When She Was Good

At the start of Edgar-finalist Robotham’s twisty, emotionally involving sequel to 2019’s Good Girl, Bad Girl, British forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven, teenager Evie Cormac’s therapist, seeks out Special Constable Sacha Hopewell in Cornwall. Seven years earlier, Sacha rescued Evie from a North London house where she was discovered hiding with the corpse of a small-time criminal. Evie has never spoken about this traumatic experience, and Cyrus hopes Sacha has information that can help him treat Evie. Meanwhile, the police summon Cyrus to Manchester to consult on the apparent suicide of Hamish Whitmore, a retired detective superintendent. Cyrus finds evidence of foul play, and learns that Whitmore was fixated on the closed case of pedophile Eugene Green, who was killed in prison. A note Whitmore left behind indicates that he believed there was a possible link between Green and Evie, which prompts Cyrus to investigate. Sections told from Evie’s perspective deepen both the plot and the characterizations. Fans of grim psychological suspense will be rewarded. Agent: Richard Pine, Inkwell Management. (July)