I really enjoyed this book, the sequel to Good Girl, Bad Girl. This book delves more into Evie's past and how she ended up in the terrible situation she was found in when she was younger. Also, Cyrus branches out some and joins forces with Sasha, the officer who found Evie in the deserted house where her friend/caretaker was tortured to death. Together, the three of them are able to uncover a terrible crime ring involving children being kidnapped, tortured and killed; one which Evie was a part of but managed to escape. Great story, intense and interesting. Love the characters and the writing too. Love this series!

In this second installment of the series, we follow Evie as she grows up. Found hiding in a secret room inside an abandoned house with no past to be found. She helped Cyrus using her ability to always tell when someone is lying.

Evie grows up in a children's home that Cyrus continues to visit her at, except Evie keeps remembering more of her past and the people that belong in it- seemingly putting her in more danger.

When She Was Good was an engaging thriller with an interesting plot from the get-go, every little clue you read could be important later.

This is the second book in Michael Robotham’s series involving forensic psychologist Cyrus and Evie, kidnap survivor in hiding from elite pedophile ring.
Gripping plot and characters with nuanced backstories that slowly unfurled as I read. Reflects real world horrors, betrayals, and disappointments, the compelling survivors keep hopelessness back.
My new fav alongside Tana French & Michael Connelly.

I don't usually request books in a series if I haven't read the first one, but a friend reviewed this book and said it hadn't mattered that she hadn't read the first in the series so I decided to take a chance. I wholeheartedly agree that this is a fantastic read whether you've read the first book or not, although now I really want to read the first too.

When She Was Good is told through the POV of Cyrus, a police psychologist with a shattering past, and Evie, a rebellious teenage girl who was famously found as a child at a horrific murder scene and who now lives in a high security group home with a protected identity. The two are bonded because Cyrus worked with Evie when she was first found and he is the only adult in the world that she trusts (rightly so). Cyrus has also gone to find Sacha, the former cop who first found Evie and who now lives a hermit life. A retired police officer has been found dead of a suspected suicide, which Cyrus quickly determines is not a suicide and that it has to do with Evie. Cyrus begins poking about the case the victim was poking around in, which accidentally alerts powerful villains involved in Evie's past and puts her and everyone involved in new danger.

The main characters in this book are very likeable and their voices feel real. The story moves quickly with short chapters that kept me reading one more and then one more. The subject matter is a tough read as it deals with child sexual abuse and trafficking, but it never feels exploitative. This is one of my top mystery/suspense reads in a while and I would be happy to read any more in the series.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

4.5 Stars!!!

Wowza!!! This story will suck you right in! This is the 2nd book in the series, but you will not feel like you missed anything when you pick it up.

Told from two perspectives, Cyrus Haven, a criminal psychologist and Evie Cormac. Evie was found in a house 7 years ago with a murder victim, hidden in a secret room, feral and wild. Cyrus has been working with Evie to find out her real name and what really happened to her, but she will not reveal anything about her past. When a retired detective turns up murdered, it appears that he's somehow linked with Evie's past. This is a wild, twisty ride that will keep you reading long into the wee hours of the night.

Please tell me there's a third installment!

A special thank you to NetGalley, Scribner, and Michael Robotham for providing me with an ARC.

This was a fantastic thriller. I had never read the first Cyrus Haven novel, but didn't feel that this fact detracted from my reading experience at all. In fact, it made me put Good Girl Bad Girl on the top of my list to read next. I had heard of this author before, but really had no idea what to expect. I find most police procedural thrillers to be mundane and boring and very cliche and predictable, and it was not the case here. Cyrus may have been a little too good to be true as a character, but I still rooted for him and for Evie who I loved. I also really enjoyed the character of Sacha. I hungered for more as I read and found myself very caught up in the story which was very well written and paced. The only part I didn't love was the little surprise on the news at the end which I felt was too rushed and too unrealistic. But a very minor grievance. I will definitely read more of this author's work. '
4.5 stars

My full goodreads review is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3328826945

Common wisdom has it that keeping secrets can harm one. But what if not keeping them can set a path of murderers loose? Evie Cormac, an insightful, clever and tenacious young girl is being kept safe under a false name in a residential facility. She hates it but also is fearful of being exposed to the demons of her past. Cyrus Haven is a criminal psychologist who developed a strong bond with Evie (in Good Girl, Bad Girl). His aim is to help Evie and free her from her past. To accomplish that he needs to know her secrets, even though they will endanger both of them.

Robotham weaves a tense mystery that challenges these characters to act with little information to go on. But not acting may ultimately prove just as perilous. The best part of this series is the non-stop action and relationship between Evie and Cyrus. It’s an exciting read that keeps one up well into the night. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this thrilling book.

What a wild ride!! I just finished When She Was Good and completely loved it. Not my usual genre but it was written so well that it sucked me in! The author’s background really shows through in his writing - seemed so much like real life.

When She Was Good picks up from the first of the series (Good Girl, Bad Girl), where we were introduced to Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac. Good Girl, Bad Girl nicely sets up the premise for When She Was Good, but I could see readers enjoying this without having read the former. Having read the initial book, I was full of anticipation for this one and what would be revealed about Evie and her past. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

This book fully delved into Evie's history, and the central mystery revolved around her experiences and the eventual identification of those involved. Evie continues to cope with her trauma and maintains her refusal to remember or reveal details about what happened to her before she was found in an abandoned house with a murder victim. Cyrus pursues his own investigation despite Evie's warnings of the danger and futility of doing so. I thought that the author successfully presented pieces and events, building suspense and pulling me in.

I typically do not enjoy narratives where the point of view shifts back and forth. But I thought that the alternating chapters between Evie and Cyrus worked well, as the events paralleled each other. Both Evie and Cyrus are very compelling, interesting characters with strong voices. They are each dealing with their own struggles, while their unique bond continues to be strengthened and we see them work together. I was quickly wrapped up again in their orbit.

For me, the pacing of mysteries and thrillers can be really make or break in terms of enjoyment. Michael Robothom's writing is excellent, and this is a gripping story that I highly enjoyed. I can't wait to read more from this series.

When She was Good by Michael Robotham Reviewed on July 7, 2020 4
This is the second in the series. I did read "Good Girl, Bad Girl" and although I had a hard time with the nasty language and the disturbing issue with Evie, I ended up liking the novel... My comments included that I was looking forward to next in the series.

Well with this story, I started out with a similar feeling but hung in there as I remembered how I felt about the first book. Story is told from the POV of Cyrus, a Forensic Psychologist and Evie, the girl who was held captive. This story go more into Evie’s heart breaking past; knowing a little girl was held captive, I certainly expected disturbing details and I didn’t want to read about them.
I was pleased that author Michael Robotham was sensitive in NOT printing all the awful details.

The chapters with Cyrus and especially Evie start out present day but memories kick in so the chapters go back in time.
Certainly have a better and yes sad understanding of what Evie as well as other children were experiencing.
Additionally I completely understand how Evie felt a strong emotional attachment to Cyrus but her jealously made me want to shake her and then hug her. Yikes!
I thought Mr. Robotham would make Sasha sweet and far more likeable. Hopefully that will happen in Book #3!

Want to thank NetGalley and Scribner for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 28, 2020

I loved the first book in this series and the second did not disappoint. This was one of the most intriguing stories Michael Robotham has written. Talk about your twists and turns, this one has them in spades. I had to put the book down once (duty calls, you know), which I didn't want to do. I picked it back up as soon as I could. I really enjoyed the character interactions and watched as the focal point's character was highlighted and blossomed over the course of the story.

When She Was Good is a fast paced thriller that is like a roller coaster ride. For every upward movement which allows the reader to just breathe the plummet downward makes you want to scream. Evie is damaged goods and understandably angry and fearful of anyone who tries hard to conform to what is demanded of her. As in his other books there are no perfect human beings. All characters have flaws, secrets and pain. In other words like real people in real life. This is a must read if you like psychological thrillers. All. The Stars.

This was one of my most anticipated sequels and it did not disappoint!
🔥
If you saw my review for the previous book in this series (Good Girl, Bad Girl) then you know I was disgruntled with the ending. At the time I wasn’t sure if there even was a sequel in the works so I was upset about a storyline that received zero closure. Well friends, patience is a virtue and I’m ecstatic to report that I got my closure! 🙌🏼
🔥
Psychologist Cyrus and his patient Evie are back as they try to unlock the secrets to Evies past. This was a fast paced, disturbing, thrilling ride. I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down (or turn the pages fast enough). I loved being reunited with this dynamic duo and getting answers to Evies story was icing on the cake. I love these characters and can only hope for more of them in future books! 4.5 ⭐️My thanks to @scribnerbooks for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

I immediately requested When She Was Good after finishing Good Girl Bad Girl. I couldn't wait to finish the story of Evie. To find out where she came from, what had happened to her, and if Cyrus her only friend would be able to solve all of this! It was so good. I loved the characters and the writing and the story. I was so thankful to be approved to read this and not have to wait to find out!!!

This was quite the follow up to Good Girl, Bad Girl. While I think this could be read as a standalone, it would of course make more sense reading the first book of this series. Robotham catches up the reader here and there with information from book one to help piece everything together.

Similar to Good Girl, Bad Girl, I must warn you of trigger warnings:
- sex trafficking
- pedophilia
- suicide
- murder

This is definitely a book you should be in the correct mindset for.

Just like Good Girl, Bad Girl, we read the chapters from Evie or Cyrus’ point of view. Chapters are quick, to the point and moving from Evie’s memories to present day. This book focuses more on Evie and her past, where she came from and what exactly she endured. The deeper Cyrus digs, the more trouble they find themselves in.

While we learned a lot about Evie, I think there is definitely more to come; which makes me hopeful for the third book!

I would absolutely recommend this to someone in search of a great whodunit type thriller. It’ll keep you turning the page for more.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the advanced copy in return for an honest review!

I read both books in series! This books was soooooo good! I stayed up until 3am to finish. I had to know how it ended. The story was packed full of twist and turns. I loved every minute. I will definitely be recommending it! I rate it a 4.7

I rated Good Girl, Bad Girl 2.5 stars, then rounded up. I enjoyed When She Was Good a bit more...so it's getting a 3.5 star rating, but I'm rounding down.

I don't know, fellow readers. There is just something about Cyrus I simply don't care for. It was one of the big issues I had with the first novel as well. Yes, he's a forensic psychologist, but he's not a cop--and he really needs to stop acting like one. He bops around, solving crimes, while the police force hovers stupidly in the background. It makes zero sense to me.

Told from alternating first-person narratives, a back and forth between Cyrus and Evie, this novel also had Cyrus finding love. Unfortunately, it's an insta-love relationship which is just meh. It felt as though this female character was added to the story for the sole purpose of becoming Cyrus's woman. She added nothing.

I enjoyed Evie more this time around...mostly because it didn't focus as intensely on her goofy, innate 'lie detector.' Instead, we finally learned Evie's backstory which delved into some very dark territory. Her memories of her life before Cyrus were, by far, the most intriguing part of When She Was Good.

While the conclusion was neatly wrapped up, I definitely foresee more Cyrus Haven books in the future. At this point, however, I'm just not sure I'm interested in reading any further.

Available July 28th, but I do recommend reading Good Girl, Bad Girl first.

**My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for my review copy.

“When She Was Good” is the second book in Michael Robotham’s Cyrus Haven series.

Cyrus is a forensic psychologist that is working on finding clues into Evie’s past.

Robotham has written another heart-pounding page turner. I liked the book though the sexual abuse plot line is hard for me to read.

A remarkable second book in what I hope is an ongoing series. In fact, I am sad to not be reading about these characters right now. I can't wait to see what will happen next to Cyrus and Evie. They became so real to me. I appreciate the heads up to read the first book in the series before tackling this. Although you can probably read this as stand alone, it is so satisfying to read the first one and then this one. [book:Good Girl, Bad Girl|42202019] is really good and a finalist for the Edgar Award and there is no good reason to not read it.

Evie is back in custody when this opens. Letty calls Cyrus in to investigate the death of a retired policeman that is horrific and questionable. It leads him to a pedophile, Eric Green, and ultimately Terry Boland, the man with Evie in the secret house. As the investigation continues more and more layers of Evie's past unravel and it starts to get in very dangerous ground looking at some very rich and important people. I really can't say any more because I don't want to spoil anything including the surprising and, I think, fitting end.

If you want to read a really good, psychological thriller with an excellent plot and realistic characters you actually care about then do yourself a favor and read this. You won't be sorry. It's that good.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Author Michael Robotham is just so very good at writing tight, enveloping tales with twists that surprise and engage from start to finish. I always intend to read his books slowly and leisurely and within about 10 pages find that I am breathlessly lost in the tale and everything around me has melted away. WHEN SHE WAS GOOD is the second in a series with Cyrus and Evie but I’m not convinced that these must be read in order. Both books are stellar; each in slightly different ways. With this book, we learn more about Evie’s background and she appears to be at risk. Cyrus begins to have more of a life, an adult life, that is. The two of them don’t actually work as a team until the end of the book, although they are both active throughout it. It is a wonderful mystery and I loved every minute of it. I really hope there is another in this series. These are just great characters with enough depth and complexity for more adventures. I received my copy from the publishers through NetGalley.

In Good Girl, Bad Girl, Cyrus Haven was asked to determine Evie Cormac’s mental health. This sequel brings us further backstory about Evie or Angel Face as she was known when she was found hiding as an almost feral child. She has a unique ability to see who is telling the truth. “I don’t trust the truth. The truth is a story. The truth is a habit. The truth is a compromise. The truth is a dull-edged knife. The truth is a casualty. The truth died long ago.”
Cyrus and Evie still have a relationship. Not romantic, but a caring, do anything for you type of relationship. They’re both unique, damaged souls. This time around, Cyrus is helping investigating the possible suicide of a retired cop that is quickly determined to be a murder. And once again, the case has a possible connection with Evie’s earlier life. Time after time, my heart just went out to Evie. Not just because of her past, but because so few people continue to believe her.
Robotham also provides us with a wide field of secondary characters, all of whom are well defined and felt real.
The story was fast paced and quickly engaged me. Short, punchy chapters that alternate between Cyrus and Evie and also go back and forth in time. It’s not at all believable but it still got to me.
This book would not work as a standalone. Book one is necessary to fully understand the dynamics of the main characters. It will be interesting to see if there is a book three and if so, where it goes. I will definitely read it, if it is written.
Pedophilia is a major component of this book, so be aware if this is a trigger for you.
My thanks to netgalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this book.