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Detective Morgan Brookes #12
Poison Memories
Wind howls against the bolted front door, but the woman can still hear footsteps approaching. He has come for her. The memory of what she did still haunts her, and she knows she deserves to die…
Arriving at High Wraith cottage, Detective Morgan Brookes joins her horrified team, who have found a woman’s body chained and dangling from the gnarled branch of an old oak tree. It’s a race against time to preserve any evidence as heavy rain destroys the scene, but they’ve already identified the victim as a woman who once tried to kill her own family.
Twenty years ago, Margery Lancaster went to prison for poisoning her husband and infant son. They both survived, and Morgan must treat the pair as her first suspects. But before she has a chance to get to work, Margery’s ex-husband is brutally murdered, and Morgan’s heart thumps as she sees his hands tied with silver chains that match those found on Margery’s body. Then his son, now a local doctor, arrives at the station to be interviewed. Morgan watches in despair as he drops to the floor and falls into a coma.
With almost all of the forensic evidence washed away by the storm, and no family left to interview, Morgan’s last hope is tracking the two chains to a local hardware store. But the killer is already closing in on his final victim. Is it already too late for Morgan to stop him, or will she uncover the terrible secrets this family are hiding in time to save another life?
A heart-racing, edge-of-your-seat thriller for fans of Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Rachel McLean. Will have your heart pounding as you reach the final, breathtaking twist.
Arriving at High Wraith cottage, Detective Morgan Brookes joins her horrified team, who have found a woman’s body chained and dangling from the gnarled branch of an old oak tree. It’s a race against time to preserve any evidence as heavy rain destroys the scene, but they’ve already identified the victim as a woman who once tried to kill her own family.
Twenty years ago, Margery Lancaster went to prison for poisoning her husband and infant son. They both survived, and Morgan must treat the pair as her first suspects. But before she has a chance to get to work, Margery’s ex-husband is brutally murdered, and Morgan’s heart thumps as she sees his hands tied with silver chains that match those found on Margery’s body. Then his son, now a local doctor, arrives at the station to be interviewed. Morgan watches in despair as he drops to the floor and falls into a coma.
With almost all of the forensic evidence washed away by the storm, and no family left to interview, Morgan’s last hope is tracking the two chains to a local hardware store. But the killer is already closing in on his final victim. Is it already too late for Morgan to stop him, or will she uncover the terrible secrets this family are hiding in time to save another life?
A heart-racing, edge-of-your-seat thriller for fans of Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Rachel McLean. Will have your heart pounding as you reach the final, breathtaking twist.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
1697 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 12, 2024
This is book 12 in this fabulous series,Morgan and Ben investigating a murder case of a woman named Margery.she was found on a branch of a tree.terrible weather left no evidence behind.another murder followed is there a connection?Margery was in prison for poisoning her husband and son,why? Another fantastic read from this author is one of my favourite series.looking forward to reading the next instalment.highly recommended..
July 4, 2024
Poison Memories is book 12 in the Morgan Brookes series by Helen Phifer. You can easily read this book as a standalone if you've never read a book in the series before. I love the Morgan Brookes series and look forward to a new book as soon as I finish the current book. The characters in this series are fantastic and you want to know more as you read. Morgan and her team are called to a grisly scene at High Wraith cottage. The owner of the cottage is hanging from a tree in the front yard and very dead. Who would want her dead? She went to prison for 12 years for attempting to kill her husband and son. They both survived. Margery Lancaster was a troubled soul who had been abused by her husband.
The suspect list is short in this case, the ex-husband and the son. Before Morgan and her team can interview George, the ex-husband, he's brutally murdered. His hands are tied with the same chain that Margery was hanging from. They try to locate David, the son, but he's not at work or home. When he shows up at the police station, it's a shock. He collapses to the floor and starts convulsing. He's been poisoned. So now that both suspects are down, who could be doing these things and why? This is an exciting entry into the series that will have Morgan and her team searching for answers before more murders can occur. When someone close to Morgan is in danger, the stakes are high. Can Morgan get there in time? I rate Poison Memories 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Poison Memories in exchange for a fair review. #PoisonMemories
The suspect list is short in this case, the ex-husband and the son. Before Morgan and her team can interview George, the ex-husband, he's brutally murdered. His hands are tied with the same chain that Margery was hanging from. They try to locate David, the son, but he's not at work or home. When he shows up at the police station, it's a shock. He collapses to the floor and starts convulsing. He's been poisoned. So now that both suspects are down, who could be doing these things and why? This is an exciting entry into the series that will have Morgan and her team searching for answers before more murders can occur. When someone close to Morgan is in danger, the stakes are high. Can Morgan get there in time? I rate Poison Memories 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Poison Memories in exchange for a fair review. #PoisonMemories
June 25, 2024
Poison memories is book 12 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series. It is another fabulous edition to the series from the very first page.
On a cold windy and wet day Detective Morgan Brookes and her team are called to the remote High Wraith Cottage. Where the owner of the cottage Margery Lancaster is hung and shackled to an oak tree. She has also had her head covered with a black pillowcase. The team rushes to collect any evidence before the rain washes it away. The woman Margery Lancaster twenty years previously tried to kill her husband and her baby son. She was sent to a prison and since her release she has lived alone in the remote cottage. Morgan and Ben thinks that someone was out for revenge for what she did. But also, why wait twenty years to do it?
This is another gripping thriller from the author, with the usual loveable characters, especially Aunt Ettie and Morgan and I like the relationship between the members of the team. They seem to all care about each other and get the job done. There is a lot of twists and turns to keep you engaged all they way through. I really enjoyed this. I can’t wait for the next one.
On a cold windy and wet day Detective Morgan Brookes and her team are called to the remote High Wraith Cottage. Where the owner of the cottage Margery Lancaster is hung and shackled to an oak tree. She has also had her head covered with a black pillowcase. The team rushes to collect any evidence before the rain washes it away. The woman Margery Lancaster twenty years previously tried to kill her husband and her baby son. She was sent to a prison and since her release she has lived alone in the remote cottage. Morgan and Ben thinks that someone was out for revenge for what she did. But also, why wait twenty years to do it?
This is another gripping thriller from the author, with the usual loveable characters, especially Aunt Ettie and Morgan and I like the relationship between the members of the team. They seem to all care about each other and get the job done. There is a lot of twists and turns to keep you engaged all they way through. I really enjoyed this. I can’t wait for the next one.
July 5, 2024
DC Morgan Brookes has a huge case in front of her. There have been more than a few recent deaths, and currently there is the case of a woman who apparently lived alone. It is quickly discovered that the victim is Margery Lancaster. Meanwhile, as Morgan and her team begin looking for answers, there is a second story being told in dual-timeline fashion. The second narration is that of a woman named Maggie, and she is in a miserable and abusive marriage and is also the very unhappy mother as a toddler. Readers will realize immediately that Margery and Maggie are one and the same.
Morgan soon learns of Margery’s sad and tragic past, but is unclear as to why she became a murder victim. Meanwhile, the picture is being painted as to how miserable Maggie was with her husband George, a most definitely unlikeable character. The book even lightly touches on a very serious situation that involves some mothers after the birth of their child.
I loved Morgan’s take in this story. Never once did she judge Margery for her past actions, and she was resolute at finding justice for Margery. As the story develops, the weather adds another layer of atmosphere as they are all but being drowned out with long days of rain. These non-stop rainy days add a level of eeriness to a story that is edged with sadness. Factor in the intriguing twists in this story, and it is clear that Helen Phifer has written another winner.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Morgan soon learns of Margery’s sad and tragic past, but is unclear as to why she became a murder victim. Meanwhile, the picture is being painted as to how miserable Maggie was with her husband George, a most definitely unlikeable character. The book even lightly touches on a very serious situation that involves some mothers after the birth of their child.
I loved Morgan’s take in this story. Never once did she judge Margery for her past actions, and she was resolute at finding justice for Margery. As the story develops, the weather adds another layer of atmosphere as they are all but being drowned out with long days of rain. These non-stop rainy days add a level of eeriness to a story that is edged with sadness. Factor in the intriguing twists in this story, and it is clear that Helen Phifer has written another winner.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 16, 2024
POISON MEMORIES is the Twelfth book in a police procedural series featuring Detective Morgan Brookes by Helen Phifer. I have read all of the books in this series and this book is a definite winner! Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in order to get a full history.
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
1. One Left Alive (2020)
2. The Killer's Girl (2020)
3. The Hiding Place (2021)
4. First Girl to Die (2021)
5. Find the Girl (2022)
6. Sleeping Dolls (2022)
7. Silent Angel (2022)
8. Their Burning Graves (2022)
9. Hold Your Breath (2023)
10. Stolen Darlings (2023)
11. Save Her Twice (2024)
12. Poison Memories (2024)
This is my review of Poison Memories.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews-Boss & partner
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith
Cain Robson-new to the unit
Amber-Police Officer
Margery Lancaster lived in an old house in the middle of nowhere. She heard sounds of an intruder in the house.
Detective Morgan Brookes of the Rydal Falls Police station receives a call of a suspicious sudden death near High Wraith Cottage, and rushes with her team to the scene. There they found a woman’s body hanging, mid-air suspended by a rope chained to an old oak tree. Heavy rain had destroyed the scene, but they were able to identify the victim.
The victim was Margery Lancaster, a woman who once tried to kill her own family.
Twenty years ago, Margery Lancaster went to prison for poisoning her husband, George and infant son, David. After she was released, she went back to the family home. Both victims survived, but were treated as initial suspects.
Then Margery’s ex-husband is brutally murdered, and his son, now a local doctor, arrives at the station to be interviewed. Morgan watches as he drops to the floor and falls into a coma.
But the killer is closing in on his final victim. With the clock ticking, Morgan must find the killer before more murders can occur.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns and will have your heart pounding as you reach the final, breathtaking twist.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
1. One Left Alive (2020)
2. The Killer's Girl (2020)
3. The Hiding Place (2021)
4. First Girl to Die (2021)
5. Find the Girl (2022)
6. Sleeping Dolls (2022)
7. Silent Angel (2022)
8. Their Burning Graves (2022)
9. Hold Your Breath (2023)
10. Stolen Darlings (2023)
11. Save Her Twice (2024)
12. Poison Memories (2024)
This is my review of Poison Memories.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews-Boss & partner
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith
Cain Robson-new to the unit
Amber-Police Officer
Margery Lancaster lived in an old house in the middle of nowhere. She heard sounds of an intruder in the house.
Detective Morgan Brookes of the Rydal Falls Police station receives a call of a suspicious sudden death near High Wraith Cottage, and rushes with her team to the scene. There they found a woman’s body hanging, mid-air suspended by a rope chained to an old oak tree. Heavy rain had destroyed the scene, but they were able to identify the victim.
The victim was Margery Lancaster, a woman who once tried to kill her own family.
Twenty years ago, Margery Lancaster went to prison for poisoning her husband, George and infant son, David. After she was released, she went back to the family home. Both victims survived, but were treated as initial suspects.
Then Margery’s ex-husband is brutally murdered, and his son, now a local doctor, arrives at the station to be interviewed. Morgan watches as he drops to the floor and falls into a coma.
But the killer is closing in on his final victim. With the clock ticking, Morgan must find the killer before more murders can occur.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller with intriguing characters with a plot filled with twists and turns and will have your heart pounding as you reach the final, breathtaking twist.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
June 30, 2024
Another brilliant book in this series.
With the rain hammering down, Morgan and Ben head out to a suspected crime scene. They find a woman that has been hanged and they know they’re looking at a murder.
When they start investigating they find that the woman had had a hard life and had tried to kill her family.
Morgan’s aunt knows her and confirms she was a troubled soul.
When the woman’s husband is then found dead, Morgan and the team step up the investigation to find the killer.
This is a great crime thriller and I love the dynamic between Morgan, Ben, Amy and Cain. Oh and I love Declan too.
I’d highly recommend this series if you’ve not started it yet.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
With the rain hammering down, Morgan and Ben head out to a suspected crime scene. They find a woman that has been hanged and they know they’re looking at a murder.
When they start investigating they find that the woman had had a hard life and had tried to kill her family.
Morgan’s aunt knows her and confirms she was a troubled soul.
When the woman’s husband is then found dead, Morgan and the team step up the investigation to find the killer.
This is a great crime thriller and I love the dynamic between Morgan, Ben, Amy and Cain. Oh and I love Declan too.
I’d highly recommend this series if you’ve not started it yet.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
July 1, 2024
Another great addition to the series! I’ve been a fan since book 1, and I’ve really loved how the characters develop more each story, and the relationships continue to grow. This was another twisty story up until its conclusion, and as always, Morgan gets herself into dangerous situations. My only complaint about this one was that so much was given away just in the synopsis, I wish they would have just left it at Margerys death, and let us be surprised by how the rest played out.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
March 6, 2025
Poison Memories by Helen Phifer is the 12th in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.
Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Morgan Brookes is a Detective in Rydal Falls. She lives and works with her boyfriend, DS Ben Matthews, her boss. They've discovered he has some heart issues, but things are good. Other cast members include Amy, Wendy, Cain, Will, Cathy and Mads. They are still mourning the loss of a fellow team-member, Des. Their new boss is DI Mark Howard, and they are getting used to him. Their go-to Forensic Pathologist (and friend) is Declan Donnelly. After losing her mother to suicide, Morgan finally got to know her alcoholic step-dad, who turned out to be a good guy, but Stan is now dead (murdered). Both Morgan's brother, and her biological father, Gary Marks, are serial killers. Morgan's aunt Ettie is considered a "kitchen witch".
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
High Wraith Cottage has seen a lot of tragedy for the Lancaster family, going back hundreds of years. Margery, the current owner, suffered from mental illness at a time when no one realized that she struggled. Between never wanting a child, and an abusive husband, she didn't see any other option. She poisoned them both, and although they both survived, Margery went to prison for a long time. When she got out, she returned to her ancestral home, and became a recluse. Now she has been found dead, hanging from a tree.… Did her ex-husband or son finally seek revenge?
Then, her ex-husband is murdered, his hands tied with the same chains that were found on Margery. Her son, now a local doctor, collapses at the station, where he had finally turned up to be interviewed. He has been poisoned.
With little left to go on, Morgan and the team must find this killer before someone else dies.
My Opinions:
Another engaging book in the series.
The plot was, as always, intriguing. The characters definitely make this series. The team are a true family, and I love some of the side-characters. Aunt Ettie is a favorite.
I must say, there is a lot of crime in Rydal Falls. I am amazed how the author can continue to provide fresh and entertaining plot lines.
Needless, to say, I'm looking forward to the next one. Almost caught up!
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/
June 28, 2024
4.5⭐
There's a storm brewing in the Lake District and unfortunately for DC Morgan Brookes a body has been found hanging from a tree outside a cottage with a tragic history. In a remote area of the fells and just as Morgan and the team including her partner and boss DS Ben Matthews arrive the tree branch holding the body breaks and it lands in a puddle of muddy water.
Which leaves them with a compromised crime scene and no choice but to act fast and go against protocol by removing the body.
Just as the storm picks up its pace and as the team set about salvaging evidence and identifying their victim. They quickly learn the victim is Margery Lancaster a woman convicted of attempting to murder her husband George and son David.
And the shocks just keep on coming. As they start to dig into Margery's past. Including learning what happened to George and David. And then Morgan receives a warning from her Aunt Ettie.
But then another body is discovered and the team realise this killer is not going to stop unless they find them and quick.
And with great pacing and plenty of red herrings Poison Memories was a great read. That I would happily recommend and I cannot wait to return for more!!
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of Poison Memories. ☺️
There's a storm brewing in the Lake District and unfortunately for DC Morgan Brookes a body has been found hanging from a tree outside a cottage with a tragic history. In a remote area of the fells and just as Morgan and the team including her partner and boss DS Ben Matthews arrive the tree branch holding the body breaks and it lands in a puddle of muddy water.
Which leaves them with a compromised crime scene and no choice but to act fast and go against protocol by removing the body.
Just as the storm picks up its pace and as the team set about salvaging evidence and identifying their victim. They quickly learn the victim is Margery Lancaster a woman convicted of attempting to murder her husband George and son David.
And the shocks just keep on coming. As they start to dig into Margery's past. Including learning what happened to George and David. And then Morgan receives a warning from her Aunt Ettie.
But then another body is discovered and the team realise this killer is not going to stop unless they find them and quick.
And with great pacing and plenty of red herrings Poison Memories was a great read. That I would happily recommend and I cannot wait to return for more!!
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of Poison Memories. ☺️
June 4, 2024
Yet another amazing book by Helen.
I love picking up a detective Morgan book as it’s like catching up with old friends I adore Morgan Ben Amy & Cane
The crime was interesting and written so well it’s easy to follow and try and guess who did it it’s a bit like being part of the team. I guessed wrong. I love how fast paced and on edge i didn’t want to put it down.
These books just keep getting better and better and I can’t now wait for more
I love picking up a detective Morgan book as it’s like catching up with old friends I adore Morgan Ben Amy & Cane
The crime was interesting and written so well it’s easy to follow and try and guess who did it it’s a bit like being part of the team. I guessed wrong. I love how fast paced and on edge i didn’t want to put it down.
These books just keep getting better and better and I can’t now wait for more
July 28, 2024
I have read all the books in this series and have loved every one. I can't recommend this author or this series enough but now I am a bit over it all...
The beginning was so overwritten that it was just lacking. I feel like 15% of the book was jus recapping what we knew from the last 11 about relationships and friends and family. It is just the same plot over and over. I think this is a series that should end soon so we can read about something different. Why is Morgan always accidentally apprehending the killer and getting injured. I honestly don't know if I'd bother picking up if/when there's another copy-paste of this plot from Helen Phifer
The beginning was so overwritten that it was just lacking. I feel like 15% of the book was jus recapping what we knew from the last 11 about relationships and friends and family. It is just the same plot over and over. I think this is a series that should end soon so we can read about something different. Why is Morgan always accidentally apprehending the killer and getting injured. I honestly don't know if I'd bother picking up if/when there's another copy-paste of this plot from Helen Phifer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
Only Helen Phifer could turn a husband and child killer into a plausible victim and add a haunted house to the mix too.
Reviewing the books in this series is becoming increasingly difficult as I dread sounding like a record with a needle stuck. Something the author has no trouble with as each book is unique but still manages to bring the familiar with characters, that as a reader you feel safe with. Each so very different personality wise yet managing to gel as a team and knowing what the others need as they all have personal demons from certain cases.
There is Morgan who seems to step out of a frying pan straight into fire with every case, her partner and hot boss Ben, compassionate Declan who treats the dead with tender care and Cain and Amy bringing humour and experience.
For book twelve this is still as fresh as book one, it grips you from the opening and keeps you there as you try to establish facts from rumour and solve the crime alongside the team.
Reviewing the books in this series is becoming increasingly difficult as I dread sounding like a record with a needle stuck. Something the author has no trouble with as each book is unique but still manages to bring the familiar with characters, that as a reader you feel safe with. Each so very different personality wise yet managing to gel as a team and knowing what the others need as they all have personal demons from certain cases.
There is Morgan who seems to step out of a frying pan straight into fire with every case, her partner and hot boss Ben, compassionate Declan who treats the dead with tender care and Cain and Amy bringing humour and experience.
For book twelve this is still as fresh as book one, it grips you from the opening and keeps you there as you try to establish facts from rumour and solve the crime alongside the team.
July 22, 2024
Book #12 of the Morgan Brookes series. Not the best, not the worst… plot was kinda eh, but I’m overall invested in this series!
July 22, 2024
We're already into book #12 for this amazing series, and I can honestly say it just keeps getting better. Unlike a lot of long-running series, the Morgan Brookes instalments never get tiresome. They continually excite me.
Twenty years ago, Margery attempted to kill her abusive husband and young son by poisoning them. Charged with attempted murder, she served her full sentence before returning to the house she had left on her arrest. A house that is full of past misery and with a history of murder and death.
Years later, Detective Morgan Brookes and her team are called out to the isolated cottage owned by Margery. Outside, hanging by a branch of the oak tree is a lifeless body, tied with chains and with a black sack placed over their head. The weather is horrendous, winds howling and rain lashing down, Morgan shudders watching the body swing.
Who would want Margery dead? The only suspects the team have are the ex husband George and son David. With such a short suspect list, they get to work trying to locate them.
It soon becomes more urgent when George is found murdered, also tied with chains and brutally killed, and then David appears at the police station, but while there, he becomes unwell and mutters the word 'poisoned'.
I loved the change in timelines and POVs in this story. Hearing Maggies point on view showed a whole different side of the story, and I also really enjoyed Etti' s involvement in this book.
I adore the characters and their development throughout the whole series. I love the banter the reoccurring characters have between them and how, with each new book, we learn that little bit more. I really enjoyed the sc3ne between Morgan and their new boss in this book *no spoilers * her empathy, and honesty just makes me like her even more than I already did.
This is a brilliant thriller full of surprises and suspense that will have you turning the pages faster than you'll be able to.
Whilst this could be read as a stand-alone, I HIGHLY recommend reading the whole series just because of how brilliant it is!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Twenty years ago, Margery attempted to kill her abusive husband and young son by poisoning them. Charged with attempted murder, she served her full sentence before returning to the house she had left on her arrest. A house that is full of past misery and with a history of murder and death.
Years later, Detective Morgan Brookes and her team are called out to the isolated cottage owned by Margery. Outside, hanging by a branch of the oak tree is a lifeless body, tied with chains and with a black sack placed over their head. The weather is horrendous, winds howling and rain lashing down, Morgan shudders watching the body swing.
Who would want Margery dead? The only suspects the team have are the ex husband George and son David. With such a short suspect list, they get to work trying to locate them.
It soon becomes more urgent when George is found murdered, also tied with chains and brutally killed, and then David appears at the police station, but while there, he becomes unwell and mutters the word 'poisoned'.
I loved the change in timelines and POVs in this story. Hearing Maggies point on view showed a whole different side of the story, and I also really enjoyed Etti' s involvement in this book.
I adore the characters and their development throughout the whole series. I love the banter the reoccurring characters have between them and how, with each new book, we learn that little bit more. I really enjoyed the sc3ne between Morgan and their new boss in this book *no spoilers * her empathy, and honesty just makes me like her even more than I already did.
This is a brilliant thriller full of surprises and suspense that will have you turning the pages faster than you'll be able to.
Whilst this could be read as a stand-alone, I HIGHLY recommend reading the whole series just because of how brilliant it is!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
May 31, 2024
Once again the city counts on Morgan, Ben and the rest of the team to put a killer behind bars who does not shy away from getting rid of the people who they feel stand in their way to get what they believe is rightfully theirs.
They first butter up a few people and then, when they feel the time is right, they decide to shorten their lives...
The killer is a very arrogant person, playing with the detectives. Knowing the police team, you know they will see through it eventually, but will they be able to prevent another life being snuffed out?
I had my eye on someone, but I did not know the why. Seems like I saw through that person's smoke screen and I had a great time reading on and finding out the finer details.
I love the banter between the recurring characters and they make me smile. I love how Morgan always seems to be the killer magnet.
This is one of those series you never want to end, because it feels like it will be always too soon to say goodbye to. 5 stars
Thank you
They first butter up a few people and then, when they feel the time is right, they decide to shorten their lives...
The killer is a very arrogant person, playing with the detectives. Knowing the police team, you know they will see through it eventually, but will they be able to prevent another life being snuffed out?
I had my eye on someone, but I did not know the why. Seems like I saw through that person's smoke screen and I had a great time reading on and finding out the finer details.
I love the banter between the recurring characters and they make me smile. I love how Morgan always seems to be the killer magnet.
This is one of those series you never want to end, because it feels like it will be always too soon to say goodbye to. 5 stars
Thank you
June 25, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
any book with morgan brookes and her work colleagues is always going to be good and this one raises it to a whole new level
morgan and the team are called out to a suspected murder and what greets their eyes is a sight so unbelieveable
someone is hanging from a tree ...they are swinging from their neck and their identity is not known as they whoel head is covered... and with that the bough breaks and the whole thing lands on the floor....
its a nightmare case and one that has them running around trying to find evidence and the perps ...but who could be the perp... who would want someone dead like that
just when they think they know the answers another body turns up in the actual house this time....
with time running out and suspects it will take the whole team to find out the truth
wow just wow what a ride this book was.... love that ending...
any book with morgan brookes and her work colleagues is always going to be good and this one raises it to a whole new level
morgan and the team are called out to a suspected murder and what greets their eyes is a sight so unbelieveable
someone is hanging from a tree ...they are swinging from their neck and their identity is not known as they whoel head is covered... and with that the bough breaks and the whole thing lands on the floor....
its a nightmare case and one that has them running around trying to find evidence and the perps ...but who could be the perp... who would want someone dead like that
just when they think they know the answers another body turns up in the actual house this time....
with time running out and suspects it will take the whole team to find out the truth
wow just wow what a ride this book was.... love that ending...
August 29, 2024
Reading this book, number 12 in the series brings me bang up to date with book 13 scheduled for release in October this year. This was a decent storyline and one that kept me interested. Twenty years ago, Margery Lancaster went to prison for poisoning her husband and infant son so when she is found chained and dangling from a tree they realise there may be people that wanted her dead. Morgan, Ben, Cain and Amy are as always the team working the case.
This latest book seemed a little repetitive at times, but again that may just be because I have read the series back to back. I guess for people picking up this book as a standalone it does give great context in that scenario. That aside this was definitely a page turner and I particularly love Morgan's Aunt Ettie being more involved in the storyline. I think she is a brilliant character and hope we get to see more of her.
Overall another good read, and a series I am enjoying
This latest book seemed a little repetitive at times, but again that may just be because I have read the series back to back. I guess for people picking up this book as a standalone it does give great context in that scenario. That aside this was definitely a page turner and I particularly love Morgan's Aunt Ettie being more involved in the storyline. I think she is a brilliant character and hope we get to see more of her.
Overall another good read, and a series I am enjoying
June 13, 2024
Margery Lancaster is preparing for bed when she hears footsteps outside her remote cottage. She realises the time has come for her, many years after her attempt to poison her abusive husband and son.
Morgan and the team are called to the remote site when her body is found and so begins the next case for the team.
What I love most about this series is the characters, their camaraderie together makes the story, they're human and they do and see the most horrific cases but still there is some humour to lighten the load. They work well together.
It's a fast paced read.
There is a link in this story to an historical event which makes the setting interesting too.
Morgan and the team are called to the remote site when her body is found and so begins the next case for the team.
What I love most about this series is the characters, their camaraderie together makes the story, they're human and they do and see the most horrific cases but still there is some humour to lighten the load. They work well together.
It's a fast paced read.
There is a link in this story to an historical event which makes the setting interesting too.
July 4, 2024
Morgan Brookes 12.
I love this series. It gets better and better, and I don't think I will ever tire of the team and their exploits...... When a woman is found hanging from a tree, the team needs to find the killer, or did she commit suicide? Margery Lancaster was known as the iron lady and had been in prison for poisoning her husband and son.
She lives a lonely life, in the middle of nowhere.
When her husband is also found dead inside his house, the team is connecting the dots...... who?? Why??? Where is their son now?? I highly recommend this series. You just never know what you're going to get next. I love it. I'm hooked !!!!
I love this series. It gets better and better, and I don't think I will ever tire of the team and their exploits...... When a woman is found hanging from a tree, the team needs to find the killer, or did she commit suicide? Margery Lancaster was known as the iron lady and had been in prison for poisoning her husband and son.
She lives a lonely life, in the middle of nowhere.
When her husband is also found dead inside his house, the team is connecting the dots...... who?? Why??? Where is their son now?? I highly recommend this series. You just never know what you're going to get next. I love it. I'm hooked !!!!
June 2, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
When a woman is found murdered, detective Morgan Brookes and the team are called into investigate. Things get complicated when they identify the victim, who has been to prison after poisoning her son and husband years before.
Loved this. Fast paced as always, with lots of suspense and that sense of worry, that yet again Morgan is in danger. I enjoyed how this flipped to the past and gave some of the back story of the victim. I did figure out the murderer in this one, but not until later after the red herrings were proven to be just that. Highly enjoyable read. More please!
When a woman is found murdered, detective Morgan Brookes and the team are called into investigate. Things get complicated when they identify the victim, who has been to prison after poisoning her son and husband years before.
Loved this. Fast paced as always, with lots of suspense and that sense of worry, that yet again Morgan is in danger. I enjoyed how this flipped to the past and gave some of the back story of the victim. I did figure out the murderer in this one, but not until later after the red herrings were proven to be just that. Highly enjoyable read. More please!
July 12, 2024
Wow this is a proper page turner read it in a day.
Margery Lancaster went to prison for the attempted murder of her husband and toddler son. Now 20years later she's back living in her cottage out in the woods. Soon she is found murdered did she know her murderer was it because what she had done. This book and series is brilliant. Highly recommend it
Margery Lancaster went to prison for the attempted murder of her husband and toddler son. Now 20years later she's back living in her cottage out in the woods. Soon she is found murdered did she know her murderer was it because what she had done. This book and series is brilliant. Highly recommend it
June 4, 2024
Poison Memories is fast paced, suspensful with twists and turns that keep you guessing.
Morgan and Ben are called to a the gruesome murder of recluse woman who years ago poisoned her son and husband .
It was the town legend at one point.
No one deserves to die like this lady did so Morgan along with Ben, Cain and Amy are determined to pull together as a team and solve this horrific crime.
Trouble is more bodies are piling up and they were suspects in the case.
Helen Phifer writes a taut thriller that has you guessing all the while you know to expect the unexpected from Helen.
This is one of my favourite books in the series , until Book 13 and I cant wait to see what Morgan and Ben will face next time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for another excellent book in The Detective Morgan Brookes series.
Morgan and Ben are called to a the gruesome murder of recluse woman who years ago poisoned her son and husband .
It was the town legend at one point.
No one deserves to die like this lady did so Morgan along with Ben, Cain and Amy are determined to pull together as a team and solve this horrific crime.
Trouble is more bodies are piling up and they were suspects in the case.
Helen Phifer writes a taut thriller that has you guessing all the while you know to expect the unexpected from Helen.
This is one of my favourite books in the series , until Book 13 and I cant wait to see what Morgan and Ben will face next time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for another excellent book in The Detective Morgan Brookes series.
July 24, 2024
One of my favorite series
September 2, 2025
so Interesting!
Like all Morgan stories-riveting! I cannot wait for the next one! And also find out what happens in Morgan and Ben’s relationship!
Like all Morgan stories-riveting! I cannot wait for the next one! And also find out what happens in Morgan and Ben’s relationship!
September 14, 2025
loved the binge listen of this series. this was such a unique way of starting the story and kept me engaged throughout
October 29, 2025
spookyyyy!
May 3, 2025
42 mal Schulter Zucken, gottlose EINUNDSIEBZIGMAL wurde Kaffee oder Kuchen erwähnt ich stand emotional noch nie so nah an der Klippe
Ich habe aus Versehen so einen wahnsinnigen Hass gegenüber des Schreibstils und der Hauptperson entwickelt, wäre er nicht angemessen würde ich das Problem bei mir suchen
Ich habe aus Versehen so einen wahnsinnigen Hass gegenüber des Schreibstils und der Hauptperson entwickelt, wäre er nicht angemessen würde ich das Problem bei mir suchen
June 5, 2024
I can’t believe Poison Memories is the 12th book in this series. In some ways it reminded me of the first book. A body found hanging, but Morgan has changed since that first case and she’s a brilliant detective now.
This is an amazing story, full of great characters and lots of twists and turns. I couldn’t decide who the killer was till the end.
Helen Phifer is one of my favourite authors, her books never disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is an amazing story, full of great characters and lots of twists and turns. I couldn’t decide who the killer was till the end.
Helen Phifer is one of my favourite authors, her books never disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 8, 2024
Poison Memories is the 12th book in the Detective Morgan Brookes Police Procedural, Crime Thriller Series. In this 12th outing, Morgan and her team have another crime that is tough to solve, but they are racing against the clock before there is another victim. This book introduces us to the Lancaster family. Mother Margery, Father George and son David all become victims to the same man, but who is he and why was he trying to wipe out the family. The story begins with Margery's death, a terrible crime where she is hung from a tree during a terrible storm, outside High Wraith cottage. We learn her story through flashbacks, and her ex-husband, George is the main suspect. When he ends up dead, also at High Wraith cottage, the team turns their eyes to their son who was adopted when a young boy. Can Morgan and the team find him before someone else ends up dead?
Wow, this was another excellent crime thriller/police procedural that pulled me in from the first page. The atmosphere of Wraith Cottage and the storm made me shiver. I enjoyed being back in Morgan's world as she works with Ben, Cain and Amy to solve this crime. The team has great chemistry and that makes the story more relatable. Mark, their boss, is back and is as much a pain as in the previous book. The trail to find the killer was creepy and the background story was extremely sad. Each twist and turn had me turning pages quicker to find out who the killer was. As always, Morgan follows her gut and intuition and finds herself in danger, but she would do whatever she needs to do to protect others, especially those she cares about. There are some serious themes such as spousal abuse, post partum depression, workplace issues and family that all play roles in this book. If you enjoy a good police procedural with a thriller overtone, then I recommend you pick up Poison Memories. Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read, review and enjoy this book and series.
Wow, this was another excellent crime thriller/police procedural that pulled me in from the first page. The atmosphere of Wraith Cottage and the storm made me shiver. I enjoyed being back in Morgan's world as she works with Ben, Cain and Amy to solve this crime. The team has great chemistry and that makes the story more relatable. Mark, their boss, is back and is as much a pain as in the previous book. The trail to find the killer was creepy and the background story was extremely sad. Each twist and turn had me turning pages quicker to find out who the killer was. As always, Morgan follows her gut and intuition and finds herself in danger, but she would do whatever she needs to do to protect others, especially those she cares about. There are some serious themes such as spousal abuse, post partum depression, workplace issues and family that all play roles in this book. If you enjoy a good police procedural with a thriller overtone, then I recommend you pick up Poison Memories. Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read, review and enjoy this book and series.
September 15, 2024
Margery Lancaster tried to kill her abusive husband and their baby son. She went to prison and served her sentence but now she is targeted by a killer. The chief suspects are her ex husband and now grown up son. One dies before he can be investigated and the other is missing...
Poison Memories is the 12th book in the DC Morgan Brookes series of police procedurals set in the Lake District.
Morgan and Ben are battling the elements as the weather rages. This makes the crime scene difficult to preserve and the pair do their best to save evidence. Margery commited a terrible crime in the past but has completed her time in prison so deserves the police's usual meticulous focus to catch her killer.
There are some hugely emotive topics covered in this book. Margery was abused and possibly suffering from postnatal depression but there is no doubt that her actions were terrible. Morgan's superior officer is going through a nasty divorce and it is affecting his behaviour. Morgan reacts to both her victim and her boss with compassion as well as professionalism.
There is a spooky element to the book as the house was the site of murders centuries ago. Morgan hears creaking floorboards and whispers but could this be the weather? Her aunt Ettie, an empath and witch, has other ideas and I love her character. Ettie also met Margery in the past and this showed a slightly darker side to her abilities as well as their strength.
The relationships and dynamics between the police characters was fabulous as always in this series. There is teasing and banter but this is all underpinned by respect. The book has plenty of plot twists, despite only having two initial suspects so I was kept guessing. Chapters are quite short so the plot speeds along at a reasonable pace.
Poison Memories is an enjoyable police procedural with a good mystery and strong police team
Poison Memories is the 12th book in the DC Morgan Brookes series of police procedurals set in the Lake District.
Morgan and Ben are battling the elements as the weather rages. This makes the crime scene difficult to preserve and the pair do their best to save evidence. Margery commited a terrible crime in the past but has completed her time in prison so deserves the police's usual meticulous focus to catch her killer.
There are some hugely emotive topics covered in this book. Margery was abused and possibly suffering from postnatal depression but there is no doubt that her actions were terrible. Morgan's superior officer is going through a nasty divorce and it is affecting his behaviour. Morgan reacts to both her victim and her boss with compassion as well as professionalism.
There is a spooky element to the book as the house was the site of murders centuries ago. Morgan hears creaking floorboards and whispers but could this be the weather? Her aunt Ettie, an empath and witch, has other ideas and I love her character. Ettie also met Margery in the past and this showed a slightly darker side to her abilities as well as their strength.
The relationships and dynamics between the police characters was fabulous as always in this series. There is teasing and banter but this is all underpinned by respect. The book has plenty of plot twists, despite only having two initial suspects so I was kept guessing. Chapters are quite short so the plot speeds along at a reasonable pace.
Poison Memories is an enjoyable police procedural with a good mystery and strong police team
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