A shadowy figure in the dark was dragging something heavy behind them. Lizzy pulled the covers over her head, then realised what was being dragged…For years, the Moore Asylum housed the forgotten children of Brooklyn Bay. But now, a man is found murdered in the derelict building, strapped to a steel trolley, launching a heart-racing investigation for Detective Lucy Harwin. Lucy quickly … Harwin.
Lucy quickly discovers the victim was once a Moore Asylum doctor, and when a woman also linked to the home is killed on her doorstep, Lucy knows she must dig into its history. What dark secrets lie within the asylum’s walls – what was the scandal leading to its closure thirty years ago?
With her own demons to fight, Lucy starts to uncover the heartbreaking tale of the Moore Asylum children, and begins to wonder: who will be the next victim?
A gripping serial killer thriller that will chill readers of MJ Arlidge, Angela Marsons and Rachel Abbott to the bone.
Previously published as The Lost Children
See what readers are saying about Dark House:
‘I really enjoyed this book, the writing is engaging, honest and believable…I devoured it over 2 evenings and I stayed up until WAY past my bedtime on the first night because I didn’t want to put it down!’ Urban Sapphire
‘What a book! I really enjoyed reading this…What better place to set a chiller thriller than an old asylum full of atmosphere and old ghosts? If only the walls could tell stories and in this case, they do.’ Mrs Bloggs Books
‘There are many different and unusual twists and turns throughout the story that keeps the reader totally gripped…Well worth the 5 stars.’ All Things Books
‘A mesmerising story…If you like LJ Ross, Mark Billingham, and Jo Nesbo, you’ll love this.’ Avid Reviewer
‘This crime thriller stands out from many of the others on the shelves today …I loved the story. I loved the characters. I loved the setting. I loved the fact that it was written by somebody who works in the police, so all of the phrases and techniques are current and accurate’ Nigel Adams’ Book Worm
‘The character is believable and the storyline is dynamite. I’m very much looking forward to the next instalment.’ For the Love of Books
‘The story was gripping and I ended the book needing more! I can’t wait to read what is Lucy up to next. I would definitely recommend this book if you like police series.’ Bookneeders
‘The book was wonderfully paced, the characters are introduced as the plot moves along so you’re straight into the action from the beginning… Would I recommend it? Absolutely yes.’ Sarah Withers Blog
‘I loved this book – I can’t wait for the next one in the series. I enjoyed the story, I loved the characters, it was interesting and it kept me engaged all the way through the book. I couldn’t put it down.’ Bonnie’s Book Talk
‘Fans of thrillers will be very happy with this story. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out and will continue to follow Detective Lucy around on her adventures.’ Where The Reader Grows
Praise for Helen Phifer:
‘Loved this book so much…It’s a fast paced thriller with plenty of twists in the plot, that keeps you guessing to the end…I would give it 10 stars if I could.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘AMAZING book…really pulls you in with every page…this is a MUST READ.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Kept me hooked all the way through…An explosive storyline and really likeable characters provide a great read and I can’t recommend this book highly enough.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘It had a major plot twist towards the end which I seriously did not see coming…I highly recommend this book, if I could give it more than 5 stars I would!’ Stardust Book Reviews
more
This was my first book by Helen Phifer and while I enjoyed it, I had a hard time with some of the British words used like knackered and found that I had to look a lot of them up, but its nothing the author did wrong.
I had a hard time warming up to Lucy, but I ended up more or less on her side. There was a lot of action, some hurry up page turning, a few edge of my seat moments, a few heartbreaking moments, While I don’t condone murder I was happy to see a couple of characters get their just due.
I’m a fan of Lucy and the doctor, but I have a feeling Mattie will be her choice. Now, I’m off to read book #2. Oh, and I have to say, I actually figured out whodunit!
#Lucy #Mattie #Murder #revenge #IKnewWhoDunIt!!
Great book. Highly recommend!
Dark House starts with a bang, opening with a chilling flash to the past! The chapters set in the seventies filled me with fear and intrigue as I turned the pages, needing to find out what happened at the asylum. Helen Phifer can certainly set a chilling scene, one that certainly forced me to read on with haste.
The main character, DI Lucy Harwin, was fantastically developed. I loved how the novel was peppered with snippets of her past case, and that her relationships were complicated. Her daughter, colleague and potential love interest all served to show the reader more about Lucy, without being a distraction from the main case.
As for the antagonist, I loved the past to present mystery and the chase as the action ramped up. I was literally biting my nails at the end. What a ride!
STARS
Wow Wow Wow seriously in love with The Lost Children, Helen Phifer has had the ability to do what others have failed at, get me to give a five-star rating to a detective novel.
From the moment I picked up this story, I was transfixed.
There was no pussyfooting around with this it was BAM!!! straight into the fire & then the sparks were seriously burning & fizzling & popping The Lost Children was none stop action from start to finish and I adored it.
We start our story with the Estate Agent showing a prospective buyer around the Asylum, an old abandoned hospital that was home to many forgotten children that had basically been left there by their parents to rot, so awful and sad.
Upon stumbling across a body the shocked pair call in the local police.
Detective Lucy Harwin, just back from a suspension over a previous case is called into investigate this case. Lucy & her partner Mattie are now on the job and to solve this murder they must dig into the past, but as the bodies start piling up the sand in the hourglass is running out.
This is the first book of what I assume will be a series and it has me hooked.
What I especially loved was the human nature of our main character’s, I adored looking through the window at their everyday trials and tribulations, In my opinion, it made them more relatable more solid.
I liked how everything was interwoven so nicely and how the language used was so easy to follow and not overdone.
Lucy and Mattie were adorable and I can definitely see the seeds of mutual friendship blossoming into something more with these two besties.
The flashbacks to the asylum where incredibly poignant, but were integral to the story, in short, This was such a page turner and a brilliant beginning to what I am confident will be a compelling new series. A job well done in my opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free E-Copy of The Lost Children By Helen Phifer this is my own honest opinion after reading.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
http://www.beckiebookworm.com
Decent read. Lost a little suspense near the end but I did enjoy.
This is a depressive read from start to finish. I was hesitant to finish, but being 2/3’s thru I went on. It also paints a dark picture of the Amish people. Not an enjoyable read.
interesting storyline- characters well developed.