Book Review: Good Girl, Bad Girl

As the title makes it amply clear, Michael Robotham's Good Girl, Bad Girl is about two girls: Evie Cormac, who staunchly refuses to reveal her true identity even years after having been discovered hiding in a secret room in the aftermath of a terrible murder, and Jodie Sheehan, a British junior figure skating champion. While Evie comes across as rude and unlikeable, Jodie is the polar opposite, a pretty and popular 15-year-old who is already on the cusp of a promising career ahead of her. Peel back a few layers though, and it becomes evident that all is not black and white. The bad girl may not be that bad after all, and the good girl may have her own share of secrets. Into this mix is thrown psychologist Cyrus Haven, who is charged with evaluating Evie before releasing her from Nottingham's Langford Hall, a high security children's home, as well as assist the police in the suspicious death and possible rape of Jodie. Although details are light on Evie and Cyrus' backstories, the characters are given enough colour to keep them interesting, even as the masterfully plotted whodunnit races towards a thrilling finish. Can't wait to see where this intriguing pair will go next.