A digital copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and Bookouture. The opinions are my own and freely given.

Morgan, Ben, Amy and Cain are at it again solving the murder of a woman who appears to be posed at the Stone Circle of Castlerigg. When another body is discovered in the same way at another Stone Circle, the team are in a race to find the murderer before he claims his next victim.

As usual, Morgan tries to stay out of trouble, but yet, it always seems to find her. I don't know how much longer Ben will be able to last since he worries about her all the time. Declan takes the gentlest of care with the bodies and I appreciate that so much. Declan is probably my favorite character that is really a supporting cast member.

I recommend reading the Detective Morgan Brookes series. They are one of my favorite series and I look forward to reading each and every one of them. They are quick reads, that keep you invested in the story.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Helen Phifer for bringing Morgan into my life!

This review is live on all sites below and will be posted to Instagram @kuhlreads on 9/29/23.

This installment of the Detective Morgan Brookes series was beyond creepy. When Detective Morgan Brookes and her colleagues are called to the scene of a crime, they are not properly prepared for what they will find. Castlerigg Stone is a tourist attraction, and someone has left a woman's body laid out on one of the large stones. She is dressed in a beautiful white gown and wears a crown of roses. The only thing that mars the beauty of the scenery is the slit in her throat. They are puzzled because it does not appear that she fought back in any way. She just simply climbed on the rock without defending herself. The question is why? The kill looks ritualistic, and as I stated earlier, quite creepy. When they learn that an unidentified person has purchased three of these rose crowns, they know they are on a time clock.

The mystery itself is fairly complex with a lot of moving pieces and a lot of suspects. Each suspect definitely fits the bill in one way or another. Just when you think you have it figured out, Helen Phifer throws another curve ball. Helen Phifer is masterful at manipulating your assumptions of guilt and/or innocence. The creep factor while looking into this killer's mind gave me goosebumps, but I guess we have to expect that when we have a serial killer on the loose. This is a wonderful police procedural with all of my favorite characters from this series. You can read this as a standalone. However, I would highly recommend that you start at #1 and move forward so you will more fully understand the characters, as well as all of their quirks and relationships. That being said, you can still definitely enjoy this mystery without reading the previous books. Fair warning to you, once you read one of the books in this series, you will want to read them all. I would also recommend you read this one in the daylight hours, so the goosebumps can be gone before you go to sleep.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When a body is found at the ancient stones of Castlerigg Morgan and the rest of the team we've come to know and love are on the case. Morgan immediately suspects that the murder was staged and when they find that one of the "props" used in the staging was bought in a set of three, Morgan and the others know they have to find the killer before another body is found.

I love coming back to this series and seeing Morgan and the team and seeing how they go about investigating each crazy case that they come across. There are so many twist turns and red herrings that keep you guessing around every turn, and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. I can't wait to see what will come next for this series!

Book 10 of the Detective Constable Morgan Brookes series, set in The Lake District, and as usual the pace is fast and breath taking. It’s a great series but this would read well as a stand-alone. Strangely I was at the Castlerigg Stone Circle only the week before reading this (no dead bodies in evidence) which made this seem more personal. Well written and well plotted this was an exciting read.

Briefly, six women meet at dawn for the Ostara festival at Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick. Unfortunately they find one of their number laid out on a stone, wearing a white dress and a circlet of roses, with her throat cut! Morgan and her team are quickly on the scene but despite everything they have no clear suspects. Then another incident occurs at another Circle. What is the connection between the two victims and can they stop the killer before more bodies are found?

Told in multiple POV’s, from the police team and that of the killer this is an easy read with a number of suspects to keep you guessing. It’s good to see that Morgan and DS Ben Matthews, her partner both at home and at work, are still happy together- not a usual occurrence in a police procedural book. Good twists and turns kept me guessing in this very entertaining read.

Detective Morgan Brookes #10

Following her colleague up to Castlerigg Stone Circle, Detective Morgan Brookes is shocked at what she finds. A young woman has been killed, left on display at the top of the hill with a crown of roses on top of her head. As the team race to the top of the popular tourist spot cordoned off, Morgan hears the heartbroken sobs of the woman who found the body, and she identifies the body as her best friend Cora Dalton. Morgan can already see that Cora didn't struggle when her throat was cut. There's no blood on the beautiful white gown she was wearing, which means Cora knew her killer. But everyone, including her boyfriend Jay, has an alibi.

I can't quite believe we are already on book 10 in this fantastic series. Set in the Lake District, where there always seems to be something going down for Morgan and Ben. This time, a young woman has been murdered, and her body lies over a stone circle. There's a touch of witchcraft that blends into this murder mystery. Then a second woman is found, but she's still alive - but will she survive?

I love the camaraderie amongst the team, I think that's what makes this series work. I really like Morgan, she's not afraid to put herself in danger to get results. We get more backstory to the characters. There are a few suspects to choose from and lots of twists and red herrings. The pace is perfectly set.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HellenPhifer for my ARC of #StolenDarlings in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Stolen Darlings, the tenth novel to feature DC Morgan Brookes of Cumbria Police.

Reports of a dead body at the Castlerigg Stone Circle don’t to justice to what Morgan and her partner, DS Ben Matthews see. Cora Dalton has been posed with a crown of roses on her head and her throat cut. Morgan is devastated to learn that the murderer bought three crowns, but they quickly have a suspect when they discover that the local photographer had arranged to take pictures of her. He is ruled out when another victim is found with an identical crown, because he was being interviewed at the time.

I enjoyed Stolen Darlings, which is a fast moving read with plenty of twists and turns. It is told from various points of view, mainly on the investigative side, with the unnamed killer sharing his musings from time to time. Sometimes this works, but in this novel I don’t think it added much to proceedings. After all, Cora’s body is a bit of a hint that he’s not wired right.

It’s easy to forget that rural policing covers a wide area and in this novel it feels that Morgan only leaves her car to do research and talk to witnesses/suspects. She has some half hearted notion of beating DC Cain in a half marathon, but I suspect this is in the novel for humour as she hates the small amount of training she does. Otherwise Morgan is Morgan, happy in her relationship with Ben and dedicated to her work.

The novel is well constructed with several suspects, some blind alleys and a fair amount of, if not outright lying, then concealment. There is a sense of tension throughout the novel, three crowns and two already used, to try and identify the next victim and capture the killer before it’s too late. Of course there is a trip to hospital for Morgan, but this time as a visitor. She gets off lightly in novel. I didn’t find the motive particularly convincing as it didn’t seem logical to me, but the journey to get there is entertaining.

Stolen Darlings is a good read that I can recommend.

Stolen Darlings (Detective Morgan Brookes Book 10) is an intense and heart-stopping crime thriller from Helen Phifer. It captivated me with its compelling characters and suspenseful plot, leaving me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. Even though this is book 10 of the series, it can be read standalone.

Detective Morgan Brookes is tasked with investigating a murder. Taking in the scene, Morgan notices the roses in the victim's hair shimmering in the light. She notes that Cora's body is perfectly positioned, and that a pool of blood has collected on the boulder beneath her. The killer of Cora arranged her corpse in a symbolic and calculated manner. As Morgan examines the crime scene, it is evident that the killer was not just methodical, but also meticulous in their execution. Morgan and her team are determined to find the murderer before someone else falls prey to their evil.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this book with me. It is a pleasure to read Helen Phifer's intricate mysteries as a long-time fan of her work. Helen Phifer's mastery of creating suspense and intrigue in her stories is truly brilliant.

Rating: 4.5/5

Many thanks to both Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Stolen Darlings, by Helen Phifer. Expected publication September 29, 2023. This is book 10 in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series.

It’s never quiet for Ben, Morgan, and the team! When a body is discovered posed on a stone circle, wearing a long white gown, and with a crown of darling roses on her head, it promises to be another race against the clock!

I'm not sure Stolen Darlings can be read as a standalone as there are a lot of characters, as well as twists and turns, to keep track of. It made it feel a bit more complicated than it needed to be.

I definitely liked this book, although I didn't love it.

Stolen Darlings
Helen Phifer
September 29, 2023

Itś soon to be the beginning of Spring. The women have gathered at the ancient stones on Castlerigg. Many have dressed in white gowns to celebrate the new season at sunrise. After leaving the cars, a wail comes from one of the girls who has scampered up to the circle. She screams and cries falling next to the bloodied body of Cora. who has been placed methodically over the large, flat rock. She stares at the sky, her throat has been slit. Soon the ceremony would be ablaze with police cars and county workers trying to control the horde of walkers, so the crime scene is kept secure.
Thus begins Helen Phiferś latest novel in the Detective Morgan Brookes series. Once again Morgan, Ben and the team work to find the serial killer who has threatened young women who meet at dawn to applaud the seasonal change.
Stolen Darlings will be published on September 29, 2023 by bookouture. I was able to read and review Ms. Phiferś latest adventure in her series. I have read all her books in the Detective Morgan Brookes series. I read #10, STolen Darlings via NetGalley. Stolen Darlings is another tremendous thriller that takes place in Rydal Falls, England. Itś a small town with an equally compact community. Police are often called anywhere in the county to solve problems. Each book in the series is excellent. The suspense is hair-raising. After completing #10, Stolen Darlings, I look forward to Helen Phifer writing #11. The reader cannot begin to stop until the mystery is solved. Do enjoy this latest Phife book.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Stolen Darlings’, book 10 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series written by Helen Phifer, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

DC Morgan Brookes, DS Ben Matthews and their team are investigating the discovery of Cora Dalton’s body found wearing a crown of dark pink Darling roses and left displayed on Castlerigg Stone Circle as if for a photo shoot. When Morgan learns that three identical rose crowns have been purchased she realises that they have to find the person responsible before two more victims are taken.

‘Stolen Darlings’ had me involved from page one as I followed the clues and tried to identify the killer. It’s good to meet up again with Morgan, Ben, Cain and Amy, an unlikely group of police officers who by more luck than judgement identify the perpetrator and obtain justice for the victims. The story has suspense, drama, twists and turns, and a conclusion that sees them risking their lives. This is an entertaining police thriller that I enjoyed reading and can recommend.

🚨Find the motive, find the murderer😲

Stolen Darlings started with a macabre hilltop death displayed in an ancient stone circle on the day of the spring equinox and really did keep me baffled about the criminal's identity right to the climax. The plot included some excellent wrong turns and deceptively false clues. I liked the team of police officers involved in this murder/assault/kidnapping case; even lazy Scotty and the way every one of them attacks the sweets and coffee used to fuel up while on the job. And the inclusion of three flowered head pieces purchased to display on the victims kept the urgency going as Morgan, Ben and the rest of the team race to find the motive and beat the killer to his next lethal attack.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

The first time I have read this Author but was fine as a stand alone. I enjoyed the style of writing. A solid four star read. Great premise. Good characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing Would definitely read the next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

I love this series, it gets better with each new book. This us an amazing storyline with many twists ....and I didn't expect the ending. I'm craving more !

Any time that I see another Helen Phifer book is out, I get it immediately because I know it is going to be a great read, and so it was with this one. I can't believe we are already on book 10 in this series!

Morgan Brookes is a great police officer but a slightly quirky one with her black clothing and DM's. Her case involves a young woman left at a local stone circle, with her throat cut. When a second woman turns up in eerily similar circumstances but alive, Morgan wonders where it is all going to end. Is there a connection because of their witchy backgrounds? Were they targetted for their beliefs?

It is a perplexing case and there are plenty of red herrings for Morgan and her team to work through.

This is a good, solid police procedural.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy of this book.
In this, the tenth outing for Morgan Brookes, the first victim is found laid out on a flat stone at the top of a hillside, a crown of roses and garland adorning her head. She's a well loved proprietor of a magical shop, as well as a practicing witch. She and her friends had been about to celebrate Ostara, the Spring Equinox, at this very stone. Early on it becomes clear the killer isn't finished and other witches have been targeted.
If you like police procedurals with a tightly knit team then this is an excellent series to read. 4 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to Bookouture and netgalley for this arc, another great addition to the Morgan Brookes series, a detective who always puts herself thick into actions of criminals she is seeking.. when reading one of these books in the morgan brookes series i always get anxious when she goes off on her own to follow a lead, as she always gets injured. I dont think there is much left that hasn't happened to her.....
I couldnt wait to start this book and as always it had my heart beating faster at what was to come next..... i love the plots and the individual characters Ben has a certain kind of charisma and him and morgan are a couple ,at work and in their private lives. This is a must read if you like police procedurals. I highley recommend it.

Morgan Brooke book ten

Freya Walker yoga teacher is with her girls Ostara Celebration at stone circle Castlerigg to watch the sun rising, a high pitch scream from Izzy a dead body it's Freya dear friend Cora, With deep pink darling roses on her head, and a garland of evergreen around her neck coated in dark red blood as someone rings the police Freya collapse.
Morgan and Ben head up to the stone circle they have a killer on their hands. The setting the stones the flower crown the dress the blood it's all a mess. Who would kill Cora Dalton and why? and why a photoshoot? Did she know the killer?
This book is one of the best in this series that I have read so far, love the characters and surroundings of Keswick with a lot more to come as I read on. I do hope there's more in the series you never get bored of these books .

YAY! Morgan didn't almost die!!!!

Book 10 was packed with action, great characters, great villains!

The witchy aspect made a great premise for this story and I liked the people involved.

Only sad point was that Theo didn't show up a lot as I really like him and his addition to the "friends" group.

As always I can't wait for the next book. Thank you Netgalley!

Absolutely brilliant book loved it Morgan Brookes is on the case and she is like a dog with a bone(will never drop it) Helen Phifer certainly has a knack of hooking the reader from start to finish 5*

Stolen Darlings by Helen Phifer is a riveting addition to the Detective Morgan Brookes series, blending elements of mystery, witchcraft, and police procedural into a captivating narrative. Set against the backdrop of Castlerigg Stone Circle, the story begins with the gruesome murder of a young woman, initiating a chilling series of events that will keep readers guessing until the shocking conclusion. While the camaraderie among the investigative team and the atmospheric writing add depth to the story, some minor background information for new readers and an unanswered question in the case may leave a slight sense of incompleteness. Nevertheless, Phifer's storytelling prowess shines through, making this a must-read for fans of British crime thrillers with a supernatural twist.