An author is killed in the same manner as a character in her latest book. Her final phone call was to Detective Amanda Steele but was never answered so now Amanda is determined to find the killer but he strikes again…
Her Last Words is the 9th book in the Detective Amanda Steele series.
Amanda is on holiday but returns to work early when she discovers an acquaintance has been murdered. She was the last person that the victim phoned but she missed the call and has no idea what it would have concerned. The crime scene resembles that from the victim’s latest book although there are some differences and Amanda wants to know why.
The book is written in the third person throughout to show the investigation. Earlier books in the series had some chapters from the killer’s perspective but this one didn’t. This meant I had no insight into the motive or character of the killer. The focus is entirely on the case as it unfolds from the detectives’ perspectives. The chapters are short which means the pace is speedy and twists develop quickly.
Amanda feels huge guilt about being away from her family due to her work commitments. There is also a romantic tension between Amanda and Trent which returned in this book. Amanda’s link with the victim makes her even more determined to find the truth. I had no idea of the identity and motive of the killer so was kept guessing until the end.
Her Last Words is an interesting case for a really likeable pair of detectives.
MEDIA PACK
Book: HER LAST WORDS
Author: Carolyn Arnold
Pub Day: OCT 17th 2023
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About the Book:
The glow from the fireplace throws an eerie light over the woman’s carefully arranged body, her lifeless eyes reflecting the flames that slowly burn the evidence of who did this to her…
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the brutal murder scene of successful local author Felicity Kelley, her blood runs cold. Because Amanda not only knew the victim, but was the last person Felicity called moments before she was murdered. Plagued with guilt that she never answered, Amanda is left wondering whether she could have prevented the murder, and vows to catch the killer, no matter what.
Desperately searching the crime scene for clues, Amanda is shocked when she discovers a Queen of Hearts playing card, suggesting the murder could be an imitation of a scene from Felicity’s bestselling crime novel. Terrified that she is dealing with a crazed fan who could strike again, Amanda’s worst fears are confirmed when another innocent woman is viciously murdered, with the same chilling calling card left behind.
But when Amanda connects the murders with a cold case from fifteen years ago, a case that Felicity appears to have been researching for her next novel, she is forced to question if the killer’s motive is even more sinister than she first suspected. But the closer Amanda gets to unearthing this motive, the closer she gets to becoming the next victim…
A completely pulse-pounding and unputdownable crime thriller, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.
Author Bio
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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