Stephen King was right…..  ****

On the cover of this novel Stephen King is quoted as saying, “The most suspenseful book I read all year.” My first reaction to this was, really? After Robotham’s last book, The Night Ferry, I was skeptical.  Now, having read Shatter, I agree with Stephen King.

Robotham mixes first person viewpoints between psychologist Joe O’Laughlin and the antagonist. This works well and keeps the plot moving at a fast pace.  The mind of the villain is unnerving to say the least.  This is not a book for the squeamish or faint-hearted.

While the twists and turns are fairly predictable, the ride to the end is worth the read. Robotham is able to build tension that keeps you turning the page even though you are sure of were he is heading. It has been a while since a book evoked emotion in this reader.

The basic idea of the story revolves around what you would do if you thought someone had your child. Robotham takes the idea of the phone call where someone says your child needs money to get bailed out of a situation, and pushes it over the top, the situation now life threatening and the request is for more than cash.

This is the most suspenseful book I have read all year, but then it is only February, so hopefully not the last.

This one gets four stars. Four, not five, for being predictable.