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Wednesday, February 15, 2023

When She Was Good by Michael Robotham

 
Evie Cormac is a defiant, clever, stubborn, sometimes dangerous and fierce, but also fragile and vulnerable teen-ager. She doesn't trust others and can tell when someone is lying to her. Seven years ago she was found at the scene of a horrific murder. But she won't talk about her past; she won't even tell anyone her real name or age. And she's very afraid that the men from her past will find her someday. 

Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven has been looking into Evie's past, hoping to find the truth about her family and who hurt her all those years ago. But he's digging into a hornet's nest of secrets that should not be disturbed, putting both him and Evie in danger. Then other people close to the investigation start to die.

My thoughts:  I forgot how much I love Robotham's writing! His books are always so suspenseful and well-layered, his characters memorable and captivating. This is the second book about Evie and Cyrus and it's just as propulsive and compelling as Good Girl, Bad Girl (which you really need to read first). Evie's past is revealed in this one--a past that involves sex trafficking and abuse--and it made me angry and broke my heart at the same time. Evie's a true survivor. And Cyrus? He's the best. I could not put this book down. Another 5-star read!

Happy Reading!

Other Robotham books I've read and reviewed (and loved):
(These books are all part of his Joe O'Loughlin series which is awesome.)

32 comments:

  1. The premise seems intriguing; and Evie sounds like an interesting character, too. Perhaps I need to check out his other book first before this one. ;)

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    1. Definitely read the first book in this series first!

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  2. This sounds like an interesting book featuring interesting characters and an important topic, sex trafficking. It's a terrible thing which I know next to nothing about but there are brave people out there trying to stop it and protect children

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    1. It's so heartbreaking that it still goes on in our world! You'd think we could stop it and protect our children better.

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  3. I've not read Robotham's books, but, on your five-star recommendation, I'm adding him to my want-to-read list.

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    1. I have loved every books of his that I've read! His first series with Joe O'Loughlin is wonderful. His books are well-written and suspenseful. Definitely give him a try.

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  4. I need to start this series. Evie sounds like a great character.

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    1. She's so angry and fierce and so vulnerable, too. I really like her.

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  5. It has been years since I last read his books, but I do remember loving them. I may need to dip my toe back in!

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    1. He's such a good author! I really do love his books.

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  6. I read a few of Robotham's books and liked them all. I had noticed this new-ish series that he has. Definitely will read in order and I'm pretty sure that #3 is out soon.

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    1. I think you're right about the third book coming out soon. That's why I felt I needed to hurry up and read this second one, so I wouldn't fall even further behind. ;D

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  7. Oh that sounds good. I will be adding both books to my wish list.

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    1. I'm so glad! They're both really good books.

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  8. You've read quite a few of his books. They all seem pretty suspenseful.

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    1. They're all so good. I especially love his characters.

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  9. This story sounds intense! Wonderful review, Lark

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    1. :D It's easier to write good reviews when the book is so awesome.

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  10. Oh gosh, her past does sound heartbreaking! I've never read this author but sounds like I should give him a try! Off to look him up. Fab review, Lark! :)

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    1. I love Michael Robotham's books! I think you'd like them, too.

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  11. Another new to me author and series so I will look that up on Goodreads.

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    1. Both his series are amazing. I hope you get a chance to give him a try.

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  12. Heavy topics for a book, but if it's good reading, glad you enjoy the series.

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    1. It is a heavy topic, but handled well. And it doesn't get graphic at all, which I can never take in a book like this.

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  13. I have not read anything by Robotham but I have his first book, Suspect, on my shelves for at least 13 years. That is sad and I should read it. I have read so many good things about his writing.

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    1. I really love his books! They're so well written and he writes very likable characters.

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  14. I read Good Girl, Bad Girl last year and loved it! I've read a couple other books by Robotham and thought they were great thrillers too. I think he's got a new book coming out in this series this year. I better read this one soon so I won't fall behind!

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    1. ;D I checked this one out for that very same reason!

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  15. Oh wow, you already have me wanting to know more about Evie and her past. Glad to hear this series has been such a great read for you!

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  16. Adding Good Girl Bad Girl to my TBR. Love this premise and both Evie and Cyrus sound like great characters.

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