A review by blueskyvibes1point0
When She Was Good by Michael Robotham

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

"When She Was Good" by Michael Robotham is a psychological thriller that follows forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven as he investigates a new case while also dealing with his own personal turmoil. The plot revolves around a disturbing crime that leads Cyrus to uncover shocking truths about his own past and puts him in close contact with Evie Cormac, a complex and intriguing character with a troubled history. As they navigate through the intricacies of the case, the story unfolds with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end.

Rating:
1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5 - The plot was engaging, with plenty of twists and turns. However, it had the feel of a middle book in a series, not a complete story on its own. 

2. **Characterization:** 4/5 - The characters, particularly Evie and Cyrus, were well-developed. However, some of the side characters lacked detail.

3. **Writing Style:** 5/5 - Robotham's writing style is excellent. It strikes a balance between being descriptive and maintaining a good pace.

4. **Originality:** 5/5 - The story felt refreshingly original. It offered a unique narrative that kept me engaged throughout.

5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 3/5 - While the book evoked emotions and kept me on the edge of my seat, the ending left me feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. I hope the next installment in the series addresses this.

Overall score: 4.2/5

If you enjoyed "When She Was Good" by Michael Robotham, you might also like "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides. It's a gripping psychological thriller with a compelling plot and well-developed characters. The story revolves around a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery behind why a seemingly perfect patient shot her husband and then stopped speaking. Like Robotham's novel, "The Silent Patient" features unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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