I’ve been following closely any news about Michael Robotham’s next book because I’m a huge fan of his work and will read each book as soon as I get my hands on it.
One of the frustrations of being a fan of his is that his books are usually released in the UK and Australia many months before they are released in the U.S. (often one year in the U.K. and the subsequent year in the U.S.). When he was being published here in the U.S. by Mulholland I know that was a frustration for his U.S. editor ( I talked to him about this issue) because many of Michael’s U.S. fans wouldn’t wait for the U.S. publication. They would order the U.K. publication and that would diminish U.S. sales.
His 2024 book, originally titled BEFORE YOU FOUND ME, was initially scheduled to be published in the U.K. in January, 2024 but that release date has been pushed back to June 26, 2024. It has also changed its name to STORM CHILD. Following close on its heals, six days later, STORM CHILD will be released by Scribner on July 2, 2024 in the States. Good news for his U.S. fans. I’m glad for this for two reasons. One is that the worldwide publications schedules are finally in sync. Two is that if future book release dates follow form, his books will be coming out in the middle of the year and won’t be forgotten by the time the end of the year best lists come out and some of us gather to figure out award nominations. I feel like that is happening with Michael Robotham’s 2023 title LYING BESIDE YOU, which is one of my favorites of the year — and should not be overlooked at Award Time.
STORM CHILD is the fourth in the Cyrus Haven/Evie Cormac series. Plot: The mystery of Evie Cormac’s background has followed her into adulthood. As a child, she was discovered hiding in a secret room where a man had been tortured to death. Many of her captors and abusers escaped justice, unseen but not forgotten. Now, on a hot summer’s day, the past drags Evie back as she watches the bodies of seventeen migrants wash up on a Lincolnshire beach.
There is only one survivor, a teenage boy, who tells police their small boat was deliberately rammed and sunk. Psychologist Cyrus Haven is recruited by the police to investigate the murders—but recognizes immediately that Evie has some link to the tragedy. By solving this crime, he could finally unlock the secrets of her past. But what dark forces will he set loose? And who will pay the price?
Michael Robotham has won two CWA Gold Daggers, including one for GOOD GIRL, BAD GIRL, the first in the wonderful Cyrus Haven/Evie Cormac series. This is a series that everyone should be reading. One of the best.
Michael is a wonderful in-person storyteller. I’ve been privileged to have dinner with him twice, during which he regaled the table with wonderful stories.