Dark House: An absolutely gripping serial killer thriller

Helen Phifer

Mar 2017 · Bookouture

About this ebook

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 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

Ratings and reviews

For decades, The Moore, housed the children who were disabled, had mental problems, some were just unwanted by their parents. Horrendous experiments were carried out on some of theses youngsters ... you'd have to count the cemetery stones behind the hospital to know just how many. Thankfully, the hospital was closed down 40 -some years ago. Closed .. but not forgotten by everyone. Detective Lucy Harwin has been on medical leave after a case went terribly wrong. Today is her first day back and she's immediately thrust into an investigation. An older man has been found in the long abandoned hospital. He's dead with what looks like an ice pick stuck in one of his eyes, very much reminiscent of having a lobotomy. *Together with her partner, Detective Mattie Jackson, Lucy begins to unearth the hospital's terrible history, and soon finds herself on the trail of a killer ruthlessly fixated on avenging the crimes of the past.* New series ... new author for me. This is an extremely well written crime thriller. The story line is a brutal one as it involves the horrors inflicted on young children. It's actually a piece of history that we would all like to forget. This fictional story shows what could happen to the children who survive this kind of treatment. The characters are not cardboard cutouts. They come across as very human and extremely credible. Lucy is flawed and she has issues, but she is also a lot stronger than she realizes. Her partner is younger, lighter, but just as dedicated to seeing justice done for all victims. Personal Note of Interest: I found a blurb about this author stating that she is a fan of Stephen King. Sure enough, one of the characters in this book is named Dr. Stephen King. I look forward to following this author .. and this series. Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller, Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Brilliantly written, my first time reading from this author and I'm straight onto her other books, absolutely addictive I was waking in the night to read the next chapters. Highly recommended

It was easy to put this book down and wait to get back to it. I was never able to escape and become immersed in the story because the author's presence was too obvious.