Linda's Reviews > When She Was Good

"People think they want the truth, but the opposite is true. Honesty is mean and rough and ugly, while lying can be kinder, softer, and more humane."

And what exactly is truth? My truth, your truth, or the truth handed out by whomever for whatever.

When She Was Good sifts through the inner actions of forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven along with a young woman's horrendous flashbacks from being hidden in a secret room overlooking the remains of a vicious murder. Evie knows much and says very little.

Now admittedly, I jumped into this one without the benefit of having read Good Girl, Bad Girl. When She Was Good reads as a standalone thanks to the more than capable writing skills of Michael Robotham. I couldn't wait. Don't hold that against me. Kinda like partaking in French pastries and then going back to see how they're made. Still very satisfying.

When She Was Good has the benefit of headlining chapters between Cyrus and Evie. We get into the heads of both without giving away the store too soon. Both individuals have massive baggage that casts giant shadows into the present and into the future. We're dealing with wounded people here with one offering therapy that is often turned away. Michael Robotham crafts this one well without going too deeply into the mechanics of Evie's backstory experiences. We're fully aware as readers that a soul has been shattered.

I found the constant thread of Truth/Lies reflecting what, unfortunately, makes this world go round. On some days, like Evie, we face it full-on. On other days, we re-invent the circumstances to make it all bearable like Cyrus.

Don't pass this one up. I've already got my hands on Good Girl, Bad Girl and looking forward to backtrack the footsteps of Evie and Cyrus. Forward or reverse, a Michael Robotham book guarantees a fine read indeed.