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Connie Woolwine #2
The Institution
To beat them, she’ll have to join them…
On a locked ward in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane, a nurse has been murdered and her newborn baby kidnapped. A ransom must be paid, and the clock is ticking.
Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine is renowned for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. Now she must go deep undercover among the most deranged and dangerous men on earth, and use her unique skills to find the baby – before it’s too late.
She has five days to catch the killer.
But with the walls of The Institution closing in on her, will her sanity last that long?
On a locked ward in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane, a nurse has been murdered and her newborn baby kidnapped. A ransom must be paid, and the clock is ticking.
Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine is renowned for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. Now she must go deep undercover among the most deranged and dangerous men on earth, and use her unique skills to find the baby – before it’s too late.
She has five days to catch the killer.
But with the walls of The Institution closing in on her, will her sanity last that long?
422 pages, ebook
First published March 2, 2023
1481 people are currently reading
22664 people want to read
About the author
Helen Sarah Fields
25 books2,663 followersWrites crime, mystery and thrillers. Loves historical fiction. Big horror fan. Goes back to one classic novel each month, to save her soul.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,467 reviews
March 12, 2023
The Institution takes the phrases “edge-of-your-seat” and “pulse-pounding” to the next level.
Dr. Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, goes undercover at a high-security prison full of serial killers deemed “criminally insane.”
Connie and her undercover partner have five days to find the culprits responsible for committing a heinous crime: fetal abduction.
Helen Fields has mastered the art of telling a story that is both difficult to read and impossible to put down. Much like another thriller I read by Fields, this book starts out incredibly gruesome. I probably would have DNF’d it if I hadn’t remembered that this is how the author begins her stories. But I am glad I pushed through because this is the best psychological thriller I’ve read in quite some time.
There are twists upon twists. I was suspicious of everyone, facility staff and prisoners alike. Some parts might lean towards OTT, but it only made it more addictive. The banter between Connie and Baarda helped balance out some of the tension.
The blurb did not indicate that this is not the first book featuring Dr. Connie Woolwine, so I’ll have to go back and give that one a gander. I hope there will be more books featuring this duo.
Don’t let the generic cover deceive you, the writing is top-notch and is a real nail-biter.
4.5
Thank you to Avon for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Dr. Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, goes undercover at a high-security prison full of serial killers deemed “criminally insane.”
Connie and her undercover partner have five days to find the culprits responsible for committing a heinous crime: fetal abduction.
Helen Fields has mastered the art of telling a story that is both difficult to read and impossible to put down. Much like another thriller I read by Fields, this book starts out incredibly gruesome. I probably would have DNF’d it if I hadn’t remembered that this is how the author begins her stories. But I am glad I pushed through because this is the best psychological thriller I’ve read in quite some time.
There are twists upon twists. I was suspicious of everyone, facility staff and prisoners alike. Some parts might lean towards OTT, but it only made it more addictive. The banter between Connie and Baarda helped balance out some of the tension.
The blurb did not indicate that this is not the first book featuring Dr. Connie Woolwine, so I’ll have to go back and give that one a gander. I hope there will be more books featuring this duo.
Don’t let the generic cover deceive you, the writing is top-notch and is a real nail-biter.
4.5
Thank you to Avon for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
May 15, 2024
2.75⭐️ ngl, I struggled to get through this one... I was scared about falling into a slump 😓
When a 36 weeks pregnant nurse is murdered after she has undergone an unauthorised c-section and her premature baby has been kidnapped for a ransom, a forensic profiler and private detective is brought into an institution undercover to investigate the crime.
"The institution" houses some of the most dangerous criminals and serial killers who won a plea of insanity at trial. With the support of the police who believe it is an inside job, Dr. Connie and the detective have only a few days to find out who is behind this gruesome murder and who has the baby and save her before it's too late for her, or another person dies.
The plot is very interesting I must admit, but the read was exhausting. The detective work? it felt like it was all going in circles and no where. Not much in the way of twists and when there were twists, they did evoke any feelings of mystery or surprise and were unbelievable. I see the potential and appeal but I can't say I enjoyed it.
When a 36 weeks pregnant nurse is murdered after she has undergone an unauthorised c-section and her premature baby has been kidnapped for a ransom, a forensic profiler and private detective is brought into an institution undercover to investigate the crime.
"The institution" houses some of the most dangerous criminals and serial killers who won a plea of insanity at trial. With the support of the police who believe it is an inside job, Dr. Connie and the detective have only a few days to find out who is behind this gruesome murder and who has the baby and save her before it's too late for her, or another person dies.
The plot is very interesting I must admit, but the read was exhausting. The detective work? it felt like it was all going in circles and no where. Not much in the way of twists and when there were twists, they did evoke any feelings of mystery or surprise and were unbelievable. I see the potential and appeal but I can't say I enjoyed it.
March 12, 2023
They may let you in…but getting out is a different matter all together!
I didn’t realize this was book two of a series when I requested it. I know this author writes notoriously dark thrillers that are some of my favorites. After noticing the psychological profilers’ name - Connie Woolwine, I knew I was in for an additional bonus. I loved her character in the previous book, The Shadow Man.
No worries if you’re new to this author. You can easily jump in right here and still have all the background needed to enjoy thoroughly and not feel you’re missing out.
Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda take on a case of a baby abduction in a high security facility for the most dangerous, "criminally insane". Known simply as The Institution. So you ask…what was a baby doing there in the first place? Well, her mom was a nurse at the facility, brutally murdered. Her baby ripped from her womb. Leaving her family devastated, desperate to find her child before time runs out.
As Connie interviews each patient you’re given a rare glimpse into their depraved minds. Frightening!
What a premise right!? Wow! Helen Fields delivers the most diabolical and sinister reads!
Once again, the author held me captivate throughout! As with the previous read, I loved Connie’s tough character and the in-depth look into what made her the strong woman she is today.
I will absolutely be standing in line for the next book by this author. Hoping it will involve my favorite profiler, Connie!
My only drawback was listening to the audio this time, I believe it would’ve been a five-star for me if I’d have read it instead. The narrator did a great job, but there were so many changing accents she needed to deliver that it became a bit distracting at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK 🎧
I didn’t realize this was book two of a series when I requested it. I know this author writes notoriously dark thrillers that are some of my favorites. After noticing the psychological profilers’ name - Connie Woolwine, I knew I was in for an additional bonus. I loved her character in the previous book, The Shadow Man.
No worries if you’re new to this author. You can easily jump in right here and still have all the background needed to enjoy thoroughly and not feel you’re missing out.
Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda take on a case of a baby abduction in a high security facility for the most dangerous, "criminally insane". Known simply as The Institution. So you ask…what was a baby doing there in the first place? Well, her mom was a nurse at the facility, brutally murdered. Her baby ripped from her womb. Leaving her family devastated, desperate to find her child before time runs out.
As Connie interviews each patient you’re given a rare glimpse into their depraved minds. Frightening!
What a premise right!? Wow! Helen Fields delivers the most diabolical and sinister reads!
Once again, the author held me captivate throughout! As with the previous read, I loved Connie’s tough character and the in-depth look into what made her the strong woman she is today.
I will absolutely be standing in line for the next book by this author. Hoping it will involve my favorite profiler, Connie!
My only drawback was listening to the audio this time, I believe it would’ve been a five-star for me if I’d have read it instead. The narrator did a great job, but there were so many changing accents she needed to deliver that it became a bit distracting at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK 🎧
October 14, 2022
I have sworn of traditional detective novels where investigations are involved. The book started with an autopsy, but unlike before, this autopsy didnt make me cringe or want to skip it. Connie had an unusual way of being with the dead body, in a way that made the descriptions of what she saw interesting rather than clinical.
The books is about Connie Woolwin, a forensic psychologist who goes undercover to discover who murdered and carved out her premature baby in a mental instituion for serial killers. A very interesting premise indeed, and the book kept that interesting well and throughly. I loved the profiling part of the novel, and it was made even more engaging since Connie had been in a mental health institution herself. You kept guessing along her and when she starts realizing that someone knows what she`s doing there, the suspense intensifies. The plot is balanced well, you have peaks where the suspense is almost giving you a heart attack, and periods where you get to know Connie better, which is necessary if you want to care about what happens to the character. I liked the portrayal of her PTSD, she had the typical symptoms, and it was obvious that the author knew what she wrote about. At the ending there was a lovely sequence when Connie talks with the grandmother to the baby, that desplayed how gifted Connie was as a therapist too, which always makes me happy (I like when novels reflect how psychologist work and help people).
The reason I did not give it five stars, was that it just was too strange when the serial killers started to help, it was just too surrealistic.
This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will want to read as much as possible, and be sad when the book is over, even if you felt very satisfied. I will definitely read more books by Helen Fields in the future
Thanks to netgally and Avon books uk for the arc!
The books is about Connie Woolwin, a forensic psychologist who goes undercover to discover who murdered and carved out her premature baby in a mental instituion for serial killers. A very interesting premise indeed, and the book kept that interesting well and throughly. I loved the profiling part of the novel, and it was made even more engaging since Connie had been in a mental health institution herself. You kept guessing along her and when she starts realizing that someone knows what she`s doing there, the suspense intensifies. The plot is balanced well, you have peaks where the suspense is almost giving you a heart attack, and periods where you get to know Connie better, which is necessary if you want to care about what happens to the character. I liked the portrayal of her PTSD, she had the typical symptoms, and it was obvious that the author knew what she wrote about. At the ending there was a lovely sequence when Connie talks with the grandmother to the baby, that desplayed how gifted Connie was as a therapist too, which always makes me happy (I like when novels reflect how psychologist work and help people).
The reason I did not give it five stars, was that it just was too strange when the serial killers started to help, it was just too surrealistic.
This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will want to read as much as possible, and be sad when the book is over, even if you felt very satisfied. I will definitely read more books by Helen Fields in the future
Thanks to netgally and Avon books uk for the arc!
October 14, 2022
This is the second novel featuring Dr Connie Woodwine and Brodie Baarda, first appearing in the excellent Shadow Man.
Psychological profiler Connie studies the body of nurse Tara Cameron to try to work out what has happened to her. There is little forensic evidence to go on despite her injuries and horrific violation. There is at best a five day window to find the baby ripped from her body, it’s a life or death race against time as a ransom demand for 5 million in crypto currency is delivered to her family. Connie goes undercover as a therapist working for the military via “Patient B“ and both arrive at the Charles Horatio Parry Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Criminally Insane to try to unmask the perpetrators at the secure unit where Tara has worked.
I am running out of superlatives to describe a Helen Fields novel and the sense of anticipation as you take a dive beneath the pages is intense. This is utterly gripping and most certainly a buckle up, strap yourself in read and prepare to have a sore jaw as it hit the deck with a resounding thump on several occasions.
Where to start with this edge of your seat read which I defy you to put down easily!!? First of all, the Institute is like a character in its own right with its sordid 200 year history making it a scary overwhelming place that gives off Gothic vibes at times and feels dystopian at others. The author uses its isolated location to great effect and let’s chuck in some adverse weather and it becomes utterly spine chilling.
Secondly, the characters are excellently conveyed especially that of Connie who is utterly fascinating as she is so very different as she uses her many skills to navigate this dangerous play. Through what unfolds here you learn more about Connie‘s backstory which is very revealing. ‘Heaven Ward’ high up in the skies houses very dangerous offenders and their portrayals make your skin crawl. The evil concentrated in this one place is almost overwhelming and definitely palpable. What pulls you even further into the storytelling is the conundrum of the staff. They are, let’s settle for interesting!! Some of the encounters with Connie are strange, unsettling with distinct off notes thus raising a multiplicity of suspicions.
The danger levels which are already high at the start reach Mount Everest proportions, its fear inducing and scary. It is very dark, inevitably disturbing, chock-full of tension and you feel the emotions and pressure that Connie is under. The twists and turns in this rollercoaster read our fantastic as we hurtle pell-mell to an excellent ending.
This is another crackingly powerful mindblower of a read from an author I rate very highly. It’s a warp speed ever changing plot which keeps you super glued to the pages.
More Connie and Brodie please, thank you!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Psychological profiler Connie studies the body of nurse Tara Cameron to try to work out what has happened to her. There is little forensic evidence to go on despite her injuries and horrific violation. There is at best a five day window to find the baby ripped from her body, it’s a life or death race against time as a ransom demand for 5 million in crypto currency is delivered to her family. Connie goes undercover as a therapist working for the military via “Patient B“ and both arrive at the Charles Horatio Parry Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Criminally Insane to try to unmask the perpetrators at the secure unit where Tara has worked.
I am running out of superlatives to describe a Helen Fields novel and the sense of anticipation as you take a dive beneath the pages is intense. This is utterly gripping and most certainly a buckle up, strap yourself in read and prepare to have a sore jaw as it hit the deck with a resounding thump on several occasions.
Where to start with this edge of your seat read which I defy you to put down easily!!? First of all, the Institute is like a character in its own right with its sordid 200 year history making it a scary overwhelming place that gives off Gothic vibes at times and feels dystopian at others. The author uses its isolated location to great effect and let’s chuck in some adverse weather and it becomes utterly spine chilling.
Secondly, the characters are excellently conveyed especially that of Connie who is utterly fascinating as she is so very different as she uses her many skills to navigate this dangerous play. Through what unfolds here you learn more about Connie‘s backstory which is very revealing. ‘Heaven Ward’ high up in the skies houses very dangerous offenders and their portrayals make your skin crawl. The evil concentrated in this one place is almost overwhelming and definitely palpable. What pulls you even further into the storytelling is the conundrum of the staff. They are, let’s settle for interesting!! Some of the encounters with Connie are strange, unsettling with distinct off notes thus raising a multiplicity of suspicions.
The danger levels which are already high at the start reach Mount Everest proportions, its fear inducing and scary. It is very dark, inevitably disturbing, chock-full of tension and you feel the emotions and pressure that Connie is under. The twists and turns in this rollercoaster read our fantastic as we hurtle pell-mell to an excellent ending.
This is another crackingly powerful mindblower of a read from an author I rate very highly. It’s a warp speed ever changing plot which keeps you super glued to the pages.
More Connie and Brodie please, thank you!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 30, 2024
Dr. Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, is known for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. On a locked ward in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane, a nurse has been murdered and her newborn baby kidnapped. Dr. Woolwine goes undercover to find the baby.
This book is intense, very atmospheric, and unlike nearly any other thriller I've read. The setting was so well described I could swear I've been there. The book is quite graphic as many of Helen Fields' books are. We get an in-depth description of the characters, both staff and inmates, including the reasons the patients/prisoners are in the Institution, some of which are hard to read. The cameo appearance by Ava Turner of the Luc Callanach series was neatly done. There are some scenes which require suspension of disbelief and a couple of occasions when Connie's actions were frustrating but overall it was an excellent book. I would rate this 4.5, rounded down to 4 because I actually didn't care much for Connie Woolwine as a character. She was like a chameleon. The ending was okay but I didn't much like the information dump as a way to tie up all the loose ends. It sounds like there'll be another book featuring some of the same characters and I'd definitely read it.
Although I'm a huge fan of this author's Luc Callanach series, I haven't read her standalone, The Shadow Man, and I understand Connie Woolwine is introduced in that book. I'll have to read it sometime soon.
If you're triggered by just about anything to do with indignities to a human body, you should probably think twice about reading this novel.
My thanks to Maddie Dunne Kirby, Harper Collins Publishers, and Avon Books UK via Netgalley for inviting me to read an advance copy of this outstanding novel.
Expected Publication: March 2, 2023
This book is intense, very atmospheric, and unlike nearly any other thriller I've read. The setting was so well described I could swear I've been there. The book is quite graphic as many of Helen Fields' books are. We get an in-depth description of the characters, both staff and inmates, including the reasons the patients/prisoners are in the Institution, some of which are hard to read. The cameo appearance by Ava Turner of the Luc Callanach series was neatly done. There are some scenes which require suspension of disbelief and a couple of occasions when Connie's actions were frustrating but overall it was an excellent book. I would rate this 4.5, rounded down to 4 because I actually didn't care much for Connie Woolwine as a character. She was like a chameleon. The ending was okay but I didn't much like the information dump as a way to tie up all the loose ends. It sounds like there'll be another book featuring some of the same characters and I'd definitely read it.
Although I'm a huge fan of this author's Luc Callanach series, I haven't read her standalone, The Shadow Man, and I understand Connie Woolwine is introduced in that book. I'll have to read it sometime soon.
If you're triggered by just about anything to do with indignities to a human body, you should probably think twice about reading this novel.
My thanks to Maddie Dunne Kirby, Harper Collins Publishers, and Avon Books UK via Netgalley for inviting me to read an advance copy of this outstanding novel.
Expected Publication: March 2, 2023
March 5, 2023
Dr Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda are back and investigating a murder in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane. Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine is known for being able to get into the heads of murderers. She will rely heavily on this skill when she goes undercover to uncover the identity of who killed a pregnant nurse and cut out her baby. With the baby missing, she will have 5 days to catch a killer. Talk about pressure!
I found this book to be gripping, chilling and intense. I loved being a silent observer as Connie interviewed those inside the prison including the staff. As she investigates, readers also get to know more about Connie. We learn more about her backstory and her experiences being in a mental health facility when she was younger.
The descriptions in this book were so vivid, that I could picture the prison/hospital as it sat high above and the views that could be seen through the windows. The setting was eerie and creepy. I imagined it being cold, bleak and sterile. There is a sense of unease that is present throughout the book. It adds to the underlying tension that intensifies with each page.
Helen Fields does not disappoint and had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages. The suspense was palpable. I enjoy her writing and how she unravels her plot. I enjoyed doing my own super sleuthing along with Connie. In a place where one questions who can be trusted, how do you get to the truth? Read and find out!
Gripping, atmospheric, tense and well written!
#TheInstitution #NetGalley #HelenFields
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio, Avon and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
I found this book to be gripping, chilling and intense. I loved being a silent observer as Connie interviewed those inside the prison including the staff. As she investigates, readers also get to know more about Connie. We learn more about her backstory and her experiences being in a mental health facility when she was younger.
The descriptions in this book were so vivid, that I could picture the prison/hospital as it sat high above and the views that could be seen through the windows. The setting was eerie and creepy. I imagined it being cold, bleak and sterile. There is a sense of unease that is present throughout the book. It adds to the underlying tension that intensifies with each page.
Helen Fields does not disappoint and had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages. The suspense was palpable. I enjoy her writing and how she unravels her plot. I enjoyed doing my own super sleuthing along with Connie. In a place where one questions who can be trusted, how do you get to the truth? Read and find out!
Gripping, atmospheric, tense and well written!
#TheInstitution #NetGalley #HelenFields
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio, Avon and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
March 22, 2023
My Rating: 1⭐️ this started out as maybe a generous 3 then dropped rapidly through the floor!!!
This will have spoilers - I am ticking the spoilers box because I am so mad at this book that I wont be able to help myself.
Also I am pretty much on my own in this rating except for a couple of people… outlier island has my name on it in large letters yet again!!!
I am also not doing a synopsis recap… I just can’t bring myself to do it.
SO… this book was much anticipated… the publisher must have known, nope don’t give her a copy cause she is gonna hate it!!! I was denied on NetGalley and then went immediately out to get it once it had been released… jokes on me… I am unhappy to say the least. This book omg… the amount of plot holes and things that didn’t make sense… I get that it is fiction… but there is fiction and a logical storyline then there is THIS!!!
Dr Connie a (psychologist profiler) is called to The Institution a place located with water all around it… at sea or on a lake or something… honestly I don’t know anymore. All the biggest sicko serial killers and baddies go to be committed there, after being deemed criminally insane. A crime was committed on site (quite a serious one I might add) where a nurse who was pregnant working in this place, was murdered and her baby was taken from her body and now is being held for ransom… OHHHH and not just any ransom but crypto ransom… so there is that element… that quite literally goes no where…
So Dr Connie is a profiler… not with the FBI (anymore - just got her own company), the police decide to let her go in undercover (first time undercover… seems legit), with her buddy who works for her (ex cop). His cover is being a military special agent or something and he has committed unspeakable crimes. The cover story they come up with is that he is Patient B and no one can know anything about him until Dr Connie has determined if it’s the best place for him by interviewing all the patients and staff (not suss at all).
Where are the police you might ask… ohhhh no they are not here you don’t need to worry cause Dr Connie is there interviewing people and chatting away and slowly going insane from being back in an institution (flash back childhood trauma) and the police are like yeah cool cool cool, we will just stay on the mainland and let you have like four days to find the baby… cause by then the baby will be dead based on some photo we got from the ransom people… WHAT!!!!
Are you for real… this woman is a private contractor profiler… I do not care how good she is SPOILER ALERT she sucks!!! But the police would be there… oh we don't want to alert the kidnappers… righto sure lets play along. Dr Connie and Patient B to the rescue.
So Patient B gets locked up… makes sense cause he’s a criminal according to his fake background… and then he gets immediately sedated and locked in his cell… where he is rendered completely useless for gathering data and facts and evidence. So there is that… then when he does get to wander around with his serial killer pals (cause of course you let them have puzzle and movie night, like its no big deal and these sickos didn’t kill hundreds of people between them)… what could go wrong!!! He gets literally nothing of value.
Meanwhile Inspector Gadget is out there looking for her own clues, all the while EMAILING the police to keep in touch… not even some little phone calls…. Ok sure… I am still going along with it… she quite literally doesn’t really find anything out. She keeps ruling people out on her gut feeling… like there are serial killers locked up, a nurse that clearly hates all people on earth, thug type orderlies, she keeps talking about the nurse with the money issues, and some delusional doctor who keep referring to the killers as his guests… like they are gonna be acting normal anytime soon. It is weird to say the least… there is another Dr that immediately hits on Dr Woeful and she of course accepts a drink with him where he tries to get with her… normal!!!
Meanwhile one of the actual baddies, (unbeknownst to her) she has befriended and thinks is amazing, good one Dr Zoidberg, your gut must of been off that day.
Anyway… in terms of the writing it is pretty bad… there are WAAAAAAY TOO MANY PAGES…. And too much filler text. I was skimming some of the full on descriptions of things that just weren’t necessary. I was really labouring by about 50% but so many good ratings… people really punk’d me on this one… I was waiting and waiting for things to get better and they just got worse.
The author was doing so much, literally threw everything she could think of at this… we have, to name a few:
a storm where all communications (emails to police) were cut off - OFC
Dr Woo Woo starts to lose her mind AND THEY LOCK HER UP IN A STRAIGHT JACKET AND TRY TO DO ECT ON HER WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK…. You cannot decide to do that to someone who isn’t a patient… is that even for real… she is trying to find this baby and she is busy being locked up…
Where is patient b you ask… LOCKED UP ALSO…. Doing nothing.
Someone steals her things… to make her paranoid…
Oh there is a fire AND a flood cause one would never be enough.
Serial killers escape and someone dies…. OFC
A boy lives at the mental institute and his name is literally just BOY… why? no idea.
And so so much more… this is a lot of ramble but I am so mad at this book it really did my head in…
One thing that made me scream, was when Dr Scooby said don’t worry about me I can defend myself… I know self defence… there were literally 6 serial killers who were killing a multitude of people some with their bare hands… I seriously doubt you can go a few rounds love… sorry but you are immediately overpowered and also zapped by a nurse, you had no chance against all the baddies. Then you got stabbed so there is that…
But don’t worry when she does find the baby - oh yeah after days, literally days and a flood a fire a storm and all the other shit that was thrown in… she finds the baby cause she randomly has a brain spark… righto… the baddie tries to throw her and the baby into the incinerator… okaaaaayyyyy….
Dr Martial Arts though has the presence of mind to drop down (shes been stabbed remember, but still moving around no worries) to bend down, drop the baby on the floor… no worries, and then roll the baddie off her back into the fire and lock said baddie in there and watch him burn to death… totally chill no worries at all.
The end… nope not the end… there are like three more baddies to get through and then the crypto… no sorry we don’t come back to that at all… it is not really mentioned much at all in the second half of the book.
ANYWAY… the writing was crappy, the length was crappy and I truly hated all the characters there was random useless info in there… random useless characters and a completely out of control unbelievable not even possible and never gonna happen storyline… I am sorry to those that loved this (the majority) but for me this was complete rubbish.
I was eye rolling until my eyes looked like a poker machine winning the big time, I had crosses instead of eyes by the end!!! 🎰
Do the police ever come … well feel free to read it and find out the rest of the book I didn’t ruin.
I am cutting myself off… but overall would I recommend HELL NO!!! NEVER NOT TO ANYONE… I hated this book and I never want to think about it again!!! 😵
This will have spoilers - I am ticking the spoilers box because I am so mad at this book that I wont be able to help myself.
Also I am pretty much on my own in this rating except for a couple of people… outlier island has my name on it in large letters yet again!!!
I am also not doing a synopsis recap… I just can’t bring myself to do it.
SO… this book was much anticipated… the publisher must have known, nope don’t give her a copy cause she is gonna hate it!!! I was denied on NetGalley and then went immediately out to get it once it had been released… jokes on me… I am unhappy to say the least. This book omg… the amount of plot holes and things that didn’t make sense… I get that it is fiction… but there is fiction and a logical storyline then there is THIS!!!
Dr Connie a (psychologist profiler) is called to The Institution a place located with water all around it… at sea or on a lake or something… honestly I don’t know anymore. All the biggest sicko serial killers and baddies go to be committed there, after being deemed criminally insane. A crime was committed on site (quite a serious one I might add) where a nurse who was pregnant working in this place, was murdered and her baby was taken from her body and now is being held for ransom… OHHHH and not just any ransom but crypto ransom… so there is that element… that quite literally goes no where…
So Dr Connie is a profiler… not with the FBI (anymore - just got her own company), the police decide to let her go in undercover (first time undercover… seems legit), with her buddy who works for her (ex cop). His cover is being a military special agent or something and he has committed unspeakable crimes. The cover story they come up with is that he is Patient B and no one can know anything about him until Dr Connie has determined if it’s the best place for him by interviewing all the patients and staff (not suss at all).
Where are the police you might ask… ohhhh no they are not here you don’t need to worry cause Dr Connie is there interviewing people and chatting away and slowly going insane from being back in an institution (flash back childhood trauma) and the police are like yeah cool cool cool, we will just stay on the mainland and let you have like four days to find the baby… cause by then the baby will be dead based on some photo we got from the ransom people… WHAT!!!!
Are you for real… this woman is a private contractor profiler… I do not care how good she is SPOILER ALERT she sucks!!! But the police would be there… oh we don't want to alert the kidnappers… righto sure lets play along. Dr Connie and Patient B to the rescue.
So Patient B gets locked up… makes sense cause he’s a criminal according to his fake background… and then he gets immediately sedated and locked in his cell… where he is rendered completely useless for gathering data and facts and evidence. So there is that… then when he does get to wander around with his serial killer pals (cause of course you let them have puzzle and movie night, like its no big deal and these sickos didn’t kill hundreds of people between them)… what could go wrong!!! He gets literally nothing of value.
Meanwhile Inspector Gadget is out there looking for her own clues, all the while EMAILING the police to keep in touch… not even some little phone calls…. Ok sure… I am still going along with it… she quite literally doesn’t really find anything out. She keeps ruling people out on her gut feeling… like there are serial killers locked up, a nurse that clearly hates all people on earth, thug type orderlies, she keeps talking about the nurse with the money issues, and some delusional doctor who keep referring to the killers as his guests… like they are gonna be acting normal anytime soon. It is weird to say the least… there is another Dr that immediately hits on Dr Woeful and she of course accepts a drink with him where he tries to get with her… normal!!!
Meanwhile one of the actual baddies, (unbeknownst to her) she has befriended and thinks is amazing, good one Dr Zoidberg, your gut must of been off that day.
Anyway… in terms of the writing it is pretty bad… there are WAAAAAAY TOO MANY PAGES…. And too much filler text. I was skimming some of the full on descriptions of things that just weren’t necessary. I was really labouring by about 50% but so many good ratings… people really punk’d me on this one… I was waiting and waiting for things to get better and they just got worse.
The author was doing so much, literally threw everything she could think of at this… we have, to name a few:
a storm where all communications (emails to police) were cut off - OFC
Dr Woo Woo starts to lose her mind AND THEY LOCK HER UP IN A STRAIGHT JACKET AND TRY TO DO ECT ON HER WHAT THE ACTUAL F*CK…. You cannot decide to do that to someone who isn’t a patient… is that even for real… she is trying to find this baby and she is busy being locked up…
Where is patient b you ask… LOCKED UP ALSO…. Doing nothing.
Someone steals her things… to make her paranoid…
Oh there is a fire AND a flood cause one would never be enough.
Serial killers escape and someone dies…. OFC
A boy lives at the mental institute and his name is literally just BOY… why? no idea.
And so so much more… this is a lot of ramble but I am so mad at this book it really did my head in…
One thing that made me scream, was when Dr Scooby said don’t worry about me I can defend myself… I know self defence… there were literally 6 serial killers who were killing a multitude of people some with their bare hands… I seriously doubt you can go a few rounds love… sorry but you are immediately overpowered and also zapped by a nurse, you had no chance against all the baddies. Then you got stabbed so there is that…
But don’t worry when she does find the baby - oh yeah after days, literally days and a flood a fire a storm and all the other shit that was thrown in… she finds the baby cause she randomly has a brain spark… righto… the baddie tries to throw her and the baby into the incinerator… okaaaaayyyyy….
Dr Martial Arts though has the presence of mind to drop down (shes been stabbed remember, but still moving around no worries) to bend down, drop the baby on the floor… no worries, and then roll the baddie off her back into the fire and lock said baddie in there and watch him burn to death… totally chill no worries at all.
The end… nope not the end… there are like three more baddies to get through and then the crypto… no sorry we don’t come back to that at all… it is not really mentioned much at all in the second half of the book.
ANYWAY… the writing was crappy, the length was crappy and I truly hated all the characters there was random useless info in there… random useless characters and a completely out of control unbelievable not even possible and never gonna happen storyline… I am sorry to those that loved this (the majority) but for me this was complete rubbish.
I was eye rolling until my eyes looked like a poker machine winning the big time, I had crosses instead of eyes by the end!!! 🎰
Do the police ever come … well feel free to read it and find out the rest of the book I didn’t ruin.
I am cutting myself off… but overall would I recommend HELL NO!!! NEVER NOT TO ANYONE… I hated this book and I never want to think about it again!!! 😵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
Firstly, I would like to thank netgalley, Avon Books,and the wonderful author Helen Fields for an early copy of her book to read.
This book starts with a nurse shes been murdered in an institution for the criminally insane,the baby she was carrying was taken,was it someone from the institute.Dr connie Woolwine goes undercover,Will she find out who or how the baby was taken? The place is full of danger. Who can she trust.Another fantastic read from this author as I really enjoy her crime books immensely. I am looking forward to reading more of her books as never disappoints...
This book starts with a nurse shes been murdered in an institution for the criminally insane,the baby she was carrying was taken,was it someone from the institute.Dr connie Woolwine goes undercover,Will she find out who or how the baby was taken? The place is full of danger. Who can she trust.Another fantastic read from this author as I really enjoy her crime books immensely. I am looking forward to reading more of her books as never disappoints...
October 16, 2023
Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine agrees to work undercover in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane to investigate the murder of a pregnant nurse and find her kidnapped baby. Every staff member and inmate is under suspicion. To help her, another colleague is brought as a patient in the institution.
In the book, we find a few stories about serial killers who are incarcerated there. But not only inmates can be involved in the case. Without staff members, the crime couldn't be committed. Who can Connie trust and who should she keep away from?
The book has a lot of intense moments and unexpected twists. The end is shocking.
It didn't get 5 stars from me only because I think that the role of Connie's undercover colleague wasn't enough developed and he seemed to be out of events.
In the book, we find a few stories about serial killers who are incarcerated there. But not only inmates can be involved in the case. Without staff members, the crime couldn't be committed. Who can Connie trust and who should she keep away from?
The book has a lot of intense moments and unexpected twists. The end is shocking.
It didn't get 5 stars from me only because I think that the role of Connie's undercover colleague wasn't enough developed and he seemed to be out of events.
November 11, 2023
4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Harper Collins UK for the much-appreciated ARC for The Institution by Helen Fields. The author has become one of my favourites for her dark crime thrillers/ psychological suspense novels that she takes in intense, shocking directions. A couple of scenarios were nerve-wracking and disturbing but kept me riveted to my seat with suspense. I thought there were some implausible situations, but I was never distracted from the powerful storytelling. The deaths of victims and perpetrators were uncomfortable to read, but I could not put the book aside. This was a haunting, terrifying and immersive read.
A popular nurse's mutilated body has been discovered, and her daughter has been taken. There are only five days to save the baby. Ransom is demanded and to be paid in crypto-currency.
Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, has a unique ability to get inside the minds of killers and suspects and speak to the victims. She has powerful skills, invaluable in crime solving and works with a former officer Baarda. She suffers from PTSD flashbacks. Connie was locked up as a teenager when misdiagnosed as mentally ill. Her problems were physical due to a blood clot in the brain. Her present mood swings and erratic behaviour give the impression that she is mentally unstable, even paranoid.
Connie and Baarda are sent undercover to where the nurse was murdered. They have been assigned to locate and rescue the missing baby. Baarda is posing as a former army serial killer, and Connie is a therapist accompanying him to assess the suitability of his placement. The location is an old house in a remote, sprawling fortress compound. It gives off Gothic vibes and gives the story a locked-room aspect and a claustrophobic atmosphere. During their time there, a fire breaks out in one wing. There is a raging storm, and the basement begins to flood. The power goes off, leaving the place in darkness. What more could go wrong? Plenty!!
Connie and Baarda have been ordered to be placed in restraints, sedated, administered shock treatment and probably murdered. Their assignment is carried out in a mental institution, and they are working on the floor designated the highest security prison holding the five most vicious, deranged serial killers in the country. Connie and her partner are locked in among them. Someone knows they are using assumed identities, adding to the danger in this terrifying thriller. It seems that staff members are not to be trusted.
The staff are suspects, having motives of revenge, jealousy, or the money from the ransom. The prisoners could be involved in the crime through extra privileges or merely because they enjoy killing. With time running out and their lives in jeopardy, can Connie and Baarda solve the crime and rescue the baby? A very haunting and gripping story. There are hints of a sequel that I certainly would read.
Merged review:
4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Harper Collins UK for the much-appreciated ARC for The Institution by Helen Fields. The author has become one of my favourites for her dark crime thrillers/ psychological suspense novels that she takes in intense, shocking directions. A couple of scenarios were nerve-wracking and disturbing but kept me riveted to my seat with suspense. I thought there were some implausible situations, but I was never distracted from the powerful storytelling. The deaths of victims and perpetrators were uncomfortable to read, but I could not put the book aside. This was a haunting, terrifying and immersive read.
A popular nurse's mutilated body has been discovered, and her daughter has been taken. There are only five days to save the baby. Ransom is demanded and to be paid in crypto-currency.
Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, has a unique ability to get inside the minds of killers and suspects and speak to the victims. She has powerful skills, invaluable in crime solving and works with a former officer Baarda. She suffers from PTSD flashbacks. Connie was locked up as a teenager when misdiagnosed as mentally ill. Her problems were physical due to a blood clot in the brain. Her present mood swings and erratic behaviour give the impression that she is mentally unstable, even paranoid.
Connie and Baarda are sent undercover to where the nurse was murdered. They have been assigned to locate and rescue the missing baby. Baarda is posing as a former army serial killer, and Connie is a therapist accompanying him to assess the suitability of his placement. The location is an old house in a remote, sprawling fortress compound. It gives off Gothic vibes and gives the story a locked-room aspect and a claustrophobic atmosphere. During their time there, a fire breaks out in one wing. There is a raging storm, and the basement begins to flood. The power goes off, leaving the place in darkness. What more could go wrong? Plenty!!
Connie and Baarda have been ordered to be placed in restraints, sedated, administered shock treatment and probably murdered. Their assignment is carried out in a mental institution, and they are working on the floor designated the highest security prison holding the five most vicious, deranged serial killers in the country. Connie and her partner are locked in among them. Someone knows they are using assumed identities, adding to the danger in this terrifying thriller. It seems that staff members are not to be trusted.
The staff are suspects, having motives of revenge, jealousy, or the money from the ransom. The prisoners could be involved in the crime through extra privileges or merely because they enjoy killing. With time running out and their lives in jeopardy, can Connie and Baarda solve the crime and rescue the baby? A very haunting and gripping story. There are hints of a sequel that I certainly would read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Harper Collins UK for the much-appreciated ARC for The Institution by Helen Fields. The author has become one of my favourites for her dark crime thrillers/ psychological suspense novels that she takes in intense, shocking directions. A couple of scenarios were nerve-wracking and disturbing but kept me riveted to my seat with suspense. I thought there were some implausible situations, but I was never distracted from the powerful storytelling. The deaths of victims and perpetrators were uncomfortable to read, but I could not put the book aside. This was a haunting, terrifying and immersive read.
A popular nurse's mutilated body has been discovered, and her daughter has been taken. There are only five days to save the baby. Ransom is demanded and to be paid in crypto-currency.
Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, has a unique ability to get inside the minds of killers and suspects and speak to the victims. She has powerful skills, invaluable in crime solving and works with a former officer Baarda. She suffers from PTSD flashbacks. Connie was locked up as a teenager when misdiagnosed as mentally ill. Her problems were physical due to a blood clot in the brain. Her present mood swings and erratic behaviour give the impression that she is mentally unstable, even paranoid.
Connie and Baarda are sent undercover to where the nurse was murdered. They have been assigned to locate and rescue the missing baby. Baarda is posing as a former army serial killer, and Connie is a therapist accompanying him to assess the suitability of his placement. The location is an old house in a remote, sprawling fortress compound. It gives off Gothic vibes and gives the story a locked-room aspect and a claustrophobic atmosphere. During their time there, a fire breaks out in one wing. There is a raging storm, and the basement begins to flood. The power goes off, leaving the place in darkness. What more could go wrong? Plenty!!
Connie and Baarda have been ordered to be placed in restraints, sedated, administered shock treatment and probably murdered. Their assignment is carried out in a mental institution, and they are working on the floor designated the highest security prison holding the five most vicious, deranged serial killers in the country. Connie and her partner are locked in among them. Someone knows they are using assumed identities, adding to the danger in this terrifying thriller. It seems that staff members are not to be trusted.
The staff are suspects, having motives of revenge, jealousy, or the money from the ransom. The prisoners could be involved in the crime through extra privileges or merely because they enjoy killing. With time running out and their lives in jeopardy, can Connie and Baarda solve the crime and rescue the baby? A very haunting and gripping story. There are hints of a sequel that I certainly would read.
Merged review:
4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Harper Collins UK for the much-appreciated ARC for The Institution by Helen Fields. The author has become one of my favourites for her dark crime thrillers/ psychological suspense novels that she takes in intense, shocking directions. A couple of scenarios were nerve-wracking and disturbing but kept me riveted to my seat with suspense. I thought there were some implausible situations, but I was never distracted from the powerful storytelling. The deaths of victims and perpetrators were uncomfortable to read, but I could not put the book aside. This was a haunting, terrifying and immersive read.
A popular nurse's mutilated body has been discovered, and her daughter has been taken. There are only five days to save the baby. Ransom is demanded and to be paid in crypto-currency.
Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, has a unique ability to get inside the minds of killers and suspects and speak to the victims. She has powerful skills, invaluable in crime solving and works with a former officer Baarda. She suffers from PTSD flashbacks. Connie was locked up as a teenager when misdiagnosed as mentally ill. Her problems were physical due to a blood clot in the brain. Her present mood swings and erratic behaviour give the impression that she is mentally unstable, even paranoid.
Connie and Baarda are sent undercover to where the nurse was murdered. They have been assigned to locate and rescue the missing baby. Baarda is posing as a former army serial killer, and Connie is a therapist accompanying him to assess the suitability of his placement. The location is an old house in a remote, sprawling fortress compound. It gives off Gothic vibes and gives the story a locked-room aspect and a claustrophobic atmosphere. During their time there, a fire breaks out in one wing. There is a raging storm, and the basement begins to flood. The power goes off, leaving the place in darkness. What more could go wrong? Plenty!!
Connie and Baarda have been ordered to be placed in restraints, sedated, administered shock treatment and probably murdered. Their assignment is carried out in a mental institution, and they are working on the floor designated the highest security prison holding the five most vicious, deranged serial killers in the country. Connie and her partner are locked in among them. Someone knows they are using assumed identities, adding to the danger in this terrifying thriller. It seems that staff members are not to be trusted.
The staff are suspects, having motives of revenge, jealousy, or the money from the ransom. The prisoners could be involved in the crime through extra privileges or merely because they enjoy killing. With time running out and their lives in jeopardy, can Connie and Baarda solve the crime and rescue the baby? A very haunting and gripping story. There are hints of a sequel that I certainly would read.
December 31, 2024
Five more ✨✨ Helen S. Fields ����🏾🙌🏾! Awesome, awesome series!!! Is there more of Dr. Connie Woolwine? I just finished reading “The Institution”, and I already miss her 😆
Last read in 2024 🎉🎉Such a good reading year ☺️
Last read in 2024 🎉🎉Such a good reading year ☺️
November 9, 2024
A nurse working in a mental institution for the criminally insane is murdered. She was 36 weeks pregnant and someone extracted her baby and murdered her in the process. Someone is demanding ransom for the baby.
DUDE! This is disclosed in the beginning of the book. Talk about being IMMEDIATELY HOOKED!! I love a fantastic story that centers around an insane asylum/ psych ward!
Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine steps inside The Institution to help find the culprits. She has a magnificent way of getting inside the mind of a serial killer! Throughout the book she does interviews with prisoners/patients in hopes of getting some answers. Only they think she’s there to help them. Not undercover to save the baby as time is running out.
Hell yeah Helen Fields is a badass!! I have her entire DI series and can’t wait to read those too!! I highly recommend this one! Only teeny complaint is it slows down a bit in the middle. It’s still an almost 5 ⭐️ read!!!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
DUDE! This is disclosed in the beginning of the book. Talk about being IMMEDIATELY HOOKED!! I love a fantastic story that centers around an insane asylum/ psych ward!
Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine steps inside The Institution to help find the culprits. She has a magnificent way of getting inside the mind of a serial killer! Throughout the book she does interviews with prisoners/patients in hopes of getting some answers. Only they think she’s there to help them. Not undercover to save the baby as time is running out.
Hell yeah Helen Fields is a badass!! I have her entire DI series and can’t wait to read those too!! I highly recommend this one! Only teeny complaint is it slows down a bit in the middle. It’s still an almost 5 ⭐️ read!!!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 6, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Helen Sarah Fields, and Avon Books UK for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always one to enjoy a novel by Helen Sarah Fields, I gladly accepted this ARC. While Fields puts this book forward as a standalone, it is actually the second novel featuring Dr. Connie Woolwine and former Det. Brodie Baarda. Woolwine and Baarda are on a mission to discover how a pregnant nurse in an extremely secure institution was murdered and her foetus violently removed. The storylines in the book provide as much eerieness as entertainment for the reader, while proving that Helen Sarah Fields is at the top of her game in a genre full of authors. This is yet another reading experience about which I will be talking for months to come.
After the murder of a nurse and the kidnapping of her foetus within one of the world’s most secure prisons for the criminally insane, there is panic both to solve the case and keep it hushed. Enter Dr. Connie Woolwine, whose profiling abilities brought her from the United States over the Pond. Working undercover, Woolwine will try to determine what’s been going on and provide the police with much needed information. She’s brought her colleague, former Detective Brodie Baarda along, to serve as a new patient with a mysterious past.
While Dr. Woolwine is known for being able to peel back the layers of the most sadistic murderers, she will have to work her magic slowly, while still on a clock. The foetus, now named Aurora is in the hands of someone unknown, with a massive ransom that must be paid in short order. Dr. Woolwine meticulously interviews the other prisoners and staff within The Institution, a castle-like structure that has many pods and is isolated form much of the outside world. Without revealing her true reason for being there, Woolwine works to explore who might have wanted the victim dead and how it could be accomplished without anyone else knowing. All the while, the hunt for the baby is a secondary worry, as Woolwine does all she can.
With Baarda trying to play a serial killer and yet keep his dignity, Woolwine will have to make efforts to find answers and use her colleague’s insights to see if they can crack the case open in the allotted time. With a murderer in their midst and someone trying to stifle obvious progress, it could cost Woolwine and Baarda everything. A chilling story that is as entertaining as it is addictive, Fields proves just how great a writer she is with this novel!
I always enjoy seeing a new book out by Helen Sarah Fields. Her writing is stellar and the storylines prove tp pull the reader in with little effort. There is an obvious dedication to research, as Fields gets to the root of psychiatric disorders, with just the right amount of tension to make it realistic. While she wants to keep this as a standalone, Fields has the makings for another strong series here, with a collection of protagonists whose personalities mesh effectively. I’ll keep hoping that we see more from Dr. Connie Woolwine in the near future, as I am sure she has much more to offer.
The narrative approach to this book was a mix of straightforward crime thriller and eerie psychological tale. Fields mixes them well and presents a story that is sure to keep the reader flipping pages as they try to get to the core of the matter. A handful of well-established characters and two great protagonists keep the story moving and developing in many directions. It was the non-linear plots that made the book what it is, with a constant evolution of who could have done it and how their psychosis will come to the surface. Fast paced and full of unexpected twists, Fields leads her readers along and presents many possible solutions, in hopes that nothing is too predictable. As i mentioned above, I cannot wait to see when we will see more of Connie Woolwine, hoping that she can dazzle fans and some other characters alike.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for another stunning read!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always one to enjoy a novel by Helen Sarah Fields, I gladly accepted this ARC. While Fields puts this book forward as a standalone, it is actually the second novel featuring Dr. Connie Woolwine and former Det. Brodie Baarda. Woolwine and Baarda are on a mission to discover how a pregnant nurse in an extremely secure institution was murdered and her foetus violently removed. The storylines in the book provide as much eerieness as entertainment for the reader, while proving that Helen Sarah Fields is at the top of her game in a genre full of authors. This is yet another reading experience about which I will be talking for months to come.
After the murder of a nurse and the kidnapping of her foetus within one of the world’s most secure prisons for the criminally insane, there is panic both to solve the case and keep it hushed. Enter Dr. Connie Woolwine, whose profiling abilities brought her from the United States over the Pond. Working undercover, Woolwine will try to determine what’s been going on and provide the police with much needed information. She’s brought her colleague, former Detective Brodie Baarda along, to serve as a new patient with a mysterious past.
While Dr. Woolwine is known for being able to peel back the layers of the most sadistic murderers, she will have to work her magic slowly, while still on a clock. The foetus, now named Aurora is in the hands of someone unknown, with a massive ransom that must be paid in short order. Dr. Woolwine meticulously interviews the other prisoners and staff within The Institution, a castle-like structure that has many pods and is isolated form much of the outside world. Without revealing her true reason for being there, Woolwine works to explore who might have wanted the victim dead and how it could be accomplished without anyone else knowing. All the while, the hunt for the baby is a secondary worry, as Woolwine does all she can.
With Baarda trying to play a serial killer and yet keep his dignity, Woolwine will have to make efforts to find answers and use her colleague’s insights to see if they can crack the case open in the allotted time. With a murderer in their midst and someone trying to stifle obvious progress, it could cost Woolwine and Baarda everything. A chilling story that is as entertaining as it is addictive, Fields proves just how great a writer she is with this novel!
I always enjoy seeing a new book out by Helen Sarah Fields. Her writing is stellar and the storylines prove tp pull the reader in with little effort. There is an obvious dedication to research, as Fields gets to the root of psychiatric disorders, with just the right amount of tension to make it realistic. While she wants to keep this as a standalone, Fields has the makings for another strong series here, with a collection of protagonists whose personalities mesh effectively. I’ll keep hoping that we see more from Dr. Connie Woolwine in the near future, as I am sure she has much more to offer.
The narrative approach to this book was a mix of straightforward crime thriller and eerie psychological tale. Fields mixes them well and presents a story that is sure to keep the reader flipping pages as they try to get to the core of the matter. A handful of well-established characters and two great protagonists keep the story moving and developing in many directions. It was the non-linear plots that made the book what it is, with a constant evolution of who could have done it and how their psychosis will come to the surface. Fast paced and full of unexpected twists, Fields leads her readers along and presents many possible solutions, in hopes that nothing is too predictable. As i mentioned above, I cannot wait to see when we will see more of Connie Woolwine, hoping that she can dazzle fans and some other characters alike.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for another stunning read!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 3, 2023
One of my favourite authors has done it again!!!! Another stand alone that kept me reading late into the night I HAD TO KNOW THE TRUTH!!!!
A horrific murder with consequences and Dr Connie Woolvine and her partner are called in to save a baby and they have five days. They are undercover at the Institution, a high security establishment that is home to the criminally insane. Atmospheric, chilling, so many suspects who have their own adgendas. Welcome to The Institution you are in for a wild ride and another MUST READ from this author. For me this is her best stand alone so far. Read it and see if you agree. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
A horrific murder with consequences and Dr Connie Woolvine and her partner are called in to save a baby and they have five days. They are undercover at the Institution, a high security establishment that is home to the criminally insane. Atmospheric, chilling, so many suspects who have their own adgendas. Welcome to The Institution you are in for a wild ride and another MUST READ from this author. For me this is her best stand alone so far. Read it and see if you agree. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 11, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: March 2, 2023
Forensic profiler Connie Woodwine is called in to investigate when a newborn baby is kidnapped after being brutally ripped out of its mothers’ womb, leaving the mother dead. The murder happened at what is locally known as “The Institute”, one of the countries’ most secluded and high-security mental institutions for the criminally insane, housing some of the most dangerous inmates. Connie and her partner, Brady, must infiltrate the walls of the hospital to try and find out who was behind the brutal murder and kidnapping, before it’s too late.
Helen Fields’ novel, “The Institute”, is going to be a bit hit for fans of Dennis Lehane’s, “Shutter Island”. An insane asylum on the rocky coastline, secluded from the outside world, with more than one criminal in their midst- one who’s responsible for the most recent crime. Fields’ work has shock, awe, and utter terror within its pages, and left me guessing until the very end.
Connie is identified as “odd” by her colleagues and friends, a title she doesn’t take offense too if it means she gets the job done. An eccentric but brilliant profiler, her character is charismatic without being arrogant and kind-hearted without being overly emotional. As the other characters in the novel are all, literally, criminally insane, it is Connie’s character alone that has to resonate with readers, and Fields’ is able to bring that to life in the psychologist with a broken past.
On an island full of psychopaths, finding a murderer is literally like finding a straw coloured needle in a haystack, but Fields’ doesn’t make the ending presumptive. Staff and patients are all possible candidates, and when it finally all plays out, the conclusion is unexpected without being unrealistic.
Fields is a new author for me, although she is not new to the field, and I hope that she continues into the foray of psychological suspense, as it seems that this is where her niche lies. I loved the dark and gloomy feel of the institute and the island it resides on, and each and every one of the despicable criminals housed within its walls was enough to make my hair stand on end. You won’t sleep lightly after reading “The Institute”, and its pulse-pounding plot will stick with you long after the final pages.
Expected publication date: March 2, 2023
Forensic profiler Connie Woodwine is called in to investigate when a newborn baby is kidnapped after being brutally ripped out of its mothers’ womb, leaving the mother dead. The murder happened at what is locally known as “The Institute”, one of the countries’ most secluded and high-security mental institutions for the criminally insane, housing some of the most dangerous inmates. Connie and her partner, Brady, must infiltrate the walls of the hospital to try and find out who was behind the brutal murder and kidnapping, before it’s too late.
Helen Fields’ novel, “The Institute”, is going to be a bit hit for fans of Dennis Lehane’s, “Shutter Island”. An insane asylum on the rocky coastline, secluded from the outside world, with more than one criminal in their midst- one who’s responsible for the most recent crime. Fields’ work has shock, awe, and utter terror within its pages, and left me guessing until the very end.
Connie is identified as “odd” by her colleagues and friends, a title she doesn’t take offense too if it means she gets the job done. An eccentric but brilliant profiler, her character is charismatic without being arrogant and kind-hearted without being overly emotional. As the other characters in the novel are all, literally, criminally insane, it is Connie’s character alone that has to resonate with readers, and Fields’ is able to bring that to life in the psychologist with a broken past.
On an island full of psychopaths, finding a murderer is literally like finding a straw coloured needle in a haystack, but Fields’ doesn’t make the ending presumptive. Staff and patients are all possible candidates, and when it finally all plays out, the conclusion is unexpected without being unrealistic.
Fields is a new author for me, although she is not new to the field, and I hope that she continues into the foray of psychological suspense, as it seems that this is where her niche lies. I loved the dark and gloomy feel of the institute and the island it resides on, and each and every one of the despicable criminals housed within its walls was enough to make my hair stand on end. You won’t sleep lightly after reading “The Institute”, and its pulse-pounding plot will stick with you long after the final pages.
March 24, 2023
Ridiculous!
So unrealistic it should have been science fiction. Really disliked the narrator’s tone but think it is more the way the protagonist was created- but really? If I could give it zero I would.
So unrealistic it should have been science fiction. Really disliked the narrator’s tone but think it is more the way the protagonist was created- but really? If I could give it zero I would.
January 16, 2025
A gripping suspenseful mystery that is hard to put down. There are some parts which required some suspension of disbelief but those are outweighed by the masterfully crafted tension and action. The claustrophobic setting of a locked and isolated castle like insane asylum is a perfectly creepy and terrifying location.
May 23, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC of The Institution in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. For once, the protagonist in a book like this was capable and knew precisely what she was doing.
Connie was a very interesting protagonist. She was quite smart and pragmatic. Her struggles with PTSD with depicted quite well. Tbh, the personality wasn't written particularly well. She was quite inconsistent at times. One thing that bothered me a lot was that despite being so smart and experienced, she was not able to guess who the killers were.
By the end, even I had correctly guessed the killers.
This was an atmospheric read. It had some gothic vibes. The residents of the Institute could have been very interesting but they were highly undeveloped.
I think that my main issue with this is that the final act was quite unbelievable at times. Some things were very unrealistic and were only there to increase the plot's tension.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. For once, the protagonist in a book like this was capable and knew precisely what she was doing.
Connie was a very interesting protagonist. She was quite smart and pragmatic. Her struggles with PTSD with depicted quite well. Tbh, the personality wasn't written particularly well. She was quite inconsistent at times. One thing that bothered me a lot was that despite being so smart and experienced, she was not able to guess who the killers were.
By the end, even I had correctly guessed the killers.
This was an atmospheric read. It had some gothic vibes. The residents of the Institute could have been very interesting but they were highly undeveloped.
I think that my main issue with this is that the final act was quite unbelievable at times. Some things were very unrealistic and were only there to increase the plot's tension.
March 5, 2023
I'm worn out. This novel was one of the most intense novels I've ever read.
Set in a very isolated, maximum security prison hospital, the novel was so claustrophobic that I longed to leave there... but not before I found out what happened of course. The place was so very remote that staff had to live in, making it a prison for the people who worked there as well. We don't know where the Institution was, only that it was a mountainous region, maybe Austria? Switzerland?
The protagonist, Dr. Connie Woolwine was very believable and admirable, yet she wasn't without her own personal demons.
An incredibly brutal and grotesque crime has been carried out. Everyone who resides at the Institution is suspect, both inmates, and staff. Dr. Connie and her partner Baarda (an investigator and retired policeman) have entered the Institution under cover. She as a visiting psychologist, and he as an inmate.
Their time under the Institution's roof is gut-wrenchingly tense, fraught with peril and suspicion. No one can be trusted.
A book of manipulative, psychotic minds, of brutal and graphic descriptions of crime, and of the altruistic and brave people who are willing to risk their own personal safety to solve a barbaric crime and save the life of an innocent.
As if things weren't disturbing and nerve-shattering enough, a vicious storm comes and makes all who reside at the Institution at the mercy of nature, and even more isolated than they were before...
Nerve-jarring suspense ratchets up to almost unbearable tension as plot twists reveal some very real monsters.
Though this is the second novel to feature Dr. Connie Woolwine and investigator Baarda, it reads excellently as a stand-alone. That being said, I would at some point like to read "The Shadow Man", the first novel in which they appear.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy very intense thrillers who are not in any way squeamish. The story was compelling and kept me riveted from first page to last.
Set in a very isolated, maximum security prison hospital, the novel was so claustrophobic that I longed to leave there... but not before I found out what happened of course. The place was so very remote that staff had to live in, making it a prison for the people who worked there as well. We don't know where the Institution was, only that it was a mountainous region, maybe Austria? Switzerland?
The protagonist, Dr. Connie Woolwine was very believable and admirable, yet she wasn't without her own personal demons.
An incredibly brutal and grotesque crime has been carried out. Everyone who resides at the Institution is suspect, both inmates, and staff. Dr. Connie and her partner Baarda (an investigator and retired policeman) have entered the Institution under cover. She as a visiting psychologist, and he as an inmate.
Their time under the Institution's roof is gut-wrenchingly tense, fraught with peril and suspicion. No one can be trusted.
A book of manipulative, psychotic minds, of brutal and graphic descriptions of crime, and of the altruistic and brave people who are willing to risk their own personal safety to solve a barbaric crime and save the life of an innocent.
As if things weren't disturbing and nerve-shattering enough, a vicious storm comes and makes all who reside at the Institution at the mercy of nature, and even more isolated than they were before...
Nerve-jarring suspense ratchets up to almost unbearable tension as plot twists reveal some very real monsters.
Though this is the second novel to feature Dr. Connie Woolwine and investigator Baarda, it reads excellently as a stand-alone. That being said, I would at some point like to read "The Shadow Man", the first novel in which they appear.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy very intense thrillers who are not in any way squeamish. The story was compelling and kept me riveted from first page to last.
July 23, 2023
Helen Fields is a master at writing crime thrillers that will chill you to the bone and, have you turning the pages late into the night.
The Institution is brimming with atmospheric, compelling storytelling, well developed characters and a smooth flowing evocative prose The story follows Dr. Connie Woolwine and her ex- cop partner Brodie Baarda are asked to investigate a murder of nurse Cameron and her baby daughter who has been taken. Forensic Profiler Dr. Connie is renowned for her ability to get into the minds of murders. Now she and Brodie must go deep undercover at a high-security prison full of killers deemed “criminally insane.” and, use their skills to find the baby before the clock runs out. Or the killer finds out their real identities Brodie goes undercover as patient B an ex military special ops suffering from PTSD and Connie as his therapist who works for the army and, has to do an assessment of the staff and 6 patients in tower 2 called “The Heaven ward” is where the worst inmates are held – violent, prolific serial killers to see if it’s a fit for the former soldier As the walls close in on her, can Connie get to the Killer before the Institution gets her….I was hooked after the first paragraph it’s a fast paced book that me intrigued right up until the satisfying conclusion. Is is taught with intensity and filled plot twists and surprises I didn’t see coming.
I did not want to put the book until I found out who was responsible for this terrible crime. “A real page turner”
I highly recommend this book for lovers of crime thrillers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ STARS
The Institution is brimming with atmospheric, compelling storytelling, well developed characters and a smooth flowing evocative prose The story follows Dr. Connie Woolwine and her ex- cop partner Brodie Baarda are asked to investigate a murder of nurse Cameron and her baby daughter who has been taken. Forensic Profiler Dr. Connie is renowned for her ability to get into the minds of murders. Now she and Brodie must go deep undercover at a high-security prison full of killers deemed “criminally insane.” and, use their skills to find the baby before the clock runs out. Or the killer finds out their real identities Brodie goes undercover as patient B an ex military special ops suffering from PTSD and Connie as his therapist who works for the army and, has to do an assessment of the staff and 6 patients in tower 2 called “The Heaven ward” is where the worst inmates are held – violent, prolific serial killers to see if it’s a fit for the former soldier As the walls close in on her, can Connie get to the Killer before the Institution gets her….I was hooked after the first paragraph it’s a fast paced book that me intrigued right up until the satisfying conclusion. Is is taught with intensity and filled plot twists and surprises I didn’t see coming.
I did not want to put the book until I found out who was responsible for this terrible crime. “A real page turner”
I highly recommend this book for lovers of crime thrillers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ STARS
October 15, 2022
A standalone novel from Helen Sarah Fields author of the DI Callanach series that is one of my favourite reads. This one is a little different to the normal servings by this author but nevertheless an exciting read.
A nurse has been murdered on a locked ward in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane. The nurse was murdered and her newborn baby kidnapped. The race is on to get the baby back but the kidnappers want a ransom. Dr Connie Woolwine is a forensic profiler who is known for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. She is asked to go undercover in the prison to try and uncover the truth and rescue the newborn baby.
This is an exciting read from author Helen Fields and I am already looking forward to her next book.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A nurse has been murdered on a locked ward in the world’s highest-security prison hospital for the criminally insane. The nurse was murdered and her newborn baby kidnapped. The race is on to get the baby back but the kidnappers want a ransom. Dr Connie Woolwine is a forensic profiler who is known for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. She is asked to go undercover in the prison to try and uncover the truth and rescue the newborn baby.
This is an exciting read from author Helen Fields and I am already looking forward to her next book.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2023
They’re locked up for your safety. Now you’re locked in with them.
The Institution is a high-security prison for the criminally insane. One night, a nurse in a locked ward is murdered, and her newborn baby is kidnapped. Forensic profiler Dr. Connie Woolwine has only five days to find the ones responsible for this crime. After that, a newborn will be in danger.
I’m only an occasional thriller reader, and prefer literary thrillers, but I really liked this novel anyway. It’s a fast-paced, dark psychological thriller. Not for the faint-hearted. I like that Dr. Connie’s not perfect. That she seems like a regular human being with flaws.
Thanks to Avon Books UK for the ARC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
The Institution is a high-security prison for the criminally insane. One night, a nurse in a locked ward is murdered, and her newborn baby is kidnapped. Forensic profiler Dr. Connie Woolwine has only five days to find the ones responsible for this crime. After that, a newborn will be in danger.
I’m only an occasional thriller reader, and prefer literary thrillers, but I really liked this novel anyway. It’s a fast-paced, dark psychological thriller. Not for the faint-hearted. I like that Dr. Connie’s not perfect. That she seems like a regular human being with flaws.
Thanks to Avon Books UK for the ARC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
March 7, 2023
OMG I could not put The Institution down! This book should come with warning *highly addictive and a danger to your health* My blood pressure shot up the moment I read the first shocking chapter! The plot is excellent, and the storytelling is superb.
Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine and her partner Baarda go undercover at The Institution, a remote high security hospital for the criminally insane where a nurse is brutally murdered and her baby abducted for ransom. Connie Woolwine is tasked with finding the murderer on a high-security ward full of serial killers. Connie’s declining mental health, the claustrophobic setting, and a baby’s life in danger all create a genuine sense of urgency that never waivers.
Helen Fields has created the perfect backdrop for this book. The institute feels claustrophobic, harsh, inhospitable, and extremely dangerous. A cauldron of anger and malevolence simmers away just below the surface. Knowing there’s a heinous killer hiding in the shadows gives the reader a sense of foreboding that’s palatable from the start.
I really appreciated how much work Fields put into her characters. There’s so much suspicion and paranoia flying around it’s nigh on impossible to trust anyone, and that includes the ‘dubious’ institution staff! I liked how the author incorporated the backstories of the inmates. Their stories were chilling, but they also give you an insight into the minds of the disturbed individuals.
The institute is a hell of a page turner that builds to a heart stopping finale. Deliciously dark, disturbing, unpredictable and packed to the brim with tension, it’s a MUST read for crime thriller lovers. Highly recommended.
My reviews can be found on my Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi... 📚
Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine and her partner Baarda go undercover at The Institution, a remote high security hospital for the criminally insane where a nurse is brutally murdered and her baby abducted for ransom. Connie Woolwine is tasked with finding the murderer on a high-security ward full of serial killers. Connie’s declining mental health, the claustrophobic setting, and a baby’s life in danger all create a genuine sense of urgency that never waivers.
Helen Fields has created the perfect backdrop for this book. The institute feels claustrophobic, harsh, inhospitable, and extremely dangerous. A cauldron of anger and malevolence simmers away just below the surface. Knowing there’s a heinous killer hiding in the shadows gives the reader a sense of foreboding that’s palatable from the start.
I really appreciated how much work Fields put into her characters. There’s so much suspicion and paranoia flying around it’s nigh on impossible to trust anyone, and that includes the ‘dubious’ institution staff! I liked how the author incorporated the backstories of the inmates. Their stories were chilling, but they also give you an insight into the minds of the disturbed individuals.
The institute is a hell of a page turner that builds to a heart stopping finale. Deliciously dark, disturbing, unpredictable and packed to the brim with tension, it’s a MUST read for crime thriller lovers. Highly recommended.
My reviews can be found on my Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi... 📚
October 24, 2022
When a nurse in a high security prison gets murdered, and her baby brutally ripped away, it's a desperate race for time before its tiny life stutters to an end. The only way to find the missing child is from the inside, where the worst of the worst live out their sentences under the close supervision of a team of Doctors, nurses, and orderlies. The murder and kidnap had to have been an inside job and everyone is a suspect, both inmates and staff alike...
Dr Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, is the 'expert' called in to save the day and I think I might have liked this book a whole lot more if I'd connected with her even a little. She's this weird mix of woo-woo, personal trauma, and supposed training. I couldn't get ahold of who she was supposed to be as she flicked between the various characteristics according to what the plot needed. This was especially evident as she interviewed the various suspects, believing some and disbelieving others for no justifiable reason save the necessity to do so for the final revelation. It made the whole thing feel less surprising and more tenuous, especially in the final third when things went beyond the realms of reality. It was best in the opening stages, when Connie was feeling out the Institution, carefully building her cover, and methodically beginning her investigation. It became increasingly unlikely after that, relying on tired tropes to force tension (big storm cuts them off/only person who knows who they really are stuck elsewhere), though there were some high tension moments in the finale that delivered the punch I was hoping for. It felt like less than it could have been.
ARC via Netgalley
Dr Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler, is the 'expert' called in to save the day and I think I might have liked this book a whole lot more if I'd connected with her even a little. She's this weird mix of woo-woo, personal trauma, and supposed training. I couldn't get ahold of who she was supposed to be as she flicked between the various characteristics according to what the plot needed. This was especially evident as she interviewed the various suspects, believing some and disbelieving others for no justifiable reason save the necessity to do so for the final revelation. It made the whole thing feel less surprising and more tenuous, especially in the final third when things went beyond the realms of reality. It was best in the opening stages, when Connie was feeling out the Institution, carefully building her cover, and methodically beginning her investigation. It became increasingly unlikely after that, relying on tired tropes to force tension (big storm cuts them off/only person who knows who they really are stuck elsewhere), though there were some high tension moments in the finale that delivered the punch I was hoping for. It felt like less than it could have been.
ARC via Netgalley
February 16, 2023
Wow! This is a rollercoaster of a read that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
It starts off with a shocking death and Dr Connie and Baarda are asked to find the victim’s abducted baby.
The Police think the murderer is still at The Institution where Tara worked, so Connie and Baarda go there undercover.
The Institution is a high security hospital for patients who have killed and are basically deemed mentally unstable.
It’s a dangerous task for them both and the more Connie finds out about the patients, the more worried she becomes.
When a storm wipes out the power and leaves the building cut off from help, things go from bad to worse and more lives are lost.
This is a gripping thriller that will have your heart pounding in the final few chapters.
A brilliant book.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
It starts off with a shocking death and Dr Connie and Baarda are asked to find the victim’s abducted baby.
The Police think the murderer is still at The Institution where Tara worked, so Connie and Baarda go there undercover.
The Institution is a high security hospital for patients who have killed and are basically deemed mentally unstable.
It’s a dangerous task for them both and the more Connie finds out about the patients, the more worried she becomes.
When a storm wipes out the power and leaves the building cut off from help, things go from bad to worse and more lives are lost.
This is a gripping thriller that will have your heart pounding in the final few chapters.
A brilliant book.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and the atmospheric setting of the Institution. Consider me a fan! I will be reading more from this author.
The Institution is set in a remote location with a 200 year history and houses some of the most dangerous criminals. A nurse is brutally murdered and her unborn baby taken. Dr. Connie Woolwine is sent in undercover to act as a therapist. Connie is determined to find the baby and hold those those accountable for the mother's murder. Connie was locked away in a psychiatric facility when she was a teenager and thus exhibits symptoms of PTSD when she is sent back inside. She is unique and I found her very interesting. There are five patients on Connie's ward and as Connie interviews each of them, we learn their backgrounds and the crimes they committed that sent them to the Institution. Intriguing!
As a major storm hits and all communication to outside civilization is shut off, Connie now realizes the danger she is truly in!
A dark, intense atmospheric thriller that kept me turning the pages. I look forward to Helen Fields next book!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
Merged review:
I really enjoyed this book and the atmospheric setting of the Institution. Consider me a fan!
The Institution is set in a remote location with a 200 year history and houses some dangerous criminals. A nurse is brutally murdered and her unborn baby is taken. Dr. Connie Woolwine is sent in undercover to act as a therapist and will do whatever it takes to find the baby and hold those accountable for the mother's murder.
Connie is unique and I found her interesting. We learn that she was admitted to a mental hospital when she was a teenager and she therefore needs to work through her PTSD issues to do this job. I also enjoyed learning about the crimes the inmates committed that landed them at the Institution.
A dark, intense atmospheric thriller that kept me turning the pages. I look forward to Helen Fields next book!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
The Institution is set in a remote location with a 200 year history and houses some of the most dangerous criminals. A nurse is brutally murdered and her unborn baby taken. Dr. Connie Woolwine is sent in undercover to act as a therapist. Connie is determined to find the baby and hold those those accountable for the mother's murder. Connie was locked away in a psychiatric facility when she was a teenager and thus exhibits symptoms of PTSD when she is sent back inside. She is unique and I found her very interesting. There are five patients on Connie's ward and as Connie interviews each of them, we learn their backgrounds and the crimes they committed that sent them to the Institution. Intriguing!
As a major storm hits and all communication to outside civilization is shut off, Connie now realizes the danger she is truly in!
A dark, intense atmospheric thriller that kept me turning the pages. I look forward to Helen Fields next book!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
Merged review:
I really enjoyed this book and the atmospheric setting of the Institution. Consider me a fan!
The Institution is set in a remote location with a 200 year history and houses some dangerous criminals. A nurse is brutally murdered and her unborn baby is taken. Dr. Connie Woolwine is sent in undercover to act as a therapist and will do whatever it takes to find the baby and hold those accountable for the mother's murder.
Connie is unique and I found her interesting. We learn that she was admitted to a mental hospital when she was a teenager and she therefore needs to work through her PTSD issues to do this job. I also enjoyed learning about the crimes the inmates committed that landed them at the Institution.
A dark, intense atmospheric thriller that kept me turning the pages. I look forward to Helen Fields next book!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
January 12, 2024
Actual rating ⭐⭐⭐.25 / 5
Thrill rating 😱😱😱 / 5
Audio rating 🎧🎧🎧🎧 / 5
Heard about the Blindfold Killer?
(Kidnapped a bunch of girls, set them bound in a circle in chairs and blindly swung bats at them to death, like they were live piñatas).
Or the Professor?
(Clubbed 20 of his students dead over the head for using smartphones in his class and piled em in his supply closet for days).
And another handful of monsters, that's who is kept locked up in the Institution, where a pregnant nurse is murdered by having her almost at term baby butchered out of her, somewhere on this ward.
Connie is a profiler, sent to investigate and ultimately find the baby, and the rest you can read in the blurb. Aside from technically being amazing in its quality and pace, this story was mid for me. Some parts of the MC's inner monologue felt YA, and I don't like YA. She was giving Nancy Drew but make it gruesome. But it was a good time to listen to along with your household chores or whatever.
Thrill rating 😱😱😱 / 5
Audio rating 🎧🎧🎧🎧 / 5
Heard about the Blindfold Killer?
(Kidnapped a bunch of girls, set them bound in a circle in chairs and blindly swung bats at them to death, like they were live piñatas).
Or the Professor?
(Clubbed 20 of his students dead over the head for using smartphones in his class and piled em in his supply closet for days).
And another handful of monsters, that's who is kept locked up in the Institution, where a pregnant nurse is murdered by having her almost at term baby butchered out of her, somewhere on this ward.
Connie is a profiler, sent to investigate and ultimately find the baby, and the rest you can read in the blurb. Aside from technically being amazing in its quality and pace, this story was mid for me. Some parts of the MC's inner monologue felt YA, and I don't like YA. She was giving Nancy Drew but make it gruesome. But it was a good time to listen to along with your household chores or whatever.
August 10, 2023
Genuinely surprised that people enjoyed this book so much. It was reviewed as addictive and an incredible storytelling with dark themes. For me, it was a chore. The first chapter started strong, and then it went down hill due to implausibility, poor story telling, and crap character development.
I can’t even be bothered to put my thoughts down in a sensical manner because I’m just so mad?
I guess the most obvious thing was the holes in the concept itself. I sometimes can suspend disbelief for the process of enjoying fiction, but this was too far of a stretch. For instance, a profiler , (not part of the FBI ..okay so .. private company?) is allowed to do her first undercover gig in a high security prison on a case that has high stakes, a small time frame and big security issues. Hm. And she has one person for back up? No taping, wiring. A mobile phone she had to sneak in. Later in the story, she thinks she hears meowing. Even though she’s been tasked to find this baby, and it’s all she can think about, she doesn’t immediately associate the meowing with baby cries? Cmon! Hopeless.
We are also asked to suspend disbelief and pretend a baby can survive prematurely with no food, for a week, and also survive being dropped physically to the floor. It’s a miracle.
The details of the crypto, which the criminals are using as their ransom currency, is detailed out in too much information about how the stocks go up and down. Who cares what the value of the crypto is!!!! Only for that to never be circled back to, what happens to the money? Why did we need that big foreshadowing of tracking currency?
Also, this profiler is apparently locked up with only six criminals who have incredibly notorious crimes , yep MAXIMUM security and MINIMAL prisoners in this section because they’re that bad - but suddenly they become relatively reasonable and able to not hurt this undercover profiler? Protect her even? They want her to help find a missing baby, because suddenly they have empathy? “We really loved Nurse Tara.” HOW UNLIKELY. I am slapping myself!! Anyone who knows anything about criminal profiling would know they wouldn’t be able to co-operate that way. This profiler is also comfortable with letting a prisoner go who crucified multiple people? Sure!
My final gripe is that the author utilised so many cliches in her story telling. There’s not just a fire that threatens the security of the building, but also a flood. We have the eye-roll moment of when the power gets cut so prisoners can leave their rooms. Then the telephone lines are down so our main character can’t call anyone for help. It’s just one disaster after another.
Do yourself a favour and don’t waste your time reading this
I can’t even be bothered to put my thoughts down in a sensical manner because I’m just so mad?
I guess the most obvious thing was the holes in the concept itself. I sometimes can suspend disbelief for the process of enjoying fiction, but this was too far of a stretch. For instance, a profiler , (not part of the FBI ..okay so .. private company?) is allowed to do her first undercover gig in a high security prison on a case that has high stakes, a small time frame and big security issues. Hm. And she has one person for back up? No taping, wiring. A mobile phone she had to sneak in. Later in the story, she thinks she hears meowing. Even though she’s been tasked to find this baby, and it’s all she can think about, she doesn’t immediately associate the meowing with baby cries? Cmon! Hopeless.
We are also asked to suspend disbelief and pretend a baby can survive prematurely with no food, for a week, and also survive being dropped physically to the floor. It’s a miracle.
The details of the crypto, which the criminals are using as their ransom currency, is detailed out in too much information about how the stocks go up and down. Who cares what the value of the crypto is!!!! Only for that to never be circled back to, what happens to the money? Why did we need that big foreshadowing of tracking currency?
Also, this profiler is apparently locked up with only six criminals who have incredibly notorious crimes , yep MAXIMUM security and MINIMAL prisoners in this section because they’re that bad - but suddenly they become relatively reasonable and able to not hurt this undercover profiler? Protect her even? They want her to help find a missing baby, because suddenly they have empathy? “We really loved Nurse Tara.” HOW UNLIKELY. I am slapping myself!! Anyone who knows anything about criminal profiling would know they wouldn’t be able to co-operate that way. This profiler is also comfortable with letting a prisoner go who crucified multiple people? Sure!
My final gripe is that the author utilised so many cliches in her story telling. There’s not just a fire that threatens the security of the building, but also a flood. We have the eye-roll moment of when the power gets cut so prisoners can leave their rooms. Then the telephone lines are down so our main character can’t call anyone for help. It’s just one disaster after another.
Do yourself a favour and don’t waste your time reading this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
2,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
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