the killer but this does not explain why Harper was murdered. During the course of the investigation, a long list of suspects begins to emerge, but Joe remains troubled by the very different ways in which the two women were murdered. When another woman is murdered, there are striking similarities to the unsolved murders of Elizabeth and Harper which leaves Joe convinced the cases are linked but will he find the connection before another attack?

In the midst of consulting on this current case, Joe’s personal life takes a rather unexpected turn. Long estranged from his wife, Julianne, the two have remained on relatively friendly terms as they co-parent their daughters Charlie and Emma. With eldest daughter Charlie about to begin college, Joe is surprised when Julianne asks him to move back into the family home for the summer. He, of course, quickly agrees since he is still deeply in love with Julianne and remains hopeful they will eventually reconcile.

Written in alternating perspective from Joe’s and an unknown person’s point of view, Close Your Eyes is an intriguing and suspense-laden police procedural. With a vast pool of suspects, shocking revelations and unexpected plot twists, Michael Robotham brilliantly keeps readers guessing the perpetrator’s identity until the pulse-pounding and action-packed conclusion. The novel ends on an emotional note that will stun readers and leave them wondering about the future of the Joseph O’Loughlin series. ...more

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Jan 26, 2017 Charmaine Clancy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A thriller with more than plot.

The characters are distinct and real, by the climax, I was completely invested in their outcome.

Perfectly paced with the right amount of misdirection and a surprising yet believable twist.

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Dec 25, 2015 Tango rated it really liked it

Another thrilling page turner from Michael Robothom.

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Sep 27, 2020 Sandi rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, crime-mystery-thriller-suspense, read-2020

While I always enjoy the characters in this series the plots are beginning to feel a bit recycled. Listened to the audio version which was narrated by the always outstanding Seán Barrett.

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