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...
A totally compulsive and gripping crime thriller. The next unputdownable read for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.
MORE Books in the Amanda Steele Series:
Carolyn Arnold continues to step up the stakes and thrills with the Amanda Steele series! In this latest book of the series, we find Amanda investigating a case of mother and daughters who are buried in shallow graves. As she's settling into her role as Zoe's mother, this case hits close to home. For her partner, Trent, the case affects him as the bruises and abuse discovered on the mother makes him feel guilty about the abuse his own aunt faces.
I kept being pulled back and forth between suspects as Arnold expertly twists the storyline. I can usually pick up on who the most likely culprit will be but this time, I was surprised! We get to see a new side to who Sergeant Graves is and a key that unlocks her unexpected past. It doesn't excuse her treatment of Amanda, but it helps give a bit of insight as to why she carries around such a big chip on her shoulder!
The plot is perfectly executed with suspense and thrills that keep you turning pages as you get wrapped up in the case. My heart aches for the mothers and their daughters as the perpetrator continues his demented deeds. Such a thrill ride!
Amanda is back with Logan, but I have a feeling that her and Trent won't be able to continue hiding the attraction. I do like how safe Zoe feels with him and how Amanda is given a glimpse of a happy family again.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
CAROLYN 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 many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, 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.
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