When college student Melody Carrick is found strangled to death on a riverbank with her gold cross necklace missing, Detective Morgan Brookes is heartsick; she knew Melody and her mother from the cafe she frequents. Another student, Paige Evans, appears at the police station to report that she thinks that Alan, the man living with her mother, kidnapped her best friend and he keeps a special box full of jewelry remnants. Could resolving the case be that simple? After all, this is Rydal Falls which seems to have more than its share of murders.

Another engrossing, fast paced read, this is the thirteenth in the Morgan Brookes series. It is the fourth I have read and it would work as a standalone. I like Morgan and although she does often find danger, she also frequently is involved in some amusing predicaments. I also enjoy
the collegial relationships within the investigative team.

I recommend this book/series for those who enjoy British police procedurals, mysteries, thrillers featuring capable female detectives with amiable supporting characters. I have added this series to my must read list.

Intrigue and mysterious…red herrings and secrets…this novel by a talented author is a page turner. It is difficult to put down. The title is sad…the story even more so…the realistic characters kept the story moving quickly. This is not a warm and cozy mystery…this is true life…thanks Netgalley

I sometimes wonder why do we have to sleep?  I was deeply immersed in this gritty book and I did not want to put it down. When I realised it was already 1 in the morning, I reluctantly closed my Kindle and hoped the night would go fast so I could pick it back up the next day. Maybe it was my fault because I started to read in the late afternoon, but who can wait when this book is their next read?

The next day nothing could stop me diving back into the story following Morgan like a shadow because I just don't want to miss a thing.

Morgan is a great character. She does not have to make any effort because trouble will find her again and again. But that is what she lives for: helping people in any way she can and if that puts her in danger, so be it. She will never back off and there is only one way to go for her: straight ahead.

The police team is fabulous too. I love their interactions and the bond between them even though there are a few they would throttle happily sometimes. 

I have a soft spot for Kane. He really is a big strong man with a big soft and warm heart. I can understand that Morgan feels a lot better after he has given her one of his bear hugs. :)

A story that is suspenseful and there is as per usual no waste of space by including details that don't add anything to the story. Perfect read. 5 stars

Thank you

I was glad I got to continue reading this entry in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, it was suspenseful and had the twists that I was hoping for. The characters had that element that I was hoping for from the previous entries in this series. I thought the plot worked overall and continued to feel like the same world. Helen Phifer continued this thirteenth entry perfectly and thought the overall feel was well-done.

Wow, I devoured this in one sitting it was fantastic, Helen Phifer at her best! Gritty, dark, scary, thrilling are a few words that some to mind. Will Morgan catch the serial killer before another girl becomes his next victim? Read the book to find out. Highly recommend this book it was really good, In fact do yourself a favour and start the series at the beginning, that way you will get to know the characters and their relationships to each other. A massive five stars from me.