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Detective Morgan Brookes #18
Girl in the Mist
Her entire body shakes as she runs through the mist, barely keeping her screams bottled inside. She finds somewhere safe to hide, but the image of the figure dressed head-to-toe in black flashes through her mind. Someone is coming for her…
When reports come in of an attack on a group of friends on the grounds of an abandoned summer camp, Detective Morgan Brookes races to the scene. Seeing a body in the lake, she throws herself into the freezing water, but the boy’s battered face and blue lips are evidence that she is far too late. With his killer at large, and one young girl missing, a desperate search ensues.
Everyone in town believes the camp is haunted, but not a soul knew the teens had ventured there to look for ghosts. The only witness was the caretaker, and his filthy, dilapidated house puts the whole team on edge. But when Morgan meets the girl who survived, trembling in her hospital bed, and hears about a female figure she saw in the mist, a shiver runs through her. Is this the young girl’s imagination running wild, the killer, or another victim?
With rain flooding Rydal Falls, washing away all evidence and reducing visibility in the camp, Morgan must throw everything she has into unravelling this mystery and finding the young girl lost in the mist. But will the twisted killer stalking the mountains get there first?
Nail-biting, twisty and impossible to put down. If you love gripping thrillers from Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine, you’ll be absolutely hooked!
What readers are saying about Helen
‘Wow!!!… I did NOT in a million years see THAT coming!!!… I smashed this in one sitting and could not sleep until I finished it which ended up being 3am!!!… Absolutely unputdownable page-turning book… Absolutely LOVED IT… I was just gobsmacked by the twist… Will stay with me for a long time.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured it over two evenings (I was working both days or I'd have read it quicker) – and I stayed up until WAY past my bedtime on the first night because I didn't want to put it down!’ Urban Sapphire, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I read this book in one sitting… I was hooked from the first page… OMG what a case… a real rollercoaster of a read… will get your heart pumping. I absolutely loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart is still pounding hours after the last page. Oh my God what a heart-stopping read… I had goosebumps. I had chills… It grabs you from page one… hold tight until the last page and beyond.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a book!… I found myself holding my breath and having to read the last few chapters on into the early hours of the morning because I just needed to find out what happened.’ Mrs Bloggs’ Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When reports come in of an attack on a group of friends on the grounds of an abandoned summer camp, Detective Morgan Brookes races to the scene. Seeing a body in the lake, she throws herself into the freezing water, but the boy’s battered face and blue lips are evidence that she is far too late. With his killer at large, and one young girl missing, a desperate search ensues.
Everyone in town believes the camp is haunted, but not a soul knew the teens had ventured there to look for ghosts. The only witness was the caretaker, and his filthy, dilapidated house puts the whole team on edge. But when Morgan meets the girl who survived, trembling in her hospital bed, and hears about a female figure she saw in the mist, a shiver runs through her. Is this the young girl’s imagination running wild, the killer, or another victim?
With rain flooding Rydal Falls, washing away all evidence and reducing visibility in the camp, Morgan must throw everything she has into unravelling this mystery and finding the young girl lost in the mist. But will the twisted killer stalking the mountains get there first?
Nail-biting, twisty and impossible to put down. If you love gripping thrillers from Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine, you’ll be absolutely hooked!
What readers are saying about Helen
‘Wow!!!… I did NOT in a million years see THAT coming!!!… I smashed this in one sitting and could not sleep until I finished it which ended up being 3am!!!… Absolutely unputdownable page-turning book… Absolutely LOVED IT… I was just gobsmacked by the twist… Will stay with me for a long time.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured it over two evenings (I was working both days or I'd have read it quicker) – and I stayed up until WAY past my bedtime on the first night because I didn't want to put it down!’ Urban Sapphire, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I read this book in one sitting… I was hooked from the first page… OMG what a case… a real rollercoaster of a read… will get your heart pumping. I absolutely loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart is still pounding hours after the last page. Oh my God what a heart-stopping read… I had goosebumps. I had chills… It grabs you from page one… hold tight until the last page and beyond.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a book!… I found myself holding my breath and having to read the last few chapters on into the early hours of the morning because I just needed to find out what happened.’ Mrs Bloggs’ Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 28, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this creeping book
morgan and her gang find themselves up in an abandoned summer camp where the fog is hindering the search of the missing teenagers.... the one that was found is such a state of shock she cant say anything
the campsite from what they can see through the fog has seen better days and is nowaday used as an excuse to teenagers to come looking ghosts when they arent chased off by amos the caretaker....
its not idea weather conditions for searching but morgan and the team do their best and that means that when morgan see something in the lake she is the first to dive in... luckily for her she has help getting out as the cold has run deep in to her bones....
wow this book had all the elements that make morgan and her crew very enjoyable to read..... dark and mysterious with a touch of witchery..... loved that ending...
cant wait for the next book by this author
morgan and her gang find themselves up in an abandoned summer camp where the fog is hindering the search of the missing teenagers.... the one that was found is such a state of shock she cant say anything
the campsite from what they can see through the fog has seen better days and is nowaday used as an excuse to teenagers to come looking ghosts when they arent chased off by amos the caretaker....
its not idea weather conditions for searching but morgan and the team do their best and that means that when morgan see something in the lake she is the first to dive in... luckily for her she has help getting out as the cold has run deep in to her bones....
wow this book had all the elements that make morgan and her crew very enjoyable to read..... dark and mysterious with a touch of witchery..... loved that ending...
cant wait for the next book by this author
May 8, 2026
ARC: NetGallery & Bookouture
Pub Date: May 27th
People are going missing and turning up murdered at an abandoned haunted summer camp. Now Morgan Brookes and her team must find the two missing women and uncover the true identity of The Watcher an urban legend in this town.
This is Book 18 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series and is another great crime thriller, full of twists. Also Morgan getting herself into another mess.
I can’t wait for the next book!
Pub Date: May 27th
People are going missing and turning up murdered at an abandoned haunted summer camp. Now Morgan Brookes and her team must find the two missing women and uncover the true identity of The Watcher an urban legend in this town.
This is Book 18 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series and is another great crime thriller, full of twists. Also Morgan getting herself into another mess.
I can’t wait for the next book!
May 31, 2026
Wow, I absolutely loved this story and agree with the comments above. It starts off with a bang and had me hooked right to the end. If you haven't read the previous books, you can still enjoy this one, but you won't understand what happened in the previous book with Cain and the death of his fiancée which is mentioned often. For that reason, I suggest you at least read the previous book in the series, Hold Your Breath. In this book the team is racing against time to find a missing young woman and teenager. Both of them had friends killed, and their bodies were found, so the police are assuming and praying that Janey and Scarlet are still alive. The setting of a misty, dangerous fell adds so much atmosphere to this story as well as the legends about the deserted and dilapidated summer camp. Morgan is her usual self, taking chances, running off, at least taking Cain with her this time, and trusting her gut. All the usual characters were there and they were working around the clock. I'm actually starting to like their new boss, Marc. This was a fast moving story, with some twists along the way. I really liked Amos, the caretaker and owner of the camp and his dog Shep. I was hoping that he wouldn't turn out to be the killer. I did figure out who the killer was near the end of the book, which is unusual for me, but that didn't stop me from quickly turning the pages to see if I was right. The story gave us the killer's POV at one point, which was creepy, but not why he did what he did. I liked the feisty women in this one, including the two taken captive. Never give up! As always, there is information about the team's personal lives interwoven into the story making the more real and able to be identified with. I really enjoy this series and I definitely recommend not just this book, but all the books in this series if you enjoy a good crime thriller with twists and likeable characters.
May 31, 2026
I’m not really sure what to say - on one hand I’ve very much enjoyed this series & the characters from Book 1 onwards, but the last few books have left me feeling a bit disappointed. There’s always a good story but endings seem rushed with little explanation and bits that just don’t add up.
A great start, an interesting legend, all good.
My first niggle was Morgan meeting Joyce & being told “her grandson was nearly 50” - even allowing for 2 very young pregnancies, Joyce did not appear to be of an age that “fitted”.
Morgan yet again going off on her own ( sigh, so predictable) & incredibly stupidly going into a cave with a man she doesn’t know. And even after having suspicions, doesn’t check further.
Amos - who’s the good guy, not telling police about the old tunnel. Seemed put in as a handy option.
Why did Gerald kidnap & kill? Why did Joyce refer to him as “grandson” at start & not “son” Daley who lived elsewhere etc? It wouldn’t have made any difference. And how could he also be Ernest, ex Mountain Rescue without either a name change or - it’s a lie. ( again, no background check.)
Saying all that, still a good story, fast paced, easy to read, & enjoyable characters.
But what finished me off was the ending. There is no way on this planet a good witch would ever do a so-called pretend curse - words have power and this does not fit with Ettie’s character at all. As for blowing black pepper in someone’s face on a prison visit & guards being in awe & winking- really? The ending annoyed me.
A great start, an interesting legend, all good.
My first niggle was Morgan meeting Joyce & being told “her grandson was nearly 50” - even allowing for 2 very young pregnancies, Joyce did not appear to be of an age that “fitted”.
Morgan yet again going off on her own ( sigh, so predictable) & incredibly stupidly going into a cave with a man she doesn’t know. And even after having suspicions, doesn’t check further.
Amos - who’s the good guy, not telling police about the old tunnel. Seemed put in as a handy option.
Why did Gerald kidnap & kill? Why did Joyce refer to him as “grandson” at start & not “son” Daley who lived elsewhere etc? It wouldn’t have made any difference. And how could he also be Ernest, ex Mountain Rescue without either a name change or - it’s a lie. ( again, no background check.)
Saying all that, still a good story, fast paced, easy to read, & enjoyable characters.
But what finished me off was the ending. There is no way on this planet a good witch would ever do a so-called pretend curse - words have power and this does not fit with Ettie’s character at all. As for blowing black pepper in someone’s face on a prison visit & guards being in awe & winking- really? The ending annoyed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Girl in the mist a compelling crime thriller, and someone a twisted killer figure dressed head to toe in black is coming for her as she runs through the mist.
Abandoned Buttermere summer camp with rain running through Rydal Falls washing away all the evidence.
Its a big mystery to unravel can she get there before this figure does.
D Morgan Brookes this is book eighteen in the series,
Disturbing chapters from one of the best this author has delivered.
Enjoyed everything about this story to keep you on your toes reading.
Abandoned Buttermere summer camp with rain running through Rydal Falls washing away all the evidence.
Its a big mystery to unravel can she get there before this figure does.
D Morgan Brookes this is book eighteen in the series,
Disturbing chapters from one of the best this author has delivered.
Enjoyed everything about this story to keep you on your toes reading.
June 4, 2026
Just when I thought Detective Morgan Brookes series couldn’t get any better – well, it did!! Who loves to follow clues to find a real haunted house, find ghosts, your normal teenagers. The setting shows the dark fog and eerie feelings through out. Detective Morgan always finds herself smack dab in the middle, going against her superiors to solve the case. This book was a had to finish yesterday! It’s a must read! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC #DetectiveMorganBrookes #HelenPhifer #Girlinthemidst
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When a teenager Tori is found on the bleak fells above Rydal falls and her 2 friends, Dawson and Scarlett missing, Ben, Morgan and the team have a race on their hands to discover the truth of what happened that cold misty evening. In typical Morgan style she shows disregard for her own safety in her quest to get justice for the victims.
Girl in the Mist was gripping and kept me hooked from the start. The eerie setting and myths about "The Watcher" added to the tension, I loved how the mystery slowly unfolded. The suspense kept building right up to the ending, and I didn’t see some of the reveals coming at all. A chilling, fast-paced read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys crime procedures with a creepy edge.
Hard to believe its book 18 in the series. I couldn't put it down, and read in just two sittings.
Girl in the Mist was gripping and kept me hooked from the start. The eerie setting and myths about "The Watcher" added to the tension, I loved how the mystery slowly unfolded. The suspense kept building right up to the ending, and I didn’t see some of the reveals coming at all. A chilling, fast-paced read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys crime procedures with a creepy edge.
Hard to believe its book 18 in the series. I couldn't put it down, and read in just two sittings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
GIRL IN THE MIST is book 18 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. This is a gripping and utterly unputdownable crime thriller.
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)
17. Silenced Sisters (2026)
18. Girl In The Mist (2026)
This is my review of Girl In The Mist.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews-Boss & partner
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith (Just gone off on Maturity leave)
Tristan Carter (Stan)- Amy’s replacement
DC Cain Robson(lost his partner, Angela killed by Stan, one of their own)
Amber-Police Officer training a student-Brett
Wendy- CSI-
This is the story of three teenagers, Dawson, Tori and Scarlett, who decided to go ghost hunting, to get some footage for their upcoming podcast. They told no one where they were going, and once they started out, they never realized how bad the weather was with heavy mist.
When they approached the camp, Dawson slammed on the brakes and said that he hit a person crossing the road. When they got out of the van to see what had happened, Tori said the someone attacked her friends, Dawson and Scarlett, and came out of nowhere and attacked them. Tori ran because she was scared.
DC Morgan Brookes and DS Ben Matthews receive a call that a teenage girl had been found at the old summer camp in Buttermere. Tori told the caretaker, Amos, that her two friends are missing.
Detective Morgan Brookes races to the scene and seeing a body in the lake, she dives into the freezing water, but she is too late-Dawson is dead and Scarlett is still missing.
Everyone in town believes the camp is haunted. It is believed the land is cursed, and a “Watcher” appears only when it is misty.
Morgan must throw everything she has into unravelling this mystery and finding the young girl lost in the mist.
This gripping thriller was impossible to put down. Another winner!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley 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)
13. Two Broken Girls (2024)
14. Their Dying Embrace (2025)
15. Twisted Bones (2025)
16. Gone in the Night (2025)
17. Silenced Sisters (2026)
18. Girl In The Mist (2026)
This is my review of Girl In The Mist.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews-Boss & partner
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith (Just gone off on Maturity leave)
Tristan Carter (Stan)- Amy’s replacement
DC Cain Robson(lost his partner, Angela killed by Stan, one of their own)
Amber-Police Officer training a student-Brett
Wendy- CSI-
This is the story of three teenagers, Dawson, Tori and Scarlett, who decided to go ghost hunting, to get some footage for their upcoming podcast. They told no one where they were going, and once they started out, they never realized how bad the weather was with heavy mist.
When they approached the camp, Dawson slammed on the brakes and said that he hit a person crossing the road. When they got out of the van to see what had happened, Tori said the someone attacked her friends, Dawson and Scarlett, and came out of nowhere and attacked them. Tori ran because she was scared.
DC Morgan Brookes and DS Ben Matthews receive a call that a teenage girl had been found at the old summer camp in Buttermere. Tori told the caretaker, Amos, that her two friends are missing.
Detective Morgan Brookes races to the scene and seeing a body in the lake, she dives into the freezing water, but she is too late-Dawson is dead and Scarlett is still missing.
Everyone in town believes the camp is haunted. It is believed the land is cursed, and a “Watcher” appears only when it is misty.
Morgan must throw everything she has into unravelling this mystery and finding the young girl lost in the mist.
This gripping thriller was impossible to put down. Another winner!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Girl in the Mist is a terrifying read where a group of kids go to a closed down campground that is supposedly haunted. It's a foggy day and they want to look for ghosts. There's been a story about ghosts and a tall man that come out when there's fog and mist. They are going to try to find them tonight! When a girl is found in one of the out buildings in the campground, the caretaker who watches over the property finds her. He and his dog hear something and go out to see what it was. It's hard to see anything because of the fog. The dog leads the man to the girl inside one of the buildings. She's terrified, scared for her 2 friends, freezing, and the man calls the police.
Morgan and the team race to the campground, but it's hard to reach and the road is narrow. They arrive and find the girl being treated by EMS. She will be taken to the hospital, but tells them she was here with 2 friends. The search begins and Morgan ends up diving into the lake to rescue a floating body. She's hoping she's able to get the body out in time. It's very cold and Morgan is questioning her decision to jump right in. Morgan is too late for this kid, but must find the girl before it's too late. Could she be in the lake, too? Everyone in town believes the campground is haunted and no one knew the kids had gone there. The caretaker lives in a run down house in the. campground, but seems nice enough. Could he be involved in this?
Who would want to hurt these kids? Are the rumors true about the campground being haunted or is there a killer on the loose? The campground gives Morgan the creeps and not being able to see because of the fog makes her feel like she's being watched. Will they be able to find the missing girl before she ends up in the lake? Is the campground haunted? When Morgan finds out about the campground's past she believes it could be! Whatever is going on here, Morgan and her team must figure it out quickly! This book is unnerving and will keep you reading to find out what is really going on. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest entry in the Morgan Brookes series and look forward to the next! Helen Phifer continues to amaze me making this series better and better with each book. I rate Girl in the Mist 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Girl in the Mist in exchange for a fair review.
Morgan and the team race to the campground, but it's hard to reach and the road is narrow. They arrive and find the girl being treated by EMS. She will be taken to the hospital, but tells them she was here with 2 friends. The search begins and Morgan ends up diving into the lake to rescue a floating body. She's hoping she's able to get the body out in time. It's very cold and Morgan is questioning her decision to jump right in. Morgan is too late for this kid, but must find the girl before it's too late. Could she be in the lake, too? Everyone in town believes the campground is haunted and no one knew the kids had gone there. The caretaker lives in a run down house in the. campground, but seems nice enough. Could he be involved in this?
Who would want to hurt these kids? Are the rumors true about the campground being haunted or is there a killer on the loose? The campground gives Morgan the creeps and not being able to see because of the fog makes her feel like she's being watched. Will they be able to find the missing girl before she ends up in the lake? Is the campground haunted? When Morgan finds out about the campground's past she believes it could be! Whatever is going on here, Morgan and her team must figure it out quickly! This book is unnerving and will keep you reading to find out what is really going on. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest entry in the Morgan Brookes series and look forward to the next! Helen Phifer continues to amaze me making this series better and better with each book. I rate Girl in the Mist 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Girl in the Mist in exchange for a fair review.
May 28, 2026
Girl in the Mist
by Helen Phifer
Rating: 5 star rating
I really enjoyed Girl in the Mist by Helen Phifer. The story follows Detective Morgan Brookes as she investigates the murder of a teenager at an abandoned summer camp hidden in the mountains. Another girl is missing, and the only survivor insists she saw a strange woman moving through the fog near the lake, which gives the whole story a creepy and tense atmosphere from the start.
Morgan was a strong main character because she’s determined to protect the missing girl, even while dealing with the emotional weight of the case. The surviving witness is traumatized and unsure of what she really saw, which adds to the mystery. The camp caretaker and several locals all seem suspicious in different ways, and the story does a good job making everyone feel like a possible suspect.
The setting was one of my favorite parts; the abandoned cabins, heavy rain, thick mist, and isolated woods made everything feel eerie and claustrophobic. The pacing was quick, and the short chapters kept the suspense going the whole time.
The ending was intense and emotional without feeling overdone. Once the truth finally comes out, a lot of earlier clues suddenly make sense, and the final confrontation has a lot of tension because Morgan is racing against time to stop another tragedy. I liked that the mystery was fully explained, the victims received justice, and the ending gave emotional closure instead of just ending abruptly. If you enjoy dark detective thrillers with creepy settings, twists, and strong suspense, this is definitely worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Helen Phifer for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#NetGalley
#GirlintheMist
#Bookouture
#HelenPhifer
http://www.patriciasreadingroom.blogs...
http://goodreads.com/patriciasreading...
by Helen Phifer
Rating: 5 star rating
I really enjoyed Girl in the Mist by Helen Phifer. The story follows Detective Morgan Brookes as she investigates the murder of a teenager at an abandoned summer camp hidden in the mountains. Another girl is missing, and the only survivor insists she saw a strange woman moving through the fog near the lake, which gives the whole story a creepy and tense atmosphere from the start.
Morgan was a strong main character because she’s determined to protect the missing girl, even while dealing with the emotional weight of the case. The surviving witness is traumatized and unsure of what she really saw, which adds to the mystery. The camp caretaker and several locals all seem suspicious in different ways, and the story does a good job making everyone feel like a possible suspect.
The setting was one of my favorite parts; the abandoned cabins, heavy rain, thick mist, and isolated woods made everything feel eerie and claustrophobic. The pacing was quick, and the short chapters kept the suspense going the whole time.
The ending was intense and emotional without feeling overdone. Once the truth finally comes out, a lot of earlier clues suddenly make sense, and the final confrontation has a lot of tension because Morgan is racing against time to stop another tragedy. I liked that the mystery was fully explained, the victims received justice, and the ending gave emotional closure instead of just ending abruptly. If you enjoy dark detective thrillers with creepy settings, twists, and strong suspense, this is definitely worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Helen Phifer for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#NetGalley
#GirlintheMist
#Bookouture
#HelenPhifer
http://www.patriciasreadingroom.blogs...
http://goodreads.com/patriciasreading...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The curiosity of three teens leads them into dreadful trouble. One girl barely escapes with her life, a boy drowns in a lake, and the third teen vanishes without a trace. Detective Morgan Brookes springs into action immediately. Upon arriving at the scene and spotting the body in the lake, Morgan dives in herself, desperately attempting to save him, though tragically her efforts are in vain.
What drew the teens there in the first place? They had been exploring an abandoned camp rumored to be haunted, hoping to prove that ghosts truly existed there. The only person living on the property is the caretaker, making him a key suspect in Morgan’s eyes. Still, her instincts tell her there is more to the story, and the search for the missing teen quickly becomes the priority.
The surviving girl is left traumatized and hospitalized, utterly convinced that she saw a mysterious mist that night. Her fear alone is enough to send chills down Morgan’s spine. What really happened at the camp? And can the third teen be found alive? With freezing rain, flooding, and worsening weather conditions destroying potential evidence, Morgan and her team face an uphill battle in uncovering the truth.
The Girl in the Mist by Helen Phifer is another riveting installment in this compelling series. While each book can certainly work as a standalone, fans of police procedurals will get the most enjoyment from reading the series in order. The evolving dynamics between Morgan and her team add tremendous depth to the stories, especially her relationship with Ben. As both Morgan’s boss and her partner, this brings an added layer of tension and emotional complexity that continues to strengthen the series with every book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What drew the teens there in the first place? They had been exploring an abandoned camp rumored to be haunted, hoping to prove that ghosts truly existed there. The only person living on the property is the caretaker, making him a key suspect in Morgan’s eyes. Still, her instincts tell her there is more to the story, and the search for the missing teen quickly becomes the priority.
The surviving girl is left traumatized and hospitalized, utterly convinced that she saw a mysterious mist that night. Her fear alone is enough to send chills down Morgan’s spine. What really happened at the camp? And can the third teen be found alive? With freezing rain, flooding, and worsening weather conditions destroying potential evidence, Morgan and her team face an uphill battle in uncovering the truth.
The Girl in the Mist by Helen Phifer is another riveting installment in this compelling series. While each book can certainly work as a standalone, fans of police procedurals will get the most enjoyment from reading the series in order. The evolving dynamics between Morgan and her team add tremendous depth to the stories, especially her relationship with Ben. As both Morgan’s boss and her partner, this brings an added layer of tension and emotional complexity that continues to strengthen the series with every book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Should You Shelf This? – Girl in the Mist by Helen Phifer
🪝 The Hook
When three friends venture into an abandoned, allegedly haunted summer camp on the foggy fells above Rydal Falls, Detective Morgan Brookes is called to the scene after an attack leaves one dead and a young girl missing. With rain washing away evidence and a shadowy figure lurking in the mist, Morgan races against the clock — and her own reckless instincts — to find the truth before the killer does.
Why You Should Shelf It:
✅ Eerie, Immersive Atmosphere: The fog-drenched abandoned summer camp setting drips with dread — equal parts Friday the 13th vibes and moody British countryside.
✅ Morgan Brookes at Her Best: Bold, empathetic, and endearingly reckless, Morgan remains one of crime fiction's most compelling female detectives — and this installment puts her bravery (and stubbornness) on full display.
✅ Perfectly Paced Tension: Each chapter ratchets up the stakes with a cliffhanger energy that makes it nearly impossible to put down, with a twist many readers didn't see coming.
Why You Should Skip It:
❌ Familiar Territory: If you've read widely in the British procedural genre, the plot framework may feel recognizable — this one leans into a well-worn formula rather than subverting it.
❌ Series Baggage: While it works as a standalone, longtime fans will get far more out of the team dynamics and recurring character arcs — newcomers may feel slightly outside the inner circle.
⭐ Final Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
A familiar tune played exceptionally well — Phifer proves that eighteen books in, she can still make the mist feel chilling and the pages turn themselves.
🪝 The Hook
When three friends venture into an abandoned, allegedly haunted summer camp on the foggy fells above Rydal Falls, Detective Morgan Brookes is called to the scene after an attack leaves one dead and a young girl missing. With rain washing away evidence and a shadowy figure lurking in the mist, Morgan races against the clock — and her own reckless instincts — to find the truth before the killer does.
Why You Should Shelf It:
✅ Eerie, Immersive Atmosphere: The fog-drenched abandoned summer camp setting drips with dread — equal parts Friday the 13th vibes and moody British countryside.
✅ Morgan Brookes at Her Best: Bold, empathetic, and endearingly reckless, Morgan remains one of crime fiction's most compelling female detectives — and this installment puts her bravery (and stubbornness) on full display.
✅ Perfectly Paced Tension: Each chapter ratchets up the stakes with a cliffhanger energy that makes it nearly impossible to put down, with a twist many readers didn't see coming.
Why You Should Skip It:
❌ Familiar Territory: If you've read widely in the British procedural genre, the plot framework may feel recognizable — this one leans into a well-worn formula rather than subverting it.
❌ Series Baggage: While it works as a standalone, longtime fans will get far more out of the team dynamics and recurring character arcs — newcomers may feel slightly outside the inner circle.
⭐ Final Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
A familiar tune played exceptionally well — Phifer proves that eighteen books in, she can still make the mist feel chilling and the pages turn themselves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the eighteenth installment in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, one of my favorites. It can be read as a standalone as crucial background information about the recurring main characters is revealed throughout the narrative.
After three friends are attacked one misty evening at an abandoned summer camp rumored to be haunted, Morgan and her team race to investigate, despite the dangerously poor visibility. When a body is spotted in the middle of a lake, Morgan disregards caution and risks her life by jumping into the freezing water to retrieve it. Unfortunately, she is too late, as the young man, one of the three friends, is already dead, his head bashed in. While a second victim did escape, a third one is still missing.
Helen Phifer is an author whose name alone compels me to request the title without reading the synopsis. Her books are so captivating that I often find myself unable to put them down until I’ve finished them.
This twisty plot is suspenseful and a bit spooky as the tension escalates. Interspersed with the pressure of the case is some biting humor.
Engrossing and fast-paced, it is an ideal read for fans of British police procedurals, mysteries, and thrillers.
I like Morgan. She is a smart, capable, empathetic protagonist, dogged in her investigations although she does often go rogue and puts herself in danger. There is a convivial, teasing dynamic within the investigative team (well, except for Amber!). Morgan’s Aunt Ettie always adds a wee bit of the mystical to a story.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
After three friends are attacked one misty evening at an abandoned summer camp rumored to be haunted, Morgan and her team race to investigate, despite the dangerously poor visibility. When a body is spotted in the middle of a lake, Morgan disregards caution and risks her life by jumping into the freezing water to retrieve it. Unfortunately, she is too late, as the young man, one of the three friends, is already dead, his head bashed in. While a second victim did escape, a third one is still missing.
Helen Phifer is an author whose name alone compels me to request the title without reading the synopsis. Her books are so captivating that I often find myself unable to put them down until I’ve finished them.
This twisty plot is suspenseful and a bit spooky as the tension escalates. Interspersed with the pressure of the case is some biting humor.
Engrossing and fast-paced, it is an ideal read for fans of British police procedurals, mysteries, and thrillers.
I like Morgan. She is a smart, capable, empathetic protagonist, dogged in her investigations although she does often go rogue and puts herself in danger. There is a convivial, teasing dynamic within the investigative team (well, except for Amber!). Morgan’s Aunt Ettie always adds a wee bit of the mystical to a story.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Girl in the Mist by Helen Phifer is an exciting addition to the Detective Morgan Brookes series. The atmosphere is palpable, with the mist shrouding the abandoned summer camp adding an eerie tension that perfectly complements the plot. As always, the author's writing is sharp and immersive, pulling me into the chilling narrative where every page is filled with suspense. Love, love, love these characters, and Detective Brookes is great; her determination and vulnerability make her relatable and compelling as she navigates the disturbing aftermath of the attack on a group of friends. The author does an impressive job of balancing the supernatural elements with the gritty realism of crime investigation, which sometimes left me questioning what was real and what might be merely a figment of the imagination.
With the twists and red herrings, I found myself racing to uncover the truth behind the missing girl and the identity of the killer, never quite sure who to trust. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Overall, Girl in the Mist is a hauntingly captivating read, and the author has once again delivered a gripping crime thriller that is not to be missed. I would highly recommend this book and this series, especially for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.
#GirlintheMist #NetGalley @bookouture
With the twists and red herrings, I found myself racing to uncover the truth behind the missing girl and the identity of the killer, never quite sure who to trust. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Overall, Girl in the Mist is a hauntingly captivating read, and the author has once again delivered a gripping crime thriller that is not to be missed. I would highly recommend this book and this series, especially for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.
#GirlintheMist #NetGalley @bookouture
May 10, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC of “Girl in the Mist (Detective Morgan Brookes Book 18) by Helen Phifer.
Yet again, Brookes is on a mission to solve a murder at an old summer camp in Buttermere Fell. However, it’s not just any murder, it’s a murder that’s based on a legend/lore that only comes out when the mist in the area begins to rise. Brookes doesn’t know if she’s looking for an actual murderer or someone who’s taken on the role of this local legend/lore. As always, Brooke’s is finding a way to solve this case on her own, going against what others tell her to do. She’s definitely hardheaded, but dedicated to her job and finding the murderer, along with two missing women whose lives were spared, but have not been found. Will Brookes find them in time and is this local legend/lore really true?
What an incredible read. It slowly starts off from the ending of Helen Phifer’s last book by, “Silenced Sisters” after the death of a colleagues fiancée. Initially it wasn’t easy to figure out who the murderer was, but a little over halfway through the book, it came naturally, which was unfortunate due to the circumstances. However, even with that being said, I can’t wait to see where Brookes is headed next. Does anyone think she’ll ever marry Ben? Will Cain move in with Amy and Ava? I love seeing this team work together. It reminds me of the team on Law & Order: SVU.
Yet again, Brookes is on a mission to solve a murder at an old summer camp in Buttermere Fell. However, it’s not just any murder, it’s a murder that’s based on a legend/lore that only comes out when the mist in the area begins to rise. Brookes doesn’t know if she’s looking for an actual murderer or someone who’s taken on the role of this local legend/lore. As always, Brooke’s is finding a way to solve this case on her own, going against what others tell her to do. She’s definitely hardheaded, but dedicated to her job and finding the murderer, along with two missing women whose lives were spared, but have not been found. Will Brookes find them in time and is this local legend/lore really true?
What an incredible read. It slowly starts off from the ending of Helen Phifer’s last book by, “Silenced Sisters” after the death of a colleagues fiancée. Initially it wasn’t easy to figure out who the murderer was, but a little over halfway through the book, it came naturally, which was unfortunate due to the circumstances. However, even with that being said, I can’t wait to see where Brookes is headed next. Does anyone think she’ll ever marry Ben? Will Cain move in with Amy and Ava? I love seeing this team work together. It reminds me of the team on Law & Order: SVU.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Girl in the mist by Helen Phifer is the 18th book in the Detective Morgan Brookes series and yet again she doesn’t disappoint.
Three teenage friends decide to visit the abandoned summer camp that is supposed to be haunted as legends say in Rydal falls but only one returns.
Detective Morgan and Ben and the rest of the team visit the site to find any clues where the teenagers are gone. But the weather is bad with poor visibility, but they do the best they can. As usual Morgan doesn’t always follow the rules. So, when he spots something in the lake she jumps in to investigate. She discovers that it is one of the teenagers but unfortunately it is to late he is dead. But the other one (Scarlett) is still missing. So, they start their investigation in the nearest local remote farms. But either of them hasn’t seen anything amiss.
Helen Phifer is one of my goes to authors and always read her book. Even without read her Blurbs. This is another fantastic police procedural. Which I found to me more atmospheric and eerie feel to it than the others in the series. I love the character of Morgan, always getting herself in to trouble to get the job done, but also the reast of the team they are like one big happy family. This like the other books drew me in from the start and I got so immersive. I couldn’t stop reading until the small hours. Another 5-star read from me.
Three teenage friends decide to visit the abandoned summer camp that is supposed to be haunted as legends say in Rydal falls but only one returns.
Detective Morgan and Ben and the rest of the team visit the site to find any clues where the teenagers are gone. But the weather is bad with poor visibility, but they do the best they can. As usual Morgan doesn’t always follow the rules. So, when he spots something in the lake she jumps in to investigate. She discovers that it is one of the teenagers but unfortunately it is to late he is dead. But the other one (Scarlett) is still missing. So, they start their investigation in the nearest local remote farms. But either of them hasn’t seen anything amiss.
Helen Phifer is one of my goes to authors and always read her book. Even without read her Blurbs. This is another fantastic police procedural. Which I found to me more atmospheric and eerie feel to it than the others in the series. I love the character of Morgan, always getting herself in to trouble to get the job done, but also the reast of the team they are like one big happy family. This like the other books drew me in from the start and I got so immersive. I couldn’t stop reading until the small hours. Another 5-star read from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Detective Morgan Brookes #18
Her entire body shakes as she runs through the mist, barely keeping her scream bottled inside. She finds somewhere safe to hide, but the image of the figure dressed head-to-toe in black flashes hrough her mind. Someone is coming for her....
When reports come in about an attack on a group of friends on the grounds of an abandoned summer camp, Detective Morgan Brookes races to the scene. Seeing a body in the lake, she throws herself into the freezing water, but the boy's battered face and blue lips are evidence that she is far too late. With his killer at large, and one young girl missing, a desperate search ensues.
Ben, Morgan and the rest of the team have their work cut out to discover what had happened to Tori at Rydal Falls and to her friend who is missing. Rain is washing away vital evidence.
The pace is fast, the plot is gripping, and Morgan is her usual gung-ho self made this eighteenth book
hard to put down. It was like every chapter ended on a cliffhanger. It also has plenty of twists, an eerie and creepy atmosphere, and we get everything else that we expect from this series.
Published 27th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #GirlInTheMist in exchange for an honest review.
Her entire body shakes as she runs through the mist, barely keeping her scream bottled inside. She finds somewhere safe to hide, but the image of the figure dressed head-to-toe in black flashes hrough her mind. Someone is coming for her....
When reports come in about an attack on a group of friends on the grounds of an abandoned summer camp, Detective Morgan Brookes races to the scene. Seeing a body in the lake, she throws herself into the freezing water, but the boy's battered face and blue lips are evidence that she is far too late. With his killer at large, and one young girl missing, a desperate search ensues.
Ben, Morgan and the rest of the team have their work cut out to discover what had happened to Tori at Rydal Falls and to her friend who is missing. Rain is washing away vital evidence.
The pace is fast, the plot is gripping, and Morgan is her usual gung-ho self made this eighteenth book
hard to put down. It was like every chapter ended on a cliffhanger. It also has plenty of twists, an eerie and creepy atmosphere, and we get everything else that we expect from this series.
Published 27th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #GirlInTheMist in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2026
A huge thank you to Helen Phifer and the team at Bookouture for approving me on NetGalley for this ARC — I am so grateful to have been chosen to read this before release. 🌫️🤍. This is an ARC review — all opinions are entirely my own.
ARC review: Girl in the Mist — Helen Phifer 🌫️🤍
(gifted via NetGalley — releases TOMORROW)
My first ever Helen Phifer and I jumped straight in at book 18 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.
Here’s what i loved —
1. The Tension - starts building within the first couple of pages. Not at chapter three but at page one. I was hooked immediately.
2. Morgan and her team. I wish I had more history with these characters from the earlier books — but even as a complete newcomer their relationships were so clear and so well drawn that it still stood out beautifully as a standalone. That is not easy to do at book 18.
3. The guessing game. This book is clever. You get an inkling throughout — just enough to make you doubt yourself — but never enough to be certain. The red herrings are placed perfectly and I was still not 100% sure until the very last moment.
I give it a four stars ★★★★ and I cannot wait to go back to book one. It releases TOMORROW — add it to your TBR right now!
#girlinthemist #helenphifer #arcreview #netgalley #bookouture
ARC review: Girl in the Mist — Helen Phifer 🌫️🤍
(gifted via NetGalley — releases TOMORROW)
My first ever Helen Phifer and I jumped straight in at book 18 in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.
Here’s what i loved —
1. The Tension - starts building within the first couple of pages. Not at chapter three but at page one. I was hooked immediately.
2. Morgan and her team. I wish I had more history with these characters from the earlier books — but even as a complete newcomer their relationships were so clear and so well drawn that it still stood out beautifully as a standalone. That is not easy to do at book 18.
3. The guessing game. This book is clever. You get an inkling throughout — just enough to make you doubt yourself — but never enough to be certain. The red herrings are placed perfectly and I was still not 100% sure until the very last moment.
I give it a four stars ★★★★ and I cannot wait to go back to book one. It releases TOMORROW — add it to your TBR right now!
#girlinthemist #helenphifer #arcreview #netgalley #bookouture
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Girl in the Mist
Helen Phifer
May 27, 2026
Three teens take off to film an area in the Fells where an old, abandoned family camp existed. Dawson, Tori and Scarlet are on edge while driving through the mist and fog, not sure where the camp would surface. When Dawson stopped the car to check on a girl he was certain crossed the road. The girls began to scream. He went onto the roadside running to try to find her. The 911 call comes in to investigate the three lost in the area by the lake in the mountains. When Morgan arrives with the department staff she sees someone in the lake. Despite the cold water and dangers of severe drops into the deep water she headed in. It has been said that many people have drowned in the large pond. With help from another detective, Morgan survives with the body in her arms.
Girl in the MIst will be published by Bookouture on May 27, 2026. I was able to read and review Phifer’s latest novel via NetGalley. Her eighteenth in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, it once again provides her readers with a page-turning, heavy duty suspense adventure. This latest of the series is filled with apprehension and uncertainty of what could happen next. Don’t miss it!
Helen Phifer
May 27, 2026
Three teens take off to film an area in the Fells where an old, abandoned family camp existed. Dawson, Tori and Scarlet are on edge while driving through the mist and fog, not sure where the camp would surface. When Dawson stopped the car to check on a girl he was certain crossed the road. The girls began to scream. He went onto the roadside running to try to find her. The 911 call comes in to investigate the three lost in the area by the lake in the mountains. When Morgan arrives with the department staff she sees someone in the lake. Despite the cold water and dangers of severe drops into the deep water she headed in. It has been said that many people have drowned in the large pond. With help from another detective, Morgan survives with the body in her arms.
Girl in the MIst will be published by Bookouture on May 27, 2026. I was able to read and review Phifer’s latest novel via NetGalley. Her eighteenth in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, it once again provides her readers with a page-turning, heavy duty suspense adventure. This latest of the series is filled with apprehension and uncertainty of what could happen next. Don’t miss it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There's only a few authors that I know when I start reading the first few words of their books, that I'll be hooked until the end and Helen Phifer is one of them! Her newest book, Girl In the Mist did not disappoint.
Joining Detective Morgan Brookes and her police family on a race to find missing teens in the dangerous, frigid and dense fog will not only keep you on the edge of your seat, but will keep you guessing and questioning what you think you know! Are they hunting a human killer or are the whispered superstitions real and they're searching for a supernatural being? This book reminds me of why I love some characters so much and others continue to irritate like a bad rash. Meeting characters from previous investigations was a pleasant and welcome surprise and brought a smile to my face. Phifer continues to amaze me in her ability to make me feel as if I'm actually part of Morgan's team and visualize actually being there.
The biggest disappointment in Girl In the Mist is reading the last sentence and feeling like I'm leaving a dear friend I've been visiting. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next time I can join my friends from Rydal Falls Police Department in their next investigation.
Joining Detective Morgan Brookes and her police family on a race to find missing teens in the dangerous, frigid and dense fog will not only keep you on the edge of your seat, but will keep you guessing and questioning what you think you know! Are they hunting a human killer or are the whispered superstitions real and they're searching for a supernatural being? This book reminds me of why I love some characters so much and others continue to irritate like a bad rash. Meeting characters from previous investigations was a pleasant and welcome surprise and brought a smile to my face. Phifer continues to amaze me in her ability to make me feel as if I'm actually part of Morgan's team and visualize actually being there.
The biggest disappointment in Girl In the Mist is reading the last sentence and feeling like I'm leaving a dear friend I've been visiting. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next time I can join my friends from Rydal Falls Police Department in their next investigation.
June 27, 2026
This latest Helen Phifer was more creepy in its intro than usual if I am being entirely honest. A group of three friends trying to get into an abandoned summer camp with ghstly figures seemingly appearing from the mist. The writing in those first few chapters is absolutely brilliant.
of course reports then come in to Morgan who races to the scene. When she sees a body in the lake she does no more (obviously) and jumps straight in to try and help. Sadly for Morgan she is too late but she knows that there is still one young girl missing. Her and the team have to do their utmost to find her before this killer strikes again.
When Morgan and the team investigate it soon becomes clear that the camp is the stuff of legends and they struggle to seperate fact from fiction. Ben, Cain, Mark and Amy still feature ion this book and I am beginning to feel like if any of those people were missing it would be a travesty! At book 18 in a series I still feel like this series and its characters have so much more life in them.
It's a true testemant to how great an author Helen Phifer is, as readers are still eager to get the next book out, myself included. A great read and a series I am still loving and cannot wait for the next one!
of course reports then come in to Morgan who races to the scene. When she sees a body in the lake she does no more (obviously) and jumps straight in to try and help. Sadly for Morgan she is too late but she knows that there is still one young girl missing. Her and the team have to do their utmost to find her before this killer strikes again.
When Morgan and the team investigate it soon becomes clear that the camp is the stuff of legends and they struggle to seperate fact from fiction. Ben, Cain, Mark and Amy still feature ion this book and I am beginning to feel like if any of those people were missing it would be a travesty! At book 18 in a series I still feel like this series and its characters have so much more life in them.
It's a true testemant to how great an author Helen Phifer is, as readers are still eager to get the next book out, myself included. A great read and a series I am still loving and cannot wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had great pacing, plenty of tension and suspense. As you move through the story, each chapter lures you in even more with the twists and thrills. This story can work as a standalone but goes down more smoothly if you have read the rest of the series. Detective Morgan Brookes is endearing, compelling, smart and gutsy throughout each book in this series. Phifer has developed and strengthen her characters with each edition of this series. I am always excited when a new book comes out because they constantly keep you guessing until the end. Three friends go to a haunted summer camp and one of the neighbors, Amos hears a scream and starts a search around the camp grounds. He comes across a teenage girl terrified in one of the cabins and calls the cops. That is when Morgan and her team arrive and start to search and Morgan sees a body floating in the lake and jumps in and almost drowns herself. Her team is able to pull her and the body out of the lake but the young teenage boy is dead. It is up to Morgan and her team to find out who Terrified these kids and killing them. This is a well-crafted mystery that I highly recommend.
May 27, 2026
This is another bone-chilling installment in the Detective Morgan Brookes series. This one has some serious Friday the Thirteenth vibes, as the scene of the crime is an abandoned summer camp where a lot of bad things have happened over the years. Three teens entered the camp while there was a deep fog over the place. One has been found traumatized, one girl is missing and another teen is dead.
Morgan and her team are called to the scene. Their team has suffered a recent loss, but they are still ready, willing and able to come to the rescue. Morgan is a like a dog with a bone once she gets something in her head. She is fearless, and maybe sometimes even a little reckless. But you can count on one thing, and that is that she will figure out what is going on.
The author always sets the tone with an atmosphere that is ominous and creepy. As far as police procedurals go, this one is just right. It is a slow ride, but there is enough hair-raising, sinister undertones to keep it going all the way to the wild and crazy ending.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Morgan and her team are called to the scene. Their team has suffered a recent loss, but they are still ready, willing and able to come to the rescue. Morgan is a like a dog with a bone once she gets something in her head. She is fearless, and maybe sometimes even a little reckless. But you can count on one thing, and that is that she will figure out what is going on.
The author always sets the tone with an atmosphere that is ominous and creepy. As far as police procedurals go, this one is just right. It is a slow ride, but there is enough hair-raising, sinister undertones to keep it going all the way to the wild and crazy ending.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2026
As always, this newest Brookes novel is fast-paced and completely engaging - the type of book you just can’t put down. The use of local yore to establish the context for the murder links the town’s history to the present, and creates a sense of community amongst the characters. Community is a growing part of this series as Phifer continues to develop her core characters with thoughtful details, leading to evolutions that feel very real. While the police investigation is always the core of the story, the backgrounds, current life situations, and potential futures of Morgan, Ben, Cain, Declan, Theo, Amy, Aunt Ettie, etc., and how they handle their joys, fears, and horrors in life make this series a fuller reading experience. Other Rydal Falls community members return from previous books throughout the series, with some of the more interesting people showing up in this novel. It’s starting to feel a bit like going home when I start reading a story.
Thank you to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author, Helen Phifer, for early access to this near perfect small town British police procedural.
June 1, 2026
What starts out as a night on a ghost hunt turn to terror for three teens. As one runs in terror, she is not sure what is to become of the two friends she left behind, when a figure suddenly emerged from the mist and began to attack. Morgan and her team are quickly on the case, but this is going to be a harder one to crack. As the frightened teen gives the information she has, the worry turns to the two teenagers still missing. When a body turns up, and then another, it appears a new killer has moved in, and is determined to make their mark on the little town.
Morgan will stop at nothing to bring the young teen home. However, this case is going to have a few twists that you will NOT see coming!
Absolutely LOVED reading this book! I sat down thinking that I would get a few hours in before bed, and ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. Prepare for a night of gasps and nail biting.
Each of these books can be read as a stand alone, but there are some running themes throughout that make more sense if you have read them all. Read "The Girl in the Mist," and then go read all 18. You will not be disappointed. I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do.
Morgan will stop at nothing to bring the young teen home. However, this case is going to have a few twists that you will NOT see coming!
Absolutely LOVED reading this book! I sat down thinking that I would get a few hours in before bed, and ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. Prepare for a night of gasps and nail biting.
Each of these books can be read as a stand alone, but there are some running themes throughout that make more sense if you have read them all. Read "The Girl in the Mist," and then go read all 18. You will not be disappointed. I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
We are back with Morgan and the crew in book 18! of this series and its still going strong.
I loved the setting of the haunted camp, which is what brought the three teens there in the beginning of this story. The camp is in the middle of nowhere, the mist has settled over the landscape and when Dillion and his friends are almost to the camp he sees someone, possibly a young woman running through the mist. They get out to see if she needs help, and find themselves facing something sinister.
I love how Morgan doesn't completely dismiss the haunting of the camp, she has an open mind and will investigate every angle, even if that means her coworkers look at her a bit oddly. We get to see my favorite person Aunt Etta, Not that the rest of the team hasn't started to feel like family after all these books, but Etta just adds something special. We are still dealing with the aftermath of the last book, which was very emotional, and this case has so many twists and turns I never knew what was going to happen next.
I loved the setting of the haunted camp, which is what brought the three teens there in the beginning of this story. The camp is in the middle of nowhere, the mist has settled over the landscape and when Dillion and his friends are almost to the camp he sees someone, possibly a young woman running through the mist. They get out to see if she needs help, and find themselves facing something sinister.
I love how Morgan doesn't completely dismiss the haunting of the camp, she has an open mind and will investigate every angle, even if that means her coworkers look at her a bit oddly. We get to see my favorite person Aunt Etta, Not that the rest of the team hasn't started to feel like family after all these books, but Etta just adds something special. We are still dealing with the aftermath of the last book, which was very emotional, and this case has so many twists and turns I never knew what was going to happen next.
June 9, 2026
Favorite Quotes:
Everywhere is haunted by someone or something. It’s usually memories of unhappy times that cause the memories that haunt us all.
When the door opened, she was kind of disappointed that Joyce wasn’t still wearing her Demogorgon onesie; instead she had a pair of Hocus Pocus pyjamas on, and Morgan thought that she might be in love with this older woman’s nightwear wardrobe.
… can I just say that you made me jump so far out of my skin I think my soul left my body.
This was turning into a carnival with a whole load of clowns...
My Review:
I always enjoy reading this crafty scribbler’s tales as I fall right into her characters’ vortex and feel as if I can see, hear, and smell right along with them. This was a creepy folktale/murder mystery that kept the little pea in my brain rattling and itchy to find the killer. Thankfully, this clever scribe threw in some unexpected yet welcome humor at irregular intervals to ease up on the thrumming tension and impending peril.
Everywhere is haunted by someone or something. It’s usually memories of unhappy times that cause the memories that haunt us all.
When the door opened, she was kind of disappointed that Joyce wasn’t still wearing her Demogorgon onesie; instead she had a pair of Hocus Pocus pyjamas on, and Morgan thought that she might be in love with this older woman’s nightwear wardrobe.
… can I just say that you made me jump so far out of my skin I think my soul left my body.
This was turning into a carnival with a whole load of clowns...
My Review:
I always enjoy reading this crafty scribbler’s tales as I fall right into her characters’ vortex and feel as if I can see, hear, and smell right along with them. This was a creepy folktale/murder mystery that kept the little pea in my brain rattling and itchy to find the killer. Thankfully, this clever scribe threw in some unexpected yet welcome humor at irregular intervals to ease up on the thrumming tension and impending peril.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The queen of spooky hits the ball out of the park yet again! Book 18 in the Morgan Brookes series didn’t disappoint, a cracking story from Helen as usual! I feel rather than getting old and stale this series gets better with every book. I particularly liked the spooky vibe in this book it added another dimension to the story. I must be on the same spooky detective wavelength as Helen because I guessed the bad guy very early on but this didn’t spoil the story in any way. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I would not hesitate in recommending this series it’s fabulous. The book could be read as a standalone but reading from book one is recommended so that you can get to know the characters and the relationships that they have to each other. To summarise this is a brilliant serial killer story that kept me interested, engaged and wanting more. Roll on book 19!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 27 May 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 27 May 2026.
May 27, 2026
Another brilliant crime thriller from Helen Phifer.
When a teenage girl is found injured near an old disused Summer camp in the woods, Morgan and Ben are keen to find out what happened.
Then Morgan sees someone in the water and jumps in without thinking. She manages to get them out but unfortunately it’s too late to save them.
When Morgan speaks to the girl she tells them that her other friend is missing and she thinks she’s dead.
Cain has returned to work and keeping an eye on Morgan takes his mind off losing Angela, but he’s still grieving.
Morgan speaks to her Aunt Ettie and it seems the teenagers were ‘ghost hunting’ as she’s aware of some stories about the old camp in the woods. However, it seems someone is preying on these people and Morgan and the team need to find them.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
When a teenage girl is found injured near an old disused Summer camp in the woods, Morgan and Ben are keen to find out what happened.
Then Morgan sees someone in the water and jumps in without thinking. She manages to get them out but unfortunately it’s too late to save them.
When Morgan speaks to the girl she tells them that her other friend is missing and she thinks she’s dead.
Cain has returned to work and keeping an eye on Morgan takes his mind off losing Angela, but he’s still grieving.
Morgan speaks to her Aunt Ettie and it seems the teenagers were ‘ghost hunting’ as she’s aware of some stories about the old camp in the woods. However, it seems someone is preying on these people and Morgan and the team need to find them.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
June 12, 2026
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE : The storyline was okay and promising in the beginning. We have a murder case, and missing persons. The detectives, were hardworking, sure, but solving the case felt kinda slow. It was even more annoying because the perp didn't reveal why he did what he did. It felt unfinished.
CHARACTERS: They were okay. The detectives were okay at their jobs and worked hard to solve the case and find the victims.
WRITING STYLE: It was okay, I don't really have any issues with it
SETTINGS: I feel they were well described. It felt like I was in the cold rainy English small town with the characters.
OVERALL: Unfortunately, I didn't really like the book. But, I liked that who was whom was simplified as it was a series. There were no confusion on that end. I just wished the mystery had been better.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE : The storyline was okay and promising in the beginning. We have a murder case, and missing persons. The detectives, were hardworking, sure, but solving the case felt kinda slow. It was even more annoying because the perp didn't reveal why he did what he did. It felt unfinished.
CHARACTERS: They were okay. The detectives were okay at their jobs and worked hard to solve the case and find the victims.
WRITING STYLE: It was okay, I don't really have any issues with it
SETTINGS: I feel they were well described. It felt like I was in the cold rainy English small town with the characters.
OVERALL: Unfortunately, I didn't really like the book. But, I liked that who was whom was simplified as it was a series. There were no confusion on that end. I just wished the mystery had been better.
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