I absolutely loved this! I adore Michael Robotham’s writing and these characters are becoming new firm favourites. His writing flows flawlessly and the snappy chapters with the duel perspectives work perfectly. I cannot wait to see what happens next as I feel what happened in this could lead perfectly into the next book!

The next instalment with Cyrus Haven, a forensic psychologist and Evie McCormack, his lodger with a troubled past. It was be beneficial to have read the first two books to understand the past of these two characters and the bond they have. Cyrus is brought into to help when Maya goes missing for her home where her father is found murdered. Then Mayas body turns up and now the plot thickens when there is a deeper meaning behind this attack and a similar one from 6 years earlier. Meanwhile, Cyrus has to deal with the thought of his schizophrenic brother, who murdered their parents and twins sisters, being realised from the psychiatric hospital when he has been held for the last 20 years.
Another masterpiece from Michael Robotham, already looking forward to the next instalment!

The third in the Cyrus Haven series and I thought easily the best so far. While there is still a lot about the continuing characters of Evie and Cyrus himself, this book focuses much on the story around Cyrus’s older brother who has been in a secure psychiatric prison for almost 20 years for the brutal murder of his family and has started the process of being released for short periods of time into society. There is also the mystery surrounding the attacks and disappearance of 3 women. There is more about Evie herself too who I find one of the most intriguing continuing characters in all the crime novels I have read. Excellent read.

Cyrus Haven #3
4+ stars

I have eagerly awaited the return to the town of my birth (Nottingham) and the two fantastic characters in Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac. The novel starts powerfully as Cyrus reflects on his brother Elias' killing of their family as Rampton Secure Hospital reviews the possibility of his release. Evie is trying to make Cyrus happy by pretending to do something with her life via exams and a part time job. I just love her dark, dry humour (her views on Othello are laugh out loud and probably bang on the money!) and her interactions with Cyrus. Intertwined with the Elias story is a case Cyrus is called to by DSU Lenny Pavel, following the gruesome murder of 67 year old Rohan Kirk and his missing daughter Maya.

Whilst this may not be as heart in the mouth dramatic as Book One and Two, it's none the less riveting reading and perfectly paced. I feel as if the Elias backstory does need addressing as it has hung over the other two books and this is an absolutely fascinating and enlightening part of the story. The relationship between Evie and Cyrus is complex, the dialogue between them is so good and each understands the other probably better than any other human being. It's so intriguing pondering if and how Elias will alter dynamics between them.

The case of missing Maya is also one that goes through multiple layers and has several twists and turns as the plot heads down blind alleys, then raises your suspicion antenna which twitches in several directions but as ever the author has surprises in store. At times it's quite emotional, you feel a gut punch at the unfairness and injustice that is delivered. The pace builds and the last part is a hold your breath, tension fuelled, suspenseful and dramatic confrontation. The setting for this is brilliant as it perfectly fits and matches what unfolds and adds to the intensity. It is riveting reading.

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I can't wait for Number 4 and to find out what's next for this incredible pair.

PS. Although this can be read as a standalone, I would advise reading 1 and 2 for a fuller experience.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

After having read the first two previous books in the series I was so thrilled to be given the arc of this one and omg I loved every single thing about it.
What I love about the series is that the continuing back story of Evie and Cyrus is just as interesting as the case that is under investigation and that for me is what makes the books so special and I felt that we got to know them both even better.
Told by Evie and Cyrus in alternating chapters I was glued to the kindle as the case became increasingly compulsive and the race to find the killer more intense. The added interest was also that of the release of Cyrus’s brother Elias as he is being allowed home visits from the psychiatric hospital where he has been for many years and of course this brings with it many problems.
I loved this book I could go on and on about just how brilliant it is I can’t fault anything about it and so many many thanks to Michael Robotham for a truly wonderful read and please hurry up and write the next I miss all the characters already!
So a 5 star book to savour and if you haven’t read the first two please do yourselves a favour and don’t miss those either they are all amazing.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lying Beside You - Michael Rototham
3.5🌟

First off I would like to thank Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group and the author Michael Robotham for supplying this advanced reading copy of this book (due to be published on 23rd June 2022) in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book in the Cyrus Haven series and the story is told through the two main characters Cyrus and Evie. Psychologist Cyrus is working with the police investigating the murder of a man and the disappearance of his daughter, he's living with his troubled roommate/friend Evie and his brother Elias is due to be released from a psychiatric home after serving 20 years for the brutal murder of their parents and twin sisters. Cyrus needs to decide whether he can fully forgive his brother and welcome him back into the family home while also trying to help the police solve the crime/crimes - So there's quite a lot going on! Despite not having read the previous two books in the series, I liked the sound of the blurb of this one and having read and really enjoying 'The Secrets She Keeps' by the same author last year, I knew I wanted to read some more by this author so wanted to give this one a go.

That being said, although this book can be read as a standalone, I do think having read the first two would have helped me understand the dynamics of the relationship between the two main characters. I think knowing Evies' back story may have helped me understand her a bit better. I liked Cyrus's character but I didnt really take to Evie. Reading this book HAS made me want to read the previous two though so I defo think I just needed to have read them in order to really get invested in the characters.

It was a really entertaining read. I was gripped from the beginning - it was fast paced, with a great plot and the chapters were short so I flew through it. I really liked the writing style. I will defo be reading the rest of the series (in the right order this time) and will keep a look out for any future books by this author.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you're a fan of crime reads but I would suggest you read the series in order to have a better understanding of the two main characters and their pasts.

3.5🌟

Such a brilliant book with wonderfully strong and captivating characters, Superb storyline too and totally gripped all the way through. Really didn't want it to end.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of Lying beside You, the third novel to feature forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven and his housemate Evie Cormac, set in Nottingham.

Cyrus has mixed feelings about his brother, Elias, being released from a secure psychiatric hospital, because Elias murdered the rest of the family. In the meantime he has a case to investigate, Rohan Kirk was murdered in his home and his daughter, Maya, is missing. Then a second woman goes missing and Evie is the only witness.

I enjoyed Lying beside You, which has an interesting plot, several twists and a satisfying ending. I would not, however, call it gripping as it is an easy book to put down and pick up later. For me this is because the narrative alternates between Cyrus and Evie, not giving me the chance to sink my teeth into a long chunk and get really immersed.

The switching between voices is distracting for me, but, on the other hand, it offers two distinct takes on events. I haven’t got round to reading the first two novels in the series that are buried somewhere in my TBR so I can only judge the characters on this novel. Evie is by far the stronger character, young, headstrong and deeply damaged by her past. She is annoying at times but very likeable with her loyalty when she deigns to give it and personal code of morality. Cyrus is much milder. There’s no doubt he’s smart and reasonable, but his reasonableness is even more annoying as sometimes you just want him to lose the plot, or at least his temper. They are an interesting duo, two deeply hurt and damaged souls trying to forge a life.

The plot, until the final few chapters, is quite slow moving in terms of the investigation, but the life problems take up the slack. In terms of motive it is not a new idea, but the author puts a new, ambiguous spin on it. I found it readable with an easy style and a relatively credible plot line.

Lying beside You is a good read that I can recommend.

A Searing Rollercoaster..
A searing rollercoaster ride in the third of the Cyrus Haven novels. Elias is due to be released from the secure psychiatric unit but can Cyrus ever forgive the man who ruined his childhood? Can he forget? Whilst preparing himself for the forthcoming onslaught, Cyrus is called to a tragic crime scene. With a pacy, often breathless narrative, pitch perfect characterisation and a non stop storyline this is a worthy addition to this superlative series. This can be read as a standalone although the backstory is well worth your time. Compulsive, immersive reading.

I handy realised this was the 3 part of a series and think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the qst 2 books but I did rtill find this one really captivating and enjoyable. It's very detailed and there's a lot of description which slows down the feel of the story and stops the plot from moving as rapidly as I'd have liked but fir those who like really detail orientated, procedural, technical books then this will be perfect. I prefer more action and less describing but each to their own. The characters are really well written and fascinating, but again, I think it would have helped to read the other books 1st.

Twenty years ago, Cyrus Haven's family was murdered and only he and his brother survived. Cyrus because he hid. Elias because he was the killer.
Now Elias is being released from a secure psychiatric hospital and Cyrus, a forensic psychologist, must decide if he can forgive the man who destroyed his childhood. WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW WOW. Do not miss this book. It is sooo well written, completely gripping so make sure you set aside many hours so that you can greedily devour it in one swoop.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Your basic police procedural, but Evie always brings a little extra dazzle. For her, 3.5 rounded up.

This the third in the Cyrus Haven/Evie Cormac books and having focussed mainly on Evie's story up until now this one deals more with Cyrus. There is a missing child at the heart of this book and the race against time to find her is portrayed by the fast pace of the story. It is exciting throughout and has a massive twist at the end. I love the dynamic between Cyrus and Evie. They both have a dry, caustic humour which can leave those around them baffled as to what their relationship is. Hopefully we will get to see more of them in the future.

Having read the two previous books in this series I was delighted to get an ARC of Lying Beside You and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. I love the way the author has a continuous story within a story and that over the 3 books each character is developing more

I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I have the entire series, and have no hesitation recommending it

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED. Sensational!! This is the third novel in the series and while I didn't think it was possible, they just keep getting better.

We are back with Cyrus Haven, who lost all of his family when he was young, murdered by his brother and we get a glimpse into that fateful day. Now it's time for his brother to be released from the psych ward, but can he really function in society again and can Cyrus ever forgive him?

Meanwhile, Cyrus is helping the police with a murder case and again we have Evie, who also becomes involved in the case. She is trying to fit into society but inevitably, she up to her usual tricks and you can't help but cheer her on.

It's hard to explain the exact joy that this author's novels bring but if you have not started this series yet, you really need to. His signature writing and suspense had my fly through this one in a matter of hours. Brilliant!!

Twenty years ago, Cyrus Haven's family was murdered and only he and his brother survived. Cyrus because he hid. Elias because he was the killer.

Now Elias is being released from a secure psychiatric hospital and Cyrus, a forensic psychologist, must decide if he can forgive the man who destroyed his childhood.

As he prepares for the homecoming, Cyrus is called to a crime scene in Nottingham. A man is dead and his daughter, Maya, is missing. Then a second woman is abducted. The only witness is Evie Cormac, a troubled teenager with a gift for knowing when people are lying.

Both missing women have dark secrets that Cyrus must unravel to find them - and he and Evie know how the past can come back to haunt you . . .

‘Lying Beside You’ by Michael Robotham - who doesn’t love a book about psychopaths?! Two brothers, pitched in a battle against each other because one is good and one is very very bad. Excellent characters and a gripping plot that will keep you turning the pages looking for answers. Michael Robotham always does so well in his thrillers to keep the reader entertained and engrossed and this one is no different. Would highly recommend.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

I often wondered why Michael Robotham finished the Joe O’Laughlin series and then started another one with a similar character, both psychologists with a flawed family life and wry sense of humour.
Having said that I have enjoyed the Cyrus Haven books, this being the third in the series, as I have enjoyed all the authors books. His writing is that good.
It would be beneficial to read the first two books in order, to get an idea of Cyrus and Evie and what brought them together.
There are several stories running through this book, foremost two women are missing and a man is dead. The only witness to the 2nd missing woman, who was abducted, is Evie, the troubled girl with the gift of being able to tell if you are lying. Both of the missing women have secrets that Cyrus must unravel so he can find them.
Elias, Cyrus’s older brother is being released from the psychiatric unit that has been his home for the past 20 years. He killed their parents and twin sisters, and now will be living with Cyrus. Evie doesn’t like Elias and doesn’t feel comfortable when he is around.
As things start to heat up in the investigation, each of them will have a part to play in finding the missing women.
It’s a satisfying read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it

#LyingBesideYou #NetGalley

I haven't read the previous books. But reading this made me want to read the others. A steady and gripping plot.

‘Lying Beside You’ is the third in Michael Robotham’s Dr Cyrus Haven and Evie Ward series. It’s a pleasure to see the ways in which the author continues to develop his main characters, both as individuals and within their relationship. However, a very big fly in the ointment arrives just when Evie is beginning to settle to everyday life, namely Cyrus’ brother, Elias, who for those new to the series was convicted years ago of familicide.
Robotham’s portrayal of this man feels authentic. Part oversized child, part uncontrollable force, Elias makes the reader nervous. We sympathise with Evie whilst trying to accept Cyrus’ professional opinion that Elias is no longer dangerous. Perhaps it is the strength of this strand of the plot that makes me, unusually, rather less gripped by the parental vendetta at the centre of the narrative.
I’m always happy to read a Michael Robotham novel whether it’s a standalone or one of the Joe O’Loughlin series. ‘Lying Beside You’ is no exception. However, the chase to catch the killer towards the end of the book was rather less engaging than I expected: too much description of the surroundings perhaps, and very little known about the perpetrator other than his circumstances.
Nevertheless, the latest novel in this series is an important part of the whole. It’s appears that Robotham is likely to return to the interesting triangular relationship of Elias, Cyrus and Evie in future, and there’s no knowing if Evie will ever learn to navigate the world of adult relationships.
My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

Lying Beside You is the third installment in the series featuring Dr Cyrus Haven and Evie Ward. When I heard there was due to be another book released, I was excited to see what direction this one would take. The second book wrapped up a lot of questions from the first about Evie’s backstory (and is still my favorite entry in the series). This one is set a few years after and follows Cyrus and Evie as they become wrapped up in another mystery. I loved both Evie and Cyrus, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Both are believable, realistic and likeable characters. The authors portrayal of PTSD and trauma I felt were very realistic and evoked empathy and compassion for the characters. The mystery was convoluted (in a good way), enticing and keeps you interested. I pretty much read this entire book (as well as re-read the previous two again as I wanted to go into this one with my memory fresh) over the course of a weekend. What can I say, except that I’m hooked. Please write more. I’d even like to know more about Elias, who is a character who is growing on me. A well written, thrilling and suspense filled story. There is a reason Michael Robotham is considered a master of his craft. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.