The Lost Children
#blogtour #review #TheLostChildren @Bookouture @HelenPhifer #thriller #crime
What the blurb says:
Lizzy pulled the covers over her head. Then she realised what was being dragged behind the person with the torch. She rammed her fist into her mouth to stop herself from screaming… For decades, The Moore Asylum was home to the forgotten children of Brooklyn Bay. But ever since a scandal forced its closure, the abandoned building has cast an imposing shadow. Until now – when an elderly man is found dead, his body strapped to a gurney... Detective Lucy Harwin, still reeling from a previous case that ended in the devastating murder of a mother and her child, finds herself on the trail of a killer ruthlessly fixated on avenging wrongs. What disturbing secrets lie within the asylum’s walls? Together with her partner Detective Mattie Jackson, Lucy begins to unearth its terrible history, and the horrors endured by the vulnerable children. As the attacks escalate and a woman is murdered on her own doorstep, Lucy is forced into a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a twisted individual. But can Lucy stop a murderer with nothing left to lose? An absolutely terrifying and gripping thriller that will chill readers of MJ Arlidge, Angela Marsons and Rachel Abbott to the bone.
My thoughts:
I write this just as i've finished the book. I wanted to do it immediately so i could accurately express my feelings towards it. I'll start by saying OH..MY..GOD!
Helen has done it again with this one and delivered us an awesome book with a fabulous new duo at the helm.
I've been a fan of Helens since i read my first of the Annie Graham series back in 2013. That series is one that has just gotten better as it's gone along and one i'm still enjoying.
So, when i had the opportunity to read this one and not only that but take part in the blog tour, i jumped at the chance ( No way was i missing out ) And how pleased am i that i did?
DI Lucy Harwin is returning to work and is dropped straight in at the proverbial deep end. Working alongside her partner, Matthew 'Mattie' Jackson, they are in a race against the clock to catch a killer who is seeking revenge after festering on a grudge that appears to have lasted decades.
Lucy is having a hard time in her personal life with a teenage daughter who is barely speaking to her, an ex husband who is moving on and is finding herself again after returning to work. Lucy Harwin is a strong and resilient character and i loved her. Work is her everything and it soon becomes clear, she is excellent at her job to boot. She is definitely someone i'd want fighting my corner.
Matthew 'Mattie' Jackson is her partner on the job. He clearly respects her as his superior and also as his friend. They obviously work well together and have an excellent rapport. The interaction between the two was a pleasure too read. The characters are written with such depth that (i feel) allowed the reader to make a connection with them. I cared about every one of them.
The story itself is excellent. The plot line thoroughly enjoyable (if i can say that when it involves this subject) and i found, quite believable. It was fast paced, flowing and written in a way that pulls you in and keeps you wanting more. The tension that seeps from every page is palpable, I couldn't put this down. It's the first book thats actually kept me up into the early hours in a while, and it was worth every bit of it! It was inclusive and yes, exciting. With a steady build up towards the final few chapters that by this point had my pulse racing and i couldn't read it quick enough. I have to say that i am already wanting more from this pair, in fact, it can't come quick enough. I enjoyed it THAT much.
I'd like too thank Bookouture and the author for giving me this opportunity and i look forward to reading the next one in what is sure to be another winning series from the mind of Helen Phifer.
More info on the author can be found in the following places:
www.helenphifer.comhttps://
www.facebook.com/Helenphifer1
https://twitter.com/helenphifer1
About Helen Phifer:
Helen Phifer’s love of reading began with Enid Blyton, before progressing on to Laura Ingals Wilder and scaring herself with Steven King. If she can’t write for any particular reason she finds herself getting itchy fingers and really irritable. She loves reading as much as writing and is also very fond of chocolate, Prosecco, The Lake District, New York, white Zinfandel wine, my children and grandchildren, my friends, porn star martini cocktails, Stephen King, watching scary films, Marilyn Monroe, Melissa McCarthy, Idris Elba, Simon Baker, Spandau Ballet, The Munsters and coffee. In no particular order.
