Lying Beside You (3) (Cyrus Haven Series) Paperback – March 5, 2024

As I read each book in the series, they just seem to get better and better! The suspense kept building, with oodles of twists and unexpected turns, to where I could barely breathe until the final unexpected ending. What a great read! I can hardly wait until the 4th book drops later this year!

Love the characters, the clean writing, narrative style, and the overall story. My first Robotham book and first Haven series offering. Eager for more!

It's good to watch Evie grow up. Hers is a story, much like Lisbeth Salander's, is born of abuse and abandonment. In this novel, 3 of 4 so far, she makes the beginning journey to an acceptance of her challenges, her relationship to Cyrus, and learning that having the gift of being able to read when people are lying does not mean she cannot make friends.Although this is book 3 in the series it can be read as a stand alone, although you will probably want to read at least the first book.

Once again Mr. Robotham has another hit on his hands. I love these characters. Cyrus Haven series is one of my favorites, hooked me with the first book. I read so many books that half the time I don't remember them after a week or so but not this series. Evie is such a great character and I wish I could spend a day with Cyrus just shooting the breeze. Can't wait till his next one!!! 5 🌟's all the way!!!

LYING BESIDE YOU is the third installment in the Cyrus Haven series. It is very character-driven, so much so that the crime plot almost seems incidental to the larger story. There are two plots that ultimately converge. The first concerns the murder of a man and the disappearance of his daughter. Cyrus is called to that scene and investigates. Later a second woman is abducted, the abduction being witnessed by Evie Cormac (the troubled but clever girl who appeared earlier in the series). Evie is now living (as a lodger) with Cyrus; she can suss out liars and is a master of survival. Their relationship is the principal subject of the story. In fact, the story is told—in alternating chapters—from each of their points of view.The subplot is that Cyrus’ brother Elias (who massacred their family) has been rehabilitated through medication (he is a schizophrenic) and is being released from confinement and coming to live with Cyrus. His relationship with Evie is awkward, but workable.As Cyrus investigates, Evie tries to be of help (in her own ways), while also trying to put together a life—getting a job, buying a car, and so on. Cyrus and Evie are also conjuring with Elias’ emergence on the scene. As to the abductions and murder, they are really subordinate to the personal plots; the perpetrator (seemingly) comes out of nowhere and while we are fascinated with the interworkings of the lives of Cyrus and Evie (and to a lesser degree, Elias), the murder/abduction story feels like an afterthought. It was also somewhat convoluted, but, as noted, this was not really the focus of the book.The story is still engaging but it moves at a fairly slow pace (until the slam/bang ending). I always looked forward to reading it but it is not really a thriller or a suspenseful tale. This was not what I call a ‘carry around’ book, one which forces me to steal every waking moment I can to read a page or chapter whenever the opportunity arises. With some tinkering it could have become a mainstream novel rather than crime fiction. The Nottingham setting was nicely realized but not pivotal to the story and most of the themes (we’re all unique; love thy brother, etc.) fairly conventional. While not my favorite MR novel I continue to look forward to his work.

I enjoy reading M.Robotham. The story has always a twist at the end….But I don’t see a link between the title and the story.

I couldn't put this down. As usual, well written with an easy style. The characters are complex and the story is engaging.

not sure why I only rated this three. I normally rate Robotham a 4. Perhaps it was because I had the feeling I had already read the story - Cyrus, Evie, Elias all seemed so familiar. The denouement was a rush in the end - maybe a bit far fetched. Oh well…

Como todos os livros deste autor, procurar o culpado pelo crime é um trabalho intenso de análise e percepção. Sempre interessante.

I wrote a very negative review for Robotham’s previous book When You Are Mine. And I stand by it. It was way below par for Robotham and I still don’t think he wrote it himself. Happy to say however, that with this book he is back in form. A good exciting read with both familiar and new characters well developed. Looking forward to his next book.

I have just read the final book 4 in this series from Michael Rowbotham and it is well worth the journey.Fantastic topical story so well written . It will keep you wanting more even though each book has a satisfactory outcome.

Always an immense pleasure to read Michael Robotham’s books. Loved this one even more than the previous of the series

Me ha encantado!!