I was very much looking forward to reading this, having read the previous 3 books in the series, and many of Michael Robotham's other works. It dealt with the issue of human trafficking very well, but I just felt that the plot was thin in places with some very coincidental leaps, which left me feeling rather frustrated and disbelieving. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review of the book.

The fourth instalment of the Evie and Cyrus chronicles is the best of the lot, and all are compelling. If you are new to this series it is well worth starting with book 1, Good Girl, Bad Girl and continuing along in order. The plot here, unsurprisingly is excellent and the character development intriguing- more in this 4th book than in previous editions and yet there is scope for that byline to develop over plenty more books. FYI, Subject matter here is confronting, with kidnapping, sex trafficking, rape, paedophilia, repressed memories, murder and plenty more covered, but many of the references are oblique. If you feel like you can cope with the above and you are a fan of crime thrillers, this one is of the highest order.

This is a tender thriller with two characters, each haunted by their past, and united by their care and pain.
The book touches upon important topics such as human smuggling.

The tone and the pacing are perfect. The plot is where it was 4 stars for me. If you have read the other instalments in this series, you may enjoy this book a bit more, however it is great to read as a stand alone book.

The complexity of Evie and Cyrus and the craft of the writer are top notch.

Part of me wishes it was part of a series before starting so I was slightly confused at first but I kinda got the gist. I was well written and my own fault for not knowing it was part of a series.

A young adult , suffering amnesia for more than ten years, as her method for dealing with a childhood trauma. A psychologist, dealing with his own childhood traumas attempts to use his professional training to assist her in regaining her memories in a safe way. A friendship evolves that leads to an ordinary day out at the coast and culminates in the two friends viewing the sinking of a boat with multiple fatalities . This traumatic experience leads to a complex storyline in which the perpetrators of people smuggling is explored and exposed as the new age form of profitable business, corruption and slavery. Our two protagonists find themselves not only investigating and following the trail of the criminals and profiteering from people trafficking gangs but also exposing the trail leading to the decade old mystery of who is and what happened to that young child many years ago in an effort to regain her long lost memories. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Hmmm, I was so excited to read the next instalment of Evie and Cyrus, but felt let down by this plot. Obviously there was a need to reference refugees and asylum seekers at this was central to the plot and unearthing Evie’s hidden past. However this subject felt over emphasised and raw opinions making it an uncomfortable read. Evie’s edge seemed tamed and not as gritty as usual. Plus all the various characters in Scotland became a bit muddled. But at least it came to a conclusion, not sure if this is the end of the Evie and Cyrus saga, hopefully the next instalment will be in the same league as books 1-3. It would be beneficial to read this series in order to appreciate their relationship and Evie’s nature.

I’ve read two of the earlier books in this series so was familiar with the central characters, Cyrus and Evie. There’s sufficient backstory in this volume for it to work well as a stand alone. I think they’re both strong and plausible characters. Evie, in particular has really developed since she was first introduced and her demons are set to haunt in this tale. The setting is right on the money given the daily tragedies reported about refugee deaths as they attempt to enter the UK by water, illegally. There’s a genuine human interest aspect to the plot and much food for thought.

Michael Robotham is a master storyteller and I find it very easy to get lost in his books. This one takes the character development of Cyrus and Evie further forward, but the plotting I found relevant and at times quite emotive. It’s all about the human predicament without being preachy. For me, this is a winner. Great pace and I finished it in a couple of sittings.

I've already read the other Evie and Cyrus books and it was a pleasure to read the newest one.
I'm glad the relationship between Evie and Cyrus is working out so well despite the demons that haunt them.
Loved to finally get the rest of Evie's backstory.
The plot itself is sadly very relevant given the political climate pertaining asylum seekers while the world around us burns.
A very satisfying read with a hopeful end.
Big thanks to netgalley for the arc.

An excellent read from Michael Robotham. I have read all of the Joe O’Loughlin series of books and despite the fact I hadn’t read any of the Cyrus Haven series, I was still able to follow the logical, well written plot. I will now go back and read the others!
Evie’s trauma and the flashback scenes, unfolding her journey into the UK were believable and harrowing.

A single boy survives a boating accident which there were Refugees on it

Cyrus begins to investigate the incident that may link Eve to her past .A suspense and drama pact novel that will make you think about human

and the sacrifices we do to protect others

A great 4th book as we learn more about Eve and Cyrus

Thanks for letting me read this book

What a fabulous read, I must admit I went into it pretty blind as I hadn't read the others in the series. But, even though I imagine there is a lot of back story there, most things are summed up in this book and you definitely don't feel lost.

Evie and Cyrus are two wonderful characters who possess real depth and they have such full personalities, all credit where it's due to Michael. The story itself is well thought out and it's a topic of great significance in our societies.

The only reason I gave it a four and not a five is part of the conclusion didn't feel completely necessary and that for me it could have ended slightly differently. For someone who is used to gore, violence and crime etc. it felt almost too violent of an end for such a well paced book. Even though the anger behind it is fully understandable.

LOVED LOVED LOVED this fourth instalment of the Cyrus Haven series. This book goes back to the very beginning in a way and delves into Evie’s’Story’ , the relationship between Cyrus and Evie has grown with each book and it’s been lovely seeing it develop.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

This is a good book to read although in my opinion it isn't my favourite or the best one in this series. The themes in Storm Child are all to believeable and current/topical - people trafficking, child abuse and rape (dealt with well and without graphic detail) so may not suit all.

The authors writing is good and the story flows well. The writing moves from past to present times easily. Evie begins to remember her childhood and family and how she arrived in the UK. I have always liked both Cyrus and Evie as characters and here they help police investigate a number of migrant deaths. I liked that the story was told in turn through Cyrus and Evie. The plot is good and mostly held my interest but this didn't become the page turning read I have come to expect from this author. At times the pacing is a little slow and I felt myself dipping in and out of the story. The last quarter of the story is a very riveting read where everything begins to come together nicely with a few surprises thrown in. I liked the ending and although this seems like its the final book if there is another one I'd want to read it.

If you've not read this series I'd suggest you read the books in order, so you get to know the characters from the beginning.

3 stars

As big Michael Robotham fan I was so thrilled to get my hands on Storm Child. I think the Cyrus Haven series is one of the most interesting and fresh I have read for such a long time.
Storm Child does not disappoint. Both Evie and Cyrus are both complex, interesting, characters. Uncovering more about their backgrounds within the midst of the series has been so satisfying - although that feels like an odd word to use!
You don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, that said I'd definitely recommend it. I'm already looking forward to the next installment.
4 stars.

What an amazing read. I loved the relationship between Evie and Cyrus. How their childhood circumstances appeared to be similar but, in very different ways.
Seventeen bodies washes ashore on a Lincolnshire beach. What does it mean for Evie and her memories of the past?

4.5* Storm Child is another page turning stunner in Michael Robotham's Cyrus and Evie series.

Cyrus and Evie are enjoying the Lincolnshire coast when tragedy strikes. A dinghy trying to cross to Britain with undocumented migrants sinks off the coat, with men, women and children aboard. As Cyrus joins the efforts to save the passengers, it triggers Evie's time of crossing into the UK and the backstory that she has kept locked away. As Cyrus and Evie get sucked into what caused the migrant boat to sink, the path takes a sinister turn towards Scotland and into the upper classes of British society.

Storm Child is an interesting take on an issue that divides opinion and is difficult to see a solution to, and it does so with sympathy towards those who are trying to reach a better life. It smartly weaves together an intricate web of murkiness with Evie's backstory and how she came to the UK. I read it in a couple of sittings because I really couldn't put it down. It was an absolute joy to be back with these characters (including Poppy the dog) and to have some new people introduced, who will hopefully pop up in future books. This is a fantastic additional instalment to this series, within which every book is very strong. It could be read as a standalone but will be all the more enjoyable for those who have read the earlier books in the series.

With huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book. I'm really looking forward to the next in the series.

Another sensational novel by the author!
Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac are back and this time, we get some answers to Evie's past. As Cyrus and Evie are present when the bodies of seventeen migrants wash ashore, with only one survivor, they are drawn into a mystery and Cyrus is helping to investigate. Evie begins to unlock her childhood memories but as the ghosts return, it is clear they may both be in danger.
Another dark and suspenseful novel that finally provides some resolution to Evie's past and helps pathe the way for the future novels. As always, I cannot wait for more by this author. 4.5*
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted copy.

When bodies start washing up on beach, Forensic Psychologist Cyrus Haven quickly suspects a sinister cause. As he supports the police investigation, Evie Cormac's long repressed memories from childhood are triggered, and begin to return. Told in present day and flashbacks, Storm Child chronicles the tragic events that lead to the bodies of the beach, and to Evie being held prisoner as a child.

Robotham's storytelling is engrossing, capturing the shades of dark and light in his characters, with a fast pace and many twists and turns. The alternating POVs are flawless, giving you a good sense of both Evie and Cyrus' take on events, and keeping you in the thick of the action. I love the way that Cyrus' knowledge of psychology is woven through the story, and is used to inform his relationship development with Evie. The central storyline topic of illegal migration was topical, with multiple perspectives explored. Whilst some aspects are a bit out there, it makes for a highly compelling and thought provoking read, and a great escape from reality.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, gripping thriller. As book 4 in the series you will certainly get the most out of the big reveals by enjoying books 1-3 first!

Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

The fourth in the Cyrus Haven/Evie Cognac series sees the pair involved in a terrifying encounter with people smugglers when a migrant boat capsizes off the Lincolnshire coast. There are flashbacks to Evies tragic arrival in the UK and her childhood. Great storytelling and I look forward to the next thrilling installment. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

Cyrus Haven #4

Will we finally learn of Evie Cormac’s mysterious past? The infamous child, brutally treated is discovered several years ago in a secret room of a house where a man has been savagely murdered. Evie is silent on her name and background, a precaution for her self preservation. She has lived with psychologist Cyrus Haven in Nottingham for the last three years. On a holiday trip to Cleethorpes on the Lincolnshire coast, a horrifying sight plays out before their eyes as bodies of migrants are washed up on the beach, including a little boy. There’s one survivor, a teenage boy called Arben. The tragedy has a terrible impact especially on Evie, putting her temporarily in a catatonic state. Cyrus, who works with the Nottinghamshire Police Force, is drafted in to help with the difficult inquiry as dark forces are intent on controlling the narrative.

Like many readers, I have been eagerly anticipating this since “Lying Beside You” and this is everything I hope for. I love the bond that exists between Cyrus and Evie, it’s heartwarming witnessing the care he shows towards her, his constant concern and worry for her. She is certainly his blind spot as it’s apparent there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. As for Evie, I think she’s wonderful, she’s endured so much yet still gets up each day, putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. There’s no DS Lenny Pavel in this one sadly because not much takes place in Nottingham, principally Lincolnshire and particularly Scotland for much of the action. However, we are introduced to a fascinating new character in human rights lawyer, Florence Gatsi who is a great addition to the terrific cast.

The fast paced, ever changing plot is told alternately in flashbacks as the circumstances trigger memories and the drama following the migrants deaths. Evie’s memories are inevitably a tough read but as she’s in a better place than three years ago and has Cyrus at her side the toll isn’t as overwhelming as it might have been. What emerges from her recollections and from the present day storyline is a dark tale, jet black dark, as here lies ruthlessness that takes your breath away with a huge conspiracy revealing itself. It’s tough to read at times because of the violence and inhumanity. Cyrus and Evie make some appalling discoveries and your jaw drops at the extent of the control. The ending is very dramatic, Hollywood thriller style, perhaps the suspend your disbelief kind but as it’s so good, I don’t mind one bit! It’s moving and emotional, breaking your heart and warming it at the same time.

This is another tremendous and well written read which is action packed, full of tense and suspenseful moments and a multilayered plot. Highly recommended. It can be read as a standalone but as the first three are also outstanding novels, you’d be missing out.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

12/6/24 to GR and X
26/6/24 to Amazon and Waterstones