Picked this book and quickly realised how good it was. I have read Helen's other books and loved them this was just as brilliant. really looking forward to more from Ms Phifer in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of One Left Alive.

I love mysteries and I'm always on the lookout for a series that features a strong female protagonist so I was pleased when my request was approved.

Officer Morgan Brookes is pulled into a murder case when, during a routine patrol, she arrives on the scene of the suspicious death of a mother. The case evolves into a horrible tragedy when the remaining members of the family are found deceased, except for one daughter.

Due to understaffing in the detective division, Morgan is given permission to assist in the investigation and a chance to join the team if she pulls her weight.

As she pounds the pavement, interviews witnesses and potential suspects, Morgan is unaware that the perp has her in his sights.

On the surface, the premise is intriguing but the narrative drags. There is very little evidence and clues that lead to identifying the killer. In fact, the identity of the killer is hard to believe.

I didn't like Morgan, either; I understand she's a rookie but she cries easily, she spends a lot of time wondering why a colleague teases her and is quite gullible for someone so eager to join the police force.

I realize she is a fragile, emotional person traumatized by the death of her beloved mother and having a neglectful, drunk of a father doesn't help, but you are a member of the police. Man up!

The author spends a just a bit too much time describing how beautiful the deceased wife and mother, Olivia was. Morgan and even the killer mentions how pretty she is, especially in death. Weird, much?

One Left Alive contains one of my biggest pet peeves: an unnecessary romance.

Not every story needs a romance and the one potentially brewing between Morgan and her superior is not just unnecessary but needless.

The mystery was not suspenseful or interesting, and I wasn't invested in the story or characters. Some people might like this but it wasn't for me.

When Morgan Brookes is out on her first few days of solo patrol she discovers a woman hanging from a tree. Something doesn’t add up about the woman’s death and when she is seconded to The detective teams she soon realises that this is what she wants to do and is determined to prove her worth.
I really enjoyed this new story from Helen. There was a great mix of police procedure, gore and the start of romance too. Look forward to the next one. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Morgan Brooks is a new detective when she lands the case of a woman who’s been found hanging from a tree. When she tries to inform the woman’s next of kin, she finds her husband and children lying in the cellar of their home, the husband is dead, but one of the little girls is clinging to life. Solving the case and finding justice for young Bronte becomes an obsession for Morgan and she finds another startlingly similar cold case. Morgan will need to use all her skills to find a killer before he finds out that he has left a witness, one that must be silenced. I liked this book, but I would have liked a little more character development for Morgan; it would have given the story more depth

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Detective Morgan was patrolling when the radio called ask her to go scene of possible suicide. When arrive she meets teenager Harrison who holding the woman who may have committed suicide from a tree her name is Olivia Potter the mother of his girlfriend.

Morgan is new and is thrust into the case especially when she feels something isn’t right when they can’t get a hold of the Potter family she goes back to the Potter house finds them in the cellar dead but surprise when the oldest daughter Bronte is still breathing. As she works with Ben who her boss and another fellow officer Amy she finds out that a family living there before in the seventies was killed the same way now she wondering if these two cases are related.

This was a well written the writing was easy to follow it was nice learning along with Morgan as she learn to be detective. I like the friendship that’s growing between Morgan and Ben I just don’t want it to turn romantic beside he has his own issues.

Overall a good read can’t wait to read the next book as Morgan grows more into being a good cop.

As usual Helen had me gripped from the start....Downloaded and read in one go....Could not put it down, thought a few times that I knew what was happening and then as usual the red herring threw me. I am so glad that I discovered this author as have loved every single book that she has written and she never disappoints with the descriptions of the crime scenes, making them graphic enough for me to be able to continue reading without giving me nightmares. This is a brilliant start to what will hopefully be a new series of novels about Morgan as there is so much more that she can and I am sure will do. Congratulations Helen and hurry up with the next instalment please.

#OneLeftAlive #NetGalley
One of those rare books that really is unputdownable. A must read.
The story starts with the introductory scene of Detective Morgan Brookes who's happy to have an opportunity to work in the beautiful Lake District but suddenly her radio buzzed and she has to go on her duty.
There's an IR on Lake View on Easdale Road, Grasmere. A possible suicide what they're calling that.
A body of a woman by the name of ‘Olivia Potter' is found hanging in her front garden by Harrison who's her daughter's boyfriend and he tells Morgan that he found it ten minutes ago.
She has two daughters and a husband but they're nowhere to be seen. Clueless detective searched in every room of the house and got nothing but frustration. Then searched basement and viola here they're, cold and lifeless but one girl is still breathing.
With no lead to move forward, Brooke vowed to catch the monster and search in the old police records and founds a case where a family was murdered in the same house but the killer was never caught. And now Olivia's family is killed in the same house. Is the killer same? Why he killed Olivia's family? She was searching thoroughly and then on the scene of the crime another body is found.
Are they all connected? If yes then how? Morgan really has to find that killer before he strikes again. Will she be able to solve the case? Or killer will be never arrested?
You have to read this awesomely good psychological thriller to know the answers to that questions which are teasing your mind.
Every character of this book is lovable. I loved Dan, Ben, Morgan, Harrison and The Killer. Other supporting characters are very good too.
Narration of the story is intersting, simple and flawless.
I'll definitely share this book with my fellow Authors Bloggers Followers Friends and Family. And I'm sure that Amazon will be on fire on 1st September. Eagerly waiting for the release of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advance copy of this awesome psychological thriller.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

2.5* rounded up. I suppose this would be described as a police procedural, although I hope the actual police don't operate like those in this novel. The story held my interest throughout, although I thought the ending was slightly rushed. The 'romance' creeped me out a little, and I spent most of the novel rolling my eyes at the incompetence, unprofessionalism, insubordination etc etc displayed by our plucky heroine and her colleagues.

Still, a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours.

Wow oh wow!! This book has definitely given me all the feels, how can I possibly write a review which shows how much I have enjoyed this book?
I'll start by saying that this is my first read by this author, but I am now a converted fan and cannot wait to read more of her books. I am also excited for the next in this series.
This book is filled with suspense and mystery. I have definitely been kept guessing from very early on. The plot develops quickly which is completely enthralling and makes this a very addictive read.
I have devoured this gem in just one sitting. It has completely pulled me in and been utterly impossible to put down. I love Morgan, she's a fantastic protagonist and I truly cannot wait for the next instalment.
This is completely unique and unpredictable, at points I've literally shivered. The author has created a clear image and parts of this have been quite sinister. Please don't judge me- but I have loved it!!
A definite strong five star read and one which is deserving of higher. I highly recommend this book.

Public review on blog tour 2/9/2020