Book cover of The Suspect

Book description

The psychological thriller that marked the debut of one of contemporary suspense fiction's most compelling heroes: "A gripping first novel...taut and fast-moving" (Washington Post).

Renowned psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin has it all -- a thriving practice, a devoted, beautiful, fiercely intelligent wife, and a lovely young daughter. But when he's diagnosed…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Suspect as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is the first book in the Joseph O’Loughlin series, and my favorite because it shows Joe shortly after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

I know it’s popular to portray sick people as angelic, long-suffering inspirations to us all, but reality often differs, especially as someone adjusts to a devastating diagnosis and its far-reaching impact. As a respected psychologist, Joe is normally thoughtful, intelligent, and kind, but as he becomes ensnared in the death of a former acquaintance, his personal despair over his illness sends him into a self-destructive tailspin. Rather than making me dislike Joe, the honesty of his struggle made…

From Kate's list on ill or disabled sleuths.

London-based Joe O’Loughlin is a renowned psychologist who often consults on crime cases. One of Joe’s ongoing problems is he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which puts his exceptional mind at war with his deteriorating body. In book one, Joe has been called in to consult on a high-profile murder investigation, but he has a conflict of interest when the suspect is a former patient. Throughout the nine-book series, we follow Joe as he deals with his debilitating disease, his sometimes-rocky marriage, and his children, along with the crime cases he’s involved in, which at times include his loved ones. 

From Polly's list on characters who overcome adversity.

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These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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