
Member Reviews

Another great addition to the Morgan Brookes series. Highly recommend if you love a police procedural with a lovable team. There are so many incredible characters. I adore Cain and his protectiveness of his friends.
As always there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. The tension gets amped up with an attack on one of my favourite characters. I was so stressed for everyone involved. It was nice to see Morgan being a bit more sensible although she definitely needs a holiday.

Another Detective Morgan Brookes thriller! Definitely many twists and turns to keep your interest high. Good police work to solve the mystery and stop a killer from evading justice. The story line is good and enough suspense to keep you racing to the end of the book.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is the fourteenth installment in the Detective Morgan Brookes series. All the books are excellent and I highly recommend this series.
This isntallment starts out with Morgan and her partner and boss, Ben at home. Morgan is preparing to return to work after being injured in the previous book. They can hear nearby sirens and are tempted but know their days off are few and far between. However, the emergency vehicles stop just a few doors down the street. Morgan and Ben head over, only to find the neighbouring couple have been brutually murdered. It appears a stalker is involved and a note found by Morgan suggests she's next.
Helen Phifer is a master at building the suspense. An excellent books with twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. 4 out of 5 stars.

This was my first Helen Phifer book and boy have I been missing out. This was well written and a roller coaster of emotions and twists and turns. I liked the characters and did not guess the ending until almost the last minute. I am really looking forward to reading the books I have missed.

This is one of my favourite series . Morgan seems to get in more scrapes than she should . When Ben and Morgans next door but one neighbours are murdered they are asked to attend the scene. Gruesome is not the word . Rosie and Matt have been murdered with old nails having been hammered into their lips to keep them shut, buy why?? Rosie has been telling her friend Gina she keeps hearing noises in the attic......
All is not as it seems, why were Rosie and Matt killed?? Murdered happens to follow Mofgan around, will she get come out of it this time?
I loved this, couldn't put it down. I was hooked!!
Highly recommend 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me..

A very good story with a lot of twists and turns. I devoured this book! I love detective Morgan Brookes. She's very likable and relatable. That ending, whoa!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Morgan and Ben have a day off, they are getting ready to go shopping. the doorbell goes Amber is on her doorstep there has been a double murder and it's her Neighbours. they go to the house and the murders are horrific. the killer was hiding in the attic, Morgan finds a note and scares her. they have to find the killer before he strikes again its very twisty but as ever an addictive read.

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Bookoutune and the fantastic author Helen phifer for an early copy of her book to read.
This is book 14 in this fantastic series. She is one of my favourite authors. Morgan Brooks and Ben and the team on a murder case this one is close to home.a neighbour they know a couple been brutally murdered the killer put nails in there lips.there is no break in,must be someone hiding in there home.Morgan friend is attacked bashed over the head was it the same killer? The ending was easy to work out as there wasnt many people it could be.still an engaging read.a nail biting books.looking forward to reading the next instalment.
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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)

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.

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

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.