First Girl to Die

A Completely Gripping Crime Thriller (Detective Morgan Brookes, Book 4)

By: Helen Phifer

Narrated by: Alison Campbell

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

Morgan shudders as she leans out of the window and takes in the familiar blonde curls and clear blue eyes of the fallen girl below. She knows this woman, and she realizes with sickening certainty that her friend is now gone forever....

When Detective Morgan Brookes is called to the scene of a suicide, she’s devastated to recognize the young teacher sprawled out on the grass like a broken doll. She hasn’t seen Brittany for years. Not since the tragic death of Morgan’s high school boyfriend ripped their friendship group apart. But when witnesses describe Brittany’s erratic behavior and jumbled speech that morning, Morgan is convinced the fearless, life-loving girl she once knew didn’t jump of her own accord.

Traces of poison found in Brittany’s blood prove Morgan’s theory right, but no one can find the source. Then Morgan uncovers a distinctive jar in Brittany’s home filled with toxic herbs, and the sight of it turns her blood to ice. She has a jar just like it, a handmade gift from her aunt. Is this a coincidence, a set-up, or could the only person she’s ever trusted with her damaged past be capable of murder?

Then another woman from Morgan’s past is found, close to the scene of that fatal teenage party. Has Morgan been looking at this all wrong? Are these deaths connected to that deadly night? And how could someone from her own family possibly be involved?

With her aunt’s freedom and more innocent lives at stake, Morgan must dig deep into her painful memories for answers. Who else was there that night, and what exactly did they see? She must stop this twisted killer before any more of her old friends become new victims - but at what cost?

An absolutely heart-stopping crime thriller, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Lisa Regan, and Rachel Abbott.

©2021 Helen Phifer (P)2021 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Grating from start to finish

Maybe I've changed. Maybe it's me. But it was only the thought that I seemed to recall liking previous books in this series that forced me through to the end. The writing needed another editorial pass as there are some fairly irritating oversights and felt like if we're leaning to the idea that these cops are all complete idiots with no idea how to do their jobs, okay, but maybe make that a clearer premise? (And no, I don't think that was supposed to be the case...) Equally, if not more grating, the narrator sounds like she's doing her best fairy godmother impression which felt very much at odds with the writing...or a crime novel, in general. The over articulating nearly did me in, but not quite as much as the smiling-through-the-dialogue-like-I'm-trying-to-read-to-small-children.

I Can’t Wait

I can’t wait to read the next book in this seres. I predicted the ending, but I was wrong and that’s a tribute to the author’s skills. Also, I liked the characters the author created.

ANOTHER GREAT READ.

OUTSTANDING FAST PACED LOVED IT. CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT ONE WILL BEN AND MORGAN EVER GET TOGETHER?

Each one gets better

Love this series! Makes me want to binge listen to the rest of them. I hope this turns into a TV series.

Forgot how involved you get

I got involved listening. love these characters. Allison is superb. what can I say. the story flows .

Another Great Book

Helen Phifer is a great writer that brings life, fun and excitement into the minds of the listener.

Amazing

Another amazing book in the series. Very gripping! No lulls and unpredictable endings. I'm really happy I stumbled across it. Can't wait for the next one!

it's all about the narrator for me

I can hardly remember what I expect might have been a fairly good plot because of the narrator and her childish voice. The only people that didn't sound like whining 5 year olds were her male characters.
I can't buy another title in this series while the same narrator is used.

fantastic

loved this book kept me on the edge of my seat the hole timeworth reading

must listen to this book

this book is really good to listen gripping and interesting but how much can happen to one person

Absolutely loved this book!!!

I love all of Helen's work and didn't think anyone could beat Annie Graham as my fave character - that was until Morgan!
I don't want to leave any spoilers but the plot kept me hooked from the first to last page!

Better

Is it better or have I just listened into submission? This was the best of the scenarios but imagine my surprise at who it’s centred around (that’s not a spoiler).