I adored teenager Evie, introduced last year along with forensic psychologist Cyrus in Michael Robotham’s Good Girl Bad Girl. (The girl they named) Evie was found almost seven years earlier, abandoned and in hiding, and has an extraordinary ability to tell when people are lying. Cyrus was cynical about this talent at first but is now convinced.

It’s interesting that both Evie and Cyrus were ‘found / rescued’ when young by police officers. Cyrus has stayed in touch with his rescuer Lenny though and she often drags him into cases.

The past and present collide here as the case Lenny’s investigating has ties to Evie’s past.

When She Was Good
by Michael Robotham
Series: Cyrus Haven #2
Published by Hachette Australia
on 28/07/2020
Source: Hachette Australia
Genres: Crime Fiction, Thriller / Suspense
ISBN: 9780733644849
Pages: 352

Goodreads

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. 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...

Although I like Cyrus, Evie’s been the star of this series for me and—as we delve into her past—we get some insight into the strangely enigmatic young woman. I really liked where Robotham is taking Evie’s character. There’s no doubt she was horribly abused as a child but he doesn’t shy away from also suggesting Evie’s extreme talents and intelligence means she may have manipulated the situations in which she found herself.

I felt a sense of guilt as I contemplated this but appreciate Robotham’s not suggesting we (people) are either all good or all bad. Of course I also realise self-preservation was probably at the core of her past behaviour, along with some concern for others.

I loved meeting Evie’s version of Lenny, Sacha—the young constable who ‘found’ Evie in hiding. We learn, like Evie (Cyrus and Lenny) Sacha’s life was forever changed by her discovery and what came after.

Robotham doesn’t resolve everything here, so be warned if you like your mysteries tied up neatly. We get answers but enough questions remain around Evie that we know there’s more to discover about the young woman who’s finally reached an age to branch out on her own. 

When She Was Good by Michael Robotham will be published by Hachette and available this week.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.