Save Her Twice by Helen Phifer

*** Review ***

Helen Phifer’s latest installment in the Detective Morgan Brookes series, Save Her Twice, plunges readers into a chilling world of fear and resilience. From the very first page, Phifer hooks her audience with a gripping narrative that refuses to loosen its hold until the final, heart-pounding conclusion. As a devoted fan of the series, I found myself completely engrossed, devouring the book in a single sitting and relishing every twist and turn along the way.

The story opens with Detective Morgan Brookes facing a horrifying scene in a local park—an abandoned building, a lifeless body, and blood staining the frosty grass. The victim, Lexie, strikes a personal chord with Morgan, who had previously saved her from a serial killer. The sense of failure and guilt weighs heavily on Morgan as she grapples with the realization that she couldn’t protect Lexie a second time.

As Morgan and her team delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of terror involving a new killer targeting survivors of past atrocities. The tension mounts as they race against time to unravel the killer’s identity and prevent further tragedy. Phifer masterfully weaves together multiple threads of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each revelation and unexpected twist.

What sets Save Her Twice apart is its deeply human element. Despite the pulse-pounding action and intricate plot, Phifer never loses sight of the emotional core of the story. The bond between Morgan and the other survivors, their shared trauma, and their resilience in the face of unimaginable horror add layers of depth and poignancy to the narrative. I found myself fully invested in their struggles and rooting for their triumph over adversity.

One of the strengths of Phifer’s writing lies in her ability to create vivid, atmospheric settings that serve as a backdrop to the unfolding drama. The Lake District setting lends an eerie ambiance to the story, heightening the sense of isolation and foreboding. Each scene is vividly rendered, immersing the reader in the chilling world of the novel.

Moreover, Phifer excels in crafting complex, multi-dimensional characters that leap off the page. Detective Morgan Brookes is a compelling protagonist, driven by a fierce determination to seek justice for the victims and a haunting vulnerability stemming from her own past traumas. Her evolving relationship with her partner Ben adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to the story, providing a welcome respite from the relentless tension.

As I journeyed through the pages of Save Her Twice, I found myself gripped by a potent mix of fear, empathy, and righteous anger. Phifer skillfully navigates the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of survival, redemption, and the enduring power of hope. The book is not without its moments of heartbreak and despair, but ultimately it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Save Her Twice is a tour de force of suspenseful storytelling that will leave readers breathless and eager for more. Helen Phifer has once again proven herself as a master of the genre, delivering a riveting thriller that resonates on both an emotional and visceral level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer to Morgan Brookes’ world, this book is not to be missed. Prepare to be enthralled, disturbed, and ultimately, profoundly moved.