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Detective Morgan Brookes #3
Das Versteck
Das kleine Mädchen späht die dunkle Gasse hinunter. Eigentlich darf sie diese Abkürzung nicht nehmen, aber es regnet und sie will schnell nach Hause. Doch sie wird nie dort ankommen …Das Verschwinden der neunjährigen Charlotte Standish sorgt in einer kleinen Stadt im Lake District für Aufruhr. Ihre verzweifelten Eltern bitten Detective Morgan Brookes um Hilfe, doch selbst eine weitreichende Suche der Polizei führt zu keinem Hinweis – Charlotte scheint wie vom Erdboden verschluckt. Bei ihren Ermittlungen erfährt Morgan zu ihrem Entsetzen, dass vor fünfzehn Jahren in derselben Straße schon mal ein Mädchen verschwunden ist. Doch gerade als sie diese Spur zu untersuchen beginnt, wird ein weiteres Kind aus der Gegend, die zehnjährige Macy, als vermisst gemeldet. Morgan ist sich sicher, dass jemand in der kleinen Gemeinde etwas verschweigt. Dann wird Charlottes lebloser Körper, übersät von eigenartigen Kratzern, in einem örtlichen Park gefunden. Verzweifelt schwört Morgan, nicht eher zu ruhen, bis sie Macy lebend gefunden hat. Aber kann sie diesen Fall rechtzeitig lösen, bevor noch mehr unschuldige Kinder ihr Leben verlieren?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
February 1, 2022
THE HIDING PLACE is the third book in a police procedural series featuring Detective Morgan Brookes by Helen Phifer. I’ve read a few of Helen Phifer’s books and this the third book in the series 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. This is my review of The Hiding Place.
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
BOOK 1-ONE LEFT ALIVE
BOOK 2-THE KILLER’S GIRL
BOOK 3-THE HIDING PLACE
BOOK 4-FIRST GIRL TO DIE
BOOK 5-FIND THE GIRL
Nine-year-old Charlie Standish lived in a small town with her mother, Amanda, who was recently divorced from her ex, Brett Mosley who now lived with his rich girlfriend Phillipa Summers. Charlie preferred to live with her mum because she could play outside, but when she went to her dads the kids were mean and no one ever wandered up and down Pippa’s Street.
Charlie’s mum left her alone to go to a friend’s house, while Charlie was outside waiting for her dad to pick her up. But there was a change in plans, and Brett never showed up. When Amanda came back a few hours later after much wine she fell asleep without checking on Charlie.
DC Morgan Brookes soon receives a call regarding a nine-year-old child missing. DC Morgan Brookes and her superior DS Ben Matthews lead the frantic search for the little girl, but little Charlie seems to have vanished into thin air. The police fear that Charlie had been abducted.
But chasing up a lead at Charlie’s school, Morgan is chilled to learn that this isn’t the first time a child has gone missing on this street. Another girl disappeared fifteen years ago, and Morgan is the only one who thinks the cases could be related. But in the moment that she takes her eye off Charlie’s case to investigate the link between the two girls, another child, Macy, goes missing. The missing girls all lived close to each other so Morgan is sure that someone knows something.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns. I can only hope in the future that Morgan and Ben become romantically involved.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
BOOK 1-ONE LEFT ALIVE
BOOK 2-THE KILLER’S GIRL
BOOK 3-THE HIDING PLACE
BOOK 4-FIRST GIRL TO DIE
BOOK 5-FIND THE GIRL
Nine-year-old Charlie Standish lived in a small town with her mother, Amanda, who was recently divorced from her ex, Brett Mosley who now lived with his rich girlfriend Phillipa Summers. Charlie preferred to live with her mum because she could play outside, but when she went to her dads the kids were mean and no one ever wandered up and down Pippa’s Street.
Charlie’s mum left her alone to go to a friend’s house, while Charlie was outside waiting for her dad to pick her up. But there was a change in plans, and Brett never showed up. When Amanda came back a few hours later after much wine she fell asleep without checking on Charlie.
DC Morgan Brookes soon receives a call regarding a nine-year-old child missing. DC Morgan Brookes and her superior DS Ben Matthews lead the frantic search for the little girl, but little Charlie seems to have vanished into thin air. The police fear that Charlie had been abducted.
But chasing up a lead at Charlie’s school, Morgan is chilled to learn that this isn’t the first time a child has gone missing on this street. Another girl disappeared fifteen years ago, and Morgan is the only one who thinks the cases could be related. But in the moment that she takes her eye off Charlie’s case to investigate the link between the two girls, another child, Macy, goes missing. The missing girls all lived close to each other so Morgan is sure that someone knows something.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns. I can only hope in the future that Morgan and Ben become romantically involved.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
June 5, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
It’s always the dog walkers; we wouldn’t find most of our missing persons or dead bodies if it wasn’t for them. Poor bastards, imagine coming home from work to take Scamp out for his teatime poopsie and you find a dead girl under a tree. It’s enough to put you off ever walking the bloody dog again.
He paused in the hallway to take in the mess. ‘Blimey, Morgan, this looks like a violent crime scene, your cooking isn’t that bad.’
… whatever you do you better not leave the house without a balaclava on, you look monstrous.
My Review:
Morgan Brookes continues to be a lightning rod for trouble and I enjoy her out-of-the-box methods and good heart. This installment was nonstop activity on both the personal and professional fronts with new relationships stirring pangs of jealousy, speculation, and gossip among her coworkers. The storylines were engaging and rippling with tension, occasional hits of wry humor, and curiosity-prickling observations, yet a dearth of solid clues. This intriguing and absorbing series has been my introduction to the expertise of Helen Phifer's crafty scribblings, and I am annoyed at myself for being so late to the party. I have a lot of catching up to do.
It’s always the dog walkers; we wouldn’t find most of our missing persons or dead bodies if it wasn’t for them. Poor bastards, imagine coming home from work to take Scamp out for his teatime poopsie and you find a dead girl under a tree. It’s enough to put you off ever walking the bloody dog again.
He paused in the hallway to take in the mess. ‘Blimey, Morgan, this looks like a violent crime scene, your cooking isn’t that bad.’
… whatever you do you better not leave the house without a balaclava on, you look monstrous.
My Review:
Morgan Brookes continues to be a lightning rod for trouble and I enjoy her out-of-the-box methods and good heart. This installment was nonstop activity on both the personal and professional fronts with new relationships stirring pangs of jealousy, speculation, and gossip among her coworkers. The storylines were engaging and rippling with tension, occasional hits of wry humor, and curiosity-prickling observations, yet a dearth of solid clues. This intriguing and absorbing series has been my introduction to the expertise of Helen Phifer's crafty scribblings, and I am annoyed at myself for being so late to the party. I have a lot of catching up to do.
May 10, 2021
When 9 year old Charlie Standish is reported missing one morning the golden hour has already well and truly passed as Charlie disappeared the night before. Only her mother didn’t realise it. Oh dear. Police swing into action immediately. While canvassing the neighbourhood, DC Morgan Brookes learns that another girl, 15 year old Eleanor disappeared 15 years ago from the same street. She wonders if the cases could be related. I don’t know about you but I thought that was a very tenuous link!
There is a distinct lack of suspects but they do look closely at the nearest registered sex offender and Charlie’s dad whose alibi is a bit suss and the man has a terrible temper. Everyone is shocked and saddened when Charlie’s body is found the next day. Even more shocking is the disappearance soon after that of 11 year old Mary Wallace. Morgan, her
boss DS Ben Matthews and other team members work around the clock, desperate to find Macy before she, too, becomes a victim.
Meanwhile, because of the stress of the job, Morgan is receptive to the offer of a drink from new journalist in town Fin Palmer. Soon, Fin is everywhere offering Morgan drink, flowers, food and lifts. He is very handsome but is he what he seems? Morgan and Ben are both trying to ignore their growing feelings for each other.
As the days pass and the search for Macy moves to the woods, Morgan is convinced their first instincts, that she is still close to home are correct and she goes off on her own to follow a hunch. Has she bitten off more than she can chew?
What can I say - the book was good, the characters are nice, everything flowed and I enjoyed reading it. It just wasn’t quite as exciting as it could have been. Nevertheless I will keep my eye out for the next instalment. I received an advance review copy for free through Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a distinct lack of suspects but they do look closely at the nearest registered sex offender and Charlie’s dad whose alibi is a bit suss and the man has a terrible temper. Everyone is shocked and saddened when Charlie’s body is found the next day. Even more shocking is the disappearance soon after that of 11 year old Mary Wallace. Morgan, her
boss DS Ben Matthews and other team members work around the clock, desperate to find Macy before she, too, becomes a victim.
Meanwhile, because of the stress of the job, Morgan is receptive to the offer of a drink from new journalist in town Fin Palmer. Soon, Fin is everywhere offering Morgan drink, flowers, food and lifts. He is very handsome but is he what he seems? Morgan and Ben are both trying to ignore their growing feelings for each other.
As the days pass and the search for Macy moves to the woods, Morgan is convinced their first instincts, that she is still close to home are correct and she goes off on her own to follow a hunch. Has she bitten off more than she can chew?
What can I say - the book was good, the characters are nice, everything flowed and I enjoyed reading it. It just wasn’t quite as exciting as it could have been. Nevertheless I will keep my eye out for the next instalment. I received an advance review copy for free through Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2021
The Hiding Place is the third instalment in the Detective Morgan Brookes series set in the small town of Rydal Falls, Cumbria. Nine-year-old Charlotte ”Charlie” Standish has just gotten home from school and is waiting to go to her father’s house for the night. Her mother is off to her friend Julie’s with a wine bottle in hand as Charlie awaits her father’s truck pulling up. But while stroking the ginger cat from down the street gets scratched and it ends up bleeding. A man offers to help her clean it up as her mother isn't home, so she follows him into the run-down house with the cracked window; the one the local school children spread rumours about being haunted. Detective Constable Brookes and her superior Detective Sergeant Ben Matthews are attending Carleton Hall in Penrith to receive their commendations for catching Taylor Marks. All of the fuss is not really Morgan’s scene so she is relieved when they are called in to investigate Charlie’s disappearance after her hysterical mother, Amanda, reports her missing. It took her until the following morning to make the report as she didn't realise she wasn't with her father, as arranged, until her school rang to inform her that Charlie wasn't present. The police believe it to be a possible abduction and most likely perpetrated by someone she knew. Cloisters Road, where she lived, was packed with police vehicles and a search of her neighbourhood was underway starting on her street and working outwards. There is also a focus on the sex offenders in the area. When Morgan visits Charlie's school she's shocked to learn that another young girl, Eleanor Fleming, disappeared fifteen years ago aged fifteen and was never found.
Unbelievably, she had also lived on the exact same street as Charlie, so Morgan decides to visit her family on the way back to the station. Morgan’s colleagues write it off as a coincidence but she believes the cases are too similar to be unrelated. It isn't long before a body identified as Charlie’s is discovered at Piggy Lane park, a few miles from her home, under an oak tree with a serious head injury. Before they get a start on finding the killer, ten-year-old Macy Wallace goes missing also from the same street. By this point, the small town is in the midst of an unprecedented panic and every moment that passes without finding Macy, the higher the chance of a tragic outcome. Can the team identify the perpetrator before they lose another innocent child? This is a compulsive and enthralling thriller that moves at a rapid-fire pace and has some genuinely unpredictable twists and turns. It is told primarily from Morgan’s perspective but other points of view feature too, giving a fully rounded reading experience. Both the investigation and Morgan’s troublesome personal life are interesting plot threads and it is clear she problems letting people in emotionally due to her past. The increasingly ever-present feelings between Morgan and Ben continue but there's a new guy on the scene, journalist Fin Palmer, who seems too good to be true right from the off. There is plenty of drama, tension and suspense throughout as the police use all of their resources to locate Macy and the killer but the clues are few and far between. This is a riveting read and a must for fans of realistic, true-to-life procedurals and likeable, believable characters. Highly recommended.
Unbelievably, she had also lived on the exact same street as Charlie, so Morgan decides to visit her family on the way back to the station. Morgan’s colleagues write it off as a coincidence but she believes the cases are too similar to be unrelated. It isn't long before a body identified as Charlie’s is discovered at Piggy Lane park, a few miles from her home, under an oak tree with a serious head injury. Before they get a start on finding the killer, ten-year-old Macy Wallace goes missing also from the same street. By this point, the small town is in the midst of an unprecedented panic and every moment that passes without finding Macy, the higher the chance of a tragic outcome. Can the team identify the perpetrator before they lose another innocent child? This is a compulsive and enthralling thriller that moves at a rapid-fire pace and has some genuinely unpredictable twists and turns. It is told primarily from Morgan’s perspective but other points of view feature too, giving a fully rounded reading experience. Both the investigation and Morgan’s troublesome personal life are interesting plot threads and it is clear she problems letting people in emotionally due to her past. The increasingly ever-present feelings between Morgan and Ben continue but there's a new guy on the scene, journalist Fin Palmer, who seems too good to be true right from the off. There is plenty of drama, tension and suspense throughout as the police use all of their resources to locate Macy and the killer but the clues are few and far between. This is a riveting read and a must for fans of realistic, true-to-life procedurals and likeable, believable characters. Highly recommended.
May 21, 2021
DC Morgan Brookes #3
when nine year old Charlotte Standish goes missing from her street in the small town of Rydale Falls, it sparks a media frenzy. Chasing up a lead at Charlie's school, Morgan is chilled to that this isn't the first time a child has went missing on that street. Another girl disappeared fifteen years ago and Morgan goes the only one who thinks the case could be related. Then another girl goes missing from the same street.
DC Morgan Brookes and the team have to work fast to find out who is behind the missing girls. Morgan seems to constantly find herself in danger. This series has quickly become one of my favourite Detective series. With not a lot of clues to go on, the team are desperate to catch the kidnapper before he strikes again.
The pace is fast and filled with twists and turns. I like Morgan and her partner DS Ben Matthews. There's always a hint of these two becoming romantically involved. I love the authors style in writing these books. I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #TheHidingPlace in exchange for an honest review.
when nine year old Charlotte Standish goes missing from her street in the small town of Rydale Falls, it sparks a media frenzy. Chasing up a lead at Charlie's school, Morgan is chilled to that this isn't the first time a child has went missing on that street. Another girl disappeared fifteen years ago and Morgan goes the only one who thinks the case could be related. Then another girl goes missing from the same street.
DC Morgan Brookes and the team have to work fast to find out who is behind the missing girls. Morgan seems to constantly find herself in danger. This series has quickly become one of my favourite Detective series. With not a lot of clues to go on, the team are desperate to catch the kidnapper before he strikes again.
The pace is fast and filled with twists and turns. I like Morgan and her partner DS Ben Matthews. There's always a hint of these two becoming romantically involved. I love the authors style in writing these books. I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #TheHidingPlace in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
I started to read this book this morning and finished it this evening. It is a truly 'on the edge of your seat' story. Once more, Morgan gets herself into all kinds of scrapes as she searches for a killer. I love the characters in this book. Will Ben and Morgan ever become an item? Or will they just remain good friends besides work mates? I can't wait for the next book in this series. I've ordered it but it won't be published until October. Such a long wait.
5 ***** from this happy reader.
5 ***** from this happy reader.
November 6, 2024
I had higher expectations for this book but it honestly just wasn’t as good as the first two books. I was able to predict the ending halfway through the book. hopefully the 4th book will be better!!
June 1, 2021
The Hiding Place is the third instalment in the Detective Morgan Brookes series set in the small town of Rydal Falls, Cumbria. Nine-year-old Charlotte ”Charlie” Standish is waiting for her father to pick her up and she wanders down the street. She pets a cat going into a yard and it scratches her. The owner of the house offers to clean up her scratch and that is the last time we see Charlie alive. Morgan, Ben, Amy and Des are called to the scene of a hysterical mother who has not seen her child since just after dinner the night before. While investigating, Morgan visits Charlie's school and is surprised to learn that a teenager, Eleanor Fleming, disappeared fifteen years ago from the same street that Charlie lives on, and was never found. Are these cases related in any way? When a second young girl disappears from the same neighbourhood, Ben, Morgan and the team are sure that it is the same person who took both girls.
This is a compulsive and gripping thriller that moves quickly. It is told primarily from Morgan’s perspective but other points of view are also included. We also see Morgan's personal life that is a bit of a mess. This adds a couple of other interesting twists to the story. There is definitely an attraction between Morgan and Ben and the sexual tension is palpable, but Morgan hooks up with a different fellow in this story and it causes some ripples. There is plenty of drama, tension and suspense throughout the police procedural and some of the twists were amazing. There were very few clues to find Macy, but with gut instinct and a little luck, Morgan once again puts herself in danger to find a killer. This is a riveting read that had me reading into the night as I had to find out who had Macy, what was the motive and would they bring her home alive. A definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy well-written police procedurals with twists and suspense. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This is a compulsive and gripping thriller that moves quickly. It is told primarily from Morgan’s perspective but other points of view are also included. We also see Morgan's personal life that is a bit of a mess. This adds a couple of other interesting twists to the story. There is definitely an attraction between Morgan and Ben and the sexual tension is palpable, but Morgan hooks up with a different fellow in this story and it causes some ripples. There is plenty of drama, tension and suspense throughout the police procedural and some of the twists were amazing. There were very few clues to find Macy, but with gut instinct and a little luck, Morgan once again puts herself in danger to find a killer. This is a riveting read that had me reading into the night as I had to find out who had Macy, what was the motive and would they bring her home alive. A definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy well-written police procedurals with twists and suspense. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
May 24, 2021
Release date 1st June 2021
Omg I am obsessed with this series. Morgan Brooks book 3 what a great crime mystery series this is.
I honestly cannot believe the bad luck poor detective Morgan Brooks finds herself in not even a year into the job she's had two serial killer's and now a kidnapper. So when two girls in walking distance of one another get kidnapped she finds herself on the haunt for them. She knows they are focusing on the wrong areas and is convinced a case from the late 90s is connected but she is shut down at every opportunity.
Look I love the Morgan Brooks series . If you've not read books one and two do so first it will help make sense to start at the beginjng. Also stop reading this review if you are yet to read book one and two as there may be the old spoiler from the books present.
Morgan's luck is running out again. I still find she's a risk taker and rule breaker but I love her for that even if at points I can't help but laugh because I know realistically that she would of been fired a while ago. I loved that Helen Phifer added a love story element in this book for both Morgan and Ben but which point every loyal reader wants them together so them both having different love interests was an interesting way to go. I found they both played out quite well and let's say I didn't trust Morgan's journalist friend from the moment he introduced himself. Turns our for completely the wrong reasons but it was just as shocking. Ben is obviously dating the neighbour which I found ironically funny, she's so forward but very brave after her help with their last case.
This case was interesting because it was a slightly different m.o than the last two cases and this involved children which is such an emotive topic anyway and Helen Phifer uses this by showing how much child cases affect detectives whilst investigating. It was well done because although we had been introduced to each character in previous books we didn't know much about their individal personalities such as the DCI but this book really highlighted how each one of them handled and deals with cases involving missing children.
I loved that we were given quite a few suspects and strangely I wrote of the suspect quite early on until I circled back round to them. The other difference with this case is that we barely followed the suspect but rather the child being held captive. It was nice change and Macy was one badass kid!
Of course we have the lovely Ben Matthews and the rest of his team in this book like the others. I feel like if Ben was a real person I would find myself swooning just something about his take no prisoner attitude that I just love. I also love to read the blossoming relationship between him and Morgan and I still find myself wondering what was it about her on her first day on the field that made him think she would make a good detective, because it wasn't about him fancying her he saw something others didn't.
However as usual he has to put his boss hat on and step away from the ideas that Morgan's mind comes up with in the briefings undermining the senior officers, he does this knowing how clever her detective skills are. It's fun to watch the dynamic play out. He himself is a very good detective and I would happily let him rescue me 😁
Helen Phifer is very good at intertwining previous books so that big issues unravelled in those don't get forgotten. With Morgan finding out her dad was the Riverside rapist and her brother the copy cat years later I like that this was still mentioned throughout the book.
In summary, this is another homerun as far as I'm concerned. Would I recommend this book? Yes and the rest of the series before hand and any book's to follow. I love the way Helen Phifer writes and I know she is highly recommended by so many other bloggers who enjoy the crime thriller/mystery genre which is why I had the first two books in the series already. The written is done so well and is alluring enough that you want to keep turning the pages. I read book 2 and 3 (this book) in the same day because I just needed to know where the story was going. I do not recommend reading book 3 as a stand alone, you can ofcourse and you would get the gist of everything that has happened previously but believe me you will not appreciate the storyline quiet as much.
The investigation in this book is great and you really find yourself trying to figure out where it's going. I was hooked from the prologue until the very last sentence. Expect the unexpected believe me because something was thrown into the mix that now has me on tenterhooks for book 4 in the series. Helen Phifer is a very clever writer and I would put her in my top five in this category. If you enjoy book's by Lisa Regan, Katerina Diamond Kathryn Casey or Maureen Downey you will love this series!
Easiest 5 stars I've given in a while.
Thank you to Netgalley, bookature publishers and of course the very talented Helen Phifer for the digital advanced copy of the hiding place in exchange for my fair and honest opinions. I cannot wait for book 4!
Omg I am obsessed with this series. Morgan Brooks book 3 what a great crime mystery series this is.
I honestly cannot believe the bad luck poor detective Morgan Brooks finds herself in not even a year into the job she's had two serial killer's and now a kidnapper. So when two girls in walking distance of one another get kidnapped she finds herself on the haunt for them. She knows they are focusing on the wrong areas and is convinced a case from the late 90s is connected but she is shut down at every opportunity.
Look I love the Morgan Brooks series . If you've not read books one and two do so first it will help make sense to start at the beginjng. Also stop reading this review if you are yet to read book one and two as there may be the old spoiler from the books present.
Morgan's luck is running out again. I still find she's a risk taker and rule breaker but I love her for that even if at points I can't help but laugh because I know realistically that she would of been fired a while ago. I loved that Helen Phifer added a love story element in this book for both Morgan and Ben but which point every loyal reader wants them together so them both having different love interests was an interesting way to go. I found they both played out quite well and let's say I didn't trust Morgan's journalist friend from the moment he introduced himself. Turns our for completely the wrong reasons but it was just as shocking. Ben is obviously dating the neighbour which I found ironically funny, she's so forward but very brave after her help with their last case.
This case was interesting because it was a slightly different m.o than the last two cases and this involved children which is such an emotive topic anyway and Helen Phifer uses this by showing how much child cases affect detectives whilst investigating. It was well done because although we had been introduced to each character in previous books we didn't know much about their individal personalities such as the DCI but this book really highlighted how each one of them handled and deals with cases involving missing children.
I loved that we were given quite a few suspects and strangely I wrote of the suspect quite early on until I circled back round to them. The other difference with this case is that we barely followed the suspect but rather the child being held captive. It was nice change and Macy was one badass kid!
Of course we have the lovely Ben Matthews and the rest of his team in this book like the others. I feel like if Ben was a real person I would find myself swooning just something about his take no prisoner attitude that I just love. I also love to read the blossoming relationship between him and Morgan and I still find myself wondering what was it about her on her first day on the field that made him think she would make a good detective, because it wasn't about him fancying her he saw something others didn't.
However as usual he has to put his boss hat on and step away from the ideas that Morgan's mind comes up with in the briefings undermining the senior officers, he does this knowing how clever her detective skills are. It's fun to watch the dynamic play out. He himself is a very good detective and I would happily let him rescue me 😁
Helen Phifer is very good at intertwining previous books so that big issues unravelled in those don't get forgotten. With Morgan finding out her dad was the Riverside rapist and her brother the copy cat years later I like that this was still mentioned throughout the book.
In summary, this is another homerun as far as I'm concerned. Would I recommend this book? Yes and the rest of the series before hand and any book's to follow. I love the way Helen Phifer writes and I know she is highly recommended by so many other bloggers who enjoy the crime thriller/mystery genre which is why I had the first two books in the series already. The written is done so well and is alluring enough that you want to keep turning the pages. I read book 2 and 3 (this book) in the same day because I just needed to know where the story was going. I do not recommend reading book 3 as a stand alone, you can ofcourse and you would get the gist of everything that has happened previously but believe me you will not appreciate the storyline quiet as much.
The investigation in this book is great and you really find yourself trying to figure out where it's going. I was hooked from the prologue until the very last sentence. Expect the unexpected believe me because something was thrown into the mix that now has me on tenterhooks for book 4 in the series. Helen Phifer is a very clever writer and I would put her in my top five in this category. If you enjoy book's by Lisa Regan, Katerina Diamond Kathryn Casey or Maureen Downey you will love this series!
Easiest 5 stars I've given in a while.
Thank you to Netgalley, bookature publishers and of course the very talented Helen Phifer for the digital advanced copy of the hiding place in exchange for my fair and honest opinions. I cannot wait for book 4!
May 30, 2021
The Hiding Place by Helen Phifer is the 3rd 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 Information: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Morgan Brookes has always dreamed of being a detective. As a rookie officer, she finds the body of a woman, and is catapulted into the Crime Investigation Department under the direction of DS Ben Matthews, where she will work with him, Amy and Des. After losing her mother, she finally got to know her dad, but Stan is now dead. Meanwhile, she has learned that her biological father is a rapist and a killer, and is now in jail.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When 9 year old Charlotte (Charlie) Standish goes missing, the hunt is on. Her mother, assuming that Charlie's dad was going to pick her up, left her alone while she went and partied with a friend. She didn't notice her daughter was missing until the next day.
While Morgan is checking out Charlie's school, she learns of another girl that disappeared 15 years ago, but everyone assumed she ran off after her boyfriend, and the investigation was dropped. Even though there are very few similarities in the cases, Morgan can't let Eleanor's disappearance go.
When Charlie's body is found, the team barely has time to grieve, as another young girl is missing. 10 year old Macy Wallace went to the corner store while her mom was at work, and hasn't been seen since.
Meanwhile, Morgan is getting a lot of romantic interest from a journalist, but her feelings for Ben seem to be getting in the way.
My Opinions:
First, I love this author. However, I get so annoyed when an author has a female lead drink a lot or fall for some guy who you know is too smooth right from the get-go. It lowers the integrity of the character, and I was really disappointed with Helen Phifer for doing both of these things, and that is the only reason this is not a 5 star read.
The plot was great, and the action non-stop. As always, the short chapters and the speed of the events make it a really fast read. I really like the characters, and they all seems to stand up for the others, although there was a little dissention at one point.
The end had a bit of a cliff-hanger that allows us to be prepared for the next book....which I'm looking forward to reading!
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), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 3, 2021
First off I want to say a huge thank you to the publisher Bookouture, the author Helen Phifer, and to NetGalley for inviting me to join the blog tour for this book as well as letting me read and review it. Even though have books 1 and 2 to read review after reading this one , I can't wait to go back and read them as well, it was fast pace though out the story , and had me setting on the edge of my set as well as kept me guessing on who had taken Charlotte, and the way the author wrote her bad guy made him creepy and not the type of person I wanted to knew or every met .As for the characters themselves there was some that I hated and some that I felt sorry for as well as some that I liked , and the story is told in various points of view, which also helps to bring in some of the creepiness that I mentioned before.
June 8, 2021
Rating 4.5*
If you enjoy reading riveting police procedurals with great characters, plenty of twists and full of suspense, I advise you to get yourself a copy of this brilliant story. This is the third book in the series but you don’t need to have read the previous stories to enjoy this one.
The small town of Rydale Falls in Cumbria is the setting for this investigation which begins when nine year old Charlotte Standish goes missing. Detective Morgan Brookes and her team (Ben, Amy and Des) are called in to investigate and she discovers that a teenage girl went missing from her home on the same street fifteen years ago. Are the two cases connected? When another young girl goes missing the tension mounts . . . . .
This is a real page turner that had me resenting anything that interrupted my reading. It is every parent’s nightmare that their child goes missing and the danger to the girls is obvious from the start. Most of the story is related from Morgan’s point of view and shows how her own life is somewhat in turmoil, too, especially as she and her work partner, Detective Ben Matthews, seem to be fighting succumbing to their mutual attraction. With few clues, Morgan follows her instincts but when Ben is viciously attacked outside her home could the perpetrator have her in his sights? It is a dark story, one in which Morgan knows she needs to solve the case before anything happens to anyone else at the hands of this perpetrator.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
If you enjoy reading riveting police procedurals with great characters, plenty of twists and full of suspense, I advise you to get yourself a copy of this brilliant story. This is the third book in the series but you don’t need to have read the previous stories to enjoy this one.
The small town of Rydale Falls in Cumbria is the setting for this investigation which begins when nine year old Charlotte Standish goes missing. Detective Morgan Brookes and her team (Ben, Amy and Des) are called in to investigate and she discovers that a teenage girl went missing from her home on the same street fifteen years ago. Are the two cases connected? When another young girl goes missing the tension mounts . . . . .
This is a real page turner that had me resenting anything that interrupted my reading. It is every parent’s nightmare that their child goes missing and the danger to the girls is obvious from the start. Most of the story is related from Morgan’s point of view and shows how her own life is somewhat in turmoil, too, especially as she and her work partner, Detective Ben Matthews, seem to be fighting succumbing to their mutual attraction. With few clues, Morgan follows her instincts but when Ben is viciously attacked outside her home could the perpetrator have her in his sights? It is a dark story, one in which Morgan knows she needs to solve the case before anything happens to anyone else at the hands of this perpetrator.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
June 2, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Helen Phifer's procedural thriller THE HIDING PLACE.
Having read and loved the two books in the Dr Beth Adams series, which I sincerely hope there is more of, I came into the DC Morgan Brookes series on the second book with the first one still on my list to get to. I didn't feel I had missed a lot as the second book almost felt like an introduction to the series. But having said that, I do recommend you read them from the beginning as there is an ongoing theme involving Morgan and her background which is alluded to in this book but without having read the second one I would be scratching my head wondering just what that was.
I am really enjoying this series as it is easy to read with nice short chapters and the odd one from either the killer or a victim throughout. In THE HIDING PLACE however the killer's voice is silent. We don't hear from him at all. We do hear from the victims with the Prologue and several others throughout. This book did feel a little different to the previous one but it was still just as good as we welcome back the team to investigate the disappearance of a child.
DC Morgan Brookes has had barely enough time to recover from the horrific ordeal that played out at the end of the previous book "The Killer's Girl" , for which she and her Sergeant Ben Matthews receive commendations, before she is thrust into another investigation. This time the disappearance of 9 year old Charlie Standish who vanished without a trace from the street on which she lives with her mother. Often seen wandering and playing in the street on her own, Charlie is a loner left to her own devices much of the time. But someone must have seen something surely. However, Charlie disappeared more than twelve hours before with her mother not noticing her absence believing Charlie's father had picked her up to stay with him and his girlfriend.
Still a newish detective herself, this is Morgan's first missing child case and she is determined to find the little girl. But with the golden hour long since gone time is of the essence as every minute without answers increases the prospect of a tragic outcome. The team begins knocking on doors in the street where Charlie lived and searching any outbuildings they may have. And then Morgan discovers that Charlie isn't the only child to have disappeared from the area - the same street no less. Fifteen years ago, 15 year old Eleanor Fleming also disappeared, the police at the time filing her as a runaway and no further action taken. But Morgan believes that this could be more than a coincidence.
Then they receive the news that no police officer wants to hear - the discovery of a child's body less than 24 hours after she had disappeared. With hardly time to identify and investigate, another girl 10 year old Macy Wallace goes missing from the same area. This time, Morgan is determined to find her before it's too late.
An unexpected diversion in this story is the addition of journalist Fin Palmer as he seeks out Morgan at the original crime scene. Attracted to him at first, Morgan soon becomes wary upon discovering his profession but Fin is quick to put her fears to rest when he makes it clear he isn't interested in questioning her for a story. He just thinks she is awesome and wanted to let her know. Against her better judgement, Morgan invites him for a drink at a local pub but nearly didn't make when the discovery of Charlie's body almost scuppered her plans. Despite the investigation going on around them, Fin never queried what was happening and instead made Morgan feel like she was the most important person in the room.
Ben, however, didn't trust him. Call it copper's intuition or the mere fact he was a journalist but he couldn't help but feel that something wasn't right. And when Fin always appeared to be waiting for her whenever she finished her shift, just seemed a little too creepy that I began to wonder if Ben was right to be concerned.
And then just when the team thought they were running out of options, Ben is attacked outside Morgan's flat and left for dead as Morgan's past comes crashing back at full speed that she feels she is never going to escape it.
The third book in the Morgan Brookes series, THE HIDING PLACE is a real page turner that moves at a frenetic pace throughout. Although it lacks the twists that littered the previous books, don't be fooled by it...there is a twist to come.
I love reuniting with the characters again - Morgan, Ben and I love Declan and Susie - as they are a fantastic team who complement each other and work well together. None of that superiority amongst the ranks coupled with bitchiness. Everyone gets along which makes a nice refreshing change. And while the identity of the villain wasn't a surprise - I guessed it very early on - there were other unexpected issues to deal with. And then there is that cliffhanger...
I really enjoy the writing style which is soft and gentle and not gritty like many other procedurals. It makes for a refreshing change as well as for readability. It just makes me want to come back for more and I can't wait for the next installment of what is fast becoming one of my most favourite series.
A truly enjoyable book, THE HIDING PLACE is a fast paced read that offers the perfect segue into the next book which I hope isn't too far away.
Perfect for fans who love crime fiction with a little less grit and a lot more heart.
I would like to thank #HelenPhifer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHidingPlace in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Having read and loved the two books in the Dr Beth Adams series, which I sincerely hope there is more of, I came into the DC Morgan Brookes series on the second book with the first one still on my list to get to. I didn't feel I had missed a lot as the second book almost felt like an introduction to the series. But having said that, I do recommend you read them from the beginning as there is an ongoing theme involving Morgan and her background which is alluded to in this book but without having read the second one I would be scratching my head wondering just what that was.
I am really enjoying this series as it is easy to read with nice short chapters and the odd one from either the killer or a victim throughout. In THE HIDING PLACE however the killer's voice is silent. We don't hear from him at all. We do hear from the victims with the Prologue and several others throughout. This book did feel a little different to the previous one but it was still just as good as we welcome back the team to investigate the disappearance of a child.
DC Morgan Brookes has had barely enough time to recover from the horrific ordeal that played out at the end of the previous book "The Killer's Girl" , for which she and her Sergeant Ben Matthews receive commendations, before she is thrust into another investigation. This time the disappearance of 9 year old Charlie Standish who vanished without a trace from the street on which she lives with her mother. Often seen wandering and playing in the street on her own, Charlie is a loner left to her own devices much of the time. But someone must have seen something surely. However, Charlie disappeared more than twelve hours before with her mother not noticing her absence believing Charlie's father had picked her up to stay with him and his girlfriend.
Still a newish detective herself, this is Morgan's first missing child case and she is determined to find the little girl. But with the golden hour long since gone time is of the essence as every minute without answers increases the prospect of a tragic outcome. The team begins knocking on doors in the street where Charlie lived and searching any outbuildings they may have. And then Morgan discovers that Charlie isn't the only child to have disappeared from the area - the same street no less. Fifteen years ago, 15 year old Eleanor Fleming also disappeared, the police at the time filing her as a runaway and no further action taken. But Morgan believes that this could be more than a coincidence.
Then they receive the news that no police officer wants to hear - the discovery of a child's body less than 24 hours after she had disappeared. With hardly time to identify and investigate, another girl 10 year old Macy Wallace goes missing from the same area. This time, Morgan is determined to find her before it's too late.
An unexpected diversion in this story is the addition of journalist Fin Palmer as he seeks out Morgan at the original crime scene. Attracted to him at first, Morgan soon becomes wary upon discovering his profession but Fin is quick to put her fears to rest when he makes it clear he isn't interested in questioning her for a story. He just thinks she is awesome and wanted to let her know. Against her better judgement, Morgan invites him for a drink at a local pub but nearly didn't make when the discovery of Charlie's body almost scuppered her plans. Despite the investigation going on around them, Fin never queried what was happening and instead made Morgan feel like she was the most important person in the room.
Ben, however, didn't trust him. Call it copper's intuition or the mere fact he was a journalist but he couldn't help but feel that something wasn't right. And when Fin always appeared to be waiting for her whenever she finished her shift, just seemed a little too creepy that I began to wonder if Ben was right to be concerned.
And then just when the team thought they were running out of options, Ben is attacked outside Morgan's flat and left for dead as Morgan's past comes crashing back at full speed that she feels she is never going to escape it.
The third book in the Morgan Brookes series, THE HIDING PLACE is a real page turner that moves at a frenetic pace throughout. Although it lacks the twists that littered the previous books, don't be fooled by it...there is a twist to come.
I love reuniting with the characters again - Morgan, Ben and I love Declan and Susie - as they are a fantastic team who complement each other and work well together. None of that superiority amongst the ranks coupled with bitchiness. Everyone gets along which makes a nice refreshing change. And while the identity of the villain wasn't a surprise - I guessed it very early on - there were other unexpected issues to deal with. And then there is that cliffhanger...
I really enjoy the writing style which is soft and gentle and not gritty like many other procedurals. It makes for a refreshing change as well as for readability. It just makes me want to come back for more and I can't wait for the next installment of what is fast becoming one of my most favourite series.
A truly enjoyable book, THE HIDING PLACE is a fast paced read that offers the perfect segue into the next book which I hope isn't too far away.
Perfect for fans who love crime fiction with a little less grit and a lot more heart.
I would like to thank #HelenPhifer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHidingPlace in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
June 4, 2021
DC Morgan Brookes is back in this third instalment from Helen Phifer. Morgan is called to lead a hunt when nine-year-old Charlotte "Charlie" Standish vanishes and her hysterical mother, Amanda, reports her missing.
This enthralling thriller moves at a rapid pace and has several unpredictable twists. It is told primarily from Morgan’s perspective but other points of view also feature and both the investigation and Morgan’s troublesome personal life are intriguing plot threads. Set in the small town of Rydal Falls, Cumbria, the reader is treated to a fully rounded tale set in the present day and the feelings between Morgan and Ben Matthews, her sergeant continue, but there's a new guy on the horizon. There is plenty of drama, tension and suspense throughout and many police procedural elements are incorporated ensuring I remained entrenched in the story. The Hiding Place is a must for fans of realistic, true-to-life procedurals. Helen Phifer's superb writing continues to wow me and it will be interesting to see what's in store for DC Brookes in the next instalment.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This enthralling thriller moves at a rapid pace and has several unpredictable twists. It is told primarily from Morgan’s perspective but other points of view also feature and both the investigation and Morgan’s troublesome personal life are intriguing plot threads. Set in the small town of Rydal Falls, Cumbria, the reader is treated to a fully rounded tale set in the present day and the feelings between Morgan and Ben Matthews, her sergeant continue, but there's a new guy on the horizon. There is plenty of drama, tension and suspense throughout and many police procedural elements are incorporated ensuring I remained entrenched in the story. The Hiding Place is a must for fans of realistic, true-to-life procedurals. Helen Phifer's superb writing continues to wow me and it will be interesting to see what's in store for DC Brookes in the next instalment.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 22, 2021
When one child disappeared and the cops had no suspects or clues, Megan knew she had to work hard to find the perp who was responsible for taking Macy. The characters were etched well, the suspense was good, not as much as I wanted. and the story could be read easily. I didn't remember much from the earlier books, so this worked as a standalone. A solid police procedural
September 13, 2021
Having just finished reading this book I have to say that Helen Phifer has a way of writing that really draws you into the story. A 9 year old girl goes missing while outside playing but isn't missed straight away as her mother thought the girls father had picked her up. Morgan and Ben arrive at the home of the missing girl to find the team already on site, Morgan is feeling sick as the enormity of the case missing kids is always hard on both the family and the cops working the case. This book is so good you feel for all involved. I don't want to say anymore as it would spoil the book for others I will say that it is worth more than 5*.
April 27, 2021
i love this series and authors books but was easy from chapter 1 who the killer was .nine year old Charlie Standish s is abducted from buy her home while waiting for her dad to pick her up for weekend but her mum not notices to next day as she thought was with her dad .Detective Constable Morgan Brookes and her boss Ben are called to investigate the missing girl then Charlie is found dead and another young girl goes missing Macy and who is Morgan s new man friend Fin very much enjoyed this story cant wait for next one this authors books always grip you from page 1
March 27, 2022
Very good!!
April 15, 2024
Loved it, completely addictive book. Really enjoying this series, already downloaded the next book.
May 23, 2021
Detective Morgan Brookes is back in the scene!
Nine-year-old girl named Charlie goes missing in a neighborhood in Ryder Falls. As it involves a child, the police gets involved in the case and then focus on the sex offender who happened to be living in the same neighborhood. Meanwhile, while investigating, Morgan finds out that a girl who attended the same school as Charlie went missing fifteen years ago and couldn't help notice that there's some similarity between the two cases. But when Charlie's body was found a few days later and another girl named Macy goes missing in the same neighborhood, they must find the culprit before Macy is dead...
This is the third book of the Detective Morgan Brooke's installment. But to me, unlike the first two books, this book wasn't as good as the first two books. The book was fast paced but not much twists and turns though somehow, the reader is able to be hooked into the book. Not much of suspects in the book so it's a bit predictable as to who the killer could be. But nonetheless I did enjoy this book though I didn't find much exciting as her two previous books.
This book worth three stars the fact that still it's a good thriller! Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Nine-year-old girl named Charlie goes missing in a neighborhood in Ryder Falls. As it involves a child, the police gets involved in the case and then focus on the sex offender who happened to be living in the same neighborhood. Meanwhile, while investigating, Morgan finds out that a girl who attended the same school as Charlie went missing fifteen years ago and couldn't help notice that there's some similarity between the two cases. But when Charlie's body was found a few days later and another girl named Macy goes missing in the same neighborhood, they must find the culprit before Macy is dead...
This is the third book of the Detective Morgan Brooke's installment. But to me, unlike the first two books, this book wasn't as good as the first two books. The book was fast paced but not much twists and turns though somehow, the reader is able to be hooked into the book. Not much of suspects in the book so it's a bit predictable as to who the killer could be. But nonetheless I did enjoy this book though I didn't find much exciting as her two previous books.
This book worth three stars the fact that still it's a good thriller! Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
April 27, 2021
Another fantastic read from this author , that will grip all readers.
Detective Morgan Brookes book three.
Sergeant Ben Matthews and Morgan are at Carleton Hall getting their Commendation, Morgan hates fuss and wants to get back to Penrith Carleton Hall Police headquarters.
There's a missing child nine years old Charlie Standish, mother Amanda went drinking at her mates leaving her outside for her Dad to pick her up, so it was the next morning before she is reported missing, the two after investigation find it must have been someone who she knew so the whole street is searched. Then we have Macy Wallace gone to buy a bar of chocolate and heads down a cutting with her dog the dog arrived home but Macy didn't, both girl's live in the same street as Eleanor Fleming who went missing fifteen years ago so is there a connection?
one death two disappearances.
The prologue at the beginning of the story didn't name the killer but I guess who.
Let's see more of Morgan Brookes I love this series, as you will find as you read to the end. The Hiding Place a brilliant read, and aching for more.
My thanks to the publisher's and Netgalley for the ARC.
Detective Morgan Brookes book three.
Sergeant Ben Matthews and Morgan are at Carleton Hall getting their Commendation, Morgan hates fuss and wants to get back to Penrith Carleton Hall Police headquarters.
There's a missing child nine years old Charlie Standish, mother Amanda went drinking at her mates leaving her outside for her Dad to pick her up, so it was the next morning before she is reported missing, the two after investigation find it must have been someone who she knew so the whole street is searched. Then we have Macy Wallace gone to buy a bar of chocolate and heads down a cutting with her dog the dog arrived home but Macy didn't, both girl's live in the same street as Eleanor Fleming who went missing fifteen years ago so is there a connection?
one death two disappearances.
The prologue at the beginning of the story didn't name the killer but I guess who.
Let's see more of Morgan Brookes I love this series, as you will find as you read to the end. The Hiding Place a brilliant read, and aching for more.
My thanks to the publisher's and Netgalley for the ARC.
July 12, 2021
This book wasn’t too bad I have read more interesting books. I’d like to give another one of her books a try.
June 4, 2025
I really liked the pacing of this book and it wasn’t so British that I didn’t understand what was happening. I liked the characters and their relationships with each other, it felt like a cop TV show.
I am very much not a gun person but this book sure made me think that British police officers should carry guns. Pepper spray and a baton aren’t always enough when you’re dealing with violent people!
I am very much not a gun person but this book sure made me think that British police officers should carry guns. Pepper spray and a baton aren’t always enough when you’re dealing with violent people!
April 28, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Hiding Place, the third novel to feature DC Morgan Brookes of the Cumbrian Police.
When nine year old Charlie Standish goes missing Morgan and her boss, DS Ben Matthews lead a frantic hunt to find her. Unfortunately it’s her body they find but they hardly have time to investigate when another young girl, Macy Wallace, goes missing. This time they are determined to find her.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Hiding Place, which is a fast paced investigation with likeable characters. It is told from various points of view, giving the reader a broader perspective on events, but it mostly concentrates on Morgan Brookes, her investigation and tumultuous personal life. At this point I will note that she had a difficult upbringing, which is referenced in this novel, but explored in the previous ones, so for this reason I would recommend reading the series in order.
The pace of the novel is fairly frenetic, given the tension and stress of a missing child, but in terms of finding Macy not much happens until the final scenes. This sag in the investigation is covered by wild events in Morgan’s personal life and the growing attraction between her and Ben Matthews. The plot seems realistic enough with the police throwing resources at the search without any clear idea of where or who to look for.
I like this series as it seems full of normal people. Ok, Morgan has a lurid past, but that’s about it for quirks. It all seems so natural, the interactions, the flashes of humour and teasing and the reactions to events. 10/10 for characterisation.
The Hiding Place is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When nine year old Charlie Standish goes missing Morgan and her boss, DS Ben Matthews lead a frantic hunt to find her. Unfortunately it’s her body they find but they hardly have time to investigate when another young girl, Macy Wallace, goes missing. This time they are determined to find her.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Hiding Place, which is a fast paced investigation with likeable characters. It is told from various points of view, giving the reader a broader perspective on events, but it mostly concentrates on Morgan Brookes, her investigation and tumultuous personal life. At this point I will note that she had a difficult upbringing, which is referenced in this novel, but explored in the previous ones, so for this reason I would recommend reading the series in order.
The pace of the novel is fairly frenetic, given the tension and stress of a missing child, but in terms of finding Macy not much happens until the final scenes. This sag in the investigation is covered by wild events in Morgan’s personal life and the growing attraction between her and Ben Matthews. The plot seems realistic enough with the police throwing resources at the search without any clear idea of where or who to look for.
I like this series as it seems full of normal people. Ok, Morgan has a lurid past, but that’s about it for quirks. It all seems so natural, the interactions, the flashes of humour and teasing and the reactions to events. 10/10 for characterisation.
The Hiding Place is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 1, 2021
Ah another adventure with Morgan Brookes as the leading lady. This means party time. Well, for me as a reader, of course. The culprits rather see her going than coming.
Morgan is not the only character that is very likeable. There is her boss, Ben Matthews for instance. They are good friends and if you would ask them how they feel about each other, very likeable would not be accurate enough. 😉
Morgan has not been a detective for a very long time, but what she lacks in experience she makes up for in determination and stubbornness. When she is convinced of something, she is like a dog with a bone. She checks and double checks and even if she has to do it on her own, she will. Nothing will stop her until she has found what she was looking for.
She is tough, but she is very vulnerable too. Not surprising if you know what she has been through. After the long and stressful days she has, she longs for some company to relax with. It seems like she has found someone, hasn’t she…?
This might not be my favorite story in the series, but it certainly was a very good book. I am looking forward to the next one. Even now I already have the feeling it will be a very creepy one. Let the countdown begin. 5 stars
Thank you, Helen Phifer and Bookouture.
Morgan is not the only character that is very likeable. There is her boss, Ben Matthews for instance. They are good friends and if you would ask them how they feel about each other, very likeable would not be accurate enough. 😉
Morgan has not been a detective for a very long time, but what she lacks in experience she makes up for in determination and stubbornness. When she is convinced of something, she is like a dog with a bone. She checks and double checks and even if she has to do it on her own, she will. Nothing will stop her until she has found what she was looking for.
She is tough, but she is very vulnerable too. Not surprising if you know what she has been through. After the long and stressful days she has, she longs for some company to relax with. It seems like she has found someone, hasn’t she…?
This might not be my favorite story in the series, but it certainly was a very good book. I am looking forward to the next one. Even now I already have the feeling it will be a very creepy one. Let the countdown begin. 5 stars
Thank you, Helen Phifer and Bookouture.
May 29, 2021
Another great book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.
A child goes missing and Morgan and Ben pull out all the stops to try and find her. She’s then discovered dead by a dog walker, and they both feel devastated that a young life has been taken.
Just as they’re coming to terms with this, another young girl is taken so they are determined to find her alive this time.
Morgan is asked out by a newcomer and whilst her and Ben are just friends, he’s worried about Morgan as he seems too good to be true.
I love this series as true to form, Morgan attracts trouble and ends up in a life threatening situation again.
This is a great crime thriller and a great series that I would highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
A child goes missing and Morgan and Ben pull out all the stops to try and find her. She’s then discovered dead by a dog walker, and they both feel devastated that a young life has been taken.
Just as they’re coming to terms with this, another young girl is taken so they are determined to find her alive this time.
Morgan is asked out by a newcomer and whilst her and Ben are just friends, he’s worried about Morgan as he seems too good to be true.
I love this series as true to form, Morgan attracts trouble and ends up in a life threatening situation again.
This is a great crime thriller and a great series that I would highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
September 13, 2023
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
This whole series has me enthralled if I am being honest. I love the characters. Each case is exciting and sad all in their own right.
This book, I will say, broke my heart more than the others. Anytime children are involved it always makes me feel all the feelings.
I did have an inkling of who would have done it. There were still a few twists that surprised me.
The dynamic between Morgan and Ben are almost like yin and yang. I am rooting for them.
Again the narration is lovely, she is making these audiobooks effortless to listen to.
This whole series has me enthralled if I am being honest. I love the characters. Each case is exciting and sad all in their own right.
This book, I will say, broke my heart more than the others. Anytime children are involved it always makes me feel all the feelings.
I did have an inkling of who would have done it. There were still a few twists that surprised me.
The dynamic between Morgan and Ben are almost like yin and yang. I am rooting for them.
Again the narration is lovely, she is making these audiobooks effortless to listen to.
May 31, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Hiding Place' by Helen Phifer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Helen Phifer, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 1st June 2021.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. I have previously read her 2 previous books in the 'Detective Morgan Brookes' series 'One Left Alive' and 'The Killer's Girl' plus the second book in the 'Beth Adams' series 'The Girls In The Lake' which I would highly recommend. This is the third book in the 'Detective Morgan Brookes' series but it can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated 'A nail-biting, unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you up all night, for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Patricia Gibney.' I am a huge fan of Angela Marsons so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Helen and if this is half as good as the previous books in the 'Detective Morgan Brookes' series it is sure to be a great read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 48 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Lake District, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited the Lake District so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Detective Constable Morgan Brooks, Detective Sergeant Ben Matthews and Detective Constable Amy Smith. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!!! Just Wow!!! I did not see that one coming!!! Another brilliant book from this very talented author. Fantastically written and such an addictive and compelling read. Excellent descriptions making it so easy to imagine what's going on. The book cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is an absolute roller-coaster ride filled with suspense, crime, drama, red herrings and is a very good psychological thriller that kept me up until late at night. Did not see that one coming at all so well done Helen. It gets harder and harder to surprise me when it comes to crime books after reading so many yet that was a shocker. I loved the twist and just loved watching it all unfold. The storyline itself was very realistic and I would say that Helen has done quite alot of research in regards to procedure plus more which shines through when your reading. I loved how the book ended especially the last bombshell dropped on me and am looking forward to see how the next one plays out.
I loved meeting all the characters again. The characters were all very strong and the fact that Morgan and Amy are such strong females was definitely a bonus with me being female myself. I loved Amy and Morgan and her relationship with Ben and would love to read more about her. I'd love to read more about Ben, Morgan and a few others actually. I am looking forward to see what becomes of the relationship between Ben and Morgan also and I liked the way they had quite similar histories. Declan is another big character for me and I really love his funny yet caring and compassionate personality. I love him more and more with each epic, suspense filled addictive page turning novel in this series!!
Well done in another massive success Helen and here is to the next success in an amazing series 🥂 🎈 💐
Overall another action packed, page turning, gripping, suspense filled edge of your seat must read by the legend that is Helen Phifer!!
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer, CL Taylor, Tess Gerritson and anyone looking for an epic read.
289 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHidingPlace #Bookouture #HelenPhifer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
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Review for 'The Hiding Place' by Helen Phifer.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Helen Phifer, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 1st June 2021.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. I have previously read her 2 previous books in the 'Detective Morgan Brookes' series 'One Left Alive' and 'The Killer's Girl' plus the second book in the 'Beth Adams' series 'The Girls In The Lake' which I would highly recommend. This is the third book in the 'Detective Morgan Brookes' series but it can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated 'A nail-biting, unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you up all night, for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Patricia Gibney.' I am a huge fan of Angela Marsons so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Helen and if this is half as good as the previous books in the 'Detective Morgan Brookes' series it is sure to be a great read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 48 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Lake District, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited the Lake District so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Detective Constable Morgan Brooks, Detective Sergeant Ben Matthews and Detective Constable Amy Smith. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!!! Just Wow!!! I did not see that one coming!!! Another brilliant book from this very talented author. Fantastically written and such an addictive and compelling read. Excellent descriptions making it so easy to imagine what's going on. The book cover and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is an absolute roller-coaster ride filled with suspense, crime, drama, red herrings and is a very good psychological thriller that kept me up until late at night. Did not see that one coming at all so well done Helen. It gets harder and harder to surprise me when it comes to crime books after reading so many yet that was a shocker. I loved the twist and just loved watching it all unfold. The storyline itself was very realistic and I would say that Helen has done quite alot of research in regards to procedure plus more which shines through when your reading. I loved how the book ended especially the last bombshell dropped on me and am looking forward to see how the next one plays out.
I loved meeting all the characters again. The characters were all very strong and the fact that Morgan and Amy are such strong females was definitely a bonus with me being female myself. I loved Amy and Morgan and her relationship with Ben and would love to read more about her. I'd love to read more about Ben, Morgan and a few others actually. I am looking forward to see what becomes of the relationship between Ben and Morgan also and I liked the way they had quite similar histories. Declan is another big character for me and I really love his funny yet caring and compassionate personality. I love him more and more with each epic, suspense filled addictive page turning novel in this series!!
Well done in another massive success Helen and here is to the next success in an amazing series 🥂 🎈 💐
Overall another action packed, page turning, gripping, suspense filled edge of your seat must read by the legend that is Helen Phifer!!
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Hardboiled, Noir Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer, CL Taylor, Tess Gerritson and anyone looking for an epic read.
289 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHidingPlace #Bookouture #HelenPhifer #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@HelenPhifer @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
July 2, 2023
Another brilliant book in the Morgan Brookes series. I'm loving these books and already bought book 4.
September 17, 2023
Rating 3.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews