When she was good by Michael Robotham
Cyrus Haven Bk 2. Hachette, 2020. ISBN: 9780733644849
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Recommended. Following Good
girl,
bad girl, comes a thrilling instalment in the lives of
Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac. At the end of Good girl, bad girl
readers were left pondering the mystery of just who Evie was and why
she had been hiding for so long. She has been safe in a secure home
when Cyrus is called in to investigate the murder of Detective
Superintendent Hamish Whitmore. As he follows the trail left by the
detective, he gradually grows closer to finding out the secrets of
Evie's past. However, Evie knows that it is very dangerous for Cyrus
to be uncovering what has happened in the past and both she and
Cyrus are in peril from some very powerful people in high places and
the evil hitmen hired by the leader.
Told in alternating chapters by Cyrus and Evie the story of Evie's
past gradually unfolds. The tension was so great that I devoured
this book in a few sittings as I followed Cyrus' investigation of
what has happened, heart in my mouth as I saw how dangerous it was
for Evie and appalled at the child abuse, manipulation and murder
that she had witnessed. It was horrifying but totally engrossing to
find out Evie's background, while also seeing Cyrus develop as a
person and to find out more about his broken childhood.
Evie's ability to tell when a person is lying is a strong thread in
the story, as is the question about whether the past should stay
buried and monsters left alone. The ability of powerful people to
manipulate the police and the justice system was also highlighted.
Robotham's clever plotting, character development and twists and
turns keep the suspense alive the whole way through to the
unexpected and exciting conclusion. Although the main mystery of
Evie's past is uncovered for the reader in When she was good, fans
will be happy that some options have been left open for Cyrus and
Evie to continue working together, using their unique skills and
backgrounds.
Pat Pledger