Die erste Tote

Detective Morgan Brookes #4

by Helen Phifer, Reinhard Ferstl (translator)

Morgan erschaudert, als sie sich aus dem Fenster lehnt und die vertrauten blonden Locken und blauen Augen der reglosen Person auf dem Rasen sieht. Sie kennt diese Frau – und ihr wird bewusst, dass sie nie wieder die Stimme ihrer Freundin hören wird …

Detective Morgan Brookes ist am Boden zerstört, als sie zu einem Tatort gerufen wird. Die Tote Brittany Alcott war eine junge Lehrerin und als Teenagerin eng mit Morgan befreundet. Bis das tödliche Ende einer Party damals die Clique für immer auseinanderriss.

Alles deutet auf einen Selbstmord hin. Doch Morgan ist überzeugt, dass ihre Freundin nicht aus eigenem Antrieb aus dem Fenster gesprungen ist. Ihr Verdacht wird bestätigt als bei der Obduktion Gift in Brittanys Blut gefunden wird. Diese Spur führt Morgan zu ihrer eigenen Tante. Kann Morgans letzte verbliebene Verwandte zu einem Mord fähig sein?

Als eine weitere ermordete Frau gefunden wird, muss Morgan ihre Ermittlungen komplett überdenken. Könnten die Todesfälle mit der verhängnisvollen Party vor all den Jahren zusammenhängen? Um diesen Fall zu lösen, muss sie sich ihrer furchtbaren Vergangenheit stellen …

Ein nervenzerreißender Thriller, der den Puls hochtreibt. Perfekt für Fans von Melinda Leigh, Lisa Regan und Rachel Abbott.

lieben die Detective Morgan Brookes-

»WOW WOW WOW!!! … einfach sensationell! … Das Ende könnte nicht atemberaubender und schockierender sein ... Ein fantastischer Thriller, den ich sehr empfehlen kann. Jetzt kann ich es kaum erwarten, das nächste Buch zu lesen.« Relax and Read Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Ich habe es in einem Rutsch gelesen ... Ich war von der ersten Seite an gefesselt ... eine echte Achterbahnfahrt ... verursacht Herzrasen. Ich habe es absolut geliebt.« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Hat mich umgehauen … Ein weiteres Buch, das man in einem Rutsch durchlesen kann, mit Spannung und Nervenkitzel und vielen Momenten, bei denen einem das Herz bis zum Hals schlägt … Ein Must-Read.« NetGalley-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Eines dieser seltenen Bücher, die man wirklich nicht aus der Hand legen kann. Ein Must-Read.« NetGalley-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Wow! … Das Buch hat mich völlig in den Bann gezogen und es war absolut unmöglich, es aus der Hand zu legen ... An manchen Stellen habe ich sogar gezittert ... Ich habe es geliebt!« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Ich konnte es nicht weglegen und habe es in einem Rutsch gelesen. Ich war wie gefesselt … verdammt gut.« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2021

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars

This is the fourth DC Morgan Brookes story and it is the best one to date! Morgan and her boss Sergeant Ben are called to the primary school one morning as one of the teachers is acting very strangely and threatening to jump from the first floor window. Ben is a trained negotiator but when Morgan it is her old school friend Brittany she races upstairs to see if she can get through to her. Unfortunately it is too late for Brittany as she throws herself to her death. The staff at the school are beside themselves and say she was acting completely out of character.

The next day police are called to Rydall caves as there are reports of a near naked woman behaving really oddly. Morgan is again surprised to find it is another of her school friends, Sienna. Luckily she is reached in time and is recovering in the hospital. But it’s not over yet. By now Morgan is already wondering if this has something to do with the fateful night of five years ago when the friends along with Brad, the only boy in the group, went up to the caves with lots of vodka to celebrate Brittany’s birthday. Morgan was invited but was grounded by her dad and just for once she obeyed him and stayed home. Her friend Brad never made it home though!

Just as Morgan is wondering if she should warn the other two girls who were there that night - Jasmine and Lara - she learns that Jasmine is also dead, having been struck by a van in the middle of a dark road at night. Now it’s almost certain that the past is coming back to haunt them. But the mystery is what has caused these women to behave so oddly. It’s as if they have been drugged by an hallucinogen. Is her Aunt Ettie somehow involved through her herbal teas?

What is really going on is not as obvious as it would seem at first and we head towards a stunning showdown. The claws are out and there’s no stopping some people’s quest for retribution. Can Morgan prevent yet another death and can she unmask a murderer. This was a quick and fairly light and easy read that was nevertheless satisfying and meaty enough for most thriller lovers. We will have to wait for another instalment though to see if Morgan and Ben can work out how they feel about each other! Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIRST GIRL TO DIE is the fourth 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 fourth 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 First Girl To Die.

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

Five years ago, a group of teenagers spends a night camping at Rydal Caves. Four girls (Brittany, Sienna, Lara and Jessica) and one boy (Brad). All of Morgan’s friends were going to be at the camp up at the caves to celebrate Brittany’s birthday, except her, as Morgan had been grounded and had to study for exams. But then a tragedy happened. Brad fell to his death, after being drunk after climbing to the top of the caves and getting too close to the edge and slipping…or was he pushed?

The girls panicked and said that they went home, and Brad was too drunk, so they left him there.

Fast forward, Detective Morgan Brookes is called to a scene where a teacher was threatening to jump out of a school window. Morgan calls her boss, Ben, a negotiator who arrives shortly after her and she is devastated to recognize the young teacher, Brittany, was one of Morgan’s best friends at school. She hasn’t seen Brittany for years. Not since the tragic death of Morgan’s high-school boyfriend, Brad ripped their friendship group apart. Witnesses described Brittany’s erratic behavior and jumbled speech that morning…and now it was too late. Brittany jumped and Morgan couldn’t understand the reason why.

Traces of poison were found in Brittany’s blood and Morgan uncovers a distinctive jar in Brittany’s home filled with toxic herbs, and the sight of it turns her blood to ice. She has a jar just like it, a handmade gift from her aunt. Could her aunt be responsible for the death of her friend?

Then another woman, Sienna, from Morgan’s past is found, seen naked at the Rydal Caves again exhibiting erratic behavior. The woman was found face down in the water, and Morgan dragged her out while Ben called for paramedics. She was air lifted to hospital where she remained unconscious.

Morgan is called a fatal road traffic accident to discover the victim was Jessica.

What was going on? Three young women died under suspicious circumstances. Morgan must stop this twisted killer before any more of her old friends become new victims – but at what cost?

This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns. Really enjoying this series.

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Morgan Brookes #4

When Detective Morgan Brookes is called to the scene of a suicide, she's devastated to recognise the young teacher sprawled out in the grass like a broken doll. She hasn't seen Brittany for years. Not since the death of Morgan's high-school boyfriend ripped their friendship apart. Then another woman from Morgan's past is found, close to the scene of that fatal teenage party. Has Morgan been looking at this all wrong? Are the deaths connected to that fatal night? And how could someone from her own family possibly be involved?

I quickly became a fan of Helen Phifer after reading the first book in this series, One Left Alive. Morgan and her boss Ben have been called out to Priory School where a young teacher is acting out of character, Before Morgan and Ben can do anything, she has flung herself out of the window. Morgan knew the teacher, she had been her friend. Then another young woman, also a friend of Morgan, is found acting strangely.

This is another twist filled read that will keep you guessing. I also like that we learn more backstory with each new book. I also like the will they - won't they relationship Morgan and Ben have. This is a great addition to the series. It's an intriguing, fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable read.

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

[Jazz Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release date 11th October 2021

Detective Morgan is back and oh boy ie she back. When she is called to a local school to help assist with a possible suicide situation she finds herself stunned to realise its her high school best friend. When more people from her previous social circle start acting strange and more deaths start coming she can't help but think this is all related to the death of her high-school crush Brad.

First things first if you haven't read the previous books do so before starting this one, although you can manage just fine I'd you skip and start here I would highly recommend the first books ad they are so good. Helen Phifer has a way of writing that will keep you completely hooked. She is up there with the best in this genre

Morgan is our protagonist and again will find herself in danger. She is such a great lead I couldn't help but love her even more this time. He caring naturists her loveable and her instincts make her a better detective. Plus her work with the team means they are able to help her work out what is going on and why. As usual she's working closely with Ben and as we know they both secretly like one another but neither wants to start anything. So let's just say you find yourself angry at one of them.

I enjoyed the storyline as it was super intriguing how the killer is killing. I hadn't clicked the link until later in the book nut on reflection there are clues from the beginning! So keep reading with suspicion. To be honest I hate guessed the wrong killer until the very end also.
Its fascinating because the book plays heavily on teenage dynamics and shows a complete lack of empathy.

Helen Phifer did s fantastic job and the kidnap series is up there with some of the best crime thrillers available.
Rare 5 stars easy. Was a joy to read and twists and turns throughout cannot wait for the in this series.

Thanks to netgalley Helen and and the publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars: This is the fourth Detective Morgan Brookes story and I continue to enjoy reading about the team and the crimes they solve. I want to say that I did not read these books in order and it was okay, but because of character development and relationships, I would recommend you do if you are able. Having said that, this book can easily be read as a standalone story. The story opens with a young man falling from rocks and being killed while his friends look on in 2016. Fast forward five years and Morgan is at a school where a teacher is threatening to jump from the staffroom windows. Morgan realizes that this was an old school friend, but she is unable to save her. When another of her school friends is found almost dead in a cave, she is worried that someone is trying to kill all of her group from school. One of the main suspects has ties to Morgan and she is pulled from the case. Can they find the person responsible for the deaths before someone else ends up dead?
I really enjoy the characters that make up the team, including the main CSI and coroner. Morgan is a great protagonist. She is so caring that she gets emotionally involved in her cases, which sometimes helps, but also puts her in danger. She has great instincts, which make her a great detective. It seems everyone on the team really like her and look out for her, whether she needs them to or not. Ben is her boss, but also her co-worker. They have feelings for one another, but have not acted upon them. He also has good instincts and a sixth sense where Morgan is concerned. The rest of the team, Amy, Des, Wendy, Declan, are all great characters as well and round out a great group of "coppers" as well as the secondary roles of CSI and Coroner. The mystery was well done. If someone ingests something to make them psychotic and they do something while in that state that gets them killed, is it murder? Who is giving them the poison? Does it have anything to do with that night five years ago? Morgan is like a dog with a bone when she is involved in a case and even when she is pulled off, she can't stop. Helen Phifer takes the readers on a merry chase trying to find out what is going on. I had a few ideas along the way, but changed my mind a few times. There are not a lot of suspects but lots of clues and red herrings. As the story began to wind down, I could clearly see (the same time as Morgan) who the culprit was, but it was almost too late. First Girl to Die was a gripping page turner that kept me reading once I started. It is a quick, engrossing, story that I enjoyed, and one that kept me guessing right until the end. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy crime thrillers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

First Girl to Die by Helen Phifer is the 4th 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 prison.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Morgan and Ben arrive at a school, she is stunned to find she knows the teacher who just jumped or fell out the window.  She had been a high school friend.  The other teachers say that Brittany had been acting really strange prior to barricading herself into the room.

When another high school friend ends up in the hospital after erratic behaviour, Morgan quickly ties the two incidents together.  Could this possibly have something to do with their friend that died during a high school camping trip many years ago?

Unfortunately, both friends had both ingested tea provided by Morgan's aunt.  Could someone be setting her aunt up, or does bad blood continue to run through her family.

Then there is the fact that Morgan's biological father has escaped from prison.


My Opinions:   
Well, this series is back on track after a slight blip in the last book.  This was really good.

Again, the plot was good,  and the short chapters and non-stop action make for a very fast read.  I had guessed wrong about the identity of the perpetrator, and that made it great!

Character-wise, I like the team, and they work well together.  I absolutely love Morgan's Aunt, but I am not really thrilled with the relationship between Ben and Morgan.  I was actually rooting for them, but now, not so much.

Anyway, this was a great addition to the series, and I'm already looking forward to the next one!



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/

[Tove R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right now I'm wondering what is wrong with people who have not ready the Detective Morgan Brookes series, and why they are not stopping what they are doing to get their hands on the latest book in the series. Even if I'd try, I could not praise this book highly enough. It is "stop the press" good!

Morgan's old group of friends seems to be in trouble. One "commits suicide", another one is found going insane where an old friend, and crush of many, died years ago. However, turns out there is someone who is trying to murder them one by one.

Another excellent addition to this crazily addictive series. The writing is extraordinarily good, and the story is so enchanting that I had to read it in one sitting. Hail to the queen of detective stories! Utterly gripping! Made me wonder why I do anything else in life than read.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Helen Phifer's exciting crime thriller FIRST GIRL TO DIE.

I think what I love about Helen Phifer's DC Morgan Brookes series is the personal aspect that continues to linger in the background throughout each of the books. I still haven't yet read the first book, having jumped in with the second one "The Killer's Girl" , but I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. However, I think this one is probably the best so far. Having said that, I am growing a little weary of Ben and Morgan's second guessing themselves and each other. Will they just get together already?? It's obvious they both want to and Morgan's jealousy over Ben spending the night with her neighbour just had me rolling my eyes. I'm like "well, you won't do anything about it...what do you expect?" She even gave Emily the thumbs up to go for it! Stupid woman.

But I digress...

The story opens with a scene from 2016 in which a group of teenagers climb the fells to spend a night camping at Rydal Caves. Four girls and one boy...this could get a little awkward. The group laugh and joke and drink till they are almost fall down drunk...and then the unthinkable occurs. The boy climbs to the top of the caves and standing too close to the edge exclaims "I'm the king of the world!" before losing his footing and falling to this death.

Now it's 2021 and DC Morgan Brookes is called to a local primary school where an old school friend of hers, Brittany Alcott, is a teacher. Apparently, one of their teachers is acting strangely, mumbling something about a baby and threatening to jump out of the staff room window. In need of a negotiator, Morgan calls Ben who arrives shortly after her and she is shocked to learn that the teacher in question is in fact her old school friend. She tries to reach out to her through the barricaded door but the sound of smashing glass and a thud fills her with sudden dread. Forcing their way in, Morgan and Ben find the staff room empty and a broken window through which Morgan peers to see Brittany sprawled on the ground below, a billowing read cloud forming behind her head.

She hadn't seen Brittany properly since they left school, having parted ways to pursue their own lives. But they did cross paths in the supermarket some weeks before where they exchanged a few brief words before continuing on their way. Filled with a sense of guilt, Morgan wondered if she should have taken the time to talk to her old friend properly. Could she have prevented her from taking her own life?

Within twenty four hours they receive a call about a woman seen naked at Rydal Caves and muttering gibberish to herself. When she was approached by the person who found her, she screamed and ran deep into the cave. Morgan and Ben were closest and raced to the scene where she lead a huffing and puffing Ben up the fell and through the track leading to the caves. They questioned the men briefly before entering the cave, where Morgan heard a splash and found the woman face down in the water. Dragging her out into the light of day, she was shocked to discover the woman was Sienna Waters, another from her group of friends at school. Performing CPR while Ben called for paramedics, Morgan managed to get a weak pulse and Sienna breathing again before she was air lifted to hospital where she remained unconscious.

What was going on? Two of her old school friends found to be acting strangely and out of character, as if they were hallucinating. One jumping to their death, the other almost drowning herself. It was if they were poisoned - but with what? Their behaviour was hallucinogenic which leaned towards the theory that they may have ingested a psychotic drug or one of the deadly herbs her aunt Ettie uses to make her special teas with. But the fact that Sienna was found at Rydal Caves made Morgan think back five years ago when the boy she secretly loved, Brad, had fallen to his death from the top of the cave. Did what happened then have something to do with what was happening now? If so, then her two other friends, Jess and Lara, may well be in danger also. Each of the women were present the night Brad died. Morgan was supposed to be there but her dad had grounded her and for once Morgan didn't defy him and go anyway. If she had, maybe Brad would never have died.

Then when Morgan is called a fatal road traffic accident based on the fact the woman involved was seen acting strangely, she felt a sense of impending doom. The woman didn't stand a chance versus a delivery van, whose driver was inconsolable, and her body lay on the tarmac as Morgan tentatively approached. She wasn't shocked to discover the familiar face of Jess covered in blood...only saddened. Could she have stopped this? It was obvious now that this was all linked to that tragic night five years ago. Someone was targeting each of the women who'd been there that night...but who? And why? Morgan knew she had to warn Lara before she too became another victim.

Meanwhile, it has been established that the women had Belladonna in their systems, deadly nightshade, which is a strong hallucinogenic and can also be fatal. Ben was aware of Morgan's eccentric aunt who lived in a cabin in the woods, conjuring up herbal teas for all sorts of ailments Belladonna was one of her ingredients as its properties could be healing in minute doses. But what if Ettie had inadvertently used too much and poisoned the women? He has no alternative but to bring her in for questioning which angers Morgan no end when she discovers he had done so stealthily. But Morgan doesn't believe for one minute believe her aunt Ettie poisoned anyone - even inadvertently.

But her superiors now believe Morgan is too close to the investigation to be impartial. So she is sent off to investigate a shop break-in, and she is surprised to learn it is none other than Sienna's alternative shop. Sienna, having recovered from her near death experience, is incensed at the damage done to her livelihood and takes offence at Morgan's line of questioning. There is no CCTV and entrance was via the back of the shop so Morgan, on a hunch, approaches the building society opposite for their CCTV to see if it captured anything. What it reveals leaves Morgan questioning this new-found relevance and sets her on a path to uncover the guilty party once and for all.

FIRST GIRL TO DIE leads readers on a merry chase through various avenues and mud-infested fells to a spectacular showdown. All throughout nothing is obvious to either Morgan or the reader as we plunder our way through trying to tie loose ends together that keep falling apart. The twists throughout will keep you guessing as you try to piece it all together. Even I had no idea who it was, although I did find the ending a little bit of a letdown after all the hype building up to it. I think I would have preferred a slightly different outcome but it was still a satisfactory end to yet another brilliant addition to this addictive series.

A page-turner that kept me reading well into the wee hours, FIRST GIRL TO DIE is a quick read that is as engrossing as it is enjoyable. Unlike the last book, "The Hiding Place" where the villain was easily identified, this one has the reader guessing throughout.

I love the personal aspect of this series and with each book a little bit more about Morgan's background is revealed. While her biological father escaped prison at the end of the second book, this knowledge has been a lingering presence throughout the past two books and one which I'm sure Helen Phifer will revisit soon enough as the threat of his reappearance is sure to haunt Morgan until he does so.

This series is such an easy one to read and I have enjoyed my time in the Lakes District with Morgan and Ben with every book. Each one is a quick read with enough baggage to keep you enthralled but not so much as to bog you down with.

I love almost everything about this series - the characters, the team, the setting - despite wanting to bash Morgan and Ben's heads together to make them both see sense. Their mutual attraction is obvious to absolutely everyone except them! However, regardless of that one irritating aspect, this is one of the best series out there. I love Helen Phifer's easy style of writing and thoroughly enjoyed her previous Beth Adams series - of which there are only two and I long for more of them.

An intriguing and fast paced crime thriller with short snappy chapters to keep the pace moving, FIRST GIRL TO DIE is a fantastic addition to an already brilliantly addictive series.

I would like to thank #HelenPhifer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #FirstGirlToDie in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Brenda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Helen Phifer - her books promise suspense, likeable characters and oh what?! moments!

Morgan Brooks returns for Book Number 4 - she and Ben are called to a local primary school in need of a negotiator. A teacher stands near a window, clearly in distress and likely drugged - a former schoolmate of Morgan, Brittany throws herself out the window. Shortly after, Ben and Morgan are called to another disturbing scene - a naked young woman among the caves. Morgan again runs into her past - another former classmate, Sienna, also in distress and drugged.
What lays in Morgan's past that could possible cause two former friends to be in danger?
Morgan and Ben struggle with their own relationship while Morgan talks about the loss of a friend, a kind boy who all her friends are crushing on.
This book had great characters - even some movement with Morgan and Ben's attraction. Great twist to tie the plot together.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'First Girl To Die' by Helen Phifer.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Helen Phifer, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 11th October 2021.

This is the fifth book I have read by this author. It is also the fourth book in the 'Detective Morgan Brookes' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'The Hiding Place' (book 3 in this series) , 'The Girl In The Lake' (book 2 in the 'Beth Adams series),' The Killer's Girl' (book 2 in this series) or 'One Left Alive' (the first book in this series) which I also recommend anyone read.


I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An absolutely heart-stopping and unputdownable crime thriller, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Lisa Regan and Rachel Abbott.' I am a huge fan of all three of this authors 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 Hiding Place' (book 3 in this series) , 'The Girl In The Lake' (book 2 in the 'Beth Adams series),' The Killer's Girl' (book 2 in this series) or 'One Left Alive' (the first book in this series) it is sure to be a page turning 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 50 chapters. The chapters 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 Cumbria, 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 been on holidays to Cumbria so it will help me picture everything.


This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Detective Constable Morgan Brooks, Detective Sergeant Ben Matthews, Detective Constable Amy Smith and the pathologist Declan . The benefits of third person perspective with multiple perspectives 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!!! Yet another absolutely unputdownable page turning book from the extremely talented Helen Phifer!!! 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 must add that I absolutely LOVED the Angela Marsons reference and several other references through the book to films such as 'Buddy The Elf' and 'Nightmare on Elm Street'.

Although this is the fourth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.


It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.

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. I also enjoyed the progression of friendship between Morgan and Cain who I really liked and enjoyed getting to know more in this book. I'm intrigued to know if anything will happen between them and actually hope it will as I believe Ben is looking to be a bit of a lost cause for her now especially after a certain thing happened, I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. I had fun watching the sarcasm and snipes between Amy and Detective Des and enjoyed getting to know him a bit more in this book too. I absolutely LOVE Amy with her sarcastic say it as it is, larger than life personality and I loved meeting her again. Declan the pathologist 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 🥂 🎈 💐. This is EXACTLY why your one of my favourite authors!!!! 😍


Overall another action packed, page turning, gripping, suspense filled edge of your seat must read by the legend that is Helen Phifer!!


Some of my favourite quotes/sayings in this book include the following:

📖 "While waiting for Susie, he went back to his egg mayo and tomato sandwich, his feet on the desk as he read the latest instalment in the Detective Kim Stone series by one of his favourite writers, Angela Marsons; although he reckoned that their very own Morgan Brookes was giving Kim a run for her money with all the disasters and murders that she seemed to attract to their relatively rural part of Cumbria."


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.


293 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.

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[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Helen Phifer.
Morgan and Ben are called out when a teacher is behaving erratically and Ben is asked to negotiate to stop her from jumping from the window.
Morgan realises she knows the woman as they were friends at school so tries to talk to her, but she is not in her right mind, and throws herself out of the window.
Their investigation leads them to a herbal remedy the woman had been taking and Ben is convinced it caused her strange behaviour.
Morgan knows who made the herbal mixture and knows deep down that her Aunt Ettie would not harm anyone.
Another woman is found acting strangely by the caves and Morgan is shocked to realise it’s another old friend from school.
She can’t work out why her group of friends are being targeted and Ben warns her to be careful, as the killer could have her in their sights.
This is a gripping crime thriller that certainly kept me guessing.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Morgan Brookes takes all of her cases seriously. However, her newest case really hits her hard. She discovers that a young teacher who apparently took her life is someone she once knew and had a fondness for. Could this latest victim be tied to Morgan's past?

Although estranged from her former friend, Brittany, Morgan cannot picture her being the sort to commit suicide. As the autopsy results begin to come through, Morgan finds her suspicions true. Foul play was involved. Traces of poison were found in Brittany's blood. Who poisoned Brittany and how did that lead to Brittany jumping from a window to her death?

When a second victim that has been found is also from Morgan's past, pieces of a puzzle slowly begin to fall into place. Morgan traces the poison found to an unlikely source. Not only must Morgan find the connection, she must sort out why women from her past are targeted. Will Morgan herself soon be a target? How far will she go to find answers all while keeping herself safe?

In this thrilling story, Morgan is forced to face an event of five years previously and the fact that the two women involved now were involved then. Something terrible happened before, and it was a night that Morgan was not present, so she always had questions about what occurred that fateful night. Why are things coming up now that lead back to that night?

Will there be yet another victim or will Morgan and her boss Ben be able to feverishly work toward solving the case set before them? Meanwhile, the torch is slowly burning between Morgan and Ben, and as this series continues, the pair just might have a chance. However, will Morgan end up being a victim before that could even happen?

This fast-paced book was a thrilling read from start to finish and ended with a conclusion I didn't see coming. While The First Girl to Die is the fourth book in this series, it could be read as a standalone. However, as this series has progressed, Morgan's character has grown, thus I would recommend reading this series in order. I cannot wait to see where things go with the next book in this exciting series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan Brookes you do get yourself in a quandary and manage so far to get out with the help of Ben, Amy and the team.

Did I say you are my hero and would love to have you on my side investigating (unless I am the culprit then don't bother).

Morgan's school friends are suddenly dying a nasty death one by one and it looks like someone is out to get them all.

Morgan is doing her best not to fall apart and to find out what is going on. How can this be happening.

The pages fly by and the lights stay on for one more hour just to see who is guilty.

I love this series and each book keeps getting better and better so if you have not read the Morgan Brookes books do yourself a favour and put them to the top of the TBR pile

I will be first in line for the next adventures of Morgan and Ben.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for another great book in the series. Loved it.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brilliant, such a page turner - stayed up well later than my bed time to finish this. I really cant say much more than this as it was so good but if I say anything I am going to spoil it.

Do yourself a favour, discover this series and read the books.

I was given an advance copy by the publishers and net galley but the review is entirely my own

updated

I listened to this again as part of my binge listen and it worked well

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all:

What the heck Ben?

Secondly:

Solid, enjoyable story- except for the Ben part. Seriously, what the heck man. It wasn’t a super plausible storyline, so be ready to suspend belief some. The author better get these situationships figured out in the next book, good lord. It’s like pulling teeth, just do it already.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

I think I will hide my review only because I have a few things to say that might be considered spoilers.

Again, Morgan is in the thick of it. Literally this time the people being targeted are people she knows. It may have been in school, but that wasn't too long ago, considering she is 23.
I think she handles everything very well; she was freaked out and when her aunt is the one being questioned it really is no wonder that she gets her back up. She wants to believe she has one family member who isn't out to get her.

I want Ben to get his head out of his ass, he has feelings for Morgan speak up! No, he freaking goes and sleeps with the neighbor who I thought in the last book said for him to go after Morgan?!? Maybe I am thinking of someone else, but it was odd. I hope after that ending, they both wake up, this is the slowest of slow burns!

Still loving the narration!

[Susie Bessette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Lexie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly liked the storyline for this, it was kinda cheesy but the ending was cute so 3 stars✨

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series was another absolute cracker of a read in which js fast becoming one of my favourite detective series. From the prologue I was completely gripped by this book. I love when I’m reading a book and have absolutely no idea who the guilty party could be as was what happened in this book. This is a fast paced and gripping crime thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Alyssa Sheriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! This may be my favorite in the series yet (which is a hard choice because I’ve been hooked since I picked up the first book). I was truly stumped on who the killer was until it was finally revealed at the end. I couldn’t put First Girl to Die down. 💕

[Faye Tipper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am getting through these books so quickly and I just love them so much.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this great book in an amazing series

when an incident happens at a school morgan and her crew rush to deal with it only to find out that its one of morgans school friends, who she has lost touch with

but before morgan can get to the bottom of what is happening they are to late to save brittany who went head first out of a window

her erratic behaviour sends shockwaves through everyone and as morgan starts looking into brittanys life another one of their school friends dies....

all this brings back horrendous memories for morgan about an incident that happened whilst still at school but how could that have any bearings on what was happening now...

brilliantly written so that you cant put the book down until you finish it and find out why and who....highly recommend this one for anyone that cant sleep at night because once you start it you cant put it down

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Past Hurts

Former schoolmates of Morgan are being murdered. Her aunt is the prime suspect. Can Morgan get to the truth.

This was an okay read, not as good as others in the series. The motive was a bit shaky and the whole past love lost story was dull. Morgan and Ben are still afraid to commit. Okay but not the best. 2.5 stars

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

First girl to die by Helen Phifer.
Detective Morgan Brookes book 4.
Morgan shudders as she leans out of the window and takes in the familiar blonde curls and clear blue eyes of the fallen girl below. She knows this woman, and she realises with sickening certainty that her friend is now gone forever…
When Detective Morgan Brookes is called to the scene of a suicide, she’s devastated to recognise the young teacher sprawled out on the grass like a broken doll. She hasn’t seen Brittany for years. Not since the tragic death of Morgan’s high-school boyfriend ripped their friendship group apart. But when witnesses describe Brittany’s erratic behaviour and jumbled speech that morning, Morgan is convinced the fearless, life-loving girl she once knew didn’t jump of her own accord.
Traces of poison found in Brittany’s blood prove Morgan’s theory right, but no one can find the source. Then Morgan uncovers a distinctive jar in Brittany’s home filled with toxic herbs, and the sight of it turns her blood to ice. She has a jar just like it, a handmade gift from her aunt. Is this a coincidence, a set-up, or could the only person she’s ever trusted with her damaged past be capable of murder?
Then another woman from Morgan’s past is found, close to the scene of that fatal teenage party. Has Morgan been looking at this all wrong? Are these deaths connected to that deadly night? And how could someone from her own family possibly be involved?
With her aunt’s freedom and more innocent lives at stake, Morgan must dig deep into her painful memories for answers. Who else was there that night, and what exactly did they see? She must stop this twisted killer before any more of her old friends become new victims – but at what cost?
I really really enjoyed this book. Even though I haven't read the first 3 books I was able to Read this one. Great story and characters. I hope there is more to come. 5*.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i so love this series , they always keep you gripped and wanting more .Detective constable Morgan is asked to go to a school as they cant get hold of ben to be a negotiator at Priory Grove School a teacher is threatening to jump out of a window ,Morgan gets a shock when she gets there as it is her old schoolfriend Brittany . Ben manages to get there to but hungover its would have been his wife s birthday , but its to late she jumps before they can talk to her the other teachers say she was acting so strange ,Morgan is so shocked as Brittany had said Brad s name who died tragically the night she was not allowed to go with them .is someone out for revenge what did happen that night will Morgan and Ben finally get together you will have to read to find out loads of twist and turns so dam good so cant wait for more of this series

[naty · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5] honestly these books are kinda hard to rate bc like sometimes u have to have the time in order to know what the actual rating is but i don’t do that bc i just wanna get on with the other books but as i was saying i was thinking between 3.25 or 4 but i feel like 3.5 is a good one bc its in the middle.

[Cyndi Marie ☆★Audiobook Addict★☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, this series is getting better with each book. Can’t wait for the next one

[lili 🎀🦋🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm kinda obsessed with this series

[Ema MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

dost dobra