Tag Archives: Carolyn Arnold

Stolen Daughters by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Posted on by
13

Stolen Daughters by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

 

Description:
The girl looked so peaceful, she could have been asleep. Except her eyes were open, blankly reflecting the flickering flames spreading towards her…

When firefighters discover the body of a teenage girl at an abandoned house, Detective Amanda Steele hurries to the scene. Dumfries, Virginia is a small town, yet no one seems to have any idea who the dead girl is until Amanda finds a dragonfly pin with the name Crystal engraved on it.

Working tirelessly, Amanda traces the pin to Crystal Foster, a thirteen-year-old who disappeared three years ago from her wealthy parents’ home. Breaking the news to the distraught parents won’t be easy, but the loss of her own daughter still haunts Amanda, and she knows this will bring them closure. But when Amanda goes to see the Fosters, they do not recognize the girl. She isn’t Crystal.

Before Amanda can react to this new development, she gets an urgent call. A fire has consumed another vacant house, and the remains of two more girls have been found. Who are these girls, and why are they being picked off? Amanda must stop this killer before the pattern continues, and the death toll climbs.

When Amanda receives a taunting note from the killer, she realizes that she holds the missing piece of this puzzle. The victims are connected to Amanda’s past, to a case she can never forget, and which almost claimed her life. As she follows the clues to their deadly conclusion, can she save more innocent lives… even if it risks her own?

 

 

Review:

Stolen Daughters by Carolyn Arnold is the 2nd book in her Detective Amanda Steele series. As I have noted before, I have been a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her series.  I feel this series is her best one yet, and love its wonderful heroine, Amanda Steele.

Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department.  She is called to the scene where a young girl’s dead body was found in an abandoned building fire.  As she and her partner, Trent begin their investigation, they discover that the girl was part of a sex trafficking ring. Shortly thereafter, a woman who had called in the fire to the police,  is also found murdered; they suspect this may be the work of a serial killer. As they interview the family of some of the missing children over the years, Amanda is consumed with finding these missing girls.

Amanda is determined to stop the killer before they kill again, but then there is another fire, with two more dead girls who were probably part of the sex trafficking; the danger escalates as the killer is now setting their site on Amanda.  How does the killer know about her past, and the deaths of her husband and daughter?

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, pulse pounding mystery that kept me unable to put the book down, especially knowing how Amanda continually put herself in danger.  We did get a POV of the killer throughout, giving us a look at his madness. To say too much more would be spoilers, and this was a very good story that needs to be read from start to finish.  I like all of the secondary characters that Arnold has created, but I was not crazy about the chief, who was trying to get rid of Amanda; even though she was their best detective.

Stolen Daughters was an excellent crime thriller that was suspenseful, dark, intense, and kept us glued to the end. Amanda, Trent & Sergeant made an excellent team.   I really liked Amanda, as she was a great heroine, and a fantastic detective.  Stolen Daughters was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in future books, especially with the surprise ending. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

Share

The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Detective Amanda Steele stops just inside the doorway, recognizing the victim’s face instantly. He seems so vulnerable in death; soft, human, even harmless. But she can never forget the evil he has inflicted. Her heart is hammering as she remembers her precious daughter, with her red curls and infectious laugh, and how she was lowered into that little grave…

It’s been five years since Detective Amanda Steele’s life was derailed in the path of an oncoming drunk driver. The small community of Dumfries, Virginia, may have moved on from the tragic deaths of her husband and daughter, but Amanda cannot. When the driver who killed her family is found murdered in a motel room, she can’t keep away from the case.

Fighting her sergeant to be allowed to work an investigation with such a personal connection to her, Amanda is in a race to prove that she can uncover the truth. But the more she digs into the past of the man who destroyed her future, the more shocking discoveries she makes. And when Amanda finds the link between a silver bracelet in his possession and the brutal unsolved murder of a young exotic dancer, she realizes she’s caught up in something darker than she ever imagined and suspects that more girls could be in danger.

But as Amanda edges toward the truth, she gets closer to a secret as personal as it is deadly. Amanda has stumbled upon a dangerous killer, and she must face some terrible truths in order to catch this killer – and save his next victim as she couldn’t save her own daughter…

 

 

Review:

The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold is the 1st book in her new Detective Amanda Steele series. I have been a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her series.  After completing The Little Grave, I am thrilled to say this series could be the best one yet.  I loved this book and its wonderful heroine, Amanda Steele.

Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department. Amanda tragically lost her daughter and husband to a horrific car accident over 5 years ago, and to this day, she cannot get past the nightmares and deep grief that still haunts her. Amanda is very good at her job, and hides the fact that she needs to get illegal Xanax pills to help get her through each day; she also is distanced from her family, unable to see them.

Amanda is called to the scene of a possible suicide, only to discover the dead man is the drunk driver who killed her family. Though she is told not to be on this case, which is personal, Amanda discovers some clues that make it look more like murder.  Amanda pleads with her boss to be part of this investigation, even accepting a rookie detective, who becomes her partner. Her boss does require her to have an alibi for the time period of the victim’s death, which means Amanda needs to find the one night stand she had the night before, something she has being doing for a while to block out her grief.

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, pulse pounding mystery that had so many twists and turns, keeping me glued to my kindle.  Amanda begins to discover different clues, especially of a cold case that the victim may have been part of.  She finds a hidden clue as part of a bracelet worn by the victim, bringing in different departments to investigate a pedophile ring, which has been going on for years.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and this was a great story that needs to be read from start to finish.

The Little Grave was an excellent crime thriller that was suspenseful, intense, and kept us guessing to the end. The cold case brings out the people involved in the ring, but who killed the victim.   I really liked Amanda, as she made a great heroine, and also liked her new partner.  The Little Grave was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in future books of the The Detective Amanda Steele series.  If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

Share

What We Bury by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Posted on by
11

What We Bury by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
She’s dying, and she knows it. If only she can stay alive long enough to leave one last message. As the rain beats against the metal roof, she uses her blood-soaked fingertip to scrawl on the floorboards… The letters GB.
 
Detective Madison Knight has been house hunting, but a call from her real estate agent has nothing to do with finding the perfect property. She’s found a woman’s body, stabbed multiple times. Madison arrives on scene and is presented with an unknown Jane Doe and two letters written in blood. There’s no murder weapon, and it seems Doe was attacked somewhere else.
 
As Madison works to find justice for the victim, Madison’s own life is put at risk. What she comes to discover is some people will go to extreme lengths to protect their secrets—even as far as murder. But will learning that lesson come too late for her?

 

 

Review:

What We Bury by Carolyn Arnold is the 10th book in her Detective Madison Knight Mystery series.  As noted, many times in previous books, Carolyn Arnold always gives us exciting suspenseful murder mysteries, lead by a great detective like Madison Knight; and Arnold’s knowledge of police procedurals makes these investigations perfect.

Madison, our heroine, is a tough detective, who will let nothing stand in her way to find the guilty, as well as trying to find proof of corrupt police officers within the Stiles Police Department.  Madison is called by her real estate agent friend that a body was found in the garage. When she arrives with her partner, Terry, they discover the body of a female, stabbed multiple times, and no identity on her; the only clue is the initials of GB written in blood by the victim before she died.

While working on this case, Madison is also having problems with her boyfriend Troy, whom she has been waiting impatiently for him to propose with a ring.  At the same time, she alienates both Troy and Cynthia (her best friend), since she suspects some of their detective friends possibly working with the Russian Mafia. A few times while working on her case, she finds her life threatened, even suffering serious injuries that keep her from her case; Terry steps up to work on the case, keeping Madison on top of things.  Once she is released from the hospital, she does push herself too much, but together with Terry they will discover a number of twists and turns that changes the game.

What follows is an exciting, tense, action filled thriller with many suspects, twists, as well as Madison finding true love with Troy.  I also love her friendship with Cynthia.  I could not put the book down; especially with new developments changing constantly.  This story was very exciting and well written.  If you enjoy mysteries, murder cops, police procedurals and a tough as nails cop, then you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

Share

The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure by Carolyn Arnold-Review

Posted on by
9

The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure by Carolyn Arnold-a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM

 

Description:
For centuries, the existence of Spanish pirate José Gaspar has been relegated to legend, but archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor and his friends may have just found reason to believe the buccaneer truly existed.
 
Rumored to have sailed and plundered the Gulf of Mexico and the Spanish Main during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Gaspar would have amassed a vast fortune. But can Matthew and the gang prove myth as fact and find Gaspar’s priceless treasure? It will take courage and tenacity as the path to gold proves deadly—and even murderous once they discover the true identity and fate of the man nicknamed Gasparilla.

 

 

Review:

The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure by Carolyn Arnold is the 3rd book in her Matthew Connor Adventure series.  Matthew Connor, our hero, is a famed Archaeologist, and the lead in this series.  Matthew comes across as a modern-day Indiana Jones, and his two friends, Robyn & Cal, are always part of their escapades. This is an exciting & fun series, as Arnold takes us on an adventure to Spain, to find the lost treasure of a famous pirate, José Gaspar. 

Matthew is approached by a professor, who claims to have a diary of the famed pirate, that will lead them to where the treasure is.  At first, he and his friends decide they do not want to get involved, as they know nothing about this man.  But when they are attacked, Matthew, Robyn, Cal and the professor, Mel are on the run from someone trying to kill them. 

What follows is an exciting, action filled, intense, edge of your seat adventure that constantly has us in suspense.  Upon arriving in Spain, they with the help of an ally, manage to retrieve more information and a map from a museum, where a helper is killed.  They manage to survive, and head to where the map details the possibility of the buried treasure.  For every step they take, danger and death threaten from all sides. As in each of the books, there is the same villain, who once again steps in to take over the possible findings, and during a battle, they lose someone helping them.  There were so many dangerous situations they had me holding my breath. To tell too much more would be major spoilers, which would ruin it for you. You really need to read this book.

Carolyn Arnold has written an amazing story, describing everything in detail, giving us wonderful visions  of Spain, with the wreckage of the ship and a buried coffin.  I loved Matthew, Robyn and Cal, as they made a great team.  This was a fun and exciting book, which once again I thoroughly I enjoyed very much.  I look forward to more from the Matthew Connor Adventure series. Carolyn Arnold has created another winner.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

Share

Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Posted on by
11

Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Some consequences can’t be predicted…

A sniping takes place in Arlington, Virginia, less than fifteen minutes from Washington, D.C., and nets several minor injuries but only one casualty. FBI Agent Brandon Fisher and his team with the Behavioral Analysis Unit are called in to determine if the threat is still active and whether they’re looking at an act of terrorism, an isolated incident, or the first in a planned series of shootings. All that seems clear from the ground is they’re looking for a skilled sniper who is former military.

As the FBI investigates, one possible motive has Brandon battling his own demons as the consequences of past choices resurface with a vengeance. He will come to discover how one decision can not only haunt us for the rest of our lives, but spread out and have long- and far-reaching repercussions we couldn’t even begin to imagine.

Past Deeds will have you joining the FBI in following clues and unraveling the psyche of a killer. This book will make you think and reflect—and you just might wonder if any past decisions you’ve made are stalking you, ready to strike

 

 

Review:

Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold is the 8th book in her Brandon Fisher FBI series. Refresher:  Our FBI BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) team consists of Jack (leader), Brandon, Paige and new agent Kelly.  I have read every book in this series, and Past Deeds was not as intense as some of the other stories.  I have said this previously, I do not know why Brandon Fisher (I still do not like him at all) is the name of the series; but I think Paige, Jack and the new agent, Kelly were pretty good. 

The story starts with a sniper shooting that kills a prosecutor, which looks very much like the intended target.  The BAU team is called in to determine if this was a terrorist attack or an isolated incident.   Jack, Paige, Brandon and Kelly arrive in Arlington, Virginia to investigate the shooting, which does point to possibly a skilled military sniper; as well as interview the local residents.   Nadia sends them some clues about the sniping and the victim, which reveals that the prosecutor was the 4th similar attack in the last couple of months; now Jack and team need to find how these victims tie in.

As normal in this series, we get to see the POV of the killer, which adds a good element to the story, as well as the rest of the team.  What follows is an exciting, tense, non- stop adventure to find the killer before they strike again. There were some twists and turns along the way, and some surprises leading to the killer.  I do not want to give spoilers, as this is a story that you need to read from start to finish.

I did think that the agents, Jack working with Kelly and Paige working with Brandon were a bit sarcastic and uncomfortable among themselves, as well as with some interviews. Generally, I do like the recurring characters; I do not like Brandon, but I do the rest of the team.  I also point out that Arnold continues to give us glimpses of police procedurals, which is does so well.

Carolyn Arnold once again gives us a well written and exciting story, which keeps us on the edge of our seats. If you have not read the earlier books of this series, which I suggest you do, this can read as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

Share

Exercise is Murder by Carolyn Arnold -a Review

Posted on by
11

Exercise is Murder by Carolyn Arnold -a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository / Google Play / Apple

 

Description
Getting in shape isn’t an easy walk in the park…..

Running junkie Katie Carpenter takes a tumble down a ravine and ends up facedown in the Hudson River. The police conclude her death was an accident, but those who were close to Katie aren’t buying that she just tripped and fell—including her pro-athlete boyfriend. But it’s Katie’s fitness trainer and friend who hires the McKinleys to investigate. 

Anything but an easy case to solve, Sean and Sara will break a sweat trying to figure out who had the most to gain from the young woman’s death. Sadly for Sean most of the evidence seems stacked against Katie’s boyfriend—a man Sean idolizes. Can he put aside being starstruck long enough to view things objectively? If Katie’s killer is going to be caught, he and Sara will need to remain flexible and it might require bending the rules a bit.

Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? 

How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. 

When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way.

 Read in any order or follow the series from the beginning: 
The Day Job is Murder
Vacation is Murder
Money is Murder
Politics is Murder
Family is Murder
Shopping is Murder
Christmas is Murder
Valentine’s Day is Murder
Coffee is Murder
Skiing is Murder
Halloween is Murder
Exercise is Murder

 

Review:

Exercise is Murder by Carolyn Arnold is the 12th book in her McKinley Mysteries series. I haven’t read any of the previous books, but they are all different stories, so you don’t have to read them in any order. 

Sean and Sara are investigators for “Pay It Forward Investigations”  (Quick recap) Sara and Sean used to work for Albany police department, and they would still be there if it hadn’t been for Sean and a random act of kindness to an elderly gentleman. And who in turn paid it forward ….. The man was in fact a multimillionaire, and so Sean and Sara were rich overnight……

The couple are called in after a murder involving a runner is committed. (Their personal trainer has asked for they’re help) 

There aren’t many suspects, and sadly for Sean his idol is in the frame (Levi is a pitcher for a baseball team)  

The police have closed the case and called it an accident, but Sean wants to find out more, the more he listens to the detective, the more he thinks they aren’t really interested, it’s an open and shut case!!!! 

As the case evolves, both Sean and Sara are convinced it wasn’t an accident. If it was Levi, then why? 

I have to admit I’m not usually a fan of husband and wife duo’s (I instantly think of the old 80’s telly series “Hart to Hart”) but I was pleasantly surprised, it’s really well written, Sean and Sara bounce along pretty well. Plenty of laughs and a few surprises. And the fact they don’t have a perfect marriage (Sara finds out that Sean is a huge sports fan and kept it from her) it doesn’t seem like much, but if it’s important to Sean then Sara wants to know, she feels a little hurt, is there anything else he’s hiding? Is there more to her husband than meets the eye? 

We have a few characters that have been in previous books, and they all seem relevant to the story (nothing worse than having people that aren’t really needed in the story) 

It’s a short story, so it won’t take long to find out whodunnit. 

And the murderer is ….. Well you will have to read to find that bit out?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

Share

Shades of Justice by Carolyn Arnold – Review

Posted on by
9

Shades of Justice by Carolyn Arnold – Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository / iTunes / Google Play

 

Description:
Detective Madison Knight has risked her badge—and her life—in the pursuit of justice before, and she just might need to do so again. Two victims are found murdered and naked in the home of Steven Malone, who is the largest contributor to the Stiles PD. One victim is his wife. The other victim is a John Doe. This high-profile double homicide immediately pits Madison against her sergeant, who seems more intent on protecting the Malones’ reputation and retaining a benefactor than catching a killer.
Madison will need to pull on her tenacity and courage if she’s going to follow the evidence without prejudice. In the process, it becomes clear that finding justice isn’t always black and white, and often the shades in between tell the fullest story—and it’s not something she will forget anytime soon.
 
Shades of Justice is a murder mystery with twists and turns that will have readers flipping the pages until the wee hours of the morning. The ninth installment in an international bestselling series, it doesn’t matter if this is the first book you’re reading in the Detective Madison Knight series or not; all the books stand alone!

 

 

 

Review:

Shades of Justice by Carolyn Arnold is the 9th book in her terrific Detective Madison Knight series.  I have been a fan of this series since the beginning, and as always, Carolyn Arnold never fails to give us an intense exciting murder mystery, not to mention her expertise in police procedurals.  I have said this a number of times; when it comes to police investigations & procedurals no one does it better than Arnold. 

Madison Knight, our heroine, is a tough detective, who will let nothing stand in her way to find the guilty. In Shades of Justice, Madison and her partner Terry are called to the scene of a double homicide at the house of the wealthy Malone family, who are also big supporters in Stiles and to the police department.  Lorene Malone, the family matriarch, is found murdered with a ‘John Doe’ at poolside.  When Madison tries to get information from family, she finds herself being stymied by her Sargent, who is determined to not ruffle feathers for the Malones.

Despite the Sargent’s constant interference, Madison works with her friends and team (Terry, Cynthia, Troy, etc), to work together to find the clues about the murder, which will have many twists and turns along the way.  There a quite a few suspects, which makes it very difficult to find clues, but never underestimate our intense and stubborn Madison Knight.

With being deeply immersed into solving this mystery, Madison is also involved in helping her friend Cynthia (medical examiner) prepare for her wedding, which is only a few days away.  I do enjoy Madison and Cynthia’s friendship, and the mishaps along the way that lightened things up.  I love that Madison was finally finding a true love in Troy, and hope this does become what our heroines needs..a perfect man in her life.  There is also another story line that seems to be leading more into future books; corrupt police officers and the threat that this will become a dangerous mission in her life. I will note two things I have mentioned before;  Madison’s partner, Terry still annoys me a lot, as I do not like him;  and the sargent was god awful.  With Madison so good at her job, I prefer that she had good people working with her.  But that is my sole opinion.

Rather than give spoilers, Shades of Justice was a great story, with lots of action, precise investigations, many suspects, blackmail, murder, revenge and a thrilling edge of your seat ride.  I could not put the book down; especially with new developments changing constantly.  This story was very exciting and well written.  If you enjoy mysteries, murder cops, police procedurals and a tough as nails cop, then you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

Share

On The Count of Three by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

Posted on by
13

On The Count of Three by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play

 

Description:
And they thought prison was hell…

When a woman’s disappearance ticks off all the same boxes as two unsolved murders, Miami homicide detective Kelly Marsh is convinced there’s about to be a third. If she’s right and the killer sticks to their previous MO, she only has three days before Jenna Kelter’s decapitated head will show up somewhere in the city. With no time to waste, Kelly reaches out to the one person she knows can help: her former mentor and family friend Jack Harper, who just happens to lead a team with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.

BAU special agent and profiler Brandon Fisher easily sees the similarities between Detective Marsh’s missing person case and the two cold cases: all three victims served time for DUI vehicular homicide and disappeared three days after being released from prison. But is that enough to assume Kelter has been abducted by a serial killer? Brandon’s not so sure and fears his boss may have let his personal connection to Marsh cloud his judgment. Surely there isn’t any other explanation for why they jumped into an investigation less than twenty-four hours after Kelter was reported missing. Then again, maybe Brandon is letting his own differences with the detective affect his perspective. He’ll need to move past it, though—and quickly.

After all, this killer has evaded capture for the past six years, and they may be looking at a lot more victims than originally suspected. This serial killer is calling the shots and pulling them into a macabre game of cat and mouse. While the team has no choice but to play, if they don’t make the right moves, one of them may not make it out of Miami alive.

 

 

Review:

On the Count of Three by Carolyn Arnold is the 7th book in her Brandon Fisher FBI series. Refresher:  Our FBI BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) team consists of Jack (leader), Brandon, Paige and Zach.  Their cases are always violent, intense, squeamish and at times difficult for the agents, especially Brandon. 

We meet homicide detective Kelly Marsh, who trained under Jack to be an FBI agent, and when she investigates the case of a missing woman, she begins to see some similarities of other cases.  Kelly will call Jack and ask him to come to Miami and help with this case.

The team will discover that the similarities of the other missing case, which resulted in decapitation, are indeed the work of a serial killer.  The victims were all sent to prison for DUI vehicular homicide, and shortly after their release, they disappeared, eventually with the head purposely showing up.

Jack was Kelly’s mentor, and is pleased to have her working with them. Not so, Brandon, who seems jealous that Jack and Kelly get along so well.  But Brandon will work with Jack on some investigations and Paige will work with Zach on other people.  Kelly will work with either of them or on her own. 

As normal in this series, we get to see the POV of the killer, which adds a good element to the story, despite being also very intense.  What follows is an exciting, tense, edgy, non- stop dark adventure to find the killer before they strike again.  I do not want to give spoilers, as this is a story that you need to read from start to finish. 

This series is always intense, exciting and filled with wonderful details about how the team breaks down all the clues.  No one does this better than Arnold, and she is an expert on all types of police/FBI procedurals.  The end of the story looks like there will be some changes, and I will also mention that I still am not a fan of Brandon Fisher, but love the rest of the team.

Carolyn Arnold once again gives us a fantastic and graphic story, which keeps us on the edge of our seats. If you have not read the earlier books of this series, which I suggest you do, this can read as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

Share