Tag Archives: Mystery

Doggone Deadly by Deborah Blake – a Review

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Doggone Deadly by Deborah Blake – a Review

 

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Description:
When the woman running the big regional dog show calls out sick, dog groomer Suz Holden is asked to take over. But it’s too much for her to handle by herself– considering the president of the kennel club, Olivia Weiner, criticizes her at every turn–so she calls in her best friend, Kari Stuart, for help.
A long, stressful day goes from bad to worse when a local breeder is found dead, and the murder weapon seems to incriminate Suz.

While Kari knows her friend isn’t guilty, the police aren’t so sure, especially after a second murder points to Suz again. But trying to run a dog show and investigate a murder at the same time is like herding cats, and Kari will have to rely on the rest of the Serenity Sanctuary staff to keep things running smoothly while she–and her beloved and clever kitten, Queenie–sniff out the truth.

 

 

 

Review:

Doggone Deadly by Deborah Blake is the 2nd book in her fun Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery series.  I loved the first book, as we were introduced to the heroine of this series, Kari Stuart, and her adorable black kitten, named Queenie (who quietly gives her tips to help solve the crime).

In Doggone Deadly, Kari is helping out her best friend, Suz, in setting up the annual local dog show; she also sets up her own booth for her animal shelter, to alert people about dogs and cats available for adoptions, as well as hoping for donations. 

During the first day, Suz and Kari overhear a few arguments, one person fighting with a breeder, a woman showing her dog is convinced a breeder stole her dog, and a protest is going on outside.  Suz also has to deal with the nasty president of the kennel club, as well as also showing her dog.  Later that day, the handler (breeder) was found murdered, and the police are suspecting Suz, since it was one of her scissors that was used by the killer.  The second day another victim is found murdered. Of course, Kari and Queenie will need to find the killer.

What follows is another cute cozy mystery, with wonderful secondary characters (Suz, Angus, Sara, Bree) and fun adorable dogs and cats. Kari was a great heroine, and I continue to adore Queenie.  Doggone Deadly was a light hearted and fun small-town mystery that kept you guessing till the very end. Deborah Blake did a wonderful job writing this story, and keeping our interest throughout. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin – a Review

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The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin – a Review

 

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Description:
CAN SHE FIND A KILLER . . . BEFORE HE FINDS HER?

When Kade Logan said goodbye to his estranged wife eight years ago, he never thought it would be the last time he saw her alive. Now her car has been hauled out of a nearby lake and Kade is determined to track down the man who murdered her. Enter Eleanor Bowman, a talented private investigator who’s about to stir up a hornet’s nest on his Colorado ranch.

With old scandals still buzzing about his late wife’s many affairs and new violence erupting, Kade is faced with the discovery of another beautiful woman’s body. Are the two killings linked? Who is the man who seduced, then murdered both victims? Ellie believes they are dangerously close to the truth.

From corporate Denver high-rises to posh Vail mansions, Kade and Ellie sense the killer is closing in again, and this time Ellie is the target. Kade must risk everything to save the woman he’s coming to love—before she becomes the next one to die…

 

 

Review:

The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin is the 1st book in her new Blood Ties, The Logans series. We meet Kade Logan, our hero, who runs a ranch in Colorado, and is told by police that the car of his late wife was pulled out of the lake.  Kade’s wife disappeared around 8 years ago, when he assumed she ran off with her lover, as he was also in the process of getting a divorce; her body was discovered a few years later in a shallow grave, and now after the car is found, Kade wants to avenge her death.

Eleanor (Ellie) Bowman, works for Nighthawk Security as a private investigator, and her boss assigns her to go undercover to investigate who killed Kade’s wife.  At first, Kade wasn’t sure he wanted this beautiful young woman to handle the case, but he agrees, especially after the boss explains she is perfect for the job.

Ellie goes undercover as a temporary cook at Kade’s Diamond Bar Ranch to investigate the murder. She begins with learning more about the ranch hands, and the men in town who the wife was involved with.  While she is helping with the cooking, Ellie will start helping Kade & the ranch hands with other things happening that seem to be sabotage; with first two cattle are found dead, then one of the ranch hands is shot, and a mine on Kade’s land explodes. It becomes obvious that someone is out to destroy Kade.  Ellie insists to help Kade on these attacks, and begins to works closely with him to try and find out who is behind the attack and why?

When another woman is found dead in a similar murder to Kade’s wife, Ellie and Kade decide to go to Vail, as both women seemed to spend time there, having affairs.  A suspect in the ranch attacks is murdered, leading them to look closely at the wealthy in Vail, who own the mines.

With all that is happening around them, both Kade and Ellie find themselves attracted to each other; the chemistry between them sizzles and in a short time, they act on their lust. Ellie though knows that despite his feelings, Kade still does not trust other women, knowing what his wife did. He finds himself falling into a jealous rage, when any man talks or smiles at Ellie, which is something he never felt before. Will Kade be able to trust Ellie or will he let her walkaway when the case is over?

Kade and Ellie know that they are close to finding the person behind the attacks on him and the ranch; but danger escalates, as Ellie is now in the sight of a madman.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and you really need to read this book from the start.  I loved Martin’s Maximum Security series, and now I look forward to seeing what Martin has in store for us in this new series. The Last Goodnight was very well written by Kat Martin.   If you enjoy mystery, suspense, murder and a great couple, you should read The Last Goodnight.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Red Sin (Sin #1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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RED SIN (Sin #1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 19, 2021

Red is the color of blood, sacrifice, danger, and courage. It’s also associated with heat, passion, and sexuality. When two people meet unexpectedly with an inexplicable attraction that defies common understanding…it can be called RED SIN.

Julia and Van found one another in a shaken snow globe. Stranded in a blizzard, they embraced being two individuals with no last names. The plan was to walk away from each other with no regrets—until that plan changed.

Julia’s life was delivered a staggering blow the day she discovered her fiancé’s infidelity. The night she met a handsome stranger, one who showed her the possibility of a life filled with more than the fulfillment of expectations, she took a chance.

When it comes to business, Donovan Sherman is a wolf—a bloodthirsty carnivore who leaves wounded prey and victims in his wake. He learned from the best, his onetime nemesis and now-mentor, Lennox Demetri, who showed him that opportunities are only ripe for those willing to risk it all, a lesson Donovan took to heart.

With Julia McGrath, Donovan must decide if this beautiful woman who showed him the meaning of red sin will fall victim as his prey or if after experiencing the unbridled passion, there is more that he wants.

••••••••

REVIEW: RED SIN is the first full-length instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult SIN erotic, age-gap, romantic suspense series focusing on forty-one year old businessman Donovan ‘Van’ Sherman, and twenty-four year old Julia McGrath.RED SIN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of the prequel WHITE RIBBON.
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NOTE: There is a prequel novella -WHITE RIBBON -that was first released as part of the I HAVE LIVED, AND I HAVE LOVED anthology. Depending upon your copy of RED SIN, it may or may not contain the introductory story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: Weeks before her wedding to childhood friend Skylar Butler, Julia would discover a double betrayal from her fiance and her best friend. Leaving Chicago, and heading to the deep country of Wisconsin, Julia embarked on the next phase of her life, a life that included Donovan Sherman.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Van and Julia) RED SIN picks up immediately after the events of the prequel WHITE RIBBON in which Julia was rescued during a blizzard by a stranger, a stranger who would become her lover and her boss but within hours of introduction, Julia would discover there is more to Donovan ‘Van’ Sherman than she could ever have imagined. Donovan is a businessman who acquires other companies, in an effort to dismantle, sell or ultimately destroy. With Julia’s family owned pharmaceutical on the brink of bankruptcy, Donovan has offered a deal, a deal that will either make or break our story line heroine. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Julia and Van, and the potential fall-out as Van’s secrets are about to be revealed.

The relationship between Van and Julia begins as a rescue when Julia finds herself caught in an unexpected blizzard. Rescued by Van, Julia would succumb to Van’s alpha demands, demands that Julia is willing to submit and obey. One week together, and Julia and Van make plans towards a happily ever after but all is not well behind the scenes for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Julia’s ex fiance Skylar Butler; her parents Gregg and Ana McGrath, as well as Van’s housekeepers Paula and Margaret.

RED SIN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control; family, relationships, secrets and lies. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive ; the characters are charismatic, lively and impassioned. RED SIN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of the prequel WHITE RIBBON

WHITE RIBBON ebook FREE Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Google Play /

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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Mind Trap (Clay Wolfe/Port Essex 2) by Matt Cost-a review

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Mind Trap (Clay Wolfe/Port Essex 2) by Matt Cost-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 6, 2021.

“You say your daughter is missing?” Clay Wolfe asked. The man in front of him was slightly disheveled. Red eyes. Fear creased his features.

What is the End Game?

It was as close to ecstasy as the woman had ever been in her life. It was enlightenment. She was no longer Martha Abbott. She was a warrior of Marduk engaged in a war of purity.

What is going to happen on Leap Day?

“We have allowed sin to fill our homes, and it is our divine labor to cleanse that filth from our streets.” Marduk’s voice boomed through the cavernous temple.

Something evil is lurking in the streets of Port Essex. A missing girl. Violent attacks. It is up to Private Investigator Clay Wolfe, his partner Baylee Baker, and a colorful assortment of friends to get to the bottom of these odious occurrences before it is too late. Mind Trap is a thrilling ride set in a small Maine town with rich characters and shocking plot twists that will keep the reader rapt within the pages.

•••••••

REVIEW:MIND TRAP is the second instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX mystery, crime, suspense, thriller series focusing on former Boston homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe.

Told from several third person perspectives MIND TRAP follows PI Clay Wolfe as he is hired by a former resident of Port Essex Doug Abbott to locate his missing fifteen year old daughter Jenna, and by association his soon to be ex wife Martha but as Clay and his business partner Baylee Baker begin to follow the clues our hero discovers there is more to the story than anyone could have ever imagined. Several racial, homophobic, and misogynistic motivated attacks against the people of Port Essex reveal a hidden darkness that is about to spiral out of control, a darkness directly connected to Clay’s latest investigation, and the town of Port Essex.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Clay’s grandfather, former attorney Gene Wolfe; Clay’s assistant Baylee Baker; former Navy SEAL Weston ‘Westy’ Beck.; journalist Marie Cloutier and her fiancée Denise, Clay’s new receptionist Crystal Landry, real estate agent David Charles, bank VP Al Gorman, and bartender Darcy. The requisite evil has many faces.

MIND TRAP is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, vengeance and extremist ideology. The fast paced premise is twisty and intriguing; the characters are energetic, colorful and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WOLFE TRAP

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Over the years, Cost has owned a video store, a mystery bookstore, and a gym. He has also taught history and coached just about every sport imaginable.

Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.

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The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke – a Review

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The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke – a Review

 

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Description:
When single mother Liv is commissioned to paint a mural in a 100-year-old lighthouse on a remote Scottish island, it’s an opportunity to start over with her three daughters–Luna, Sapphire, and Clover. When two of her daughters go missing, she’s frantic. She learns that the cave beneath the lighthouse was once a prison for women accused of witchcraft. The locals warn her about wildlings, supernatural beings who mimic human children, created by witches for revenge. Liv is told wildlings are dangerous and must be killed.Twenty-two years later, Luna has been searching for her missing sisters and mother. When she receives a call about her youngest sister, Clover, she’s initially ecstatic. Clover is the sister she remembers–except she’s still seven years old, the age she was when she vanished. Luna is worried Clover is a wildling. Luna has few memories of her time on the island, but she’ll have to return to find the truth of what happened to her family. But she doesn’t realize just how much the truth will change her.

 

Review:

The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke is a standalone gothic novel.  The story starts with Liv in 1998, when she accepts a commission to paint a mural in a 100-year-old lighthouse on a Scottish Island.  Liv arrives in Lon Haven, with her three daughters, Sapphire (Saffy), Luna and Clover. While learning more about the strange mural that she needs to paint, Liv learns that underneath the lighthouse is a cave that imprisoned and burned to death women accused of witchcraft.  The local people tell her about the wildings (created by the fae) that is the curse from back in the 1600’s hundreds. Though we learn about what happened to the witches burned to death, the story centers around two timelines; 1998 and 2021; with Liv in 1998 and a grown-up Luna, in 2021.

Though Liv doesn’t believe in the local rumors about wildings, and young children who return after time, but are not the real child, but a wilding.  In a short time, Saffy and Clover are missing, and Liv is desperate to find them, especially when the rumors are wild and crazy; and soon thereafter, Liv too is missing.  The story does go back and forth between the two time periods.

The story moves to 2021, when Luna (the only survivor), gets a phone call that her sister, Clover has been found, after 20 years. Ecstatic, Luna rushes to get to her sister, as she has searched all these years for her mother, Saffy and Clover.  To her shock, when they bring out Clover, Luna sees the sister she lost 20 years ago, and is still a 7-year-old child.

Luna, despite her shock, does not reveal that her sister is different, and takes her home to try and ravel what is happening.  She will discover numbers on Clover, which have some kind of meaning.  With Clover being erratic, Luna decides she must return to Lon Haven to find the truth. Is her sister a wilding or a witch? Are all those residents’ rumor real or myths?

The Lighthouse Witches was a dark gothic paranormal haunting thriller that managed to creep me out a few times.  It was a wild story, filled with witchcraft (magic, curses, etc), which did keep me glued to the book (taking a few breaks along the way).  To say too much more would be spoilers, as you need to read this from start to finish.  The last ¼ of the book revealed some amazing twists that put the pieces together, though totally mind boggling.   If you enjoy gothic, creepy books, I suggest you read The Lighthouse Witches, which is very well written by C.J. Cooke.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

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Description:
Up-and-coming attorney Leigh Larson fights for victims of sexual extortion, harassment, and online abuse. She is not afraid to go after the sleaziest targets to get payback for her clients. Leigh is laser-focused on her career–to the exclusion of everything else–until a seemingly routine case and a determined cop turn her world upside down.

Austin homicide detective Brandon Reynolds is no stranger to midnight callouts. But when he gets summoned to an abandoned car on a desolate road, he quickly realizes he’s dealing with an unusual crime scene. A pool of blood in the nearby woods suggests a brutal homicide. But where is the victim? The vehicle is registered to twenty-six-year-old Vanessa Adams. Searching the car, all Brandon finds is a smear of blood and a business card for Leigh Larson, attorney-at-law.

Vanessa had hired Leigh just before her disappearance, but Leigh has no leads on who could have wanted her dead. Faced with bewildering evidence and shocking twists, Leigh and Brandon must work against the clock to chase down a ruthless criminal who is out for vengeance.

 

 

 

 

Review:

Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffin is another one of her fantastic murder suspense mysteries.  I am a big fan of Griffin, as she always gives us exciting stories that are suspenseful, with police procedurals and a bit of romance.  The story starts with a bang, when we meet Vanessa, who is running from someone; but shortly thereafter, the police find her vehicle with blood, and she is missing, with her phone, purse still in the car.

Brandon Reynolds, our hero, is a homicide detective in Austin, Texas, and on the scene of the missing girl, with his rookie partner Antonio Pena.  He finds a business card for Leigh Larson, an attorney; and decides to pay her a visit.  Leigh Larson, our heroine, represents women stalked and harassed by exes.  At first, she does not remember who Vanessa Adams is, but the same day that Brandon visits her, she receives in the mail a retainer for her services.  Brandon and Leigh get off on the wrong foot, as he thinks she is keeping secrets, and she feels he doesn’t give her information; but in a short time, they start working together and a romance will begin.  Brandon isn’t happy that Leigh continues to investigate on her own, but she feels she can get more information since she knows how to question people, as it is her line of work regarding threats from stalkers.

When Leigh is attacked at her job, but manages to escape, Brandon is determined to protect her, and find the culprit, since he suspects this has something to do with the missing girl. The chemistry between them escalated, with Brandon more concerned that Leigh was putting herself in danger.  I do not want to give spoilers, so you need to read this book to discover what happens.

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful thriller that kept me on the edge throughout, especially as we raced to the climax.   Griffin gave us a great couple, wonderful secondary characters and an excellent suspenseful story.  The last half of the book was extremely tense, with some twists; especially as the danger for our heroes escalates.  I could not put the book down. 

Last Seen Alone was another edge of your seat adventure, which to no surprise, was very well written by Laura Griffin.  If you enjoy murder mysteries, police procedurals, lots of intense action, suspense, with a touch of romance, you should read this book.  If you have never read Laura Griffin, it’s time to start now, as she is an amazing writer for romance suspense.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Lethal List (Katelyn Elms 1) by Fred Tippett II -a review

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The Lethal List (Katelyn Elms 1) by Fred Tippett II -a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2021.

MURDER BY SUICIDE?

Seventeen-year-old aspiring reporter Katelyn Elms is saddened and shocked by the sudden suicide of her friend Marnie Overton in her Santa Barbara home. But after the initial police investigation, Katelyn notices multiple inconsistencies that the cops overlooked—and begins to believe that Marnie was actually killed by a clever and elusive murderer.

Prompted by the insistence of Marnie’s young daughter, Katelyn launches her own investigation and quickly uncovers a disturbing number of buried secrets and lies surrounding Marnie’s final days, including mysterious relationships with a shady district attorney and a womanizing and temperamental boss. Stonewalled by a police force determined to look no deeper into Marnie’s case and unwilling to let a child relitigate the matter, Katelyn presses on with the covert assistance of the Police Chief’s son—who also happens to be the one boy whose affections she has silently pursued for the past three years.

But when her efforts turn up a second questionable suicide, a book of suspects, and a motive to kill with dark ties to a massive underground conspiracy, Katelyn finds that she herself is fast becoming a target for premature death.

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE LETHAL LIST is the first instalment in Fred Tippett’s contemporary, young adult KATELYN ELMS murder/mystery/suspense series focusing on seventeen year old high school student and wannabe investigative journalist Katelyn Elms.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers including murder, prostitution and suspected suicide.

Told from third person perspective (Katelyn) THE LETHAL LIST follows in the aftermath of the apparent suicide of a well loved professor and Katelyn’s friend Marnie Overton. With the insistence of Marnie’s twelve year old daughter Lane, seventeen year old, Katelyn takes up the slack of the local police department and begins an investigation of her own when all clues point to murder but all is not well in Santa Barbara when Katelyn uncovers a possible conspiracy linked to a missing ledger, a high end prostitution ring, and a local businessman with a lecherous reputation. As Katelyn, and the Santa Barbara police chief’s son Sean uncover the clues, the bodies begin to amass with a direct connection to the original ‘murder’.

FRED TIPPETT II pulls the reader into an intriguing and suspenseful Nancy Drew™ style whodunit with a heroine who is able to outwit the local police, and has been granted a free-pass to an ongoing murder investigation, and access to all of the crime scenes within hours of each discovery. For most readers, the suspension of reality will be necessary but for younger teens, placing themselves into the leading roles will result in a more visceral and tangible read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Fred Tippett, II, is the author of the Young Adult Mystery novels The Women in White and The Lethal List. Fred currently lives in Alabama, though he is a Washington-DC-barred attorney. He holds a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Pennsylvania—and primarily uses his legal education to bolster the credibility of police procedural elements for his novels.

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The Silent Witness by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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The Silent Witness by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s 4 a.m. when her mom shakes her awake. “Get up baby, we’re going to play hide and seek.” The little girl presses back into the dark space, holding her breath as she hears the shots ring out. She knows she’s next…

When the bodies of a local family are discovered on a quiet street in the small town of Dumfries, Virginia, Detective Amanda Steele takes charge of the case. Brett and Angela Parker were shot three times each, leaving no hope of survival, and their tidy suburban home has been ransacked. But there is no sign of their beloved six-year-old, Zoe.

Zoe is the same age as Amanda’s daughter was when she died, and Amanda can’t bear the thought of another little girl in danger. She’s organizing a search for the child, when she notices something strange about the ottoman at the foot of the Parkers’ bed. She opens it to find Zoe, mute and traumatized, but alive.

With Zoe completely uncommunicative, Amanda must find another way to untangle what destroyed this seemingly perfect family. It’s clear that the killer is searching for something the Parkers had, and until she has this monster behind bars, Amanda fears that he may return for Zoe. When she learns that Brett Parker cut short the family’s recent lakeside vacation, she wonders why. What happened at that lake house, and did it ultimately get them killed?

Amanda heads out to Lake Chesdin on the feeling it might be key to the case, and when she finds a cell phone in the murky waters next to the Parker cabin, she knows she’s made a breakthrough. But then terrible news reaches her from Dumfries; Zoe has been taken from her school playground.

Someone wants to silence the Parker family for good, can Amanda catch them before the little girl she’s desperate to protect pays the price?

 

Review:

The Silent Witness by Carolyn Arnold is the 3rd book in her fantastic Detective Amanda Steele series.  Having noted this numerous times, I am a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her series, and I feel this series is the best one yet. 

Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department.  She is called with her partner, Trent to the scene of a multiple homicide; which was a couple that were each shot three times.  Upon questioning neighbors, they realize the 6-year-old daughter is missing.  While Amanda and team, search the house, she notices the ottoman cover is crooked, and finds the daughter inside traumatized. Amanda fears that the murderer may come after Zoe (child), especially not knowing why her parents were killed.  She and Trent begin to slowly unravel the mystery, which is centered on photos taken at random during a vacation, that someone does not want anyone to see.  Amanda decides to take care of Zoe to keep her safe, but being buried on the case, who can she trust to watch over the child?

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, pulse pounding mystery that kept me unable to put the book down, especially knowing that Zoe’s life was in danger, as well as shocking revealing clues, who may behind the murder.   In the previous book, Amanda found something that hinted at a possible pedophile ring, and she begins to suspect this could possibly be related.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and this was a very good story that needs to be read from start to finish. 

The Silent Witness was an excellent crime thriller that was suspenseful, intense, and kept us glued to the end. I loved the team of Amanda, Trent & her Sergeant, as well as many of the secondary characters; though I did not like the chief. Amanda is a great heroine, and a fantastic detective.  The Silent Witness was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 


Carolyn Arnold was born in a small Canadian town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. As an international bestselling and award-winning author, she has several continuing fiction series, including her popular Detective Madison Knight series. She offers readers nearly three dozen published books in genres ranging from crime thrillers and hard-boiled mysteries to cozy mysteries and action adventures. She currently lives north of London, Ontario, with her husband and two beagles.

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