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Cyrus Haven #3
Lying Beside You
Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac return in Robotham’s latest “expertly paced and psychologically acute” ( Kirkus Reviews ) thriller that’s “one of his best, suspenseful and hard to put down” (Stephen King).
If I could tell you one thing about my brother, it would be two days after his nineteenth birthday, he killed our parents and our twin sisters because he heard voices in his head. As defining events go, nothing else comes close for Elias, or for me.
As a boy, Cyrus Haven survived a family massacre and slowly pieced his life back together. Now, after almost twenty years, his brother is applying to be released from a secure psychiatric hospital—and Cyrus is expected to forgive Elias and welcome him home.
In this “brilliant novel” ( The Globe and Mail , Toronto), Elias is returning to a very different world. Cyrus is now a successful psychologist, working with the police, sharing his house with Evie Cormac, a damaged and gifted teenager who can tell when someone is lying. Evie has gone back to school and is working part-time at an inner-city bar, but she continues to struggle with authority and following rules.
When a man is murdered and his daughter disappears, Cyrus is called in to profile the killer and help piece together Maya Kirk’s last hours. Police believe she was drugged and driven away from the same bar where Evie is working. Soon, a second victim is taken, and Evie is the only person who glimpsed the man behind the wheel.
But there’s a problem. Only two people believe her. One is Cyrus.
The other is the killer.
If I could tell you one thing about my brother, it would be two days after his nineteenth birthday, he killed our parents and our twin sisters because he heard voices in his head. As defining events go, nothing else comes close for Elias, or for me.
As a boy, Cyrus Haven survived a family massacre and slowly pieced his life back together. Now, after almost twenty years, his brother is applying to be released from a secure psychiatric hospital—and Cyrus is expected to forgive Elias and welcome him home.
In this “brilliant novel” ( The Globe and Mail , Toronto), Elias is returning to a very different world. Cyrus is now a successful psychologist, working with the police, sharing his house with Evie Cormac, a damaged and gifted teenager who can tell when someone is lying. Evie has gone back to school and is working part-time at an inner-city bar, but she continues to struggle with authority and following rules.
When a man is murdered and his daughter disappears, Cyrus is called in to profile the killer and help piece together Maya Kirk’s last hours. Police believe she was drugged and driven away from the same bar where Evie is working. Soon, a second victim is taken, and Evie is the only person who glimpsed the man behind the wheel.
But there’s a problem. Only two people believe her. One is Cyrus.
The other is the killer.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2022
841 people are currently reading
15893 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robotham
53 books7,307 followersTwo-times Gold Dagger winner (2015 and 2020), twice Edgar best novel finalist (2016 and 2020) and winner of the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger (2021), Michael Robotham was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers and magazines in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies. Twelve of these non-fiction titles have been bestsellers with combined sales of more than 2 million copies.
His first novel 'THE SUSPECT', a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth “International Book of the Month”, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries.
Since then, Michael's psychological thrillers have been translated into twenty-five languages and his Joe O'Loughlin series is are currently in development for TV by World Productions. A six-part TV series based upon his standalone novel THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS was aired on BBC1 in 2020, and a second series begins filming in 2021.
Michael lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers and magazines in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies. Twelve of these non-fiction titles have been bestsellers with combined sales of more than 2 million copies.
His first novel 'THE SUSPECT', a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth “International Book of the Month”, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries.
Since then, Michael's psychological thrillers have been translated into twenty-five languages and his Joe O'Loughlin series is are currently in development for TV by World Productions. A six-part TV series based upon his standalone novel THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS was aired on BBC1 in 2020, and a second series begins filming in 2021.
Michael lives in Sydney with his wife and a diminishing number of dependent daughters.
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October 24, 2022
“I’m a nonperson, a ghost, a shadow.”
Lying Beside You is a psychological thriller/procedural about a serial killer and the forensic psychologist investigating the case.
This is book #3 in the Cyrus Haven series. It can be read as a standalone.
This installment finds Evie, a "truth wizard," trying to settle into a life of normalcy. Attending college and on the verge of starting her first job, Evie is making strides. However, fitting in is challenging, especially when she opens her mouth.
Cyrus is dealing with a challenge of his own--his brother Elias stands to be released from a mental institution which means Cyrus will be taking on another ward. Plus, Evie and Elias together pose a whole different challenge.
The narrative alternates between Cyrus and Evie. I love Evie’s voice; her dark, cutting humor had me smirking. Cyrus is as torn as ever. Their dynamic fuels this series.
The plot has many layers. The mystery is compelling, and I was wrong about the killer's motives. Even though there were several obvious clues about the killer’s identity, my armchair detective skills failed me.
This is a fast-paced, compulsively readable thriller that kept me guessing until the end. There are a few surprising twists thrown in that caught me off guard. I can't wait to see what is next for Cyrus and Evie.
I recommend this series to those who enjoy intelligently written, well-developed characters, interesting mysteries, and a good amount of tension and suspense.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Scribner in exchange for an honest review.
Lying Beside You is a psychological thriller/procedural about a serial killer and the forensic psychologist investigating the case.
This is book #3 in the Cyrus Haven series. It can be read as a standalone.
This installment finds Evie, a "truth wizard," trying to settle into a life of normalcy. Attending college and on the verge of starting her first job, Evie is making strides. However, fitting in is challenging, especially when she opens her mouth.
Cyrus is dealing with a challenge of his own--his brother Elias stands to be released from a mental institution which means Cyrus will be taking on another ward. Plus, Evie and Elias together pose a whole different challenge.
The narrative alternates between Cyrus and Evie. I love Evie’s voice; her dark, cutting humor had me smirking. Cyrus is as torn as ever. Their dynamic fuels this series.
The plot has many layers. The mystery is compelling, and I was wrong about the killer's motives. Even though there were several obvious clues about the killer’s identity, my armchair detective skills failed me.
This is a fast-paced, compulsively readable thriller that kept me guessing until the end. There are a few surprising twists thrown in that caught me off guard. I can't wait to see what is next for Cyrus and Evie.
I recommend this series to those who enjoy intelligently written, well-developed characters, interesting mysteries, and a good amount of tension and suspense.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Scribner in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
Cyrus and Evie are back for round third with an impossible to put down adventure!
One year already passed after being roommates!
Cyrus, pumping weights, saying goodbye to her short time girlfriend Sasha, trying to live an eventful life with Evie which is not easy task to handle! And now his brother Elias suffers from schizophrenia, has killed his entire family, is about to be released from Rampton Secure Hospital to live with them!
And Evie is pushed to the outside world, finishing school, feeling like more outcast around her judgmental classmates, finally finding a job to mix cocktails at a bar where she’s forced to wear a black dress. This means she has to say goodbye her two sized bigger hoodies she covers herself to look smaller, hoping to turn into a wallflower.
Evie and Cyrus’ relationship is still so complex. The traumas they’ve been through make them closer. They totally understand each other. Evie falls for him. She still thinks Cyrus deserves happiness and she thinks she’s not valuable enough to be his significant other as Cyrus keeps telling he never sees her like that, he sees her a member of a family he’s lost!
Cyrus finds himself investigate a disabled old man’s murder and his daughter Maya Kirk’s disappearance. Later that another woman is kidnapped by a mysterious man. Could all those cases related with another incident happened 6 years ago! Is there someone out there to hunt the nurses? But why? What’s the motive?
As expected Evie eventually gets involved into case by an unexpected twist!
The twisty, smart murder case, the dynamics between Cyrus and Evie and Elias’ involvement into their home life were perfectly executed.
Elias gave me creeps and in the meantime I truly feel sorry with him. Evie and Elias’ interactions were one of the most gripping and intriguing parts of the book. Two broken people suffer from different mental disorders and both of them are suspicious about each other’s motives!
Overall: this book is FANTASTIC! I wish Michael Robotham writes dozens of sequels! The series absolutely ADDICTIVE and best thing I’ve read lately!
One year already passed after being roommates!
Cyrus, pumping weights, saying goodbye to her short time girlfriend Sasha, trying to live an eventful life with Evie which is not easy task to handle! And now his brother Elias suffers from schizophrenia, has killed his entire family, is about to be released from Rampton Secure Hospital to live with them!
And Evie is pushed to the outside world, finishing school, feeling like more outcast around her judgmental classmates, finally finding a job to mix cocktails at a bar where she’s forced to wear a black dress. This means she has to say goodbye her two sized bigger hoodies she covers herself to look smaller, hoping to turn into a wallflower.
Evie and Cyrus’ relationship is still so complex. The traumas they’ve been through make them closer. They totally understand each other. Evie falls for him. She still thinks Cyrus deserves happiness and she thinks she’s not valuable enough to be his significant other as Cyrus keeps telling he never sees her like that, he sees her a member of a family he’s lost!
Cyrus finds himself investigate a disabled old man’s murder and his daughter Maya Kirk’s disappearance. Later that another woman is kidnapped by a mysterious man. Could all those cases related with another incident happened 6 years ago! Is there someone out there to hunt the nurses? But why? What’s the motive?
As expected Evie eventually gets involved into case by an unexpected twist!
The twisty, smart murder case, the dynamics between Cyrus and Evie and Elias’ involvement into their home life were perfectly executed.
Elias gave me creeps and in the meantime I truly feel sorry with him. Evie and Elias’ interactions were one of the most gripping and intriguing parts of the book. Two broken people suffer from different mental disorders and both of them are suspicious about each other’s motives!
Overall: this book is FANTASTIC! I wish Michael Robotham writes dozens of sequels! The series absolutely ADDICTIVE and best thing I’ve read lately!
May 21, 2022
This is the third in Michael Robotham's stellar Forensic Psychologist and Criminal Profiler Cyrus Haven and 21 year old Evie Cormac crime series, set in Nottingham. As readers familiar with this series will be aware, Cyrus has a traumatic background, when he was 9 years old, his older brother Elias, killed his parents and twin sisters after hearing voices in his head. Elias was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and has been incarcerated at Rampton Secure Psychiatric Hospital for the last 20 years. It has now been assessed that Elias is safe to return to the community and can be trusted to manage himself and his mandatory drug regime. Cyrus, unsurprisingly unsettled and unsure, agrees to a monitored Elias living at his home in a staged process that begins with a short visit, followed by a weekend, until he is finally released.
A troubled and emotionally damaged Evie is still finding the world a difficult place to live in, friends elude her, she is only close to her labrador, Poppy, but she has a remarkable talent, she always seems to know when anyone is lying. She believes Mitch Coates, hired as a handyman by Cyrus, when he says that he is innocent of the sexual assault he was convicted and imprisoned for. Evie is undoubtedly a taxing and problematic personality as can be observed with her input in a discussion on Othello, and her issues are far from resolved as can be seen when it comes to buying a dress for a job working in a cocktail bar. She has begun to feel safe living with Cyrus, sadly accepting she cannot have the relationship she wants with him, but feels uncomfortable with Elias staying in the house. Cyrus is called in on a police investigation by Detective Superintendent Lenny Parvel, in which a 67 year old father, Rohan Kirk, has been brutally murdered, and his daughter, Maya, has disappeared, feared abducted. This is a complex case of murder, in which tensions reach sky high when other women are taken too.
Robothom is a talented writer, he grabs my interest with ease with the dynamics of the ongoing relationship between Cyrus and Evie, and the more current complications of Cyrus's personal trauma and his efforts to build a relationship with Elias, feeling he has to forgive him, it's what his parents would have wanted. This is a riveting crime read, packed with suspense and tension, the author skilfully connects Cyrus's current case with that of Mitch, a man so sinned against, yet retains his humanity against all the odds. It's wonderful to observe that it appears that Evie is at long last apparently showing signs of being able to make friends. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
A troubled and emotionally damaged Evie is still finding the world a difficult place to live in, friends elude her, she is only close to her labrador, Poppy, but she has a remarkable talent, she always seems to know when anyone is lying. She believes Mitch Coates, hired as a handyman by Cyrus, when he says that he is innocent of the sexual assault he was convicted and imprisoned for. Evie is undoubtedly a taxing and problematic personality as can be observed with her input in a discussion on Othello, and her issues are far from resolved as can be seen when it comes to buying a dress for a job working in a cocktail bar. She has begun to feel safe living with Cyrus, sadly accepting she cannot have the relationship she wants with him, but feels uncomfortable with Elias staying in the house. Cyrus is called in on a police investigation by Detective Superintendent Lenny Parvel, in which a 67 year old father, Rohan Kirk, has been brutally murdered, and his daughter, Maya, has disappeared, feared abducted. This is a complex case of murder, in which tensions reach sky high when other women are taken too.
Robothom is a talented writer, he grabs my interest with ease with the dynamics of the ongoing relationship between Cyrus and Evie, and the more current complications of Cyrus's personal trauma and his efforts to build a relationship with Elias, feeling he has to forgive him, it's what his parents would have wanted. This is a riveting crime read, packed with suspense and tension, the author skilfully connects Cyrus's current case with that of Mitch, a man so sinned against, yet retains his humanity against all the odds. It's wonderful to observe that it appears that Evie is at long last apparently showing signs of being able to make friends. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 12, 2022
Book three of the Cyrus Haven series.
I loved both previous works but was somewhat nervous heading into this one. Having read so many books in between the releases, I had little memory of the previous. No worries. The highly talented Michael Robotham gave me just enough to tickle my brain and it all came rushing back to me.
So you may be wondering if this can be read as a stand-alone? Most definitely yes!.💁🏻♀️. But this series is outstanding! I strongly suggest going back and starting with book one, Good Girl Bad Girl.
Evie has settled comfortably into Cyrus’ home, as promised she is going to school (though she hates it.) She recently got a job, (also hates it) and finally bought a mini car she calls “mouse” (which she loves)! 🤣
Cyrus’ brother is up for release from the state hospital where he’s been remanded to for over 20 years. The questions are obvious.
◉Will he be released to Cyrus?
◉Does Cyrus even want him home?
Cyrus has his hands full dealing with his personal struggles revolving around his brother. But certain things just can’t wait. The police need him to help them profile a killer who left a father fatally beaten, a daughter abducted. Is Cyrus able to put his personal life aside long enough to help identify a killer?
I absolutely adored Cyrus and Evie. Two very human, flawed characters drawn to each-other. Like peanut butter and jelly! I can’t imagine one without the other.
Michael Robotham did it again! An absolute five-star read!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner
I loved both previous works but was somewhat nervous heading into this one. Having read so many books in between the releases, I had little memory of the previous. No worries. The highly talented Michael Robotham gave me just enough to tickle my brain and it all came rushing back to me.
So you may be wondering if this can be read as a stand-alone? Most definitely yes!.💁🏻♀️. But this series is outstanding! I strongly suggest going back and starting with book one, Good Girl Bad Girl.
Evie has settled comfortably into Cyrus’ home, as promised she is going to school (though she hates it.) She recently got a job, (also hates it) and finally bought a mini car she calls “mouse” (which she loves)! 🤣
Cyrus’ brother is up for release from the state hospital where he’s been remanded to for over 20 years. The questions are obvious.
◉Will he be released to Cyrus?
◉Does Cyrus even want him home?
Cyrus has his hands full dealing with his personal struggles revolving around his brother. But certain things just can’t wait. The police need him to help them profile a killer who left a father fatally beaten, a daughter abducted. Is Cyrus able to put his personal life aside long enough to help identify a killer?
I absolutely adored Cyrus and Evie. Two very human, flawed characters drawn to each-other. Like peanut butter and jelly! I can’t imagine one without the other.
Michael Robotham did it again! An absolute five-star read!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner
March 4, 2023
EXCERPT: 'We follow the evidence,' says Lenny. 'We track her phone. We study the CCTV cameras. We identify the car. We investigate.'
I wish I could share her confidence, but I keep remembering the bondage marks on body, the rope corset designed to subjugate and humiliate. I picture Daniela similarly bound and gagged. Waiting for his return. Terrified he will. More terrified he won't.
ABOUT 'LYING BESIDE YOU': When a man is murdered and his daughter disappears, forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven must decide if Maya Kirk is running, hiding, or a hostage. Cyrus understands how killers think better than anyone; after all, he's a survivor.
Evie is a troubled teenager with an incredible gift: she knows when someone is lying. She is working at a Nottingham bar when a second woman goes missing, a nurse with links to Maya Kirk. Both women have a secret they have tried to hide, but the past is never history.
Evie witnesses the second abduction, glimpsing the driver, but only two people believe her.
One is Cyrus.
The other is the killer.
MY THOUGHTS: Robotham is an extraordinary writer who has crafted a gripping crime thriller, a worthy third installment in the Cyrus Haven series. Before I go any further, you do need to read this series in order, in order to fully understand the characters, their relationships and backgrounds.
Cyrus is a wonderful character. He is astute, kind, and has the patience of a saint, especially with Evie, who is enough to try the patience of a saint. Often sullen, resentful and petulant, she makes it near impossible to like her or to form any sort of relationship with her. She has mastered the art of keeping everyone at arms length, and even further away if possible. Despite this, Evie is incredibly perceptive and possesses the uncanny ability of knowing when someone is lying, something Cyrus finds useful and something he would love to be able to do.
In Lying Beside You, Cyrus and Evie have to come to terms with a third person in their midst, with the release of Cyrus's brother from a secure psychiatric facility, so the dynamics of their relationship are changing again.
This is an intricately plotted read, full of suspense and red herrings. I am a late comer to this author, but he is now firmly entrenched in my top ten list.
Great cover art and truly relevant.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#LyingBesideYou #NetGalley
I: @michaelrobotham @littlebrownbookgroup_uk
T: @michaelrobotham @LittleBrownUK
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Michael Robotham was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped in 1979 and became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies.
Michael writes in what his daughters' refer to as his 'cabana of cruelty' on Sydney's northern beaches where he slaves away daily to cater to their every expensive whim. Where is the justice?
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK, Sphere, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I wish I could share her confidence, but I keep remembering the bondage marks on body, the rope corset designed to subjugate and humiliate. I picture Daniela similarly bound and gagged. Waiting for his return. Terrified he will. More terrified he won't.
ABOUT 'LYING BESIDE YOU': When a man is murdered and his daughter disappears, forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven must decide if Maya Kirk is running, hiding, or a hostage. Cyrus understands how killers think better than anyone; after all, he's a survivor.
Evie is a troubled teenager with an incredible gift: she knows when someone is lying. She is working at a Nottingham bar when a second woman goes missing, a nurse with links to Maya Kirk. Both women have a secret they have tried to hide, but the past is never history.
Evie witnesses the second abduction, glimpsing the driver, but only two people believe her.
One is Cyrus.
The other is the killer.
MY THOUGHTS: Robotham is an extraordinary writer who has crafted a gripping crime thriller, a worthy third installment in the Cyrus Haven series. Before I go any further, you do need to read this series in order, in order to fully understand the characters, their relationships and backgrounds.
Cyrus is a wonderful character. He is astute, kind, and has the patience of a saint, especially with Evie, who is enough to try the patience of a saint. Often sullen, resentful and petulant, she makes it near impossible to like her or to form any sort of relationship with her. She has mastered the art of keeping everyone at arms length, and even further away if possible. Despite this, Evie is incredibly perceptive and possesses the uncanny ability of knowing when someone is lying, something Cyrus finds useful and something he would love to be able to do.
In Lying Beside You, Cyrus and Evie have to come to terms with a third person in their midst, with the release of Cyrus's brother from a secure psychiatric facility, so the dynamics of their relationship are changing again.
This is an intricately plotted read, full of suspense and red herrings. I am a late comer to this author, but he is now firmly entrenched in my top ten list.
Great cover art and truly relevant.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#LyingBesideYou #NetGalley
I: @michaelrobotham @littlebrownbookgroup_uk
T: @michaelrobotham @LittleBrownUK
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Michael Robotham was born in Australia in November 1960 and grew up in small country towns that had more dogs than people and more flies than dogs. He escaped in 1979 and became a cadet journalist on an afternoon newspaper in Sydney.
For the next fourteen years he worked for newspapers in Australia, Europe, Africa and America. As a senior feature writer for the UK’s Mail on Sunday he was among the first people to view the letters and diaries of Czar Nicholas II and his wife Empress Alexandra, unearthed in the Moscow State Archives in 1991. He also gained access to Stalin’s Hitler files, which had been missing for nearly fifty years until a cleaner stumbled upon a cardboard box that had been misplaced and misfiled.
In 1993 he quit journalism to become a ghostwriter, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and showbusiness personalities to write their autobiographies.
Michael writes in what his daughters' refer to as his 'cabana of cruelty' on Sydney's northern beaches where he slaves away daily to cater to their every expensive whim. Where is the justice?
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK, Sphere, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 2, 2024
4.5+⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the author’s Cyrus Haven series and I’m glad to say Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham does not disappoint!
When he was nineteen, Elias Haven, Cyrus’s older brother, murdered their twin sisters and parents, acting on the instigation of the voices in his head. Twenty years after he was incarcerated at Rampton Secure Hospital – a psychiatric facility, where he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Elias is about to be released and Cyrus has mixed feelings about Elias’s impending return and the possible disruption to his life and is concerned about how Evie, who now twenty-one years old, is struggling to bring a sense of normalcy into her life and now lives in Cyrus’s home, would react to Elias being there. Evie is currently back in school, studying for her A Levels, and also working in a local bar but after the trauma she has endured and her ability to tell when a person is lying doesn’t make interacting with others any easier.
Cyrus, a forensic psychologist and profiler who works with local enforcement, is also involved in the investigation of the disappearance of Maya Kirk, a woman in her thirties who is suspected of having been kidnapped from her home after her father was attacked and left for dead. When another woman, who was a customer at the bar where Evie works, disappears and Evie is the last one to have seen her, Evie inevitably gets involved in the case. Are the disappearances connected? Evie is also busy trying to prove the innocence of Mitchell Coates, a convicted rapist, recently released on parole and working for Cyrus, who claims and who Evie believes to be innocent.
Needless to say, both Evie and Cyrus have a lot on their plates and plenty of complications arise as they try to find out what happened to the missing women, while also working to prove Mitch’s innocence and navigating their personal problems.
Twisty and utterly absorbing, with plenty of surprises along the way, this was a gripping thriller that kept me guessing until the very end and I loved it when all my theories were proved wrong! The narrative, presented from Cyrus and Evie’s first-person POVs, provides a well-rounded picture of the events as and when they happen. The author has done a remarkable job of depicting the shifting dynamic between Cyrus and Evie. Evie does behave immaturely for her age, at times, but her insecurities and attitude towards Cyrus are well-explained. The author injects quite a bit of dry humor in Evie’s POV to keep you entertained. The narrative features several subplots that are seamlessly woven into a cohesive narrative. At no point does the plot become convoluted or difficult to follow. I’ve rarely seen such strong character development in a thriller series and this is where the author excels. Not only are Robothem’s plots complex and layered, but in Cyrus and Evie he has created characters that the reader is invested in, striking an almost perfect balance between the character-driven and plot-driven aspects of the story.
Superb writing, complex character dynamics, and a well-crafted suspenseful plot make for a riveting read! This series just keeps getting better!
Please note that this book would not work as a standalone and I would recommend reading the books in series order.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the author’s Cyrus Haven series and I’m glad to say Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham does not disappoint!
When he was nineteen, Elias Haven, Cyrus’s older brother, murdered their twin sisters and parents, acting on the instigation of the voices in his head. Twenty years after he was incarcerated at Rampton Secure Hospital – a psychiatric facility, where he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Elias is about to be released and Cyrus has mixed feelings about Elias’s impending return and the possible disruption to his life and is concerned about how Evie, who now twenty-one years old, is struggling to bring a sense of normalcy into her life and now lives in Cyrus’s home, would react to Elias being there. Evie is currently back in school, studying for her A Levels, and also working in a local bar but after the trauma she has endured and her ability to tell when a person is lying doesn’t make interacting with others any easier.
Cyrus, a forensic psychologist and profiler who works with local enforcement, is also involved in the investigation of the disappearance of Maya Kirk, a woman in her thirties who is suspected of having been kidnapped from her home after her father was attacked and left for dead. When another woman, who was a customer at the bar where Evie works, disappears and Evie is the last one to have seen her, Evie inevitably gets involved in the case. Are the disappearances connected? Evie is also busy trying to prove the innocence of Mitchell Coates, a convicted rapist, recently released on parole and working for Cyrus, who claims and who Evie believes to be innocent.
Needless to say, both Evie and Cyrus have a lot on their plates and plenty of complications arise as they try to find out what happened to the missing women, while also working to prove Mitch’s innocence and navigating their personal problems.
Twisty and utterly absorbing, with plenty of surprises along the way, this was a gripping thriller that kept me guessing until the very end and I loved it when all my theories were proved wrong! The narrative, presented from Cyrus and Evie’s first-person POVs, provides a well-rounded picture of the events as and when they happen. The author has done a remarkable job of depicting the shifting dynamic between Cyrus and Evie. Evie does behave immaturely for her age, at times, but her insecurities and attitude towards Cyrus are well-explained. The author injects quite a bit of dry humor in Evie’s POV to keep you entertained. The narrative features several subplots that are seamlessly woven into a cohesive narrative. At no point does the plot become convoluted or difficult to follow. I’ve rarely seen such strong character development in a thriller series and this is where the author excels. Not only are Robothem’s plots complex and layered, but in Cyrus and Evie he has created characters that the reader is invested in, striking an almost perfect balance between the character-driven and plot-driven aspects of the story.
Superb writing, complex character dynamics, and a well-crafted suspenseful plot make for a riveting read! This series just keeps getting better!
Please note that this book would not work as a standalone and I would recommend reading the books in series order.
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July 17, 2022
In this third instalment of this excellent series featuring forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven, Cyrus is called to the scene of a murder by his old friend Detective Lenny Pavel. A pensioner with brain injuries who lived with his daughter had been brutally bashed to death and now his daughter Maya is missing. Lenny wants Cyrus’ opinion on whether Maya could have killed her father or whether she has been abducted by the killer. When Cyrus points out signs of an intruder breaking in to the house, the police know that they are now in a race against time to find Maya.
Evie, the damaged and troubled teenager who Cyrus took under his wing is now twenty one and lodging with Cyrus while she completes her school exams. To make a contribution to the household expenses, she decides to get a part-time job as a waitress in a bar. One night she helps a seemingly inebriated woman, Danielle, leave the club and get a share ride home. However, Danielle never made it home that night. The driver of the share ride she booked said she wasn’t waiting for him when he arrived to collect her, so whose car did Evie see her get into and is Danielle’s disappearance linked to Maya’s?
In addition to assisting the police find the missing women, Cyrus has other problems to deal with at home. Twenty years ago his older brother Elias, killed their parents and sister during a schizophrenic episode when Cyrus was only nine and has been incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital since. Now his doctors have agreed he is ready to be released and knowing he must learn to forgive him, Cyrus has agreed to Elias living with him while he becomes used to a world he has never known. Cyrus seems to be a saviour of lost souls as he has also taken in a homeless handyman he hired, a man on parole following a prison sentence for a sexual assault he claims he didn’t do.
The narrative alternates between Cyrus and Evie, giving us their points of view on all that is happening. With so many new people entering her life, Evie’s innate ability to know when someone is lying serves her well in knowing who to be wary of and who to trust. Her relationship with Cyrus is still evolving as they become more comfortable with each other. Evie may be twenty one, but often still behaves as a difficult and moody teenager while she learns to navigate in the world. Cyrus recognises that she still has a lot of growing up to do and is so understanding and patient with her as he gradually building her trust.
Robotham is a superb plotter of suspense and this is a riveting and gripping read. Well plotted, with plenty of wrong turns until Cyrus stumbles across a link between the missing women and a previous case. If you’ve read the previous two books in the series you won’t want to miss this, and if you haven’t you’ll want to start at the beginning to fully enjoy the characters and their relationships.
With many thanks to Little, Brown Group for a copy to read. This review was first published in Mystery & Suspense magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ly...
Evie, the damaged and troubled teenager who Cyrus took under his wing is now twenty one and lodging with Cyrus while she completes her school exams. To make a contribution to the household expenses, she decides to get a part-time job as a waitress in a bar. One night she helps a seemingly inebriated woman, Danielle, leave the club and get a share ride home. However, Danielle never made it home that night. The driver of the share ride she booked said she wasn’t waiting for him when he arrived to collect her, so whose car did Evie see her get into and is Danielle’s disappearance linked to Maya’s?
In addition to assisting the police find the missing women, Cyrus has other problems to deal with at home. Twenty years ago his older brother Elias, killed their parents and sister during a schizophrenic episode when Cyrus was only nine and has been incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital since. Now his doctors have agreed he is ready to be released and knowing he must learn to forgive him, Cyrus has agreed to Elias living with him while he becomes used to a world he has never known. Cyrus seems to be a saviour of lost souls as he has also taken in a homeless handyman he hired, a man on parole following a prison sentence for a sexual assault he claims he didn’t do.
The narrative alternates between Cyrus and Evie, giving us their points of view on all that is happening. With so many new people entering her life, Evie’s innate ability to know when someone is lying serves her well in knowing who to be wary of and who to trust. Her relationship with Cyrus is still evolving as they become more comfortable with each other. Evie may be twenty one, but often still behaves as a difficult and moody teenager while she learns to navigate in the world. Cyrus recognises that she still has a lot of growing up to do and is so understanding and patient with her as he gradually building her trust.
Robotham is a superb plotter of suspense and this is a riveting and gripping read. Well plotted, with plenty of wrong turns until Cyrus stumbles across a link between the missing women and a previous case. If you’ve read the previous two books in the series you won’t want to miss this, and if you haven’t you’ll want to start at the beginning to fully enjoy the characters and their relationships.
With many thanks to Little, Brown Group for a copy to read. This review was first published in Mystery & Suspense magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ly...
February 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this third installment in the Cyrus Haven series.
Once again we meet up with forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven and his charge, Evie Cormac, who has the unique ability to tell if someone is lying. When he was nine years old, Cyrus's parents and twin siblings were stabbed to death by his older brother Elias, suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. After twenty years in a psychiatric hospital Elias has now been granted permission to have day and then overnight visits to integrate back into the world, and Cyrus will host him. In the other part of his life, an elderly man has been murdered and his adult daughter is missing. Can Cyrus balance everything he has going on and find the missing woman before it's too late?
This is an incredibly fast paced book with alternating chapters from Cyrus's and Evie's points of view. There are interesting dynamics between all of the characters, and the mystery in the book ended up being much more intriguing than it seemed on the surface. I thought the parts about Elias were very realistic and it seems as if the author did a fair amount of research into the subject.
There's humor here, and a lot of heart as well. The characterization is what makes this book (and the entire series) shine. I think the series should be read in order because the first two books cover Evie and her past, and although this particular book's mystery can stand alone, you'll miss the back story and that's important for character development and understanding why they act the way they do.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to more suspense with Cyrus and Evie in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Once again we meet up with forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven and his charge, Evie Cormac, who has the unique ability to tell if someone is lying. When he was nine years old, Cyrus's parents and twin siblings were stabbed to death by his older brother Elias, suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. After twenty years in a psychiatric hospital Elias has now been granted permission to have day and then overnight visits to integrate back into the world, and Cyrus will host him. In the other part of his life, an elderly man has been murdered and his adult daughter is missing. Can Cyrus balance everything he has going on and find the missing woman before it's too late?
This is an incredibly fast paced book with alternating chapters from Cyrus's and Evie's points of view. There are interesting dynamics between all of the characters, and the mystery in the book ended up being much more intriguing than it seemed on the surface. I thought the parts about Elias were very realistic and it seems as if the author did a fair amount of research into the subject.
There's humor here, and a lot of heart as well. The characterization is what makes this book (and the entire series) shine. I think the series should be read in order because the first two books cover Evie and her past, and although this particular book's mystery can stand alone, you'll miss the back story and that's important for character development and understanding why they act the way they do.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to more suspense with Cyrus and Evie in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 13, 2023
I have finally finished this phew due to my reading glasses giving me eye strain I must say another 5 star rating for Mr Robotham, Lying Beside You is the 3rd instalment in the Cyrus Haven series, this time round Cyrus brother Elias is let out of a psychiatric hospital after murdering his parents & twin sisters because he heard voices in his head the doctors think he is well enough to live in the community.
Cyrus has lived with this secret since he was a boy, now he wants to help his brother rehabilitate he has schizophrenia but Evie who now lives with Cyrus is scared of him, but Cyrus thinks she has nothing to worry about until a murdered man his daughter missing Rohan Kirk an elderly pensioner 67 years old his wife died in a car accident ten years earlierRohan at the wheel ended up with brain injuries twin daughters Maya & Melody are twins, Maya lives with her dad while Melody lives two streets away life couldn’t be better but when Maya disappears is life repeating itself the prime suspect is Elias but did he do it?
I hope this isn’t the last in this series just loved it the banter between Evie, Cyrus & Elias is terrific I was drawn straight in from the start to finish the writing top notch thoroughly enjoyed.
Cyrus has lived with this secret since he was a boy, now he wants to help his brother rehabilitate he has schizophrenia but Evie who now lives with Cyrus is scared of him, but Cyrus thinks she has nothing to worry about until a murdered man his daughter missing Rohan Kirk an elderly pensioner 67 years old his wife died in a car accident ten years earlierRohan at the wheel ended up with brain injuries twin daughters Maya & Melody are twins, Maya lives with her dad while Melody lives two streets away life couldn’t be better but when Maya disappears is life repeating itself the prime suspect is Elias but did he do it?
I hope this isn’t the last in this series just loved it the banter between Evie, Cyrus & Elias is terrific I was drawn straight in from the start to finish the writing top notch thoroughly enjoyed.
April 23, 2023
Book 3 was as good to me as the previous two. I suppose it is the writing style and yes, some twists and turns which kept me engaged. A page-turner? Yes, it was for me since the plot is crafted intricately, including the role for Cyrus's brother who appears as a character of his own.
OverDrive, thank you!
OverDrive, thank you!
June 21, 2022
With Cyrus Haven, forensic psychologist, at the hearing to discover whether his brother Elias, was well enough to enter society again, Cyrus was of two minds. Elias had been in the facility for twenty years, and as long as he continued to take his medication, he'd be alright. But would he?
Meanwhile a woman had vanished and her father had been bludgeoned to death. Cyrus needed to work out whether Maya was in danger or whether she'd run away. Cyrus' lodger, Evie Cormac, a troubled but bright young woman, was working at a bar when another woman went missing, and when it was discovered she had links to Maya, the race was on. Cyrus was working through the women's lives, trying to find a connection, but the secrets were buried deeply. Would they find the women alive? Would they find the perpetrator? And what would happen when Elias returned to Cyrus' home?
Lying Beside You is the 3rd in the Cyrus Haven series by Aussie author Michael Robotham and it was excellent! This author never disappoints and I'm hoping this series continues for a long time to come. Plenty of twists, gritty tension and breathtaking moments, Lying Beside You is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile a woman had vanished and her father had been bludgeoned to death. Cyrus needed to work out whether Maya was in danger or whether she'd run away. Cyrus' lodger, Evie Cormac, a troubled but bright young woman, was working at a bar when another woman went missing, and when it was discovered she had links to Maya, the race was on. Cyrus was working through the women's lives, trying to find a connection, but the secrets were buried deeply. Would they find the women alive? Would they find the perpetrator? And what would happen when Elias returned to Cyrus' home?
Lying Beside You is the 3rd in the Cyrus Haven series by Aussie author Michael Robotham and it was excellent! This author never disappoints and I'm hoping this series continues for a long time to come. Plenty of twists, gritty tension and breathtaking moments, Lying Beside You is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2023
Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac are back in another gripping, tense and hard to put down installment in the Cyrus Haven series!!!!!
Woohoo!
Cyrus is a forensic psychologist working with the police. As a child he survived the night when his parents and twin sisters were killed by his brother, Elias, who was experiencing auditory hallucinations. Now Elias has applied for release from the psychiatric hospital he has been living for the last twenty years. The plan is for him to move in with Cyrus. Evie Cormac is also living with Cyrus as Cyrus calls his “lodger". She can tell when someone is lying, and it has served her well. She came to live with Cyrus after enduring a horrific and sad childhood. She has issues with authority and following rules.
In this book, Cyrus is called in as a profiler after a man has been found murdered and his daughter is missing. Police believe the last place she was seen before she went missing was the bar where Evie works. Then another woman went missing from the same bar where Evie worked, and Evie was the only person to have seen the man who was driving the car which drove away with the woman.
This book has both Cyrus and Evie dealing with a lot of issues in their lives. Evie is attending school and working at a bar. She struggles with her past and with being around people. Cyrus continues to encourage Evie while also cleaning up her messes when she gets in trouble. Plus, his brother is going to be living with him upon release. A brother who killed their family after experiencing hallucination. Cyrus is a psychologist who is an expert on mental illness and has forgiven his brother but living with him won’t be easy.
The investigation into the missing women is interesting, tense, and well thought out. As the book progressed, it became even more riveting and hard to put down. I immensely enjoyed how everything played out. There was never a dull moment in this book. Fans of the series will be very happy with this book. If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for? This is book #3 so it will be easy to go back to the beginning but this would work as a stand-alone, but you will miss a lot of Evie and Cyrus's backstories.
As with the other books in the series, I enjoy the relationship between Evie and Cyrus. They have great back and forth and I love how they both look out for each other. Evie tries her best but often goes about it the wrong way. She tries and is endearing and at times, frustrating. She didn't have a childhood and is emotionally immature in some ways. Cyrus enjoys helping people and has a good heart. He saves others and I can't help but wonder, who will save Cyrus or rather who will Cyrus allow to save him?
This is a fantastic series with wonderfully drawn characters. Both are strong yet vulnerable. There has been character development in each book, and I have enjoyed how the Author has them growing and changing in various ways. As I mentioned, the investigation into the missing women was well thought out and perfectly paced.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Woohoo!
Cyrus is a forensic psychologist working with the police. As a child he survived the night when his parents and twin sisters were killed by his brother, Elias, who was experiencing auditory hallucinations. Now Elias has applied for release from the psychiatric hospital he has been living for the last twenty years. The plan is for him to move in with Cyrus. Evie Cormac is also living with Cyrus as Cyrus calls his “lodger". She can tell when someone is lying, and it has served her well. She came to live with Cyrus after enduring a horrific and sad childhood. She has issues with authority and following rules.
In this book, Cyrus is called in as a profiler after a man has been found murdered and his daughter is missing. Police believe the last place she was seen before she went missing was the bar where Evie works. Then another woman went missing from the same bar where Evie worked, and Evie was the only person to have seen the man who was driving the car which drove away with the woman.
This book has both Cyrus and Evie dealing with a lot of issues in their lives. Evie is attending school and working at a bar. She struggles with her past and with being around people. Cyrus continues to encourage Evie while also cleaning up her messes when she gets in trouble. Plus, his brother is going to be living with him upon release. A brother who killed their family after experiencing hallucination. Cyrus is a psychologist who is an expert on mental illness and has forgiven his brother but living with him won’t be easy.
The investigation into the missing women is interesting, tense, and well thought out. As the book progressed, it became even more riveting and hard to put down. I immensely enjoyed how everything played out. There was never a dull moment in this book. Fans of the series will be very happy with this book. If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for? This is book #3 so it will be easy to go back to the beginning but this would work as a stand-alone, but you will miss a lot of Evie and Cyrus's backstories.
As with the other books in the series, I enjoy the relationship between Evie and Cyrus. They have great back and forth and I love how they both look out for each other. Evie tries her best but often goes about it the wrong way. She tries and is endearing and at times, frustrating. She didn't have a childhood and is emotionally immature in some ways. Cyrus enjoys helping people and has a good heart. He saves others and I can't help but wonder, who will save Cyrus or rather who will Cyrus allow to save him?
This is a fantastic series with wonderfully drawn characters. Both are strong yet vulnerable. There has been character development in each book, and I have enjoyed how the Author has them growing and changing in various ways. As I mentioned, the investigation into the missing women was well thought out and perfectly paced.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 17, 2022
I can always count on Michael Robotham to give me a five star read and this particular series is five all the way! I am sure you could read this book as a stand alone but if you read the two previous books first it is just so much better!
Lying Beside You is written with alternate chapters for the points of view of the two main characters, Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac. Each of them is as interesting and significant to the story as the other, so this works really well and keeps the suspense level high throughout the book. Sometimes it is hard not to get cross with Evie who struggles with a lot of personal demons, but Cyrus always manages to be patient and forgiving, so I was too.
The story is exciting and intriguing with good cops and bad ones, murders and abductions and plenty of those red herrings to lead the reader astray. Cyrus is in the middle of the investigations and at the same time coping with the release of his brother from a long term stay in a psychiatric hospital. Of course there is a satisfying conclusion and for me at least a surprise guilty party.
I hope the author gives us more Cyrus and Evie in the future (and Lenny and Poppy again too).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lying Beside You is written with alternate chapters for the points of view of the two main characters, Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac. Each of them is as interesting and significant to the story as the other, so this works really well and keeps the suspense level high throughout the book. Sometimes it is hard not to get cross with Evie who struggles with a lot of personal demons, but Cyrus always manages to be patient and forgiving, so I was too.
The story is exciting and intriguing with good cops and bad ones, murders and abductions and plenty of those red herrings to lead the reader astray. Cyrus is in the middle of the investigations and at the same time coping with the release of his brother from a long term stay in a psychiatric hospital. Of course there is a satisfying conclusion and for me at least a surprise guilty party.
I hope the author gives us more Cyrus and Evie in the future (and Lenny and Poppy again too).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 14, 2023
AVAILABLE NOW!
The 3rd book in the Cyrus Haven series, Lying Beside You, might be the best one yet!
You do not need to be familiar with this series to read this book, as Robotham expertly reviews previous plot points and continues to masterfully develop the main characters. Evie Cormac and Cyrus Haven are well-written, fully fleshed characters that readers have come to know and love. Their special friendship is unique, quirky and playful.
Book 3 begins as Cyrus’s brother Elias is about to be released from a psychiatric hospital, where he has been rehabilitating for twenty years after murdering their parents and twin sisters. Cyrus must decide whether he can forgive the man who took away his entire family.
At the same time, Cyrus’s job as a forensic psychologist calls him to a gruesome murder scene. As he begins to investigate and more women go missing, he realizes that Evie might have seen the murderer. She is an important witness, as she has a gift for always being able to tell when someone is telling the truth.
Will they catch the murderer before he attacks again?
Robotham explores themes of forgiveness and revenge in this gripping thriller. I absolutely adore the chemistry between Cyrus an Evie. Her snarky attitude and his gentle giant demeanor with a big heart once again had me rooting for their success. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series and can’t wait to see what more is in store for this unlikely duo!
Expected publication date: 2/14/23
Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon and Schuster-Scribner publishing for the ARC of Lying Beside You in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars rounded down
The 3rd book in the Cyrus Haven series, Lying Beside You, might be the best one yet!
You do not need to be familiar with this series to read this book, as Robotham expertly reviews previous plot points and continues to masterfully develop the main characters. Evie Cormac and Cyrus Haven are well-written, fully fleshed characters that readers have come to know and love. Their special friendship is unique, quirky and playful.
Book 3 begins as Cyrus’s brother Elias is about to be released from a psychiatric hospital, where he has been rehabilitating for twenty years after murdering their parents and twin sisters. Cyrus must decide whether he can forgive the man who took away his entire family.
At the same time, Cyrus’s job as a forensic psychologist calls him to a gruesome murder scene. As he begins to investigate and more women go missing, he realizes that Evie might have seen the murderer. She is an important witness, as she has a gift for always being able to tell when someone is telling the truth.
Will they catch the murderer before he attacks again?
Robotham explores themes of forgiveness and revenge in this gripping thriller. I absolutely adore the chemistry between Cyrus an Evie. Her snarky attitude and his gentle giant demeanor with a big heart once again had me rooting for their success. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series and can’t wait to see what more is in store for this unlikely duo!
Expected publication date: 2/14/23
Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon and Schuster-Scribner publishing for the ARC of Lying Beside You in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars rounded down
July 1, 2022
Well, if you know me at all you know that Michael Robotham is one of my favourite Australian crime writers. His books are always so addictive, full of complex characters and storylines that could go anywhere. I have had the pleasure of hearing his talk at a few crime writers festivals now and he always has some great stories to tell. And he is a lovely man to talk to. So it will come as no surprise that Lying Beside You is another 5 star read for me.
Book 3 in the Cyrus and Evie series and we are still learning so much about our 2 main characters. If you have read the previous books you will know that both Evie and Cyrus had extremely hard and disturbing childhoods. In this installment, Cyrus’ brother, Elias, is getting ready to be released from his high security hospital at Rampton, and come back into Cyrus’s life. But is he ready.. and is Cyrus ready to forgive and help him? And is Evie ready to share Cyrus and her home?
While this is all happening, women are going missing and turning up dead. Cyrus is called in as the forensic psychologist to help the police. Evie also finds herself a witness when the second woman goes missing from the bar that she is working in.
As always, Michael Robotham keeps you guessing until the very end. There are so many ways that this story could go, and so wonderful written that you just need to keep turning those pages. A fabulous addition to the series, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. Get this book and series on your TBRs people, you won’t be sorry.
A massive thank you to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published in Australia June 29th
Book 3 in the Cyrus and Evie series and we are still learning so much about our 2 main characters. If you have read the previous books you will know that both Evie and Cyrus had extremely hard and disturbing childhoods. In this installment, Cyrus’ brother, Elias, is getting ready to be released from his high security hospital at Rampton, and come back into Cyrus’s life. But is he ready.. and is Cyrus ready to forgive and help him? And is Evie ready to share Cyrus and her home?
While this is all happening, women are going missing and turning up dead. Cyrus is called in as the forensic psychologist to help the police. Evie also finds herself a witness when the second woman goes missing from the bar that she is working in.
As always, Michael Robotham keeps you guessing until the very end. There are so many ways that this story could go, and so wonderful written that you just need to keep turning those pages. A fabulous addition to the series, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. Get this book and series on your TBRs people, you won’t be sorry.
A massive thank you to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published in Australia June 29th
June 8, 2022
This is the third book in the Cyrus Haven series. I guess the motto of the story is “don’t jump to conclusions” and it “if it looks like a horse and sounds like a horse it could still be a unicorn”. Of course I made that last one up but you get the drift.
Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven is a very nuanced person with, I think, quite a saviour complex. He has taken in Evie Cormac - a 21 year old waif who has suffered more in her short life any anyone should. Also, his brother Elias, who has been in a secure mental health facility for 20 years for killing his family (mother, father and twin sister) is about to be gradually given some supervised time out in the world. Cyrus only survived because he was not home at the time of the killings. Where else would Elias go but to Cyrus’s home? Another man, Mitchell Coates is out on parole after serving 8 out of 10 years for the rape of a nurse, Lilah. He has nowhere to stay so Cyrus offers him a room. It does help that Evie says he is innocent. She has an uncanny ability to tell if people are lying.
Cyrus is called to a murder scene where Maya Kirk is found dead half submerged in a stinking industrial runoff stream. Her father was found bashed to death in their home. Maya’s body shows a striking similarity to the state in which Lilah was found after her rape 8 years ago. But, hey ho, this time their is a bunch of forensic clues leading to a bunch of potential suspects.
It is only when a third woman, Danielle Linares goes missing that Cyrus realises that they may have been on the wrong track all along and they really should be looking for that unicorn. I hope that is intriguing but vague enough!
I really love snarky dialogue but, for me, Evie went too far this time and I found it rather annoying (hence I took off a star). I can only hope that the dramatic events of the shocking ending of the book knock her sharp edges off a little bit. Overall though it was a riveting story which I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait for the next book. Many thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven is a very nuanced person with, I think, quite a saviour complex. He has taken in Evie Cormac - a 21 year old waif who has suffered more in her short life any anyone should. Also, his brother Elias, who has been in a secure mental health facility for 20 years for killing his family (mother, father and twin sister) is about to be gradually given some supervised time out in the world. Cyrus only survived because he was not home at the time of the killings. Where else would Elias go but to Cyrus’s home? Another man, Mitchell Coates is out on parole after serving 8 out of 10 years for the rape of a nurse, Lilah. He has nowhere to stay so Cyrus offers him a room. It does help that Evie says he is innocent. She has an uncanny ability to tell if people are lying.
Cyrus is called to a murder scene where Maya Kirk is found dead half submerged in a stinking industrial runoff stream. Her father was found bashed to death in their home. Maya’s body shows a striking similarity to the state in which Lilah was found after her rape 8 years ago. But, hey ho, this time their is a bunch of forensic clues leading to a bunch of potential suspects.
It is only when a third woman, Danielle Linares goes missing that Cyrus realises that they may have been on the wrong track all along and they really should be looking for that unicorn. I hope that is intriguing but vague enough!
I really love snarky dialogue but, for me, Evie went too far this time and I found it rather annoying (hence I took off a star). I can only hope that the dramatic events of the shocking ending of the book knock her sharp edges off a little bit. Overall though it was a riveting story which I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait for the next book. Many thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
July 19, 2022
5★
“People think that traumatic events should be laid out like a deck of cards and sorted into suits or four of a kind, because it looks neat and well ordered, but I want to shuffle the deck and deal again. I don’t want ‘closure’, I want a new hand.”
That's Evie Cormac, musing to herself as her therapist probes into her background. VeeJay, as the therapist likes to be called, already knows more than the rest of us. Evie wants to stop talking about it, but I’m pleased that Robotham reveals more of her past and her family.
I heard him say she’s a favourite, but the hardest character he’s ever had to write. I’m not surprised! She’s now twenty-one, but so small that people assume she’s a young teen, which is annoying, especially when it’s Cyrus who treats her like the youngster he fostered until she turned eighteen. Her rebelliousness just adds to the impression.
She has done what he asked and found a job in a bar. How will she get home from work late at night? … Borrow his car … No … Buy a cheap car from a friend … It’ll be a rust-bucket ... I’ll think of something.
“I hate arguing with Cyrus. I hate that he’s older than me and that he thinks he knows everything. I hate how he picks me up on my grammar and my vocabulary, like when I say literally when I mean figuratively (whatever the f*ck that means). I hate how he laughs at me, but not in a cruel way. Cyrus thinks I’m a teenager, but I’m twenty-one, and I could be his equal, if he let me.
‘So where is this bar?’
‘In the Lace Market.’
‘Is it a nice place?’
‘Very classy. They want me to buy a dress.’
Cyrus knows my wardrobe consists of nothing but jeans and sweatshirts and oversized sweaters. It’s another staring contest. Who will blink first?
‘I’ll lend you money for a dress,’ he says. ‘But I want you to go shopping the old-fashioned way. Choose a dress. Try it on. Make sure it suits you.’
This is another test. Part of my therapy is to interact more with people, rather than living like a hermit. He’s challenging me to be ‘normal’, whatever that means.
‘I could come with you,’ he says.”
ASIF!
Cyrus is a forensic psychologist who tries to figure out what kind of people might commit which crimes – like abduct and kill young women. He was set on this path by his schizophrenic older brother, Elias, who slaughtered their parents and twin sisters when Cyrus was a boy, hiding.
Evie knows his history.
“‘I don’t know how you can do this.’
‘What?’
‘Understand why people do horrible things.’
‘Sometimes it’s the only way to stop them.’”
Elias has been ‘put away’ in a psychiatric hospital for the last couple of decades, but now he’s eligible for home visits, maybe weekends, maybe longer. Scary prospect. Medications are good, but . . .
Between worrying about Elias and her new job, Evie finds herself accidentally caught up in Cyrus’s current investigation. That means police and reporters. No pictures, please! She is in hiding, still being hunted by the villains Cyrus rescued her from.
Meanwhile, Cyrus has hired an ex-con, Mitch, to do some yard work and maintenance. Evie is wary of him. Does Cyrus intend to add him to the family?
In spite of her argumentative nature, she does want to please him. She tries to hide her transgressions.
“‘Please don’t tell Cyrus,’ I whisper under my breath, but Mrs Beaumont hears the words.
‘Who is Cyrus?’ she asks.
‘My conscience.’
‘That must be nice.’
‘It’s a pain in the arse.’”
Evie has her own way of deciding whom to trust. The word “lying” in the title could refer to a number of things. Bodies are found lying, people and dogs are seen lying close together for comfort. And then there’s Evie’s unusual ability to tell when someone is lying, a skill Cyrus finds useful in tricky interviews.
But what about the disturbing brother, Elias, who hears voices? Does he know what’s true and does Evie?
Evie and Cyrus narrate different chapters, which makes for a good balance between Evie’s instincts and Cyrus’s professionalism. I like that they’ve been together long enough to know each other’s weak spots, what buttons to push.
“‘What are you going to do with your life?’
‘I’m going to be a professional nihilist.’
‘I’m being serious.’
‘So am I. Worry about your own life.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘You’re single. You have nightmares. Your brother is a nutcase. You lift weights like you want to punish yourself. You’re the shrink who can’t find a cure for what’s wrong with him.’
‘This isn’t about me.’
‘It never is.’”
Whatever “lying” is supposed to mean, I loved the book. Robotham always tells a great story, and I’m glad Evie pestered him to write this one. I hope she keeps nagging.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sphere Publishing for the copy for review (so quotations may have changed).
p.s. You could enjoy this as a stand-alone, because Robotham is good at filling in any necessary gaps, but you'll enjoy it even more if you read the first two.
“People think that traumatic events should be laid out like a deck of cards and sorted into suits or four of a kind, because it looks neat and well ordered, but I want to shuffle the deck and deal again. I don’t want ‘closure’, I want a new hand.”
That's Evie Cormac, musing to herself as her therapist probes into her background. VeeJay, as the therapist likes to be called, already knows more than the rest of us. Evie wants to stop talking about it, but I’m pleased that Robotham reveals more of her past and her family.
I heard him say she’s a favourite, but the hardest character he’s ever had to write. I’m not surprised! She’s now twenty-one, but so small that people assume she’s a young teen, which is annoying, especially when it’s Cyrus who treats her like the youngster he fostered until she turned eighteen. Her rebelliousness just adds to the impression.
She has done what he asked and found a job in a bar. How will she get home from work late at night? … Borrow his car … No … Buy a cheap car from a friend … It’ll be a rust-bucket ... I’ll think of something.
“I hate arguing with Cyrus. I hate that he’s older than me and that he thinks he knows everything. I hate how he picks me up on my grammar and my vocabulary, like when I say literally when I mean figuratively (whatever the f*ck that means). I hate how he laughs at me, but not in a cruel way. Cyrus thinks I’m a teenager, but I’m twenty-one, and I could be his equal, if he let me.
‘So where is this bar?’
‘In the Lace Market.’
‘Is it a nice place?’
‘Very classy. They want me to buy a dress.’
Cyrus knows my wardrobe consists of nothing but jeans and sweatshirts and oversized sweaters. It’s another staring contest. Who will blink first?
‘I’ll lend you money for a dress,’ he says. ‘But I want you to go shopping the old-fashioned way. Choose a dress. Try it on. Make sure it suits you.’
This is another test. Part of my therapy is to interact more with people, rather than living like a hermit. He’s challenging me to be ‘normal’, whatever that means.
‘I could come with you,’ he says.”
ASIF!
Cyrus is a forensic psychologist who tries to figure out what kind of people might commit which crimes – like abduct and kill young women. He was set on this path by his schizophrenic older brother, Elias, who slaughtered their parents and twin sisters when Cyrus was a boy, hiding.
Evie knows his history.
“‘I don’t know how you can do this.’
‘What?’
‘Understand why people do horrible things.’
‘Sometimes it’s the only way to stop them.’”
Elias has been ‘put away’ in a psychiatric hospital for the last couple of decades, but now he’s eligible for home visits, maybe weekends, maybe longer. Scary prospect. Medications are good, but . . .
Between worrying about Elias and her new job, Evie finds herself accidentally caught up in Cyrus’s current investigation. That means police and reporters. No pictures, please! She is in hiding, still being hunted by the villains Cyrus rescued her from.
Meanwhile, Cyrus has hired an ex-con, Mitch, to do some yard work and maintenance. Evie is wary of him. Does Cyrus intend to add him to the family?
In spite of her argumentative nature, she does want to please him. She tries to hide her transgressions.
“‘Please don’t tell Cyrus,’ I whisper under my breath, but Mrs Beaumont hears the words.
‘Who is Cyrus?’ she asks.
‘My conscience.’
‘That must be nice.’
‘It’s a pain in the arse.’”
Evie has her own way of deciding whom to trust. The word “lying” in the title could refer to a number of things. Bodies are found lying, people and dogs are seen lying close together for comfort. And then there’s Evie’s unusual ability to tell when someone is lying, a skill Cyrus finds useful in tricky interviews.
But what about the disturbing brother, Elias, who hears voices? Does he know what’s true and does Evie?
Evie and Cyrus narrate different chapters, which makes for a good balance between Evie’s instincts and Cyrus’s professionalism. I like that they’ve been together long enough to know each other’s weak spots, what buttons to push.
“‘What are you going to do with your life?’
‘I’m going to be a professional nihilist.’
‘I’m being serious.’
‘So am I. Worry about your own life.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘You’re single. You have nightmares. Your brother is a nutcase. You lift weights like you want to punish yourself. You’re the shrink who can’t find a cure for what’s wrong with him.’
‘This isn’t about me.’
‘It never is.’”
Whatever “lying” is supposed to mean, I loved the book. Robotham always tells a great story, and I’m glad Evie pestered him to write this one. I hope she keeps nagging.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sphere Publishing for the copy for review (so quotations may have changed).
p.s. You could enjoy this as a stand-alone, because Robotham is good at filling in any necessary gaps, but you'll enjoy it even more if you read the first two.
June 9, 2022
Lying Beside You
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.
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.
September 20, 2025
I just love this series,the loveable characters Cyrus & Evie are back taking you on another ride that is non stop.
20 years ago Cyrus who was eight years old lost his parents & twin sisters were murdered now his brother Elias is getting released from Rampton Psychiatric hospital which houses only the most dangerous criminals in the state, Cyrus is happy but nervous about his brothers release Evie is scared which puts a bit of tension between them.
Elias moves in with Cyrus & Evie there is a creepy unease between Elias & Eviebut multiple bodies turn up dead’s man & his daughter disappear & it’s up to Cyrus to find out who did it, Elias is the main suspect given his past but Cyrus doesn’t believe the gossip that is going around.Things ramp up when Evie disappears her car is missing & she is nowhere to be found!!!
I won’t go on but there are so many twists & turns to follow, the characters are so loveable & the writing is top notch I can’t wait to read book 4 Storm Child, am on a waiting list next year 2026 is how long I have to wait Michael continues to shine in this wonderful series but I would sujggest reading this series in order as it makes references to the previous books a solid 4 star read.
20 years ago Cyrus who was eight years old lost his parents & twin sisters were murdered now his brother Elias is getting released from Rampton Psychiatric hospital which houses only the most dangerous criminals in the state, Cyrus is happy but nervous about his brothers release Evie is scared which puts a bit of tension between them.
Elias moves in with Cyrus & Evie there is a creepy unease between Elias & Eviebut multiple bodies turn up dead’s man & his daughter disappear & it’s up to Cyrus to find out who did it, Elias is the main suspect given his past but Cyrus doesn’t believe the gossip that is going around.Things ramp up when Evie disappears her car is missing & she is nowhere to be found!!!
I won’t go on but there are so many twists & turns to follow, the characters are so loveable & the writing is top notch I can’t wait to read book 4 Storm Child, am on a waiting list next year 2026 is how long I have to wait Michael continues to shine in this wonderful series but I would sujggest reading this series in order as it makes references to the previous books a solid 4 star read.
August 21, 2022
Cyrus and Evie are back again and I couldn't be happier. I really just love this series and was so excited to be approved for an eARC. Lying Beside You is book #3 in the Cyrus Haven series, and while you can read it as a standalone for the current story, I highly recommend starting with the first book if you want to have a good understanding of the key characters.
When a man is murdered and his daughter goes missing, forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven must help figure out what happened to Maya Kirk. Then one night while Evie is working at a bar in Nottingham, another woman goes missing after leaving the bar with Evie as the only witness. Is there something linking these two cases? As if Cyrus and Evie don't have enough going on, add into the mix Cyrus's brother Elias getting a trial release from Rampton Psychiatric Hospital, 20 years after murdering his entire family except for Cyrus, and he is coming to stay with Evie and Cyrus.
Although Evie is a very flawed character and likes to rock the boat, I am very fond of her, and her inner dialogue and snark had me laughing out loud at times. I have enjoyed watching the manner in which Cyrus and Evie's relationship has grown with each book, and how we learn a little bit more about them. This was another page turner from Michael Robotham. The only bad thing is now I have to wait for the next book in the series. 5 stars.
Pub date 2/14/23
When a man is murdered and his daughter goes missing, forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven must help figure out what happened to Maya Kirk. Then one night while Evie is working at a bar in Nottingham, another woman goes missing after leaving the bar with Evie as the only witness. Is there something linking these two cases? As if Cyrus and Evie don't have enough going on, add into the mix Cyrus's brother Elias getting a trial release from Rampton Psychiatric Hospital, 20 years after murdering his entire family except for Cyrus, and he is coming to stay with Evie and Cyrus.
Although Evie is a very flawed character and likes to rock the boat, I am very fond of her, and her inner dialogue and snark had me laughing out loud at times. I have enjoyed watching the manner in which Cyrus and Evie's relationship has grown with each book, and how we learn a little bit more about them. This was another page turner from Michael Robotham. The only bad thing is now I have to wait for the next book in the series. 5 stars.
Pub date 2/14/23
January 3, 2024
Lying Beside You (Cyrus Haven, #3) by Michael Robotham
Synopsis /
When a man is murdered and his daughter disappears, forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven must decide if Maya Kirk is running, hiding, or a hostage. Cyrus understands how killers think better than anyone; after all, he's a survivor.
Evie is a troubled teenager with an incredible gift: she knows when someone is lying. She is working at a Nottingham bar when a second woman goes missing, a nurse with links to Maya Kirk. Both women have a secret they have tried to hide, but the past is never history.
Evie witnesses the second abduction, glimpsing the driver, but only two people believe her.
One is Cyrus.
The other is the killer.
My Thoughts /
Twenty years after the brutal killing of both his parents and his younger twin sisters, forensic psychologist, Cyrus Haven is now facing a crossroad. His older brother, Elias has petitioned for release. Elias, diagnosed as a schizophrenic, is now aged 39 and has been living in a secure psychiatric facility since he murdered his family nineteen years earlier. Being told by the doctors that Elias is well enough to be released, Cyrus must now decide if he can forgive his brother for destroying his childhood.
This is what I do now - I investigate violent and suspicious deaths. I am a criminal profiler, an expert on human behaviour - the worst of it, not the best - the sociopaths and psychopaths, the outliers, the mavericks, the deviant and the unhinged.
In this the third book in the series, Robotham has skilfully combined plot points from the previous two novels to bring this third instalment to a close. This is another series which should really be read in order as there is a tremendous amount of backstory.
Evie is now twenty-one years old and still lives under the protection order which hides her true identity. She lives with Cyrus in the house left to him by his grandparents, and it seems to be an arrangement which benefits them both - the protector and the ward.
When Rohan Kirk is murdered and his daughter, Maya, disappears, Cyrus is called in to consult by Detective Superintendent Lenny Parvel. Not long after, another woman is taken and unbeknown to Evie, she was the only witness to the abduction. Both missing women are hiding secrets.
With the prospect of his brother being released, Cyrus is wrestling with his moral conscience - is he happy for his brother? Can he practice the same forgiveness he preaches his own clients give? But moral issues must be pushed aside when there are now two girls missing.
Robotham keeps the action coming and the pace escalates right to the end. There are themes of rehabilitation, remorse, forgiveness, and acceptance with a strong focus on mental health disorders. Central to the murder and missing persons cases are strongly written police procedural scenes.
Remember the ARC of being a detective. Assume nothing. Believe no one. Check everything.
This is perhaps my favourite book so far. Robotham keeps you guessing right up until the final reveal and the final curtain brings the reader to its dramatic conclusion.
I'm not sure what Robotham has in store for Evie and Cyrus, but I'm here for it!
Synopsis /
When a man is murdered and his daughter disappears, forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven must decide if Maya Kirk is running, hiding, or a hostage. Cyrus understands how killers think better than anyone; after all, he's a survivor.
Evie is a troubled teenager with an incredible gift: she knows when someone is lying. She is working at a Nottingham bar when a second woman goes missing, a nurse with links to Maya Kirk. Both women have a secret they have tried to hide, but the past is never history.
Evie witnesses the second abduction, glimpsing the driver, but only two people believe her.
One is Cyrus.
The other is the killer.
My Thoughts /
Twenty years after the brutal killing of both his parents and his younger twin sisters, forensic psychologist, Cyrus Haven is now facing a crossroad. His older brother, Elias has petitioned for release. Elias, diagnosed as a schizophrenic, is now aged 39 and has been living in a secure psychiatric facility since he murdered his family nineteen years earlier. Being told by the doctors that Elias is well enough to be released, Cyrus must now decide if he can forgive his brother for destroying his childhood.
This is what I do now - I investigate violent and suspicious deaths. I am a criminal profiler, an expert on human behaviour - the worst of it, not the best - the sociopaths and psychopaths, the outliers, the mavericks, the deviant and the unhinged.
In this the third book in the series, Robotham has skilfully combined plot points from the previous two novels to bring this third instalment to a close. This is another series which should really be read in order as there is a tremendous amount of backstory.
Evie is now twenty-one years old and still lives under the protection order which hides her true identity. She lives with Cyrus in the house left to him by his grandparents, and it seems to be an arrangement which benefits them both - the protector and the ward.
When Rohan Kirk is murdered and his daughter, Maya, disappears, Cyrus is called in to consult by Detective Superintendent Lenny Parvel. Not long after, another woman is taken and unbeknown to Evie, she was the only witness to the abduction. Both missing women are hiding secrets.
With the prospect of his brother being released, Cyrus is wrestling with his moral conscience - is he happy for his brother? Can he practice the same forgiveness he preaches his own clients give? But moral issues must be pushed aside when there are now two girls missing.
Robotham keeps the action coming and the pace escalates right to the end. There are themes of rehabilitation, remorse, forgiveness, and acceptance with a strong focus on mental health disorders. Central to the murder and missing persons cases are strongly written police procedural scenes.
Remember the ARC of being a detective. Assume nothing. Believe no one. Check everything.
This is perhaps my favourite book so far. Robotham keeps you guessing right up until the final reveal and the final curtain brings the reader to its dramatic conclusion.
I'm not sure what Robotham has in store for Evie and Cyrus, but I'm here for it!
October 5, 2022
A Nail Biter!
Cyrus is a Forensic Psychologist with a horrific past. His brother Elias murdered his parents and twin sister 20 years ago. Evie Cormac was previously in Cyrus’ charge and is still traumatized by her past. Somehow, some way, these two become friends and roommates.
After having been incarcerated in a Psychiatric Hospital for the last 20 years, Elias Haven is now eligible for release. The plan is for him to live with Cyrus and Evie.
Can you say no thank you?
Institutionalized for so long, Elias struggles to cope with all of the changes that have occurred in the last 20 years. While Cyrus would like to help, he is admittedly a bit relieved when called into work a case in which a young woman is missing and her father is brutally murdered. When the young woman’s body is found and another woman goes missing, things get serious.
By a twist of fate, or something even more sinister, Evie becomes involved in the case, and everything goes awry.
What Michael Robotham did here, with Elias and Evie, made my heart pound and my palms sweat. This was a buddy read with Kaceey, and she finished this one first. While reading these chapters, I must have texted her furiously, frantic over what I thought was going to happen next. Let me just say that it was absolutely brilliant and wholly gripping and I can’t wait for the next book in the series (though I’m still waiting for another Joseph O’Loughlin!).
Thanks for reading this one with me Kaceey!
Thank you to Scribner via NetGalley for the arc.
Cyrus is a Forensic Psychologist with a horrific past. His brother Elias murdered his parents and twin sister 20 years ago. Evie Cormac was previously in Cyrus’ charge and is still traumatized by her past. Somehow, some way, these two become friends and roommates.
After having been incarcerated in a Psychiatric Hospital for the last 20 years, Elias Haven is now eligible for release. The plan is for him to live with Cyrus and Evie.
Can you say no thank you?
Institutionalized for so long, Elias struggles to cope with all of the changes that have occurred in the last 20 years. While Cyrus would like to help, he is admittedly a bit relieved when called into work a case in which a young woman is missing and her father is brutally murdered. When the young woman’s body is found and another woman goes missing, things get serious.
By a twist of fate, or something even more sinister, Evie becomes involved in the case, and everything goes awry.
What Michael Robotham did here, with Elias and Evie, made my heart pound and my palms sweat. This was a buddy read with Kaceey, and she finished this one first. While reading these chapters, I must have texted her furiously, frantic over what I thought was going to happen next. Let me just say that it was absolutely brilliant and wholly gripping and I can’t wait for the next book in the series (though I’m still waiting for another Joseph O’Loughlin!).
Thanks for reading this one with me Kaceey!
Thank you to Scribner via NetGalley for the arc.
December 23, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + 0.5 ⭐️
Given the high ratings and recommendations from a lot of reviews of this book, it’s only right to go and read it yourself to understand what others are saying.
And they weren’t wrong.
Although this was the first book I’ve read of the author and the series, it has not impacted how I feel or my understanding. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the two varying perspectives of Cyrus and Evie. I really enjoyed the mental jigsaw puzzle the story line had provided, where I must say I was challenged.
This is definitely worth the read, however if there is one thing to comment on, it would be that I disagree with a few saying that it was obvious on the culprit if anything it didn’t seem obvious. I remember in the end just saying out loud - wow I would definitely fail as a detective, I completely didn’t consider them as a suspect.
It’s a good read for sure, excited on the next instalment.
If I were to give this book some sort of analogy on how to describe the experience reading it. It’s like going onto a rollercoaster ride with the most obvious name expecting it to just be a casual up down thrill, but it had the unexpected twists and turns that didn’t make your neck hurt at the end and you end up enjoying the ride more than you anticipated- coming from someone that didn’t like rollercoasters.
Given the high ratings and recommendations from a lot of reviews of this book, it’s only right to go and read it yourself to understand what others are saying.
And they weren’t wrong.
Although this was the first book I’ve read of the author and the series, it has not impacted how I feel or my understanding. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the two varying perspectives of Cyrus and Evie. I really enjoyed the mental jigsaw puzzle the story line had provided, where I must say I was challenged.
This is definitely worth the read, however if there is one thing to comment on, it would be that I disagree with a few saying that it was obvious on the culprit if anything it didn’t seem obvious. I remember in the end just saying out loud - wow I would definitely fail as a detective, I completely didn’t consider them as a suspect.
It’s a good read for sure, excited on the next instalment.
If I were to give this book some sort of analogy on how to describe the experience reading it. It’s like going onto a rollercoaster ride with the most obvious name expecting it to just be a casual up down thrill, but it had the unexpected twists and turns that didn’t make your neck hurt at the end and you end up enjoying the ride more than you anticipated- coming from someone that didn’t like rollercoasters.
December 8, 2022
And so we return to Nottingham and my favourite duo of Cyrus and Evie. I had high hopes that this book would delve more into Evie's background and the sinister people behind the events of book 2, but I guess this will happen later in the series. This was still a brilliant read but not as 'on the edge of your seat' as books 1 and 2. Another really interesting and complex murder case with a closer look at the tragedy surrounding Cyrus's family running alongside it. I loved the new connections that were formed in this book and all the mixed emotions that came with them.
November 25, 2024
the setup…
When Cyrus was a young boy, his nineteen year old brother Elias massacred their parents and twin sisters, Cyrus escaping because he wasn’t home but returning in time to witness some of what happened. Elias was diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed to a secure psychiatric facility. It’s been almost twenty years and he’s applying for release, wanting to come home and live with Cyrus (and Evie!) and be forgiven. Meanwhile, Cyrus is asked to profile a killer who abducted Maya Kirk and brutally murdered her father in their home. Then a second woman is abducted and Evie was the last person to see her…and the man who drove away with her.
the heart of the story…
There’s a lot going on here and what looks like separate events starts to feel as if there’s a connection. Elias coming home is intriguing in its own right, especially now that Evie lives with Cyrus. She’s a child-woman, too worldly for her age but also incredibly immature and naive. The cases were just as compelling and the more the investigation progressed, I began getting creepy feelings about those connections.
the narration…
Joe Jameson is now the voice in my head for Cyrus. Even better, he seems to capture Evie perfectly, all sass and heart. Loved his storytelling.
the bottom line…
Pay close attention to this one because the author has created lots breadcrumbs for you to follow and figure out how to weave everything into one frightening conclusion. About halfway through, I couldn’t put this down. This is master level plotting and storytelling. Well done Mr. Robotham!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
When Cyrus was a young boy, his nineteen year old brother Elias massacred their parents and twin sisters, Cyrus escaping because he wasn’t home but returning in time to witness some of what happened. Elias was diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed to a secure psychiatric facility. It’s been almost twenty years and he’s applying for release, wanting to come home and live with Cyrus (and Evie!) and be forgiven. Meanwhile, Cyrus is asked to profile a killer who abducted Maya Kirk and brutally murdered her father in their home. Then a second woman is abducted and Evie was the last person to see her…and the man who drove away with her.
the heart of the story…
There’s a lot going on here and what looks like separate events starts to feel as if there’s a connection. Elias coming home is intriguing in its own right, especially now that Evie lives with Cyrus. She’s a child-woman, too worldly for her age but also incredibly immature and naive. The cases were just as compelling and the more the investigation progressed, I began getting creepy feelings about those connections.
the narration…
Joe Jameson is now the voice in my head for Cyrus. Even better, he seems to capture Evie perfectly, all sass and heart. Loved his storytelling.
the bottom line…
Pay close attention to this one because the author has created lots breadcrumbs for you to follow and figure out how to weave everything into one frightening conclusion. About halfway through, I couldn’t put this down. This is master level plotting and storytelling. Well done Mr. Robotham!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 19, 2025
The excitement from book one was back after taking a brief pause in book two.
Love this series. It’s so complex but easy to digest. The character development is top tier. I’m so glad I started reading this and I’m happy book 3 redeemed itself!!
Love this series. It’s so complex but easy to digest. The character development is top tier. I’m so glad I started reading this and I’m happy book 3 redeemed itself!!
October 14, 2022
Lying Beside You is another twisty, multi-layered instalment in Aussie author Michael Robotham's fantastic Cyrus Haven / Evie Cormac series. It's great stuff!
Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven and his former ward Evie Cormac live together subject to an often uneasy truce, as Cyrus balances the demands of his work with his complex personal history and Evie learns to function in a world where she's often misunderstood. Their delicate equilibrium is inevitably disrupted when Cyrus's brother Elias joins the household. He's just been released on parole, having served twenty years in a secure psychiatric facility after killing his (and Cyrus's) parents and younger twin sisters while suffering from a psychotic episode. It's a situation that anyone would find confronting, but for Evie, it's like living in a powder keg.
Meanwhile, Cyrus is called to consult on a brutal murder, from the scene of which a woman has been abducted. When a second woman goes missing, Cyrus - assisted by Evie with her unique intuitive skills - must race to find a link between the victims before time runs out for the missing women.
Lying Beside You is a fast-paced and gripping thriller, in which author Michael Robotham explores the long-reaching effects of past trauma, and the concepts of responsibility, forgiveness and redemption. There are many shocking twists and turns along the way, as Cyrus and Evie's paths intersect on more than one occasion with those of the killer and his victims, leading towards a dramatic conclusion in which a single-minded villain is unmasked. Robotham continues the nuanced characterisations and relationship dynamics that are a feature of the previous two books in the series, and the introduction of Elias as a character provides a mechanism for a deeper delve into the complex psyches of the series lead characters, Cyrus and Evie. This is a fantastic series, and I'll be waiting with bated breath for the next book to be released...
I'd highly recommend Lying Beside You to any reader who enjoys complex psychological thrillers. While reading in series order provides clear benefits in terms of character background, I believe that this book would also read well as a standalone for those yet to discover the series.
Thanks to the author, Michael Robotham, publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic title.
Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven and his former ward Evie Cormac live together subject to an often uneasy truce, as Cyrus balances the demands of his work with his complex personal history and Evie learns to function in a world where she's often misunderstood. Their delicate equilibrium is inevitably disrupted when Cyrus's brother Elias joins the household. He's just been released on parole, having served twenty years in a secure psychiatric facility after killing his (and Cyrus's) parents and younger twin sisters while suffering from a psychotic episode. It's a situation that anyone would find confronting, but for Evie, it's like living in a powder keg.
Meanwhile, Cyrus is called to consult on a brutal murder, from the scene of which a woman has been abducted. When a second woman goes missing, Cyrus - assisted by Evie with her unique intuitive skills - must race to find a link between the victims before time runs out for the missing women.
Lying Beside You is a fast-paced and gripping thriller, in which author Michael Robotham explores the long-reaching effects of past trauma, and the concepts of responsibility, forgiveness and redemption. There are many shocking twists and turns along the way, as Cyrus and Evie's paths intersect on more than one occasion with those of the killer and his victims, leading towards a dramatic conclusion in which a single-minded villain is unmasked. Robotham continues the nuanced characterisations and relationship dynamics that are a feature of the previous two books in the series, and the introduction of Elias as a character provides a mechanism for a deeper delve into the complex psyches of the series lead characters, Cyrus and Evie. This is a fantastic series, and I'll be waiting with bated breath for the next book to be released...
I'd highly recommend Lying Beside You to any reader who enjoys complex psychological thrillers. While reading in series order provides clear benefits in terms of character background, I believe that this book would also read well as a standalone for those yet to discover the series.
Thanks to the author, Michael Robotham, publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fantastic title.
January 13, 2023
An excellent audiobook filled with suspense, investigation, and twists. This is my first book from the author and now I want to go back to the beginning of the series and listen to book 1 & 2. I enjoyed the narrator a lot, especially with his many voices for different characters. I had the speed slower so his voice was a bit of a lazy drawl! I enjoyed the view of Evie. Such humor! Cyrus' view had me smiling when he was in the men's room with the other police. The blunt description of the man's body part surprised me and I almost burst with laughter but I was in the store at the moment. I also enjoyed learning about sketch artists whose drawings help police identify the killer through witnesses.
This book has two point of views: Cyrus and Evie. Cyrus, 33, is a forensic psychologist. I love hearing him read people. It's fascinating! The story started with Cyrus' big family secret that happened decades ago. He works with police, helps them to find the killer. An elderly man was found dead in his home. Later his daughter was found dead, head shaved and bound. Investigation led to her whereabouts before her death. They found that she was on the dating sites to meet men. The other view was Evie, 21. She's under protection and her identity hidden. She's been staying at Cyrus' home. She has a sixth sense in a way that she can tell if someone lies. Cyrus is a good person and he helps out those who needed helps like Mitch who was released early from prison for good behavior. Through Evie, Cyrus learned that Mitch might've been in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Cyrus began investigating Mitch's situation as well as searching for the killer of the woman and her father. At the same time, Cyrus is about to reunite with his older brother after many years apart. Evie only just met Mitch when Cyrus offered to give him a job to fix around the house as inmates who are released from prison has a hard time finding work.
Since I didn't read the previous books, this book didn't give away the secret history of Evie. I'm guessing her situation must've happened in the previous books. I'm curious of what horror she experienced.
Overall, a great listen and I recommend this audiobook to everyone.
Thank you Simon Audio for the opportunity to listen and review!
This book has two point of views: Cyrus and Evie. Cyrus, 33, is a forensic psychologist. I love hearing him read people. It's fascinating! The story started with Cyrus' big family secret that happened decades ago. He works with police, helps them to find the killer. An elderly man was found dead in his home. Later his daughter was found dead, head shaved and bound. Investigation led to her whereabouts before her death. They found that she was on the dating sites to meet men. The other view was Evie, 21. She's under protection and her identity hidden. She's been staying at Cyrus' home. She has a sixth sense in a way that she can tell if someone lies. Cyrus is a good person and he helps out those who needed helps like Mitch who was released early from prison for good behavior. Through Evie, Cyrus learned that Mitch might've been in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Cyrus began investigating Mitch's situation as well as searching for the killer of the woman and her father. At the same time, Cyrus is about to reunite with his older brother after many years apart. Evie only just met Mitch when Cyrus offered to give him a job to fix around the house as inmates who are released from prison has a hard time finding work.
Since I didn't read the previous books, this book didn't give away the secret history of Evie. I'm guessing her situation must've happened in the previous books. I'm curious of what horror she experienced.
Overall, a great listen and I recommend this audiobook to everyone.
Thank you Simon Audio for the opportunity to listen and review!
September 9, 2023
This was a difficult read.
How do you read a book that starts off with the main character now having to take care of his adult brother who actually murdered his entire family when he was a boy, making him the only survivor.
Of course, Cyrus (the survivor child) now is a forensic psychologist.
And his role has him helping the police on cases finding killers. But how complicated will it be with his schizophrenic brother now at his home? We are about to find out.
Michael Robotham is a wonderful author, who is known for a slow build burn - expert plotting and commendable characters. Be patient.
How do you read a book that starts off with the main character now having to take care of his adult brother who actually murdered his entire family when he was a boy, making him the only survivor.
Of course, Cyrus (the survivor child) now is a forensic psychologist.
And his role has him helping the police on cases finding killers. But how complicated will it be with his schizophrenic brother now at his home? We are about to find out.
Michael Robotham is a wonderful author, who is known for a slow build burn - expert plotting and commendable characters. Be patient.
March 29, 2024
Ive read this author before but havent read this series at all and boy was I missing out.
Cyrus is a man with a troubled past. When he was 9 years old he witnessed his older brother kill his parents and twin sisters after hearing voices in his head. He is now a forensic psychologist and is summoned to a house where a father is found dead and the adult daughter missing.
His brother is also being considered for day release after being in a secure hospital for the last 2 decades receiving treatment for his schizophrenia and Cyrus must decide if he can forgive him and once again have him live with him.
That just scrapes the surface of this multi-layered story which is a fascinating and riveting read. Theres a lot to get through in this one but I never felt overwhelmed by storyline or characters, despite both being plentiful.
I absolutely loved this one. The book reads much shorter than it is(always a good sign)and will have you on edge throughout. It can be read as a standalone as I did but I will definitely be seeking out the previous 2 in the series.
A big 5 stars from me.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Cyrus is a man with a troubled past. When he was 9 years old he witnessed his older brother kill his parents and twin sisters after hearing voices in his head. He is now a forensic psychologist and is summoned to a house where a father is found dead and the adult daughter missing.
His brother is also being considered for day release after being in a secure hospital for the last 2 decades receiving treatment for his schizophrenia and Cyrus must decide if he can forgive him and once again have him live with him.
That just scrapes the surface of this multi-layered story which is a fascinating and riveting read. Theres a lot to get through in this one but I never felt overwhelmed by storyline or characters, despite both being plentiful.
I absolutely loved this one. The book reads much shorter than it is(always a good sign)and will have you on edge throughout. It can be read as a standalone as I did but I will definitely be seeking out the previous 2 in the series.
A big 5 stars from me.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
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