Fantastic follow up to the equally fantastic Good Girl, Bad Girl. Before this series I had not read any of Mr. Robotham’s books, but not for long. This book was an edge of your seat thriller that I finished in less than 24 hours. When Evie Cormac refuses to talk about her past after her rescue from a house of torture and murder in Good Girl, Bad Girl you find out the heartbreaking reasons why in this sequel. As the story goes deeper into Evie’s past, Cyrus is trying to unravel a murder mystery of a former police officer that may or may not be connected or figured out the people who were. Excellent writing about horrific subject matter. This book was non stop suspense. Best book series I have read in years. Highly recommended.

4.5 stars!

I liked the first book but I liked this one even more. I was one of those people who didn't think the author gave us enough about Evie in the first book and I finally got my wish. The mystery of Evie Cormac is finally solved although there are a few questions I still have that makes me wonder, is this the end? Will there be more? Maybe it depends on how well this book is received? Anyways, I would definitely read another book in this series if there is one.

I like how the books are written with alternating POV's between Evie and Cyrus because as similar as these characters are, they are very different. Cyrus got very aggressive in this book in his pursuit of the truth, and it strained things a little between him and Evie. I hope ultimately having the truth set free can help her, although I would be naive if I thought she was "safe" now.

I really enjoyed Good Girl Bad Girl so I came into When She Was Good with some high expectations - and unfortunately it didn’t quite meet them. I really enjoyed seeing the characters again and learning a lot more backstory. However it just didn’t compel me the way I hoped. I will definitely read if there is another book in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner for the advance reading copy. Available now!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I love Michael Robotham's books and am so glad he wrote a 2nd book in the Evie Cormac series. We find out so much more about her life in this book and her story. It definitely helps us to understand her and abuse victims in general. Why they are the way they are. They didn't start out that way. The situations they're put in & want happens to them makes them change completely. This book was definitely sad at some points but it sucks you in. In my opinion it would be beneficial to read the first one in this series before reading this book. To familiarize yourself with which & what's happening. Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner Publishing for my honest review

Michael Robotham is an author who always delivers on a tight, well written, suspenseful read! When She Was Good is his latest and is a continuation of Good Girl, Bad Girl, which I read and enjoyed.

Cyrus is a forensic criminal psychologist whose family was murdered. He carries that pain around, as you would imagine. In Good Girl, Bad Girl, readers met Evie, a girl with a dark and unknown past, who possesses the uncanny gift of knowing when someone is lying. She lives at a children’s home named Langford Hall.

Now Cyrus wants to figure out Evie’s past and why a certain man is looking for her. Beware that this story goes into some bleak places like sex trafficking and abuse. We go between past and present as Cyrus tries to put the pieces of Evie’s life together.

Take a look:

Criminal psychologist Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac return in this mesmerizing new thriller from internationally bestselling author Michael Robotham, a writer Stephen King calls “an absolute master…with heart and soul.”

Who is Evie, the girl with no past, running from? She was discovered hiding in a secret room in the aftermath of a terrible crime. Her ability to tell when someone is lying helped Cyrus crack an impenetrable case in Good Girl, Bad Girl. Now, the closer Cyrus gets to uncovering answers about Evie’s dark history, the more he exposes Evie to danger, giving her no choice but to run. Ultimately, both will have to decide if some secrets are better left buried and some monsters should never be named.

The plot, the tension, suspense, its all done so well. I was riveted while reading this book and left wanting more. Definitely not an easy, light, fun book to read, but if you can handle the heavy, dark stuff, you might want to get this book.

Available right now, you can read this today! Go here for the Kindle version.

It isn’t necessary to read the first book in the “Cyrus Haven” series, but it is highly recommended. Your reading experience will be richer. Told in alternate narrations. Cyrus Haven, a forensic psychologist is working with Evie, a ward of the state. Its filled with lots of plot twists and tension.

Michael Robotham consistently writes amazingly dark and twisted psychological thrillers, so I was elated to have received an advanced copy of this and I was not disappointed. This is a much anticipated sequel and it ties up many loose threads left by the first book. I only wish that I had reread the first book because I couldn’t remember much. Robotham’s character development is phenomenal. The main characters are Cyrus and Evie. Evie is 19 and has survived absolutely unfathomable horrors since she was a young child. And unfortunately the horrors are just beginning because terrible people from her past are out for revenge. And only psychological Cyrus can help save her. Their relationship is complicated on multiple levels and Robotham deftly explores the nuances.

The descriptions of Evie and all that she endured are intense and will not be for everyone. Some of the descriptions are horrifying and seem so vivid and real. I love that Evie is a compulsive liar yet she has the uncanny ability to always tell when someone else is lying to her. She uses this ability many times in the story and it helps keep her safe on multiple occasions. Both Evie and Cyrus are deeply flawed but lovable and you can’t help rooting for them. The plot of this is twisty and heartpoundingly explosive. It will keep you at the edge of your seat throughout. I’m hoping that there will be a third in the series staring this dynamic duo,

Rating: 4 fast-paced stars

Trigger Warning: Contains veiled scenes of pedophilia, and some graphic violence

This is an engaging sophomore entry in Michael Robotham’s “Cyrus Haven” thriller series. While it is not absolutely required to read the first book in the series, “Good Girl, Bad Girl” before reading this one, I would recommend reading them in order for the fullest reading experience. The series is set mainly in and around the Nottingham area of England.

Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac alternately narrate this book. We learn more about both characters as professional killers start closing in on Evie. Cyrus is a forensic psychologist who often works with the police department. Evie is currently a ward of the court. As a pre-teen, she was in found hiding in a house where a gruesome murder occurred. She has no family. Cyrus has befriended her and is trying to help her as she navigates the remaining months until she is declared an adult.

Then people start dying in unusual circumstances. Cyrus and Evie become more and more alarmed as the violence escalates and gets closer and closer to Evie. The pace quickens. The danger escalates. Throughout the telling, we learn more about Evie and Cyrus’ past. Can Cyrus save them both before one or both of them dies? This page-turner kept me on my toes as unexpected plot twists unfolded. I was very satisfied with the ending. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this mesmerizing series.

I would recommend this for folks who like a barnburner of a thriller or an outstanding mystery. While the fast pace and shady characters keep the book chugging along, the author’s writing skills make the ride exceedingly enjoyable.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

Michael Robotham is one of my favorite authors. Sure, he is a master of suspense (I toss that in as if it were a small skill) -- but what I love is that every book (yes, I've read them all) is intelligent and true -- to human nature, to logic and the limitations of reality. No struggle to suspend disbelief, no need to shrug off the implausible before carrying on.

In this new series, a forensic psychologist, Cyrus Haven, deals with a profoundly traumatized female, Evie Cormac. Cyrus lived through childhood trauma of his own, so his qualifications for his job go beyond the mere academic.

Once again, as in each of his books, there's not a character that rings false, or a line of dialogue that is stilted or superfluous. If you must know from the outset what's going on, read the first book (Good Girl Bad Girl) first. If you can be patient and wait for the details to be filled in, this is a very good book on its own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an advance readers copy.

Stellar book. I'm not usually a fan of series because I forget what's going on but this one is one no to be missed. Fast paced. An absolute winner from beginning to end. A must read. Don't pass it up. Happy reading!

“ When She Was Good” is a follow up to “ Good Girl, Bad Girl.
Psychologist Cyrus Have goes looking for answers in the second book of this series which takes place a few months after events in the previous book. After the fire, Evie Cormac has been returned to Langford Hall, a home for troubled teens. Cyrus begins digging for answers about Evie’s past despite her warning him to leave it alone. This causes dangerous men to come looking for Evie and forces her to go in the run.
The book is told from alternating POV with Evie’s past being revealed and we learn how she became to be kidnapped by a man who pretended to be her “ Uncle”
This book may trigger sensitive readers but there is not graphic scenes of abuse.
I definitely think you should read the previous book before this one but Robotham’s writing is engaging and you get drawn in quickly. This book is due for release today, July 27.

This was a great follow up to Good Girl, Bad Girl. In fact I think I liked this one a bit better! For one it cleared up some of the stuff the first book left me with, and I think it was a bit more dark and disturbing! Although, it’s a second book in a series, I do not feel it can’t be read as a stand alone. If like me, I know that’s not a choice, but a necessity to read in order, but I don’t think you’ll be lost, confused, or not enjoy because you’ve not read first! If you’ve read the last and was upset about everything not being crystal clear about a character, then this one is a must, all will be cleared! Fast paced, disturbing, unputdownable, dark, twists & turns, chills, and thrills is how I would describe this book! The author did an amazing job at writing it, and I promise it’ll hold attention! Highly, highly recommend!
Will buzz around platforms, and use low Amazon reviewer number on release date!

Excellent second book in a series. Not 100% necessary to read the first book, but it goes a long way to providing context and background that you'll wish you had. I really love the interplay between Cyrus and Evie and hope I'll see more books featuring the duo in the future, even though we now know about Evie's past, so that mystery is closed (or is it?) I look forward to seeing how their teamwork could be used in the future.
The author is great about balancing the personal stories with the intrigue. Evie's ability as a human lie detector is fascinating, as well as Cyrus's analysis of how much we really want to know if someone is telling us the truth.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Scribner Books, and Michael Robotham for the opportunity to read his latest book and the second in the Cyrus Haven/Evie Cormac series. If you haven’t read Good Girl, Bad Girl - you must! 5 stars for another gripping read by a must-read author for me!

Criminal psychologist Cyrus Haven is still in close contact with Evie, the girl who was rescued from a secret room after a horrible crime, and with whom he has a tight bond. The woman who found her, Sasha, comes back into the picture as well. Evie is now living in a supposed secret children's home but she believes that people are following her and know where she is. But no one believes her until it is too late. Meanwhile, Cyrus is investigating the mysterious death of a fellow police officer who was looking into the case of someone involved with a child sex ring that has possible ties back to Evie's case.

The book is told in short chapters with the voices of Cyrus and Evie, but go back in time to learn more about what happened to Evie. A lot of this is hard to read because of the subject matter, but in Robotham's skilled hands, it is a gripping story that you will have a hard time putting down. He has created characters that you will love and want to know deeper. Evie's superpower is that she can detect when anyone is lying; she is such a resilient, feisty character that you will be rooting for the entire time. I can't wait for the next book!

Did you read: Good Girl, Bad Girl last year? Were you left frustrated at not getting to learn Evie Cormac's life history? If so, this second book in the series will scratch your itch. You'll get to meet Sacha, the woman who found Evie in that abandoned house almost a decade ago. You'll get to watch Cyrus Haven try to play police detective. And Evie will tell you in her own words about the unspeakable things she endured. The upshot is that she has extremely good reasons for keeping her mouth shut and not revealing her true identity.

Early in the book it feels a bit like Evie is just randomly telling us disordered memories of her life with Terry Boland and the man she calls Uncle. But then something horrific happens at the "safe home" where Evie is locked up. Then things really heat up fast. When I got to that point I kept reading late into the night until I could no longer keep my eyelids propped open.

I'm curious about where the series will go from here. Now that Evie has reached official adulthood, they can't lock her away in the juvie house anymore. As a survivor of severe repetitive trauma, she lives by instinct and impulse, almost like a feral animal. Will her instincts be enough to help her navigate the grown-up world? Or will she be a victim of her impulses, which tend to get her in trouble?

My thanks to Scribner and Net Galley for the review copy.

A stunning sequel to #GoodGirlBadGirl. Michael Robotham’s writing style is absolutely addicting and compulsory. He absorbs the reader into the storyline with the fast pace and dark, gritty details. Could not get enough. Highly recommended!

*trigger warning for sensitive readers

Thank you to #NetGalley and #ScribnerBooks for the ARC of #WhenSheWasGood, which was read and reviewed voluntarily by #wayward_readers

I admit to being a fan of the first book- Good Girl Bad Girl- and if you were too- well- you just must read this one because it answers a LOT of questions about Evie. I'm not sure it will be as rewarding to a new reader but for those of us who wondered about Evie, it's boffo! Told alternately by Cyrus, the police psychologist who worked with Evie and Evie herself, it turns on the hunt for the person who abused her and continues to abuse other children. Evie's now 18 and because she hasn't told anyone, she/s still in Langford Hall, a care home. She was found in a small hidden room and she holds the key to a big case. Cyrus thought she was safe but when a retired police officer who tied one of his cases to hers, he is worried, and rightly so, that someone is after her. I don't know how to explain this one but know that both of them are great characters- and the bad guys are truly evil. Evie has the unique ability to tell when someone is lying (although it's not as useful here as in the first novel). Her backstory is a whopper. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is twisty and atmospheric- and it's a page turner.

In this second book of the series, survivor Evie Cormac and Cyrus Haven, a criminal psychologist, are back. In the first book (Good Girl, Bad Girl) 10-year-old Evie was found in the house where her protector, Terry Boland, was brutally tortured and murdered.

Evie is now 17 and living in what is supposed to be a safe home, safe from those who would like to kill her to shut her up. Tensions rise as her hunters are closing in. Danger lurks everywhere; danger lurks primarily because the villains in this thriller are powerful and influential. We find out more about what happened to Evie in her inhuman past as the center of a pedophile ring as well as more about her Romanian family.

This book is a fast paced, page turner and promises a wild ride. Action and twists are rampant, and I can easily recommend this riveting thriller to my reading friends.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review When She Was Good. It was an excellent read.

I did enjoy this though I was a bit lost since I didn't read the first book. I had to go back to that one before finishing this one and things made more sense and I learned more about the characters. This is an entertaining and engaging thriller. Thank you for the advanced copy. I look forward to Robotham's future novels.

At 17, Evie Cormac is a force to reckon with. Haunted by her past and running from the ghosts that continue to chase her it’s clear to see why as her backstory comes to light. Cyrus Haven, a Criminal Psychologist, is trying to help Evie overcome her past and help her learn to trust again. The two first met in the book Good Girl, Bad Girl. While Evie helped Cyrus solve a case in Good Girl, Bad Girl, her story was just starting to unfold at the end of the book. Evie has been a girl with no past, a total enigma to all who come in contact with her after she was found hiding in the wall at a terrible crime scene. Too frightened to share any information, Evie uses her wits and her fists whenever she feels threatened. Evie is in danger, but because of her silence no one is quite sure why or from who. As her story unfolds it’s more horrific than anyone imagined and it’s plain to see that Evie and anyone that knows her whereabouts is ultimately in great danger. This book is not for the faint of heart and does cover some rather disturbing subject matter. As we reach the final pages Cyrus is wondering if he will ever be able to save Evie, but she’s still fighting! Once again, Robotham leaves us with unanswered questions and I’m hoping that will lead to yet another book in this series!