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Detective Morgan Brookes #17
Silenced Sisters
Thunder rattles the windows of the deserted hotel. Morgan spots the young girl on the floor, her dark hair fanned out and covered in shattered glass. Lightning strikes, illuminating the blood on every surface.
Following an emergency call in the middle of a fierce storm, Detective Morgan Brookes arrives at Keswick Manor, a crumbling, empty hotel in the Lake District, where she finds the dead body of a young woman. She recognises her bright blue eyes instantly. Lauren Williams’ body is still warm to the touch, a knife protruding out of her chest, just like the one that killed her sister, Lydia, one month ago. But the killer in that case is dead…
Morgan can’t imagine the horror Lauren went through as she combs the scene; a broken radio on the stairs suggest she was running from someone. Lauren knew her sister was murdered, did she know she was next? Grief-stricken, Morgan sets to work on Lydia’s case files and refuses to sleep until she’s uncovered any small clue she missed. But by the time she discovers they had another sister, the poor girl is reported missing, her pink car found abandoned in the local woods surrounded by overgrown brambles.
When Morgan spots a police identification number scribbled in the family’s old police files, she realises that one of her colleagues has been lying to her. The idea that someone at HQ is in league with a serial killer would send terrifying shockwaves through Rydal Falls, but Morgan can think of no other explanation. Can she save the final sister and catch this killer as a terrifying countdown begins? Or with evil closer than she thinks, watching Morgan’s every move, is she already in too much danger?
Fans of Angela Marsons, Lisa Regan and Rachel Abbott will devour this unforgettable rollercoaster crime thriller late into the night.
What readers are saying about Helen
‘Wow!!!… I did NOT in a million years see THAT coming!!!… I smashed this in one sitting and could not sleep until I finished it which ended up being 3am!!!… Absolutely unputdownable page-turning book… Absolutely LOVED IT… I was just gobsmacked by the twist… Will stay with me for a long time.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured it over two evenings (I was working both days or I’d have read it quicker) – and I stayed up until WAY past my bedtime on the first night because I didn’t want to put it down!’ Urban Sapphire, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I read this book in one sitting… I was hooked from the first page… OMG what a case… a real rollercoaster of a read… will get your heart pumping. I absolutely loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart is still pounding hours after the last page. Oh my God what a heart-stopping read… I had goosebumps. I had chills… It grabs you from page one… hold tight until the last page and beyond.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a book!… I found myself holding my breath and having to read the last few chapters on into the early hours of the morning because I just needed to find out what happened.
Following an emergency call in the middle of a fierce storm, Detective Morgan Brookes arrives at Keswick Manor, a crumbling, empty hotel in the Lake District, where she finds the dead body of a young woman. She recognises her bright blue eyes instantly. Lauren Williams’ body is still warm to the touch, a knife protruding out of her chest, just like the one that killed her sister, Lydia, one month ago. But the killer in that case is dead…
Morgan can’t imagine the horror Lauren went through as she combs the scene; a broken radio on the stairs suggest she was running from someone. Lauren knew her sister was murdered, did she know she was next? Grief-stricken, Morgan sets to work on Lydia’s case files and refuses to sleep until she’s uncovered any small clue she missed. But by the time she discovers they had another sister, the poor girl is reported missing, her pink car found abandoned in the local woods surrounded by overgrown brambles.
When Morgan spots a police identification number scribbled in the family’s old police files, she realises that one of her colleagues has been lying to her. The idea that someone at HQ is in league with a serial killer would send terrifying shockwaves through Rydal Falls, but Morgan can think of no other explanation. Can she save the final sister and catch this killer as a terrifying countdown begins? Or with evil closer than she thinks, watching Morgan’s every move, is she already in too much danger?
Fans of Angela Marsons, Lisa Regan and Rachel Abbott will devour this unforgettable rollercoaster crime thriller late into the night.
What readers are saying about Helen
‘Wow!!!… I did NOT in a million years see THAT coming!!!… I smashed this in one sitting and could not sleep until I finished it which ended up being 3am!!!… Absolutely unputdownable page-turning book… Absolutely LOVED IT… I was just gobsmacked by the twist… Will stay with me for a long time.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured it over two evenings (I was working both days or I’d have read it quicker) – and I stayed up until WAY past my bedtime on the first night because I didn’t want to put it down!’ Urban Sapphire, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I read this book in one sitting… I was hooked from the first page… OMG what a case… a real rollercoaster of a read… will get your heart pumping. I absolutely loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart is still pounding hours after the last page. Oh my God what a heart-stopping read… I had goosebumps. I had chills… It grabs you from page one… hold tight until the last page and beyond.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a book!… I found myself holding my breath and having to read the last few chapters on into the early hours of the morning because I just needed to find out what happened.
- GenresMysteryThriller Suspense
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
591 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is book 17 in this brilliant series Detective Morgan Brooks and her partner Ben and the team on another crime scene of a woman who was in a hotel with a knife in her body..Morgan knows who she is her name is Lauren Williams she was on a case a month earlier her sister was murdered is there a connection? and there is a third sister is her life in danger as the killer confessed before she died...was there a copycat,or the killer was not caught...another fantastic read I like guessing who the killer is...looking forward to reading the next instalment...a five star read..one of my favourite series..
January 5, 2026
PUBLISH DATE: January 29, 2026
I want to start by saying I didn’t realize this was Book 17 in a series, so my review will be based on this book alone and not the series.
I really struggled with this book, I rated it a ⭐️⭐️ just because the idea of the plot was great and could have made for a really well written story. In my opinion though, this book was a difficult read that was all over the place. There were over 30 characters named in this book and I genuinely had a hard time keeping them all straight. To make it more difficult those same 30 characters were sometimes referenced by a nickname or a last name. It was just way too difficult to follow along when I’m reading for enjoyment.
Also, I felt like the book lacked substance. The detective solving the case was literally making assumptions based off random findings with no solid evidence and it just wasn’t realistic at all.
Overall I wouldn’t read the book again and probably won’t read any additional books in the series.
BOOK TITLE: Silenced Sisters
SERIES: Book 17 of Detective Morgan Brookes
AUTHOR: Helen Phifer
PUBLISHER: Bookoture
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I want to start by saying I didn’t realize this was Book 17 in a series, so my review will be based on this book alone and not the series.
I really struggled with this book, I rated it a ⭐️⭐️ just because the idea of the plot was great and could have made for a really well written story. In my opinion though, this book was a difficult read that was all over the place. There were over 30 characters named in this book and I genuinely had a hard time keeping them all straight. To make it more difficult those same 30 characters were sometimes referenced by a nickname or a last name. It was just way too difficult to follow along when I’m reading for enjoyment.
Also, I felt like the book lacked substance. The detective solving the case was literally making assumptions based off random findings with no solid evidence and it just wasn’t realistic at all.
Overall I wouldn’t read the book again and probably won’t read any additional books in the series.
BOOK TITLE: Silenced Sisters
SERIES: Book 17 of Detective Morgan Brookes
AUTHOR: Helen Phifer
PUBLISHER: Bookoture
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 26, 2026
Detective Morgan Brookes and her team investigate the horrendous murder of three sisters that seem to be linked to their last case. They are afraid one of their team members may be a psychotic serial killer. This is the seventeenth book in the series and was interesting and fast paced. I highly recommend this series. Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for this eARC that will be released January 29, 2026!
February 10, 2026
SILENCED SISTERS is book 17 in a police procedural series featuring Detective Morgan Brookes by Helen Phifer. I have read all of the books in this series and this book is a definite winner! Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in order to get a full history. This is a gripping and utterly unputdownable crime thriller.
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
1. One Left Alive (2020)
2. The Killer's Girl (2020)
3. The Hiding Place (2021)
4. First Girl to Die (2021)
5. Find the Girl (2022)
6. Sleeping Dolls (2022)
7. Silent Angel (2022)
8. Their Burning Graves (2022)
9. Hold Your Breath (2023)
10. Stolen Darlings (2023)
11. Save Her Twice (2024)
12. Poison Memories (2024)
13. Two Broken Girls (2024)
14. Their Dying Embrace (2025)
15. Twisted Bones (2025)
16. Gone in the Night (2025)
17. Silenced Sisters (2026)
This is my review of Silenced Sisters.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews-Boss & partner
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith (Just gone off on Maturity leave)
Tristan Carter (Stan)- Amy’s replacement
DC Cain Robson
Amber-Police Officer
Wendy- CSI
Morgan and Ben are called to a crime scene at an abandoned and secluded historic hotel in Keswick Manor, after an emergency call had been issued from this site. The victim was a young woman with a knife sticking out of her chest and she was dead. Morgan recognizes the victim as Lauren Williams. The victim is the sister of the woman (Lydia) found in a previous case one month ago. But the killer in that case is dead… Two sisters are now dead…but why?
A broken radio on the stairs indicated that Lauren, a regular security guard for monitoring the hotel, must have been running from someone. Morgan sets to work on reviewing Lydia’s case files for clues missed. But by the time she discovers they had another sister, the poor girl is reported missing, her pink car found abandoned in the local woods.
Morgan races against time to save the final sister and catch the killer…but at what cost?
I highly recommend this book. this has been my favorite book in this series, I have read.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
PS. I hope in the next installment that Morgan proposes first!
The books in the Detective Morgan Brookes Series:
1. One Left Alive (2020)
2. The Killer's Girl (2020)
3. The Hiding Place (2021)
4. First Girl to Die (2021)
5. Find the Girl (2022)
6. Sleeping Dolls (2022)
7. Silent Angel (2022)
8. Their Burning Graves (2022)
9. Hold Your Breath (2023)
10. Stolen Darlings (2023)
11. Save Her Twice (2024)
12. Poison Memories (2024)
13. Two Broken Girls (2024)
14. Their Dying Embrace (2025)
15. Twisted Bones (2025)
16. Gone in the Night (2025)
17. Silenced Sisters (2026)
This is my review of Silenced Sisters.
The cast of the small control team includes:
DS Ben Matthews-Boss & partner
DC Morgan Brookes
DC Amy Smith (Just gone off on Maturity leave)
Tristan Carter (Stan)- Amy’s replacement
DC Cain Robson
Amber-Police Officer
Wendy- CSI
Morgan and Ben are called to a crime scene at an abandoned and secluded historic hotel in Keswick Manor, after an emergency call had been issued from this site. The victim was a young woman with a knife sticking out of her chest and she was dead. Morgan recognizes the victim as Lauren Williams. The victim is the sister of the woman (Lydia) found in a previous case one month ago. But the killer in that case is dead… Two sisters are now dead…but why?
A broken radio on the stairs indicated that Lauren, a regular security guard for monitoring the hotel, must have been running from someone. Morgan sets to work on reviewing Lydia’s case files for clues missed. But by the time she discovers they had another sister, the poor girl is reported missing, her pink car found abandoned in the local woods.
Morgan races against time to save the final sister and catch the killer…but at what cost?
I highly recommend this book. this has been my favorite book in this series, I have read.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
PS. I hope in the next installment that Morgan proposes first!
February 1, 2026
Silenced Sisters is the 17th Detective Morgan Brookes book and I think it is the best one yet. It picks up where Twisted Bones ends. In the last book a killer confessed to 3 murders then killed herself, but this book opens with a brutal murder in an abandoned hotel. She is killed in the same manner as her sister in the previous book and the third sister is missing. Who is trying to anihilate this family and why?
Detective Morgan Brooks and her partner and boss Ben are called to the scene of the murder of a woman, Lauren Williams, at an abandoned hotel. They realize that it has to be the same killer from the previous case they investigated, which means they made a mistake. Morgan has a difficult time dealing with that, but will work overtime trying to solve the murder and protect the third sister. I really like how the team works together, including the CSIs, the coroner and the street cops. There is another story that occurred in the past that we learn about as well, which I figured out why it is included. The personal lives of the team always play a big role in the book, and this one is no exception. This story pulled me in from the first page and I couldn't stop reading. There were lots of twists and when I figured out what was going to happen, I was screaming at the book. As usual, Morgan is in danger, due to her intuition and take charge attitude. This was an excellent book and I loved every minute of it. I don't know where Helen Phifer gets her ideas, but keep them coming.
Detective Morgan Brooks and her partner and boss Ben are called to the scene of the murder of a woman, Lauren Williams, at an abandoned hotel. They realize that it has to be the same killer from the previous case they investigated, which means they made a mistake. Morgan has a difficult time dealing with that, but will work overtime trying to solve the murder and protect the third sister. I really like how the team works together, including the CSIs, the coroner and the street cops. There is another story that occurred in the past that we learn about as well, which I figured out why it is included. The personal lives of the team always play a big role in the book, and this one is no exception. This story pulled me in from the first page and I couldn't stop reading. There were lots of twists and when I figured out what was going to happen, I was screaming at the book. As usual, Morgan is in danger, due to her intuition and take charge attitude. This was an excellent book and I loved every minute of it. I don't know where Helen Phifer gets her ideas, but keep them coming.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Despite being book 17 in the series, the storylines are as fresh as the first book. The action is fast paced and the tension mounts as Morgan, Ben and the team endeavour to discover who's committed the murder.
This case is personal to the team and my heart was in my mouth at times. I don't think I've ever shed a tear reading a crime series before but my heart broke during this one.
Kudos to Helen for writing such a great series.
This case is personal to the team and my heart was in my mouth at times. I don't think I've ever shed a tear reading a crime series before but my heart broke during this one.
Kudos to Helen for writing such a great series.
January 30, 2026
Silenced Sisters is book 17 in the Detective Morgan Brookes family and one of the most gut-wrenching reads of the series. I found myself holding my breath and gripping my kindle tightly as I was reading Silenced Sisters by Helen Phifer. It's an absolutely riveting thriller that I read in one day. Morgan and Ben are called to a scene at a historic hotel that has seen better days. It's in a state of decay and someone placed an emergency call from here. When the patrol officer arrived, he found a young woman with a knife sticking out of her chest and she was dead. This murder is the same as several in the previous case that Morgan and Ben closed. Could it be a copycat or is the real murderer still out there? The victim is the sister of the woman found in the previous case one month ago. Who could be doing this and why?
Morgan is distraught over another sister being killed in such a horrific fashion and realizes she has to find something to help her solve the case. She thinks maybe she missed something in the first case and starts going back through the files. She discovers that there is another sister out there and knows they must find her before the killer does. Will Morgan discover the clue that will bust the case open? When going through the previous files she finds a link to someone she knows. It's a police officer that works with her and her team. Could he be involved? As the team works around the clock to solve the murder and save the other sister, things take a turn. The killer is close and seems to be one step ahead. I can't recommend Silenced Sisters enough and rate it 5 stars! Helen Phifer has written one of the best books in the series and I can't wait for book 18! If you've never read the Morgan Brookes series, read this one and you'll be hooked! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Silenced Sisters in exchange for a fair review. #SilencedSisters
Morgan is distraught over another sister being killed in such a horrific fashion and realizes she has to find something to help her solve the case. She thinks maybe she missed something in the first case and starts going back through the files. She discovers that there is another sister out there and knows they must find her before the killer does. Will Morgan discover the clue that will bust the case open? When going through the previous files she finds a link to someone she knows. It's a police officer that works with her and her team. Could he be involved? As the team works around the clock to solve the murder and save the other sister, things take a turn. The killer is close and seems to be one step ahead. I can't recommend Silenced Sisters enough and rate it 5 stars! Helen Phifer has written one of the best books in the series and I can't wait for book 18! If you've never read the Morgan Brookes series, read this one and you'll be hooked! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Silenced Sisters in exchange for a fair review. #SilencedSisters
January 16, 2026
ARC Read: NetGallery & Bookouture
My favourite crime thriller series Detective Morgan Brookes with another gripping case! This book is packed with twists that genuinely made me gasp and say whhhattt?!?! out loud!
Cain frustrated me at times with the way he handled things between his current girlfriend and Amy. The moment he skipped giving his girlfriend flowers but showed up with some for Amy had me fuming!
The killer reveal was so shocking I had to reread it three times. Another fantastic book and can’t wait for the next!
My favourite crime thriller series Detective Morgan Brookes with another gripping case! This book is packed with twists that genuinely made me gasp and say whhhattt?!?! out loud!
Cain frustrated me at times with the way he handled things between his current girlfriend and Amy. The moment he skipped giving his girlfriend flowers but showed up with some for Amy had me fuming!
The killer reveal was so shocking I had to reread it three times. Another fantastic book and can’t wait for the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC of “Silenced Sisters” by Helen Phifer.
“Silenced Sisters” is Book 17 in the Detective Morgan Series, in which it follows the murder of Lauren Williams, the sister of Lydia Williams, who was murdered 8 weeks prior. Same M.O. Since I didn’t read “Gone in the Night (Book 16), I was lost at the beginning and had to unfortunately piece together some of the storylines. However, it didn’t take a long for the team to come to the conclusion that it was possible they had arrested the wrong person for the murder of Lydia Williams and now he or she is on a killing spree.
The outcome will completely blow your mind and once you see how all the characters are connected to one another, you have no choice but to ask yourself, how?!! There were tons of unexpected plot twists and even emotional trauma involved, but in the end, it’s not what you expected.
“Silenced Sisters” is Book 17 in the Detective Morgan Series, in which it follows the murder of Lauren Williams, the sister of Lydia Williams, who was murdered 8 weeks prior. Same M.O. Since I didn’t read “Gone in the Night (Book 16), I was lost at the beginning and had to unfortunately piece together some of the storylines. However, it didn’t take a long for the team to come to the conclusion that it was possible they had arrested the wrong person for the murder of Lydia Williams and now he or she is on a killing spree.
The outcome will completely blow your mind and once you see how all the characters are connected to one another, you have no choice but to ask yourself, how?!! There were tons of unexpected plot twists and even emotional trauma involved, but in the end, it’s not what you expected.
January 29, 2026
Very satisfying and entirely compelling plot. Several members of the same family are brutally murdered in the same way so, seemingly, by the same perpetrator. The past is coming to haunt with secrets, lies and past scores to settle and some sad backstories entwined. The police characters are three dimensional and likeable with entirely believable working relationships and friendships. The action is fast punching with the right amount of gore. All in all a very enjoyable ride with pleasurable twists, turns and surprises all tied up neatly in the end. I’d definitely love to read more like this and see how the characters progress. Recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Silenced sisters.
Absolutely a phenomenal story. I loved everything about this book.
Highly recommend this one.If you are a helen reader. and even if you're not, you should check this one out.
Begins with lauren williams, a security guard doing rounds, tragedy begins unfolding. the story that you won't be able to put down.
Sisters are silenced, but not only that much much more. The past comes too light.
I highly recommend this book. this has been my favorite book in this series.I have read
Absolutely must read.
Absolutely a phenomenal story. I loved everything about this book.
Highly recommend this one.If you are a helen reader. and even if you're not, you should check this one out.
Begins with lauren williams, a security guard doing rounds, tragedy begins unfolding. the story that you won't be able to put down.
Sisters are silenced, but not only that much much more. The past comes too light.
I highly recommend this book. this has been my favorite book in this series.I have read
Absolutely must read.
February 1, 2026
Book 17 love Morgan brooks
February 3, 2026
i've loved all the books in ths series but OMG this one was amazing. Wish i could give it more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 5, 2026
I will read this series forever!
February 6, 2026
My favourite book in this series so far - what a twist!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The homicide division of the police is always under immense pressure. They must remain constantly alert and pick up on every possible clue in order to put a murderer behind bars. At the same time, they have to protect the rest of the population, as they never know who might become the next victim of a serial killer. Dealing empathetically with the pain and grief of the victims’ loved ones while also questioning them to gather as many details as possible is a delicate balancing act.
I can therefore fully understand the sense of relief when they finally catch the killer and make the streets safer again. But sometimes, things are not what they seem.
There are then two possibilities: either the person they arrested was not the real killer, or someone else is at work—copying the crimes in order to gain attention.
These are exactly the questions Morgan and the rest of the team are faced with. They struggle to comprehend how this could be possible, but when they finally realize what the only logical explanation is, it turns out to be the last thing they would ever want…
All roads may lead to Rome, but in this case, they seem to lead to one specific person. No one really wants to believe it—and yet…
I found this to be yet another fantastic installment in the series. There is always plenty of tension, some humor to lighten the mood, and a strong sense of friendship among the team members. They support one another, and when something truly horrific happens, they are all shaken to the core. Well, not just them—I was shocked as well by the cruelty of the perpetrator.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I continue to find Morgan a brilliant character. She always gives 100%, which has already landed her in more than one precarious situation.
Recommended? Absolutely—just like the rest of the series. 5 stars
Thank you
I can therefore fully understand the sense of relief when they finally catch the killer and make the streets safer again. But sometimes, things are not what they seem.
There are then two possibilities: either the person they arrested was not the real killer, or someone else is at work—copying the crimes in order to gain attention.
These are exactly the questions Morgan and the rest of the team are faced with. They struggle to comprehend how this could be possible, but when they finally realize what the only logical explanation is, it turns out to be the last thing they would ever want…
All roads may lead to Rome, but in this case, they seem to lead to one specific person. No one really wants to believe it—and yet…
I found this to be yet another fantastic installment in the series. There is always plenty of tension, some humor to lighten the mood, and a strong sense of friendship among the team members. They support one another, and when something truly horrific happens, they are all shaken to the core. Well, not just them—I was shocked as well by the cruelty of the perpetrator.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I continue to find Morgan a brilliant character. She always gives 100%, which has already landed her in more than one precarious situation.
Recommended? Absolutely—just like the rest of the series. 5 stars
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my goodness, Helen does it again! I devoured this in a matter of hours, literally couldn’t put it down! I really don’t know how she does it, putting out these gripping masterpieces, she really is a phenomenal author!
Now, I can’t say much about the plot, but if you haven’t read Gone In The Night (Detective Morgan Brookes Book 16) I would get on and read it, then read this!!! If you have read book 16, this is the book you have been waiting for.
With twists and turns like the fastest rollercoaster you could go on, this one will leave you trying to catch your breath. Of course, the action starts on page one and doesn’t relent until the end. With so much suspicion you really will be misdirected, then so sure of yourself, just to realise your assumptions were wrong.
The crew are all back, with the familiar faces from the previous books. Morgan, Ben, Cain and Amy will always be my favourites, so well developed and written. The dynamics and emotions between them are palpable. Let’s not forget Declan and Theo who add another layer to these books.
The author really lifts this story off the pages, everything is so vivid and the way humour is weaved throughout is so clever. There is such a sense of community between these characters, caring for each other and doing all they can to protect one another.
I also like seeing snippets of the author within the writing, the odd witchy mention, or that of Salem or different book references.
So if you like an action packed, twisty police procedural thriller, here’s one for you. But don’t pick it up unless you have a few hours to spare, because trust me, you will be cancelling your plans!
Now, I can’t say much about the plot, but if you haven’t read Gone In The Night (Detective Morgan Brookes Book 16) I would get on and read it, then read this!!! If you have read book 16, this is the book you have been waiting for.
With twists and turns like the fastest rollercoaster you could go on, this one will leave you trying to catch your breath. Of course, the action starts on page one and doesn’t relent until the end. With so much suspicion you really will be misdirected, then so sure of yourself, just to realise your assumptions were wrong.
The crew are all back, with the familiar faces from the previous books. Morgan, Ben, Cain and Amy will always be my favourites, so well developed and written. The dynamics and emotions between them are palpable. Let’s not forget Declan and Theo who add another layer to these books.
The author really lifts this story off the pages, everything is so vivid and the way humour is weaved throughout is so clever. There is such a sense of community between these characters, caring for each other and doing all they can to protect one another.
I also like seeing snippets of the author within the writing, the odd witchy mention, or that of Salem or different book references.
So if you like an action packed, twisty police procedural thriller, here’s one for you. But don’t pick it up unless you have a few hours to spare, because trust me, you will be cancelling your plans!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Silenced Sisters is exactly the kind of crime thriller that keeps you reading long past bedtime. From the moment Detective Morgan Brookes steps into the storm‑battered Keswick Manor, the atmosphere is electric—moody, tense, and charged with the sense that something truly terrible has happened.
The opening scene is cinematic: a deserted hotel, shattered glass, a young woman lying in a pool of blood. And then the gut‑punch—Morgan recognises her. Lauren Williams, sister of Lydia, whose murder should have been solved. Whose killer should already be dead. It’s a brilliant hook, and the story never loses that momentum.
Morgan is at her best here: determined, emotionally raw, and utterly relentless. Her grief and guilt feel real, and her refusal to let these sisters down gives the book its emotional core. The investigation twists beautifully, from the eerie abandoned hotel to the overgrown woods where another sister’s car is found. Each new discovery adds another layer of dread.
What really elevates the story is the creeping suspicion that the danger isn’t just out there—it might be inside the police force itself. The moment Morgan realises a colleague may be involved is genuinely chilling, and it adds a sharp edge to every interaction that follows.
The pacing is tight, the stakes escalate with every chapter, and the sense of a ticking clock is palpable. Fans of Angela Marsons and Lisa Regan will feel right at home with the blend of emotional depth, high tension, and clever plotting.
A gripping, atmospheric rollercoaster that delivers both heart and suspense. I devoured it.
My thanks to Helen Phifer, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The opening scene is cinematic: a deserted hotel, shattered glass, a young woman lying in a pool of blood. And then the gut‑punch—Morgan recognises her. Lauren Williams, sister of Lydia, whose murder should have been solved. Whose killer should already be dead. It’s a brilliant hook, and the story never loses that momentum.
Morgan is at her best here: determined, emotionally raw, and utterly relentless. Her grief and guilt feel real, and her refusal to let these sisters down gives the book its emotional core. The investigation twists beautifully, from the eerie abandoned hotel to the overgrown woods where another sister’s car is found. Each new discovery adds another layer of dread.
What really elevates the story is the creeping suspicion that the danger isn’t just out there—it might be inside the police force itself. The moment Morgan realises a colleague may be involved is genuinely chilling, and it adds a sharp edge to every interaction that follows.
The pacing is tight, the stakes escalate with every chapter, and the sense of a ticking clock is palpable. Fans of Angela Marsons and Lisa Regan will feel right at home with the blend of emotional depth, high tension, and clever plotting.
A gripping, atmospheric rollercoaster that delivers both heart and suspense. I devoured it.
My thanks to Helen Phifer, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Silenced Sisters by Helen Phifer is Book 17 of the Detective Morgan Brooke series and is a great blend of suspense and emotional depth. The author crafts a tense atmosphere, using the storm-ravaged backdrop of Keswick Manor to amplify the intensity of the unfolding mystery in the first scene. The vivid imagery sets the stage for a gripping read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I feel that Detective Morgan Brookes is a compelling protagonist who navigates the traumatic landscape of family secrets and untimely deaths.
The pacing is superb, with each twist revealing unexpected connections that left me eager to turn the pages. The revelation of another sister adds a sense of urgency that escalates the tension, and the conspiracy within the police department introduces an element of paranoia that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The author's writing shines in her ability to evoke empathy for the characters, drawing me into their lives and the horrors they face. The story has a well-crafted plot, dynamic characters, and an atmospheric setting, and this book is not only a gripping mystery but also a profound exploration of familial bonds.
I would highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys a thrilling read that keeps you guessing until the very end. The author has once again delivered a remarkable tale that will linger in my mind long after the final page, and I cannot wait for more in this series and for what will happen next.
#SilencedSisters #NetGalley @bookoutre
The pacing is superb, with each twist revealing unexpected connections that left me eager to turn the pages. The revelation of another sister adds a sense of urgency that escalates the tension, and the conspiracy within the police department introduces an element of paranoia that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
The author's writing shines in her ability to evoke empathy for the characters, drawing me into their lives and the horrors they face. The story has a well-crafted plot, dynamic characters, and an atmospheric setting, and this book is not only a gripping mystery but also a profound exploration of familial bonds.
I would highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys a thrilling read that keeps you guessing until the very end. The author has once again delivered a remarkable tale that will linger in my mind long after the final page, and I cannot wait for more in this series and for what will happen next.
#SilencedSisters #NetGalley @bookoutre
January 31, 2026
It’s a family affair in this one. Sisters are murdered and Morgan and her team set out to stop the killing. Mix in with some personal matters for the team. Cain is helping a good friend cope as she’s just become a new mother and Ben and Morgan ponder their future. I always love the balance of a case and the personal lives of the team. Police don’t work in a vacuum and their personal lives and feelings spill into their work. Like anyone else. And I just like connecting with them and following along with their lives. Since this is a series.
While maybe I was engrossed a little much in their personal lives, but this one kept me guessing. I fell for the red herrings. I liked the mix of the team and their connection to what was happening.
Once I started, I did not want to put the book down. While I think most of the books in the series can easily be read as a stand alone, I really think the reader benefits from reading the last book in the series before starting this one. The evidence and trail of the case really relies on the reader being informed on things. And trust me when I say, I liked that one too. It definitely sets up me counting down to see how the repercussions play out in the next book.
The moral of this one is it’s really a much smaller world than you think.
You should grab this one then join me in the wait for book 18.
While maybe I was engrossed a little much in their personal lives, but this one kept me guessing. I fell for the red herrings. I liked the mix of the team and their connection to what was happening.
Once I started, I did not want to put the book down. While I think most of the books in the series can easily be read as a stand alone, I really think the reader benefits from reading the last book in the series before starting this one. The evidence and trail of the case really relies on the reader being informed on things. And trust me when I say, I liked that one too. It definitely sets up me counting down to see how the repercussions play out in the next book.
The moral of this one is it’s really a much smaller world than you think.
You should grab this one then join me in the wait for book 18.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Phifer and Bookouture for the ARC of this book. All opinions in this review is completely my own.
OMG!!! This is the best book in the series. Helen Phifer has a way of pulling you into the story to where you feel like you are going through this with all of them. Silenced Sisters had my emotions all over the map. From being so angry I want to hit someone to completely breaking my heart.
The story continues on with the murders from the previous book and the team is going through it. I love these characters so much and the way this ended had me extremely emotional which is rare for a thriller.
What I love most about this series is the way that Helen drops in little things that seem unimportant but in the end it ties everything together so well. I also enjoyed how in this book it really shows how Morgan is flawed just like all of us. She is seen as this super cop but in this book specifically we see that Morgan is in fact only human and makes mistakes. Which made me feel like I could relate to her even more.
If you are looking for a crime thriller series that will make you feel all of the emotions, has a great cast of character and found family and will keep you hooked this is definitely the series for you.
OMG!!! This is the best book in the series. Helen Phifer has a way of pulling you into the story to where you feel like you are going through this with all of them. Silenced Sisters had my emotions all over the map. From being so angry I want to hit someone to completely breaking my heart.
The story continues on with the murders from the previous book and the team is going through it. I love these characters so much and the way this ended had me extremely emotional which is rare for a thriller.
What I love most about this series is the way that Helen drops in little things that seem unimportant but in the end it ties everything together so well. I also enjoyed how in this book it really shows how Morgan is flawed just like all of us. She is seen as this super cop but in this book specifically we see that Morgan is in fact only human and makes mistakes. Which made me feel like I could relate to her even more.
If you are looking for a crime thriller series that will make you feel all of the emotions, has a great cast of character and found family and will keep you hooked this is definitely the series for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Silenced Sisters
Helen Phifer
January 29, 2026
Detective Morgan Brookes and her boss, Ben, find themselves questioning the loss of two women found dead at the end of their last adventure, Gone in the Night. Things seemed to be solved however Morgan was never quite certain. When Silenced Sisters begins we find Lauren Williams off to the desolate hotel, Keswick Manor. She is in charge of making certain abandoned businesses are free of homeless people who use them as a place to reside. In the darkness of a stormy night she sees a shadow. She uses her radio to contact radio control at the office. Mid conversation the radio is smashed from her hands. By the time her supervisor enters the hotel he finds the police looking for the suspect and Lauren stabbed to death.
Silenced Sisters will be published on January 29, 2026 by Bookouture. I was able to read Phifer’s latest novel via NetGalley. Reading the Brookes series is a thrill. One never knows what kind of crime scene will be found on the next call. Readers are kept on edge throughout the book. Phifer never lets the conclusion leak ahead of time. I have read the entire series and with each novel it kept me wondering what would happen next. Silenced Sisters is frightening and shocking -such a great book!
Helen Phifer
January 29, 2026
Detective Morgan Brookes and her boss, Ben, find themselves questioning the loss of two women found dead at the end of their last adventure, Gone in the Night. Things seemed to be solved however Morgan was never quite certain. When Silenced Sisters begins we find Lauren Williams off to the desolate hotel, Keswick Manor. She is in charge of making certain abandoned businesses are free of homeless people who use them as a place to reside. In the darkness of a stormy night she sees a shadow. She uses her radio to contact radio control at the office. Mid conversation the radio is smashed from her hands. By the time her supervisor enters the hotel he finds the police looking for the suspect and Lauren stabbed to death.
Silenced Sisters will be published on January 29, 2026 by Bookouture. I was able to read Phifer’s latest novel via NetGalley. Reading the Brookes series is a thrill. One never knows what kind of crime scene will be found on the next call. Readers are kept on edge throughout the book. Phifer never lets the conclusion leak ahead of time. I have read the entire series and with each novel it kept me wondering what would happen next. Silenced Sisters is frightening and shocking -such a great book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Detective Morgan Brookes #17
Following an emergency call in the middle of a fierce storm, Detective Morgan Brookes arrives at Keswick Manor, a crumbling empty hotel in the middle of the Lake District, where she finds the body of a young woman. She recognises her bright blue eyes immediately. Lauren Williams' is still warm to the touch, a knife protruding out of her chest, just like the one that killed her sister Lydia one month ago. But the killer in that case is dead....
Ben, Morgan and the rest of the team have the murder of a young woman, who was found in an empty hotel to solve. The victim had worked as a security guard, and she'd been there to check on the empty property.
This is another fast-paced, well-written, gripping and twisted read. I would advise you to read Gone In The Night, #16 in this series before you start this book, it will bring you up to date on what has already happened. I love Ben and Morgan, they don't just work together, they live together. I love Helen's writing style. Now the wait for #18 to land on my shelf.
Published 29th January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #SilencedSisters in exchange for an honest review.
Following an emergency call in the middle of a fierce storm, Detective Morgan Brookes arrives at Keswick Manor, a crumbling empty hotel in the middle of the Lake District, where she finds the body of a young woman. She recognises her bright blue eyes immediately. Lauren Williams' is still warm to the touch, a knife protruding out of her chest, just like the one that killed her sister Lydia one month ago. But the killer in that case is dead....
Ben, Morgan and the rest of the team have the murder of a young woman, who was found in an empty hotel to solve. The victim had worked as a security guard, and she'd been there to check on the empty property.
This is another fast-paced, well-written, gripping and twisted read. I would advise you to read Gone In The Night, #16 in this series before you start this book, it will bring you up to date on what has already happened. I love Ben and Morgan, they don't just work together, they live together. I love Helen's writing style. Now the wait for #18 to land on my shelf.
Published 29th January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #HelenPhifer for my ARC of #SilencedSisters in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
When a young woman is stabbed to death in a deserted hotel, Detective Morgan Brookes is shocked to find that she is the sister of another woman who met the same gruesome end. However, the person who had confessed to that murder is dead. Could the true killer still be at large? Morgan and her team embark on a perilous quest to find the missing third sister and unravel the sinister plot behind this family’s tragic fate.
I have eagerly awaited this, the seventeenth installment in the series, ever since I read the sixteenth that ended in a bit of a cliffhanger. Nevertheless, feel free to read this as a standalone as the author provides ample background information to set the stage for the unfolding mystery.
This is yet another engrossing, fast-paced read perfect for those who enjoy British police procedurals, mysteries, and thrillers. This well-plotted, suspenseful story will keep readers guessing. Phifer’s Morgan Brookes series is on my must-read list. Morgan is a formidable, empathetic female protagonist. I enjoy her character and the convivial, teasing relationships within the investigative team.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
I have eagerly awaited this, the seventeenth installment in the series, ever since I read the sixteenth that ended in a bit of a cliffhanger. Nevertheless, feel free to read this as a standalone as the author provides ample background information to set the stage for the unfolding mystery.
This is yet another engrossing, fast-paced read perfect for those who enjoy British police procedurals, mysteries, and thrillers. This well-plotted, suspenseful story will keep readers guessing. Phifer’s Morgan Brookes series is on my must-read list. Morgan is a formidable, empathetic female protagonist. I enjoy her character and the convivial, teasing relationships within the investigative team.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Phifer as usual adds plenty of action and tension to keep you reading this series. A real page turner. As we read each book more depth is added to the characters which then drives the plot. I'm always excited when I see a new book is coming out because you never now what will be happening to Morgan, Ben and their crew. There are so many twists and turns with this book that I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. Morgan and Ben have been on vacation and get a call as soon as they are home to investigate a murder that happened in an unoccupied house. The body, Laura Williams, that they find ends up being connected to a case that they thought they solved involving her sister, Lydia Williams. Now Morgan and Ben are trying to track the third sister who hasn't been seen in weeks. I would suggest that you read book #16 before reading this book because the beginning of this book deals with what happened in the book. I highly recommend this series and have enjoyed everyone that I have read and the characters and plots just get better. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoture for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OH MY GOD!!!!!! I don't know what sort of book magic or crack Helen puts in her books because honestly I get addicted sooo fast 🤣
Silenced Sisters is book 17 in the Morgan Brookes series. 17!!! That's just impressive to me that its book 17 and I am still loving it. This book sort of carries on from book 16, which I just loved because up until now every book has been a different murder. So we have our murder victim and the crime scene/MO is exactly the same as what happened in book 16... Morgan and her team are now worried that it could either be a copycat or they didn't put the right person away before!
The way that everything pieces together 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼!!! My jaw was on the floor and those last 4/5 chapters i was reading SO FAST. Even the storyline that Helen writes to weave within the story was so interesting and I actually couldn't believe the outcome! I even messaged Helen saying omg please don't let it be ***** 🤣🤣🤣
If you love a fast paced crime thriller with really likeable characters, please read this series! I want to be Morgan Brookes when I grow up 🤭
thank you Helen & Bookouture for the eARC 🫶🏼
Silenced Sisters is book 17 in the Morgan Brookes series. 17!!! That's just impressive to me that its book 17 and I am still loving it. This book sort of carries on from book 16, which I just loved because up until now every book has been a different murder. So we have our murder victim and the crime scene/MO is exactly the same as what happened in book 16... Morgan and her team are now worried that it could either be a copycat or they didn't put the right person away before!
The way that everything pieces together 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼!!! My jaw was on the floor and those last 4/5 chapters i was reading SO FAST. Even the storyline that Helen writes to weave within the story was so interesting and I actually couldn't believe the outcome! I even messaged Helen saying omg please don't let it be ***** 🤣🤣🤣
If you love a fast paced crime thriller with really likeable characters, please read this series! I want to be Morgan Brookes when I grow up 🤭
thank you Helen & Bookouture for the eARC 🫶🏼
February 1, 2026
The guilt and heartbreak felt by Detective Morgan Brookes are palatable in The Silenced Sisters by Helen Phifer. Standing at Keswick Manor and staring at the dead body of Lauren Williams, Morgan feels it in her soul that the team made a big mistake and this woman's blood is on their hands. Did they have the wrong killer? The evidence is showing that they did and Morgan needs to right this wrong.
Phifer once again will take you out of our reality and into a fast paced and grueling race of time to find a killer before he strikes again! She is one of the great authors that can use her words to pull your imagination into another world as if you're really there experiencing everything as one of the team!
Nearly every member of the Morgan Brookes Detective series has become like family to me. Declan Donnelly, the forensic pathologist, is such a heart warming doctor and one of my favorite characters. His compassion and treatment of the dead should be reproduced by every real pathologist in the world! On page 99 when Morgan thinks "Declan was good for her soul; every woman needed a Declan in her life" and I don't think I've ever agreed with anything more!
Phifer once again will take you out of our reality and into a fast paced and grueling race of time to find a killer before he strikes again! She is one of the great authors that can use her words to pull your imagination into another world as if you're really there experiencing everything as one of the team!
Nearly every member of the Morgan Brookes Detective series has become like family to me. Declan Donnelly, the forensic pathologist, is such a heart warming doctor and one of my favorite characters. His compassion and treatment of the dead should be reproduced by every real pathologist in the world! On page 99 when Morgan thinks "Declan was good for her soul; every woman needed a Declan in her life" and I don't think I've ever agreed with anything more!
February 16, 2026
A severe storm batters the Lake District. When Detectives Morgan & Ben receive a call about a cut off 999 call they go to an abandoned hotel. There a young woman security guard is found bleeding out from a frenzied knife attack. The scene is horrific, but even more alarming is that the way the body has been killed is the same as a murder a few weeks previously- did they blame the wrong person? This guard is actually the sister of the previous victim. Some time later another body ( yet another sister!) is found. The body had been in the woods quite a long time. The team are perplexed and a temporary boss does not help matters! As the story goes on it impacts the whole team.
I have followed since the start and a few books ago I began to feel that it was getting a bit 'samey' with Morgan getting herself into life threatening situations every time. However the latest books have reminded me why I love them. I regard the whole team as friends & look forward to finding out how they cope with the fallout from this one.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me red & review this book- hope the next one arrives soon!
I have followed since the start and a few books ago I began to feel that it was getting a bit 'samey' with Morgan getting herself into life threatening situations every time. However the latest books have reminded me why I love them. I regard the whole team as friends & look forward to finding out how they cope with the fallout from this one.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me red & review this book- hope the next one arrives soon!
December 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
When a body is found with the same knife wounds as a previous case, Morgan and Ben as well as can and Stan investigate. The victim is the sister of their previous victim, so did they get the wrong killer? When the third sister is also found murdered, the team need to find out who had such an issue with the family.
Wow this one was good. So much tension, suspense and gory details! Without giving away any spoilers, it had me on the edge of my seat. With strong characters throughout, and a well written team, any detail not included was easily filled by my imagination. As I finished my heart was racing, as well as tears in my eyes. These characters are so real, my emotions went though the ringer. I especially liked this as almost two parter from the previous book, and it was good to see a conclusion to that cliffhanger.
Perfect as a standalone book, but highly recommend reading the whole series! Can’t wait for the next one!
When a body is found with the same knife wounds as a previous case, Morgan and Ben as well as can and Stan investigate. The victim is the sister of their previous victim, so did they get the wrong killer? When the third sister is also found murdered, the team need to find out who had such an issue with the family.
Wow this one was good. So much tension, suspense and gory details! Without giving away any spoilers, it had me on the edge of my seat. With strong characters throughout, and a well written team, any detail not included was easily filled by my imagination. As I finished my heart was racing, as well as tears in my eyes. These characters are so real, my emotions went though the ringer. I especially liked this as almost two parter from the previous book, and it was good to see a conclusion to that cliffhanger.
Perfect as a standalone book, but highly recommend reading the whole series! Can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Is the killer closer than you think?🤔🏕🏨⛺
Good sequel to the previous Morgan Brookes crime thriller, with a murder in Gone in the Night of a internet sensation wild camper directly connected to the crimes in this story. (It would be quite useful to read the previous book first to fill in the backstory about the first sister silenced).
Best part: suspense regarding a suspect all the detectives know. I figured out the killer before the reveal, but Morgan's rising anxiety over the killer's identity was well done. And the Cain-Amy-Angela subplot was strong. Leaves you wondering where that takes them in future additions to the series.
On a less positive note, I am not enamoured of the way everyone touts Morgan as the star of the detective team. She falls into situations, usually extremely dangerous, that ultimately lead to the killer's capture or demise, but is that really the result of brilliant investigative work?!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Good sequel to the previous Morgan Brookes crime thriller, with a murder in Gone in the Night of a internet sensation wild camper directly connected to the crimes in this story. (It would be quite useful to read the previous book first to fill in the backstory about the first sister silenced).
Best part: suspense regarding a suspect all the detectives know. I figured out the killer before the reveal, but Morgan's rising anxiety over the killer's identity was well done. And the Cain-Amy-Angela subplot was strong. Leaves you wondering where that takes them in future additions to the series.
On a less positive note, I am not enamoured of the way everyone touts Morgan as the star of the detective team. She falls into situations, usually extremely dangerous, that ultimately lead to the killer's capture or demise, but is that really the result of brilliant investigative work?!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
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