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dawnlaw's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
crazyforbooksandcoffee's review
4.0
Her lost soul is the 2nd book in the Detective Maria Miller series.
Four teenagers break into an abandoned asylum but only three come out. Riley has just disappeared. Maria and Frank take the case and discover the asylum has a dark past and was once the hiding place of a notorious killer. When a fresh grave is discovered Maria fears the worst but when the remains are recovered it's not Riley. Maria needs to untangle the stories if she has any hope of finding Riley. She will have to put her own life on the line if she is going to save Riley.
I love this police procedural with a supernatural twist series. I actually ended up reading these out of order by mistake and read the 3rd book before this one. I have enjoyed them all but I think this one is my favourite and I didn't feel like I spoiled anything reading them out of order.
This is a creepy and dark fast paced thriller and I couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend if you like a police procedural and don't mind a supernatural twist.
Four teenagers break into an abandoned asylum but only three come out. Riley has just disappeared. Maria and Frank take the case and discover the asylum has a dark past and was once the hiding place of a notorious killer. When a fresh grave is discovered Maria fears the worst but when the remains are recovered it's not Riley. Maria needs to untangle the stories if she has any hope of finding Riley. She will have to put her own life on the line if she is going to save Riley.
I love this police procedural with a supernatural twist series. I actually ended up reading these out of order by mistake and read the 3rd book before this one. I have enjoyed them all but I think this one is my favourite and I didn't feel like I spoiled anything reading them out of order.
This is a creepy and dark fast paced thriller and I couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend if you like a police procedural and don't mind a supernatural twist.
kickan's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jkellyjr's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.0
The past and present converge in a tale of mystery and the paranormal.....…..
Book Information
Her Lost Soul by Helen Phifer is a 236-page mystery/thriller novel with a planned publication date of February 28, 2024. Stephanie Canon narrates the audio version which spans 6 hours and 23 minutes. Thank you to Storm Publishing and Dreamscape Select for providing me an Advance Readers Copy for review.
Summary
Late one night, four teenagers break into an old, abandoned hospital, but only three come out, leaving Riley Holt, the police chief's daughter, missing. Detective Maria Miller and her partner Frankie Conroy take on the case and discover the hospital's dark past, once hiding the remains of a notorious killer's victim. With no leads from Riley's friends and suspicions surrounding her father, Maria digs into the hospital's history and Riley's family to find answers. As she gets closer to the truth, danger mounts, and Maria risks everything to locate Riley before it's too late.
My Thoughts
"Her Lost Soul" by Helen Phifer is the second installment in the Detective Maria Miller series, following the success of "The Haunting on West 10th Street." Fans of the first book will be pleased to reunite with familiar characters such as Maria, Frankie, Emilia, and Missy, although newcomers can easily delve into this follow-up as a standalone.
While Phifer's latest work maintains a supernatural undercurrent, it leans more towards a police procedural with supernatural elements rather than delving into outright horror. The story unfolds across two timelines, a technique effectively employed in the first book, offering readers glimpses into ongoing events and investigations. This structure lends an atmospheric and tense quality to the story.
However, I felt that the execution fell short at times. There are lots of instances of dubious decision-making by characters and stilted, occasionally sophomoric dialogue that may evoke comparisons to young adult thrillers. I also felt as if the pacing of this book was too brisk, resulting in a read that feels rushed and less nuanced compared to its predecessor.
In addition, the majority of the book is buildup, culminating in a relatively brief and underwhelming resolution. I found myself wishing for a longer, more substantial payoff after investing in the story's tension and suspense.
Stephanie Canon, the audiobook narrator was good at setting the right tone and handling the diverse range of male voices within the narrative.
Recommendation
"Her Lost Soul" by Helen Phifer presents an intriguing continuation of the Detective Maria Miller series, offering a blend of police procedural elements with a supernatural twist. It is a light paranormal mystery that might appeal to those seeking a suspenseful yet not overly scary read.
Rating
3 Haunted Hospital Stars
Book Information
Her Lost Soul by Helen Phifer is a 236-page mystery/thriller novel with a planned publication date of February 28, 2024. Stephanie Canon narrates the audio version which spans 6 hours and 23 minutes. Thank you to Storm Publishing and Dreamscape Select for providing me an Advance Readers Copy for review.
Summary
Late one night, four teenagers break into an old, abandoned hospital, but only three come out, leaving Riley Holt, the police chief's daughter, missing. Detective Maria Miller and her partner Frankie Conroy take on the case and discover the hospital's dark past, once hiding the remains of a notorious killer's victim. With no leads from Riley's friends and suspicions surrounding her father, Maria digs into the hospital's history and Riley's family to find answers. As she gets closer to the truth, danger mounts, and Maria risks everything to locate Riley before it's too late.
My Thoughts
"Her Lost Soul" by Helen Phifer is the second installment in the Detective Maria Miller series, following the success of "The Haunting on West 10th Street." Fans of the first book will be pleased to reunite with familiar characters such as Maria, Frankie, Emilia, and Missy, although newcomers can easily delve into this follow-up as a standalone.
While Phifer's latest work maintains a supernatural undercurrent, it leans more towards a police procedural with supernatural elements rather than delving into outright horror. The story unfolds across two timelines, a technique effectively employed in the first book, offering readers glimpses into ongoing events and investigations. This structure lends an atmospheric and tense quality to the story.
However, I felt that the execution fell short at times. There are lots of instances of dubious decision-making by characters and stilted, occasionally sophomoric dialogue that may evoke comparisons to young adult thrillers. I also felt as if the pacing of this book was too brisk, resulting in a read that feels rushed and less nuanced compared to its predecessor.
In addition, the majority of the book is buildup, culminating in a relatively brief and underwhelming resolution. I found myself wishing for a longer, more substantial payoff after investing in the story's tension and suspense.
Stephanie Canon, the audiobook narrator was good at setting the right tone and handling the diverse range of male voices within the narrative.
Recommendation
"Her Lost Soul" by Helen Phifer presents an intriguing continuation of the Detective Maria Miller series, offering a blend of police procedural elements with a supernatural twist. It is a light paranormal mystery that might appeal to those seeking a suspenseful yet not overly scary read.
Rating
3 Haunted Hospital Stars
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Book Review: Her Lost Soul by Helen Phifer
Rating: 3 Stars
Helen Phifer's "Her Lost Soul" takes readers on a chilling journey through the dark corridors of an abandoned psychiatric hospital, where secrets and mysteries lurk in the shadows. The story follows Detective Maria Miller as she investigates the disappearance of Riley Holt, a teenage girl who vanished after exploring the haunted hospital with her friends. As Maria delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a connection to the sinister past of the hospital and a notorious killer, leading her on a suspenseful hunt for the truth.
One thing that really stands out about the book is its awesome cover., which draws readers in with its eerie and enticing design. The supernatural element woven into the plot adds an extra layer of intrigue, keeping the reader hooked as they navigate the twists and turns of the investigation. The setting of the abandoned hospital is vividly depicted, creating a haunting atmosphere that enhances the suspense of the story.
Phifer's writing is solid, maintaining a good pace throughout the narrative and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. While the characters may not be particularly memorable, they help move the story along and keep things interesting.. The author effectively sets up the story as a standalone novel, making it accessible to readers who may be new to the series.
Overall, "Her Lost Soul" is a decent read that offers a blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. While it may not be a standout in the genre, it provides an engaging story that will appeal to fans of thrillers and detective fiction.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
Helen Phifer's "Her Lost Soul" takes readers on a chilling journey through the dark corridors of an abandoned psychiatric hospital, where secrets and mysteries lurk in the shadows. The story follows Detective Maria Miller as she investigates the disappearance of Riley Holt, a teenage girl who vanished after exploring the haunted hospital with her friends. As Maria delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a connection to the sinister past of the hospital and a notorious killer, leading her on a suspenseful hunt for the truth.
One thing that really stands out about the book is its awesome cover., which draws readers in with its eerie and enticing design. The supernatural element woven into the plot adds an extra layer of intrigue, keeping the reader hooked as they navigate the twists and turns of the investigation. The setting of the abandoned hospital is vividly depicted, creating a haunting atmosphere that enhances the suspense of the story.
Phifer's writing is solid, maintaining a good pace throughout the narrative and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. While the characters may not be particularly memorable, they help move the story along and keep things interesting.. The author effectively sets up the story as a standalone novel, making it accessible to readers who may be new to the series.
Overall, "Her Lost Soul" is a decent read that offers a blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. While it may not be a standout in the genre, it provides an engaging story that will appeal to fans of thrillers and detective fiction.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
literary_laur's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mariewikle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Wonderfully creepy. A great paranormal detective team
sammiep16's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
marcirenee1974's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Det. Maria & Frankie are a trip and I love their relationship...I wonder if they will ever allow themselves to actually fall in love? Or just love each other from afar forever??? Can't wait to find out! This book was a trip and I enjoy how Helen Phifer combines the supernatural with the mundane everyday life of police work! I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!
#HerLostSoul
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#HerLostSoul
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dmagboul's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0