Member Reviews

Another great Morgen Brookes Book!

Plenty of suspects & plenty of heartaches. There was a time where I thought "come on not again Morgan in mortal danger - it's getting old" but the story made some surprising turns and it was so enjoyable!

Gordon was THE HIT - his character was really enjoyable!

Can't wait for the next one!

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Detective Morgan Brookes seems to be a magnet for murder, and today is no exception. Morgan and Ben have their day off disturbed when a member of their team shows up at their door for some help. Two of their neighbors have been brutally murdered, staged and have nails driven through their lips. It's a gruesome scene discovered by one of the deceased’s friend. When she describes that her friend had been hearing strange noises in her attic, Morgan discovers evidence that someone had been in the attic watching the couple. It's a bizarre case with lots of twists and turns that becomes even more complicated when the local priest, Theo, is attacked at night in the church. As Morgan and the team look for answers and worry about Theo's recovery, there seems to be a possible threat to her as well. It is a great mystery with a surprise ending.

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Book 14 of the Detective Morgan Brooke’s series and Helen Phifer has done it again. Another thrilling, edge of your seat story. I have loved reading all these books but now I’m a bit fearful. Are Morgan and Ben a bit too good to be true? Too ready to go to any length for their jobs. We just have to wait and see!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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I have been a fan of Detective Morgan Brookes since the first book. This title did not disappoint at all. There was parts that made you scratch your head and say did I just read that? Then other parts were just like okay, okay – don’t do this to us. But totally loved it and cant wait for the next chapter case involving her. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC – I was so honored to be chosen. #HelenPhifer #TheirDyingEmbrace #NetGalley

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Book 14 featuring Detective Morgan Brookes and her colleagues. Another gritty tale with surprising twists and turns.

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Their Dying Embrace
Helen Phifer
February 03, 2025

The morning of their day off, Morgan and Ben were relaxing after a lovely, late breakfast. They planned to head into Liverpool to do some shopping and have lunch. When sirens started blaring at a nearby street, Morgan commented that something was happening in their complex. Ben reminded her of their time off and got ready to leave. There was a loud pounding on the door. Each felt it would be a salesperson but the shouting belonged to one of their staff from the office. It was Amber. She needed their help as the boss was out of the office and they had to call in the Detective Sergeant from nearby Barrow. Turns out there had been a double murder two doors down. Ben grabbed his coat and badge then hurried out the door.
Their Dying Embrace will be published on February 03, 2025 by Bookouture. I was able to read the DRC via NetGalley with permission from the publisher. As I have read 13 of Phiferś novels in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, I was pleased to read and review her latest book. It too was a hair-raising, page turner. With each new clue the evidence made be think the culprit would be someone else. As usual Ms. Phifer kept us digging for more. Their Dying Embrace was absolutely spell binding! The suspense took us from the start and led right up to the end. It's a terrific novel and one that should not be missed. Do Enjoy!

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A great read. I love these characters and look forward to every book.
Great twists every time. I'm already looking forward to the next one

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2025 and Helen sets the standard for the New Year!

A well established series with regular characters that have a history that the then together, I have followed this series since the very beginning and always enjoy reconnecting with Morgan and the team. (Ettie was missed)

The author writes with clarity that brings the characters to life from the pages, whilst enjoying the camaraderie and relationships that exist between them.

An engaging confusing case with alot of unknowns that kept you invested and engaged another fab edition to this equally fab series.

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I have enjoyed this series since book 1. I can’t wait for each additional story because of how Phifer pulls you into her stories. Phifer builds the drama in plots, has vibrant characters that come alive in the story. You can’t wait to see what happens next with Morgan and her team or with the mystery itself. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat not to mention the tons of action. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy mysteries and/or thrillers. Detective Morgan Brookes and her boss, Ben, are pulled into a double murder on their street. Rosie and Matt are killed in a gruesome way and as Morgan searches the house, they go into the attic since Rosie had reported noised from above to her friend. What Morgan finds is a terrifying note that states “If you’ve found this, you’re next to die.” Now she has goosebumps down her body, and she isn’t sure if she should be worried about this death threat. As the case continues with very few clues Morgan can’t shake her feeling that she could be in danger. Pick up a copy and find out if Morgan and her team can solve these murders and if Morgan is really in danger. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. (5 stars)

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Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the advance copy to read.

I love the Morgan Brookes series and this latest installment did not disappoint. Helen Phifer always writes fast paced books that keep you on the edge of your seat, with great characters that you learn to love over a series.

I really like that we saw some vulnerability from Morgan, showing that she is scared at times.

The story keeps you guessing until the very end. As always, I love Cain and the role he plays as big brother protector. Sadly there was no aunt appearances in this book but I loved it nonetheless.

If you already love this series, you will love this too.

5 stars.

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Another case for Morgan Brookes and her team is closer to home and a threat adds to the tension to a quick paced, addictive thriller with many twists and turns. It left me wanting more and can't wait for another

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Helen Phifer delivers another thrilling and emotionally charged addition to the Detective Morgan Brookes series with Their Dying Embrace. This 14th installment is as captivating and fast-paced as ever, with Phifer’s signature ability to blend suspense, dark psychology, and gripping police procedural elements shining through on every page.

The story kicks off with a chilling crime: Rosie Waite and her boyfriend, Matt, are found brutally murdered just two doors down from Morgan’s own home. What should have been a rare day off for Morgan and her partner, Ben, quickly becomes a harrowing case that hits far too close to home. Adding to the horror is a threatening note found at the scene, ominously stating, "If you’ve found this, you’re next to die." The tension skyrockets as Morgan realizes the killer may be targeting her next.

As the team races against time to uncover the truth, secrets unravel, and every lead seems to bring them closer to danger. From eerie attic discoveries to unexpected twists, the plot keeps readers hooked, blending high-stakes drama with emotional depth. Morgan’s resilience is put to the test, especially as another attack strikes close to her circle of loved ones.

Highlights:
Complex Characters: Morgan continues to grow as a character, balancing her dedication to justice with the personal challenges that come with being so deeply involved in the cases she works. Her dynamic with Ben adds an extra layer of warmth and humanity to the story, and the camaraderie within the team remains one of the series’ strengths.
Engaging Plot: The twists and turns are expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Phifer’s ability to weave suspense and misdirection ensures that the identity of the killer remains a mystery until the final reveal.
Atmospheric Writing: The eerie setting of the Lake District and the chilling premise of a stalker hiding in plain sight add a haunting quality to the narrative.
Continuity: Fans of the series will appreciate the continuation of Morgan’s personal journey, while new readers will find enough context to enjoy the book as a standalone.
Final Thoughts:
Their Dying Embrace is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. Helen Phifer’s ability to create compelling characters and gripping narratives makes this a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the series or new to Detective Morgan Brookes, this book is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries with emotional depth. Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Brilliant! a wet and windy day with nothing to do except read number 14 in the Morgan Brookes series. The books start out straightaway with a gory murder on Morgan and Ben's road. They're immediately roped into the investigation despite it being their rest day and we're off! I love reading any book written by Helen Phifer but the Morgan Brookes series has to be one of my favourites . It is so easy to slot back into the character's lives, picking up where they left off in the last book as though they had been waiting in the corner for you to come back. Helen has the gift of turning her hand to numerous genre and has demonstrated this over and over again. I will continue to be a fan of them all! Keep writing Helen please.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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A killer is too close to home for Morgan and Ben and the race is on to find out who carried out the gruesome murders. As always a heart racing read from start to finish. Morgan and Ben are such great characters and the little touches with Helen’s own gothic inspirations are really fantastic and the nods to her own favourite authors and places. Thank you to @bookouture and Helen for this arc in exchange for my honest review. .

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Thanks net galley for the ARC.
Yet another fantastic book by Helen Phifer! I've read every single one of her books and they do not disappoint. Phenomenal twists & turns. Highly recommend

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Morgan Brookes finds herself embroiled in another murder mystery. This time on her own street. Who killed her neighbors and why?
I finished this book in one day. It was that good.

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Another banger! Love this series to bits.

The 14th book in this series starts off with Morgan and Ben having a rare day off. This quickly changes their plans as 2 doors down there is a double murder.

Morgan is real and easy to connect with some of her fears and reluctancy after almost succumbing to her own injuries in a previous book. This has made her less impulsive but more relatable as well.

Ben and Morgan's friends and team are great. All the characters bring different levels of connection to the reader yet they are all enjoyable!

These are very much police procedurals and have enough twists and suspense to keep you going. They are hard books to put down and I highly recommend the entire series, not only this book!

I recommend that you get your self a cozy nook, warm drink and enjoy this book to the fullest.

Thank you to Bookouture, Helen Phifer and NetGalley for the ARC of this great book.

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This was a good police procedural. I enjoyed going through the investigation with the team and learning about each member’s quirks. I thought the ending was perfect. I never guessed who the culprits were!!!

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Their Dying Embrace is fast paced, hold your breath and hope for the best for Morgan after returning to work from a severe head injury.

This time the murder is too close to home: its on Ben and Morgans's street and they have met the victims.

Its a gruesome murder with a more than a few suspects.

Secrets, lies, deceit and the bodies are piling up.

Ben and Morgan and the team are racing the clock with little to go on.

Helen Phifer does a masterful job of keeping the reader guessig and holding their breath.

My only complaint is I did not want the book to end.

Superb series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing Their Dying Embrace.

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Wonderful instalment in this series.
Helen Phifer is a very talented author.
Great writing and brilliantly written characters.
I read this far to quickly.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

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