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Detective Amanda Steele #7
Her Final Breath
Faint sunlight dapples the two figures lying on the ground. The mother cradles her daughter close to her side, a stuffed toy elephant next to them. Leaves from the tall trees fall onto their faces, but neither moves to brush them off.
When a dog walker in a local Virginia park finds the bodies of a mother and daughter, Detective Amanda Steele is first on the scene. Her own daughter has a toy just like the girl’s elephant and seeing the child like this is her worst nightmare come true. Heartbroken, she vows to get justice.
They quickly get an ID—Jill Archer and six-year-old Charlotte were reported missing last week, but interviewing Jill’s husband, Roy, Amanda’s gut tells her he is hiding something. When the autopsy reveals a terrible pattern of bruises, she’s certain that a domestic argument escalated out of control, and tiny Charlotte got caught in the crossfire. But just as Amanda is about to arrest Roy, another grave is found, containing another mother and daughter.
Desperate for a lead, she goes to every place the women could have been targeted, and learns from a concerned ER nurse about Leanne Reilly and her young daughter, Gracie, who haven’t been heard from in a week. Amanda hopes that Leanne has simply left her deadbeat husband, but she’s gripped by the fear that they are the killer’s latest victims. Now every second counts for Amanda to find the family and stop a little girl’s nightmare before it ends in tragedy…
When a dog walker in a local Virginia park finds the bodies of a mother and daughter, Detective Amanda Steele is first on the scene. Her own daughter has a toy just like the girl’s elephant and seeing the child like this is her worst nightmare come true. Heartbroken, she vows to get justice.
They quickly get an ID—Jill Archer and six-year-old Charlotte were reported missing last week, but interviewing Jill’s husband, Roy, Amanda’s gut tells her he is hiding something. When the autopsy reveals a terrible pattern of bruises, she’s certain that a domestic argument escalated out of control, and tiny Charlotte got caught in the crossfire. But just as Amanda is about to arrest Roy, another grave is found, containing another mother and daughter.
Desperate for a lead, she goes to every place the women could have been targeted, and learns from a concerned ER nurse about Leanne Reilly and her young daughter, Gracie, who haven’t been heard from in a week. Amanda hopes that Leanne has simply left her deadbeat husband, but she’s gripped by the fear that they are the killer’s latest victims. Now every second counts for Amanda to find the family and stop a little girl’s nightmare before it ends in tragedy…
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2023
1117 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Arnold
77 books1,285 followersCAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has nearly thirty published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.
Carolyn was born in a small 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.
She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.
Carolyn was born in a small 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.
She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 6, 2023
Carolyn Arnold brings suspense, action, and intense moments to
Her Final Breath
, a gripping police procedural and crime thriller that is the seventh book in a series. The setting largely takes place in Prince William County in northern Virginia and features Detective Amanda Steele. Amanda, a seasoned detective, is partnered with Detective Trent Stenson.
Amanda is the first detective on the scene when a dog walker finds the bodies of a mother and daughter in a local park. After identifying them, Amanda and Trent soon learn they were reported missing last week. However, something seems off when they interview the husband. Did a domestic argument escalate or is something else happening in this community?
Amanda continues to balance work and family. Last year, she adopted a young girl from a previous case, Zoe Parker. Her support system is great and very much needed with her time-demanding job. Amanda’s flaws and struggles made her seem realistic. She shows growth and depth as the story progresses, and readers continue to get more insight into Trent in this story as well as Sergeant Graves. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back. Readers learn more about Graves’ background and her actions become supportive of the team in this story.
The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. As usual, Arnold starts with an outstanding prologue that grabs readers’ attention and a first chapter that adds to the drama. The plot is intriguing, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses in anticipation of identifying the killer.
The angst and sense of urgency felt by Amanda and Trent as they tried to make sense of the circumstances kept me turning the pages. The descriptive narrative transported me into the terrifying world of the victims and the investigators. I enjoyed how the author twisted the plot points and provided unpredictable moments in the story. These twists and surprises keep readers on their toes. The author weaves murder, relationships, families, respect, domestic violence, and more into a finely crafted tale.
Overall, this novel was thought-provoking and engrossing with tension that almost felt alive. This is the tenth book that I have read by this author. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this to those that like police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable and likeable main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be February 17, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Amanda is the first detective on the scene when a dog walker finds the bodies of a mother and daughter in a local park. After identifying them, Amanda and Trent soon learn they were reported missing last week. However, something seems off when they interview the husband. Did a domestic argument escalate or is something else happening in this community?
Amanda continues to balance work and family. Last year, she adopted a young girl from a previous case, Zoe Parker. Her support system is great and very much needed with her time-demanding job. Amanda’s flaws and struggles made her seem realistic. She shows growth and depth as the story progresses, and readers continue to get more insight into Trent in this story as well as Sergeant Graves. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back. Readers learn more about Graves’ background and her actions become supportive of the team in this story.
The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. As usual, Arnold starts with an outstanding prologue that grabs readers’ attention and a first chapter that adds to the drama. The plot is intriguing, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses in anticipation of identifying the killer.
The angst and sense of urgency felt by Amanda and Trent as they tried to make sense of the circumstances kept me turning the pages. The descriptive narrative transported me into the terrifying world of the victims and the investigators. I enjoyed how the author twisted the plot points and provided unpredictable moments in the story. These twists and surprises keep readers on their toes. The author weaves murder, relationships, families, respect, domestic violence, and more into a finely crafted tale.
Overall, this novel was thought-provoking and engrossing with tension that almost felt alive. This is the tenth book that I have read by this author. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this to those that like police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable and likeable main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be February 17, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
February 23, 2023
In one of the more emotional books in the Detective Amanda Steele series, the detective’s most recent victims are a mother and her young daughter. As a mother to a young daughter herself, this case truly breaks Amanda’s heart. One of the first things that that is discovered is that the mother had been a long time victim of abuse. Sadly, the woman’s husband is a police officer of Amanda’s, one of her colleagues.
As Amanda and her team begin the investigation they realize that the woman’s husband Roy is hiding something. More than that, there is a discrepancy from the time the little girl had not shown up at school compared to the time Roy had reported them missing. This truly concerns Amanda, and she is sure that she has found the killer. However, while Roy was in police custody yet another grave is unearthed, and again, the victims are a mother and little girl.
While they may not have their killer, one thing is for certain, the murders are connected, and Amanda is desperate to find that connection. She is looking for any other vulnerable mother/daughter combinations whose lives mirrored those of the victims that have been discovered. Amanda hopes that she can act quickly enough before any other innocent lives are lost.
While this seventh book in the series could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the entire series in order, because there’s a lot about Amanda that goes to show that dedication she has towards the victims that she tries to find justice for. There are also personal details about Amanda’s life that played into what is going on in this case and what will go on in future cases.
As mentioned, this was one of the more emotional, if not more difficult of other books, I have read in this stellar series. Domestic abuse is never easy to read about, nor is it easy to read about the victims of murder being young children. However, our talented author Carolyn Arnold handles this latest book with delicacy and expertise that lends to the compassion that is imperative for victims that suffer such abuse. I am definitely looking forward to book eight in this compelling series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/og8EMV9cZJA
As Amanda and her team begin the investigation they realize that the woman’s husband Roy is hiding something. More than that, there is a discrepancy from the time the little girl had not shown up at school compared to the time Roy had reported them missing. This truly concerns Amanda, and she is sure that she has found the killer. However, while Roy was in police custody yet another grave is unearthed, and again, the victims are a mother and little girl.
While they may not have their killer, one thing is for certain, the murders are connected, and Amanda is desperate to find that connection. She is looking for any other vulnerable mother/daughter combinations whose lives mirrored those of the victims that have been discovered. Amanda hopes that she can act quickly enough before any other innocent lives are lost.
While this seventh book in the series could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the entire series in order, because there’s a lot about Amanda that goes to show that dedication she has towards the victims that she tries to find justice for. There are also personal details about Amanda’s life that played into what is going on in this case and what will go on in future cases.
As mentioned, this was one of the more emotional, if not more difficult of other books, I have read in this stellar series. Domestic abuse is never easy to read about, nor is it easy to read about the victims of murder being young children. However, our talented author Carolyn Arnold handles this latest book with delicacy and expertise that lends to the compassion that is imperative for victims that suffer such abuse. I am definitely looking forward to book eight in this compelling series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/og8EMV9cZJA
February 3, 2023
This is the seventh in the Prince William County Detective Amanda Steele series; it is the second one I have read.
When a mother and child are murdered and found buried in a local park, Amanda and her partner, Trent, are on the case. Were they the victims of the mother’s abusive police officer husband or could there be a serial killer afoot? And why is their acting supervisor behaving a bit mysterious and out of character?
This was an engrossing, fast paced read; I didn’t want to put it down!. Arnold knows how to capture and maintain her readers’ interest. I like the main characters in this series and enjoy seeing how their relationships change and grow. Attention was shed on the devastating effects PTSD as well as the frustrations in addressing spousal abuse. My only hesitancy about this story was that the abusive husbands interviewed all seemed to be carbon copies of each other.
This could easily be read as a standalone. I enjoy Arnold’s books and have added them to my list of must read series featuring police procedurals and strong, capable female protagonists.
Thanks to #netgalley and #bookouture for the ARC
When a mother and child are murdered and found buried in a local park, Amanda and her partner, Trent, are on the case. Were they the victims of the mother’s abusive police officer husband or could there be a serial killer afoot? And why is their acting supervisor behaving a bit mysterious and out of character?
This was an engrossing, fast paced read; I didn’t want to put it down!. Arnold knows how to capture and maintain her readers’ interest. I like the main characters in this series and enjoy seeing how their relationships change and grow. Attention was shed on the devastating effects PTSD as well as the frustrations in addressing spousal abuse. My only hesitancy about this story was that the abusive husbands interviewed all seemed to be carbon copies of each other.
This could easily be read as a standalone. I enjoy Arnold’s books and have added them to my list of must read series featuring police procedurals and strong, capable female protagonists.
Thanks to #netgalley and #bookouture for the ARC
February 22, 2023
Her Final Breath is Carolyn Arnold’s seventh book in the Amanda Steele series. I love this strong female protagonist. She has a big heart and when Zoe’s parents were murdered, Amanda was on the case. She fell in love with the young girl and took her into her home. Amanda does work a lot, but she has a great support system and Zoe is a very happy young lady. Now, what about her love life? Well…we shall see. She is not in any hurry, though she has a couple guys hanging around. I know who I want, but, like I said, we shall see.
A mother and her daughter were found curled up in a park and the girl’s toy elephant hit a little close to home for Amanda, seeing her daughter had one just like it. Putting that aside, Amanda does not waver when it comes to finding the murderer, especially when another grave is found and another mother and daughter are missing.
Domestic abusers can fall through the cracks and those they are abusing pay the price. I find in real life, this is all too familiar. Our military may come home hurting, needing help, unable to adjust to our world after combat.
The ending was a bit different from the usual fare I get from Carolyn Arnold, but I am always up for something different and it works for the story.
Carolyn Arnold writes fantastic police procedurals, law enforcement acknowledging her accuracy with the details. She is a must read author for me, keeping me glued to the pages of her books for hours on end.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold.
A mother and her daughter were found curled up in a park and the girl’s toy elephant hit a little close to home for Amanda, seeing her daughter had one just like it. Putting that aside, Amanda does not waver when it comes to finding the murderer, especially when another grave is found and another mother and daughter are missing.
Domestic abusers can fall through the cracks and those they are abusing pay the price. I find in real life, this is all too familiar. Our military may come home hurting, needing help, unable to adjust to our world after combat.
The ending was a bit different from the usual fare I get from Carolyn Arnold, but I am always up for something different and it works for the story.
Carolyn Arnold writes fantastic police procedurals, law enforcement acknowledging her accuracy with the details. She is a must read author for me, keeping me glued to the pages of her books for hours on end.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold.
February 23, 2023
Her Final Breath, the seventh book in Carolyn Arnold's Amanda Steele series, delivered another suspenseful, intense and gripping police procedural. Fans of the genre will want to pick up this installment and follow Amanda and her partner, Trent, on their trail of yet another serial killer.
Her Final Breath began when a dog walker witnessed a fire and called the fire department. While putting out the fire, they discovered a shallow grave which held the bodies of a mother and child. They called Detective Amanda Steele to the scene. Their investigation led them to missing report filed by the victims’ husband/father. In cases like this, the husband is usually considered the prime suspect and in this situation; it seemed likely seeing that the body of the mother showed signs of abuse. But did the husband do it, or was someone else responsible?
The attention grabbing prologue set the tone for the rest of the story. The suspense, intrigue and drama builds as the story progresses, slowly pulling the reader in and holding them captive to the end. This will not be an easy book to put down, as one will want to see how the story unfolds. It will keep you guessing from start to finish.
Like all their case this one hit close to home, especially for Trent. He had a hard time keeping his personal feelings out of this one. However, Amanda provided the support he needed to remain objective. As with the previous books, Amanda continues to balance work and family. It’s hard being a single mother while juggling the demands of the job, but she makes the best of it. Having a good support system also helps. Amanda has come grown throughout the series and which each installment my respect for her grows.
I loved how this installment built on Trent’s character. Readers get more details of his life and see the impact this case had on his mental state. Readers also get a glimpse of their new Sergeant’s human side, while learning more about her background. It made me see her in a different light. ,
Once again, Arnold showed her skill at weaving intriguing story lines, which has the effect of making readers feel like they are living the story. I look forward to Amanda and Trent’s next case, which promises to be as intense as their previous cases.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Her Final Breath began when a dog walker witnessed a fire and called the fire department. While putting out the fire, they discovered a shallow grave which held the bodies of a mother and child. They called Detective Amanda Steele to the scene. Their investigation led them to missing report filed by the victims’ husband/father. In cases like this, the husband is usually considered the prime suspect and in this situation; it seemed likely seeing that the body of the mother showed signs of abuse. But did the husband do it, or was someone else responsible?
The attention grabbing prologue set the tone for the rest of the story. The suspense, intrigue and drama builds as the story progresses, slowly pulling the reader in and holding them captive to the end. This will not be an easy book to put down, as one will want to see how the story unfolds. It will keep you guessing from start to finish.
Like all their case this one hit close to home, especially for Trent. He had a hard time keeping his personal feelings out of this one. However, Amanda provided the support he needed to remain objective. As with the previous books, Amanda continues to balance work and family. It’s hard being a single mother while juggling the demands of the job, but she makes the best of it. Having a good support system also helps. Amanda has come grown throughout the series and which each installment my respect for her grows.
I loved how this installment built on Trent’s character. Readers get more details of his life and see the impact this case had on his mental state. Readers also get a glimpse of their new Sergeant’s human side, while learning more about her background. It made me see her in a different light. ,
Once again, Arnold showed her skill at weaving intriguing story lines, which has the effect of making readers feel like they are living the story. I look forward to Amanda and Trent’s next case, which promises to be as intense as their previous cases.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
February 13, 2023
I started reading this series beginning with Book 4 and have really been enjoying it. Her Final Breath is the seventh and one of my favorites so far. It works fine as a standalone for those new to the series. It's easy to connect with the main character, Detective Amanda Steele. She is a great detective and single mom. Her work partner, Trent Stenson isn't always at his best in this installment, but is still a character I really like. This book also gives the reader a chance to see a different side of their boss Sergeant Katherine Graves, and get to know her a little better.
This is a tense and suspenseful book. Amanda and Trent are investigating the murder of a woman and her daughter and realize another mom and daughter could be in immediate danger. The story includes dark elements of abuse, but is handled in a respectful way. I was engaged in the story and didn't want to put it down until the very end. I recommend this book (4.5 stars) and this entire series.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Bookouture at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is a tense and suspenseful book. Amanda and Trent are investigating the murder of a woman and her daughter and realize another mom and daughter could be in immediate danger. The story includes dark elements of abuse, but is handled in a respectful way. I was engaged in the story and didn't want to put it down until the very end. I recommend this book (4.5 stars) and this entire series.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Bookouture at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
January 14, 2023
Her Final Breath is book seven in Carolyn Arnold’s Detective Amanda Steele series.
Prince William County Police Department Homicide Detective, Amanda Steele, is called to the scene of multiple murders in this thriller. She lives up to her reputation of a smart, hard-nosed detective.
Carolyn Arnold adds another excellent installment to this series, expertly maintaining continuity. Detective Amanda Steele remains a strong female protagonist. The plot is strong and compelling with interesting twists that hold the reader’s attention and keep you guessing. Her Final Breath reads as a standalone, earning 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to all readers of psychological thrillers.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
July 9, 2023
I received a complimentary electronic ARC of this excellent mystery novel, book #7 in the Amanda Steele series by Carolyn Arnold, from Netgalley via Noelle Holten of Bookouture, the publisher, and from the author. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Her Final Breath of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. As always I am pleased to recommend Carolyn Arnold to friends and family. She writes compelling police procedural mysteries with personable characters and a deeply buried mystery. This series is set in the Prince William County Sheriff's Office and the small towns in that neck of Virginia's woods. Her Final Breath is stand-alone, but as in most series, the tale is richer when consumed as a whole.
One of three teenage boys having a drink fest in the wee hours after midnight in One Triangle, Virginia's Prince Park accidentally trips over the weather-exposed foot of a woman buried in a shallow grave. A little dusting by the crime scene folks uncovers a second victim, a young girl 5 or 6 years old hugged close to the woman's side. They are obviously mother and daughter. There is no ID.
As usual, Amanda and her partner Trent Stenson shuffle along nicely for the most part, and this crime scene just keeps expanding when a dog-walker discovers another grave, this one with an exposed hand wearing a nice diamond ring. Soon the woods are full of searchers and cadaver dogs and Amanda and Trent are playing catch-up with their victim's history and life choices, trying their best to find a common denominator among the victims. The women all show bruises acquired over the last couple of weeks before their deaths, and all victims are killed when their neck is snapped, breaking their spinal cord. It is agreed by all that this method of killing both the women and their daughters takes a special kind of creature. The women all have a background of being abused by their partners, with broken bones and hospital visits over the years. The bruising and rib breaks could hark back to their husbands, but Amanda is pretty sure the victims are being held somewhere for a time, and the bruising is from that situation. The girls are not harmed until they are murdered along with Mom. Moms and daughters are reported missing several days or longer before their time of death.
There is obviously a single killer, which clears some of their prospective perpetrators. Unfortunately, it minimizes the clues that point to their number-one suspect and leaves them with the need to turn him loose and start over. And murdered mothers and their daughters just keep turning up.
pub date February 17, 2023
Bookouture
Reviewed on February 5, 2023, at Goodreads and Netgalley. Reviewed on February 17, 2023, on Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
One of three teenage boys having a drink fest in the wee hours after midnight in One Triangle, Virginia's Prince Park accidentally trips over the weather-exposed foot of a woman buried in a shallow grave. A little dusting by the crime scene folks uncovers a second victim, a young girl 5 or 6 years old hugged close to the woman's side. They are obviously mother and daughter. There is no ID.
As usual, Amanda and her partner Trent Stenson shuffle along nicely for the most part, and this crime scene just keeps expanding when a dog-walker discovers another grave, this one with an exposed hand wearing a nice diamond ring. Soon the woods are full of searchers and cadaver dogs and Amanda and Trent are playing catch-up with their victim's history and life choices, trying their best to find a common denominator among the victims. The women all show bruises acquired over the last couple of weeks before their deaths, and all victims are killed when their neck is snapped, breaking their spinal cord. It is agreed by all that this method of killing both the women and their daughters takes a special kind of creature. The women all have a background of being abused by their partners, with broken bones and hospital visits over the years. The bruising and rib breaks could hark back to their husbands, but Amanda is pretty sure the victims are being held somewhere for a time, and the bruising is from that situation. The girls are not harmed until they are murdered along with Mom. Moms and daughters are reported missing several days or longer before their time of death.
There is obviously a single killer, which clears some of their prospective perpetrators. Unfortunately, it minimizes the clues that point to their number-one suspect and leaves them with the need to turn him loose and start over. And murdered mothers and their daughters just keep turning up.
pub date February 17, 2023
Bookouture
Reviewed on February 5, 2023, at Goodreads and Netgalley. Reviewed on February 17, 2023, on Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
January 3, 2023
I do love this series and really getting into the back story (although as a mother I would like Amanda to spend more time with Zoe, my only downside but I get it otherwise it wouldnt be such a good story).
This story is such an interesting plot and I want to say more about why as it turns out at the end but I dont want to spoil it.
The investigation works well as how they unravel the clues and find the results. But, and I feel this was the author's objective, feel upset how people can slip through the system. It really made me think - which is a sign of a good book.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
This story is such an interesting plot and I want to say more about why as it turns out at the end but I dont want to spoil it.
The investigation works well as how they unravel the clues and find the results. But, and I feel this was the author's objective, feel upset how people can slip through the system. It really made me think - which is a sign of a good book.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.
February 19, 2024
Another book read in a couple of days, so I’m working my way through this series quite quickly. A few more to go but having a change. Again, a great plot, the books flow seamlessly, with a little bit of repetition to keep you aware of what has gone on before. This was quite an emotional ride as children were involved and I do wish Amanda and Trent would sort their relationship out, however I appreciate it’s difficult being partners.
Logan sounds like a great catch and it’s interesting reading about how having a support network around you is so crucial when you have children and work.
This series isn’t a gritty, heart stopping read but there’s enough depth to keep your mind alert and attention captivated.
Logan sounds like a great catch and it’s interesting reading about how having a support network around you is so crucial when you have children and work.
This series isn’t a gritty, heart stopping read but there’s enough depth to keep your mind alert and attention captivated.
February 9, 2023
Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold is a very highly recommended procedural and the 7th novel featuring Detective Amanda Steele.
A dog walker reports a fire made in Prince Park by a group of teens. When the firefighters arrive, one of the teens end up stumbling upon a body in a shallow grave. Prince William County Police Department Homicide Detective Amanda Steele is called and she contacts her partner Trent Stenson as well as others, including department Sergeant Katherine Graves. The team uncovers a woman and a child. They quickly identify them as Jill Archer and her daughter six-year-old Charlotte, who were reported missing the previous week. The autopsy reveals Jill was abused and the . When Amanda and Trent talk to Jill's husband, Roy, he seems very shifty and is immediately the main suspect - until another grave is uncovered in the park of another mother and daughter.
The opening scene where we learn that a woman and her daughter are captives somewhere, provides a sense of urgency in the narrative when combined with the bodies in the park. Clues are logically uncovered and discovered while leads are followed up on in an intelligent manner. The women could be the recipients of domestic abuse, or someone could be targeting mothers and daughters. The latter explanation is even more frightening than the first and Amanda and Trent know they need to find the culprit before another mother and daughter are killed.
This is an excellent procedural. The writing is great, the novel is well plotted, and the tension rises with each new discovery. Although this is the 7th novel in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. For those already familiar with the series, this new installment will be a welcome addition to their story. New readers are provided enough backstory to understand events from the past and the effect of this case on both Amanda and Trent. All the main characters are fully realized, likable, and experience growth, even a surprising development to Graves character. Her Final Breath is a perfect choice for those who like procedurals.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
A dog walker reports a fire made in Prince Park by a group of teens. When the firefighters arrive, one of the teens end up stumbling upon a body in a shallow grave. Prince William County Police Department Homicide Detective Amanda Steele is called and she contacts her partner Trent Stenson as well as others, including department Sergeant Katherine Graves. The team uncovers a woman and a child. They quickly identify them as Jill Archer and her daughter six-year-old Charlotte, who were reported missing the previous week. The autopsy reveals Jill was abused and the . When Amanda and Trent talk to Jill's husband, Roy, he seems very shifty and is immediately the main suspect - until another grave is uncovered in the park of another mother and daughter.
The opening scene where we learn that a woman and her daughter are captives somewhere, provides a sense of urgency in the narrative when combined with the bodies in the park. Clues are logically uncovered and discovered while leads are followed up on in an intelligent manner. The women could be the recipients of domestic abuse, or someone could be targeting mothers and daughters. The latter explanation is even more frightening than the first and Amanda and Trent know they need to find the culprit before another mother and daughter are killed.
This is an excellent procedural. The writing is great, the novel is well plotted, and the tension rises with each new discovery. Although this is the 7th novel in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. For those already familiar with the series, this new installment will be a welcome addition to their story. New readers are provided enough backstory to understand events from the past and the effect of this case on both Amanda and Trent. All the main characters are fully realized, likable, and experience growth, even a surprising development to Graves character. Her Final Breath is a perfect choice for those who like procedurals.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
January 10, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Carolyn for this amazing copy.
Detective Amanda Steele is one of my favorite fictional characters. Her calmness, detail-minded and sometimes her relationship with her partner Trent always made me giggling.
Bodies of mother and young daughter were found buried shallowly in the park. A stuffed elephant was placed near to the daughter. The first suspect was the husband Roy, who was a controlling and abusive man.
When everything was pointing directly to Roy, unfortunately another bodies of mother and daughter were found in the park. Same pattern. But with stuffed rabbit toy this time.
Detective Amanda knew there was a connection and she followed the leads whatever she could. A serial killer. Amanda had to stop this happened again…until she knew there were set victims. Amanda needed to stop it before it ended in tragedy.
I was always impressed by Carolyn in putting all the characters together with sharp and clear personalities for each of them. I always felt like I knew her team..!
The story revealed bit by bit in a relatively comfortable rate. This is one of the best crime thriller I have ever read.
Detective Amanda Steele is one of my favorite fictional characters. Her calmness, detail-minded and sometimes her relationship with her partner Trent always made me giggling.
Bodies of mother and young daughter were found buried shallowly in the park. A stuffed elephant was placed near to the daughter. The first suspect was the husband Roy, who was a controlling and abusive man.
When everything was pointing directly to Roy, unfortunately another bodies of mother and daughter were found in the park. Same pattern. But with stuffed rabbit toy this time.
Detective Amanda knew there was a connection and she followed the leads whatever she could. A serial killer. Amanda had to stop this happened again…until she knew there were set victims. Amanda needed to stop it before it ended in tragedy.
I was always impressed by Carolyn in putting all the characters together with sharp and clear personalities for each of them. I always felt like I knew her team..!
The story revealed bit by bit in a relatively comfortable rate. This is one of the best crime thriller I have ever read.
February 5, 2023
What an intense story!
I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. Another gripping Detective Amanda Steele story. Carolyn Arnold has a way of pulling me into each and everyone of her books.
Her Final Breath is book 7 in the series and I encourage you to read each one in order. There is so much backstory to the characters that you need to know about in order to understand their personalities and motivations.
Main characters, Amanda and Trent, have their hands full as they try to figure out who is kidnapping and murdering young mothers and their little daughters. Trying to track down each and every clue is weighing heavy on them as they keep hitting dead ends. Following proper protocol is getting harder and harder to do.
The subject matter within the story is domestic abuse which is a tough subject for sure. Carolyn Arnold brings awareness and sensitivity to this horrific issue that many go through.
If you haven’t read this series before….I highly recommend it. As I said before, this is a great series that should be read in order. Can this be read as a standalone? Yes, it can though I will say, starting from book 1 is the route to go.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and author, Carolyn Arnold, for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. Another gripping Detective Amanda Steele story. Carolyn Arnold has a way of pulling me into each and everyone of her books.
Her Final Breath is book 7 in the series and I encourage you to read each one in order. There is so much backstory to the characters that you need to know about in order to understand their personalities and motivations.
Main characters, Amanda and Trent, have their hands full as they try to figure out who is kidnapping and murdering young mothers and their little daughters. Trying to track down each and every clue is weighing heavy on them as they keep hitting dead ends. Following proper protocol is getting harder and harder to do.
The subject matter within the story is domestic abuse which is a tough subject for sure. Carolyn Arnold brings awareness and sensitivity to this horrific issue that many go through.
If you haven’t read this series before….I highly recommend it. As I said before, this is a great series that should be read in order. Can this be read as a standalone? Yes, it can though I will say, starting from book 1 is the route to go.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and author, Carolyn Arnold, for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 13, 2023
4.25⭐
Detective Amanda Steele returns in another gripping police procedural. That sees her and her partner Trent hunt for a killer whose victims are mothers and daughters.
And it's a case that hits close to home for both detectives.
As Amanda has recently adopted a seven-year-old girl called Zoe after losing her husband and daughter Lindsey in a car accident and Trent has an aunt who is living with a violent man.
And violence goes to the heart of this case. As the victims' home lives had been devastated by physical and mental abuse.
And when all the evidence points to a victim's husband, both are quick to act.
But when more bodies are found, they realise they're dealing with something far more sinister.
And with plenty of twists and turns, lots of detail and an engrossing storyline. Her Final Breath was an enjoyable, well-paced read. That I'd recommend to crime fiction fans everywhere.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Detective Amanda Steele returns in another gripping police procedural. That sees her and her partner Trent hunt for a killer whose victims are mothers and daughters.
And it's a case that hits close to home for both detectives.
As Amanda has recently adopted a seven-year-old girl called Zoe after losing her husband and daughter Lindsey in a car accident and Trent has an aunt who is living with a violent man.
And violence goes to the heart of this case. As the victims' home lives had been devastated by physical and mental abuse.
And when all the evidence points to a victim's husband, both are quick to act.
But when more bodies are found, they realise they're dealing with something far more sinister.
And with plenty of twists and turns, lots of detail and an engrossing storyline. Her Final Breath was an enjoyable, well-paced read. That I'd recommend to crime fiction fans everywhere.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 9, 2023
Her Final Breath is a heart wrenching thriller, police procedural that has woven together in a twisty fast paced read relationships with family, working relationships, spousal abuse, ptsd that had my heart pounding and my heart hurting. Some of the aspects of this story has stayed with me and still haunt me. Find a corner, turn on the lights and open Her Final Breath. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Herfinalbreath #detectiveamandasteele #carolynarnold #Bookouture #Netgalley
February 21, 2023
Thrilling. Tense. Wonderful series and this book is just wow! Loved it from start to finish. Do read this series. You will be wowed.
February 21, 2023
This is the 7th book in the detective Amanda Steele series and while you don't have to read the rest of the series I want to. I want get to know Amanda better and find out how she got to where she is.
This was a tense and gripping book I couldn't stop reading. There are trigger warnings for domestic abuse. The men depicted in this book are NOT nice, and the stories are shocking, will make you angry, and have you biting your nails during the rescue mission. BUT Amanda Steele and her partner Trent Stenson have so much passion for finding justice and doing what's right and saving the victims. The slight cliff hanger ending (of a side story) has me wanting more and I must say I'm looking forward to book 8. All in all a most enjoyable suspenseful book I would recommend.
This was a tense and gripping book I couldn't stop reading. There are trigger warnings for domestic abuse. The men depicted in this book are NOT nice, and the stories are shocking, will make you angry, and have you biting your nails during the rescue mission. BUT Amanda Steele and her partner Trent Stenson have so much passion for finding justice and doing what's right and saving the victims. The slight cliff hanger ending (of a side story) has me wanting more and I must say I'm looking forward to book 8. All in all a most enjoyable suspenseful book I would recommend.
December 22, 2022
Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold is a 5-star read! I definitely tore through this book. I was anxious to find out how Amanda and Trent would figure out the case and if Leanne and Gracie would be found in time. I was hooked from page 1 until the end. I cannot wait for more books in this series. I was sad to come to the end of the book.
The story has a good plot, and the story is pretty face-paced and page-turning. I wish Amanda could spend more time with Zoe, and that relationship could be explored more in future books. I feel Zoe is sometimes neglected, with Amanda working so many intense cases.
The book shows how mental health and illness go undiagnosed, are hard to treat sometimes, and are not recognized when we send our men and women to battle, and they witness things that severely affect them.
I really like this author's writing style, the way the story unfolds, and the relationships she builds with her characters. I cannot wait for more of this series.
I would recommend this book, this series, and this author.
A 5 out of 5 stars.
#HerFinalBreath #NetGalley @bookouture @Carolyn_Arnold
The story has a good plot, and the story is pretty face-paced and page-turning. I wish Amanda could spend more time with Zoe, and that relationship could be explored more in future books. I feel Zoe is sometimes neglected, with Amanda working so many intense cases.
The book shows how mental health and illness go undiagnosed, are hard to treat sometimes, and are not recognized when we send our men and women to battle, and they witness things that severely affect them.
I really like this author's writing style, the way the story unfolds, and the relationships she builds with her characters. I cannot wait for more of this series.
I would recommend this book, this series, and this author.
A 5 out of 5 stars.
#HerFinalBreath #NetGalley @bookouture @Carolyn_Arnold
February 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I LOVE this series! I have read every one and enjoyed them very much. This book is no exception.
I think Amanda and Trent work great as partners only.
The subject matter of this book is very sad and heartbreaking.
I look forward to many more Amanda Steele books!
I LOVE this series! I have read every one and enjoyed them very much. This book is no exception.
I think Amanda and Trent work great as partners only.
The subject matter of this book is very sad and heartbreaking.
I look forward to many more Amanda Steele books!
November 19, 2023
Readers following the Detective Amanda Steele series must remember the tension between Steele and the interim Lieutenant Graves, over the case involving Logan, Amanda's one-night stand in the pervious book of the series. Things seem to haven't improved much since then, as in the 7th book of the series, "Her Final Breath", Steele and Graves are once again engaged in their battle of control over another case.
The book opens with Steele and her partner Trent Stenson called in when a mother and her daughter are found murdered in a shallow grave. They show signs of captivity, indicating that they were kept by the killer for a while before he killed them and the kid is buried holding a stuffed toy. When Steele and Trent's investigation leads them to the husband Roy, both off then believe that he has abused his wife physically for long and suspect he is the killer.
But when another pair of mother and daughter turn up dead a small distance away from the original dump site, they begin to suspect that something else might be at play here. The discovery that the second woman also has a abusive partner leads their investigation onto a different avenue, with them finding that another woman and her child may be the newest victims of the killer.
Who is the killer and why is he targeting women who come from abusive households? What is his purpose in keeping them? Will the detectives be able to find the killer before another mother- daughter duo is murdered?
This is the 7th book in the series and author Carolyn Arnold has still managed to hold the reader's engagement with her characters.
There are a lot undercurrents happening in the relationships between various people in the department and also a lot of friendships developing, which make the reader connect with the characters very well. Though I didn't care for the interim chief Graves in the previous book, Arnold has given a great story-line for her in this book that humanises her.
The narration was crisp and the flow of the story completely engaging. I didn't feel like keeping the book down at all. Arnold has made the story travel seamlessly between the various avenues of investigation which made sure that the story doesn't slow down at all. The way the relationship between Amanda and Leo progresses was a treat to read. Arnold has imbued Amanda's character with so many complicated layers and these complexities make this book series different from a regular run-of-the-mill police procedural thriller. Can't wait to see where Amanda's story goes further!
The book opens with Steele and her partner Trent Stenson called in when a mother and her daughter are found murdered in a shallow grave. They show signs of captivity, indicating that they were kept by the killer for a while before he killed them and the kid is buried holding a stuffed toy. When Steele and Trent's investigation leads them to the husband Roy, both off then believe that he has abused his wife physically for long and suspect he is the killer.
But when another pair of mother and daughter turn up dead a small distance away from the original dump site, they begin to suspect that something else might be at play here. The discovery that the second woman also has a abusive partner leads their investigation onto a different avenue, with them finding that another woman and her child may be the newest victims of the killer.
Who is the killer and why is he targeting women who come from abusive households? What is his purpose in keeping them? Will the detectives be able to find the killer before another mother- daughter duo is murdered?
This is the 7th book in the series and author Carolyn Arnold has still managed to hold the reader's engagement with her characters.
There are a lot undercurrents happening in the relationships between various people in the department and also a lot of friendships developing, which make the reader connect with the characters very well. Though I didn't care for the interim chief Graves in the previous book, Arnold has given a great story-line for her in this book that humanises her.
The narration was crisp and the flow of the story completely engaging. I didn't feel like keeping the book down at all. Arnold has made the story travel seamlessly between the various avenues of investigation which made sure that the story doesn't slow down at all. The way the relationship between Amanda and Leo progresses was a treat to read. Arnold has imbued Amanda's character with so many complicated layers and these complexities make this book series different from a regular run-of-the-mill police procedural thriller. Can't wait to see where Amanda's story goes further!
February 17, 2023
Her Final Breath by Carolyn Arnold is the 7th book in her wonderful Detective Amanda Steele series. I am a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her books, and I love this series, which continues with another great addition. Her Final Breath was fantastic, with me unable to put the book down.
Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department. The story begins when a dog walker discovers in a local park the bodies of a mother and daughter, buried in a shallow grave; bringing Amanda and Trent (partner) to the gruesome scene. The mother and daughter are identified by a missing persons case, Jill Archer and her daughter, Charlotte. Seems the husband, who is a police officer, reported them missing. When they interview the husband, both of them become suspicious of him; especially after the autopsy show multiple bruises, that were new as well as old. Just as Amanda and Trent plan arrest the husband, another grave was discovered with a mother and daughter. As they investigate, it seems there is a serial killer, with the them being women from abusive homes, and another grave is found. Who is murdering women and their daughters?
Both Amanda and Trent are able to find a poor video of a possible murderer, but cannot identify him. They begin to visit the areas, and interview people who knew the last two victims, and find out that another woman and her daughter are missing. Amanda realizes that time is of essence as they race to the climax to find Leanne and Gracie before they are killed.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing, tense mystery, that kept me unable to put the book down, as this was a mind-blowing thriller. I always liked how Amanda and Trent made great partners, though in this one, his anger on the abusive treatment of women, was a bit out of control. I also began to like Graves, Amanda’s boss, as she was a bit strict, but cooperative. The last third of the book was intense and exciting, and to say too much more would be spoilers.
Her Final Breath was another fantastic crime thriller that held our breath throughout. Amanda is a great heroine, and a fantastic detective. Her Final Breath was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, which is the norm for this author; as I am loving this series. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department. The story begins when a dog walker discovers in a local park the bodies of a mother and daughter, buried in a shallow grave; bringing Amanda and Trent (partner) to the gruesome scene. The mother and daughter are identified by a missing persons case, Jill Archer and her daughter, Charlotte. Seems the husband, who is a police officer, reported them missing. When they interview the husband, both of them become suspicious of him; especially after the autopsy show multiple bruises, that were new as well as old. Just as Amanda and Trent plan arrest the husband, another grave was discovered with a mother and daughter. As they investigate, it seems there is a serial killer, with the them being women from abusive homes, and another grave is found. Who is murdering women and their daughters?
Both Amanda and Trent are able to find a poor video of a possible murderer, but cannot identify him. They begin to visit the areas, and interview people who knew the last two victims, and find out that another woman and her daughter are missing. Amanda realizes that time is of essence as they race to the climax to find Leanne and Gracie before they are killed.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing, tense mystery, that kept me unable to put the book down, as this was a mind-blowing thriller. I always liked how Amanda and Trent made great partners, though in this one, his anger on the abusive treatment of women, was a bit out of control. I also began to like Graves, Amanda’s boss, as she was a bit strict, but cooperative. The last third of the book was intense and exciting, and to say too much more would be spoilers.
Her Final Breath was another fantastic crime thriller that held our breath throughout. Amanda is a great heroine, and a fantastic detective. Her Final Breath was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, which is the norm for this author; as I am loving this series. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
February 14, 2023
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with the abduction of a mother/daughter. It is then followed by Trent and Amanda being called to a scene in Prince Park where a body was discovered. A new discovery was made when the team from the medical examiner's office discovered a second body. This grave contained another a mother/daughter. Evidence that was discovered at the scene did not have a lot to be found. In addition, there was nothing that around that would provide the identity of the bodies. They lucked out and while doing a search they found aa missing person report which identified a mother and daughter missing.
When the husband identified the bodies as his wife and daughter, the two detectives began with questioning him and were convinced at that time that he was the killer. As time went on, they decided to obtain a search warrant to search his house and car. When they arrived with the warrant, they discovered that he had his lawyer there. After they finished their search, Trent got into it with the suspect and as a result Trent arrested him charging him with assault of an officer. The suspect was then transported to the police department where he was then interviewed once more. A discovery of a grave was discovered and once again the grave contained a mother/daughter. Amanda then knew that they needed to look into finding more suspects.
This time they were lucky with regard to the identities were made because a driver's license was discovered in the mother's sock. Amanda and Trent followed their leads and discovered that there was a similarity between the victims. In this case they got lucky with a discovery of a vehicle that had been impounded. This led them to a shopping mall talked to the person who had the car towed.
Amanda and Trent went to the impound lot where Amanda located a cell phone. Now they had more clues and through great police work finally nailed down a location for the killer. Amanda and Trent went to this individual's home knowing that they had another mother/daughter missing and they wanted to stop him from killing once more.
Read the conclusion to learn what all of the individuals that were taken, who the killer was, what discovery Trent made and why these individuals were being killed.
This is another great story in this series.
The story begins with the abduction of a mother/daughter. It is then followed by Trent and Amanda being called to a scene in Prince Park where a body was discovered. A new discovery was made when the team from the medical examiner's office discovered a second body. This grave contained another a mother/daughter. Evidence that was discovered at the scene did not have a lot to be found. In addition, there was nothing that around that would provide the identity of the bodies. They lucked out and while doing a search they found aa missing person report which identified a mother and daughter missing.
When the husband identified the bodies as his wife and daughter, the two detectives began with questioning him and were convinced at that time that he was the killer. As time went on, they decided to obtain a search warrant to search his house and car. When they arrived with the warrant, they discovered that he had his lawyer there. After they finished their search, Trent got into it with the suspect and as a result Trent arrested him charging him with assault of an officer. The suspect was then transported to the police department where he was then interviewed once more. A discovery of a grave was discovered and once again the grave contained a mother/daughter. Amanda then knew that they needed to look into finding more suspects.
This time they were lucky with regard to the identities were made because a driver's license was discovered in the mother's sock. Amanda and Trent followed their leads and discovered that there was a similarity between the victims. In this case they got lucky with a discovery of a vehicle that had been impounded. This led them to a shopping mall talked to the person who had the car towed.
Amanda and Trent went to the impound lot where Amanda located a cell phone. Now they had more clues and through great police work finally nailed down a location for the killer. Amanda and Trent went to this individual's home knowing that they had another mother/daughter missing and they wanted to stop him from killing once more.
Read the conclusion to learn what all of the individuals that were taken, who the killer was, what discovery Trent made and why these individuals were being killed.
This is another great story in this series.
February 14, 2023
Detective Amanda Steele and her partner, Detective Trent Stenson are called to the gruesome scene of a shallow grave in a park in Prince William County. A young mother and her daughter are wrapped together in a hug along with a small stuffed animal. When they begin the examination of the bodies, they realize these are battered women. To make matters even more dire, the husband is a police officer. Trent is very emotional about spousal abuse cases due to his aunt's current situation with an overbearing husband who will not allow her to see her family. He is certain that Roy Archer has killed his wife and child, and even though some of the evidence lines up to make him look guilty, it soon becomes apparent there is more than one filthy predator on the loose.
This particular story was especially heart wrenching for me because of the spousal abuse and the abuse of the children (mentally and physically). Instilling fear into a child and using intimidating tactics as an adult over a child makes me sick, but unfortunately it happens. Detective Steele is a strong female protagonist with a deep sense of justice and protector of the underdog. I love her character. She will go the extra mile to help others out. I also love the character of Detective Stenson. He is a hero of epic proportions. There is one scene in particular that made me want to applaud. Carolyn Arnold is a master author of police procedurals. She knows how to write a suspense filled mystery with plenty of suspects to choose from as the reader follows the clues along with the detectives. I love solving mysteries with this crew. As always when reading a Carolyn Arnold novel, I was frantically turning the pages to race to the end where Arnold ties everything up with a nice, neat bow.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This particular story was especially heart wrenching for me because of the spousal abuse and the abuse of the children (mentally and physically). Instilling fear into a child and using intimidating tactics as an adult over a child makes me sick, but unfortunately it happens. Detective Steele is a strong female protagonist with a deep sense of justice and protector of the underdog. I love her character. She will go the extra mile to help others out. I also love the character of Detective Stenson. He is a hero of epic proportions. There is one scene in particular that made me want to applaud. Carolyn Arnold is a master author of police procedurals. She knows how to write a suspense filled mystery with plenty of suspects to choose from as the reader follows the clues along with the detectives. I love solving mysteries with this crew. As always when reading a Carolyn Arnold novel, I was frantically turning the pages to race to the end where Arnold ties everything up with a nice, neat bow.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2023
You might know the feeling. You are walking in the park or jogging in the woods and suddenly you find a grave or a body. I seriously don't know what I would do. I most certainly would be terrified and I honestly don't know how long it would take to come to my senses again. My first thought would be to run like the wind, but I don't know whether I would be able to move one single muscle. That's probably why I don't walk my dog in the wood or park anymore. :)
Thank God there are people who, even though they are devastated too, call the police. They never know what they are going to find exactly. Sometimes the scene can be peaceful even if the worst thing, murder, has happened. Sometimes the scenes are really horrifying. Sometimes there is even more than one person in the grave.
I was really touched by the way the killer arranged the victims. I know he killed them, but he also showed signs of gentleness, maybe even of love. Of course, it does not change the fact two people are dead, but I felt like the killer was not a sadistic or cruel one. It was as there was something more going on than just killing for pleasure.
Detectives Amanda and Trent don't have a lot of time to dwell on things, because very soon duty calls again. After some serious investigating they find the culprit. But were they able to save his latest victims?
Is it bad to feel sorry in a way for a murderer? Yes, they were wrong in what they were doing, but I sometimes wonder whether there is enough medial staff or services available to help and take care of people with specific needs?
A very good, but sad book. My heart broke and for all the victims, because a killer is often also a victim, but one who is not strong enough to take control and fight his demons? 5 stars
Thank you
Thank God there are people who, even though they are devastated too, call the police. They never know what they are going to find exactly. Sometimes the scene can be peaceful even if the worst thing, murder, has happened. Sometimes the scenes are really horrifying. Sometimes there is even more than one person in the grave.
I was really touched by the way the killer arranged the victims. I know he killed them, but he also showed signs of gentleness, maybe even of love. Of course, it does not change the fact two people are dead, but I felt like the killer was not a sadistic or cruel one. It was as there was something more going on than just killing for pleasure.
Detectives Amanda and Trent don't have a lot of time to dwell on things, because very soon duty calls again. After some serious investigating they find the culprit. But were they able to save his latest victims?
Is it bad to feel sorry in a way for a murderer? Yes, they were wrong in what they were doing, but I sometimes wonder whether there is enough medial staff or services available to help and take care of people with specific needs?
A very good, but sad book. My heart broke and for all the victims, because a killer is often also a victim, but one who is not strong enough to take control and fight his demons? 5 stars
Thank you
February 19, 2023
Disclosure. This is a review of an ebook I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
The prologue gives us a brief introduction to Leanne and her young daughter Gracie who have been abducted and held against their will.
Meanwhile the main story begins with the discovery of a grave in the park, revealing a woman, child and stuffed toy elephant. Detective Amanda Steele and partner Trent investigate. The deceased are identified as Jill Archer and daughter Charlotte, immediately leaving the reader to draw your own conclusions between the Archers and Leanne & Gracie.
Amanda and Trent get a bad feeling when they interview Jill’s husband Roy, a fellow police officer. At best he appears guilty of abuse, but did he murder his family?
And why is Sergeant Graves being so much more helpful on this case than usual?
Interviews and warrants abound. And I love how the clues are gradually revealed to us.
As always, we follow a sub-plot of Amanda’s home life with adopted daughter Zoe, who is a similar age to the children in this case. Plus there is a focus on Trent’s reaction to the abuse, in the knowledge that he is unable to help someone close in a similar situation.
Every so often we get another chapter with Leanne and Gracie. And then another grave is discovered in the park, with striking similarities to the Archers. Is there a serial killer?
When I reached the point where Amanda and Trent hear about Leanne and Gracie going missing, I’m devouring the pages. Can they piece everything together and find them in time?
A thrilling page turner indeed.
Includes some continuity references to earlier stories for those who enjoy reading the whole series but works excellently as a stand-alone read too.
The prologue gives us a brief introduction to Leanne and her young daughter Gracie who have been abducted and held against their will.
Meanwhile the main story begins with the discovery of a grave in the park, revealing a woman, child and stuffed toy elephant. Detective Amanda Steele and partner Trent investigate. The deceased are identified as Jill Archer and daughter Charlotte, immediately leaving the reader to draw your own conclusions between the Archers and Leanne & Gracie.
Amanda and Trent get a bad feeling when they interview Jill’s husband Roy, a fellow police officer. At best he appears guilty of abuse, but did he murder his family?
And why is Sergeant Graves being so much more helpful on this case than usual?
Interviews and warrants abound. And I love how the clues are gradually revealed to us.
As always, we follow a sub-plot of Amanda’s home life with adopted daughter Zoe, who is a similar age to the children in this case. Plus there is a focus on Trent’s reaction to the abuse, in the knowledge that he is unable to help someone close in a similar situation.
Every so often we get another chapter with Leanne and Gracie. And then another grave is discovered in the park, with striking similarities to the Archers. Is there a serial killer?
When I reached the point where Amanda and Trent hear about Leanne and Gracie going missing, I’m devouring the pages. Can they piece everything together and find them in time?
A thrilling page turner indeed.
Includes some continuity references to earlier stories for those who enjoy reading the whole series but works excellently as a stand-alone read too.
January 7, 2023
I am thoroughly enjoying this series even though I found it late with my first read by Carolyn Arnold being Black Orchid Girls. So, this is my fourth read in her Detective Amanda Steele series and I really, really enjoyed it. It was great being back with Detectives Steele and Stenson as they investigate two murders of a woman and child who are found in a shallow grave. I love the authors writing style here, I always feel I’m drawn into her books right from the start as the opening chapters immediately grab my attention and certainly holds my interest throughout the story. I liked seeing a very different side to Detective Stenson and could sympathise with his initial struggles with the case. As always the story is beautifully written, it flows seamlessly and is an absolute pleasure to read. Before I knew it I was totally immersed in the story which became a real page turner where I was rooting for the Detectives to find the murderer and at the same time needing to know what would happen next. I liked finding out a little bit more about Sargeant Graves background too, which for me, has made her a little more likeable and personable. I wasn’t keen on her character initially and she is now beginning to grow on me. I was also surprised to find I had empathy with the murderer which very rarely happens. Overall a very good read which I didn’t want to end. Really looking forward to the next book, and I would recommend this if you’re a fan of solid police procedurals although would say read the books in correct order to know the characters from the beginning. And when I can I will be reading the first three books in this series.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 27, 2023
This is the seventh book of Detective Amanda Steele series. I have read nearly every single one of the series and make sure to read all of Amanda Steele series.
The story starts out with a dog walker discovering the bodies of a mother and a child in a park. Detectives Amanda and her partner Trent discover that the bodies belong to a woman named Jill Archer and her six year old Charlotte and Jill's husband is a police officer. But Jill has been suffering from domestic abuse and initially they suspected that Jill's husband might have been responsible. But when they find the remains of another set of bodies, Amanda and Trent realized that they are dealing with a deranged serial killer.
This was well written, and the author managed to put us on the edge with her writing. This book was quiet unputdownable and there were some twists and turns you find along the book, as we do not know who the real suspect behind the killers is. The book was fast paced which made it really interesting and intriguing and the ending was really great. What's more, while in the midst of solving the case, I like how Amanda's personal life was also labeled out in the book.
Overall, this was a great thriller that will keep you up all night--worth five stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
The story starts out with a dog walker discovering the bodies of a mother and a child in a park. Detectives Amanda and her partner Trent discover that the bodies belong to a woman named Jill Archer and her six year old Charlotte and Jill's husband is a police officer. But Jill has been suffering from domestic abuse and initially they suspected that Jill's husband might have been responsible. But when they find the remains of another set of bodies, Amanda and Trent realized that they are dealing with a deranged serial killer.
This was well written, and the author managed to put us on the edge with her writing. This book was quiet unputdownable and there were some twists and turns you find along the book, as we do not know who the real suspect behind the killers is. The book was fast paced which made it really interesting and intriguing and the ending was really great. What's more, while in the midst of solving the case, I like how Amanda's personal life was also labeled out in the book.
Overall, this was a great thriller that will keep you up all night--worth five stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
February 20, 2023
Amanda Steele is another one of my favourite lead detectives. In the past, most of her cases involved a single crime. This is one of her darkest, most complex case yet and it involves a serial killer targeting mothers and daughters. We begin with a mother and daughter in captivity. You can already tell just how terrifying their situation is. The tension further heightens in the first chapter with the discovery of another mother and daughter buried in a shallow grave at a public park. At first, the detectives thought this would be an open and shut case but things didn’t quite work out that way.
This was a difficult case to read about. Although no graphic details are shared, a number of heavy, emotional themes were part of the investigation. Amanda and her partner, Trent, had such a difficult case on their hands. The suspense was high through each chapter and I could feel the pressure that they were under to stop the murders. This added to the urgency in the narrative which had me furiously turning pages in search of answers alongside the detectives.
This is yet another well-written, suspenseful, tightly-plotted installment to the Detective Amanda Steele series. Although this can be read as a standalone, I think you’d enjoy the character development even more if you read the entire series in order.
March 29, 2023
TRIGGER WARNING: domestic abuse
Detective Amanda Steele has an early morning call to a local park where a woman's body has been found in a shallow grave. The case becomes even more sinister when a child's body is discovered too...
Her Final Breath is the 7th book to feature Detective Amanda Steele and her team. There are personal plot lines that have threaded through the series but there are no spoilers about the crimes and killers.
The book begins with a woman and girl being held hostage. This instantly creates a tension which is then followed up by the discovery of a woman and child's bodies. Amanda and her partner are keen to get on with the investigation but find themselves thwarted by procedure. Their prime suspect is the husband who has obviously been abusing his wife but he is also a cop.
The writing is tense and the pace is rapid. There are some twists and I had no idea who was responsible for the deaths. The chapters showing Leanne and Gracie's perspectives were effective for making us desperate for them to get free.
Amanda's personal life provides another tense thread as she remembers the kiss with Trent and she feels guilty about working late and the effect on her adopted daughter. Meanwhile Trent is precoccupied with the domestic abuse angle and his own aunt's experience.
Her Final Breath is a fast paced and engaging detective thriller.
Detective Amanda Steele has an early morning call to a local park where a woman's body has been found in a shallow grave. The case becomes even more sinister when a child's body is discovered too...
Her Final Breath is the 7th book to feature Detective Amanda Steele and her team. There are personal plot lines that have threaded through the series but there are no spoilers about the crimes and killers.
The book begins with a woman and girl being held hostage. This instantly creates a tension which is then followed up by the discovery of a woman and child's bodies. Amanda and her partner are keen to get on with the investigation but find themselves thwarted by procedure. Their prime suspect is the husband who has obviously been abusing his wife but he is also a cop.
The writing is tense and the pace is rapid. There are some twists and I had no idea who was responsible for the deaths. The chapters showing Leanne and Gracie's perspectives were effective for making us desperate for them to get free.
Amanda's personal life provides another tense thread as she remembers the kiss with Trent and she feels guilty about working late and the effect on her adopted daughter. Meanwhile Trent is precoccupied with the domestic abuse angle and his own aunt's experience.
Her Final Breath is a fast paced and engaging detective thriller.
February 17, 2023
4.5 Stars
When a dog walker in a local Virginia park finds the bodies of a mother and daughter, Detective Amanda Steele is first on the scene. Her own adopted daughter has a toy just like the girl’s elephant and seeing the child like this is her worst nightmare come true. They quickly get an ID—Jill Archer and six-year-old Charlotte were reported missing last week, but interviewing Jill’s husband, Roy, Amanda’s gut tells her he is hiding something. When the autopsy reveals a terrible pattern of bruises, she’s certain that a domestic argument escalated out of control, and tiny Charlotte got caught in the crossfire. But just as Amanda is about to arrest Roy, another grave is found, containing another mother and daughter. Then she learns from a concerned ER nurse about Leanne Reilly and her young daughter, Gracie, who haven’t been heard from in a week.
The seventh outing for Amanda, which can easily be read on its own. Another page turner that had me burning the midnight oil to finish it. Strong characters & a well paced story held me gripped from start to finish. There were twists & surprises and the tension built towards the climax. I love Amanda & Trent & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
When a dog walker in a local Virginia park finds the bodies of a mother and daughter, Detective Amanda Steele is first on the scene. Her own adopted daughter has a toy just like the girl’s elephant and seeing the child like this is her worst nightmare come true. They quickly get an ID—Jill Archer and six-year-old Charlotte were reported missing last week, but interviewing Jill’s husband, Roy, Amanda’s gut tells her he is hiding something. When the autopsy reveals a terrible pattern of bruises, she’s certain that a domestic argument escalated out of control, and tiny Charlotte got caught in the crossfire. But just as Amanda is about to arrest Roy, another grave is found, containing another mother and daughter. Then she learns from a concerned ER nurse about Leanne Reilly and her young daughter, Gracie, who haven’t been heard from in a week.
The seventh outing for Amanda, which can easily be read on its own. Another page turner that had me burning the midnight oil to finish it. Strong characters & a well paced story held me gripped from start to finish. There were twists & surprises and the tension built towards the climax. I love Amanda & Trent & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
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