![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/65fed9235e/images/icons/nav_back_xs.png)
Member Reviews
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar571194-micro.png?1734550910)
This is a really fantastic dark thriller, which was gobstoppingly good! I really loved it.
The story is about Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda who are sent to The Institution, a mental health facility for criminals, to try and find out what has happened to a baby who has been taken from her mother's womb. The mother was a nurse who was killed there, and Connie wants to help her family get the baby back.
I found this story very interesting, as well as shocking. We are given glimpses of a lot of the patients' mental health, which was quite hard to read about, as they revealed how they killed people and such like. The psychology in the book is very good.
The audiobook narrator was amazing, and she portrayed all the different accents superbly.
The whole book was very fast paced, intense, crazy, dark, shocking and thrilling, so if you are looking for a dramatic rollercoaster book that will fill your senses, then this is the book for you. It is absolutely fantastic, and I recommend it highly.
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/65fed9235e/images/profile-micro.png)
I was fortunate enough to read the book already but I couldn't miss the opportunity to listen to the audio version. It was even better, the narrator was excellent and gave the characters life in a more interesting way that I had in my head while I read it before.
Can't say how good this was, definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great thriller well narrated.
Thanks for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/65fed9235e/images/profile-placeholder-micro.png)
The Institute is intense, brutal, hard-hitting, shocking and thrilling. All with a soft centre that had me crying in the final scenes with all the depth of emotion Helen can bring to a page. She is up there with the best of them in crime writing. The narrator was perfectly matched for the book as well. Check it out!
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar983211-micro.png?1734550910)
A fantastic thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I loved learning about all the prisoners in the institution and it definitely gave it the extra edge to the story.
I didn’t realise this was a second in a series and I will definitely be looking for the first book now.
This was an audio listen for me and when I get a really good story on audio I always think ahh I wished I’d read it. So this may be one for me to re read in the future.
Thanks to #netgalley and #harpercollinsukaudio for this arc.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar576866-micro.png?1734550910)
Helen Fields knocking it out the park with this great read.
Based in a different location from her norm, Connie is on a tight deadline of 5 days to find the murderer of a staff member and the kidnapper of her baby. Being in a Sanatorium for the criminal insane everyone is a suspect.
The narrator was great, although there were a few odd bits where Connie speaks with American accept then thinks in an English accent. Its a bit confusing but you do get used to it.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar575485-micro.png?1734550910)
I found this book to be completely enthralling. The third act especially is a gripping listen.
This is the second book I've listen to by Helen Fields and she was a brilliant way of drawing you in and immersing you in the setting. In this case an isolated Mental Institution cut off by a raging storm whilst the main character who is working undercover, tries to solve a murder and searching for a missing baby.
An excellent read with fantastic narration. Many thanks to NetGallery and HarperCollins UK Audio for an early copy of the audio book.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar376074-micro.png?1734550910)
They may let you in…but getting out is a different matter all together!
I didn’t realize this was book two of a series when I requested it. I know this author writes notoriously dark thrillers that are some of my favorites. After noticing the psychological profilers’ name - Connie Woolwine, I knew I was in for an additional bonus. I loved her character in the previous book, The Shadow Man.
No worries if you’re new to this author. You can easily jump in right here and still have all the background needed to enjoy thoroughly and not feel you’re missing out.
Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda take on a case of a baby abduction in a high security facility for the most dangerous, "criminally insane". Known simply as The Institution. So you ask…what was a baby doing there in the first place? Well, her mom was a nurse at the facility, brutally murdered. Her baby ripped from her womb. Leaving her family devastated, desperate to find her child before time runs out.
As Connie interviews each patient you’re given a rare glimpse into their depraved minds. Frightening!
What a premise right!? Wow! Helen Fields delivers the most diabolical and sinister reads!
Once again, the author held me captivate throughout! As with the previous read, I loved Connie’s tough character and the in-depth look into what made her the strong woman she is today.
I will absolutely be standing in line for the next book by this author. Hoping it will involve my favorite profiler, Connie!
My only drawback was listening to the audio this time, I believe it would’ve been a five-star for me if I’d have read it instead. The narrator did a great job, but there were so many changing accents she needed to deliver that it became a bit distracting at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK 🎧
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar499523-micro.png?1734550910)
This is the second book in the Connie Woolwine series. We originally met Connie, a forensic profiler, and her sidekick, Brodie Baarda in The Shadow Man. In this book they are investigating the foetal abduction of a baby at the worlds highest security hospital for the criminally insane. The book is gripping, gruesome and very atmospheric. I had chills as Connie interviewed each of the inmates and we learnt of their crimes. The writing is very descriptive and I could realistically imagine the hospital in it's bleak remote setting with a storm coming.
I enjoyed the narration by Genevieve Swallow
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar786329-micro.png?1734550910)
A dark tale that ups the ante on the usual "child is missing" story. Glad I listened to the audiobook rather than the ebook as it didn't always hold my attention but the narrator was interesting enough to keep me listening. I suspect it was the darkness of the story and the fact that all the suspects were already killers which made me less intrigued to find out whodunnit. That being said, it was entertaining, brilliantly written, with rich, well-drawn characters and quite unlike what I'd usually read.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar388869-micro.png?1734550910)
I’ve read all of Helen Fields’ books now and was not disappointed with this one. LOVED it. A gripping, dark, intense read that had me guessing the whole way through. I also enjoyed the nod to a character in previous books. I am already looking forward to the author’s next one! The narrator was very good.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar750180-micro.png?1734550910)
This is an utterly gripping murder mystery/psychological thriller which will have you hooked from the beginning to the end. The story is packed with suspicion and danger - with the final third of the book delivering a nail biting climax and a mind blowing reveal. I haven't read anything by this Author previously, but will certainly be looking to read more - I loved how the plot was unveiled, and her vivid descriptions really added to the suspense. Overall an excellent read - many thanks to NetGallery and HarperCollins UK Audio for allowing me to get a copy of the book - I had the audio version, which is excellently narrated by Genevieve Swallow.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar172437-micro.png?1734550910)
My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. Audio Avon for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Institution’ by Helen Fields. The audiobook is narrated by Genevieve Swallow.
I am a big fan of Helen Field’s police procedurals and was interested in this crime thriller set in an institution for the criminally insane. While a self contained story, its protagonist, forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine, was introduced in Field’s 2021 novel, ‘The Shadow Man’.
Dr Connie is renowned for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. She has been discreetly brought to the world’s highest-security prison hospital in order to assist in the investigation of a shocking crime.
The body of a heavily pregnant nurse has been found, the victim of a foetal abduction. The distraught grandparents have received a ransom demand for the return of the newborn. There are only five days to retrieve the infant safely and the clock is ticking…
As it is certain that this was an inside job and great care is needed not to alert the perpetrators of a police presence, Connie is sent to the remote institution to work deep undercover among the most deranged and dangerous men on earth and uses her unique skills to identify those responsible and locate the infant girl – before it’s too late. No further details to avoid spoilers.
‘The Institution’ had an intense plot that kept me guessing as to whodunnit. Aside from the ‘guests’ (aka inmates), many of the staff were seriously strange. The former fortress located deep in the mountains proved an atmospheric setting.
Once I started reading it was pretty much impossible to put down and I ended up reading into the early hours in order to finish it.
With respect to the audiobook, this was my first experience of Genevieve Swallow as a narrator. I found her voice very easy to listen to and felt that she was a talented voice actor and brought the novel’s various characters vividly to life.
Overall, I found ‘The Institution’ a brilliant fast-paced, gripping crime thriller. I am hoping that we will be seeing more of Doctor Connie in the future.
Highly recommended.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar1005897-micro.png?1734550910)
This was my first Helen field book and I requested it purely for the cover and the face it's a standalone book. It's definitely a slow burn but if then you get sucked in and then I couldn't stop listening, I also have the ebook of this but choose to listen all on audio as it was easier for me!! This is definitely captivating and some interesting turns and anything with mental asylums is generally the setting for a good thriller! I will definitely be checking out other Helen Field books after listening to this! Huge thanks to netgalley and avon books for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar397672-micro.png?1734550910)
The Institution by Helen Fields Narrated by Genevieve Swallow was an excellent audiobook. Especially the beginning of this book, it was excellent and with a start like this I was hooked! till the end. It full of great twist and full of suspence. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and had to finish this audiobook. So glad I had my wireless earphones charged!!! All the characters were well developed and were very interesting. I loved it.
The narrator Genevieve Swallow was hard to listen too at the beginning, However, she grew on me and I liked her......But, she does take a while to get used to. Don't be put off as this book is a 5 star read and listen to.
I highly recommend this latest book by Helen Fields especially as it is a stand alone book
Big Thank you to netgalley and Avon books uk for the arc!
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar679059-micro.png?1734550910)
Helen Fields knows how to keep a reader turning the pages (or listening in this case).
The Institution, an isolated mental hospital, houses some of the worst serial killers & psychopaths. It is here Connie Woolwine, renowned profiler, has to go undercover to find a murderer & try to save a babies life. What follows is an action packed, crime drama with tension, twists & it leaves you wondering who you can trust, if you can actually trust anyone, even Connie?
The beauty of Fields writing is that it's not all dark & twisty, there is humour & heart too. Connie & Baarda, bounce off each other but really care, as a team they are fantastic & I hope this is the start of a series with this legendary pairing like Luke & Ava before them.
The narrator on this audio is spot on, each character having a unique voice & it was very easy to get lost in the drama & let the story wash over you.
I particularly loved that I suspected nearly everyone & hadn't a clue who was involved, this truly kept me guessing throughout, right up until the exciting, action-packed ending.
Like all Helen's previous books I highly recommend this, particularly the audiobook if they are your thing.
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar375359-micro.png?1734550910)
I struggled with this one, and found all the characters so unlikeable. I think the vast majority of the problem for me was the narration of the audiobook - I just couldn't settle to it - it's only personal preference so don't let my struggles in this respect put you off. It was a slog for me to finish listening, but I suspect I would've been more settled into the story with a physical copy of the book.
It's tense, and full of (often graphic) action - but I had trouble suspending disbelief in terms of (without wanting to drop any spoilers) Connie being sent somewhere like that with a background like hers.
Definitely a dark read, which I usually absolutely love, but this one just didn't quite work for me.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/65fed9235e/images/profile-placeholder-micro.png)
Omg what a thrill of a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Twisty and full of suspence. I was on the edge of my seat. Gripped from start to finish. Read in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend. 5* Narrator did a great job too!
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar298075-micro.png?1734550910)
Dr Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda are back and investigating a murder in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane. Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine is known for being able to get into the heads of murderers. She will rely heavily on this skill when she goes undercover to uncover the identity of who killed a pregnant nurse and cut out her baby. With the baby missing, she will have 5 days to catch a killer. Talk about pressure!
I found this book to be gripping, chilling and intense. I loved being a silent observer as Connie interviewed those inside the prison including the staff. As she investigates, readers also get to know more about Connie. We learn more about her backstory and her experiences being in a mental health facility when she was younger.
The descriptions in this book were so vivid, that I could picture the prison/hospital as it sat high above and the views that could be seen through the windows. The setting was eerie and creepy. I imagined it being cold, bleak and sterile. There is a sense of unease that is present throughout the book. It adds to the underlying tension that intensifies with each page.
Helen Fields does not disappoint and had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages. I enjoy her writing and how she unravels her plot. I enjoyed doing my own super sleuthing along with Connie. In a place where one questions who can be trusted, how do you get to the truth? Read and find out!
Gripping, atmospheric, tense and well written!
![](https://netgalley-profiles.s3.amazonaws.com/avatar813141-micro.png?1734550910)
I enjoyed this book immensely. The suspense was perfect and kept me listening intently.
I found that the characters developed well and were interesting and multifaceted.
I would definitely recommend this book.
The narrator was very good.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
![](https://netgalley-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/65fed9235e/images/profile-micro.png)
This is a really dark edge of your seat thriller about a brutal murder of a pregnant woman and the kidnapping of her baby. When forensic profiler Connie goes undercover in a secure high security prison hospital for only the worse offenders, it’s a race against time and also a risk on her and her colleagues lives to find the baby and the killer before it’s too late. This really is a twisted dark book with some of the worse humans who she meets along the way but does that mean that they are responsible for the barbaric act she is investigating and does someone know who she really is and if so is she in danger. I loved this audio it will make a great horror film at some point.