Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Their Dying Embrace as part of the book tour for Bookouture. My thanks to Bookouture for my spot on the tour and for the advanced reader copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

My Review

I was eagerly waiting for book 14 in the brilliant Detective Morgan Brooks series. Each book is better than the last and this is no exception. Now, as with many series, this book functions perfectly well as a standalone thriller, but in my humble opinion, you should read the series in order for better backstory, context, and character development, which is one of the reasons I love Morgan Brookes.

Helen Phifer even tipped her hat to fellow authored Lisa Regan by referencing her Josie Quinn series (another favourite of mine). Nicely done. This nail bitter was a compelling read. I was bitten by the “just one more chapter” bug.

Overall, if you want a book with twists and turns, which keeps you guessing, and holds your attention as you read, you cannot go wrong with this book which I’m clearly happy to recommend. I have Their Dying Embrace, by Helen Phifer, five stars, and I look forward to Morgan Brookes’ next case.

They are back! I say they because although this series features Detective Morgan Brooks it doesn't count for much without the team she works with. That includes her boss and partner in real life Ben. For once the pair of them are on a day off when they are made aware of an active crime scene just a few doors down from where they live. In true Morgan and Ben style any thoughts of a day off are forgotten and they take the case over. They have the added advantage of knowing the victims as well as many of the neighbours.

It was so good to be back with the team and seeing them all pop up is like putting a pair of your favourite slippers on. Even the boss Marc is getting better with each book that comes out. The storyline itself is engaging and has plenty going on. There seems to be an added element of fear for Morgan in this book because this is literally on their doorstep! I admit there was a twist in this story I totally didn't see coming which is always a bonus. I read this in just two sittings and as with the majority of the other books in this series I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A Morgan Brooks story is never short of danger and drama combined and even 14 books in this series is still going strong in my opinion. I am as ever looking forward to the next book...

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the book #TheirDyingEmbrace by #HelenPhifer. When a killer hits the neighbor hood of Morgan Brooks, detective, she will stop at nothing to track them down. She soon becomes the next target and tragedy strikes close to her. Can she stop this killer before something happens to someone else she cares about or herself?

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. This is the 14th book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series but you could read it as a standalone.

This story hits close to home for Morgan and Ben as a couple were killed only two doors down. Helen doesn’t shy away from giving all the gruesome details of the murders and you can so easily paint a vivid picture of what Morgan and the team are seeing.

There were quite a few twists and turns on this one that kept me guessing what exactly was going on! The clues were scarce and everything brought up more questions than answers really. I didn’t really work out what had happened until Morgan herself did. Helen did a good job of keeping the killer hidden.

the story was fast paced and never really lets up. I was on the edge of my seat when Morgan’s friend was attacked. I am not sure if I can forgive you for that Helen, I’m still very torn up about it.

If you are looking for a Crime thriller that will reel you in from the very first page and keep you hooked until the last then this is the book for you!

Their dying embrace is the 14th book in the Morgan Brooks series and it certainly does not disappoint.
The story starts with introduction to the story with the unfortunate victims. Ben and Morgan are supposed to be having a well deserved day off from all the drama in Rydal falls. Unfortuntely doesnt happen when the crime scene is practically on their door step.
All in all a great read with quite a few twists snd turns Morgan getting herself into some form of trouble and Ben and rest of team worrying. A great addition to the series looking forward to next. Thank you for advanced copy.

Their Dying Embrace is book 14 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series by Helen Phifer.
I have enjoyed this series of books from the very start & this was no exception.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns and will have your heart pounding as you reach the final breathtaking twist.

Even though it's her day off, Detective Morgan Brookes is called to investigate a murder in her own neighborhood. The scene of the crime is horrific, and a cryptic note found in the house's attic has everyone on edge. It turns out that none of Morgan's neighbors may be who they claim to be.

Though this seems to be quite a popular series, and the plot was good, there were things that made me not enjoy the book. Detective Brookes does not seem to be highly professional, as she does not wear a poker face but puts her emotions on display for not only her colleagues (understandable) but bystanders as well. The same was true of EMS or ambulance workers. Additionally, I found the writing, especially the dialog to be overly simplistic -- the complexity of the narrative did not match the complexity of the plot, so to speak -- causing the whole to fall flat.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exceptional book

ohhh man this book and series just gets better and better....

when the police car with its blues and two goes next door to morgan and bens they at first try to ignore it but its not long before there is a knock at the door and they are asked to attend the scene

the people that live there have been murdered brutally..... its a crime scene that effects them all

morgan is tasked with going in to the attic as she is the only one small enough to fit and what she finds there chills her to the bone

the murder scene doesnt make sense at all..... but its the next attack that sends them reeling and hunting for clues

what a read i couldnt put this one down at all.... exceptional this one is

i love all the characters in this series and i am even warming to marc...

There’s no rest for the Rydal Falls team!
Good gosh Phifer, are you ever going to let Morgan and Ben have a free day?!
Kendal Road should be renamed Killer Road!
I love the camaraderie of the team.
I adore Caine’s cheesy cliche colloquialisms because I use many of them myself.
I learned new words for outer extremities.
I loved the shout out to the Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan!
I also loved all the references to Salem, MA one of the coolest places.
Who knew being a priest was so non boring?

Their Dying Embrace is book 14 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series by Helen Phifer! This is one of the best books in the series if not the very best! I absolutely devoured the book in 1 day as I couldn't put it down! This series is one of my favorites, but this book had twists I didn't see coming that blew my mind! What a fantastic thriller! If you've never read a book in the series you will be fine reading this as a standalone. Don't miss this fantastic book just because you haven't read the others.

Morgan and Ben are supposed to have the day off and have been looking forward to it. As they're planning their trip to Liverpool, there's a knock at the door. It's Amy, one of the other detectives on their team. She wants to let them know that they found a horrific scene 2 doors down at their neighbor's house. All of a sudden Morgan and Ben's day off doesn't seem very important and they jump into action. They head to their neighbor's house, suit up, and go in. They find Rosie and her boyfriend Matt dead on the floor of their bathroom. Their hands are together, but the heads have been beaten badly. The worst part is that someone has put nails through their lips to keep their mouths shut. There's blood everywhere and it looks like one of them was downstairs when they were killed and dragged up to the bathroom.

Who would do this and why? No one heard any screams, no one saw any strangers or strange cars, nothing! Morgan and Ben live in a quiet neighborhood and can't believe this happened 2 doors down from them. It is worrisome to say the least. Was someone sending them a message by doing this? Gina, a friend of Rosie's found them. They were supposed to meet for coffee and Rosie didn't show. Gina came in and was horrified at what she found. She tells Morgan that Rosie had texted her last night late. The text said she heard noises above her coming from the attic. Gina told her it was probably a squirrel or bird and to get some rest. What if it wasn't? Gina felt terrible now. When Morgan goes up to check out the attic she finds empty bags of chips, soda cans, a mattress, and a pillow. She also finds a hole in the floor that looked down into the bathroom. Someone had been up here spying on Rosie and Matt!

The investigation begins with the neighbors. Someone had to have seen something, right? Morgan finds out Matt had been to a. local tattoo and piercing place recently asking questions. She goes to the store to find out what he wanted. As she's interviewing the owner's daughter who talked to Matt, Morgan receives terrible news. One of her best friends was attacked and may not make it. Morgan receives a threatening message that she's next. Will Morgan and the team be able to solve the case before more people are murdered? Will her friend pull through? Is Morgan in danger again? This book will have you so worked up that you won't be able to stop reading it. The big twist is incredible and Helen Phifer is brilliant for coming up with it. I never saw it coming and had the wrong person as the killer. I rate Their Dying Embrace 5 stars with my highest recommendation. Trust me when I say you don't want to miss this book! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Their Dying Embrace in exchange for a fair review. #TheirDyingEmbrace

Another twisted suspense mystery for Detective Morgan Brookes to unravel. When this happens just a few houses away from her home, Morgan is shocked.
Morgan is still in recovery mode from her previous injury while on the job…..can she manage to investigate what is going on without jeopardizing her well being?
Morgan, Ben and her team have their hands full trying to figure out what is going on. And, what is going on is shocking all of them.
The Detective Morgan Brookes series is a gripping mystery suspense crime thriller. Reading the books in order would be best. There is so much backstory to main characters that is important to know.
*I never did figure out who the killer was until it was revealed at the end.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another brilliant book from Helen Phifer.
Morgan and Ben quickly have to change their plans for their day off when a couple are found murdered a few houses away from theirs.
Morgan is shocked when she sees them and to make it worse, it seems someone had been spying on them from their attic.
While Morgan and the team are busy trying to solve the murder a very close friend is attacked and left for dead.
Morgan and Ben are shocked that this could happen and push the team to try and find the link between these crimes.
There’s a few twists in this book which completely took me by surprise, and I loved it.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

Detective Morgan Brookes #14

It was supposed to be Morgan and Ben's day off, but things take a different turn when a double murder has occurred just two doors down from them. Morgan and the team are determined to quickly solve the murders, but they don't have much evidence to go on.

Detective Morgan Brookes is still recovering from the injury she received. The murders are gruesome and happened on the street where Ben and Morgan live. The friends and neighbours of the murdered couple are helping police with their enquiries. But they've not got a lot work on. Not everything is what it says on the tin. People are lying, but who are they? The pace is fast with well-developed characters that we've loved from the first book

Published 3rd February 2025

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

Oh my goodness this story started with a bang, I won't go into the gory details.
I love a good crime story watching the police put the pieces together to solve the crime. A lot of it being gut instinct and experience.
This is a neighbour of the police and too close to home. A brutal murder that leaves the police baffled. Why, just why were the bodies positioned like that and who's next?
More people are hurt, are they close to discovering the crime and being silenced?
Such an engaging read, I couldn't put it down.

Their Dying Embrace by Helen Phifer is the 14th book in the excellent Book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series. This series has been a 5 star read from the very first book. Every book Helen has written will have you gripped from the very first few pages especially as she draws you into every book, with excellent storylines and excellent characters especially Detective Morgan Brookes, she is one of the best out there! I just love the way Helen writes and one of the best authors out there to get your teeth into, and you will be hooked from the very first book. I am so glad we have another book within this Detective Morgan Brookes series.

Their Dying Embrace was a book that I found hard to put down once I started to read it, and ended up reading it over the next 2 days, It is full of twists and turns that will have you turning the pages over to see what happens next.

Just excellent and I highly recommend this book and this series.

If you know anything about Rydal Falls, you know that there is never a dull moment. It seems that nothing is ever peaceful. When a couple is found dead in their home with their mouths nailed shut right down the road from Detective Morgan Brookes, she is more than a little bothered. Then when she finds a horrifying note, she is more than a little unnerved, especially after she realizes the killer was watching the victims.

Morgan will not allow fear to keep her from her pursuit of justice, so she puts her big girl boots on and gets to work. This mystery was shocking and chilling in every way that makes Helen Phifer's books so addictive and gripping. The twist that is thrown in early in the story will throw you for a loop for sure.

This one scared the daylights out of me, especially when it was revealed how the killer was watching this couple. I found myself wanting to look around my house before I went to bed. This is what makes this author's books so interesting to read. Even though you may have goosebumps and feel a little uncomfortable, you cannot quit reading because you have to know what happens next. So, you live with the fear and keep reading all while trying to remember that this is a fictional book. This is another homerun in this series.

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

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Their Dying Embrace’, book 14 of the Detective Morgan Brookes series written by Helen Phifer, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

A colleague knocks at the house of DS Ben Matthews and DC Morgan Brookes to report a double murder and despite being on a much-needed break from their jobs at Rydal Falls Police Department they agree to investigate the deaths of Rosie and her boyfriend Matt who live just two doors away from them. Together with their loyal and dedicated team, Ben and Morgan find themselves involved in a particularly gruesome murder that becomes more confusing than they anticipated.

‘Their Dying Embrace’ is another exciting instalment in the series and probably my favourite so far. It’s had me gripped from the first page to the last with the usual suspense, drama and chilling twists I’ve come to expect from a novel written by Helen Phifer. The team of Morgan, Ben, Cain, Amy and Marc work well together almost like a family as they watch each other’s backs, and the forensic pathologist, Declan, and his partner Father Theo make a welcome addition to the story. This has been an entertaining police thriller that I’ve enjoyed reading and can’t wait for book 15.

Lots of breath-holding moments for me as Brookes searches for clues for how and why her neighbors were killed in the middle of the night. In a sense, this is a bit of a locked room mystery, but overall an excellent procedural that unfolds and intensifies as the clues drop, and the killer starts making mistakes with more victims as the police start connecting the dots. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this series - every book is a heart-stopping, bone chilling adventure grounded in the solidifying sense of family developing among the investigators and peripheral characters.

Thank you to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author, Helen Phifer, for early access to this latest entry in this excellent series.

When sweet-natured teaching assistant Rosie Waite, and her boyfriend Matt, are found dead in their quaint family home in the Lake District, Detective Morgan Brookes is horrified. Sleeping just two doors down, she heard no screams for help, no slamming doors, or alarms in the night. A twisted killer nailed the couple’s lips shut, and Morgan vows to keep watch over every innocent family in Rydal Falls until this monster is brought to justice. Climbing the narrow attic staircase as she searches every inch of the property, Morgan finds a mattress on the floor, empty food wrappers, and a letter that reads: if you’ve found this, you’re next to die. Fear washes over Morgan’s team; the killer was watching his victims, and now her life is at risk.

Another fantastic read from Phifer. This is the first I've read in this series, and I had no trouble keeping up with everything. Fascinating store. I loved getting to know Morgan as well. There were a few twists I didn't see coming, which was fun. I need to check out the earlier books in the series! 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I do love this series on books, and am particularly pleased that the area is known well by the author, so there are not any misunderstandings about the nature of the Lake District.
I also enjoy the way the relationships between the various characters changes over the course of this series, and I do like how the characters are written.
My only very slight grumble with this latest book is that the crime is uncovered by the main protagonist Morgan suddenly having that idea. I found that a little simplistic, and I know that the author is quite capable of having a more realistic way that Morgan could have come to that conclusion, taking some smaller steps, rather than the leap over said steps.
I also felt that she didn't fully explain the reason for the unusual object found at the crime scenes.
However, it will certainly not put me off this series, and I do look forward to reading further books set in this beautiful place. Even if it is curiously full of murders, reminding me of Midsomer Murders. but perhaps a little more gruesome.