Lying beside you by Michael Robotham

Another thrilling episode in the lives of Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac from twice winning CWA Gold dagger author Michael Robotham is sure to be a favourite with readers of dark mysteries. Cyrus is called to Nottingham to a crime scene, a man is dead and his daughter Maya, is missing. Then another woman is abducted. While this is happening Cyrus is dealing with his brother Elias who murdered their parents. Cyrus has been asked to look after Elias as he is released from a secure psychiatric hospital, and this raises many issues from the past. Evie is trying to behave in a normal way but her past comes back to haunt her.

This is a very exciting book with tense scenes, but it is the psychological aspects of the novel that stayed with me. It is told from the point of view of Cyrus and Evie in alternating chapters giving details about what is happening from two points of view. Cyrus and his struggles to forgive Elias for killing his parents and his fears for the mental well-being of Elias are a focus of the story and left me wondering how he could cope. Evie too has flashbacks to her horrible childhood and must hide her ability to tell whether someone is lying, in an attempt to appear normal.

Supporting characters, including Mitch, a man accused of murder, are well fleshed out and the mysteries surrounding the two missing women are gripping. Robotham always manages to keep the suspense alive, and the final denouement is terrifying but a satisfying conclusion in the last chapter takes the edge off the tension and will leave readers waiting for the next instalment in the lives of Cyrus and Evie.

Themes: Murder, Psychological thriller.

Pat Pledger