Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cyrus is a police psychologist whose family was murdered by his brother when he was a child. He works with Evie, a girl who was found alone in a house, whose real name and history are unknown. Cyrus gets involved in the murder of a retired cop and finds that he was independently investigating the case of a paedophile that had long been closed, just prior to his death. This leads to some mysteries about Evie's past being uncovered.

I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, but I think I enjoyed this one more. I was intrigued by these characters in the first book and I was excited to learn more about Evie's background in this one. I found that the story just moved right along and I was interested throughout. I have read several books from this talented author, but I think this was one of the better ones. I look forward to future books with these characters.

This was a really good read. It was meaty and well thought out. There was plenty to get stuck into, it was fast paced and there was lots going on, but not too much that I felt I was becoming overwhelmed or lost trying to keep up with them. Good girl, Bad Girl was a great read but the story continued here in When She Was Good and it finished some of the questions that were left unanswered by filling in some of the gaps relating to their pasts. Evie we discover was a victim of a pedophilia ring when she was just a child and now memories of her horrific experiences come flooding back to haunt her. She and criminal psychologist Cyrus join forces here as they investigate a murder that was disguised as a suicide and thus uncover evidence pertaining to Evie's disturbing past as they uncover truths about the child sex industry. This book was well written. Suspense was held throughout and information was very slowly revealed to give us what we needed to know. I really enjoyed this book. I give it 4 stars and am already looking forward to the next instalment.

A decent sequel. Good to see Cyrus and Evie back again, and now we are finding out more about Evie’s past and why some very bad people are still looking for her. Good pace, well written characters and a decent plot. Wonder where they will go from here?

A terrific Series Evie &Cyrus are characters that jump off the pages.The authors books never fail to draw me in keeps me racing through the pages,Inwill be recommending this book and the series.#netgalley#littlbrownuk.

Oh, my! This is a fabulous read. It's an 'edge of the seat' thriller with characters you not only care about, but, immerse yourself in and an excellent storyline that had me gripped from beginning to end.

It's sooo well written.

A heartbreaking follow up to 'Good Girl Bad Girl'. However, this can absolutely be read as a stand alone.

Cyrus is a psychologist who became involved in the story of Evie, a young girl, rescued from a house of horrors and who is now in a secure children's home. Sasha is the Special Constable who found Evie and who has since become something of a hermit. Then there is the suspicious suicide of a policeman involved in Evie's original case.
All of the characters are incredibly drawn and interesting and the author cleverly weaves the tale as it's told from the perspective of either Cyrus or Evie.

Evie has a heartbreaking history and what I particularly loved about the book is that, despite being emotionally connected to her story, this is achieved without the need for detailed descriptions of her past pain and experiences. It's fabulous the way that the author manages to influence such depth of feeling without lots of detail which, in my view, would have ruined the story. The underlying darkness and sinister depth that permeates the story had an incredible impact on me both throughout the book and since finishing.

I loved it! Thanks so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown UK for the privilege of previewing this 5* read in exchange for this honest review.

Although I don’t need any convincing when it comes to Michael Robotham’s credentials as a great writer of crime fiction, I was quite impressed with the direction he had taken with Good Girl, Bad Girl and was looking forward to seeing where he would take new characters Cyrus and Evie. The murder mystery plot of the first book wasn’t Robotham’s most adventurous, owing a little to Twin Peaks, but it was clear that there were two intriguing damaged characters here that held great potential. When She Was Good however quickly shows that there is clear intent to delve further into their complicated backgrounds.

Aside from the unusual talent for being able to tell when someone is lying to her, it was clear that there was a dark backstory to Evie’s Cormac’s experiences. Confined now to protective care in a children’s institution, there were indications of some kind of abuse in her past. Found in an empty house where a man had been tortured to death, Evie is clearly a damaged figure. Now approaching her presumed 18th birthday, she still has a way of getting into trouble and it raises doubts about her ability to fend for herself in the outside world.

Which is where Cyrus Haven comes in. As a forensic psychologist for the Midlands Police Force, Cyrus isn’t a million miles away from Joe McLoughlin, the protagonist of a series of terrific books series of books by Robotham, but he also has a troubled family history that has allowed a trusting relationship to develop between him and Evie. Which is as well, as Evie has an unusual ability to be able to tell with almost complete accuracy when someone is lying to her. It’s a handy skill to have playing poker or for doing a little investigation for Cyrus, but a bit of a curse when you don’t know why someone is lying and when it’s you they are lying about. It might be one step closer to the truth, but even the truth can’t be trusted.

Having pushed their relationship to the limits on a dangerous case in Good Girl Bad Girl, and in the process ensuring that there was no possibility of Cyrus looking after Evie on any long term basis, Robotham makes it clear very early on that it’s Evie’s history that is going to come very much to the fore in When She Was Good. Cyrus has been asking questions about Evie’s background, but he’s not the only one. It appears like there are some very dangerous determined people wanting to find the girl known as ‘Angel Face’. What is worse is that Cyrus might be inadvertently leading these men towards finding Evie through his questioning and investigations.

Again using the format of viewing matters from the alternate first person viewpoints of Cyrus and Evie, the first two chapters of When She Was Good are a sheer joy of superb fluid writing that immediately draws you into the mystery of Evie’s unknown origins, a mystery that everyone is either reluctant to speak about or know suspiciously very little. That’s followed by an amusing situation that describes the nature of Evie and her ability to cause trouble wherever she goes quite brilliantly. If you haven’t met Cyrus and Evie before, Robotham captures the essence of both and the whole tone of this series brilliantly in the first two chapters. Consider yourself hooked.

It soon becomes apparent that there may be a very good reason why there is an air of secrecy over Evie’s origins and background, and why even Evie doesn’t want to speak about it. A great deal of her shocking backstory comes tumbling out and there are certain aspects that you might already have guessed from the hints in the previous book. What is interesting about When She Was Good is that Cyrus and Evie rarely meet up in this second book, but yet from what we learn about both of them, the bond between them deepens. The case very much brings out traumatic episodes in their lives that in some way defines who they are and how they see the world.

The actual treatment of the crime thriller aspects are more satisfying here than in the previous book since they are more closely related to the characters with revelations that serve to define them well, but When She Was Good does still feel a little mechanical in its plotting. There are one or two shocks here and certainly a few emotional punches to the gut, but no real surprises. I think I might have been expecting a little more originality from Robotham after his last Joe McLoughlin (The Other Wife) and his last standalone thriller (The Secrets She Keeps) and hoped that we might see more of these characters than a two book series, but as it is, Robotham resolves matters in a highly satisfactory way and with customary flair.

This is the 2nd book in the Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac series by author Michael Robotham. I am a big fan of this author and really enjoy the Joe O'Loughlin series and this new series looks to be to the same high standard.
Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven is involved in a new murder case which he believes will set the troubled Evie free. Evie has a troubled past and six years ago she was found hiding in a secret room in the aftermath of a brutal murder. But nobody has ever discovered her real name or where she came from, because everybody who tries ends up dead. The duo have a very complex relationship and it is not helped by Evie's reluctance to trust anyone. Evie has an interesting ability to know when someone is lying which can help in cases but I feel is slightly underplayed so far in this series.
I would recommend reading the 1st book in the series to fully appreciate the back story as this book really deals with Evie's dark past.
This series is another winner for me and I really do look forward to Michael Robotham's books coming out.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Little Brown Book Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

These books are easily becoming one of my favourite series! I just adore Evie & Cyrus. I’ve always enjoyed Michael Robotham’s writing style and this just takes it to a completely new level for me. I haven’t been this excited for a crime series in awhile and can not wait to get my hands on future instalments! Thank you Netgalley & Little Brown Book Group.

When She Was Good is the second in the series, while it can be read as a standalone book, I made sure to read the first book before I devoured this one and I’m glad that I did! You could read this as a standalone and would enjoy it, but I think you get more from the book having read the first one. When She Was Good follows on from Good Girl, Bad Girl, definitely go and read that one first!

When She Was Good follows forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven and the mysterious Evie Cormac. Cyrus is still trying to discover who Evie is and where she came from, against her wishes, Evie knows who she is and where she came from but also understands how dangerous it is for others to know and that there are still people looking for her years after she vanished.

There are casualties along the way, some more graphic than others and plenty of twists and turns. Cyrus has a new partner, which makes Evie uncomfortable, but it is slowly blossoming away in the background. More so there is the fast-paced adventure as Cyrus digs deeper into what he now knows is a vile paedophile ring, that’s also very powerful.

The story covers some uncomfortable subjects but is engaging, you can’t help but turn the next page to see what comes next. The characters are very believable and well developed, the relationship between Cyrus and Evie, is at times, complicated, but there is a lot of love and care between them, they have a great bond and Cyrus is her closest adult who Evie trusts and calls on when she needs help.

This is a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a psychological thriller. I’m hoping there are more to come in the series and will be first in line when it's available!

Not as good as the 1st in the series which I gave 5 stars but a definite good read! Engaging characters and plot lines. Recommended to my other half who also enjoyed it.

A little like a softer "Girl with the dragon tattoo" which is no bad thing!

This is the second book in the Cyrus and Evie series and it is every bit as good as the first! Michael Robotham definitely knows how to write a gripping read!
Mystery teenager Evie is living in a secure children’s home keeping contact with psychologist, Cyrus who persists in trying to find out her true identity despite Evie’s warnings.
Evie has escaped from somewhere and people are looking for her. She is scared that if Cyrus digs too deep he will be in danger too.
Whilst looking into Evie’s background Cyrus is called on to consult for the police when a retired officer is found dead. On further investigation there seems to be a link to Evie- her name appears on a case the officer was revisiting.
As Cyrus delves deeper he discovers more about a conspiracy which reaches the highest echelons of society.
This book is fast moving and gripping, examining some very dark themes including child trafficking and abuse. Once I started reading I just could not put it down, racing through the novel to find out who Evie is and why she is in such danger. We learn more about Evie’s “super power” - she can tell when someone is lying to her and Cyrus is fearful this is going to prevent her having a normal life in the future.
I liked the bond between the two characters, both Cyrus and Evie have very tragic backgrounds and the device of alternating between their viewpoints in the narrative works very well and certainly helps to build up the tension.
This is a great read and recommended to all psychological thriller fans. Set aside time to read as you definitely won’t be able to put it down once you’ve started. I am now looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was an excellent mystery novel focusing on the world of psychiatry that I enjoyed reading. The storyline literally kept me glued to the pages. I can’t recommend the book enough!

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading. I have read the first book in the Cyrus Haven series, Good Girl, Bad Girl, and really enjoyed reading that book and When She Was Good, the second in the series was even better. The storyline is gripping and intense and keeps the reader engaged from the beginning to the end.
The characters of Cyrus Havers and Evie Cormac are so well defined that they seem like real people, with their own quirks and habits. The two books together are a phenomenal read and are a masterclass in storytelling by Michael Robotham.
Highly recommended

I gave this book 5 stars because it was so well written, but I almost gave up after the first few chapters which flip between Cyrus the Psychologist and Evie the badly damaged and brutalized girl he is trying to help. After a while it becomes apparent why the chapters flip as they do. This book is dark and intense with no humour, and very disturbing as it is so true to life. Extremely well thought out, but I doubt I will be reading anything else by this author. If the idea was to put the story in my mind to take root and think about, it has worked.
I got an ARC in return for an honest review.

Evie Cormac is a damaged child living in a secure children's home, but now on the run. No one knows her true identity, no one wants to find her more than forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven himself traumatised by the brutal death of his own family. Evie's life is in danger as witness to a murder she is targeted by those who wish her dead, and the secrets that she knows, and those she can expose will die with her. A fast paced and very enjoyable thriller told in the first person alternating between the characters of Cyrus and Evie. This is a form of story telling that the author uses to great effect keeping the tension taut and the readers attention from first to last page. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review, and that is what I have written.

A line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s well-known verse is the title of Michael Robotham’s latest tale involving psychologist Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac, a resident in a secure children’s home:
‘When she was good,
She was very good indeed,
But when she was bad she was horrid.’
It’s no wonder that Evie can be horrid. She is living with terrible secrets and this trauma makes her take risks, make unwise decisions and trust no one, not even Cyrus who cares greatly for her.

Over the course of the novel, as he tries to put together pieces from her past, Cyrus begins to appreciate that the nameless puppet master who controls a paedophile ring and procures children, Evie included, is not only vile but also very powerful. The usual forces of law and order appear impotent. When Evie’s best friend is mistakenly killed instead of her, Cyrus realises that Evie’s views must be respected and that he must step in to protect her.

The subject matter ensures that this story is not an easy read. However, Robotham is never gratuitous and his characterisation is, as always, extremely effective. The relationship between Evie and Cyrus is entirely believable, seen mostly through their unsentimental and sometimes witty dialogue. Whilst the ending is satisfying, the author clearly does not believe in happy ever after and, given the themes within the narrative, this is entirely appropriate. Another good read; a pleasure to catch up with Cyrus, and if you haven’t already enjoyed ‘Good Girl Bad Girl’, there’s time to catch up before, hopefully, book number three in the series!

My thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

When She Was Good by Michael Robotham is the 2nd in the series featuring criminal psychologist Cyrus Haven and mystery girl Evie Cormac, someone with a traumatic past that she doesn't want Cyrus investigating. We first met Cyrus and Evie in Good girl,Bad Girl, which I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend those tempted by this title to read first. It can be read as a standalone but you'll get a lot more from it by reading the first book in the series ,as well as enjoying another great read.
Against Evie's wishes Cyrus tries to discover who she really is, where she comes from and why she was found hiding in a house with a dead body. In doing so he puts her ,and himself,in great danger as powerful and dark forces attempt to silence her to keep their despicable crimes secret.
This series is a bit of a change of direction for Michael Robotham from the more cerebral Joseph O'Loughlin tales to more of a Simon Kernick style ,in particular When she Was Good where the action is non-stop with more high speed twists and turns than the Isle of Man TT.
Cyrus and Evie are both great characters with a complex relationship,not helped in this book by Cyrus's new partner, someone who Evie should be very grateful to .
If you enjoy fast-paced adventure,with a bit of conspiracy theory thrown, in or just a good story this will appeal. If you enjoyed Simon Kernick's Bone Field trilogy you'll love it.
There are themes some will find distressing,child abuse,trafficking and extreme violence,descriptions of which which are quite graphic so please avoid if this will make you uncomfortable.
Another great book from Michael Robotham and hopefully more in the same series to come.

Thanks to Michael Robotham, Little Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

The pace and heart rending storyline took my breath away. You so desperately want everything to work out for Evie and Cyrus as payment for the horrific lives they’ve lead at someone else’s hands. Michael Robotham is a very skilled storyteller and this book is up there with his very best. Highly recommended.
ARC copy.