Storm Child is the fourth gripping instalment in Michael Robotham's brilliant Cyrus Haven & Evie Cormac series, a spin-off from his much-lauded Joe O'Loughlin series.

The book opens with Nottingham-based Cyrus and Evie enjoying a short holiday by the seaside at Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. Their day on the beach turns to horror as they both witness the washing ashore of numerous bodies of ill-fated asylum seekers. The trauma causes Evie to briefly enter a catatonic state, and sparks the return of deeply-buried memories of her own journey to England from Albania as a child. Through their common language, Evie befriends the sole survivor of those washed ashore from the North Sea, a fourteen-year-old Albanian boy called Arben.

Meanwhile, Cyrus is drawn into the police investigation in his capacity as a consultant psychologist. Arben's evidence indicates that the sinking of the asylum seeker's boat was not an accident, but a deliberate act by a fishing trawler. Cyrus is contacted by Florence Gatsi, a motorbike-riding lawyer who works for an organisation called Migrant Rescue, focussed on trying to minimise the risks to those attempting to reach Britain by sea. Cyrus and Florence explore a growing mutual attraction as the investigation into people-smuggling and child sex trafficking proceeds, taking Cyrus and Evie north to the (fictional) fishing port of St. Claire in Scotland, somewhere in the vicinity of real-life Peterhead.

Storm Child is an emotionally-stirring read, especially those portions that relate to Evie's experiences as a young girl in Albania and then as an asylum-seeker bound for the United Kingdom. The crime-thriller plot and characterisations were as brilliant as always with Michael Robotham and the addition of Florence Gatsi brought an intriguing dynamic and new challenges to the central duo.

While Storm Child could be read as a standalone, I believe that this is a series best read in chronological order, as there is significant development of the relationship between psychologist Cyrus and his ward/lodger Evie over the course of the series, as the detail of Evie's experiences gradually emerges. Highly recommended - I can't wait for the next instalment!

My thanks to the author, Michael Robotham, publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title.

Wow. Another 5 ⭐️ masterpiece from Michael Robotham. Book 4 in the Cyrus Haven series, and they just keep getting bettter. This dark thriller is based on Evie, a complex, intriguing and likeable (against the odds) character who readers have followed from childhood to adolescence, and now in to adulthood. Different to the the preceding three books in the series, the unexpected twists and turns have come to be expected from this brilliant author, and this book is unputdownable! Highly recommended. If you haven’t read the first three titles in this series, do yourself a favour and read them in order.

Bravo Michael Robotham! You did it again!

Tried my best to get into this one but for some reason the characters didn't grab me. Shame, as loved reading Good Girl, Bad Girl.

Well, what an ending to this brilliant, brilliant series! I’m simultaneously euphoric and gutted at having to say a fond farewell to Cyrus and Evie, two characters who have lived in my heart for the past five years.

For the uninitiated, Cyrus is the 30-something, forensic psychologist, who as a young boy discovered the mutilated bodies of his parents and twin sisters, slain by his brother. Evie is the teenager with a dark, unknown past; the child found hidden in a secret room in the aftermath of a terrible crime but with no memory of how she came to be there.

When Evie’s and Cyrus’s paths cross in a secure children’s home, their meeting sparks a powerful connection, an understanding born out of their separate traumas that evolves into a complex but beautiful, codependent relationship.

For four years, Cyrus has tried unsuccessfully to unlock Evie’s memories. And in this, the fourth and final installment, his efforts are aided by a terrible tragedy, when the bodies of 17 migrants wash up on a Lincolnshire beach, triggering a flood of recall in Evie.

What follows is a propulsive, gritty read that combines a tense and twisty police investigation with the compelling unfolding of Evie’s past. Alongside these two elements, Robotham also gives an illuminating social commentary on organized people trafficking, highlighting the desperation and misery of those trafficked and the ruthlessness of the smugglers.

Much of what transpires, especially as it relates to Evie, is deeply disturbing, but it’s a story that could probably be told a hundred times over in real life and one that reminds us of the evil that lurks in the world.

The ending had me in tears. It was emotional and uplifting, though not the one I might have wished for. That said, I’m glad Robotham avoided the temptation of full-blown sentimentality. It was the right thing to do, and it allowed me to say goodbye to Cyrus and Evie with joy in my heart.

A riveting and timely fourth novel in the Cyrus Haven series. A pleasant day at the seaside turns disastrous for psychologist Cyrus and Evie Cormac, when the bodies of several illegal immigrants wash ashore. As they unearth a high-stakes conspiracy we learn more about Evie's mysterious backstory. Heart-stopping.

Having eagerly awaited the return of Cyrus and Evie, I was thrilled to be sent Storm Child, the fourth book in Michael Rowbotham's gripping series, by the publisher for review. As a huge fan of the first three books, my expectations were high, and Storm Child did not disappoint.

One of the standout aspects of this installment is the deep dive into Evie’s past. Rowbotham skillfully unravels layers of her history, adding depth and nuance to her character. This exploration is not just a backdrop but a driving force that enriches the narrative, making Evie even more compelling.

Additionally, the relationship between Cyrus and Evie continues to evolve beautifully. Their dynamic is both complex and heartwarming, providing a solid emotional core to the intense and often dark storyline. Rowbotham's ability to balance their personal growth with the unfolding mystery is masterful, keeping readers engaged and invested in their journey.

Storm Child maintains the high stakes and fast pace that fans of the series have come to love. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, ensuring that the story remains unpredictable and thrilling. Rowbotham's writing is as sharp and evocative as ever, making this book a must-read for fans and newcomers alike.

Thankfully I literally just finished book 13 so was able to move straight into book 14. Lottie is back with a murder case involving a young woman Laura. When Lottie and her team start to investigate things take a worrying turn when another young woman Shannon goes missing last seen getting into a taxi. The team have to work out if there is any connection between Laura and Shannon and desperately try to work that out before they get called to another murder scene.

As usual we see Lottie's personal life spill over into the storyline as she battles with Boyd over their domestic living arrangements. I enjoy the series and really like the characters but it's about time Lottie started treating Boyd better, she is awful to the man! This book was certainly better than the last one and I was engaged with the story right until the end. Another enjoyable book in this series and it seems like there is still scope for this to continue so I look forward to the next one!

I think this was my favourite Evie and Cyrus book. I've read the previous book and got the gist of their story and how they became a team/friends. I have yet to read book one and two, but I think after reading this book, I got everything I need from them.

I loved seeing how these characters again after waiting a while for them. Their friendship and banter was missed.

When Cyrus assists in rescuing washed up bodies on a beach they're visiting, it triggers Evie and brings back her nightmares, along with many unanswered questions.

Cyrus then gets involved in the case with Evie alongside him. Friendships are formed, a taste of romance and lots of rushing all over the UK to get answers in the migrants deaths and how it could be linked to Evie's journey to the UK. The more they search the closer they get to knowing what happened 12 years ago. Evie and Cyrus bond gets stronger.

My heart broke in the last few chapters. I sobbed reading about what Evie discovers and how she makes up her mind to be the person she needs to be. I'm trying hard not to give spoilers.

I think Cyrus and Evie will always be friends, if not brother and sister in a way. I hope this won't be the last of these two. I'd like to see at least one more book with them in investigating a case.

Can't wait to read more from this author.

Really good book. Very cleverly arranged and written. I loved the 2 x main characters and their relationship. I hope to read about Cyrus and Evie again. Very original, yet current storyline.

5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/08/29/review-storm-child-cyrus-haven-4-by-michael-robotham/
My Five Word TL:DR Review: A Conclusion or Another Instalment?

Storm Child is the fourth book in the Cyrus Haven series and a really good addition. Personally, it feels like this series has reached a conclusion with many of the storylines being answered but I suppose there is always a chance that Cyrus becomes involved in other adventures so I wouldn’t like to say for definite that this is the end of the road. If the author doesn’t intend to revisit though I would say that this makes for a very satisfactory conclusion. I would also mention that I think to really enjoy the full benefits of the character growth and the backstory these books should be read in order. And, I would also suggest that new readers need to be aware that some of the topics explored here can be quite dark and I would say triggering.

So, Storm Child is the instalment that finally brings to us the true events from Evie’s past. Evie and Cyrus are actually enjoying a day out at the seaside when a tragedy unfolds before their eyes. A number of bodies are washed up onto the shore, migrants whose boat has been rammed. Only one young boy survives. Cyrus immediately rushes into the water trying to find survivors, Evie’s reaction is one of abject fear before her natural instinct to hide kicks in. From here, Evie begins to recall things and the two go in search of some answers to help uncover her past.

What I liked about this. It’s another natural step in discovering what truly happened to Evie. I think I already knew, or had guessed at certain elements but it was still quite riveting to watch Cyrus and Evie as they reveal events from the past and I think the conclusion that this gives us was really well executed. I probably still have a couple of little niggling questions at the back of my mind which is why I’m going back and forth between wondering if this is the conclusion or not. I would be very happy to have another book to round things out but at the same time I wouldn’t feel cheated or disappointed if the author takes this in a new direction.

I think the natural story arc of both Evie and Cyrus has been a thing of beauty to read. They’ve both come so far during the course of these four books and I really like both characters. Evie can be very prickly and doesn’t easily trust people, but this is no surprise given her history and her natural talent for spotting when somebody is lying. Cyrus also has his tragedy from the past and this has all become entangled in the way he helps Evie.

As I mentioned above some of the material here is very dark Cyrus is on the trail of traffickers, people who will go to great lengths to keep their secrets and dark pasts hidden. Both Cyrus and Evie end up in terrible trouble and the conclusion was definitely nail biting. Their investigation takes them to Scotland and involves rolling back the pages of the past and taking a look at some powerful and politically connected people. Not everyone is keen to revisit these events and in fact most people seem to have an overriding fear of someone known only as The Ferryman.

I like that Cyrus is a criminal psychologist, it gives a really good link into the police investigations but with a slightly different slant. I’m sure that a few liberties are taken here and there, particularly in terms of police procedures, but I really enjoy this element to the stories and can see how Cyrus could become involved in other investigations, maybe even something that will finally tie up the remaining loose ends and give Evie some respite.

This is a really good series with characters that you can’t help becoming attached to. Their own personal tragedies and suffering have led them in two entirely different directions but when Cyrus took over guardianship of Evie the process of healing finally began for both of them. I liked that the two are actually helping each other.

I’ve really enjoyed this series, it’s well written and quite gripping. It does touch on some very heavy material that might not be for everyone but I would have no hesitation in recommending or picking up more books featuring these characters.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks, the above is my own opinion.

Wow!
I've been following this series from the start and there's never been a dud one. Storm Child, However is the best of them. I couldn't put it down and it was like being on an emotional rollercoaster, Robotham manages to seamlessly weave plot strands together in a tapestry that is so vivid you can almost imagine you are there in the heart o the action.
The dual narrative from Cyrus and Evie's points of view accentuates the tension and propels the narrative along at a rate of knots.
Tense, emotional and thoroughly gripping!

Wow...another brilliant addition to the Evie and Cyrus books. Giving more history to Evie's story, this book deals with human trafficking, slavery and abuse. It's a big book but for lovers of this series, that won't be an issue.

I’ve read all the books in this series now and I’d certainly recommend that you read these in order, as the story of Evie Cormac and Cyrus Haven is one that needs to be followed from the beginning. I love these characters and Robotham writes them as layered, three dimensional people that you come to like and respect. It’s a compelling story, full of danger, trauma and emotion and a story that, as it unfolds, allows you to understand the deep connection between Evie and her rescuer, Cyrus.

Evie’s life has been a hard one and in this, the fourth book in the series, we learn more about Evie’s origins, how her life began and how she ended up in England and in the middle of a nightmare from which she thought there would never be any escape.

Cyrus also has a traumatic past – one that led him down the path of becoming a psychologist. He needs to understand what makes people do terrible things to others.

Now Evie and Cyrus share a house; housemates who never lie to each other – though because Evie can spot a lie as soon as it is spoken, that’s not entirely surprising. Theirs is a platonic relationship; Cyrus is older than Evie and determined never to abuse his position as her sounding board, her psychologist and protector. Evie is more ambivalent about their arrangement, but doesn’t push it.

Many of Evie’s memories are shrouded in the depths of her memories. Sometimes she’s glad she can’t remember. Then one day a gap opens up in her mind. A boat full of dead migrants washes up on a Lincolnshire beach and Evie’s trauma begins all over again…

Michael Robotham brings Evie and Cyrus to life in this gripping story that echoes a lot of what is going on in the southern coastal line of England.

Evie’s story is haunting and deeply moving. She’s a survivor; one who does not trust easily but who has overcome many battles to enable her only now to begin living her life as a teenager. Her journey towards understanding who she is and what she might become is inspiring, and she is held back only by her inability to remember her early years.

Cyrus is the psychologist who first treated her and took her in to his own home. Cognisant of the dangers of transference, he has always been careful to be candid with Evie; to make her feel welcome and treated respectfully, ensuring her boundaries, as well as his are well defined.

His relationship with Evie is beautifully laid out, and they have a bond that is strong and tenacious. In their day to day living he is a warm and concerned parent and he sees his job as getting her to the point where she can have as normal a teenage life as possible.

Storm Child deals with Evie’s awakening; with the deeply buried memories that start to stir when she discovers that one of the migrants in the boat is still alive. The sole survivor is a teenage boy, who tells police that their small boat was deliberately rammed and sunk.

In Storm Child, Robotham mirrors some of the current debates over small boats and migration, and deals with our immigration policy, the failure to tackle the illegal gangs that put migrants in very real danger and the organisations that try to help.

Storm Child is also a thrilling and a grim tale which leads the pair to Scotland to track down Evie’s nemesis, aided by Florence, an aid worker from Zimbabwe who gets under Cyrus’ skin in a big way. Robotham’s short chapters lead to a fast paced and absorbing thriller with a strong emotional interface. As a reader, you can’t help being drawn into Evie’s world and to understand her feelings, and her desire for revenge.

It’s sometimes a tough and always an emotional read, and that’s because Robotham writes such believable characters, integrating them into some of the most difficult societal issues of our time and making us question how this situation can and should be dealt with.

Verdict: Storm Child will appeal to readers interested in psychological thrillers with a complex and gripping narrative. This is not just a compelling thriller; it is also food for a lot of thought and that makes it an intelligent and sometimes uncomfortable read that should not be missed.

Good read, loved the writing! difficult to put down.

my fav quote was -"Now I have a second person.
And I understand how love gets doubled rather than divided when a family grows"

It was a cute book, loved that the main characters are getting closer finally!

Cyrus and Evie are back in this page-turning delight.

The book begins on a British beach with seventeen immigrant bodies washed up dead. There is only one survivor, with two women still missing. And Evie's memories start flowing back.

Storm Child delves deeper into Evie’s background and her journey from her home country of Albania.

Michael Robotham writes in such a detailed, yet easily flowing manner. I love reading his books and this was no exception. It was great to pick back up with Evie and Cyrus. I really didn’t want it to end.

5⭐️ from me. Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Robotham for allowing me this preview copy to review. Please get writing the next one very soon!

I loved this book, I read the other books and I was looking forward to the end of the series, I highly recommend it.

A rather late review on this book as I read it on holiday and only just catching up with my review list. Anyway I didn’t think this was the best book in the series as there were too many coincidences to be realistic. I think it drew a decent conclusion to the series but just not a great hit with me. .

This is the fourth novel in the series about Cyrus Haven a criminal psychologist and his charge Evie Cormac,a child trafficked victim. I have read all of Michael's previous books so was really looking forward to it.

The story begins when Cyrus and Evie visit the seaside for the day. What should be a happy time soon turns to disaster though, when Cyrus spots dark shapes floating in the sea.

This novel explores Evie's full, terrible past, which has only been revealed in snippets in the previous novels. I found it both suspenseful and moving.

The latest and final addition to the brilliant series. As its predecessors, Storm Child is compelling and heartbreaking.

Storm Child - by Michael Robotham

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! What a beautifully written, harrowing and emotional story of modern day hardships that migrants face. This was such an interesting and compelling story! Very unique and sadly, so relevant in today’s world.

There were lots of little shocking moments throughout the chapters where twist after twist was drip fed into the story which kept me hooked from start to finish! It was completely unputdownable!

I loved the extreme contrast in the POVs - Evie’s POV was written with an almost child narrative which showed her innocence and vulnerability whereas Cyrus’s was much more serious and held a responsibility like a guardian. It was written superbly!

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group and Michael Robotham for this free ARC in return for an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily

I will also be posting my review on Instagram, Goodreads and Amazon.