In my opinion, not really a thriller and not a good read. Lots of characters and relatives of characters which were hard to keep up with. The plot was boring and the back stories unbelievable. I just didn't find it interesting, it didn't work for me so I wouldn't recommend it. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Psychological thriller? Sign me up! Compelling, unpredictable, captivating. Kept me on the edge of my seat! I didn’t realize this was a series when requested but reading as a stand alone worked for me. I highly recommend this book, and will be diving into the rest of the series!!

Thank you to Scribner Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Storm Child
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Michael Robotham

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Scribner and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: The mystery of Evie Cormac’s background has followed her into adulthood. As a child, she was discovered hiding in a secret room where a man had been tortured to death. Many of her captors and abusers escaped justice, unseen but not forgotten. Now, on a hot summer’s day, the past drags Evie back as she watches the bodies of seventeen migrants wash up on a Lincolnshire beach.

There is only one survivor, a teenage boy, who tells police their small boat was deliberately rammed and sunk. Psychologist Cyrus Haven is recruited by the police to investigate the murders—but recognizes immediately that Evie has some link to the tragedy. By solving this crime, he could finally unlock the secrets of her past. But what dark forces will he set loose? And who will pay the price?

My Thoughts: This is the fourth book in the Cyrus Haven series. I did not realize this was a series book when I requested the ARC, however, I had no issues reading as a standalone. The series’ plot is character driver, delving into Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac. Cyrus is the forensic psychologist and Evie is the trauma victim. Evie’s background has evolved from childhood, into adulthood. She was discovered hiding in a room where a man was tortured to his death. Unfortunately, most of her captors escaped justice. Evie’s past comes to bite her when she watches the bodies of migrants wash up on shore. Only one person survives the horrific boat ride. Cyrus is pulled into the investigation to assist. When Cyrus realizes that Evie is connected by a string, this intrigues him to dig deeper. However, in digging deeper and unlocking her dark past, will what he finds do more damage than good? Once the darkness is released, there is no going back?

Evie has really opened up since the first book. She is not that scared, traumatized self-destructive, little girl anymore. She still lives with Cyrus, but has an independent life of her own. Cyrus still tries to psychoanalyze her, get her to open up. While delving into Evie’s past, trying to find out what happened to her family, they may put their own lives in danger when faced with the string from the investigation, who may be deeply connected with the illegal smuggling ring. The characters were well developed with depth, were extrinsically compelling, had layered backgrounds, secretive, emotional, and were deeply intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, multifaceted, compelling, dark, disturbing, intense, twisty, suspenseful, and absolutely engaging. Robotham does an amazing job with the complexities of the immigration debate, on both sides. Robotham does not compel the reader into a side of the immigration debate, instead he allows the reader to decide for themselves where they fall on the immigration debate. The characters were built up with their backstories interweaved into the storyline, the plot is delivered in suspenseful twisty layers, the ending is satisfying, but leaves a thread open for book five, or it could end here and still be satisfying. The detailing that the author provides in the traumatic scenes is authentic, real, and pulls you in like you are there as an investigator.

TW: Horrific traumatic scenes, human trafficking, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. This storyline is everything that you want in a psychological thriller, it is compelling, gripping, twisty, unpredictable, captivating, edge of your seat storyline. The series of four books has spanned over a four year period, really delving into Evie and Cyrus, both healing their own emotional scars. If there is a fifth book, sign me up! I highly recommend this book, and the entire series to other readers.

I'll admit to being hesitant to get started on this one, a story of migrants whose ship has been intentionally sunk at sea. Be aware that on top of this, there's graphic subject matter - rape, abuse, and sex trafficking.

This was a thoroughly engrossing read, and a bit of a pivot point in the relationship between Cyrus and Evie. There are enough references to their histories that I do think you could read this novel without the previous 3, but I do feel their friendship and trust was built so slowly that I'd recommend starting at the beginning.

I'm eager to see whether this was the final book in the series. It had an excellent conclusion but I'd love to see more with these characters.

Thank you to Scribner Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This ending has me SO EMOTIONAL. The amount of answers we get about more of Evie’s past made me happy. I loved being back in Evie’s mind but this one had much heavier subject matter than the others - more personal to Evie which means she wasn’t quite as hilarious as she has been in the prior books.

Although I missed Evie’s endless sarcasm and quick wit, I did still love this one. The ending was perfect in every way and I hope this isn’t the end of Evie and Cyrus’s journey 😭 this story had a lottttt of characters to keep track of which was a bit harder over audio but I still loved the conclusion and all the answers we got.

Joe Jameson KILLED IT as per usual and I could listen to him all day. This is quickly becoming a comfort series for me because of how much entertainment it brings - I will always recommend these audiobooks.

This is book #4 in the Cyrus Haven series by Michael Robotham. While not as fast-paced as the others, it does clear up the remaining questions I had about Evie and her past. She's 22 years old at this point and is gaining a life of her own and becoming more independent.

I definitely recommend reading the first 3 books prior to reading this one. While it could be read as a standalone, you will have much more context reading these as a series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Storm Child.

I enjoy this series so I was pleased my request was approved for the next book in the series.

Evie and Cyrus are enjoying a day at the beach when the bodies of 17 migrants wash ashore.

The shock sends Evie into a brief catatonia as painful memories of her past resurface. Evie and Cyrus then begin the painful investigation into the deaths, which will eventually lead them to Evie's murky past and explain how she ended up in that small, secret room all those years ago.

Readers should be aware of triggers including rape, pedophilia, and sexual violence.

Cyrus' investigation is juxtaposed with Evie's recollections of her once happy childhood before her sister was assaulted and her father was murdered.

It's tough to read and deeply sad, only a painful reminder of what migrants endure to reach safe shores with hope for a better life..

I like the author's writing style and the pacing is steady. The ending is bittersweet, but hopeful and takes the narrative down a new optimistic path.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

When a boat carrying immigrants is rammed killing most onboard, the sight causes Evie Cormac to collapse. As memories start to surface, Cyrus Haven, a psychologist and the one that has taken Evie under his wing, starts an investigation. Why were the immigrants killed? The plot thickens when Evie recognizes one of the suspects, she just doesn’t remember from where. As the two join forces, they are in more danger than they know as they try to unravel Evie’s past at the same time as bringing a corrupt trafficking ring to light. Are the two connected and just who is the Fisherman? Robotham continues Cyrus and Evie’s story in this heartbreakingly dark and suspenseful read. Can’t wait for more of Cyrus and Evie! Thank you to Sphere and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I always get so excited when a new book in the series comes out! I loved reuniting with Cyrus and Evie. The case in this installment was complex and intricately pieced together. i enjoyed following along and seeing more character development as Evie’s story continues. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book #4 is a suspenseful continuation to the Cyrus Haven/Evie Cormac saga as they delve into a disastrous case of human trafficking. Evie is badly traumatized witnessing an event of dead bodies washing ashore at a beach, and Cyrus suspects it has much to do with her own personal complex history. The dark tale of immigration issues, and the misery and suffering endured by migrants trying to escape to a better life, is told in current and past timelines. On the plus side, more is revealed of Evie’s background, Cyrus has a bit of romance, and the story ends on pretty much a positive note.

Psychological thriller that unlocks the secrets of Evie's past.

This 4th installment in the series featuring forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven brings the origin story of Evie Cormac in a full arc. From her discovery in the walls of a secret room hiding from killers and captors, Evie and Cyrus have embarked on a journey to find the answers that will make her whole again. That past reaches up to both Evie and Cyrus when a migrant boat is sunk washing up the dead on a Lincolnshire beach.

I have read these 4 books from the beginning and feel that is the best approach as all of the facets of Cyrus and Evie's relationship have been revealing and interesting. I feel this one could be a fitting conclusion to the series and time to move on. I have liked the characters and how they have interacted and built a life for themselves. I like the author's writing style and the whole premise was well-executed in the previous books.

I was fortunate and able to listen to the audiobook narrated by the talented Joe Jameson while reading along with the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The many different character voices were done very well, and the accents were performed beautifully. Definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Michael Robotham’s Storm Child is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the shadows of human trafficking and the haunting past of its protagonist, Evie Cormac. This latest installment in the Cyrus Haven series is a masterclass in suspense, character development, and emotional depth.

Theis story opens with a chilling discovery on a Lincolnshire beach, where the bodies of seventeen migrants wash ashore. The sole survivor, a teenage boy, reveals that their boat was deliberately rammed and sunk.

Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven is called in to investigate, but it quickly becomes apparent that Evie Cormac, with her own traumatic history, is somehow linked to this tragedy. As Cyrus and Evie dig deeper, they uncover a web of dark secrets and dangerous forces that threaten to unravel everything they hold dear.

Robotham excels in creating complex, flawed, yet deeply relatable characters. Cyrus Haven, with his tragic family history, and Evie Cormac, a survivor of unimaginable horrors, form a compelling duo. Their relationship is both professional and personal, filled with tension, mutual respect, and unspoken emotions. Evie’s resilience and Cyrus’s unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth make them a formidable team.

Storm Child explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the quest for justice. It sheds light on the harrowing realities of human trafficking and the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse. Robotham handles these sensitive topics with care, providing a narrative that is both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching.

Robotham’s writing is crisp and evocative, with a pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The alternating perspectives of Cyrus and Evie add depth to the narrative, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in their world. The dialogue is sharp, the descriptions vivid, and the tension palpable.

Storm Child is a testament to Michael Robotham’s prowess as a storyteller. It’s a book that entertains and challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society. For fans of psychological thrillers, this novel is a must-read.

I really love how after Robotham's character Joe was mentioned in this, because I love the sense of continuity. Most of his mysteries are smaller scale, but this is a book that deals with a legacy of human smuggling going back many years.
Cyrus and Evie are an odd couple -- he is a criminal psychologist and she is his young ward/roommate. Evie is still dealing with the aftermath from her past, and we finally get to learn about what really happened.
This book is full of action and danger as Cyrus and Evie investigate a new event, but we also see their loving relationships with each other and how they try to fit into the world. I actually cried at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

4 stars-I have been a fan of Cyrus and Evie since the beginning. In this book we get to learn about Evie’s traumatizing past and what happened to her sister. The storyline was good, and I really like how the next book was set up. I will say this was not my favorite book, but still a good read.

One quote from the book that I liked is “Psychologists use terms like “closure” and “resolution” but I don’t think it’s possible to wrap things up in neat and tidy packages. Life is real and passionate and messy; and closure means something is done, when it’s never done and it’s never going to be done.” So well said, and so true, even for those of us who didn’t have the same trauma as Evie, most have something that they carry with them. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. All opinions are my own.

I have nothing but high praises for this book. I look forward to every book that Michael Robotham puts out because he tells a wonderful story that draws you in from the first word to the very last. Storm Child is a continuation on the Cyrus Haven/Evie story and you must read the others ones to have some idea what it happening in this one. I hope there are more books to come in this series because I will be one of the first to line up to read it. 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy of Storm Child by Michael Robotham in exchange for my honest review.

Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven investigates a mass murder, unlocking the forgotten past of Evie Cormac, the young woman he’s informally adopted.

Seventeen bodies wash ashore while Cyrus and Evie spend a day at the beach. Only a young boy survives, claiming the boat carrying Middle Eastern migrants was deliberately sunk. As Cyrus steps in to help, the incident triggers something in Evie—a connection to her forgotten past. When the surviving boy is later found dead, it's clear danger lurks nearby.

Cyrus and Evie travel to Scotland to unravel the clues about Evie’s past and uncover the identity of 'the Ferryman'—a man rumored to control human trafficking across the channel. Both are shaped by past tragedies: Cyrus’s brother killed his parents and sisters, and Evie was trafficked and tortured. As they untangle the dangerous truths in these connected incidents, they continue to explore their delicate, unique relationship.

Robotham’s latest is propulsive, gripping, and brilliantly twisty. The narrative deepens our understanding of Evie and her nuanced relationship with Cyrus. He’s intent on helping her heal, and together they navigate the intricacies of having someone safe and dependable in their lives. Their interplay is compelling, and their evolution over four years is poignant.

If you’re new to the series, start with GOOD GIRL, BAD GIRL. If you’ve been along for the ride, you’ll devour this fantastic fourth installment.

4.5 Stars rounding up
"Storm Child" is the latest thrilling installment in the Cyrus Haven Series by the talented Michael Robotham. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey as you delve into the secrets Evie has closely guarded. Trust me, you won't be able to put this book down!

The story kicks off with a tragic event that triggers long-buried memories in Evie's mind. Fans of the series will be thrilled to finally witness a more vulnerable and emotional side of Evie as her hidden childhood memories and family's tragic loss come to light.

While this could potentially conclude the series, the book introduces new elements that open the door for further exploration. I am eagerly anticipating the direction the author will take next!

Many thanks to the author and Scribner/Simon and Schuster for gifting me an ARC through NetGalley. My thoughts are entirely my own and shared willingly.

#stormchild #michaelrobotham #scribner #simonandschuster #netgalley #psychologicalthriller

3.5 stars rounded up Excellent addition to the series

This is a series you need to read in order, you'll be lost with the characters and backstory if you don't. As the series has progressed, we have learned more and more about both Cyrus and Evie and their individual pasts and trauma. As a warning, this is a very difficult book to read at times, the graphic depictions of immigration and human trafficking are complex and harrowing.

The inciting incident in this story is the bodies of seventeen migrants wash ashore on a beach and Cyrus and Evie are witnesses. One survivor tells them that their boat was deliberately hit because they didn't pay the "ferryman." This nudges a spark of memory in Evie, and she and Cyrus go on a hunt to try to find one more piece to her past. There are people who don't want the truth uncovered and will go to any means to keep it hidden.

I feel like each book in this series gives us new insight into these characters, making them more complex and nuanced. I really like the relationship between Cyrus and Evie because it's unusual and very realistic. Although this series feels somewhat complete, there's an issue with Evie that still needs to be resolved so I really need book five for that.

Robotham is an excellent writer, giving us stories that are both realistic and compelling. If you haven't discovered this fantastic series, start with Good Girl, Bad Girl ASAP.

DNF at 35%. Unfortunately I was just bored in this one and kept finding myself having to go back a little because my mind was drifting. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.

Anyone who has seen images on the news of immigrants not quite making it to a better life can't help but be moved by their fate and desperation. Michael Robotham has set his series against this tragedy, and while this is the first I have read, it more than stood on its own. Psychologist Cyrus Haven and his charge Evie Cormac are present at a beach when tragedy strikes, and what follows is told from shifting points of view so the reader gets a full picture of the inner lives of these characters. Although this seems to be a resolution of the journey of their journey, I plan on reading the earlier books. Robotham is that good. He makes you want to learn everything you can about his characters and his intent.