This was a very sad story about spirits, ghosts ans soul stealers. The settng was quite remarkable and the conclusion all one could wish for!
A great cast of characters, who were very brave.

This book was the definition of creepy and sinister!
I loved the dual timelines and found the stories to be enthralling and mysterious. The book was less "horror" and more thriller with a mix of supernatural. The creepy elements included the settings, tones of the book and the characters themselves. I didn't read the first book in the series, but I may go back and read so I can understand some of the backstories for certain characters.
The psychiatric theme was why I enjoyed this book so much - old psych units where mysterious things happen? Doesn't get any better!

I can't wait to check out more of this series!
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

The past and present converge in a tale of mystery and the paranormal.....…..

Book Information

Her Lost Soul by Helen Phifer is a 236-page mystery/thriller novel with a planned publication date of February 28, 2024. Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy for review.

Summary

Late one night, four teenagers break into an old, abandoned hospital, but only three come out, leaving Riley Holt, the police chief's daughter, missing. Detective Maria Miller and her partner Frankie Conroy take on the case and discover the hospital's dark past, once hiding the remains of a notorious killer's victim. With no leads from Riley's friends and suspicions surrounding her father, Maria digs into the hospital's history and Riley's family to find answers. As she gets closer to the truth, danger mounts, and Maria risks everything to locate Riley before it's too late.

My Thoughts

"Her Lost Soul" by Helen Phifer is the second installment in the Detective Maria Miller series, following the success of "The Haunting on West 10th Street." Fans of the first book will be pleased to reunite with familiar characters such as Maria, Frankie, Emilia, and Missy, although newcomers can easily delve into this follow-up as a standalone.

While Phifer's latest work maintains a supernatural undercurrent, it leans more towards a police procedural with supernatural elements rather than delving into outright horror. The story unfolds across two timelines, a technique effectively employed in the first book, offering readers glimpses into ongoing events and investigations. This structure lends an atmospheric and tense quality to the story.

However, I felt that the execution fell short at times. There are lots of instances of dubious decision-making by characters and stilted, occasionally sophomoric dialogue that may evoke comparisons to young adult thrillers. I also felt as if the pacing of this book was too brisk, resulting in a read that feels rushed and less nuanced compared to its predecessor.

In addition, the majority of the book is buildup, culminating in a relatively brief and underwhelming resolution. I found myself wishing for a longer, more substantial payoff after investing in the story's tension and suspense.

Recommendation

"Her Lost Soul" by Helen Phifer presents an intriguing continuation of the Detective Maria Miller series, offering a blend of police procedural elements with a supernatural twist. It is a light paranormal mystery that might appeal to those seeking a suspenseful yet not overly scary read.

Rating

3 Haunted Hospital Stars

One word, wow! This book was incredible! Although this is the second book of the Detective Maria Miller series, I read this as a stand alone as I missed the first book, but I didn’t feel I missed anything so would recommend it’s fine to read as a one off also.

A group of teenagers who love all things spooky break into an old abandoned hospital to see what they can find. Whilst inside they all individually sense a strange sensation and start to get spooked out when they see things that aren’t really there. When they try to run to leave, one of them gets left behind.

Riley is classed as a missing person and some out of town cops are called in to see if they can help, as this isn’t just a normal missing person case.

For those who love a ghost story, this is one for you, it’s very on the edge of your seat scary at times, fast paced that keeps you gripped!

**3.5-stars rounded up**

Her Lost Soul is the 2nd-installment to Helen Phifer's Paranormal Mystery series, Detective Maria Miller. As the name suggests, this series follows Detective Maria Miller and her partner, Frankie Conroy, as they investigate possible paranormal cases, in and around NYC.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Haunting on West 10th Street,, so was looking forward to being reunited with Maria and Frankie. Just to be clear, this is actually a Paranormal Mystery series. I know a lot of Readers enjoy the feel of, 'is it paranormal, is it not', but then when it comes right down to it, they don't actually enjoy a paranormal conclusion, or explanation. This isn't a Scooby-Doo situation, where the mask is pulled off at the end to reveal the old librarian, who has been tricking everyone with mirrors and lighting effects.

The case in this novel is the disappearance of 17-year old, Riley Holt, daughter of a local Sheriff, who went missing while exploring an abandoned asylum with some friends. Inspired by media such as Ghost Adventures, the four teens entered the asylum to explore and have some fun. Things start getting creepy though and in a sudden panic, they all flee, only noticing once they are outside that Riley is no longer with them.

Since the asylum is believed to be haunted, and after vigorous searching, no signs of Riley are found, Maria and Frankie are called in to take over the case. As known experts in all things unexplainable, they seem like the right people for the job. Maria and Frankie are forced to dig into the dark history of the asylum, leaving no stone unturned in their desperate search for Riley.

As with the first book in the series, this one also contains a historic perspective that is in some way connected with the current investigation.
In this case, we follow a patient at the asylum in 1960. We go back and forth between her experiences at the asylum, including the people she interacts with, and Maria and Frankie's investigation.

I did really enjoy this. It didn't hit as hard for me as the first book, I think because I didn't find the mystery as creepy as that first one. Also, it almost felt too short. I would have enjoyed a longer build-up to the final showdown and some more explanation as to how this was all resolved. I know what the results of the resolution are, but am unclear how we got there really.

With that being said though, I still found the back-and-forth perspectives intriguing and loved learning more about Maria. She's a fun protagonist. I feel like I can relate to her and I enjoy the chemistry that she has with Frankie. I am absolutely planning to continue on with this series. I hope there are a lot more future installments. They're fun, light reads, that can help you forget about life for a while. Finally, two thumbs up for the audiobook format.

Thank so to the publisher, Storm Publishing and Dreamscape Select, for providing me with copies to read and review. I am looking forward to more Maria Miller!

I’d like to thank Storm Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Her Lost Soul’, book two of the Detective Maria Miller series written by Helen Phifer, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Four teenagers decide to ghost-hunt in Beacon Hill Asylum and although four of them enter only three of them leave. Detectives Maria Miller and her work partner/best friend Frankie Conroy work in the department for unexplainable incidents and when they’re asked to assist in locating the missing teenager Riley Holt, daughter of Chief of Police Duane Holt, they’re happy to help. Little do they realise the risks they’ll be taking when they enter the doors of the Asylum.

‘Her Lost Soul’ is a gripping supernatural thriller that’s so spooky it kept me awake last night listening for creaks and footsteps. Until now I haven’t been a fan of books about haunted premises or evil spirits but this novel really caught my imagination and I couldn’t stop reading despite feeling tingles down my backbone a lot of the time. The characters are perfectly described and the friendship between Maria and Frankie really surfaces making this a very enjoyable though spine-chilling novel to get involved in. I can definitely recommend it and look forward to reading book three.

She moves her flashlight around the dark, empty ward. How could her friends have left her alone in a place like this? But she isn’t really alone. Someone is watching. And he won’t let her leave this place alive.

Welcome to my new addiction. This series is everything I have ever wanted in a nice and cosy detective series. While being a quick and easy read, Phifer creates great relationships and such likable characters - Maria and Frankie along with Emilia and Missy have such brilliant banter. They make the perfect team. Set in an abandoned hospital, the atmosphere is creepy and chilling and the added edge of time travel in this one was a nice nod to a scifi-esque style haunting.

This series is an absolute delight, and I can't wait to get my hands on more of it as it comes around. I highly recommend this one to fans of Darcy Coates' "Gravekeeper" series and Kyra Davis' Sophie Katz Mysteries. Her Lost Soul releases February 28th, 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, Storm Publishing and Helen Phifer for an advanced copy in exchange for review. I read both formats (eARC, ELC). The narrator was great at setting the right tone for the read, very clear and concise, definitely recommended for fans of audio reads.

This was my first Helen Phifer novel. I absolutely loved the cover, but the story itself fell flat for me. I love books about ghosts and demons, but the time traveling element really didn’t do it for me in this one. I listened to the audiobook and also read the digital arc. I did like the audiobook narrator so that was a positive element.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own

I was hooked from the beginning, and We'll be looking inlooking into other books by Helen Phifer. Although part of a series, It stands alone just fine. I enjoyed that there was no huge spoilers from the first book book, so I can go back and read it..

Fabulously sinister, this spooky tale ticks all the boxes of life, love, family and horror. Even a ‘cameo’ appearance from Marilyn Monroe. Loved the characters, especially the two ‘old broads’. Fabulous way to spend a cold and stormy afternoon.

The second in the Det. Maria Miller series - an NYPD cop who deals with "unusual" cases with her partner Frankie.

I flew through this, really enjoyable, dark story. The characters were likeable and who doesn't love a haunted insane asylum ghost story. I didn't particularly like having Marilyn Monroe in the story, it seemed unnecessary as the character could have been written as any other person and it wouldn't have made a difference tbh. Faye could genuinely have just been a great character as Faye.
Time travel is also not my favourite trope but it worked, I mean evil crosses time a lot.

I will definitely read more in this series as I love Maria, Frankie & "the girls". They are all well rounded characters with great potential.

Amazing, this is my 1st Helen Phifer book and it won’t be my last. I’ve bing read it over 2 days, i couldn’t put it down. I loved the relationship between Maria and Frankie. It wasn’t what I was expecting, I thought it would be crime rather than paranormal but despite being quite scary in places I still loved it and have already recommended it to friends.

Thank you Netgalley, Storm Publishing & Helen Phifer for the ARC of this book.

To say I'm obsessed with this series and characters is an understatement. My friend told me about this series and I started the first book earlier this week, fast forward to receiving the second book as an ARC, I've managed to binge both books and I'm now sad that I have no more to read.

The author did an incredible job at creating characters we love and the relationship between all the main characters is so strong and loving that I feel like I'm part of the crew. You become invested in their journey and there are some heart stopping moments because of the connection you build with the protagonists.

This book was pretty fast paced and it's the perfect book that is thrilling, emotional & spooky with supernatural elements.

Say hello to my new comfort series! I am already on the countdown for book three and NEED more from this extremely talented author!

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC ♥️

Brave the shadows and immerse yourself in this spine-tingling thriller that will enthrall your senses and hijack your sleep schedule! Helen Phifer's masterful storytelling conjures a creepy, abandoned psychiatric hospital that seeps into your psyche like a bad dream. Detective Maria Miller is a sharp and relatable heroine who will stop at nothing to unravel the tangled threads of a sinister mystery. As the investigation unfolds, you'll be swept up in a whirlwind of twists and turns that will leave you breathless and guessing till the very end. The College Kid Killer is a chilling nemesis who will haunt your thoughts, making this book an unforgettable ride that will linger long after you finish reading. Phifer's writing is so vivid, you'll feel like you're right there with Maria, navigating the dark corners of the hospital and the depths of human depravity. If you dare, step into the shadows and immerse yourself in this heart-pounding, mind-bending thriller that will leave you sleeping with the lights on and questioning what lies within the human psyche.

Her Lost Soul by Helen Phifer is the second in the Maria Miller paranormal detective series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Storm Publishing  and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.




Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Maria Miller lives in Greenwich Village, in an old apartment building.  She occasionally dates super-rich Harrison Williams, who wants more out of the relationship than does Maria.  Her police partner and best-friend is Frankie Conroy, and he too would like to further their relationship.  Due to a case they solved which involved the supernatural, Frankie and Maria now head a new department looking into unusual and strange crimes.  Her elderly neighbours Missy & Emilia have become friends, and are quite keen on the supernatural aspects of Maria's cases.




My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Riley, Drew, Noah and Ryan are teenagers on a mission.  They break into the old abandoned psychiatric hospital to explore it before the crews come to demolish it.  They want to explore, and maybe see a ghost or two.   In addition to the rich and famous who stayed in this hospital, this place also has a nasty history, once housing the College Kid Killer.

Only three of the teenagers come back out.  Riley Holt, daughter of the local police chief, has disappeared.

Frankie is called about the disappearance of Riley, so he and Maria head 90 minutes out of town to the abandoned hospital.   They look into the Chief's background, as well as an elderly caretaker, and a nurse who both worked at the hospital many years ago.  They have some strange tales.

Both Maria and Frankie feel the presence of something evil as soon as they arrive at the hospital, and after Maria is almost thrown out the tower window by some malevolent being,  they feel the need to involve Maria's neighbours.

Maria is about to put her life on the line to save Riley Holt.




My Opinions:
Although I've had some issues with the book and series names changing,  I absolutely love the books, and was excited to read this second one.

I love Maria's passion and determination.  The characters are wonderful, and I love the friendship between Maria and Frankie, as well as "the girls". 

The plot was really good, and there was humour, suspense, and horror in this book.  A strange combination that worked really well.  It was a very atmospheric read.  It felt like a fun paranormal/horror novel with endearing characters.

Overall, it was a fast and entertaining read, I can't wait for the next one in this series.

Thank you Netgalley, Helen Phifer, Dreamscape select and Storm publishing for the audio Arc of Her lost Soul.
Narrated by Stephanie Canon ( for audio version )

This is the second book of Detective Marie Miller book series by Helene Phifer. I read Her Lost Soul as a standalone without the fist book and it all made great sense without the first book. Stephenie Canon has got a great voice for this narrative and doesn't over pronounce or not too zealous with her story telling. Neither is she monotone. I felt she had the right pace for what she was reading.

I loved the supernatural creepiness of this book. The beginning is both creepy and captivating. As Marie Miller starts delving into the old, abandoned psychiatric hospital where a teen goes missing. The concept and how they got her back was well done and unique. I have read books with similar premise and i've always enjoyed this Syfi, supernatural element and in Helens book., it's well balanced.

I'll be looking into reading the first book in this series as Im keen to know more about Detective Marie's Millers background as its an underlying plot but not incredibly important to the storyline itself.

3.75 rounded to 4 on Netgalley

A mix of thriller/horror with gothic vibe. It kept on the edge and turning pages. A twisty and creepy story that I thoroughly enjoyed
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is a great thriller with a supernatural twist.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this one is even better.
Maria and Frankie are asked to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl. She’s the daughter of a local Police Chief in a nearby town and she disappeared in mysterious circumstances.
Riley and her friends went to investigate a derelict psychiatric hospital and while there they felt a dangerous energy around them. They all saw something and ran for their lives, but Riley didn’t come out.
Maria and Frankie go to the old hospital and feel the danger for themselves, with it trying to harm Maria.
She is determined to find Riley but when she works out where she is, she knows she’s risking her life to get her back.
This is a gripping supernatural thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I loved this. I did not expect to love it this much! It has everything. A lost teenage, weird cops, and an abandoned asylum! It also has demon time travel!
Sign me up for more of these!

Her Lost Soul was a great book. I appreciate Netgalley for the advanced copy. I know that this was book 2, but it did well as a stand alone. I did not read the first book and I was able to follow along and did not feel like I missed out on anything.

The story starts with a group of teens that go into an abandoned mental hospital. Riley disappears and Detective Maria is called upon to figure out what happened.