This was a compelling read
The characters are well developed.
It is fast paced due to the short chapters
Looking forward to seeing next in series

I had previously read and enjoyed the first Cyrus Haven thriller Good Girl, Bad Girl, so I was thrilled to be able to carry on with the series. The story carries on from the first book so I would definitely recommend reading Good Girl, Bad Girl first to get a better understanding of the background. Evie and Cyrus are both really interesting characters and the storyline was very dark and intense, a really gripping read. There were a lot of details to focus on in quite a complex story but I would be interested in picking up a copy of Book 3 to continue the series.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

This was the second book in the Cyrus Haven series. Cyrus is a psychologist, with his main charge being a young damaged woman. The threat to this young woman already started in book 1, and the author hints about it frequently throughout the book. This make for a very thrilling read, gripping until the end, and making you love this author and his books even more.

Full of suspense and a real page turner. Really enjoyed it and it backs up my great experience with the author.

Robotham is always a real treat & true to form this one didn't disappoint!

I devoured it in one sitting and cannot wait to next the next one on this series!

I've enjoyed Michael Robotham's books previously and couldn't wait to start this one. Told between alternating chapters from Evie and Cyrus' POVs so you were gripped in more. Overall an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more in the future.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book, It is the second book in the series featuring forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven and is every bit as gripping as the first book, I can't wait to read the next one.

This book is part of a series which I didn’t realise. I haven’t read the first book and this novel seems to be a direct follow on from the first one.
As a result, I felt I was missing a lot of important information about the story and parts of it didn’t really make sense.
I would recommend reading the first book in the series as this book doesn’t work as a stand-alone.

Cyrus Haven is a forensic psychologist who works with the police. He seems to have had a troubled past and is trying to find out more about a girl called Evie. Evie was found hiding at the scene of a brutal murder, and dangerous people are still looking for her.

Initially I quite liked Cyrus’ character but ended up a bit fed up with him. He interferes so much with the police investigations and ended up becoming a bit annoying.
Evie felt a bit stereotypical in a way, the standard troubled, angry teen. She has had a traumatic time so her reactions are understandable, it just felt a bit samey to me.

I found the plot was OK but a lot of it would have made more sense if i’d read the first book. It alternates between the points of view of Cyrus and Evie, with some flashbacks.
It picked up a bit in the last quarter but I found the end a bit underwhelming.

Overall, this book was alright but I’m not sure I’m interested enough in the story to go back and read the first one.

Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for a copy for review.

WOW!!! Back in 2019 I picked up Good Girl, Bad Girl and was blown away. It featured Cyrus Haven a psychologist and a very damaged and unusual young girl named Evie Cormack. For me you HAVE to read that book to be able to understand their relationship and to be fair it was an amazing book so why wouldn’t you want to read it? I was really hoping for them to return and when I picked this book up, I assumed it was a standalone. I was thrilled to realise it was book 2 featuring the two of them once again.

Cyrus has his own issues having lost his family as a young child. I think that is why he is so drawn to Evie who is currently residing at Langford Hall which is a secure children’s home. This book shifts between current day and Evie’s past. It is done in such a way there is no confusion, just a slow reveal of her horrific past as each layer is peeled back. We see a real emotional roller coaster for both Cyrus and Evie as they battle their own demons and Cyrus tries desperately to help save Evie. It just isn’t clear who he is saving her from.

This book I would have read in one straight sitting, however sadly I had to go to work and by 3am my eyes were fighting so I had to suffice and finish it the next day. Michael Robotham is a seriously talented author who has created an amazing book with fabulous characters. I am really hoping this isn’t the end for Cyrus and Evie and I would love to see what they do next. HUGELY recommended…

Oh my what a great story. I really like this author and have read other books by him and he never fails to satisfy. Well written, good plot, I liked the characters and just need more please.

Was really pleased when I knew this was a follow up Evie and Cyrus story as I’d enjoyed good girl, bad girl so much. Enjoyed the way the storyline developed. Would love more Evie and Cyrus series

The sequel to Good Girl, Bad Girl didn't live up to my love of the first book - it lacked the second crime/mystery of the first book. I read/listened to both books back-to-back and would suggest not doing this as I think it took away from the second book.

The storyline in When She Was Good is gripping and exciting, but I felt a little let down at the same time. The atmosphere and intrigue that enveloped me in the first book fell flat at times here, as well as the actions of Cyrus in one big moment that didn't feel true to his character...so I decided to go with 3 stars - but a high 3 stars. 3.5 if allowed half ratings!

Some of the side characters introduced in this title also felt a bit 2-demensional and indistinguishable from one another. The plot was great, and moved quite fast. I liked how we got the story of Evie's past and everything (mostly) wrapped up in a very realistic way. I enjoyed the journey of reading the book and getting all the answers the previous book asked and that it was not dragged on for a third title. While we could obviously see more titles in the series I think this works well as a duology. The reader is not left needing more answers, but there are still plenty of questions that could be answered....

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book I have read by this author, and this one didn't disappoint. A tough subject to cover, but well written, with great characters. Another well-recommended read.

When She Was Good by Michale Robotham spun me up in the air and left me hovering in a state of heightened tension for all of this book. I loved finding out more about Evie's past, seeing the growth in her connection with Cyrus, and just generally spending time these two strongly developed characters.

Dark, but with a lot of heart. I highly recommend this series. You definitely need to read book 1 (Good Girl, Bad Girl) first though.

This book was incredible! The characters were unique and intriguing, all adding another layer to an already compelling story.
An addictive, fast paced book that had me hooked from start to finish. I found this book impossible to put down!

A dark story of child abuse

The two central figures in this story are Evie Cormac and Cyrus Haven. Evie was found hidden in a cupboard in the house where a brutal murder took place. Cyrus is a Forensic Psychologist who has made it his job to find out what happened to Evie and who she is. No-one has come forward to identify her, and she does not appear on any register of missing children.

Although it’s a dark tale of child abuse, it is also in many ways an uplifting story and one which offers hope despite the subject matter. It shows how Evie uses various mechanisms to survive and how investigating old mysteries is sometimes not the best option. Let sleeping dogs lie.

It’s a gripping tale and one which draws in the reader who will want to discover more and more about Evie’s past experiences and background. Child abuse is not a pleasant subject on which to base a novel, but it’s handled sensitively and with great care.

mr zorg

Elite Reviewing group received a copy of the book to review.

Michael Robotham is a top-notch crime writer, whether entertaining and intriguing readers with his Joe O'Loughlin series or his superb standalones like LIFE OR DEATH. This new recurring duo of criminal psychologist Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac is fascinating, and in Robotham's masterful hands a superb novel is delivered.

What an excellent book. I've read quite a few of Michael's books but this definitely ranks as one of his best. I was gripped from start to finish and literally didn't want to put it down. It's one of those books where the story stays with you long after you've finished it. Loved the characters and the writing style. If you've not read this book yet, you need to get your hands on a copy as soon as possible.

I didn’t realise when I started this book that it was the second one in the series. I wish I had read the first one but it did read well as a stand-alone. It features Cyrus Howan, a criminal psychologist and Evie Cormac who featured in the first book and the story is told from their points of view. Cyrus and Evie have a complicated relationship as Evie has had a traumatic past which we learn more about. She has dangerous enemies who are determined to track her down, Cyrus tries to piece together her past and in doing so puts her life in danger. We learn of Cyrus’s tragic past following the loss of his family, leaving him with a troubled brother who is in a high secure psychiatric hospital. The book has some disturbing themes, including human trafficking and abuse but I found it a book I couldn’t put down. I will certainly catch up with book number one and eagerly await book number three.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sphere for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.