Book: HER LAST WORDS
Author: Carolyn Arnold
Pub Day: OCT 17th 2023
Book Description:
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.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Her Last Words' by Carolyn Arnold.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Carolyn Arnold, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th October 2023.
This is the seventh book I have read by this author. It is also the ninth book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'Stolen Daughters' which I also highly recommend and is the second book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series 'The Silent Witness' which is the third book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series, 'Black Orchid Girls' which is the fourth book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series, 'Her Frozen Cry' which is the fifth book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series, 'Last Seen Alive' by which is the sixth book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series, 'Her Final Breath' which is the seventh book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series and 'Taken Girls ' which is the eighth book in this series.. Each book can be read as a standalone and I would recommend them all.
This novel consists of a prologue, 47 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Yet another epic read from the very talented Carolyn Arnold!!! Absolutely rammed full of twists and turns!! Congratulations Carolyn on yet another page turner!!
This is an extremely well written book with vivid descriptions that will suck you straight into the storyline and captivated from beginning to end. The synopsis and cover worked perfectly with the storyline.
Every time I see a Carolyn Arnold book I just know I have to read it and that it will be amazing and that's without me even bothering to read the synopsis and this one was exactly the same!!! The storyline means that there is no problem with this being read as a standalone. I was absolutely hooked throughout, a true page turner from beginning to end. Carolyn is one of those amazing authors who writes these epic books that when you are reading them you promise yourself one more chapter and then you'll go to sleep but each time she ends her chapters in a way that has you hooked so you have to read just one more, but then another and before you know it you have walked around all day with the book glued to your hands and have devoured it in one sitting!!! The storyline was in depth and packed with suspense, books, murder, twists, family, tension, hate, grief, intensity, bullying, shocks and was an edge of your seat, nail biting and heart racing psychological thriller. One of the extra things I loved about this book is that she delves into the world of books and publication with the victim being a high selling author. I loved discovering the different aspects involved when it comes to creating a book and the people involved from editing to publication along with finding more about the literary processing. Of course with Carolyn being such an amazing author herself she wouldn't have needed much, if any extra research on this subject but I would love to see Carolyn's work hit the big screen like Felicity Kelley's was ready to! I was absolutely hooked. I read this book in less than 24 hours and I'm looking forward to reading the previous books in this series as well as more to come. This series is extremely addictive and I cannot wait to see what the next "episode" brings!! This book is an absolute rollercoaster ride filled with twists, action, murder, heartbreak, suffering, suspense and everything you could ask for in an absolutely thrilling page turner. As always with Carolyn's book I was mind blown when the killer was revealed so a huge congratulations Carolyn!! After reading hundreds of crimes and thrillers it's getting harder and harder to shock me but at no point did I even consider them!!! If you want to know more about this absolutely epic page turner which you will have to grab your copy today to get them!!! It is one of the best books I have read this year and I really enjoyed and loved the ending!!! It is filled with suspense, tension, mystery, shocks, love, friendship, sadness, crime and everything you could ever want in a crime novel. As always Carolyn ensures there were no loose ends at the book and that everything was explained and tied up. It is one of my pet hates having loose ends at the end of a book so well done Carolyn!! I won't say more as not to spoil it for future readers. It is a true page turner that will leave you biting your nails on the edge of your seat with your heart racing. I cannot wait to see what Amanda and Trent are going to do now!!!! Hope your busy typing the next one up Carolyn as I cannot wait!!!
Although this is the ninth book in the series you will have absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I loved meeting all the characters again who were all strong, well defined and unique. I have become completely invested in Amanda, Trent and Zoe along with all of the other amazing characters through reading these books and they now feel like family that I miss when I come to the end of one book but am excited to see again at the beginning of the next!! Amanda is absolutely whoop a## and I love seeing strong female leads in books. She has a background but will not let it pull her down and she is definitely someone I would love to have on my side. It has been so bitter sweet watching her bond with Zoe even more and watching their relationship develop and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I've also enjoyed seeing Zoe's confidence growing book by book after everything she went through. They have become like a family to me along with Trent and Malone. Trent is another fantastic team member and they work perfectly well together. I love Rideout's (medical examiner) character and personality with his morgue humour and I also like Malone and see him as a sort of fatherly figure to Amanda. It was intriguing to see the interactions between Amanda and Trent after what happened in previous books and I'm glad to see that it hasn't affected their partnership and that they still make the most amazing team out there!! These characters are all truly unforgettable and have become like friends that I love meeting again and am sad when it comes to the end and I have to say goodbye to them. Alongside the main characters Carolyn always creates interesting and realistic characters for each crime and in this book we revisit the sister of a character who was murdered in a previous case so it's interesting to get to revisit some characters and their backgrounds. A fantastic group of intriguing, realistic and solid characters all brought to life by Carolyn's fantastic evocative writing skills!! I am definitely looking forward to meeting them all (well almost all) again!!!
This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors Carolyn!!! Here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
I could not praise this book enough and highly recommend. Carolyn I cannot wait to read more of your very successful work!!! I would also love to see this book turned into a movie. Another absolutely addictive, compelling and gripping true page turner!!! If you have not read any books by this epic authour then you are seriously missing out!!!
Overall another absolutely captivating, engrossing page turner that is compelling and addictive by an extremely talented author!!!
322 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback via Amazon at time of review, which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
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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.
Social Media Links
Website: https://carolynarnold.net/
Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/carolyn-arnold
Purchase Link:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B0C7R2XG7Zsocial
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