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Philomena McCarthy #1
When You Are Mine
A heart-pounding psychological thriller about friendship and obsession
Philomena 'Phil' McCarthy is a promising young officer in the London Metropolitan police.
But everything changes when she is called to the scene of a domestic assault. Unbeknownst to her, the abuser is a decorated detective and Phil's efforts to protect his girlfriend - Tempe Brown - from violence result in Phil being unjustly struck from the force.
In the fallout, Phil begins to teach Tempe self-defence and they strike up a tentative friendship. Tempe is thoughtful and sweet, and within a matter of weeks the two women are inseparable - talking, socialising and confiding their deepest secrets in one another. But something isn't right. Sinister things keep happening and, when a body is discovered, Phil realises that Tempe is hiding deadly secrets of her own. Secrets she is willing to kill for . . .
This pulse-racing standalone psychological thriller from the internationally bestselling author of The Secrets She Keeps is Michael Robotham's finest yet, and confirms his reputation as the Mastermind of Crime.
Philomena 'Phil' McCarthy is a promising young officer in the London Metropolitan police.
But everything changes when she is called to the scene of a domestic assault. Unbeknownst to her, the abuser is a decorated detective and Phil's efforts to protect his girlfriend - Tempe Brown - from violence result in Phil being unjustly struck from the force.
In the fallout, Phil begins to teach Tempe self-defence and they strike up a tentative friendship. Tempe is thoughtful and sweet, and within a matter of weeks the two women are inseparable - talking, socialising and confiding their deepest secrets in one another. But something isn't right. Sinister things keep happening and, when a body is discovered, Phil realises that Tempe is hiding deadly secrets of her own. Secrets she is willing to kill for . . .
This pulse-racing standalone psychological thriller from the internationally bestselling author of The Secrets She Keeps is Michael Robotham's finest yet, and confirms his reputation as the Mastermind of Crime.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 24, 2021
1141 people are currently reading
22680 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robotham
53 books7,270 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,684 reviews
June 24, 2021
When You Are Mine by Michael Robotham
Philomena 'Phil' McCarthy had wanted to be a police officer ever since she was twelve years old and she watched a woman police officer tend to the aftermath of a bombing. From then on, Phil knew she wanted to help others the way that woman helped Phil and the other victims of the bombing. Now, at twenty seven, Phil is a young officer of the London Metropolitan police.
When Phil and her partner are called to an apartment building where a domestic violence is in process, Phil arrests the abuser, not realizing the man is a decorated detective, protected by his membership in a "good old boys" group that will prevent anything unsavory from sticking to him and his reputation. Phil is in the dog house, putting her job in jeopardy and attracting the derision and scorn of the very people who should have her back.
Not one to back off from doing good, Phil goes out of her way to help the victim of the abuser, Tempe, and soon finds that Tempe repays her kindness by interweaving herself into almost every aspect of Phil's life. Even Phil's friends and fiancé notice Tempe's intrusion into all things to do with Phil, but isn't it just thankfulness for what Phil has done for Tempe? Aren't they overreacting?
Phil already had a big strike against her at work since her estranged dad was/is a crime boss with three brothers that spent ten years in prison for crime related business dealings. Now Phil wants her dad in her wedding and she needs help from her family as disaster seems to be squeezing Phil from all sides. Phil is generous and likeable to a fault and I can only want what is best for her but I also wished she had the insightfulness she would need as a cop, to recognize that not all people have others' best intentions in mind.
Publication: June 24, 2021
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK/Sphere and NetGalley for this ARC.
Philomena 'Phil' McCarthy had wanted to be a police officer ever since she was twelve years old and she watched a woman police officer tend to the aftermath of a bombing. From then on, Phil knew she wanted to help others the way that woman helped Phil and the other victims of the bombing. Now, at twenty seven, Phil is a young officer of the London Metropolitan police.
When Phil and her partner are called to an apartment building where a domestic violence is in process, Phil arrests the abuser, not realizing the man is a decorated detective, protected by his membership in a "good old boys" group that will prevent anything unsavory from sticking to him and his reputation. Phil is in the dog house, putting her job in jeopardy and attracting the derision and scorn of the very people who should have her back.
Not one to back off from doing good, Phil goes out of her way to help the victim of the abuser, Tempe, and soon finds that Tempe repays her kindness by interweaving herself into almost every aspect of Phil's life. Even Phil's friends and fiancé notice Tempe's intrusion into all things to do with Phil, but isn't it just thankfulness for what Phil has done for Tempe? Aren't they overreacting?
Phil already had a big strike against her at work since her estranged dad was/is a crime boss with three brothers that spent ten years in prison for crime related business dealings. Now Phil wants her dad in her wedding and she needs help from her family as disaster seems to be squeezing Phil from all sides. Phil is generous and likeable to a fault and I can only want what is best for her but I also wished she had the insightfulness she would need as a cop, to recognize that not all people have others' best intentions in mind.
Publication: June 24, 2021
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK/Sphere and NetGalley for this ARC.
December 20, 2021
“The worst type of stalker is a stalker who doesn’t realize she’s a stalker.”
3.75 stars
When You Are Mine is a psychological thriller about an obsession that leads to murder.
Philomena, aka Phil, McCarthy loves her job as a police constable. But when she becomes obsessed with a domestic violence case involving a celebrated police officer, she finds herself in danger of risking losing all that she loves.
Phil is the sole narrator. She makes for an interesting lead made even more interesting by her family history, but there were times when I wanted to slap some sense into her. Phil makes some stupid choices, some of which make no sense given her police training. She clearly doesn’t read psychological thrillers, or else she would have caught on to what was happening much earlier! But in the end, she did me proud.
This is a fast-paced, gripping read. Some parts were a little too ridiculous for me to buy, but others made up for it. I thought I knew where this was heading, but Robotham adds some surprising twists and turns.
When You Are Mine wasn’t my favorite Robotham, but I did find it highly entertaining. Despite my criticism, I couldn't put this down. Even though I found Phil frustrating, I did enjoy her character, and even more so, I loved the ending.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 stars
When You Are Mine is a psychological thriller about an obsession that leads to murder.
Philomena, aka Phil, McCarthy loves her job as a police constable. But when she becomes obsessed with a domestic violence case involving a celebrated police officer, she finds herself in danger of risking losing all that she loves.
Phil is the sole narrator. She makes for an interesting lead made even more interesting by her family history, but there were times when I wanted to slap some sense into her. Phil makes some stupid choices, some of which make no sense given her police training. She clearly doesn’t read psychological thrillers, or else she would have caught on to what was happening much earlier! But in the end, she did me proud.
This is a fast-paced, gripping read. Some parts were a little too ridiculous for me to buy, but others made up for it. I thought I knew where this was heading, but Robotham adds some surprising twists and turns.
When You Are Mine wasn’t my favorite Robotham, but I did find it highly entertaining. Despite my criticism, I couldn't put this down. Even though I found Phil frustrating, I did enjoy her character, and even more so, I loved the ending.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2021
This is a dark, intense and pulse pounding standalone psychological thriller from Michael Robotham focusing on the themes on the boys culture in the police, of protecting their own when it comes to domestic violence, the controlling, coercive, and menacing behaviour, along with the issue of toxic relationships. PC Philomena 'Phil' McCarthy wanted to be a police officer ever since a female PC helped her and others after the trauma of a bus bombing. However, given her father Edward is a crime boss, and her uncles, Clifton, Daragh and Finbar spent 10 years in prison, she had to fight to become accepted by the police force. Phil's entire career and ambitions come under threat when she and PC Anisha Kohli attend a domestic violence incident. Tempe Brown shows clear signs of being assaulted, and whilst she is unwilling to report her abuser who is present, Phil intervenes when he goes for her, cuffing and arresting him.
Phil is unaware that the man is decorated police 'hero', DS Darren Goodall, a married man with two children. Phil is given a dressing down and threatened by Chief Superintendent Drysdale, and warned off investigating further. However, Phil cannot leave well alone, reasoning that if Goodall has been assaulting his mistress, it is unlikely to be an isolated incident. This proves to be the case, with the sinister fatal 'accident' of the woman he was engaged to and Phil listens to a terrifying phone call made to the emergency services by his young son, Nathan, when Goodall is assaulting his wife. Phil ends up helping and befriending Tempe, who can't do enough for her, organising her wedding to Henry, a firefighter, making herself utterly indispensible, but can Tempe be trusted? As her life begins to unravel in spectacular fashion, Phil is pushed back into her criminal family's arms for help.
Robotham writes a riveting crime thriller that I could not put down, full of twists and turns, and dripping with tension and suspense. Phil makes for an impressive central protagonist, a strong woman who believes in justice, who finds herself out in the cold when it comes to her fellow police officers when she is just trying to do her job, officers who suddenly are unwilling to have her back. When the police force that are there for truth and justice are no longer there for her, ironically it is only her colourful criminal family that she can trust and rely on. This is such a compelling and engaging crime read, which reflects many of our contemporary realities, that I think many of Robotham's fans and other readers will love it too. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
Phil is unaware that the man is decorated police 'hero', DS Darren Goodall, a married man with two children. Phil is given a dressing down and threatened by Chief Superintendent Drysdale, and warned off investigating further. However, Phil cannot leave well alone, reasoning that if Goodall has been assaulting his mistress, it is unlikely to be an isolated incident. This proves to be the case, with the sinister fatal 'accident' of the woman he was engaged to and Phil listens to a terrifying phone call made to the emergency services by his young son, Nathan, when Goodall is assaulting his wife. Phil ends up helping and befriending Tempe, who can't do enough for her, organising her wedding to Henry, a firefighter, making herself utterly indispensible, but can Tempe be trusted? As her life begins to unravel in spectacular fashion, Phil is pushed back into her criminal family's arms for help.
Robotham writes a riveting crime thriller that I could not put down, full of twists and turns, and dripping with tension and suspense. Phil makes for an impressive central protagonist, a strong woman who believes in justice, who finds herself out in the cold when it comes to her fellow police officers when she is just trying to do her job, officers who suddenly are unwilling to have her back. When the police force that are there for truth and justice are no longer there for her, ironically it is only her colourful criminal family that she can trust and rely on. This is such a compelling and engaging crime read, which reflects many of our contemporary realities, that I think many of Robotham's fans and other readers will love it too. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
November 10, 2021
I enjoyed this book it kept my attention all the way. I was thinking three and a half stars throughout the read. This was written as pure entertainment and purposely didn’t have the depth of prose, chocolate and popcorn vs meat and potatoes. For me what knocked it down a little, kept it from attaining four- or five-star status, was the main character’s continual wrong moves when it came to her career. Her predicament wasn’t locked in solid. She could’ve easily extricated herself at any time from the main conflict. The author did a superior job juggling all the plot threads and keeping the story moving forward with the emotions of all the characters.
What bumped this one up to a solid four was the ending. There three plot points wrapped up at the end, two of which I expected. The third was awesome, nothing what I expected made me think about the book after I was done. This is what every author strives for. The great part about this final twist was that it wasn’t definite without being ambiguous. Great ending.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
What bumped this one up to a solid four was the ending. There three plot points wrapped up at the end, two of which I expected. The third was awesome, nothing what I expected made me think about the book after I was done. This is what every author strives for. The great part about this final twist was that it wasn’t definite without being ambiguous. Great ending.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
June 25, 2021
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
This novel addresses some serious issues, most notably domestic violence and abuse against women. It also shines a light on groups of men, in this case the police, protecting one of their own above and beyond what the law permits.
Philomena (Phil) McCarthy is the main protagonist. She is a police officer with the London Metropolitan police. She is in a good place, she has a partner on the force that she likes and she has just become engaged to the love of her life, Henry.
Phil comes from a rather dysfunctional family, her father is a known crime boss and he and her uncles are well known in the city. Phil has tried to distance herself from them. She has wanted to become a police officer ever since an incident when she was young involving a bombing on a bus she was riding. A police officer helped her and she has always wanted to become like her, helping others and doing the right thing.
PC McCarthy and her partner are called to the site of what appears to be domestic violence, reported screaming heard by a neighbor. When they arrive, the woman, Tempe, shows obvious signs of attack, bruising, a swollen eye, etc. The man is still there and states that her injuries are old and Tempe doesn’t want to file a report. While Phil is engaging with the man, he becomes enraged and swings at Phil, who takes him down and arrests him.
Turns out Darren Goodall, is a decorated police officer and Phil is almost immediately advised by her supervisor to forget about the incident, that she needs to back away from this case as Darren Goodall is almost “untouchable”, he has many friends in high places.
Phil, however, becomes determined to find out more about Goodall since rarely are such abuse cases isolated incidents. As she digs further she also finds herself befriended by Tempe. At first the friendship is casual but Tempe becomes more and more involved in Phil’s life. Her fiance Henry doesn’t trust Tempe and isn’t happy with her constant presence in their lives.
This novel starts at a run and the pace never lets up. This was a page turner where the tension never stops. I thought the characters were very well developed and shown from many angles.
Sometimes “bad” people can change, or evolve and friendships aren’t always healthy, SOMETIMES THEY CAN BECOME TOXIC !!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Robotham but I will definitely be watching for more from this talented author.
Thriller lovers will root for this strong female protagonist and enjoy this rollercoaster of a ride! The novel addresses contemporary issues and is very pertinent to our times!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.
This novel addresses some serious issues, most notably domestic violence and abuse against women. It also shines a light on groups of men, in this case the police, protecting one of their own above and beyond what the law permits.
Philomena (Phil) McCarthy is the main protagonist. She is a police officer with the London Metropolitan police. She is in a good place, she has a partner on the force that she likes and she has just become engaged to the love of her life, Henry.
Phil comes from a rather dysfunctional family, her father is a known crime boss and he and her uncles are well known in the city. Phil has tried to distance herself from them. She has wanted to become a police officer ever since an incident when she was young involving a bombing on a bus she was riding. A police officer helped her and she has always wanted to become like her, helping others and doing the right thing.
PC McCarthy and her partner are called to the site of what appears to be domestic violence, reported screaming heard by a neighbor. When they arrive, the woman, Tempe, shows obvious signs of attack, bruising, a swollen eye, etc. The man is still there and states that her injuries are old and Tempe doesn’t want to file a report. While Phil is engaging with the man, he becomes enraged and swings at Phil, who takes him down and arrests him.
Turns out Darren Goodall, is a decorated police officer and Phil is almost immediately advised by her supervisor to forget about the incident, that she needs to back away from this case as Darren Goodall is almost “untouchable”, he has many friends in high places.
Phil, however, becomes determined to find out more about Goodall since rarely are such abuse cases isolated incidents. As she digs further she also finds herself befriended by Tempe. At first the friendship is casual but Tempe becomes more and more involved in Phil’s life. Her fiance Henry doesn’t trust Tempe and isn’t happy with her constant presence in their lives.
This novel starts at a run and the pace never lets up. This was a page turner where the tension never stops. I thought the characters were very well developed and shown from many angles.
Sometimes “bad” people can change, or evolve and friendships aren’t always healthy, SOMETIMES THEY CAN BECOME TOXIC !!!
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Robotham but I will definitely be watching for more from this talented author.
Thriller lovers will root for this strong female protagonist and enjoy this rollercoaster of a ride! The novel addresses contemporary issues and is very pertinent to our times!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 12, 2021
3.5*
Keep your friend’s close….
Philomena McCarthy is a young woman who’s fought an up-hill battle to become a police constable. Made even more difficult given her family history of doing business on the other side of the law. But not Phil! She takes things seriously. Even going up against one of her own police officers.
A domestic dispute sends Phil and her partner to the scene. While attempting to subdue the offender she inadvertently sets off a series of events that could cost her everything. Her career, her marriage, maybe even her freedom.
It just so happens the offender is a high-ranking police officer who has sworn vengeance. But Phil is determined to protect Tempe, the victim. Eventually, she ingrains herself into Phil’s life, becoming her new bestie.
But maybe there is more to Phil’s new best friend.
I enjoyed Phil’s character. She overcame a lot and blasted her way onto the police force against all odds. But then I found her making quite a few questionable decisions. But sometimes for these thrillers to work… you just have to go with it!
This is a stand-alone from one of my go to authors. Though not one of my favorite, I still enjoyed and devoured it in only a few sittings. Already looking forward to his next.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner
Keep your friend’s close….
Philomena McCarthy is a young woman who’s fought an up-hill battle to become a police constable. Made even more difficult given her family history of doing business on the other side of the law. But not Phil! She takes things seriously. Even going up against one of her own police officers.
A domestic dispute sends Phil and her partner to the scene. While attempting to subdue the offender she inadvertently sets off a series of events that could cost her everything. Her career, her marriage, maybe even her freedom.
It just so happens the offender is a high-ranking police officer who has sworn vengeance. But Phil is determined to protect Tempe, the victim. Eventually, she ingrains herself into Phil’s life, becoming her new bestie.
But maybe there is more to Phil’s new best friend.
I enjoyed Phil’s character. She overcame a lot and blasted her way onto the police force against all odds. But then I found her making quite a few questionable decisions. But sometimes for these thrillers to work… you just have to go with it!
This is a stand-alone from one of my go to authors. Though not one of my favorite, I still enjoyed and devoured it in only a few sittings. Already looking forward to his next.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner
June 10, 2021
4.5
The central character in this stand alone is police officer Philomena (Phil) McCarthy. The premise is excellent, we can’t choose our family but they may bend over backwards for us when we most need their help. We can choose our friends but sometimes we can be misled, deceived or downright wrong in our choices with dangerous consequences. The final theme is domestic violence which is a pertinent topic especially following the rising Covid related statistics. I don’t want to give much away about this excellent psychological thriller because it’s one you get the most out of by going in blind.
The best word to describe my reaction to this book is ‘glued’. It’s an absorbing read that you don’t want to put down until the end. The characterisation is very good, Phil makes a terrific central focus as she’s brave, gutsy, instinctive and very capable of standing up for herself even though it frequently gets her into trouble. Her family are portrayed well though there may be a little hint of a stereotype or two. The toxic friendship element is handled very well and it’s chilling and scary how someone as buttoned down as Phil can be so manipulated in a twisted fashion, she’s hooked in and then stitched up like kipper. The domestic abuse angle is demonstrated effectively and makes you feel all kinds of emotions. There’s a corruption angle with a warped musketeer group which Phil runs foul of which adds to the threat level and ramps up the tension. The plot has numerous suspenseful twists and turns and an excellent ending you don’t see coming!
Overall, I anticipate this being another bestseller for Michael Robotham who is a ‘go to’ author for me and in my opinion he’s one of the masters of this genre. He weaves intelligent, relevant and well thought out tales. It’s would be great to read about Phil again as she’s fantastic!
With thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Book group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The central character in this stand alone is police officer Philomena (Phil) McCarthy. The premise is excellent, we can’t choose our family but they may bend over backwards for us when we most need their help. We can choose our friends but sometimes we can be misled, deceived or downright wrong in our choices with dangerous consequences. The final theme is domestic violence which is a pertinent topic especially following the rising Covid related statistics. I don’t want to give much away about this excellent psychological thriller because it’s one you get the most out of by going in blind.
The best word to describe my reaction to this book is ‘glued’. It’s an absorbing read that you don’t want to put down until the end. The characterisation is very good, Phil makes a terrific central focus as she’s brave, gutsy, instinctive and very capable of standing up for herself even though it frequently gets her into trouble. Her family are portrayed well though there may be a little hint of a stereotype or two. The toxic friendship element is handled very well and it’s chilling and scary how someone as buttoned down as Phil can be so manipulated in a twisted fashion, she’s hooked in and then stitched up like kipper. The domestic abuse angle is demonstrated effectively and makes you feel all kinds of emotions. There’s a corruption angle with a warped musketeer group which Phil runs foul of which adds to the threat level and ramps up the tension. The plot has numerous suspenseful twists and turns and an excellent ending you don’t see coming!
Overall, I anticipate this being another bestseller for Michael Robotham who is a ‘go to’ author for me and in my opinion he’s one of the masters of this genre. He weaves intelligent, relevant and well thought out tales. It’s would be great to read about Phil again as she’s fantastic!
With thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Book group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 22, 2021
3.5 stars
"Good never prevails. It simply treads water and waits for the bad to show up."
Philomena (Phil) McCarthy is a police officer for the elite Metropolitan Police in London. Some questioned why she wanted to be a police officer as her father and uncles are known criminals. But she takes her job seriously and when she responds to a domestic violence call, she bites off more than she can chew.
The victim is Tempe Brown, and her abuser is Darren Goodall, a married Scotland yard detective. Their interaction is not pleasant and sets the stage for drama that did not come from her momma. No, it comes with being questioned, being ostracized by her colleagues, while becoming entangled in an unhealthy relationship. A relationship which threatens her relationship with her fiancée, Henry.
One would think she would back down, one would hope she would use her skills to look at situations with trained eyes. One would think.... but Phil, doesn't. And that is one of my issues with this book. For a police officer trained to read situations, body language and people - she is seriously lacking in this department.
I seriously, wanted to throttle Phil as she could not see the forest for the trees. But her lack of attention to detail is what stirs the pot and adds tension and drama in this book. Although, her she had me wanting to pull her aside and say, "open your eyes woman!", I was entertained and fully engaged in this book.
I enjoyed her male family members. What you saw was what you got, which was refreshing in this book. I found myself annoyed various times by Phil, while rooting for her as well.
It may sound like I am being harsh, but the things I mentioned are what kept me from enjoying the book more. What worked for me was the criminals, the realistic examples of the police protecting their own while being resistant to another. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded with the twists and turns. The reveal was both refreshing and believable for me.
Pure enjoyment and a worthwhile read.
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
"Good never prevails. It simply treads water and waits for the bad to show up."
Philomena (Phil) McCarthy is a police officer for the elite Metropolitan Police in London. Some questioned why she wanted to be a police officer as her father and uncles are known criminals. But she takes her job seriously and when she responds to a domestic violence call, she bites off more than she can chew.
The victim is Tempe Brown, and her abuser is Darren Goodall, a married Scotland yard detective. Their interaction is not pleasant and sets the stage for drama that did not come from her momma. No, it comes with being questioned, being ostracized by her colleagues, while becoming entangled in an unhealthy relationship. A relationship which threatens her relationship with her fiancée, Henry.
One would think she would back down, one would hope she would use her skills to look at situations with trained eyes. One would think.... but Phil, doesn't. And that is one of my issues with this book. For a police officer trained to read situations, body language and people - she is seriously lacking in this department.
I seriously, wanted to throttle Phil as she could not see the forest for the trees. But her lack of attention to detail is what stirs the pot and adds tension and drama in this book. Although, her she had me wanting to pull her aside and say, "open your eyes woman!", I was entertained and fully engaged in this book.
I enjoyed her male family members. What you saw was what you got, which was refreshing in this book. I found myself annoyed various times by Phil, while rooting for her as well.
It may sound like I am being harsh, but the things I mentioned are what kept me from enjoying the book more. What worked for me was the criminals, the realistic examples of the police protecting their own while being resistant to another. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded with the twists and turns. The reveal was both refreshing and believable for me.
Pure enjoyment and a worthwhile read.
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
May 13, 2021
Philomena "Phil" McCarthy is a London police officer that is called to investigate a domestic assault. On arrival she discovers Tempe battered and bruised. She isn't alone, her abuser, happens to be a highly decorated police detective that is also married with children. Said detective also assaults' Phil during the arrest. Phil convinces Tempe to go to a shelter where she will be safe. Her charging of the police detective is her careers downfall. Made to be pariah amongst her other officers the case against the detective is briskly swept under the rug.
This does not satisfy Phil who knows that the detective is no good. She begins her own investigation where she finds that his current wife and children have also complained of being terrorized by him. Again, the police have done nothing to protect anyone but their own blue blood.
Meanwhile Phil and Tempe's relationship grows into a real friendship and Tempe even takes on planning Phil's wedding for her. Her fiancé and friends all warn Phil that something isn't quite right with Tempe but she refuses to heed their warning.
I'm afraid to say this is a tale of two stories for me. I liked the story of Phil helping Tempe and wondering what was going on and if Tempe was someone to be trusted. What I didn't like was the side story of her gangland relatives. I skimmed every section where her criminal father and uncles appeared.
This book is long winded and slow going with fairly predictable results. 2.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for my copy.
This does not satisfy Phil who knows that the detective is no good. She begins her own investigation where she finds that his current wife and children have also complained of being terrorized by him. Again, the police have done nothing to protect anyone but their own blue blood.
Meanwhile Phil and Tempe's relationship grows into a real friendship and Tempe even takes on planning Phil's wedding for her. Her fiancé and friends all warn Phil that something isn't quite right with Tempe but she refuses to heed their warning.
I'm afraid to say this is a tale of two stories for me. I liked the story of Phil helping Tempe and wondering what was going on and if Tempe was someone to be trusted. What I didn't like was the side story of her gangland relatives. I skimmed every section where her criminal father and uncles appeared.
This book is long winded and slow going with fairly predictable results. 2.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for my copy.
October 26, 2021
Domestic violence by police officers has been done before, but Robotham uses it as a starting point and takes off from there.
Philomena McCarthy is a police constable. She’s also the estranged daughter of a criminal boss. When she takes a domestic violence call, the man in question ends up being a decorated DS. “I used to think my family had a Mafia mindset, using words like honor and loyalty, but the police are equally tribal.” The old boys’ club closes ranks against her.
Despite being a big fan of Robotham, I had some trouble with this book. The instant friendship between Phil and Tempe felt forced and unlikely, especially given how smart Phil supposedly was. I enjoyed the other relationships more - Phil’s reconnecting with her dad and uncles, her fiancé and her soon to be in-laws.
But despite my problem with the one relationship, I found this to be a fast paced mystery and I was dying of curiosity to see how it would play out. And I loved the end. For that reason, it still merits four stars.
My thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this book.
Philomena McCarthy is a police constable. She’s also the estranged daughter of a criminal boss. When she takes a domestic violence call, the man in question ends up being a decorated DS. “I used to think my family had a Mafia mindset, using words like honor and loyalty, but the police are equally tribal.” The old boys’ club closes ranks against her.
Despite being a big fan of Robotham, I had some trouble with this book. The instant friendship between Phil and Tempe felt forced and unlikely, especially given how smart Phil supposedly was. I enjoyed the other relationships more - Phil’s reconnecting with her dad and uncles, her fiancé and her soon to be in-laws.
But despite my problem with the one relationship, I found this to be a fast paced mystery and I was dying of curiosity to see how it would play out. And I loved the end. For that reason, it still merits four stars.
My thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this book.
March 31, 2022
Philomena MacCarthy has become exactly what she dreamed of becoming, a police officer at the London Police Authority. It’s an interesting job since her father and his family have been involved in many varied nefarious activities. However, Phil is determined to be on the right side of the law.
Phil is engaged to be married, and initially wants nothing to do with her father, but then at his birthday party, Phil’s Ice cold manner starts to melt. When her dad requires heart surgery, Phil seems to be back in the fold with Dad and her uncles.
In the meantime, Phil is called to a scene of domestic violence. Unbeknownst to her, is that the abuser, Darren Goodall, is a well known decorated member of the force and her efforts to see him pay for his abuse meets a wall of silence.
Befriending the victim, Tempe, who becomes enmeshed in Phil’s life, we begin to see Tempe as both a needy person and meddler. She starts to plan Phil’s wedding with grandiose ideas and eventually starts to drive a wedge between Phil and her fiancé. There is something not quite on the up and up with Tempe.
Phil has her hands full and as the pressure and threats happen from Darren and his cronies and Tempe’s clinging vine attention, Phil realizes she needs help from where she least wants, her father and his band of criminal brothers.
This entertaining and well written book kept the interest going and the characters and plot were ones that were totally believable. No eye rolling with this one!
Phil is engaged to be married, and initially wants nothing to do with her father, but then at his birthday party, Phil’s Ice cold manner starts to melt. When her dad requires heart surgery, Phil seems to be back in the fold with Dad and her uncles.
In the meantime, Phil is called to a scene of domestic violence. Unbeknownst to her, is that the abuser, Darren Goodall, is a well known decorated member of the force and her efforts to see him pay for his abuse meets a wall of silence.
Befriending the victim, Tempe, who becomes enmeshed in Phil’s life, we begin to see Tempe as both a needy person and meddler. She starts to plan Phil’s wedding with grandiose ideas and eventually starts to drive a wedge between Phil and her fiancé. There is something not quite on the up and up with Tempe.
Phil has her hands full and as the pressure and threats happen from Darren and his cronies and Tempe’s clinging vine attention, Phil realizes she needs help from where she least wants, her father and his band of criminal brothers.
This entertaining and well written book kept the interest going and the characters and plot were ones that were totally believable. No eye rolling with this one!
June 11, 2021
Possession is Nine-Tenths of the Law.
After loving the author’s recent two books; Good Girl Bad Girl and When She Was Good, I hopped on the bandwagon for this advance copy and was excited to be granted.
Detective Constable Philomena arrests a fellow cop for domestic violence and sets a chain of events in motion. Her take-down suspect is a decorated hero owning a collection of I.O.U’s which are quickly called in. Phil is suspended before she can download her body cam and the incident is squashed.
However, Philomena wants to help people which is why she applied to the police. When she reaches out to the victim while off the job, she complicates matters even more by befriending her.
This caught my interest from the first page. It began as a police procedural but veered down the psychological thriller route with some intriguing and colorful characters. I don’t want to expound more since I enjoyed the un-spooling experience wondering where this was going.
I really loved this and want to thank UK NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group, and the author for my electronic reader’s copy.
After loving the author’s recent two books; Good Girl Bad Girl and When She Was Good, I hopped on the bandwagon for this advance copy and was excited to be granted.
Detective Constable Philomena arrests a fellow cop for domestic violence and sets a chain of events in motion. Her take-down suspect is a decorated hero owning a collection of I.O.U’s which are quickly called in. Phil is suspended before she can download her body cam and the incident is squashed.
However, Philomena wants to help people which is why she applied to the police. When she reaches out to the victim while off the job, she complicates matters even more by befriending her.
This caught my interest from the first page. It began as a police procedural but veered down the psychological thriller route with some intriguing and colorful characters. I don’t want to expound more since I enjoyed the un-spooling experience wondering where this was going.
I really loved this and want to thank UK NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group, and the author for my electronic reader’s copy.
December 30, 2021
I gave up on this book in disgust after the main character described her ovaries “jiggling” when she met an attractive man. Jiggling ovaries? FFS.
March 7, 2024
Philomena(Phil) McCarthy is a police officer who was confronted with a 'dirty ' colleague known as a hero but an abuser himself.
Phil's estranged father Edward McCarthy has a criminal empire and Phil tries to be an honest cop and not to be associated with the family business. This effort is not always successful as soon Phil has to face a police opposition that is protecting their hero.
A victim of the abuser, Tempe Brown, tries very hard to become Phil's best friend and makes a lot of bad choices herself.
Things are turning for the worse and Phil is faced with false accusations and has to ask for help from her father.
The story is full of twists and suspense but I didn't like the main character. A few times I wanted to stop listening to this book as I was very annoyed at how Phil can be so stupid and naive. As a police officer, she should be more suspicious about things in her life and not behave as a criminal herself.
This is why I cannot give more than 3 stars to this book.
Phil's estranged father Edward McCarthy has a criminal empire and Phil tries to be an honest cop and not to be associated with the family business. This effort is not always successful as soon Phil has to face a police opposition that is protecting their hero.
A victim of the abuser, Tempe Brown, tries very hard to become Phil's best friend and makes a lot of bad choices herself.
Things are turning for the worse and Phil is faced with false accusations and has to ask for help from her father.
The story is full of twists and suspense but I didn't like the main character. A few times I wanted to stop listening to this book as I was very annoyed at how Phil can be so stupid and naive. As a police officer, she should be more suspicious about things in her life and not behave as a criminal herself.
This is why I cannot give more than 3 stars to this book.
January 24, 2022
You can always rely on Michael Robotham to produce an excellent book!
When You Are Mine introduces us to a very likeable main character, a police woman called Philomena McCarthy who is successful at her job and at hiding the fact she is related to a whole bunch of criminals. This was entertaining if maybe a little unrealistic. Things are going well for her until she arrests Darren Goodall and meets Tempe Brown.
I really liked Philomena but found some of the decisions she made, especially about Tempe, to be poor ones. Nevertheless the story was excellent and the book was tense and fast paced. Henry, the long suffering boyfriend also deserves a mention. Without him I think Phil would have lost the plot even faster than she did.
This was not my favourite Robotham book - I think overall I prefer his series - but it was still very good and certainly worth reading.
When You Are Mine introduces us to a very likeable main character, a police woman called Philomena McCarthy who is successful at her job and at hiding the fact she is related to a whole bunch of criminals. This was entertaining if maybe a little unrealistic. Things are going well for her until she arrests Darren Goodall and meets Tempe Brown.
I really liked Philomena but found some of the decisions she made, especially about Tempe, to be poor ones. Nevertheless the story was excellent and the book was tense and fast paced. Henry, the long suffering boyfriend also deserves a mention. Without him I think Phil would have lost the plot even faster than she did.
This was not my favourite Robotham book - I think overall I prefer his series - but it was still very good and certainly worth reading.
March 29, 2023
Philomena (Phil) McCarthy is a police constable, loves her job, and is good at it. When she and her partner are called to a home where domestic abuse has been reported, all the rules seem to go askew for Phil. Her good intentions to protect and serve spike into something that is most definitely something unintended. As a result, Phil's livelihood, her home life, and more may be at risk. Contacts are made that turn threatening. Call it stalking, or white knight syndrome, or "attachment issues". Who is the real quarry here? Who can be trusted? Who is the guilty party?
It's hard to go wrong with this author when you are in the mood for a gripping psychological thriller, and this one falls right into that same slot.
It's hard to go wrong with this author when you are in the mood for a gripping psychological thriller, and this one falls right into that same slot.
October 14, 2021
The devil doesn't come dressed in a red cape and horns. He comes as everything you've ever wished for.......
And nobody knows that better than PC Philomena "Phil" McCarthy of the London Metropolitan Police. She comes in contact with the dark-souled ones every day of the week in order to keep crime off the streets of London. They even reside within her own family with her father and her uncles wrapped up in the cloak of corruption: money laundering, extortion, racketeering, theft, and much much worse. Phil fought long and hard to get into the police force with the weight of her family dynamics much like the pressure of a heel on her career.
She'll be visited upon by the likes of another deep dark entity when she answers the call of a domestic disturbance. Seemed like a routine call at the time. Nothing is routine anymore. Tempe Brown, a young woman in her twenties, answers the door with a damaged face. Tempe denies that anything is out of the ordinary. But Phil presses on and finds Darren Goodall standing in the background denying all and everything. Turns out Goodall is a detective sargeant of Scotland Yard decorated in the past for his valor. Phil cuffs him for trying to attack her as well. And it's a living, breathing nightmare that has been set loose for Phil from here on out.
Philomena has stepped into the dog doodoo of life. No matter how you try to scrape it away, the smell permeates everything around you. Particles cling and stay. There's a brotherhood here in defense of the sacred Goodall. Phil is a marked woman from the onset because of her family connections, but now she's up against those who want to roadblock her for outing the behavior of Goodall. He's loosely married and an abuser at home as well. Phil has latched on to this case and she's not letting go anytime soon. Until it starts affecting her personal life......
Phil forms a friendship with the abused Tempe. Tempe assists Phil with her upcoming wedding plans with Henry. But there's something in this newly formed friendship that is making Phil feel uneasy. And it's here that our Phil begins to make some off-the-wall decisions. (Please note: I'm not with Robotham in how he keeps allowing the solid Phil to sink deeper and deeper into this wacko quagmire. Big eye roll here.) Nevertheless, When You Are Mine is a worthy read that screams that there just might be a series rolling out after this one. But, Robotham, stencil in a stronger spine for our Philomena from here on out. Now you can sound the applause.....
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Simon & Schuster and to the talented Michael Robotham for the opportunity.
And nobody knows that better than PC Philomena "Phil" McCarthy of the London Metropolitan Police. She comes in contact with the dark-souled ones every day of the week in order to keep crime off the streets of London. They even reside within her own family with her father and her uncles wrapped up in the cloak of corruption: money laundering, extortion, racketeering, theft, and much much worse. Phil fought long and hard to get into the police force with the weight of her family dynamics much like the pressure of a heel on her career.
She'll be visited upon by the likes of another deep dark entity when she answers the call of a domestic disturbance. Seemed like a routine call at the time. Nothing is routine anymore. Tempe Brown, a young woman in her twenties, answers the door with a damaged face. Tempe denies that anything is out of the ordinary. But Phil presses on and finds Darren Goodall standing in the background denying all and everything. Turns out Goodall is a detective sargeant of Scotland Yard decorated in the past for his valor. Phil cuffs him for trying to attack her as well. And it's a living, breathing nightmare that has been set loose for Phil from here on out.
Philomena has stepped into the dog doodoo of life. No matter how you try to scrape it away, the smell permeates everything around you. Particles cling and stay. There's a brotherhood here in defense of the sacred Goodall. Phil is a marked woman from the onset because of her family connections, but now she's up against those who want to roadblock her for outing the behavior of Goodall. He's loosely married and an abuser at home as well. Phil has latched on to this case and she's not letting go anytime soon. Until it starts affecting her personal life......
Phil forms a friendship with the abused Tempe. Tempe assists Phil with her upcoming wedding plans with Henry. But there's something in this newly formed friendship that is making Phil feel uneasy. And it's here that our Phil begins to make some off-the-wall decisions. (Please note: I'm not with Robotham in how he keeps allowing the solid Phil to sink deeper and deeper into this wacko quagmire. Big eye roll here.) Nevertheless, When You Are Mine is a worthy read that screams that there just might be a series rolling out after this one. But, Robotham, stencil in a stronger spine for our Philomena from here on out. Now you can sound the applause.....
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Simon & Schuster and to the talented Michael Robotham for the opportunity.
July 10, 2021
“Strong women can be abused. Rich women. Old. Young. Victim-blamers, often men, sometimes claim that women enable their violent husbands by being somehow co-dependent, or enjoying their victimhood, but none of that is true. There is only one person who can control domestic abuse, and that’s the abuser.”
PC Philomena (Phil) McCarthy knew she wanted to become a police officer from the age of eleven when she was a victim on the number 30 bus blown up by suicide bomber Hasib Hassain at Tavistock Square, killing 13 passengers and injuring others. As she sat stunned on the side of the road watching a young policewoman comforting and reassuring the injured, she decided that’s what she wanted to be.
With her father and uncles involved in organised crime, Phil had to fight to be accepted into police training but she eventually succeeded and now, sixteen years later, she enjoys her job. Distanced from her father because of her job, her life is otherwise good with her fiancé Henry, a handsome firefighter. However, all that is about to change when Phil and her partner Nish are called out to a domestic dispute.
There she found a battered young woman, Tempe Brown and her belligerent boyfriend. After arresting the boyfriend and taking the Tempe to the hospital, Phil returned to the station where she is astounded to learn that the boyfriend, DS Darren Goodall, a hero and decorated officer, has filed a complaint against her. Although warned by her chief Super to stay away from him, she can’t help getting involved in helping Tempe. Soon they become friends with Phil teaching Tempe karate and involving her more in her life, perhaps more than she should. Phil also discovers that Goodall is abusing his wife, but with Goodall’s police ‘boys club’ covering up for him, it’s her word against his and she soon finds herself out in the cold with no support.
In this riveting psychological thriller, Michael Robotham has written another absorbing and emotionally intelligent novel featuring human relationships – the good, the bad and the ugly. What makes Robotham’s thrillers so good is his keen understanding and insight into human nature, in particular those of his female characters. Although domestic abuse and coercive control are central themes, toxic friendships, obsession and corruption also feature strongly in his story arcs. This all makes for a tightly plotted, fast paced thriller that is full of nail biting tension and one that is very hard to put down!
PC Philomena (Phil) McCarthy knew she wanted to become a police officer from the age of eleven when she was a victim on the number 30 bus blown up by suicide bomber Hasib Hassain at Tavistock Square, killing 13 passengers and injuring others. As she sat stunned on the side of the road watching a young policewoman comforting and reassuring the injured, she decided that’s what she wanted to be.
With her father and uncles involved in organised crime, Phil had to fight to be accepted into police training but she eventually succeeded and now, sixteen years later, she enjoys her job. Distanced from her father because of her job, her life is otherwise good with her fiancé Henry, a handsome firefighter. However, all that is about to change when Phil and her partner Nish are called out to a domestic dispute.
There she found a battered young woman, Tempe Brown and her belligerent boyfriend. After arresting the boyfriend and taking the Tempe to the hospital, Phil returned to the station where she is astounded to learn that the boyfriend, DS Darren Goodall, a hero and decorated officer, has filed a complaint against her. Although warned by her chief Super to stay away from him, she can’t help getting involved in helping Tempe. Soon they become friends with Phil teaching Tempe karate and involving her more in her life, perhaps more than she should. Phil also discovers that Goodall is abusing his wife, but with Goodall’s police ‘boys club’ covering up for him, it’s her word against his and she soon finds herself out in the cold with no support.
In this riveting psychological thriller, Michael Robotham has written another absorbing and emotionally intelligent novel featuring human relationships – the good, the bad and the ugly. What makes Robotham’s thrillers so good is his keen understanding and insight into human nature, in particular those of his female characters. Although domestic abuse and coercive control are central themes, toxic friendships, obsession and corruption also feature strongly in his story arcs. This all makes for a tightly plotted, fast paced thriller that is full of nail biting tension and one that is very hard to put down!
January 6, 2022
Philomena McCarthy knew from the young age of eleven that she wanted to be a police officer and sixteen years later she is. Working with the elite Metropolitan Police in London and being happily engaged to Henry she finds her days are busy. When she responds to a call out for domestic violence, she finds the victim, Tempe Brown is trying to protect her abuser, a married man named Darren Goodall, who turns out to be a Scotland Yard Detective a man not to be messed with.
As we follow along in this story the suspense and mystery all increase and I was anxiously turning the pages wanting to know how this story would end and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. I waited quite a while to get this book from my local library, but it was definitely worth the wait. Australian author Michael Robotham is a fabulous author and I LOVED this book and I know if you’re a fan of his then you’ll thoroughly enjoy this one as I did. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
As we follow along in this story the suspense and mystery all increase and I was anxiously turning the pages wanting to know how this story would end and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. I waited quite a while to get this book from my local library, but it was definitely worth the wait. Australian author Michael Robotham is a fabulous author and I LOVED this book and I know if you’re a fan of his then you’ll thoroughly enjoy this one as I did. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
June 13, 2021
A new stand alone crime/psychological thriller from Michael Robotham - me please! I was desperate to read this book, I am a big fan of this author and when this once landed on my doorstep all other books were pushed to the side. Set in London, I loved getting to know Phil and watching her journey through this story. I would like to see more of her please Michael... there is so much more to learn about her.
Philomena (Phil) McCarthy is a police officer in London. She is also the daughter of a notorious gangster in the city. She wants to do good, to be separate from her famous father, and help people. When she is called to a domestic assault, little does she know that it will change her life forever. Wanting to help the woman, Tempe, she arrests the man at the scene, the woman's lover and a highly decorated police officer. She has made a powerful enemy and one that will not forget. Phil and Tempe become friends, but Tempe is not what she first seems and soon becomes obsessed with Phil. With her career and reputation on the line, will she turn to her family in a time of need?
Michael Robotham's writing is an absolute joy to read. His characters and details are brought to life on the pages, allowing you to get completely lost in them. This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2021 and let me tell you, the man delivers once again. You need to get your hands on this book.
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this wonderful book to read. It absolutely made my day
Philomena (Phil) McCarthy is a police officer in London. She is also the daughter of a notorious gangster in the city. She wants to do good, to be separate from her famous father, and help people. When she is called to a domestic assault, little does she know that it will change her life forever. Wanting to help the woman, Tempe, she arrests the man at the scene, the woman's lover and a highly decorated police officer. She has made a powerful enemy and one that will not forget. Phil and Tempe become friends, but Tempe is not what she first seems and soon becomes obsessed with Phil. With her career and reputation on the line, will she turn to her family in a time of need?
Michael Robotham's writing is an absolute joy to read. His characters and details are brought to life on the pages, allowing you to get completely lost in them. This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2021 and let me tell you, the man delivers once again. You need to get your hands on this book.
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this wonderful book to read. It absolutely made my day
August 24, 2025
4.5~5 ★
"Under his breath, but still audible, he mutters, 'You seem to have forgotten your place in the food chain. You are a doe-eyed Bambi in a forest full of wolves, and when I come for you, not even your daddy will be able to protect you.' "
Robotham introduces Phil as an eleven-year-old girl caught on the double-decker bus that was blown apart in the 2005 London bombings. She was on her way to a doctor's appointment, when BOOM!
"I crashed to the pavement as debris and body parts fell around me. Looking up through the dust, I wondered what I’d been doing on a London sightseeing bus, which is what it looked like without a roof."
Of course, I expected this to be about her as a wounded survivor, overcoming the odds. But no. It was about how grateful she was for the sensitive care she and the others received from a kindly young female police officer. The woman made everyone feel safe, and just then, she decided what she wanted to do with her life.
She's no doe-eyed Bambi, as the man in the opening quote warns her. He's a detective and she's only a lowly constable, but she comes from a family full of wolves. Her father is a high-powered gangster whom she hasn't spoken to for many years – because she was desperate to join the police and knew her background would be held against her.
Her stepmother has been begging her to come to her father's 60th birthday party, but Phil's successfully dodged her… until she is surprised when arriving home at 10pm one night, while fiancé Henry is working.
"‘Philomena,’ she says awkwardly. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’ I keep walking.
‘You haven’t answered my calls. I thought maybe I had the wrong number.’
‘With my voice on the recorded message?’
‘It’s been so long,’ she explains. ‘I also sent you a letter and texts.’
‘I must have ignored them.’
‘Can we talk? Please?’
I am normally not rude to people. I barely know Constance."
A neighbour hears them talking and opens her door, effectively ending their conversation and forcing Phil to bring her stepmother inside. Long story short, Constance convinces Phil that her father is unwell but won't tell her what it is. He misses his daughter terribly.
Phil spent many childhood holidays with her father after her parents divorced, and Constance didn't come along until Phil was grown and gone.
She and Henry go to the party, which turns out to be an all-out affair, Her dad, Eddie is overjoyed and her uncles are the same. She is picked up, swung around, in a series of bear-hugs and is immediately transported to her childhood.
Tony Soprano comes to mind, or any of the mob/gangster families where loyalty to family is everything.
When Phil gets caught up in a reported domestic disturbance, her life takes quite a change. She can't bear that this lovely young Irish girl, Tempe, has been so badly beaten and can't escape her married abuser, the detective I quoted above.
Phil is no doe-eyed Bambi - she's a karate teacher, and watching this five-foot-five 'girl' unbalance a big man is impressive. She doesn't need her father or uncles, thank you very much.
When she presses a superior officer to follow up the abuse case, he tells her to leave it alone.
"His smug, self-satisfied smile grows fixed. ‘Let this go, McCarthy. No good can come of it.’
I want to come back at him with one of those killer one-liners that always occur to me when it’s too late, but my mouth is my worst enemy. Karate has helped me to control my temper, but my tongue still needs a handbrake or a dead man’s switch."
Yes, save it for the pub brawls. Tempe asks for lessons. She can't pay for anything, but she has lots of contacts and offers to arrange Phil's wedding. Henry gradually grows jealous of the constant presence of Tempe every time he turns around, but Phil loves her wedding arrangements and wants to protect this girl who has become a best friend.
Her father, Eddie, and the uncles, begin playing a role in her life as lovable thugs, until we are reminded of what they are capable of. It's an interesting family dynamic, to say the least, and I enjoyed the tension.
I am delighted that Robotham has recently published a follow-up to this, because it was a treat meeting Phil and her complicated family. I haven't touched on the plot, which, suffice it to say, is excellent and not as grisly as some of his other work.
But Phil does end up on the wrong side of a murder investigation with no alibi and plenty of DNA evidence against her. Robotham certainly had some work to do after he painted her into that particular corner!
I'm now looking forward to The White Crow, #2 in what will become, I hope, a continuing series.
I listened to some of this read by Katy Sobey, and her command of the various accents is good. It is hard for a woman's voice to convey the kind of power an older male gangster would have, but she got the sense of it across well using husky lower tones.
"Under his breath, but still audible, he mutters, 'You seem to have forgotten your place in the food chain. You are a doe-eyed Bambi in a forest full of wolves, and when I come for you, not even your daddy will be able to protect you.' "
Robotham introduces Phil as an eleven-year-old girl caught on the double-decker bus that was blown apart in the 2005 London bombings. She was on her way to a doctor's appointment, when BOOM!
"I crashed to the pavement as debris and body parts fell around me. Looking up through the dust, I wondered what I’d been doing on a London sightseeing bus, which is what it looked like without a roof."
Of course, I expected this to be about her as a wounded survivor, overcoming the odds. But no. It was about how grateful she was for the sensitive care she and the others received from a kindly young female police officer. The woman made everyone feel safe, and just then, she decided what she wanted to do with her life.
She's no doe-eyed Bambi, as the man in the opening quote warns her. He's a detective and she's only a lowly constable, but she comes from a family full of wolves. Her father is a high-powered gangster whom she hasn't spoken to for many years – because she was desperate to join the police and knew her background would be held against her.
Her stepmother has been begging her to come to her father's 60th birthday party, but Phil's successfully dodged her… until she is surprised when arriving home at 10pm one night, while fiancé Henry is working.
"‘Philomena,’ she says awkwardly. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’ I keep walking.
‘You haven’t answered my calls. I thought maybe I had the wrong number.’
‘With my voice on the recorded message?’
‘It’s been so long,’ she explains. ‘I also sent you a letter and texts.’
‘I must have ignored them.’
‘Can we talk? Please?’
I am normally not rude to people. I barely know Constance."
A neighbour hears them talking and opens her door, effectively ending their conversation and forcing Phil to bring her stepmother inside. Long story short, Constance convinces Phil that her father is unwell but won't tell her what it is. He misses his daughter terribly.
Phil spent many childhood holidays with her father after her parents divorced, and Constance didn't come along until Phil was grown and gone.
She and Henry go to the party, which turns out to be an all-out affair, Her dad, Eddie is overjoyed and her uncles are the same. She is picked up, swung around, in a series of bear-hugs and is immediately transported to her childhood.
Tony Soprano comes to mind, or any of the mob/gangster families where loyalty to family is everything.
When Phil gets caught up in a reported domestic disturbance, her life takes quite a change. She can't bear that this lovely young Irish girl, Tempe, has been so badly beaten and can't escape her married abuser, the detective I quoted above.
Phil is no doe-eyed Bambi - she's a karate teacher, and watching this five-foot-five 'girl' unbalance a big man is impressive. She doesn't need her father or uncles, thank you very much.
When she presses a superior officer to follow up the abuse case, he tells her to leave it alone.
"His smug, self-satisfied smile grows fixed. ‘Let this go, McCarthy. No good can come of it.’
I want to come back at him with one of those killer one-liners that always occur to me when it’s too late, but my mouth is my worst enemy. Karate has helped me to control my temper, but my tongue still needs a handbrake or a dead man’s switch."
Yes, save it for the pub brawls. Tempe asks for lessons. She can't pay for anything, but she has lots of contacts and offers to arrange Phil's wedding. Henry gradually grows jealous of the constant presence of Tempe every time he turns around, but Phil loves her wedding arrangements and wants to protect this girl who has become a best friend.
Her father, Eddie, and the uncles, begin playing a role in her life as lovable thugs, until we are reminded of what they are capable of. It's an interesting family dynamic, to say the least, and I enjoyed the tension.
I am delighted that Robotham has recently published a follow-up to this, because it was a treat meeting Phil and her complicated family. I haven't touched on the plot, which, suffice it to say, is excellent and not as grisly as some of his other work.
But Phil does end up on the wrong side of a murder investigation with no alibi and plenty of DNA evidence against her. Robotham certainly had some work to do after he painted her into that particular corner!
I'm now looking forward to The White Crow, #2 in what will become, I hope, a continuing series.
I listened to some of this read by Katy Sobey, and her command of the various accents is good. It is hard for a woman's voice to convey the kind of power an older male gangster would have, but she got the sense of it across well using husky lower tones.
January 9, 2022
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
I do have mixed feelings about this book.
It started very well and I felt engaged.
Domestic abuse can be a hard topic to digest.
Unfortunately the storyline became very repetitive and its development was in circles. I also did not find it that thrilling.
I had the impression that the author lost focus of the main plot.
I did enjoy the writing and I thought that this book was a good entertainment.
I liked the main character, who was at the same time smart and naive (perhaps too naive to be a cop) and capable of making mistakes.
I had a hard time believing that the culprit was that powerful to have influence on other authorities.
The big redemption happens with its conclusion, hence my 4 stars rating, but I did expect a lot more.
This was my third book by this author and it won’t be the last. I’m planning on starting his Joseph O’Loughilin’s series, which is being adapted for the TV, very soon.
PS. I’m asking myself if I should take longer breaks between books. I read this one immediately after reading “Redemption Road”, by John Hart, and I couldn’t stop comparing writing style. Robotham’s seemed amateurish in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, I do like Robotham, and I loved his other books. I’m sure readers can understand me.
I do have mixed feelings about this book.
It started very well and I felt engaged.
Domestic abuse can be a hard topic to digest.
Unfortunately the storyline became very repetitive and its development was in circles. I also did not find it that thrilling.
I had the impression that the author lost focus of the main plot.
I did enjoy the writing and I thought that this book was a good entertainment.
I liked the main character, who was at the same time smart and naive (perhaps too naive to be a cop) and capable of making mistakes.
I had a hard time believing that the culprit was that powerful to have influence on other authorities.
The big redemption happens with its conclusion, hence my 4 stars rating, but I did expect a lot more.
This was my third book by this author and it won’t be the last. I’m planning on starting his Joseph O’Loughilin’s series, which is being adapted for the TV, very soon.
PS. I’m asking myself if I should take longer breaks between books. I read this one immediately after reading “Redemption Road”, by John Hart, and I couldn’t stop comparing writing style. Robotham’s seemed amateurish in comparison. Don’t get me wrong, I do like Robotham, and I loved his other books. I’m sure readers can understand me.
June 27, 2021
Philomena McCarthy had been a police officer for three years with the London Metropolitan police, revelling in her job, happy in her work. She was engaged to Henry, a divorced man with almost seven-year-old Archie whom he shared with his ex-wife. Henry and Phil were very happy, but then she was called to a domestic violence situation where the victim, Tempe Brown, had obvious injuries, but didn’t want to press charges. Her fear of her partner was obvious. When Phil reported the incident, including the evidence of her bodycam, she was told to leave it alone; it would be ‘handled’. The violent partner was a well-known and decorated police officer…
Phil’s evolving friendship with Tempe, where she helped Phil choose a venue, a wedding dress, along with multiple other things had Henry become suspicious. Meanwhile the violent officer was brutalizing his wife and children. Phil was determined to put him behind bars. But would that happen with all the support he was getting; and all the ostracizing Phil was getting? What would happen in this vicious circle of violence, vindictiveness, revenge and delusion?
When You Are Mine is a standalone psychological thriller by Aussie author Michael Robotham and I loved it. The characters were many, but easy to keep track of; Phil seemed a little naïve, doing things she shouldn’t, but her heart was in the right place. Incredible how things can go so out of control; such a roller coaster ride from one simple event. Domestic violence – a topical subject – was the dominant thread in When You Are Mine, but it wasn’t ‘in your face’, not for me anyway. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Phil’s evolving friendship with Tempe, where she helped Phil choose a venue, a wedding dress, along with multiple other things had Henry become suspicious. Meanwhile the violent officer was brutalizing his wife and children. Phil was determined to put him behind bars. But would that happen with all the support he was getting; and all the ostracizing Phil was getting? What would happen in this vicious circle of violence, vindictiveness, revenge and delusion?
When You Are Mine is a standalone psychological thriller by Aussie author Michael Robotham and I loved it. The characters were many, but easy to keep track of; Phil seemed a little naïve, doing things she shouldn’t, but her heart was in the right place. Incredible how things can go so out of control; such a roller coaster ride from one simple event. Domestic violence – a topical subject – was the dominant thread in When You Are Mine, but it wasn’t ‘in your face’, not for me anyway. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2021
I think there are two prongs to why I did not like this book. First off, I really dislike books where the goodie is a regular goodie but the baddie is an all-seeing, all-powerful type with friends everywhere who do as they say, and therefore everyone is against the aforementioned goodie and no one believes a word that they say regardless of evidence or proof. Breathes. I find these books so frustrating because it seems like the easiest way to create obstacles is to stick another pal in a high place to pervert justice, it's not overly clever or complex. When the whole of the police force from top level to PCs start fitting Phil up, I totally lost interest. Was Darren really that powerfully connected? Did these men really just all want to let him get away with beating women and children? The actual plot was super repetitive anyway. He attacks someone, they call Phil, she gets involved and then they back track. Goodall fits her up. There was no progression from this cycle for well over half the book.
That prong is on my personal tastes.
Second prong was that it did not seem to know what the main plot was even meant to be. Was it Goodall and his all-bad police crew and the war on Phil? Was it weird, lying Tempe? Was it Phil and Henry and the development of her relationship with her father and his family? It dithered between all three plots but didn't want to progress any of them until too late on when my interest had waned. There was even a murder thrown in in the first half which was raised like this massive plot event but then was barely mentioned again. Nothing seemed to have a focus and so I lost mine.
Annoyingly I was so hooked when I started reading but by about 25% in i was already struggling. Previous experience with this author was really the only reason that I forged on.
That prong is on my personal tastes.
Second prong was that it did not seem to know what the main plot was even meant to be. Was it Goodall and his all-bad police crew and the war on Phil? Was it weird, lying Tempe? Was it Phil and Henry and the development of her relationship with her father and his family? It dithered between all three plots but didn't want to progress any of them until too late on when my interest had waned. There was even a murder thrown in in the first half which was raised like this massive plot event but then was barely mentioned again. Nothing seemed to have a focus and so I lost mine.
Annoyingly I was so hooked when I started reading but by about 25% in i was already struggling. Previous experience with this author was really the only reason that I forged on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2021
An excellent stand alone thriller novel by author Michael Robotham. This is a real page turner and a story about domestic abuse, coercive control and toxic friendships. There are some really strong characters in this novel, some you will like and others you will hate together in a well plotted story that kept me reading all day.
I really enjoy Michael Robotham’s books and have followed both the Joseph O’Loughlin and Cyrus Haven series from the start as well as his standalones. This is another excellent plotted story and is well worth a read.
Young police officer Philomena McCarthy has a promising career future despite being the daughter of a notorious London gangster. When Phil is called to the scene of a domestic assault, she rescues a young woman, Tempe Brown from her abusive boyfriend, who just happens to be a decorated detective. The incident is hushed up, but she has unwittingly made a dangerous enemy with powerful friends.
A bond is forged between the two women who are determined to protect each other and a strange friendship is made. Tempe goes to great lengths to please Phil but something isn’t quite what it seems with the friendship. A journalist approaches Phil after linking her to her estranged father and is found floating in the Thames shortly after. With all the deceit around Phil is unsure who to trust or suspect leaving her in an impossible position.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy Michael Robotham’s books and have followed both the Joseph O’Loughlin and Cyrus Haven series from the start as well as his standalones. This is another excellent plotted story and is well worth a read.
Young police officer Philomena McCarthy has a promising career future despite being the daughter of a notorious London gangster. When Phil is called to the scene of a domestic assault, she rescues a young woman, Tempe Brown from her abusive boyfriend, who just happens to be a decorated detective. The incident is hushed up, but she has unwittingly made a dangerous enemy with powerful friends.
A bond is forged between the two women who are determined to protect each other and a strange friendship is made. Tempe goes to great lengths to please Phil but something isn’t quite what it seems with the friendship. A journalist approaches Phil after linking her to her estranged father and is found floating in the Thames shortly after. With all the deceit around Phil is unsure who to trust or suspect leaving her in an impossible position.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2022
It's too bad the end left a lot to be desired. It's also too bad the main character lacked confidence in her being. These negatives are unsatisfactory and bring down the rating. 4 of 10 stars
January 4, 2022
"...I didn't mean to hurt you, but everything I did was out of love..."
Again Michael Robotham illustrates how a great thriller is meant to grab you. Philomena McCarthy is a young London police officer who responds to a domestic disturbance call, confronting and arresting an assailant who has beaten a woman. It turns out the man she has arrested is Darren Goodall, a highly decorated cop with connections to the most powerful men in the department. She helps the victim, Tempe Brown, checking her into a shelter and trying in vain to persuade her to file charges. Philomena is a complex character driven to do the right thing no matter the risks, even as the reader wants to shake her and warn her to back off. Despite the threats from the police department, she pushes things further by probing into Goodall's violent history toward women-- his physical treatment of his wife and the suspicious death of a past girlfriend. We find this investigation will not be tolerated, it will be crushed.
In addition to the conflicts with the department and with Goodall, the victim she is desperately trying to help is a little "off". Tempe becomes attached to Philomena, offering to arrange her upcoming wedding, picking up dry cleaning, even seeing that the dishwasher is repaired. Tempe coincidentally runs into Philomena repeatedly all over town. Stranger, more disastrous developments eventually question how crazy Tempe is and how peculiar her obsession.
Philomena McCarthy has great potential to foster a whole series. In addition to her role as a woman in law enforcement, we learn she is the daughter of one of London's most notorious gangsters. This relationship has always been a source of friction between her and her career, casting an unfair shadow on her integrity. She has recently maintained a distance from her father... but such family bonds are not easily dismissed.
It turns out I will be reading everything by Michael Robotham. Thank you to Scribner Books, NetGalley and the author for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #WhenYouAreMine #NetGalley @ScribnerBooks @michaelrobotham
Again Michael Robotham illustrates how a great thriller is meant to grab you. Philomena McCarthy is a young London police officer who responds to a domestic disturbance call, confronting and arresting an assailant who has beaten a woman. It turns out the man she has arrested is Darren Goodall, a highly decorated cop with connections to the most powerful men in the department. She helps the victim, Tempe Brown, checking her into a shelter and trying in vain to persuade her to file charges. Philomena is a complex character driven to do the right thing no matter the risks, even as the reader wants to shake her and warn her to back off. Despite the threats from the police department, she pushes things further by probing into Goodall's violent history toward women-- his physical treatment of his wife and the suspicious death of a past girlfriend. We find this investigation will not be tolerated, it will be crushed.
In addition to the conflicts with the department and with Goodall, the victim she is desperately trying to help is a little "off". Tempe becomes attached to Philomena, offering to arrange her upcoming wedding, picking up dry cleaning, even seeing that the dishwasher is repaired. Tempe coincidentally runs into Philomena repeatedly all over town. Stranger, more disastrous developments eventually question how crazy Tempe is and how peculiar her obsession.
Philomena McCarthy has great potential to foster a whole series. In addition to her role as a woman in law enforcement, we learn she is the daughter of one of London's most notorious gangsters. This relationship has always been a source of friction between her and her career, casting an unfair shadow on her integrity. She has recently maintained a distance from her father... but such family bonds are not easily dismissed.
It turns out I will be reading everything by Michael Robotham. Thank you to Scribner Books, NetGalley and the author for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #WhenYouAreMine #NetGalley @ScribnerBooks @michaelrobotham
July 21, 2021
Stand alone psychological thriller published 2021.
A standout 5 stars.
Every now and again a character come along that just leaves you wanting more and our heroine here Philomena ‘Phil’ McCarthy is right up there with the best.
Phil’s early life has been colourful, to say the least.
She is the only daughter of a London crime boss, not something that sits well with Phil.
Ten years ago she turned her back on her father and all he stands for, she joins the London Metropolitan Police Force.
Her chosen profession was never going to be easy, everybody knew who she was. But she was more like her father than she cared to admit. She was headstrong and didn’t take anyone's bullshit.
For the most part she was happy in her work. She had a live in boyfriend who was soon to become her husband.
On duty one day with her work partner they get a call to go a domestic violence call in.
When the male abuser turns out to be a fellow officer and a sergeant, a sergeant that Phil assaults, whilst trying to restrain him, Phil’s life is about to become a living hell.
This is a page turner of the first order but it’s a lot more than just that. It puts a spotlight on some very nasty things, things that need to be spoken about.
Top of the list is domestic violence a pernicious problem that destroys lives.
Cronyism in the police force when dobbing on your fellow officers is worse that the crimes they commit.
Last but not least, mental illness. How a need to help can end up being more destructive than constructive.
This is an outstanding read that I can’t recommend highly enough
A standout 5 stars.
Every now and again a character come along that just leaves you wanting more and our heroine here Philomena ‘Phil’ McCarthy is right up there with the best.
Phil’s early life has been colourful, to say the least.
She is the only daughter of a London crime boss, not something that sits well with Phil.
Ten years ago she turned her back on her father and all he stands for, she joins the London Metropolitan Police Force.
Her chosen profession was never going to be easy, everybody knew who she was. But she was more like her father than she cared to admit. She was headstrong and didn’t take anyone's bullshit.
For the most part she was happy in her work. She had a live in boyfriend who was soon to become her husband.
On duty one day with her work partner they get a call to go a domestic violence call in.
When the male abuser turns out to be a fellow officer and a sergeant, a sergeant that Phil assaults, whilst trying to restrain him, Phil’s life is about to become a living hell.
This is a page turner of the first order but it’s a lot more than just that. It puts a spotlight on some very nasty things, things that need to be spoken about.
Top of the list is domestic violence a pernicious problem that destroys lives.
Cronyism in the police force when dobbing on your fellow officers is worse that the crimes they commit.
Last but not least, mental illness. How a need to help can end up being more destructive than constructive.
This is an outstanding read that I can’t recommend highly enough
January 10, 2023
Borrowed from the library-
Triggers : abuse, domestic abuse, child abuse
This twisty read had me captivated as there are so many intricate plots and characters involved. Morality: the line between good and bad is really explored in depth in When You Are Mine by Michael Robotham. I definitely enjoyed and would recommend.
Triggers : abuse, domestic abuse, child abuse
This twisty read had me captivated as there are so many intricate plots and characters involved. Morality: the line between good and bad is really explored in depth in When You Are Mine by Michael Robotham. I definitely enjoyed and would recommend.
December 21, 2022
Briefly - Edgy, pacey, twisty - damn good read. 4.5/5.
In full
There is a good opening to this story. A young girl is caught by the London bombings and is helped by a female police officer. It has the effect of shaping her life. The book continues with the girl Philomena (Phil) now as a serving police officer. She is caught up in a case that appears to be a fairly straightforward domestic abuse case. It is not! Another facet of this story is that Phil's family have had fairly major crime connections although she no longer has any contact with them. This means that there is a good mix of potential issues for this story.
The book follows the aftermath and consequences of the domestic abuse case. I don't like spoilers so I'd prefer to give nothing more than that away. Suffice it to say that so much that is "obvious" may not actually be correct. I did work out/guess some of the twists but definitely not all of them. While there were times that I was screaming at Phil (!!) she was for me a good character. Most of the other people were rather more peripheral though I did grow to like Phil's uncles.
I've been a fan of Michael Robotham's books for some years now. I have particularly enjoyed the Joe O'Loughlin ones however a previous standalone book also worked very well for me. In my mind this author writes extremely well. There is always a decent sense of pace and tension and this book is no exception. Whenever I had a free moment I turned to this. Equally I often thought "I'll just read a little more" and then read for much longer than I had intended. For me it is one of those sort of books.
I'd happily recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good tense read. If you haven't tried Michael Robotham then this would make a good intro to his work. There is a real sense of foreboding about this tale for me. You know bad things are going to happen but the who, why and when will come as a surprise sometimes. I found this edgy, pacey and twisty - just what I want for this sort of book. 5 star and happily so.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
There is a good opening to this story. A young girl is caught by the London bombings and is helped by a female police officer. It has the effect of shaping her life. The book continues with the girl Philomena (Phil) now as a serving police officer. She is caught up in a case that appears to be a fairly straightforward domestic abuse case. It is not! Another facet of this story is that Phil's family have had fairly major crime connections although she no longer has any contact with them. This means that there is a good mix of potential issues for this story.
The book follows the aftermath and consequences of the domestic abuse case. I don't like spoilers so I'd prefer to give nothing more than that away. Suffice it to say that so much that is "obvious" may not actually be correct. I did work out/guess some of the twists but definitely not all of them. While there were times that I was screaming at Phil (!!) she was for me a good character. Most of the other people were rather more peripheral though I did grow to like Phil's uncles.
I've been a fan of Michael Robotham's books for some years now. I have particularly enjoyed the Joe O'Loughlin ones however a previous standalone book also worked very well for me. In my mind this author writes extremely well. There is always a decent sense of pace and tension and this book is no exception. Whenever I had a free moment I turned to this. Equally I often thought "I'll just read a little more" and then read for much longer than I had intended. For me it is one of those sort of books.
I'd happily recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good tense read. If you haven't tried Michael Robotham then this would make a good intro to his work. There is a real sense of foreboding about this tale for me. You know bad things are going to happen but the who, why and when will come as a surprise sometimes. I found this edgy, pacey and twisty - just what I want for this sort of book. 5 star and happily so.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
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