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Detective Morgan Brookes #9
Hold Your Breath
Listening Length 8 hours and 55 minutes
The biting wind whips around the crystal-clear waters of the lake. The girl sits with her eyes open, as if transfixed by the waves on the shoreline, but she has taken her last breath…
When Detective Morgan Brookes is called to Lake Thirlmere one frosty night, she’s devastated to find the body of a young woman positioned in front of the glistening reservoir. She has ligature marks on her limbs, glue residue on her eyes, and her beautiful face is as cold as ice. Knowing only a dangerous serial killer would arrange a scene so carefully, Morgan is in a race against time to stop them before more innocent lives are lost.
The victim is twenty-year-old Jasmine Armer and her mother is distraught to hear that her beautiful daughter is gone. And Morgan is shocked when she learns that Jasmine’s father recently committed suicide at the same picturesque spot. The killer must have known the family. Then Morgan receives a terrifying package at the station of an intricate death mask. She immediately recognises Jasmine’s long lashes and perfectly-plump lips.
With the killer taunting her, Morgan knows time is running out. And then Morgan gets the heart-shattering call that her friend, Emily, has been killed. Ligature marks on Emily’s arms are identical to Jasmine’s. Heartbroken Morgan knows this isn’t the end of the killer’s twisted game, but can she track them down before they take another life?
The biting wind whips around the crystal-clear waters of the lake. The girl sits with her eyes open, as if transfixed by the waves on the shoreline, but she has taken her last breath…
When Detective Morgan Brookes is called to Lake Thirlmere one frosty night, she’s devastated to find the body of a young woman positioned in front of the glistening reservoir. She has ligature marks on her limbs, glue residue on her eyes, and her beautiful face is as cold as ice. Knowing only a dangerous serial killer would arrange a scene so carefully, Morgan is in a race against time to stop them before more innocent lives are lost.
The victim is twenty-year-old Jasmine Armer and her mother is distraught to hear that her beautiful daughter is gone. And Morgan is shocked when she learns that Jasmine’s father recently committed suicide at the same picturesque spot. The killer must have known the family. Then Morgan receives a terrifying package at the station of an intricate death mask. She immediately recognises Jasmine’s long lashes and perfectly-plump lips.
With the killer taunting her, Morgan knows time is running out. And then Morgan gets the heart-shattering call that her friend, Emily, has been killed. Ligature marks on Emily’s arms are identical to Jasmine’s. Heartbroken Morgan knows this isn’t the end of the killer’s twisted game, but can she track them down before they take another life?
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
May 6, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Bookoutune and the wonderful author Helen phifer for an early copy of her book.
This book is book nine in this series,Detective Morgan Brooks and her partner Ben investigates a murder of a young woman found in the same area where her father committed suicide..Morgan Brooks recieved a mail inside was a horrible mask she thought it was a prank from her team member and discards it not realizing it's part of the case.what is the connection?another murder from Ben's past and Morgan knows found dead was it the same killer...another fantastic thriller really enjoy Morgan and Ben's relationship wanted a little bit more from the ending,looking forward to the next instalment. Highly recommend this series..
This book is book nine in this series,Detective Morgan Brooks and her partner Ben investigates a murder of a young woman found in the same area where her father committed suicide..Morgan Brooks recieved a mail inside was a horrible mask she thought it was a prank from her team member and discards it not realizing it's part of the case.what is the connection?another murder from Ben's past and Morgan knows found dead was it the same killer...another fantastic thriller really enjoy Morgan and Ben's relationship wanted a little bit more from the ending,looking forward to the next instalment. Highly recommend this series..
May 27, 2023
Helen Phifer, you are brilliant!
I love this series, and I know I'm in for a treat when I start a new book.
This was thrilling, twisty, and ever so dramatic. The characters are utterly superb, and the relationships between them all are brilliantly written.
I loved it.
I love this series, and I know I'm in for a treat when I start a new book.
This was thrilling, twisty, and ever so dramatic. The characters are utterly superb, and the relationships between them all are brilliantly written.
I loved it.
May 26, 2023
Detective Morgan Brookes Book 9
When Detective Morgan Brookes is call to Lake Thirlmere on frosty night, she's devasted to find the body of a young woman positioned in front of the glistening reservoir. she has ligature marks in her limbs, glue residue on her eyes, and her beautiful face is as cold as ice. Knowing only a dangerous serial killer would arrange a scene so carefully, Morgan is in a race against time to stop them before more innocent lives are lost.
I love everything about this series. This time, Morgan and her team are on a race to find a killer before he strikes again. Morgan, once again, finds herself in the midst of a complex case which soon becomes personal. All the main characters are back, each doing their bit to help solve the murder. Morgan is tenacious in all that she does. The murders are gruesome.
Helen Phifer knows how to pull you in from the first page and doesn't let go until the final page has been turned. This is another rollercoaster read, filled with twists, and very well written. I could not put it down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #HoldYourBreath in excjhange for an honest review.
When Detective Morgan Brookes is call to Lake Thirlmere on frosty night, she's devasted to find the body of a young woman positioned in front of the glistening reservoir. she has ligature marks in her limbs, glue residue on her eyes, and her beautiful face is as cold as ice. Knowing only a dangerous serial killer would arrange a scene so carefully, Morgan is in a race against time to stop them before more innocent lives are lost.
I love everything about this series. This time, Morgan and her team are on a race to find a killer before he strikes again. Morgan, once again, finds herself in the midst of a complex case which soon becomes personal. All the main characters are back, each doing their bit to help solve the murder. Morgan is tenacious in all that she does. The murders are gruesome.
Helen Phifer knows how to pull you in from the first page and doesn't let go until the final page has been turned. This is another rollercoaster read, filled with twists, and very well written. I could not put it down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #HoldYourBreath in excjhange for an honest review.
June 30, 2023
HOLD YOUR BREATH is the Ninth book in a police procedural series featuring Detective Morgan Brookes by Helen Phifer. I have read all of the books in this series and this book is a definite winner! Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in order to get a full history.
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
1. One Left Alive (2020)
2. The Killer's Girl (2020)
3. The Hiding Place (2021)
4. First Girl to Die (2021)
5. Find the Girl (2022)
6. Sleeping Dolls (2022)
7. Silent Angel (2022)
8. Their Burning Graves (2022)
9. Hold Your Breath (2023)
This is my review of Hold Your Breath.
“She was strapped to a hard chair in a cold garage with her mouth gaged. He wrapped clingfilm around her face.”
DC Morgan Brookes is back at work in the CID office, in Rydal Falls, known as CAST, Crime and Safeguarding Team. Detective Morgan Brookes and her boss, Sergeant Ben Matthews are a couple, and are living together at Ben’s house.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith
Cain Robson-new to the unit
Detective Morgan receives a mystery parcel at the office… a weird death mask-half mask that looks dead.
Morgan and Ben are called out to investigate a suspicious scene, a body in a car by Reservoir Thirlmere. It was determined the car and victim belonged to a twenty-year old well-liked dental nurse; Jasmine Armer who had died of asphyxiation and had been left in her car at the same location where her father had recently committed suicide. She and had ligature marks on her limbs, and glue residue on her eyes. The killer must have known the family.
Then Morgan gets a call that her friend, Emily, has been killed. Ligature marks on Emily’s arms are identical to Jasmine’s.
It is now a race against time, for Morgan to solve this twisted mystery and expose the killer.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
1. One Left Alive (2020)
2. The Killer's Girl (2020)
3. The Hiding Place (2021)
4. First Girl to Die (2021)
5. Find the Girl (2022)
6. Sleeping Dolls (2022)
7. Silent Angel (2022)
8. Their Burning Graves (2022)
9. Hold Your Breath (2023)
This is my review of Hold Your Breath.
“She was strapped to a hard chair in a cold garage with her mouth gaged. He wrapped clingfilm around her face.”
DC Morgan Brookes is back at work in the CID office, in Rydal Falls, known as CAST, Crime and Safeguarding Team. Detective Morgan Brookes and her boss, Sergeant Ben Matthews are a couple, and are living together at Ben’s house.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith
Cain Robson-new to the unit
Detective Morgan receives a mystery parcel at the office… a weird death mask-half mask that looks dead.
Morgan and Ben are called out to investigate a suspicious scene, a body in a car by Reservoir Thirlmere. It was determined the car and victim belonged to a twenty-year old well-liked dental nurse; Jasmine Armer who had died of asphyxiation and had been left in her car at the same location where her father had recently committed suicide. She and had ligature marks on her limbs, and glue residue on her eyes. The killer must have known the family.
Then Morgan gets a call that her friend, Emily, has been killed. Ligature marks on Emily’s arms are identical to Jasmine’s.
It is now a race against time, for Morgan to solve this twisted mystery and expose the killer.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
May 8, 2023
Detectives Morgan Brooks and her boss/boyfriend Ben investigate two murders that look like suicide. Morgan gets into harms way as usual and it’s up to Ben to save her.
This was a fast paced exciting read and I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC that will be released June 2, 2023!
This was a fast paced exciting read and I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC that will be released June 2, 2023!
November 9, 2025
Many thanks to both Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Hold Your Breath.
Expected publication June 2, 2023
3.5 Stars, rounded up
Get ready for a non-stop thrill ride from the very first chapter to the last! For the most part, I found Hold Your Breath to be amazing! Morgan knows time is running out. Two young women have been murdered, one of whom was a friend of Morgan's. Both have ligature marks on their arms, both have been asphyxiated, and both have been found propped up in their cars. Morgan knows this isn’t the end of the killer’s twisted game, but she's determined to track him or her down before another life is lost.
I had a couple of issues with this book, however. The first one was the use of commas where periods should have been used and new sentences started. It made the book a disjointed read for me when I had to reread sentences in order to understand them. This will probably be corrected before the book is released, I hope.
Expected publication June 2, 2023
3.5 Stars, rounded up
Get ready for a non-stop thrill ride from the very first chapter to the last! For the most part, I found Hold Your Breath to be amazing! Morgan knows time is running out. Two young women have been murdered, one of whom was a friend of Morgan's. Both have ligature marks on their arms, both have been asphyxiated, and both have been found propped up in their cars. Morgan knows this isn’t the end of the killer’s twisted game, but she's determined to track him or her down before another life is lost.
I had a couple of issues with this book, however. The first one was the use of commas where periods should have been used and new sentences started. It made the book a disjointed read for me when I had to reread sentences in order to understand them. This will probably be corrected before the book is released, I hope.
June 3, 2023
Morgan is yet again having to face danger a bit too close to home. What I really love about her though is she doesn’t back away from it. It is so nice to read a book that has a strong woman at the helm. Yes, she may take questionable moves in getting her killer but this time it’s personal.
Creepy death masks I’m okay with but when a dental surgery could be involved that’s right up there with eyeballs on my ick factor scale. With security cameras being taken out and more than one person acting suspiciously it’s a good job that it’s Morgan on the case as yet again I had no clue as to who was behind the killings.
This is book nine but can easily be read as a standalone. It is another great instalment in easily my favourite detective series and it’s all down to a great cast of characters and thrilling plots that grab you from the start and don’t let you go. As long as Morgan is still chasing the bad guys I will still be one of her biggest fans.
Creepy death masks I’m okay with but when a dental surgery could be involved that’s right up there with eyeballs on my ick factor scale. With security cameras being taken out and more than one person acting suspiciously it’s a good job that it’s Morgan on the case as yet again I had no clue as to who was behind the killings.
This is book nine but can easily be read as a standalone. It is another great instalment in easily my favourite detective series and it’s all down to a great cast of characters and thrilling plots that grab you from the start and don’t let you go. As long as Morgan is still chasing the bad guys I will still be one of her biggest fans.
May 30, 2023
Like the title of this book this reader was constantly holding her breath while reading the latest instalment of this another gripping and very addictive series. It starts off with a package delivered to Morgan at work. Inside nestled in amongst the foam peanuts is a rubber grotesque mask. Who sent It?? Is it a prank or something darker. Go to bed early and read this book I promise that you will not be disappointed. Loved It!!!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
October 18, 2024
What an awesome thriller. I was surprised. The writer did not disappoint me. I loved the twist and the plot. The characters all were great. The Villain was equally amazing. I made sure that I finished this book, because I had to find out who the killer was. The writer did a fantastic job. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
May 31, 2023
Detective Morgan Brookes' latest case is that of a young woman named Jasmine who has been found murdered. The way the victim was killed and the body posed, Morgan knows they have a dangerous killer out there that must be caught soon.
While Morgan and her team are desperate to find the killer, the story also has the killer's point of view and learn the object of his real obsession. Meanwhile, there is something very specific about the location where Jasmine's body was found, and so Morgan is looking for any connection that might go a step further when it comes to identifying the killer.
Another murder occurs, and this time it is a friend of Morgan's named Emily. The scene was reminiscent of the first murder and now Morgan and the others want to make sure that no other women are killed.
This book gets rather eerie, especially as Morgan realizes that the killer has a fetish for death masks. How far the killer goes is rather chilling. Having read this series from the beginning, I loved following Morgan on her latest case, and also enjoyed her relationship with Ben Matthews gaining a bit more traction, even with the dangers facing her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
While Morgan and her team are desperate to find the killer, the story also has the killer's point of view and learn the object of his real obsession. Meanwhile, there is something very specific about the location where Jasmine's body was found, and so Morgan is looking for any connection that might go a step further when it comes to identifying the killer.
Another murder occurs, and this time it is a friend of Morgan's named Emily. The scene was reminiscent of the first murder and now Morgan and the others want to make sure that no other women are killed.
This book gets rather eerie, especially as Morgan realizes that the killer has a fetish for death masks. How far the killer goes is rather chilling. Having read this series from the beginning, I loved following Morgan on her latest case, and also enjoyed her relationship with Ben Matthews gaining a bit more traction, even with the dangers facing her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 3, 2023
4.5 stars
Hold Your Breath by Helen Phifer is the 9th in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Morgan Brookes is a Detective Constable for Rydal Falls. She lives and works with her boyfriend, DS Ben Matthews, her boss. They've discovered he has some heart issues, but things are good. Other cast members include Amy, Wendy, Cain, Will, Cathy and Mads. They are still mourning the loss of a fellow team-member, Des. Their new boss is DI Mark Howard, and they are getting used to him. Their go-to Forensic Pathologist (and friend) is Declan Donnelly. After losing her mother to suicide, Morgan finally got to know her alcoholic step-dad, who turned out to be a good guy, but Stan is now dead (murdered). Both Morgan's brother, and her biological father, Gary Marks, are serial killers. Morgan's aunt Ettie is considered a "witch".
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Morgan is called to investigate the death of 20 year-old Jasmine Armer, a dental assistant. There are restraint marks on her wrists and ankles, and some time of glue on her eyelids. Strangely, her body was found in her car, in the same spot that her father had committed suicide just 6 months ago.
Clues and suspects are rather scarce, although the dentist is a little suspicious.
When another body with similar marks is found, both Ben and Morgan are devastated. They both new the victim.
Meanwhile, Morgan receives a death mask in the mail, but dismisses it as a bad joke, until a second one arrives.
My Opinions:
I am really enjoying this series. I love Morgan and Ben - and their relationship, but the entire team is like a cohesive family, and that makes the story more enjoyable. As well, I think both Theo and Ettie make nice additions.
The plot, as always was great, and the number of suspects good. Although I had an idea as to the perpetrator, I was actually surprised when I was right.
The pace was good, although for some reason the book seemed a little too long. I can't actually think of anything that needed cutting, but it still felt a little long.
Anyway, I highly recommend this series....and I really think the books should be read in order, as things are mentioned from previous books, but not always explained in detail -- which is perfect as far as I'm concerned.
For a more complete review of this book and others, (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 30, 2023
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
This review, like the series, really needs no introduction. It's a thrilling fast paced and addictive series with each book better than the previous, if that's at all possible. And yet this book, as with all the previous ones, trouble has a way of finding Morgan once again. The woman is a walking magnet for trouble that it's no wonder their former colleague Des (who met a grisly end last installment) referred to her as their resident grim reaper. She practically is. And to be honest, as much as I love this series, the amount of scrapes Morgan gets herself into with every book I'm surprised she is still standing and it's getting a little wearing. But more on that further on...
Set in the picturesque Lake District on the banks of Lake Thirlmere (which is actually a reservoir but lake sounds so much more inviting), local response officer patroling the area comes across the body of a young woman in her car. It's not clear at first whether the death is suspicious but...it seems somewhat likely under the circumstances.
Enter DC Morgan Brookes and her boyfriend/partner/boss DS Ben Matthews. They get the call as they are about to go home for the night and from that moment on, the pair and their team get little sleep until their killer is caught. They soon identify the young woman and learn that she was a dental assistant at a local practice in Windemere and so Morgan swoops in to question the staff. She gets a creepy vibe off handsome hunky dentist Neil Barnard, who seems just a little too full of himself, and makes a note to follow up on his alibi and run some background checks on him. It's not surprising that he comes back squeaky clean...and yet still her antennae twitches whenever she's around him.
Meanwhile, someone has sent Morgan a creepy mask that she thinks is one of her colleagues having a laugh. Cain finds the mask hilarious even if it does resemble a dead face with no eyes. Morgan can't bear to look at it a moment longer and tosses it. But has she been a little too hasty?
And then the case gets a little more personal for her when someone she knows turns up dead in much the same way as the first victim, also in her car. She knows now that she must find this killer before he takes another woman...but is she too late?
Oh, it has to be said, as much as I love Morgan the woman infuriates me! She's told to do something and she does the exact opposite. She's told NOT to do something and she goes ahead and does it anyway, justifying her actions as being for the greater good and catching the killer. Anyone else who disregards her boss' orders would be done for insubordination and on a disciplinary charge. I know this is fiction but really? Morgan is not teflon. She can't stomp her Doc Martens and give a death stare to get her own way. Nor can she disregard orders which are given for her own good and safety just because she wants to go all gung-ho and single-handedly catch the killer...all while nursing a concussion, a haematoma and the mother of all headaches...just because she doesn't like to be told what to do! The amount of times she gets herself into trouble, abducted by killers, smacked in the head, shot at, wrestled or collided with...in every book and yet still she comes out smelling roses while poor Des asked the wrong person one wrong question and he meets a grisly end. It's annoying and infuriating and not at all realistic. She is, after all, just a DC...practically the bottom of the CID chain.
Don't get me wrong, I do love this series. It is one of my favourites and I look forward to every new book. It's just for once, I would like her to do as she's told and stay in the station or at home and not go off without a word to save the day. She is one person and they are supposed to be a team. And what a great team they are. Cain makes a wonderful addition to their team and he will find his feet soon enough. Amy has grown on me as I did find her a little abrasive at first. I still don't know what to make of Marc...but I guess time will tell. But I do really enjoy Ben and Morgan's relationship and look forward to seeing where the next book will take them.
HOLD YOUR BREATH is a solid addition to this compelling and addictive series. Even I had no clue who the killer was until nearer the end. The plot is tight and the suspense gripping, keeping you guessing with a few surprises along the way. If you've not read this series, I do highly recommend it.
Bring on book 10!
I would like to thank #HelenPhifer, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HoldYourBreath in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
This review, like the series, really needs no introduction. It's a thrilling fast paced and addictive series with each book better than the previous, if that's at all possible. And yet this book, as with all the previous ones, trouble has a way of finding Morgan once again. The woman is a walking magnet for trouble that it's no wonder their former colleague Des (who met a grisly end last installment) referred to her as their resident grim reaper. She practically is. And to be honest, as much as I love this series, the amount of scrapes Morgan gets herself into with every book I'm surprised she is still standing and it's getting a little wearing. But more on that further on...
Set in the picturesque Lake District on the banks of Lake Thirlmere (which is actually a reservoir but lake sounds so much more inviting), local response officer patroling the area comes across the body of a young woman in her car. It's not clear at first whether the death is suspicious but...it seems somewhat likely under the circumstances.
Enter DC Morgan Brookes and her boyfriend/partner/boss DS Ben Matthews. They get the call as they are about to go home for the night and from that moment on, the pair and their team get little sleep until their killer is caught. They soon identify the young woman and learn that she was a dental assistant at a local practice in Windemere and so Morgan swoops in to question the staff. She gets a creepy vibe off handsome hunky dentist Neil Barnard, who seems just a little too full of himself, and makes a note to follow up on his alibi and run some background checks on him. It's not surprising that he comes back squeaky clean...and yet still her antennae twitches whenever she's around him.
Meanwhile, someone has sent Morgan a creepy mask that she thinks is one of her colleagues having a laugh. Cain finds the mask hilarious even if it does resemble a dead face with no eyes. Morgan can't bear to look at it a moment longer and tosses it. But has she been a little too hasty?
And then the case gets a little more personal for her when someone she knows turns up dead in much the same way as the first victim, also in her car. She knows now that she must find this killer before he takes another woman...but is she too late?
Oh, it has to be said, as much as I love Morgan the woman infuriates me! She's told to do something and she does the exact opposite. She's told NOT to do something and she goes ahead and does it anyway, justifying her actions as being for the greater good and catching the killer. Anyone else who disregards her boss' orders would be done for insubordination and on a disciplinary charge. I know this is fiction but really? Morgan is not teflon. She can't stomp her Doc Martens and give a death stare to get her own way. Nor can she disregard orders which are given for her own good and safety just because she wants to go all gung-ho and single-handedly catch the killer...all while nursing a concussion, a haematoma and the mother of all headaches...just because she doesn't like to be told what to do! The amount of times she gets herself into trouble, abducted by killers, smacked in the head, shot at, wrestled or collided with...in every book and yet still she comes out smelling roses while poor Des asked the wrong person one wrong question and he meets a grisly end. It's annoying and infuriating and not at all realistic. She is, after all, just a DC...practically the bottom of the CID chain.
Don't get me wrong, I do love this series. It is one of my favourites and I look forward to every new book. It's just for once, I would like her to do as she's told and stay in the station or at home and not go off without a word to save the day. She is one person and they are supposed to be a team. And what a great team they are. Cain makes a wonderful addition to their team and he will find his feet soon enough. Amy has grown on me as I did find her a little abrasive at first. I still don't know what to make of Marc...but I guess time will tell. But I do really enjoy Ben and Morgan's relationship and look forward to seeing where the next book will take them.
HOLD YOUR BREATH is a solid addition to this compelling and addictive series. Even I had no clue who the killer was until nearer the end. The plot is tight and the suspense gripping, keeping you guessing with a few surprises along the way. If you've not read this series, I do highly recommend it.
Bring on book 10!
I would like to thank #HelenPhifer, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HoldYourBreath in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
June 6, 2023
Hold Your Breath is the 9th book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series and I think it is the best one yet. Although each book is its own case, there is a lot of development as the series progresses in the characters, their relationships and the team, that I recommend you read this series in order. The book opens with a young woman being murdered and shortly after, Morgan and Ben are called to a death scene where a young woman is dead sitting upright in her car, with no apparent wounds. Is it a suicide or a murder? It is determined that she was asphyxiated. Shortly after, Morgan receives a package at the station containing a grotesque mask. Morgan's team find it funny and name her Barb, Morgan thinks it is terrible and eventually throws it out, but does it have relevance to the case. When a second body is found, a young woman that both Morgan and Ben know, the case becomes personal. Can they catch the killer before there is another victim?
This was another suspenseful, chilling Morgan Brookes story. I love how the team works together and seeing their relationships. We get glimpses into past stories and Ben's and Morgan's life as it is developing, which I enjoy. Morgan is a great detective, smart, intuitive and persistent. She sometimes puts her self in danger, but does it to protect others. This story gives us a few points of view and I like that we hear from the killer every so often. The reader has some insight that helped me figure out the culprit, but the police took a bit longer as they didn't have his/her POV. There was more than one suspect and several red herrings along the way, that had me changing my mind a few time. From the first page, I was pulled in to this gripping story. With some twists and a lot of tension, the story comes to a climactic ending. I thoroughly enjoy this series and recommend it to those of you who enjoy a good crime thriller.
This was another suspenseful, chilling Morgan Brookes story. I love how the team works together and seeing their relationships. We get glimpses into past stories and Ben's and Morgan's life as it is developing, which I enjoy. Morgan is a great detective, smart, intuitive and persistent. She sometimes puts her self in danger, but does it to protect others. This story gives us a few points of view and I like that we hear from the killer every so often. The reader has some insight that helped me figure out the culprit, but the police took a bit longer as they didn't have his/her POV. There was more than one suspect and several red herrings along the way, that had me changing my mind a few time. From the first page, I was pulled in to this gripping story. With some twists and a lot of tension, the story comes to a climactic ending. I thoroughly enjoy this series and recommend it to those of you who enjoy a good crime thriller.
February 14, 2025
This review contains slight spoilers from other books in this series....
I've read the previous books in the series, and by book 9, I must admit I'm getting bored of;
- Morgan being linked to the victim and/or killer
- Killer being obsessed with Morgan
- Morgan being reckless and putting herself in stupid situations, getting hurt/kidnapped, having to be rescued and Ben just being like "oh I love you, you worried me"
Following one of Morgan's unnecessarily reckless decisions, there's a major continuity issue that really annoyed me.
Her and Ben get out of the lift with her all bandaged up and about to head to hospital, Amy and Cain are the other side of the lift, ask what's happened. A few chapters later, Ben rings them to tell them about the incident.
Saying all this, is it going to stop me eventually reading book 10, probably not.
I've read the previous books in the series, and by book 9, I must admit I'm getting bored of;
- Morgan being linked to the victim and/or killer
- Killer being obsessed with Morgan
- Morgan being reckless and putting herself in stupid situations, getting hurt/kidnapped, having to be rescued and Ben just being like "oh I love you, you worried me"
Following one of Morgan's unnecessarily reckless decisions, there's a major continuity issue that really annoyed me.
Her and Ben get out of the lift with her all bandaged up and about to head to hospital, Amy and Cain are the other side of the lift, ask what's happened. A few chapters later, Ben rings them to tell them about the incident.
Saying all this, is it going to stop me eventually reading book 10, probably not.
June 13, 2023
I generally like the characters and enjoyed the storyline of this book as I have all the books in the series.
However...
Anyone else notice how Cain and Amy turn up at the dentists to find Morgan had been hit with a hammer before being told by Ben to go to the post mortem. Only then, after the post mortem, Cain and Amy phone Ben and are then surprised to find out that Morgan had to go to hospital after being hit by a hammer? Why the shock guys?
Also some of the dialogue between the characters is a bit cheesy and not realistic. Morgan also seems to be a bit of a cliche sometimes but I quite enjoy it.
However...
Anyone else notice how Cain and Amy turn up at the dentists to find Morgan had been hit with a hammer before being told by Ben to go to the post mortem. Only then, after the post mortem, Cain and Amy phone Ben and are then surprised to find out that Morgan had to go to hospital after being hit by a hammer? Why the shock guys?
Also some of the dialogue between the characters is a bit cheesy and not realistic. Morgan also seems to be a bit of a cliche sometimes but I quite enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2023
4.5⭐
The fantastic DC Morgan Brookes is back!
And the team now joined by Cain, are preparing themselves for a Christmas period. Which they hope will be full of peace and goodwill. Especially as the top brass isn't happy with all the murderers, they seem to be attracting.
But unfortunately that's not to be when Morgan receives a gift at work, and what she first assumes is a practical joke by one of her colleagues soon becomes something far more serious. When her boss and boyfriend DS Ben Matthews informs her a young woman has been found, possibly murdered at a local beauty spot.
And with a shocking discovery awaiting Morgan and a killer who clearly feels they have a connection to her Morgan is in for possibly her toughest case yet.
Especially when her friend Emily becomes the killers next target.
That is unless the team can stop a heartless twisted killer before its too late.
And with great twists and turns and a killer I did not see coming. This was another brilliant addition to the series, and it's a series I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Hold Your Breath. 😊
The fantastic DC Morgan Brookes is back!
And the team now joined by Cain, are preparing themselves for a Christmas period. Which they hope will be full of peace and goodwill. Especially as the top brass isn't happy with all the murderers, they seem to be attracting.
But unfortunately that's not to be when Morgan receives a gift at work, and what she first assumes is a practical joke by one of her colleagues soon becomes something far more serious. When her boss and boyfriend DS Ben Matthews informs her a young woman has been found, possibly murdered at a local beauty spot.
And with a shocking discovery awaiting Morgan and a killer who clearly feels they have a connection to her Morgan is in for possibly her toughest case yet.
Especially when her friend Emily becomes the killers next target.
That is unless the team can stop a heartless twisted killer before its too late.
And with great twists and turns and a killer I did not see coming. This was another brilliant addition to the series, and it's a series I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Hold Your Breath. 😊
September 23, 2023
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
I am going to hide this review because I don't want to give anything away if you haven't read it.
Again, I am still really enjoying the narration.
I am going to hide this review because I don't want to give anything away if you haven't read it.
Again, I am still really enjoying the narration.
June 3, 2023
Hold Your Breath is the ninth book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series by Helen Phifer. I love the series and have read every book! They are all fantastic reads on their own, but even more special if you've read them all. If you picked up Hold Your Breath and hadn't read any of the others, you'll be fine. Helen does a great job of filling the reader in on things they need to know in each book. Hold Your Breath is a fantastic read with a mystery that is very hard to solve.
Hold Your Breath starts with Morgan getting a phone call in the middle of the night from work. A body has been found in a car that is parked in a lot by a lake. No one knows if it's a murder but it looks suspicious. She wakes Ben who is next to her and they quickly dress and head out. It's freezing outside as it's December so they take time to put on warm coats and hats. The victim is a twenty year old named Jasmine Armer and she worked at a local dental office. She has ligature marks around her wrists, and glue residue on her eye lashes. This was definitely a murder and not a suicide. When Ben and Morgan go to the house she shared with her mother, they knock to inform her of her daughter's death. Her mother is very upset, especially when she learns her daughter was found in the same place that her husband took his own life 6 months ago. Why would someone kill her there? The killer must have known the details of her father's death.
Back at the station, Morgan receives a package. There's no return address and Morgan can't remember having ordered anything. When she opens the box, there's a creepy mask inside. Morgan hates it and wants to throw it away, but one of her co-workers names it and puts it up on a filing cabinet. Who would send such a thing and why? What does it mean? Why Morgan? When Morgan goes to the dental office to inform them of Jasmine's death and interview them, a person who works there becomes a suspect. Something is off about him and Morgan gets a weird feeling about him right away.
As the investigation progresses and another body is found that hits close to home for Morgan, Ben, and the team things start to intensify. They need to find the killer and soon or another body is going to be found and it could be someone on the team! Hold Your Breath is another fantastic book in the Morgan Brookes series. It will keep you guessing until the end and rooting on Morgan and the team. I rate the book 5 stars and give it my highest recommendation. I look forward to book 10 in the series and I hope I don't have to wait too long! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Hold Your Breath in exchange for a fair review. #HoldYourBreath
Hold Your Breath starts with Morgan getting a phone call in the middle of the night from work. A body has been found in a car that is parked in a lot by a lake. No one knows if it's a murder but it looks suspicious. She wakes Ben who is next to her and they quickly dress and head out. It's freezing outside as it's December so they take time to put on warm coats and hats. The victim is a twenty year old named Jasmine Armer and she worked at a local dental office. She has ligature marks around her wrists, and glue residue on her eye lashes. This was definitely a murder and not a suicide. When Ben and Morgan go to the house she shared with her mother, they knock to inform her of her daughter's death. Her mother is very upset, especially when she learns her daughter was found in the same place that her husband took his own life 6 months ago. Why would someone kill her there? The killer must have known the details of her father's death.
Back at the station, Morgan receives a package. There's no return address and Morgan can't remember having ordered anything. When she opens the box, there's a creepy mask inside. Morgan hates it and wants to throw it away, but one of her co-workers names it and puts it up on a filing cabinet. Who would send such a thing and why? What does it mean? Why Morgan? When Morgan goes to the dental office to inform them of Jasmine's death and interview them, a person who works there becomes a suspect. Something is off about him and Morgan gets a weird feeling about him right away.
As the investigation progresses and another body is found that hits close to home for Morgan, Ben, and the team things start to intensify. They need to find the killer and soon or another body is going to be found and it could be someone on the team! Hold Your Breath is another fantastic book in the Morgan Brookes series. It will keep you guessing until the end and rooting on Morgan and the team. I rate the book 5 stars and give it my highest recommendation. I look forward to book 10 in the series and I hope I don't have to wait too long! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Hold Your Breath in exchange for a fair review. #HoldYourBreath
May 27, 2023
This is a great crime thriller. It’s fast paced and action packed, and I I loved it.
If you’ve read any previous books in this series you’ll know that trouble seems to find Morgan, and this book is no exception.
With the body of a young woman found in her car it’s not clear at first if her death is suspicious. Following the post mortem, Morgan and Ben know they’re looking for a murderer and soon another woman is found dead in her car.
Morgan and the team are determined to find the killer but with several suspects, it’s hard to know where to begin.
This is a gripping crime thriller with a few surprises in store.
If you’ve not read this series, I’d highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
If you’ve read any previous books in this series you’ll know that trouble seems to find Morgan, and this book is no exception.
With the body of a young woman found in her car it’s not clear at first if her death is suspicious. Following the post mortem, Morgan and Ben know they’re looking for a murderer and soon another woman is found dead in her car.
Morgan and the team are determined to find the killer but with several suspects, it’s hard to know where to begin.
This is a gripping crime thriller with a few surprises in store.
If you’ve not read this series, I’d highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 10, 2023
Hold your breath is certainly an apt title for this, the latest in the wonderful Morgan Brookes series. Book 9 set in Rydal Falls a picturesque town in the Lake District with more murders than Midsomer Murders. DI Barnaby would be proud to have Morgan on his team I'm sure. She's a no nonsense, get stuck in DC who has gotten under my skin.
This case is more personal than any others as the killer is sending Morgan masks in the post, this results in more danger for Morgan and she gets herself into more trouble trying to solve yet another murder. I love the characters and their teamwork together, each person brings the novels alive.
This case is more personal than any others as the killer is sending Morgan masks in the post, this results in more danger for Morgan and she gets herself into more trouble trying to solve yet another murder. I love the characters and their teamwork together, each person brings the novels alive.
July 11, 2023
Loved this book. It built really nicely to a faced paced final.
The ending came very suddenly with none of the usual life gets back to normal stuff you usual find at the end of these type of books which I actually quite liked.
My only complaint is this is the first book in the series I have read but I think there was too much information in this book for me to be able to go back to the previous books. Not an issue in itself but it has lost the author some potential sales from this reader.
The ending came very suddenly with none of the usual life gets back to normal stuff you usual find at the end of these type of books which I actually quite liked.
My only complaint is this is the first book in the series I have read but I think there was too much information in this book for me to be able to go back to the previous books. Not an issue in itself but it has lost the author some potential sales from this reader.
December 11, 2024
The storyline to this was actually interesting and I was mostly focused the whole way through the book. I love that these books are starting to become way less dreadful to read and actually go by pretty quickly. I did unfortunately guess the ending but it was still a really good surprise if you can’t💕
May 16, 2023
Morgan, Morgan, Morgan, HOW on earth are you always getting in situations like this. Poor Ben - he is on the highway to a nice shiny gravestone, thanks to you! But I love their relationship and their team, I'm even warming up to Marc ( and thanks to the Idris Elba reference I like him even more xD)
As every Morgan Brookes book I loved this one. Love that Theo & Ettie made an appearance. The murders were gruesome and spooky and I also love the suspects ( you know who! )
The only reason why it's not a 5 Star book was the ending - I was on such a high with the arrest, and the chaos and then....*chirp chirp" the end. Like what?? I needed more, more about the Murderer and a little bit of a conclusion. This was like being on a Rollercoaster anticipating the drop and it just doesn't come.
But thanks Netgalley for providing me a copy! <3
As every Morgan Brookes book I loved this one. Love that Theo & Ettie made an appearance. The murders were gruesome and spooky and I also love the suspects ( you know who! )
The only reason why it's not a 5 Star book was the ending - I was on such a high with the arrest, and the chaos and then....*chirp chirp" the end. Like what?? I needed more, more about the Murderer and a little bit of a conclusion. This was like being on a Rollercoaster anticipating the drop and it just doesn't come.
But thanks Netgalley for providing me a copy! <3
July 16, 2023
Helen Phifer does it again!!
A woman found dead in her car at the same site her father committed suicide. Not enough clues asked another woman is founded dead in her car and this one hits close to home for both Megan and Ben as they continue their investigation. Will three killer strike again before they can stop him? This story is fast paced, well written and keeps you guessing. I am loving binge reading this series!!
A woman found dead in her car at the same site her father committed suicide. Not enough clues asked another woman is founded dead in her car and this one hits close to home for both Megan and Ben as they continue their investigation. Will three killer strike again before they can stop him? This story is fast paced, well written and keeps you guessing. I am loving binge reading this series!!
January 20, 2025
this book HAS it plot twist. & i gotta say IM SHOCKED.
i love this book series & it a very fast-paced & even only under 300 pages. & they can get you hooked. & it’s a very cliffhanger series seriously.
& sweet morgan & ben, i bet they are exhausted like they need at least a year beauty sleep.
i love this book series & it a very fast-paced & even only under 300 pages. & they can get you hooked. & it’s a very cliffhanger series seriously.
& sweet morgan & ben, i bet they are exhausted like they need at least a year beauty sleep.
September 3, 2023
Another brilliant book in this fabulous series. I can't get enough of what Morgan Ben andgang get up too. Highly recommend book and series
May 4, 2023
Lovely book to read a typical Morgan Brookes not doing what she is told but she always gets the job done.Helen Phifer writes great stories with characters that go so well together.5*
November 23, 2023
I love this series… and this author
June 16, 2023
I have absolutely loved this series from book 1!
The characters are brilliant & the plot twists & turns before reaching its conclusion. Brilliantly written & would love another chapter in the life of Morgan Brookes.
The characters are brilliant & the plot twists & turns before reaching its conclusion. Brilliantly written & would love another chapter in the life of Morgan Brookes.
June 19, 2023
Reading Between the Wines book review #68/115 for 2023:
Rating: 4 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Hold Your Breath (Detective Morgan Brookes, Book 9)
Author: Helen Phifer
Available now! Released on June 2, 2023!!!
Sipping thoughts: Another detective mystery solved by the relentless Morgan Brookes. I love the fact that she now has a love that can look after her. In psychological thriller fashion, I am worried this happiness won’t last long. However, in this book, Morgan is up to her usual solving a case antics that typically gets her into a life or death situation. I was able to solve this case early on and am ready for the next book in this installment.
Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @HoldYourBreath.
#HoldYourBreath #HelenPhifer #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
Rating: 4 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Hold Your Breath (Detective Morgan Brookes, Book 9)
Author: Helen Phifer
Available now! Released on June 2, 2023!!!
Sipping thoughts: Another detective mystery solved by the relentless Morgan Brookes. I love the fact that she now has a love that can look after her. In psychological thriller fashion, I am worried this happiness won’t last long. However, in this book, Morgan is up to her usual solving a case antics that typically gets her into a life or death situation. I was able to solve this case early on and am ready for the next book in this installment.
Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @HoldYourBreath.
#HoldYourBreath #HelenPhifer #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews