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Detective Morgan Brookes #14

Their Dying Embrace

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Morgan kneels beside the fluttering crime scene tape. Their hands clasped, the couple’s embrace looks loving and warm, but an icy chill grips the air. Their lips are blue, and blood is dripping on the floor. They have been silenced forever…

When sweet-natured teaching assistant Rosie Waite, and her boyfriend Matt, are found dead in their quaint family home in the Lake District, Detective Morgan Brookes is horrified. Sleeping just two doors down, she heard no screams for help, no slamming doors, or alarms in the night. A twisted killer nailed the couple’s lips shut, and Morgan vows to keep watch over every innocent family in Rydal Falls until this monster is brought to justice.

Climbing the narrow attic staircase as she searches every inch of the property, Morgan finds a mattress on the floor, empty food wrappers, and a letter that if you’ve found this, you’re next to die. Fear washes over Morgan’s team; the killer was watching his victims, and now her life is at risk.

Ignoring pleas that she take a step back, Morgan throws herself harder at the case discovering that the nails used to bind the victims’ lips were pierced with expert equipment. And Matt had been asking questions at a local tattoo parlour. Everyone thought he and Rosie were a quiet, kind-hearted couple, but was Matt hiding a dangerous secret? Did he betray the woman he loved?

It’s the break Morgan desperately needs, until one of her closest friends is attacked. His lifeless body, crimson with blood, left surrounded by jagged nails – an exact match to the ones pierced into Matt and Rosie. The killer has been watching from the shadows again. Morgan’s used to putting her life on the line to protect the innocent, but what must she sacrifice to save the people she loves most? And how many precious lives will be lost before she can stop this killer?

A must-read and an unstoppable thrill-ride. Fans of Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Rachel McLean will be blown away by the heart-racing tension in this absolutely unputdownable crime thriller.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2025

1509 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Helen Phifer

51 books1,224 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea.
695 reviews
January 11, 2025
This is book 14 in this fantastic series.one of my favourite authors and series.Morgan Brooks, and the team on another case. This one is close to home.A neighbour they went to their barbecue a couple has been found dead in a brutal way,the killer put nails in their lips.it had to be someone in there home.Morgan friend was also attacked over the head,was it the same killer?another nail biting read wish there was more people who could of done this crime as easy to work out who done it..still an engaging read.looking forward to reading the next instalment...
Profile Image for Judy.
1,481 reviews144 followers
January 21, 2025
Wow! I can't believe this is the first book I've read by Helen Phifer - it looks like she's a prolific author. This is the fourteenth book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, so I've missed a great deal. The book is easily read as a stand alone though so I didn't feel like I was behind. Although since I enjoyed the detective and the book I will certainly be reading more.

Description:
The book starts with a couple being murdered a couple of houses down from Morgan's home. Apparently no one heard anything happening or had any information. The murder was horrific with some very strange physical evidence. It was hard to know where to start the investigation with few clues. Then Morgan finds a note that says "if you’ve found this, you’re next to die." Well, that's scary. Morgan felt like she was being watched. Morgan finally discovers a couple of leads and begins running them down. This was a difficult investigation to say the least. I would recommend this book to any crime thriller lover.

Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,898 reviews452 followers
December 27, 2024
Detective Morgan Brookes has an immediate change of plans when she is called to the scene of a double murder. Just two doors down from her home, an absolutely heinous crime has been committed, along with a gruesome signature. The couple that were killed are Rosie and Matt, and as the opening scene proved, Rosie’s feeling of being terrified was absolutely justified.

Morgan is determined to find the killer, but is chilled to the bone when she discovers a threatening note: if you’ve found this, you’re next to die. Morgan is filled with a feeling of dread since that threatening note fell into her hands. The killer is not finished.

As the case unfolds, the clues are scarce, and Morgan can’t shake her uncertainty. But, as usual, even if she’s a target herself, she presses on, following any leads she can find. Disturbingly, another attack close to home intensifies the urgency.

Fourteen books in, and this book is just as captivating as when the series first began. We witness Morgan’s blossoming relationship with fellow detective Ben, showcasing their mutual hard work and dedication.

One aspect I admire about this series and Helen Phifer’s writing style is the assurance that you’re in for a treat. So, settle in with a warm beverage, relax, and indulge, as you won’t want to put this book down.

I must mention a delightful touch that brought a smile to my face amidst the seriousness of the crimes. It’s the reference to the Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan. I love it when a mention like this enhances an already enjoyable read.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,723 reviews52 followers
December 28, 2024
D Morgan Brookes 14
With Morgan Ben and the rest of the team.
Rosie Waite is hearing noises in her attic again leaving Matt in bed snoring she heads downstairs from watching to many scary movies she see's a shadow but doesn't notice the narrow metal ice axe.
With Morgan and Ben living a few doors away this turns into a double murder for Rydel Falls police.
It's a story that is so twisted, fantastic, leaving you with plenty of goosebumps.
I love reading this series and all the characters that blends in perfectly together.
A big 5 stars as always goes to this author's work.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,417 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2025
THEIR DYING EMBRACE is book 14 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)
13. Two Broken Girls (2024)
14. Their Dying Embrace (2025)

This is my review of Their Dying Embrace

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

When Rosie Waite, a teaching assistant and her boyfriend Matt, were found dead in their home in the Lake District, Detective Morgan Brookes is alarmed as she lives just two doors down. She never heard anything in the night. The sadistic killer had nailed the couple’s lips shut.

Morgan vows to catch this monster and keep the people safe in Rydal Falls.

After searching the property, Morgan finds a letter, a death threat, “ if you’ve found this, you’re next to die.”

Morgan’s team are fearful, and recognize Morgan’s life is at risk, and beg her to back away..but she refuses.

Morgan discovered that the piercing had been done with expert equipment. And Matt had been asking questions at a local tattoo parlor.

But then One of Morgan’s closest friends was attacked. His bloodied body was surrounded by nails – an exact match to the ones pierced into Matt and Rosie.

How will Morgan catch this killer?

A well-written crime detective novel with relatable characters, another unputdownable crime thriller.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Profile Image for Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich.
1,527 reviews199 followers
May 3, 2025

Their Dying Embrace by Helen Phifer is the 14th in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, and has a double murder occurring just down the street from Morgan and Ben.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.



Helen Phifer continues to keep entertaining us with interesting plots, and fast-paced stories.  I'm not sure what series it was where someone was hiding in the attic and going between houses, but the beginning of this started sounding familiar, until it wasn't.  The nail through the lips was a little gruesome, and the whole thing was really creepy.  I felt Morgan's fear as she tried to sleep in her own home.  The author really invoked those creepy vibes.  

The team continues to grow closer, bringing their boss a little more into the fold.  The relationship between Ben and Morgan (which I did not approve of in the early books),  has gotten even deeper, and I would not be surprised if there was a wedding in the future.  I'm okay with that now.

Overall, this was a good addition to the series

This one had a lot going on, and a lot of characters.  The pace was fast and furious.

As always, the team and their camaraderie shone through.  Their bickering and jibes make them a true family.  I still have a bit of a problem with Morgan always going off on her own -- she just makes it harder for the team to concentrate on the case, since they are always worrying about her.

There's not a lot to say that I haven't said before.  These books are really entertaining, with good plots, great characters, and although each could be read as a stand-alone, they are much better if you have the history.

OMG, I thought I was caught up....there's another one!  Sort of YAY.


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Martha.
478 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2025
Love Morgan and the rest of the crew. Bring on book 15
Profile Image for Shereadbookblog.
973 reviews
December 22, 2024
Detective Morgan Brooks is back on the job after being injured. When a couple two doors down from her and her partner, Ben’s house in Rydal Falls is found murdered, they take the case even though it is their day off. The murders are gruesome and suspicion falls on a number of different suspects. Tension mounts as Morgan finds a threatening note and someone close to her is assaulted in a similar manner to the dead couple’s attack.

This is the fourteenth in the Morgan Brooks series. Helen Phifer is one of those authors for whom when I see her name, I request the title without reading the synopsis. She writes one of those books I have to force myself to put down or I would accomplish nothing until it is finished. This latest entry in the series does not disappoint.

There are twists (wait til you read one of them!) in this suspenseful story. Morgan is a capable, empathetic female protagonist. I enjoy her character and the convivial, teasing relationships within the investigative team.
As an aside, I smiled at the reference to Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn series, another of my favorites.

If you enjoy mysteries, police procedurals, thrillers, check this one out.


Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
Profile Image for Julie Lacey.
2,026 reviews130 followers
February 1, 2025
Another brilliant book from Helen Phifer.
Morgan and Ben quickly have to change their plans for their day off when a couple are found murdered a few houses away from theirs.
Morgan is shocked when she sees them and to make it worse, it seems someone had been spying on them from their attic.
While Morgan and the team are busy trying to solve the murder a very close friend is attacked and left for dead.
Morgan and Ben are shocked that this could happen and push the team to try and find the link between these crimes.
There’s a few twists in this book which completely took me by surprise, and I loved it.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for janine.
784 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2024
Helen Phifer has fast become one of my go to authors, one that I get excited about as soon as I see her name appear on any ARC's and one that I know I don't have to even glance at the synopsis for as I 100% know I'll be all in!

Unbooked #14 of the Detective Morgan Brookes series, Morgan is still recovering from her injuries (book #13) and isn't yet back on full duty, until, on her day off, herself and her partner and boos Ben recieve a call. Their neighbours, Rosie and Matt, have been found brutally murdered. Whilst not on duty, they can't just walk away and step in to help.

On searching the scene and with hints from Rosie's friend Gina, who found the couple, that Rosie had been hearing noises coming from the attic, Morgan searches the attic and is confronted with a note that sends shivers down her spine... "If you've found this, you're next to die." Is the killer actually after her? When their good friend Theo is attacked at his church, this makes it feel like the note is definitely more of a personal threat.

Morgan starts digging, and as the case unfolds, clues are few and far between, but Morgans dogged determination sets in. Something is niggling at the back of her brain, she just has to try and fit all the pieces together.

Not everything or everyone is truly as it seems!

I can't go into too much detail without spoiling the plot, so *NO SPOILERS*

This is one hell of a rollercoaster ride that had me hooked and captivated every twist and turn. I can honestly say that I am just as enthralled in this series as I was at the very beginning.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Profile Image for Lisa Ritterhoff.
10 reviews
May 15, 2025
255 Seiten, 67 Mal Kaffee, 67 mal das Wort „shrugged“ was in der kommenden deutschen Version wahrscheinlich 67 mal Schulterzucken bedeutet Thank you God dass die Übersetzung noch nicht veröffentlicht ist
Story war langweilig tbh wusste bis Seite 200 nicht mal was das Problem ist und da waren schon 3 Leute mit ner Axt oder so gekillt worden
Um mit was positiven zu beenden: nur noch ein Buch to go und dann widme ich mich schönen Dingen, hab da bereits was in der Pipeline für die Fans
Profile Image for Lori Martin.
389 reviews255 followers
February 2, 2025
Their Dying Embrace is book 14 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series by Helen Phifer! This is one of the best books in the series if not the very best! I absolutely devoured the book in 1 day as I couldn't put it down! This series is one of my favorites, but this book had twists I didn't see coming that blew my mind! What a fantastic thriller! If you've never read a book in the series you will be fine reading this as a standalone. Don't miss this fantastic book just because you haven't read the others.

Morgan and Ben are supposed to have the day off and have been looking forward to it. As they're planning their trip to Liverpool, there's a knock at the door. It's Amy, one of the other detectives on their team. She wants to let them know that they found a horrific scene 2 doors down at their neighbor's house. All of a sudden Morgan and Ben's day off doesn't seem very important and they jump into action. They head to their neighbor's house, suit up, and go in. They find Rosie and her boyfriend Matt dead on the floor of their bathroom. Their hands are together, but the heads have been beaten badly. The worst part is that someone has put nails through their lips to keep their mouths shut. There's blood everywhere and it looks like one of them was downstairs when they were killed and dragged up to the bathroom.

Who would do this and why? No one heard any screams, no one saw any strangers or strange cars, nothing! Morgan and Ben live in a quiet neighborhood and can't believe this happened 2 doors down from them. It is worrisome to say the least. Was someone sending them a message by doing this? Gina, a friend of Rosie's found them. They were supposed to meet for coffee and Rosie didn't show. Gina came in and was horrified at what she found. She tells Morgan that Rosie had texted her last night late. The text said she heard noises above her coming from the attic. Gina told her it was probably a squirrel or bird and to get some rest. What if it wasn't? Gina felt terrible now. When Morgan goes up to check out the attic she finds empty bags of chips, soda cans, a mattress, and a pillow. She also finds a hole in the floor that looked down into the bathroom. Someone had been up here spying on Rosie and Matt!

The investigation begins with the neighbors. Someone had to have seen something, right? Morgan finds out Matt had been to a. local tattoo and piercing place recently asking questions. She goes to the store to find out what he wanted. As she's interviewing the owner's daughter who talked to Matt, Morgan receives terrible news. One of her best friends was attacked and may not make it. Morgan receives a threatening message that she's next. Will Morgan and the team be able to solve the case before more people are murdered? Will her friend pull through? Is Morgan in danger again? This book will have you so worked up that you won't be able to stop reading it. The big twist is incredible and Helen Phifer is brilliant for coming up with it. I never saw it coming and had the wrong person as the killer. I rate Their Dying Embrace 5 stars with my highest recommendation. Trust me when I say you don't want to miss this book! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Their Dying Embrace in exchange for a fair review. #TheirDyingEmbrace
255 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2025
Well where to start with this one? What else to say other than go and read it!!
This may be book 14 in the series but can be read as a stand alone, however the twists and turns and suspense are so good you will go and read all the others!
There’s never a dull moment, there is always something happening. Even if you haven’t met the regular characters before, you will soon pick up who is who and feel you are a fly on the wall watching the dramas unfold.

Now don’t let this book fool you, you may think it’s drawing to its conclusion, but there are still a few more twists!

It’s a fast paced story, following the police as they try to find out who murdered two people in a house just a couple of doors away from our main characters house. Are the murders some how related to them and their work or just a coincidence??
Ensure you have plenty of time to read this as you will find it hard to put down, especially when you are about 50% through.

What else can I say? Go and buy it, clear your day, read!
Profile Image for Trina Dixon.
1,023 reviews50 followers
December 23, 2024
Love love love this series, the murders in Rydal Falls are never ending and this one in particular is very close to home for Morgan and Ben. On a very well deserved day off they're called to a house 2 doors away to the brutal murder of neighbours Rosie and Matt. Taking on the case they find themselves caught up in deceit and again tragedy.
In this novel, Morgan seems to have learnt a little bit and thinks about her actions rather than going all guns blazing as she often has, maybe she has her injury from the previous novel to thank for that. A few heart stopping, breathtaking moments too, please don't do this too me Helen.
Brilliant, fast paced, I couldn't put it down
Profile Image for Angie.
109 reviews20 followers
January 8, 2025
I have been a fan of Detective Morgan Brookes since the first book. This title did not disappoint at all. There was parts that made you scratch your head and say did I just read that? Then other parts were just like okay, okay – don’t do this to us. But totally loved it and cant wait for the next chapter case involving her. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC – I was so honored to be chosen. #HelenPhifer #TheirDyingEmbrace #NetGalley
Profile Image for Leona.
1,501 reviews
February 7, 2025
The fourteenth book in this series is yet again another unputdownable read packed with twists and turns. Helen Phifer is one of my go to authors and I don’t even need to read the book blurb to know how good this book will be. Once I started this book I was immersed in the world of Morgan and the rest of the police team. There is so much going on in this book and my heart was in my mouth at times. Everything about this book from the story to the characters is just fantastic and I can’t wait to hear what’s next in store for Morgan, Ben and the rest of the crew.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,098 reviews20 followers
January 1, 2025
A killer is too close to home for Morgan and Ben and the race is on to find out who carried out the gruesome murders. As always a heart racing read from start to finish. Morgan and Ben are such great characters and the little touches with Helen’s own gothic inspirations are really fantastic and the nods to her own favourite authors and places. Thank you to @bookouture and Helen for this arc in exchange for my honest review. .
Profile Image for Judy Odom.
1,912 reviews46 followers
December 29, 2024
Their Dying Embrace is fast paced, hold your breath and hope for the best for Morgan after returning to work from a severe head injury.

This time the murder is too close to home: its on Ben and Morgans's street and they have met the victims.

Its a gruesome murder with a more than a few suspects.

Secrets, lies, deceit and the bodies are piling up.

Ben and Morgan and the team are racing the clock with little to go on.

Helen Phifer does a masterful job of keeping the reader guessig and holding their breath.

My only complaint is I did not want the book to end.

Superb series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing Their Dying Embrace.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,367 reviews135 followers
February 20, 2025
✅ Another twisted suspense mystery for Detective Morgan Brookes to unravel. When this happens just a few houses away from her home, Morgan is shocked.
Morgan is still in recovery mode from her previous injury while on the job…..can she manage to investigate what is going on without jeopardizing her well being?
Morgan, Ben and her team have their hands full trying to figure out what is going on. And, what is going on is shocking all of them.
The Detective Morgan Brookes series is a gripping mystery suspense crime thriller. Reading the books in order would be best. There is so much backstory to main characters that is important to know.
*I never did figure out who the killer was until it was revealed at the end.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
4 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2025
Another Thrilling Tale!

I found these books in January, and I have binge read all 14!! Now I am stuck waiting for the next one.
These are fabulous books to read, and I have been shouting at the characters like I'm watching a movie. The characters are relatable, the story lines gripping, and I would definitely recommend this one and them all.
Profile Image for Meg Pearson.
391 reviews9 followers
January 3, 2025
Helen Phifer delivers another thrilling and emotionally charged addition to the Detective Morgan Brookes series with Their Dying Embrace. This 14th installment is as captivating and fast-paced as ever, with Phifer’s signature ability to blend suspense, dark psychology, and gripping police procedural elements shining through on every page.

The story kicks off with a chilling crime: Rosie Waite and her boyfriend, Matt, are found brutally murdered just two doors down from Morgan’s own home. What should have been a rare day off for Morgan and her partner, Ben, quickly becomes a harrowing case that hits far too close to home. Adding to the horror is a threatening note found at the scene, ominously stating, "If you’ve found this, you’re next to die." The tension skyrockets as Morgan realizes the killer may be targeting her next.

As the team races against time to uncover the truth, secrets unravel, and every lead seems to bring them closer to danger. From eerie attic discoveries to unexpected twists, the plot keeps readers hooked, blending high-stakes drama with emotional depth. Morgan’s resilience is put to the test, especially as another attack strikes close to her circle of loved ones.

Highlights:
Complex Characters: Morgan continues to grow as a character, balancing her dedication to justice with the personal challenges that come with being so deeply involved in the cases she works. Her dynamic with Ben adds an extra layer of warmth and humanity to the story, and the camaraderie within the team remains one of the series’ strengths.
Engaging Plot: The twists and turns are expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Phifer’s ability to weave suspense and misdirection ensures that the identity of the killer remains a mystery until the final reveal.
Atmospheric Writing: The eerie setting of the Lake District and the chilling premise of a stalker hiding in plain sight add a haunting quality to the narrative.
Continuity: Fans of the series will appreciate the continuation of Morgan’s personal journey, while new readers will find enough context to enjoy the book as a standalone.
Final Thoughts:
Their Dying Embrace is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. Helen Phifer’s ability to create compelling characters and gripping narratives makes this a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the series or new to Detective Morgan Brookes, this book is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries with emotional depth. Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,615 reviews179 followers
January 30, 2025
Their Dying Embrace is the 14th book in the Detective Morgan Brooks series and I am always surprised at how original and twisty each book is. Helen Phifer has penned a series where I look forward to reading every book that comes out. This book opens with a double murder in a home just a few doors down from where Morgan and Ben live. In the last book, Morgan was seriously injured and is just about ready to return to work, but with the murder in their neighbourhood, and knowing the victims. She and Ben take on the case. It is a terrible crime with not only the couple being murdered, but with an iron nail through their lips. Morgan is told that one of the victims kept hearing noise in their attic, so when she went up to check, found a spot where someone might have been staying as well as a note saying "You're Next". Who is next, Morgan because she found the note? Checking out Tattoo parlours they get a lead and seem to be on the right road, until a friend is seriously injured. Can they find the killer before that is another victim?

Morgan and Ben are front and center from the moment this book begins. With their neighbours being the first victims, they are on edge. As soon as they get a lead, something else happens to send them off in another direction. There is more than one murder in this book, and an attempted murder of a close friend had Morgan in a tailspin. There is a huge twist that I didn't see coming until we were supposed to. Even when Morgan is not 100%, she is still capable, intuitive, and has excellent reasoning skills. Their team works together so well. They have each other's back, yet are also fun-loving and joke with one another. Even the Medical Examiner is a friend outside of work. If you enjoy a good crime thriller, with great characters, well-plotted stories and some great twists, then I suggest you pick up Their Dying Embrace, of better yet, all the books in this series.
Profile Image for Chandraa.
9 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2025
‘Their Dying Embrace’ by Helen Phifer is the fourteenth book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series and as always, neither of them ever disappoints her fans!

The story unveils itself with Detective Morgan Brookes back on the job, albeit still recovering from her injuries. When a couple is brutally murdered just two doors away from their house in Rydal Falls, Morgan and Ben are roped into the investigation despite it being their day off. As the plot further unfolds, a threatening note from the killer and another gruesome attack on a close friend shakes Morgan and Ben to the core and intensifies their urgency to solve the case and apprehend the killer.

This fourteenth installment in the series is just as captivating and fast-paced as ever and with the author’s incredible ability to blend suspense, mystery and dark psychology with a gripping storyline, loads of action and engaging police procedural elements, this book was nothing short of a thrilling rollercoaster ride full of electrifying twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end. Witnessing Morgan’s blossoming relationship with Ben was definitely a treat, as was enjoying the camaraderie between Morgan and her team. The subtle nods to the author’s own gothic inspirations and her favourite places as well as the reference to Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn series was surely a lovely touch which enhanced the already delightful read.

With ‘Their Dying Embrace’, Helen Phifer delivers another riveting addition to the fabulous Detective Morgan Brookes series. It feels like only yesterday when we first met Morgan, Ben and the rest of the team and here we are, fourteen books in and still hooked!
Profile Image for Jan Fore.
953 reviews25 followers
January 6, 2025
Their Dying Embrace
Helen Phifer
February 03, 2025

The morning of their day off, Morgan and Ben were relaxing after a lovely, late breakfast. They planned to head into Liverpool to do some shopping and have lunch. When sirens started blaring at a nearby street, Morgan commented that something was happening in their complex. Ben reminded her of their time off and got ready to leave. There was a loud pounding on the door. Each felt it would be a salesperson but the shouting belonged to one of their staff from the office. It was Amber. She needed their help as the boss was out of the office and they had to call in the Detective Sergeant from nearby Barrow. Turns out there had been a double murder two doors down. Ben grabbed his coat and badge then hurried out the door.
Their Dying Embrace will be published on February 03, 2025 by Bookouture. I was able to read the DRC via NetGalley with permission from the publisher. As I have read 13 of Phiferś novels in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, I was pleased to read and review her latest book. It too was a hair-raising, page turner. With each new clue the evidence made be think the culprit would be someone else. As usual Ms. Phifer kept us digging for more. Their Dying Embrace was absolutely spell binding! The suspense took us from the start and led right up to the end. It's a terrific novel and one that should not be missed. Do Enjoy!

Profile Image for Emma Star Crossed Reviews .
1,019 reviews295 followers
February 4, 2025
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. This is the 14th book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series but you could read it as a standalone.

This story hits close to home for Morgan and Ben as a couple were killed only two doors down. Helen doesn't shy away from giving all the gruesome details of the murders and you can so easily paint a vivid picture of what Morgan and the team are seeing.

There were quite a few twists and turns on this one that kept me guessing what exactly was going on! The clues were scarce and everything brought up more questions than answers really. I didn't really work out what had happened until Morgan herself did. Helen did a good job of keeping the killer hidden.

the story was fast paced and never really lets up. I was on the edge of my seat when Morgan's friend was attacked. I am not sure if I can forgive you for that Helen, I'm still very torn up about it.

If you are looking for a Crime thriller that will reel you in from the very first page and keep you hooked until the last then this is the book for you!


647 reviews10 followers
August 27, 2025
Detective Morgan Brookes book 14.

I really enjoyed this one as there was less teenage "I really love you's" and more plot with some twists you didn't see coming. I flew through it in 2 sittings. I really like the characters in this team and even Marc is starting to grow on me! I look forward to reading what drama befalls Rydel Falls in the next book.

When sweet-natured teaching assistant Rosie Waite, and her boyfriend Matt, are found dead in their quaint family home in the Lake District, Detective Morgan Brookes is horrified. Sleeping just two doors down, she heard no screams for help, no slamming doors, or alarms in the night. A twisted killer nailed the couple’s lips shut, and Morgan vows to keep watch over every innocent family in Rydal Falls until this monster is brought to justice.

Climbing the narrow attic staircase as she searches every inch of the property, Morgan finds a mattress on the floor, empty food wrappers, and a letter that reads: if you’ve found this, you’re next to die. Fear washes over Morgan’s team; the killer was watching his victims, and now her life is at risk.



Ignoring pleas that she take a step back, Morgan throws herself harder at the case discovering that the nails used to bind the victims’ lips were pierced with expert equipment. And Matt had been asking questions at a local tattoo parlour. Everyone thought he and Rosie were a quiet, kind-hearted couple, but was Matt hiding a dangerous secret? Did he betray the woman he loved?
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,022 reviews66 followers
January 28, 2025
If you know anything about Rydal Falls, you know that there is never a dull moment. It seems that nothing is ever peaceful. When a couple is found dead in their home with their mouths nailed shut right down the road from Detective Morgan Brookes, she is more than a little bothered. Then when she finds a horrifying note, she is more than a little unnerved, especially after she realizes the killer was watching the victims.

Morgan will not allow fear to keep her from her pursuit of justice, so she puts her big girl boots on and gets to work. This mystery was shocking and chilling in every way that makes Helen Phifer's books so addictive and gripping. The twist that is thrown in early in the story will throw you for a loop for sure.

This one scared the daylights out of me, especially when it was revealed how the killer was watching this couple. I found myself wanting to look around my house before I went to bed. This is what makes this author's books so interesting to read. Even though you may have goosebumps and feel a little uncomfortable, you cannot quit reading because you have to know what happens next. So, you live with the fear and keep reading all while trying to remember that this is a fictional book. This is another homerun in this series.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
37 reviews
May 19, 2025
Another gripping addition to the Detective Morgan Brookes series! I’ve been a regular follower of this series, and Their Dying Embrace didn’t disappoint. While the familiar intensity and suspense are there, this book had a refreshing change in the storyline.

In this installment, Morgan and her team are investigating another chilling case. The murders are brutal, and the tension builds up with every chapter. What makes this book different is that, unlike in many of the previous books where Morgan often ends up in the killer’s hands, this time someone else becomes the target. This shift brought a new level of unpredictability to the plot.

I liked this change in pattern—it made the story feel less repetitive and added fresh energy to the series. The writing was as engaging as always, and the pace was just right. I also continue to enjoy the growing bond between Morgan and her team; it’s one of the emotional strengths of the series.

The investigation, the suspense, and the emotional stakes kept me hooked throughout. Helen Phifer once again delivers a dark, well-structured thriller that fans of the series will enjoy.

A strong addition to the series, with a twist in the usual formula that keeps things interesting. While the core tone remains consistent, this slight shift in who faces the most danger gave the plot a fresh edge.
250 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2025
I have enjoyed this series since book 1. I can’t wait for each additional story because of how Phifer pulls you into her stories. Phifer builds the drama in plots, has vibrant characters that come alive in the story. You can’t wait to see what happens next with Morgan and her team or with the mystery itself. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat not to mention the tons of action. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy mysteries and/or thrillers. Detective Morgan Brookes and her boss, Ben, are pulled into a double murder on their street. Rosie and Matt are killed in a gruesome way and as Morgan searches the house, they go into the attic since Rosie had reported noised from above to her friend. What Morgan finds is a terrifying note that states “If you’ve found this, you’re next to die.” Now she has goosebumps down her body, and she isn’t sure if she should be worried about this death threat. As the case continues with very few clues Morgan can’t shake her feeling that she could be in danger. Pick up a copy and find out if Morgan and her team can solve these murders and if Morgan is really in danger. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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