Lying Beside You is the third installment in the Cyrus Haven series, written by Michael Robotham. This book is a page-turning psychological thriller with lots of twists and many layers.
Cyrus Haven is a forensic psychologist who is faced with the release of his schizophrenic brother Elias who killed their parents and little sisters twenty years ago. Elias has been under psychiatric care and has recently been deemed to be okay to be released. Meanwhile, Cyrus is also investigating the double murder of an elderly father and his daughter.
Also in the picture is Cyrus’s former ward and housemate Evie Cormac. Evie has enough of her own problems. When a woman is abducted from outside the bar where Evie works, Evie is the only reliable witness. The problem is that the police don’t quite believe her. Evie also has the ability to tell when people are lying. She struggles with her past and with authority but is trying to make a go of life, hoping to please Cyrus.
While all of these plot lines are evolving, Cyrus has his identity stolen. He also employs a handyman who was accused of a crime that Evie is certain he did not commit.
Lying Beside You is an engrossing thriller that will keep you turning the pages. The story is dusted with enough misdirection to keep you guessing. The characters evolve throughout the book and the series. You will want to read the whole series, but you can read this installment as a stand-alone. Michael Robotham does a great job.