Die gestohlenen Frauen: Ein rasanter und mitreißender Thriller (Detective Morgan Brookes 10)

Detective Morgan Brookes #10

by Helen Phifer, Helena Küster (translator)

Ein Kranz aus sorgfältig positionierten Rosen sitzt auf dem braunen Haar der jungen Frau. Sie sieht wunderschön aus. Wäre da nicht das Blut, das hinter ihr auf den Stein tropft …

Am Steinkreis von Castlerigg blickt Detective Morgan Brookes erschüttert auf die ermordete junge Frau vor ihr. Ihre Leiche wurde auf der Hügelspitze gefunden; ein Rosenkranz ziert ihren Schopf.

Das weiße Abendkleid, das das Opfer Cora Dalton trägt, weist trotz ihrer durchgeschnittenen Kehle keinerlei Blutspuren auf. Morgan vermutet, dass Cora ihren Mörder kannte und vom Angriff überrascht wurde. Doch alle in ihrem engsten Umkreis scheinen ein Alibi zu haben.

Als Morgans Team herausfindet, dass Cora sich mit einem Fotografen treffen wollte, der ihr Kleid für das Fotoshooting ausgewählt hatte, scheint der Fall gelöst.

Doch während der Fotograf in Gewahrsam ist, wird eine weitere Leiche mit einem Blumenkranz entdeckt und Morgan verliert die einzige Spur, die sie hatte. Als sie die Floristin findet, die die speziellen Rosen verkauft, stellt Morgan entsetzt fest, dass der Mörder drei identische Blumenkränze bestellt hat …

Ein atemberaubend spannender Thriller. Genau das Richtige für Fans von Lisa Regan, Rachel Abbott und Karin Slaughter.

Was über Die gestohlenen Frauen

»Was für ein Buch … voller nervenzerreißender Momente. Ein weiterer erstklassiger Krimi, den ich in einem Rutsch verschlungen habe. Ich habe am frühen Morgen die letzte Seite umgeblättert. OMG dieses Buch ist so gut!!! Eine meiner Lieblingsautorinnen hat wieder einmal einen Volltreffer gelandet.« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Wird dich über deine Schlafenszeit hinaus wachhalten … Drehungen und Wendungen, die dich bis ans schockierende Ende miträtseln lassen … Ich empfehle dieses Buch, diese Autorin und diese Serie wärmstens.« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Packender Thriller … Voller Spannung und Intrige … aufregend und fesselnd.« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Diese Reihe wird immer besser! Ein weiterer großartiger Band, den ich in zwei Sitzungen beendet habe. Mach dich bereit für ein unfassbar fesselndes Buch.« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Hat vor Anspannung mein Herz zum Rasen gebracht … Ein Must-Read.« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

»Es war so fesselnd und intensiv, dass ich das Gefühl hatte, einen Moment zum Durchatmen zu brauchen. Zweimal dachte ich, dass ich die Auflösung erraten hatte!!« Goodreads-Rezension, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2023

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Bookoutune and the brilliant author Helen phifer for an early copy of her book.

This is book ten in this fantastic series,A group of friends go on there yoga class one member is late they stride ahead and find her body in the area of the stone circle with a crown of Rose's on her head..Morgan Brooks and the team and her partner Ben investigates more woman are in danger,can the prevent another murder?..fantastic read wanted abit more dramatic with the ending...looking forward to reading the next instalment as really enjoy this series.

This book will be reviewed on Amazon and goodreads.....

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dead body is discovered at Castlerigg Stone Circle on Ostara, the Spring Equinox. The young woman, whose throat was slit, is wearing a white dress, crown of pink roses, and garland of greens. She is also one of a number of local women who consider themselves witches and is the proprietor of a magical shop. It is up to Detective Morgan Brookes and her colleagues to figure out the significance of the posed body and adornments and find the killer. When they track down the florist who made the crown, they learn that three were ordered; will there be more victims?

This was a fast, engrossing read. I enjoyed the main characters and the convivial relationships within the investigative team. The story is a perfect combination for lovers of British police procedurals and witches! There are a number of suspects and red herrings to keep readers guessing.

This is the tenth in the Detective Morgan Brookes series. Although it does work as a standalone, there are quite a few characters introduced immediately, mostly just by their first names. Since I have only read one other book in this series and it was a while ago, I would have appreciated knowing a little more about their positions, ranks, relationships, histories. Some series authors are very careful to help new readers catch up; that did not occur in this book. I also felt that there was one major question left unanswered about the case. Despite these concerns, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next one.

Thanks to #netgalley and #bookouture for the ARC.

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stolen Darlings (Detective Morgan Brookes Book 10)
By Helen Phifer
Pub Date: 29 Sep 2023
Bookouture
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Rating: 4.5/5

Stolen Darlings (Detective Morgan Brookes Book 10) is an intense and heart-stopping crime thriller from Helen Phifer. It captivated me with its compelling characters and suspenseful plot, leaving me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. Even though this is book 10 of the series, it can be read standalone.

Detective Morgan Brookes is tasked with investigating a murder. Taking in the scene, Morgan notices the roses in the victim's hair shimmering in the light. She notes that Cora's body is perfectly positioned, and that a pool of blood has collected on the boulder beneath her. The killer of Cora arranged her corpse in a symbolic and calculated manner. As Morgan examines the crime scene, it is evident that the killer was not just methodical, but also meticulous in their execution. Morgan and her team are determined to find the murderer before someone else falls prey to their evil.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this book with me. It is a pleasure to read Helen Phifer's intricate mysteries as a long-time fan of her work. Helen Phifer's mastery of creating suspense and intrigue in her stories is truly brilliant.

#StolenDarlingsDetectiveMorganBrookesBook10 #HelenPhifer #books #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #netgalley

[Valleri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to both Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Stolen Darlings, by Helen Phifer. Expected publication September 29, 2023. This is book 10 in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series.

It’s never quiet for Ben, Morgan, and the team! When a body is discovered posed on a stone circle, wearing a long white gown, and with a crown of darling roses on her head, it promises to be another race against the clock.

I'm not sure Stolen Darlings can be read as a standalone as there are a lot of characters, as well as twists and turns, to keep track of. Those things made the book feel a bit more complicated than it needed to be.

I definitely liked Stolen Darlings, although I didn't love it.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Darlings is another great Detective Morgan Brookes story and one that I couldn't put down. This outing has Morgan and the rest of the team after a killer. Finding the body of a woman who reads tarot cards and sells crystals in her job, displayed on a flat stone at a stone circle with her neck slashed, they are stumped. When a second victim is found at another circle in a similar way, they are lucky that she was found by a woman walking her dog and able to keep her alive until paramedics arrive. It appears that modern day witches are being targeted. That means that Morgan's aunt, Ettie could also be in danger making it personal. Can they figure out the puzzled and catch the killer before another woman ends up dead?

This was a fast-paced, gripping read that was a great addition to this series. I love the characters in this series, their relationships to one another, their banter, and caring nature. They work together well to solve the crimes and it is almost like they can intuit what the others are thinking or will do. Morgan is a great lead in these books. She almost has a sixth sense when it comes to sussing out clues and putting puzzles together. She has excellent powers of observation and not much gets by her. There were several suspects, twists and red herrings that kept me guessing, but I did figure this one out a bit before the final reveal. Not only do we follow the criminal case, but we also see Morgan and Ben together as their relationship has developed from the first books. Although each book in the series could be read as a standalone, I recommend you read them all to see the relationships develop and to enjoy some excellent crime thrillers. This was another one that I could not put down!

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

Stolen Darlings by Helen Phifer is the 10th in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.


Series Background:    (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Morgan Brookes is a Detective Constable for Rydal Falls.  She lives and works with her boyfriend, DS Ben Matthews, her boss.  They've discovered he has some heart issues, but things are good.  Other cast members include Amy,  Wendy, Cain, Will, Cathy and Mads.   They are still mourning the loss of a fellow team-member, Des.  Their new boss is DI Mark Howard, and they are getting used to him.  Their go-to Forensic Pathologist (and friend) is Declan Donnelly.  After losing her mother to suicide,  Morgan finally got to know her alcoholic step-dad, who turned out to be a good guy, but Stan is now dead (murdered).  Both Morgan's brother, and her biological father, Gary Marks,  are serial killers.  Morgan's aunt Ettie is considered a "kitchen witch".



My Synopsis:  (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Cora Dalton's body is found laying across  one of the stones at Castlerigg Stone Circle, where she and a group of friends were supposed to be celebrating Ostara (the spring equinox).  She has a crown of Darling roses on her head.  Her throat has been slit. 

Cora was popular in town, owning a small shop selling "witchy" things, and giving tarot readings.   Her store is just between a florist and a bookstore, and both owners are devastated.  Cora's partner, Jay Keegan, is a history teacher, and is, of course, the prime suspect.  Of course, there is a local photographer who also comes to light.

But then, another woman's throat is slashed, and she has the same flowers in her hair.  She, too, is part of the "witchy" community.

The team is following leads all over the place, and Morgan is starting to worry about her Aunt Ettie.  Could she become the next victim?



My Opinions:
Although I'm behind, I really like this series.  The books are such easy reads, and always have an entertaining plot.  I particularly liked this one.

I love the relationship between Morgan and Ben.  Their team feels like their family, including the bickering.  I was happy to see that both Theo and Ettie made an appearance in this story. 

There were a number of suspects, and everyone seemed to be hiding something.

Anyway, this was a great addition to the series.  Please read them in order.  Since I'm behind, I already have the next book, so I'm looking forward to diving in next month.



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/

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

STOLEN DARLING is the Tenth book in a police procedural series featuring Detective Morgan Brookes by Helen Phifer. I have read most 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)
13. Two Broken Girls (2024)
14. Their Dying Embrace (2025)
15. Twisted Bones (2025)
16. Gone in the Night (2025)

This is my review of Stolen Darlings.

DC Morgan Brookes is working in the CID office, in Rydal Falls, known as CAST, Crime and Safeguarding Team. Detective Morgan Brookes and her boss, Sergeant Ben Matthews are a couple, and are living together at Ben’s house.

The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith
Cain Robson
Amber-Police Constable

A group of women from a yoga group found a body at Castlerigg Stone Circle, and DS Ben Matthews and DC Morgan Brookes have been notified to report to the crime scene.

Here they find a young woman has been killed, left on display at the top of the hill with a crown of roses on her head. The body was found by Izzy a member of the yoga group and the yoga teacher, Freya Walker, who identified the victim as her best friend Cora Dalton.

Cora’s throat had been slit but it was evident that she hadn’t struggled, as there was no blood on her white gown. Cora must have known her killer. But everyone, including her boyfriend Jay, has an alibi.

Then Morgan’s team discover that a local photographer had arranged to meet Cora, and it’s clear from his messages that he chose her white dress.

Then another body is found at another stone circle, wearing an identical flower crown, while the photographer is in custody.

Morgan tracks down the florist who made the crown, and realises the killer purchased three circles of roses…

Morgan must act quickly to prevent another murder.

This was a gripping new crime thriller in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets stronger and stronger with no let up in the pace. I drop all my other books when a Helen Phifer novel is released because I know they are such a good read. I literally cannot put them down.
I love the camaraderie of the team, they all work well together and despite the seriousness of the case there are still some lighthearted moments to break up the tragedies.
Thank you Helen for writing such great books and to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read them as an advance copy. My views as always are my own

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

DC Morgan Brookes intends on participating a half-marathon with Cain so reluctantly training. However, while just about to start her run, she gets a call. A body has been found. As working cases and solving murders is Morgan‘s strong suit, her focus shifts from the marathon to the current murder.

The woman that was found murdered was headed to a yoga session. Who is the killer? And was she specifically targeted? As the victim was found at a stone circle, in a flowing dress with a flower crown, her death appeared as if it were a human sacrifice. That was Morgan's initial thought.

Morgan's inborn alarm system has lately been beginning to stress her out but she doesn’t want to worry Ben, her boss but also her boyfriend.

While the murder appeared rather gruesome and brutal, the victim, Cora, had no defensive wounds. Thus Morgan, Ben, Cain and the rest of the team begin to dig for answers. One powerful clue was the flower crown, a particular type of rose. As only so many of those roses might be available, Morgan is worried that yet another murder might take place.

b>Stolen Darlings was a truly gripping story. I had to sit down and devour it in one sitting. I have loved this series from the start and am thrilled that this is the tenth book. In fact, I am about to sit down and read the next in the series, Save Her Twice. Helen Phifer keeps this series going strong, with both the cases are always of great interest and Morgan is a wonderful protagonist and it has been a joy to get to know Morgan as the series has come along.

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

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are getting so much better as the series goes on!! I hope that even when this series ends that Helen Phifer will continue to write other ones. This was filled with drama and mysteries the whole way through, and I hadn’t suspected the person.

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Darlings is Book 10 featuring Morgan Brookes in a well written suspenseful read.

This one is my favourite to date (until Book 11 ).

Morgan and Ben are racing against the clock to find out who is killing potentially three women.

The first victim is found posed with a crown of roses around her head.

All three women consider themselves witches.

Red herrings, twists and turns keep those pages turning and the lights on until the final page.

Helen Phifer always leaves you wanting more of series with Morgan and Ben.

I will be first in line for Book 11 and cant wait to see where the next book takes us all.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a page turning read.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 3 out of 5]

On I go to book 10 in this series. Having read this series in quick succession I am getting a little annoyed with Morgan being the hero every time and although this wasn't the worst culprit for this it still leaves some of the other team members in the shadows.

So for those that haven't read any books in this series, Morgan is a young rookie copper who is now part of the murder team. Her Boss Ben also happens to be her partner, and alongside Cain and Amy they are investigating the death of a young woman named Cora. The storyline was as ever reasonably engaging and the writing is decent. I think my middle of the road feelings is maybe due to having read them in the series so close together.

As much as Morgan always ending up the hero irritates me, I cannot seem to stop myself from reading the next books, so clearly Phifer is a skilled author that has the ability to leave the reader wanting more!

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books and really loved the witchy storyline in this one.

I just find the last few have ended abruptly. I wanted to know Cain was ok after his surgery, I expected this in an epilogue but the story just came to a stop 🤷🏼‍♀️

Apart from that it’s a great read!

[naty · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was crazy but not as crazy as the other books in this series. though i had predicted who it was towards the end, but the plot had made me scream in a sleeping house at 1:30am

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you believe we're up to book 10 of this exciting series already? I have followed the exploits of Morgan, Ben and their team since the second book "The Killer's Girl" and it has been tension-filled and not-so-smooth-sailing from the start. Since the brutal murder of one of their own, they have recruited one of their favourite uniforms into CID and he has made himself right at home and has quickly made his mark with them.

In this installment, we see Morgan and Ben called out to Castlerigg Stone Circle with the murder of twenty eight year old Cora Dalton, a young woman who owned a witchcraft shop Black Moon in Kewsick High Street. Cora was found by her friends on the morning of what was to be a yoga outing to mark the Ostara (something I'm not at all familiar with but something to do with stars and spring or something). What they find on the flat stone is Cora's body with her neck slashed and dressed in a sheer white gown wearing a floral crown of roses and a garland of oak leaves.

The area is cordoned off and the team get to investigating the murder. They are quick to suspect the boyfriend who is a history teacher at a nearby school, particularly when it comes to light that he has something of a temper on him. Had he been violent towards Cora? Did she fear for her life?

While the team are busying questioning him and a local photographer, Morgan received a call from a neighbouring unit about a similar attack on another young woman. This time she survived thanks to an off-duty paramedic walking her dog who was quick to administer first aid and call for help. Tabitha King is rushed to surgery but is not out of the woods yet. Will she live long enough to give Morgan the breakthrough that they need?

Then they receive the disturbing news that the young man who works in the bookshop next to Cora's nan has gone missing. Morgan isn't worried as the woman is 68 and the killer's MO is that of young women. But then Lewis reveals that she runs a witchcraft shop nearby. Could this just be a coincidence? Both Cora and Tabitha ran similar types of shops. Should they be worried? Has the killer gone after the young man's nan this time?

With no shortage of suspects, the team are left racing for time to uncover the killer before he kills again. He'd purchased three rose crowns, two of which have been used. So he has one more left. Will Morgan and her team find him in time?

Another super read by Helen Phifer though once again Morgan continues to go in gung-ho to apprehend any suspect single-handedly that it is becoming a bit predictable. I enjoy this series but would prefer a little less predictability when it comes to Morgan as we all know what she's going to do and that it will always be her left chasing down the villain at the end of the day, sometimes to her own detriment. But what makes this series so enjoyable is the camaraderie within the team. I love reading their banter which I often enjoy more than than the investigation. It makes the series a pleasure to read. But please, make Morgan a little less predictable.

Overall, another cracker read and addition to the series. I love the Lake District setting. A normally tranquil setting rocked by the deluge of murders penned by Phifer.

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

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

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Darlings is Book 10 in the amazing Detective Morgan Brooke series by Helen Phifer. Yes we are already on book number 10 ! I’ve probably mentioned this many times before that I’m a massive fan of this series. They honestly just keep on getting better and better. In this one Brooke’s and her colleagues are trying desperately to track down the killer of a popular and dearly loved local shopkeeper Cora Dalton. Her body was discovered at a local beauty spot . Morgan and the team fear there could be more lives at risk and will leave no stone unturned until the killer is brought to justice.
Oh my word this is yet again another absolutely outstanding and fantastic read in this series. It is one of those books that you can easily read in one sitting, you know the kind where you get to the end of the chapter and say oh just one more and before you know it you’ve finished the book. I really don’t know how Helen Phifer does it but she has this fantastic knack of letting you suspect a certain character of the crimes and you’re totally convinced you’re on the right track and then bam you realise you’ve been on the wrong track, just brilliant. So all in all another unputdownable read with super characters I’ve been invested in since the very start of the series. This can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the previous book in the series to get to know and understand the characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

Detective Morgan Brookes is back with another disturbing and confounding case.

When Morgan and Ben are called to Castlerigg Stone Circle after a young woman named Cora is found dead left on display with a crown of roses on her head. And Morgan is quick to notice the lack of a struggle or blood on the victims outfit.

So did Cora know her killer?

However, everyone she interacted with has an alibi, including her friends, boyfriend, neighbours, and even the local pervert. 

And as the community begins to mourn. The team struggle to find answers. 

Yet they do know this killer will strike again and at least two more people will die if they don't stop them. 

And then another body is found. Not even twelve hours after Cora was discovered. 

Only this time the killer has been careless and made a big mistake.

And as Ben, Morgan, Cain and Amy close in on the killer and try to keep each other and those they love safe; danger strikes. As this killer is closer to them than they could've ever imagined.

And with great twists and a nice amount of suspense. Not to mention a killer, I did not expect. This was another enjoyable addition to the series. I just wish it hadn't ended so abruptly.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of Stolen Darlings. 😊

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book and it was a gripping one right from the first chapter with a dead body of a woman and its a race against time for morgan and her fellow officers to find the killer before he strikes again this one will have you on the edge of your seat... so many red herrings and never saw it coming who the killer was and it was nice to catch up with morgan and ben and the rest of the gang cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

26 mal Kaffee erwähnt, neuer Kandidat für schlimmstes Wort: „Kuchen“ mit 30 Erwähnungen.

Auf die Seitenanzahl gerechnet macht das eine Erwähnung von Kaffee oder Kuchen alle 5 Seiten.

Story war auch super Scheiße sorry Helen, normalerweise ist es halbwegs spannend aber das war Schnarchtown Population: ich als ich das Buch las

[Sandie Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Phifer has done it once again. This one grabs you at the outset and doesn't let go until the surprising end. Looking forward many more in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.

[Marie Wikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read by Helen!! I love this series and cannot wait to pick up her other series

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the characters and flow of this series so I’ll probably read another installment but this book, as I say a lot, ended too quickly. It felt like the climax happened and the book ended 2 pages later.

I am a kindle reader and I’m always disappointed when a book ends at 85% like this one did. I thought that I had several chapters left but it was just advertisements for other books!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Darlings by Helen Phifer is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Sarah, a young woman whose life is forever changed when her daughter is kidnapped. As Sarah desperately searches for her daughter, she discovers a sinister conspiracy that threatens to tear her family apart.

The story is told from Sarah’s point of view and readers will quickly become invested in her journey. Sarah is a strong and capable character who is willing to do anything to get her daughter back. Despite her immense fear and anguish, she never gives up hope and finds strength in her family and friends.

The novel is filled with suspense and intrigue, and readers will be kept guessing until the very end. Phifer’s writing is masterful, and she keeps the plot moving at a steady pace. She does a great job of building tension and creating a sense of dread. The characters are well developed and their motivations are believable.

The pace of the novel is perfect, and readers will feel like they are on the edge of their seat as they turn the page. Phifer does an excellent job of maintaining the suspense throughout the novel and the plot twists and turns are sure to keep readers guessing.

Overall, Stolen Darlings is an exciting and thrilling read. Phifer’s writing is compelling and her characters are believable. The novel is a perfect blend of suspense and emotion that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Highly recommended.

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Phifer is a witch and I know she will take that as the compliment it is meant as. She absolutely has me spellbound with this series and this one was no different.

Perfect for Halloween season, the victims this time are all linked by Ostara and their pagan shops and traditions. Could Morgan and the team have a modern day witchhunter on their patch?

I love the relationships that Helen has created within this series and as we are now at book ten they are so fully developed they feel like family. Caring for them, often means I’m stupidly warning certain characters not to do things (like they can hear me). This was so suspenseful and with multiple possible suspects that happened fairly often.

Unusually for me I did twig, just before the reveal, who was behind it all. Morgan is obviously rubbing off on me or maybe I have developed witchy senses.

Fast paced, tightly plotted and loaded with banter I’m now excited to see what happens next for Morgan, Ben and the team.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

My immediate question is who?? Who is slitting throats of young women poised in stone circles??
Phifer sent me and the team on several wild goose chases almost to the point of me wanting to find a flat rock to lie upon and see which character the act would flush out.
I love the witchy context in the story as well as the banter and camaraderie among Morgan’s team. Cain was in his element in one scene with women fussing over him.
I began the book laughing since Morgan was wheezing while running after betting Cain she could beat him in a half marathon. I spent seven years running and hated every minute and love that I no longer torture myself.
The best of the book for me are the tender scenes between Morgan and Ben.
Can’t wait it catch up with the team again!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read police procedural series!
Detective Morgan Brookes takes us on a dark, sinister journey when a body is found on a stone circle. Can she figure out what is going on before more bodies are discovered? Is there a witchy theme to what is going on?
I always enjoy the banter and friendships between Morgan and her team.
Definitely a fast paced, engrossing story.
I do encourage you to read the series in order because there is so much backstory to the characters that is important.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jenn Brouwer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore this author but this was not my personal favourite. I can’t exactly put my finger on why but there were perhaps too many suspects that were brought into the limelight. I found it moved a little bit slower than most of her books as well and it jumped around a bit . However the story line was great, the main character was great. It was told well. I feel like maybe I just was not the perfect audience for this one. I am still pleased that I was given the chance to read it as it was absolutely worth the read it was just a bit less crisp and fast than I usually prefer. But I still recommend giving this a chance.

[Tove R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the Morgan Brookes series. Creepy murders and great characters are what comes to my mind at first. This book has yoga an witches, flowers and red herrings. I love the police procedures and to follow the team members and how they interact.

You can’t go wrong by devouring this series, because it’s addictive, and who wouldn’t love Morgan?

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping addition to the Morgan Brookes series and what a read. Each new book goes straight to the top of my reading pile. Another rollercoaster of a crime thriller full of action with plenty of heart stopping moments and great storytelling. Another first class crime thriller from one of my favourite author's. Absolutely loved it!!!!
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.

[Ola · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get past chapter 2. While the main characters were somewhat annoying and plain in the previous books, in this one they are just insufferable from the very beginning and I just couldn’t ignore it any longer. It’s a shame because the idea for the plot was quite interesting but the writing just didn’t cut it for me in this one.