The Institution by Helen Fields

In The Institution, a high security home to the criminally insane, a young nurse is brutally murdered. Her unborn baby has been cut from her body and is now being held for ransom. Dr Connie Woolwine, a psychological profiler, is tasked with infiltrating the ward the murder took place on to see if she can discover the whereabouts of the baby. A ward which is home to the worst serial killers in the country.

Right from the beginning we have a seriously creepy story that will have you on edge from beginning to end. Combine this with a knowledge of writer Helen Fields and you know no-one is safe. The introduction unveils the despicable crime which has taken place. This then leads into the description of The Institution itself; set in the middle of nowhere, located next to a huge dam, all adds to the sense of isolation. Inside the building we get a sense of claustrophobia, despite the isolated location, as we read about the solidity of the walls and the numerous mechanisms in place as staff move from one building to the next, between floors and from one room to another. All designed to keep the patients and the staff safe.

The patients are terrifying. There are only five patients on the ward Connie infiltrates, they are the worst of the worst. Each one has been found guilty of atrocious crimes. As Connie interviews each one we learn their background and realise that despite being classed as insane they are all highly intelligent and master manipulators. Even more terrifying are the staff, people Connie should be able to work alongside and trust. Each one seems to be hiding something and you do wonder if one of them could be responsible.

Dr. Connie Woolwine is very empathetic and she uses this to get to know the patients and staff, however we are continually aware that there is a time pressure to find the baby and this adds to the overall intensity of the story. As events begin to move at a frenetic pace you feel the panic that Connie is in and wonder if she is going to be able to save the baby and herself.

The Institution by Helen Fields will be published on 2nd March 2023 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a review copy.