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Madison Knight #13
Murder at the Lake
The moonlight dances across her bare skin, and a shooting star flies across the sky. And while the young woman’s eyes are open and facing upward, they no longer see anything…
The beach party was to mark the end of high school and to celebrate going to college in the fall. But that summer, four young friends were torn apart when the body of Emily Kane was discovered—raped and strangled —and one of their own was sent to prison for twenty-four years.
He just got out yesterday.
Today, one of those friends, Troy Matthews, plans to marry Detective Madison Knight. As they are about to exchange vows, detectives from a neighboring city arrest Troy for murder.
Dylan Graham, one of Troy’s friends from that fateful night, was shot dead in his home, and the police believe Troy pulled the trigger. They claim to have proof that Dylan was about to expose Troy for keeping a dark secret all these years that, if revealed, could jeopardize his life and his freedom. Troy isn’t saying much about the accusations but does insist on his innocence.
Madison secures his bail, but while Troy is out, another of his childhood friends turns up murdered in a motel room. With the evidence mounting against Troy, he is arrested again, and Madison fears for their future. Though what scares her more is that all the friends from that night are being picked off one by one . And if Troy isn’t behind the string of murders, he might be the killer’s next target. She’s not fooled into thinking that just because he’s behind bars, he’s safe and untouchable either. If she’s to save the man she loves, she’ll need to find the real killer before it’s too late.
The beach party was to mark the end of high school and to celebrate going to college in the fall. But that summer, four young friends were torn apart when the body of Emily Kane was discovered—raped and strangled —and one of their own was sent to prison for twenty-four years.
He just got out yesterday.
Today, one of those friends, Troy Matthews, plans to marry Detective Madison Knight. As they are about to exchange vows, detectives from a neighboring city arrest Troy for murder.
Dylan Graham, one of Troy’s friends from that fateful night, was shot dead in his home, and the police believe Troy pulled the trigger. They claim to have proof that Dylan was about to expose Troy for keeping a dark secret all these years that, if revealed, could jeopardize his life and his freedom. Troy isn’t saying much about the accusations but does insist on his innocence.
Madison secures his bail, but while Troy is out, another of his childhood friends turns up murdered in a motel room. With the evidence mounting against Troy, he is arrested again, and Madison fears for their future. Though what scares her more is that all the friends from that night are being picked off one by one . And if Troy isn’t behind the string of murders, he might be the killer’s next target. She’s not fooled into thinking that just because he’s behind bars, he’s safe and untouchable either. If she’s to save the man she loves, she’ll need to find the real killer before it’s too late.
- GenresMysteryProcedural
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2024
314 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Arnold
76 books1,280 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 59 reviews
April 23, 2024
Once again, Carolyn Arnold has penned a strong and impactful tale in the thirteenth book in the Detective Madison Knight mystery series,
Murder at the Lake.
Twenty-four years ago, Emily Kane was discovered assaulted and strangled at an end of high school beach party. Four friends went their separate ways when one of them was found guilty of her murder. One of those friends is Troy Matthews who plans to marry Detective Madison Knight. However, the wedding is interrupted by the Braybury police arresting Troy for the murder of one of those friends from high school.
Madison is strong, guarded, loyal, intelligent, tenacious, and independent, but her mouth often gets her in trouble; especially with Sergeant Winston. She tends to react first, often jumping to conclusions without fact, and seems to attract confrontation. Madison is not as likeable as many protagonists, but her faults make her feel more realistic than the perfect strong female lead. Driven to solve crimes and seek justice, Madison often goes on instinct, which doesn’t always mean she keeps an open mind. Terry Grant, Madison’s work partner, is a good balance for her. He is fair and balanced, keeps her grounded, and challenges her when it’s needed.
The book has a good mix of suspense and police investigation and has an action-filled ending. Readers are quickly pulled into the story line with a writing style that grabs and holds one’s attention. Fluid writing, great characterization, and a mystery to be solved kept me engaged. I also enjoyed the threads weaving Madison’s person life into the story. Themes include murder, friendship, death, revenge, lack of communication, assault, relationships, and more.
Overall, this was a story that hooked me immediately and pulled me into the lives of the characters. The author did a great job of building suspense throughout the story and weaving the threads together. This novel is fast-paced with a strong female main character. I look forward to seeing what is next for Madison and Terry. Readers of mysteries, crime thrillers, and police procedurals will likely enjoy this series.
Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 09, 2024.
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My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Madison is strong, guarded, loyal, intelligent, tenacious, and independent, but her mouth often gets her in trouble; especially with Sergeant Winston. She tends to react first, often jumping to conclusions without fact, and seems to attract confrontation. Madison is not as likeable as many protagonists, but her faults make her feel more realistic than the perfect strong female lead. Driven to solve crimes and seek justice, Madison often goes on instinct, which doesn’t always mean she keeps an open mind. Terry Grant, Madison’s work partner, is a good balance for her. He is fair and balanced, keeps her grounded, and challenges her when it’s needed.
The book has a good mix of suspense and police investigation and has an action-filled ending. Readers are quickly pulled into the story line with a writing style that grabs and holds one’s attention. Fluid writing, great characterization, and a mystery to be solved kept me engaged. I also enjoyed the threads weaving Madison’s person life into the story. Themes include murder, friendship, death, revenge, lack of communication, assault, relationships, and more.
Overall, this was a story that hooked me immediately and pulled me into the lives of the characters. The author did a great job of building suspense throughout the story and weaving the threads together. This novel is fast-paced with a strong female main character. I look forward to seeing what is next for Madison and Terry. Readers of mysteries, crime thrillers, and police procedurals will likely enjoy this series.
Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 09, 2024.
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My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
March 26, 2024
The book opens with the rape and murder of a high school senior, Emily Kane. Although three of his friends, including Troy Matthews, testified that they did not think him capable of the crime, a fourth is arrested, found guilty, and imprisioned.
Skip ahead 24 years and the killer has been set free. It is the day of the wedding between Detective Madison Knight and fellow police officer Troy Matthews. Before the I dos can be said, the ceremony is crashed by a neighboring department’s detectives and Troy is arrested for the murder of Dylan Graham, one of the friends who testified for the defense in the long ago trial. There is concrete evidence of Troy’s guilt, as well as a journal entry by Dylan stating that Troy was Emily’s true killer. Out on bail, a second murder occurs, again with evidence pointing at Troy. As Madison races to clear her fiancee’s name, she uncovers a sinister plot and places her own life in danger.
Although I am a fan of Carolyn Arnold’s writing, Madison Knight is not my favorite of her characters. She is abrasive, impetuous, tenacious. But she is good at her job and has a strong sense of responsibility and justice. Fortunately, her partner, Terry, tempers that impetuousness when necessary. One would have hoped that Troy, as a police officer, even though threatened, would have played the situation a little smarter but who knows how we might respond if we were unjustly accused?
That said, the book is cleverly plotted and another addictive read by Arnold. She always pulls in her reader’s attention. Her police procedurals are engrossing and entertaining.
This can be read as a stand alone. However, there is a lot of history behind the repeating characters and as this is the thirteenth in the series, readers might want to go back and read some of the earlier installments.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HibbertStilesPublishing for the DRC.
Skip ahead 24 years and the killer has been set free. It is the day of the wedding between Detective Madison Knight and fellow police officer Troy Matthews. Before the I dos can be said, the ceremony is crashed by a neighboring department’s detectives and Troy is arrested for the murder of Dylan Graham, one of the friends who testified for the defense in the long ago trial. There is concrete evidence of Troy’s guilt, as well as a journal entry by Dylan stating that Troy was Emily’s true killer. Out on bail, a second murder occurs, again with evidence pointing at Troy. As Madison races to clear her fiancee’s name, she uncovers a sinister plot and places her own life in danger.
Although I am a fan of Carolyn Arnold’s writing, Madison Knight is not my favorite of her characters. She is abrasive, impetuous, tenacious. But she is good at her job and has a strong sense of responsibility and justice. Fortunately, her partner, Terry, tempers that impetuousness when necessary. One would have hoped that Troy, as a police officer, even though threatened, would have played the situation a little smarter but who knows how we might respond if we were unjustly accused?
That said, the book is cleverly plotted and another addictive read by Arnold. She always pulls in her reader’s attention. Her police procedurals are engrossing and entertaining.
This can be read as a stand alone. However, there is a lot of history behind the repeating characters and as this is the thirteenth in the series, readers might want to go back and read some of the earlier installments.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HibbertStilesPublishing for the DRC.
June 5, 2024
Murder at the Lake is book 13 in the Madison Knight series by Carolyn Arnold. This was the first book I've read in the series as I'm late to the party, but can say that you can read it as a standalone if you've never read any others in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next in the series. The book opens 24 years in the past with graduating seniors celebrating by a lake. Everyone is in a great mood enjoying drinks and some drugs. A girl is murdered in the woods during the party as she went to find a place to urinate. A young man is arrested, goes to trial, and found guilty of the murder. He is sentenced to 24 years in prison for the rape/murder of Emily Kane.
As we fast forward to the present it's Madison and Troy's wedding day. They are thrilled to be getting married and have now moved into Madison's grandmother's house after it went up for sale. Madison is so happy as she has so many great memories there. Just as Madison and Troy are about to say their vows, police sirens can be heard approaching the church. The police rush in, put handcuffs on Troy, and arrest him for murder. Dylan Graham was murdered the night before. He was at the lake 24 years ago and is friends with Troy. The police from a neighboring city are the ones making the arrest as Troy is a member of the force here with Madison. They say that Troy killed Dylan to keep him from exposing a dark secret from that night 24 years ago.
This book grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. As you're trying to figure out who did it and why things keep happening. Will Troy be found innocent? Will he and Madison be able to get married and make their honeymoon? Who is the person in the silver car that Troy had noticed many times in the past 2 weeks? Why has that car now been seen behind Madison? When footprints are found in the snow outside Madison and Troy's new house it becomes clear someone was watching them. Who would want to hurt Troy and why? Ritchie is out of prison now, could he have done this? If you love a good mystery, get this book and devour it like I did. I rate Murder at the Lake 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Hibbert & Stiles Publishing for an advanced copy of Murder at the Lake in exchange for a fair review. #MurderAtTheLake
As we fast forward to the present it's Madison and Troy's wedding day. They are thrilled to be getting married and have now moved into Madison's grandmother's house after it went up for sale. Madison is so happy as she has so many great memories there. Just as Madison and Troy are about to say their vows, police sirens can be heard approaching the church. The police rush in, put handcuffs on Troy, and arrest him for murder. Dylan Graham was murdered the night before. He was at the lake 24 years ago and is friends with Troy. The police from a neighboring city are the ones making the arrest as Troy is a member of the force here with Madison. They say that Troy killed Dylan to keep him from exposing a dark secret from that night 24 years ago.
This book grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. As you're trying to figure out who did it and why things keep happening. Will Troy be found innocent? Will he and Madison be able to get married and make their honeymoon? Who is the person in the silver car that Troy had noticed many times in the past 2 weeks? Why has that car now been seen behind Madison? When footprints are found in the snow outside Madison and Troy's new house it becomes clear someone was watching them. Who would want to hurt Troy and why? Ritchie is out of prison now, could he have done this? If you love a good mystery, get this book and devour it like I did. I rate Murder at the Lake 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Hibbert & Stiles Publishing for an advanced copy of Murder at the Lake in exchange for a fair review. #MurderAtTheLake
March 27, 2024
Murder at the Lake is the thirteenth book in the Detective Madison Knight series by Carolyn Arnold. I love how Carolyn Arnold’s books start with the murder but we don’t know who the killer is.
I like trying to figure out who the killer is. Murder at the Lake is filled with mystery and suspense that kept me glued to the pages chopping at the bit wondering who the killer was
I felt bad for Detective Madison Knight on her wedding day. Just as she is about to walk down the aisle the man she is marrying, Troy Matthews is arrested for murder. Troy is arrested for the murder of one of his friends.
Twenty-four years ago Troy and his friends were partying on the beach a girl was raped and murdered. They were celebrating graduating high school as well as going to college
One of their friends who was at the party that night was arrested and convicted for killing and rapping the girl. He was released the day Madison and Troy were to get married and Troy was arrested for murder.
Twenty-four years later Troy is being accused of what happened to that girl on the beach on that night long ago. Is Troy guilty or innocent? Is the guy who spent twenty-four years in prison guilty or innocent? What is going on here?
Murder at the Lake kept me guessing page after page. Just when I thought I was getting close to figuring it all out, another twist was thrown my way and I was back to trying again.
I love reading anything Carolyn Arnold writes. I am drawn into her stories from the first page and find myself lost in the world around me. The descriptions are so well written making it easy for me to lose myself in its story for the duration.
I highly recommend Murder at the Lake to all mystery fans! Grab a copy of Murder at the Lake today!
I like trying to figure out who the killer is. Murder at the Lake is filled with mystery and suspense that kept me glued to the pages chopping at the bit wondering who the killer was
I felt bad for Detective Madison Knight on her wedding day. Just as she is about to walk down the aisle the man she is marrying, Troy Matthews is arrested for murder. Troy is arrested for the murder of one of his friends.
Twenty-four years ago Troy and his friends were partying on the beach a girl was raped and murdered. They were celebrating graduating high school as well as going to college
One of their friends who was at the party that night was arrested and convicted for killing and rapping the girl. He was released the day Madison and Troy were to get married and Troy was arrested for murder.
Twenty-four years later Troy is being accused of what happened to that girl on the beach on that night long ago. Is Troy guilty or innocent? Is the guy who spent twenty-four years in prison guilty or innocent? What is going on here?
Murder at the Lake kept me guessing page after page. Just when I thought I was getting close to figuring it all out, another twist was thrown my way and I was back to trying again.
I love reading anything Carolyn Arnold writes. I am drawn into her stories from the first page and find myself lost in the world around me. The descriptions are so well written making it easy for me to lose myself in its story for the duration.
I highly recommend Murder at the Lake to all mystery fans! Grab a copy of Murder at the Lake today!
May 10, 2024
Nothing like the groom getting arrested to put the kibosh on Madison’s and Troy’s wedding.
I followed along as Madison frantically worked on the fringes to clear her intended’s name. I thought Troy pulled a really stupid stunt that landed him into even more hot water, he should have known better.
The plot was intricate but not so complicated that it cousins be unraveled.
I liked the focus on a few other characters because it deepened the association with them, epically one whom I knew we’d see again.
Madison does finally get her ceremony but in a manner that is much more befitting of her personality and preferences.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hibbert & Stiles for the early read.
I followed along as Madison frantically worked on the fringes to clear her intended’s name. I thought Troy pulled a really stupid stunt that landed him into even more hot water, he should have known better.
The plot was intricate but not so complicated that it cousins be unraveled.
I liked the focus on a few other characters because it deepened the association with them, epically one whom I knew we’d see again.
Madison does finally get her ceremony but in a manner that is much more befitting of her personality and preferences.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hibbert & Stiles for the early read.
May 9, 2024
Murder at the Lake by Carolyn Arnold is the 13th book in her Detective Madison Knight Mystery series. As noted, Carolyn Arnold always gives us exciting suspenseful murder mysteries, led by Detective Madison Knight; and Arnold’s knowledge of police procedurals makes these investigations greaet. This story is a bit different, as Madison and her fiancée, Troy Matthews are in the middle of their wedding ceremony; only to have detectives crash the wedding, and arrest Troy for murder.
Prior to the crashing of the wedding, the story actually opens with a prologue that happened 24 years ago. There was a party on the beach, where a high school senior, Emily Kane was raped and murdered. One of the male friends was arrested, and found guilty and sent to prison. Though the other 3 friends testified that they felt their friend was innocent, but he spent 24 years, and in present time he was just released. Dylan Graham, one of those friends, was found dead in his home, with some evidence (journal entry, and gun) pointing to Troy to be the killer.
While out on bail, and second murder happens, with more evidence pointing again at Troy. When Troy visited the ex-prisoner prior to his death, he actually admits telling Troy that he did kill the girl 24 years ago. Now with this new death, Troy has no idea who is framing him.
Madison is loyal and believes in Troy’s innocence, and races to clear his name, going against the orders of her superiors not to investigate the case. Excluded from the official investigation, Madison has to walk a fine line, interviewing the female friends from all those years ago, to try to unravel who could be the real killer. Who is someone in the past that is framing and targeting Troy?
What follows is an exciting, tense, riveting police procedural action filled thriller, as well as surprising developments. I am not a big fan of Madison Knight, but in this book, she was very good, especially determined to find a way to free Troy. Murder at the Lake was a constant guessing game, as there were a number of twists throughout, with lots of suspense and intrigue. Murder on the Lake was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold. If you enjoy mysteries, police procedurals, a tough as nails cop, then you need to be reading this series, as Carolyn Arnold is one of the best in police procedure stories.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Prior to the crashing of the wedding, the story actually opens with a prologue that happened 24 years ago. There was a party on the beach, where a high school senior, Emily Kane was raped and murdered. One of the male friends was arrested, and found guilty and sent to prison. Though the other 3 friends testified that they felt their friend was innocent, but he spent 24 years, and in present time he was just released. Dylan Graham, one of those friends, was found dead in his home, with some evidence (journal entry, and gun) pointing to Troy to be the killer.
While out on bail, and second murder happens, with more evidence pointing again at Troy. When Troy visited the ex-prisoner prior to his death, he actually admits telling Troy that he did kill the girl 24 years ago. Now with this new death, Troy has no idea who is framing him.
Madison is loyal and believes in Troy’s innocence, and races to clear his name, going against the orders of her superiors not to investigate the case. Excluded from the official investigation, Madison has to walk a fine line, interviewing the female friends from all those years ago, to try to unravel who could be the real killer. Who is someone in the past that is framing and targeting Troy?
What follows is an exciting, tense, riveting police procedural action filled thriller, as well as surprising developments. I am not a big fan of Madison Knight, but in this book, she was very good, especially determined to find a way to free Troy. Murder at the Lake was a constant guessing game, as there were a number of twists throughout, with lots of suspense and intrigue. Murder on the Lake was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold. If you enjoy mysteries, police procedurals, a tough as nails cop, then you need to be reading this series, as Carolyn Arnold is one of the best in police procedure stories.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
May 21, 2024
A great fast paced romantic suspense. Great characters and story line. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
November 23, 2025
Book 13 in the Detective Madison Knight series. I really struggled with this one ! I found myself rolling my eyes at the beginning of the book due to the so called ‘evidence’ left at a crime scene which resulted in a working cop getting arrested during his wedding ceremony 🙄. So unfortunately I don’t finish this one , though looking at the reviews on Goodreads I am in the minority!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hibbert & Styles publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Hibbert & Styles publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 24, 2024
Murder At The Lake - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Almost a quarter of a century has passed since a young woman's brutal rape and murder in Stiles, during an end of summer beach party.
Now the rapist killer's been released from jail, other partygoers are paying the price too...including Troy Matthews, on the most important day of his and Detective Madison Knight's lives.
Can Madison unearth the truth?
Will she and Troy ever get their HEA?
My lips are sealed, so discover the shocking truth by following Madison's investigation, in Queen of Mystery And Suspense Carolyn Arnold's Murder At The Lake, (Book 5 in her Detective Madison Knight Series) and get it today. Guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, so grab a coffee and lock all the doors - this unputdownable crime-thriller will keep you up all night!
Almost a quarter of a century has passed since a young woman's brutal rape and murder in Stiles, during an end of summer beach party.
Now the rapist killer's been released from jail, other partygoers are paying the price too...including Troy Matthews, on the most important day of his and Detective Madison Knight's lives.
Can Madison unearth the truth?
Will she and Troy ever get their HEA?
My lips are sealed, so discover the shocking truth by following Madison's investigation, in Queen of Mystery And Suspense Carolyn Arnold's Murder At The Lake, (Book 5 in her Detective Madison Knight Series) and get it today. Guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, so grab a coffee and lock all the doors - this unputdownable crime-thriller will keep you up all night!
February 25, 2024
Madison ready to say I do to Troy, when the cops came. A story of how, her as a Detective works.
Wanting to know the outcome will have you turning pages. A good series and with
each new book I enjoy reading and recommend.
Given arc by Net Galley and Hibbert & Stiles Pub for my voluntary review
Wanting to know the outcome will have you turning pages. A good series and with
each new book I enjoy reading and recommend.
Given arc by Net Galley and Hibbert & Stiles Pub for my voluntary review
April 3, 2024
Great thriller 👌 twists and mystery throughout are gripping. Detective Madison is a brilliant character, strong-willed, and very intelligent. I changed my mind regarding killer's identity many times. Fast paced and suspenseful plot. I liked it. First, by the author, but I will read more. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
May 17, 2024
Detective Madison Knight is back in the fight of her life
It felt like the day would never come. After many trials and challenges Madison Knight and her fiancée Troy Matthews are finally ready to get married. With family and friends in attendance the scene is perfect until the wedding is crashed by officers from the Braybury PD. Unannounced and uninvited the officers from the neighboring town swiftly arrest Troy and unceremoniously haul him back to their precinct. Accused of the murder of a high school friend the day before the wedding, Troy is detained and questioned. With her special day in shambles and completely unaware of this part of Troy’s past, Madison attempts to get information. If she knows anything, it’s that her fiancé would not murder a person in cold blood, especially the day before the biggest even in their history. She attempts to grill Troy’s sister Andrea for intel, but when the prime suspect in a murder is not only a cop, but also the brother-in-law of the Stiles PD chief of police the Braybury detectives are not freely sharing information. Stemming back to a rape and murder 24 years prior, Troy and his buddies were character witnesses for the defendant. Now, decades later it appears that all involved in Emily Kane’s murder are being picked off one by one… except for Troy Matthews. And with evidence mounting against him at each new crime scene, Madison knows she must act quickly to get to the bottom of this and free Troy. But with the case outside of her jurisdiction and having explicitly being told not to interfere there is little she can do without facing discipline or worse. True to her bulldog moniker, Knight begins to investigate outside of the law (or maybe in the grey areas). Finding flaws in the other department’s hasty handling of the evidence she begins to close in on a suspect. But with the perp having revenge on his mind, Madison has also caught his eye as his next victim.
Murder at the Lake is lucky 13 in the long running Madison Knight series of novels by author Carolyn Arnold. At the beginning it seems as if Madison and Troy will finally get their happy ending, but that is not to be when Troy is arrested for murder. Things go swiftly downhill from there as more details emerge and even Troy’s attempts to clear his name backfire in the worst possible way. At times it seems as if the deck is stacked against Madison and Troy, but the evidence lines up too perfectly and in Madison’s experience that almost always means a frame up. Murder at the Lake had a bit of a different feel to it than the previous books in this series. Typically, Madison and her partner Terry are chasing killers, and the victims are unknown to them but in this installment the action is personal. From the opening scenes when their wedding is crashed, Madison and Troy had their privacy invaded and their sense of security shattered. At times while reading through this book I felt a sense of despair and urgency as Madison continued to defy her superiors and delve into the case in very much a lone wolf fashion. I can’t say that I blame her though, it’s a tough situation to watch someone you love suffer and even worse when you know they’re being set up.
While part of a series Arnold has structured these books, so they do not need to be read in order. If you are reading this book “out of sequence” there will be situations mentioned that are part of prior installments, but they are covered in a way that the reader does not feel as if they are missing any important information. If you are a fan of police procedurals, books with a strong female lead character or both, I highly recommend not only the Madison Knight series of novels but also the Detective Amanda Steele series also by this author. Carolyn Arnold excels at the genre, you will not be disappointed.
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
It felt like the day would never come. After many trials and challenges Madison Knight and her fiancée Troy Matthews are finally ready to get married. With family and friends in attendance the scene is perfect until the wedding is crashed by officers from the Braybury PD. Unannounced and uninvited the officers from the neighboring town swiftly arrest Troy and unceremoniously haul him back to their precinct. Accused of the murder of a high school friend the day before the wedding, Troy is detained and questioned. With her special day in shambles and completely unaware of this part of Troy’s past, Madison attempts to get information. If she knows anything, it’s that her fiancé would not murder a person in cold blood, especially the day before the biggest even in their history. She attempts to grill Troy’s sister Andrea for intel, but when the prime suspect in a murder is not only a cop, but also the brother-in-law of the Stiles PD chief of police the Braybury detectives are not freely sharing information. Stemming back to a rape and murder 24 years prior, Troy and his buddies were character witnesses for the defendant. Now, decades later it appears that all involved in Emily Kane’s murder are being picked off one by one… except for Troy Matthews. And with evidence mounting against him at each new crime scene, Madison knows she must act quickly to get to the bottom of this and free Troy. But with the case outside of her jurisdiction and having explicitly being told not to interfere there is little she can do without facing discipline or worse. True to her bulldog moniker, Knight begins to investigate outside of the law (or maybe in the grey areas). Finding flaws in the other department’s hasty handling of the evidence she begins to close in on a suspect. But with the perp having revenge on his mind, Madison has also caught his eye as his next victim.
Murder at the Lake is lucky 13 in the long running Madison Knight series of novels by author Carolyn Arnold. At the beginning it seems as if Madison and Troy will finally get their happy ending, but that is not to be when Troy is arrested for murder. Things go swiftly downhill from there as more details emerge and even Troy’s attempts to clear his name backfire in the worst possible way. At times it seems as if the deck is stacked against Madison and Troy, but the evidence lines up too perfectly and in Madison’s experience that almost always means a frame up. Murder at the Lake had a bit of a different feel to it than the previous books in this series. Typically, Madison and her partner Terry are chasing killers, and the victims are unknown to them but in this installment the action is personal. From the opening scenes when their wedding is crashed, Madison and Troy had their privacy invaded and their sense of security shattered. At times while reading through this book I felt a sense of despair and urgency as Madison continued to defy her superiors and delve into the case in very much a lone wolf fashion. I can’t say that I blame her though, it’s a tough situation to watch someone you love suffer and even worse when you know they’re being set up.
While part of a series Arnold has structured these books, so they do not need to be read in order. If you are reading this book “out of sequence” there will be situations mentioned that are part of prior installments, but they are covered in a way that the reader does not feel as if they are missing any important information. If you are a fan of police procedurals, books with a strong female lead character or both, I highly recommend not only the Madison Knight series of novels but also the Detective Amanda Steele series also by this author. Carolyn Arnold excels at the genre, you will not be disappointed.
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2025
Trusting KIRKUS reviews to try author first time. Series has high Goodreads ratings. Not a literary-style novel. More emotional description than police procedure that slows the momentum of suspense. I’m not honestly taken with the protagonist.
DET. MADISON KNIGHT is ready to marry TROY MATTHEWS when he is arrested for murder of DYLAN GRAHAM, his childhood friend. Dylan’s alleged Motive: not telling that Troy was the rapist-murderer of seventeen-year old EMILY KANE twenty-four years ago. Madison is determined to prove Troy’s innocene, of course. As she investigates, Troy’s friends from that time and place are also being killed.
My first thought: Is someone close to Emily Kane out for revenge on all four boys at the crime scene scene when it happened? Did police not find the correct killer? Or, is RICHIE KLIEN, just out of prison after more than twenty years served for killing Emily, out for revenge? When he, too, is dead then the mystery gets more complicated with twists and turns. Could someone close to RICHIE be out for revenge? We have to assume this a frame-up of Troy.
Detective CARSON SNOW at first though it looked like suicide, but a drawer full of articles and a journal in Richie’s desk instantly convinced him otherwise and — they wanted Troy for the killing of Kane. Talk about “rush to judgment”? (Never wise, as everyone knows.) An ambiguous “suicide note” haunts Carson who will explore this to his satisfaction of being thorough. Everyone knows that withholding evidence is big No-No. It’s not a pleasant or easy job for a policeman to accuse a fellow policeman of wrongdoing, and this isn’t the only thing that bothers Snow. (I liked him.)
The fun is guessing who is truly guilty of ALL the murders. You’ll see why murder trials can take so much time. And know that being selected for jury duty on murder trial can be gut-wrenching; knowing innocents also are convicted. (You may ask yourself if you truly voted correctly on the jury and what the consequences will be.
The only way this story could surprise me is if Troy is guilty. It would be more melodramatic to have groom killed, more impactful and original for “what is the worst thing that could happen at your wedding.” (It brings to mind the old song title, Wedding Bell Blues.)
The second mystery is who in their local police department told out-jurisdiction Braybury police where they would find Troy? After all, the Stiles police chief, ANDREA MATTHEWS, is the brother of the groom and she is at her little brother’s wedding. Naturally, she and bride-to-be are devastated while sure of Troy’s innocence, but both ladies are forbidden to be involved in investigations. Obviously, this rule will be ignored by our protagonist DET. MADISON KNIGHT in spite of potential bad consequences for him at trial.
Against all odds, this whodunnit has a surprisingly believable conclusion. I guessed wrong when the hidden clue finally clicked in for me before the big reveal. BUT, later we had a better suspect. Then another - Logical, but late in the story. I upped rating from 3.5 to 4 for suckering me into TWO wrong guesses that would make sense.
Main themes: Don’t do drugs and alcohol. Don’t assume your gun locked in your safe is impregnable. Don’t assume you know someone inside and out - People keep secrets, important or not. And your secrets will likely catch up with you sooner or later - meanwhile you have to live with fear that it will be misconstrued to your disadvantage. The potential result of childhood bullying.
DET. MADISON KNIGHT is ready to marry TROY MATTHEWS when he is arrested for murder of DYLAN GRAHAM, his childhood friend. Dylan’s alleged Motive: not telling that Troy was the rapist-murderer of seventeen-year old EMILY KANE twenty-four years ago. Madison is determined to prove Troy’s innocene, of course. As she investigates, Troy’s friends from that time and place are also being killed.
My first thought: Is someone close to Emily Kane out for revenge on all four boys at the crime scene scene when it happened? Did police not find the correct killer? Or, is RICHIE KLIEN, just out of prison after more than twenty years served for killing Emily, out for revenge? When he, too, is dead then the mystery gets more complicated with twists and turns. Could someone close to RICHIE be out for revenge? We have to assume this a frame-up of Troy.
Detective CARSON SNOW at first though it looked like suicide, but a drawer full of articles and a journal in Richie’s desk instantly convinced him otherwise and — they wanted Troy for the killing of Kane. Talk about “rush to judgment”? (Never wise, as everyone knows.) An ambiguous “suicide note” haunts Carson who will explore this to his satisfaction of being thorough. Everyone knows that withholding evidence is big No-No. It’s not a pleasant or easy job for a policeman to accuse a fellow policeman of wrongdoing, and this isn’t the only thing that bothers Snow. (I liked him.)
The fun is guessing who is truly guilty of ALL the murders. You’ll see why murder trials can take so much time. And know that being selected for jury duty on murder trial can be gut-wrenching; knowing innocents also are convicted. (You may ask yourself if you truly voted correctly on the jury and what the consequences will be.
The only way this story could surprise me is if Troy is guilty. It would be more melodramatic to have groom killed, more impactful and original for “what is the worst thing that could happen at your wedding.” (It brings to mind the old song title, Wedding Bell Blues.)
The second mystery is who in their local police department told out-jurisdiction Braybury police where they would find Troy? After all, the Stiles police chief, ANDREA MATTHEWS, is the brother of the groom and she is at her little brother’s wedding. Naturally, she and bride-to-be are devastated while sure of Troy’s innocence, but both ladies are forbidden to be involved in investigations. Obviously, this rule will be ignored by our protagonist DET. MADISON KNIGHT in spite of potential bad consequences for him at trial.
Against all odds, this whodunnit has a surprisingly believable conclusion. I guessed wrong when the hidden clue finally clicked in for me before the big reveal. BUT, later we had a better suspect. Then another - Logical, but late in the story. I upped rating from 3.5 to 4 for suckering me into TWO wrong guesses that would make sense.
Main themes: Don’t do drugs and alcohol. Don’t assume your gun locked in your safe is impregnable. Don’t assume you know someone inside and out - People keep secrets, important or not. And your secrets will likely catch up with you sooner or later - meanwhile you have to live with fear that it will be misconstrued to your disadvantage. The potential result of childhood bullying.
May 7, 2024
A high schooler, Emily Kane, was brutally raped and strangled 24 years ago at a beach party. A fellow student was arrested and has served his time, but the story is definitely not over.
Troy Matthews and Detective Madison Knight are finally tying the knot. Before they can even begin their vows, the police arrive to arrest Troy Matthews for murder. You will be scratching your head wondering why would a decorated police officer commit a murder right before his wedding? Troy is just as puzzled, but it is immediately apparent that they are not interested in any further investigation into this murder. They are so sure they have their man that they do not feel the need to look at any other suspects.
Troy and two other friends were character witnesses for the rapist all those years ago. One friend was already dead, and now one has been murdered. They believe that Troy is the murderer because they believe he was, in fact, responsible for the rape and murder all those years ago, so he is cleaning house, at least according to the detectives in charge.
If you know anything about Detective Madison Knight, you know she will not take this lying down. This is outside her department, but that will not stop her from investigating this case. She knows Troy would never kill anyone, and she believes he is being framed. Now, she just has to prove it without losing her job.
This was a great mystery with many moving parts and pieces. I could sense there was more to this story, but I was quite surprised at where we ended up. Carolyn Arnold has a unique talent for pulling the reader into her stories so that you feel as if you are living in the pages of the book. Madison is a strong-willed and highly intelligent, although a little high-strung, detective who is like a dog with a bone once she starts working on a case. She believes in justice. This case is especially personal, but she also has to walk a tightrope while investigating a case that does not belong to her district. Suffice it to say that if I was being accused of a crime that I did not commit, I would definitely want Detective Madison Knight firmly in my corner because she is thorough and definitely a justice seeker.
This was another phenomenal read in the Detective Madison Knight series which was impossible to put down once I started it.
Thank you to Hibbert & Stiles Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Troy Matthews and Detective Madison Knight are finally tying the knot. Before they can even begin their vows, the police arrive to arrest Troy Matthews for murder. You will be scratching your head wondering why would a decorated police officer commit a murder right before his wedding? Troy is just as puzzled, but it is immediately apparent that they are not interested in any further investigation into this murder. They are so sure they have their man that they do not feel the need to look at any other suspects.
Troy and two other friends were character witnesses for the rapist all those years ago. One friend was already dead, and now one has been murdered. They believe that Troy is the murderer because they believe he was, in fact, responsible for the rape and murder all those years ago, so he is cleaning house, at least according to the detectives in charge.
If you know anything about Detective Madison Knight, you know she will not take this lying down. This is outside her department, but that will not stop her from investigating this case. She knows Troy would never kill anyone, and she believes he is being framed. Now, she just has to prove it without losing her job.
This was a great mystery with many moving parts and pieces. I could sense there was more to this story, but I was quite surprised at where we ended up. Carolyn Arnold has a unique talent for pulling the reader into her stories so that you feel as if you are living in the pages of the book. Madison is a strong-willed and highly intelligent, although a little high-strung, detective who is like a dog with a bone once she starts working on a case. She believes in justice. This case is especially personal, but she also has to walk a tightrope while investigating a case that does not belong to her district. Suffice it to say that if I was being accused of a crime that I did not commit, I would definitely want Detective Madison Knight firmly in my corner because she is thorough and definitely a justice seeker.
This was another phenomenal read in the Detective Madison Knight series which was impossible to put down once I started it.
Thank you to Hibbert & Stiles Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2024
Murder at the Lake
(Madison Knight Mystery 13)
Carolyn Arnold
Carolyn Arnold is the author of over 40 books including Detective Madison Knight, Detective Amanda Steele, Brandon Fisher FBI, and the McKinley mystery cozy series to name a few.
Madison Knight is finally set to marry Troy Matthews. During the ceremony Detectives from the neighboring Braybury Police Dept interrupted the proceedings to arrest Troy for murder among other charges! Madison and Troy both work for the Stiles Police Dept. It’s a huge offense that no one including Andrea, his sister, and Chief knows about a pending arrest! While Troy is being removed from their wedding Madison’s best friend Cynthia, goes into contractions and is rushed to the hospital. Andrea instructs Madison to go with Cynthia while she goes with Troy. Sadly, this division of labor gets them nowhere as the Braybury PD stonewalls Andrea in every way they can…. at every level. Now it’s Madison’s turn and when she’s through Detectives Snow and Friedman won’t know what hit them!
24 years ago two teens accused a boy of rape; one died. Emily Kane, a high school senior is raped and murdered one night at a party. A fellow student Richie Klein is arrested and sentenced, to 24 years no parole; for her murder. Troy was at the party and friends with the accused.
It’s up to Detective Madison Knight to figure out if the murder 24 years ago has anything to do with Troy's troubles now or is it all a red herring for something much more twisted and diabolical….
As a new reader of the Madison Knight mysteries, I wish to commend the author for writing so well that I was able to jump into the series at book 13 without any issues! The author focuses fully on this tale rather than past thoughts or tales of the characters except for the rare inference. Ensuring I was fully immersed in Madison and Troy’s drama. This book seemed to speed by! Ms. Arnold has a new fan, I will be going back to read book one The Ties that Bind. 5*****
(Madison Knight Mystery 13)
Carolyn Arnold
Carolyn Arnold is the author of over 40 books including Detective Madison Knight, Detective Amanda Steele, Brandon Fisher FBI, and the McKinley mystery cozy series to name a few.
Madison Knight is finally set to marry Troy Matthews. During the ceremony Detectives from the neighboring Braybury Police Dept interrupted the proceedings to arrest Troy for murder among other charges! Madison and Troy both work for the Stiles Police Dept. It’s a huge offense that no one including Andrea, his sister, and Chief knows about a pending arrest! While Troy is being removed from their wedding Madison’s best friend Cynthia, goes into contractions and is rushed to the hospital. Andrea instructs Madison to go with Cynthia while she goes with Troy. Sadly, this division of labor gets them nowhere as the Braybury PD stonewalls Andrea in every way they can…. at every level. Now it’s Madison’s turn and when she’s through Detectives Snow and Friedman won’t know what hit them!
24 years ago two teens accused a boy of rape; one died. Emily Kane, a high school senior is raped and murdered one night at a party. A fellow student Richie Klein is arrested and sentenced, to 24 years no parole; for her murder. Troy was at the party and friends with the accused.
It’s up to Detective Madison Knight to figure out if the murder 24 years ago has anything to do with Troy's troubles now or is it all a red herring for something much more twisted and diabolical….
As a new reader of the Madison Knight mysteries, I wish to commend the author for writing so well that I was able to jump into the series at book 13 without any issues! The author focuses fully on this tale rather than past thoughts or tales of the characters except for the rare inference. Ensuring I was fully immersed in Madison and Troy’s drama. This book seemed to speed by! Ms. Arnold has a new fan, I will be going back to read book one The Ties that Bind. 5*****
May 4, 2024
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with a group of high schoolers having a beach party 24 y. A trial was held and an individual was convicted. The story continues with the convicted party getting at of prison.
We next find Troy and Madison getting married, but before that can happen, Troy is arrested for murder. In addition, the evidence at the scene of the murder also implicated Troy in the death that happened at the beach party 24 years earlier. Troy is arraigned and is released on bail. After Troy got back home, he wound up going out to see someone and as reslt of his actions, was charged for an additional murder.
Troy is due to be arraigned once more and this time he would not be getting out on bail. The only way that Troy would be free would be if Madison found the real killer. She began her investigation and unbeknownst to her, someone was stalking her She soon determines that the killings must be associated with the event that happened 24 years earlier. Madison with assistance from Terry begin talking to individuals from that period. Eventually Terry and Madison discovered someone was following their vehicle. Help was called in and a police chase ensued, however the car being chased got away. Soon Terry and Madison with to talk with a suspect and wound up with him being brought to the station.
That same day, Madison was to interview another classmate about information related to the beach party victim. After talking with this person, she then knew who the killer was. After calling it in, she was told to go home. Once she arrived home, she discovered that an unwanted visitor was waiting for her.
To learn who the killer was, what the reason behind the killings, why Troy was being framed and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.
The story begins with a group of high schoolers having a beach party 24 y. A trial was held and an individual was convicted. The story continues with the convicted party getting at of prison.
We next find Troy and Madison getting married, but before that can happen, Troy is arrested for murder. In addition, the evidence at the scene of the murder also implicated Troy in the death that happened at the beach party 24 years earlier. Troy is arraigned and is released on bail. After Troy got back home, he wound up going out to see someone and as reslt of his actions, was charged for an additional murder.
Troy is due to be arraigned once more and this time he would not be getting out on bail. The only way that Troy would be free would be if Madison found the real killer. She began her investigation and unbeknownst to her, someone was stalking her She soon determines that the killings must be associated with the event that happened 24 years earlier. Madison with assistance from Terry begin talking to individuals from that period. Eventually Terry and Madison discovered someone was following their vehicle. Help was called in and a police chase ensued, however the car being chased got away. Soon Terry and Madison with to talk with a suspect and wound up with him being brought to the station.
That same day, Madison was to interview another classmate about information related to the beach party victim. After talking with this person, she then knew who the killer was. After calling it in, she was told to go home. Once she arrived home, she discovered that an unwanted visitor was waiting for her.
To learn who the killer was, what the reason behind the killings, why Troy was being framed and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book.
May 14, 2024
Murder at the Lake by Carolyn Arnold is a police procedural that takes Madison into the thick of it when the police interrupt her wedding to Troy, another cop, on charges of murder. First, she is aghast, then terrified, then angry enough to start investigating. The lawyer gets him out on bail but before they even get a good night’s sleep he’s arrested again, for another murder. Well, it’s obvious to all, now, that he’s being framed. But it is still going to take a deep dive to figure out what is going on. It is his gun, which has gone missing from the lockbox it lives in. But when? Were they burglarized? Was it when they moved? It started in the past when a girl he and the victims all knew had been raped and murdered. Another boy they knew had been accused, tried, and had spent twenty years in prison. Now he was out. Had it been him?
Madison Knight is a good cop. So is Carson Snow, as man she didn’t even know but who had arrested Troy. Little did she know that he was seeing the anomalies as well and was working as hard as she was. She trudged through it, clue by clue until she figured it out. Meanwhile, her boss, Andrea, is Troy’s sister and wants his release as much as Madison does but knows procedure and knows Madison cannot be overt about investigating. It is kind of a confused mess until all of a sudden it wasn’t. It was a good read, one that kept the reader guessing as as much as the detective. Thanks, Carolyn Arnold, for another great read!
I was invited to read Murder at the Lake by Hibbert and Stiles Publishing, Inc. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HibbertAndStilesInc #CarolynArnold #MurderAtTheLake
Madison Knight is a good cop. So is Carson Snow, as man she didn’t even know but who had arrested Troy. Little did she know that he was seeing the anomalies as well and was working as hard as she was. She trudged through it, clue by clue until she figured it out. Meanwhile, her boss, Andrea, is Troy’s sister and wants his release as much as Madison does but knows procedure and knows Madison cannot be overt about investigating. It is kind of a confused mess until all of a sudden it wasn’t. It was a good read, one that kept the reader guessing as as much as the detective. Thanks, Carolyn Arnold, for another great read!
I was invited to read Murder at the Lake by Hibbert and Stiles Publishing, Inc. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HibbertAndStilesInc #CarolynArnold #MurderAtTheLake
May 22, 2024
Following Detective Madison Knight since book one, she’s been through A LOT. Yet, her strength and perseverance keep pushing her forward. But as I read through Troy getting arrested during their wedding, I wasn’t so sure this might be the thing that completely breaks her. Instead, I got a big surprise in her character growth since book one.
Even though the Braybury Police Department is the one officially handling the investigation, Madison can’t help but feel the urgency to help be the one to save Troy. I was impressed with her growth in how she did manage to *mostly* stick inside the guidelines that Troy’s sister, Andrea, set with her. Troy managed to make his situation worse a few times, proving that he’s human and makes mistakes.
I’m excited to see more of Cameron Snow and his involvement with Madison on a professional level going forward — I think it’s going to be quite an interesting dynamic to add to the series! His own hesitancy, along with the Braybury PD’s Chief enforcing his own requirements for how the case was handled were not taken well by Madison. I loved how she took her own initiative to ensure that things were checked and re-checked.
Arnold really threw me for a loop with this book because I was questioning myself on what I had missed that could have shown Troy as guilty. I was pulling out old enemies and wondering how it was all going to fit. And in her true fashion to giving us the best crime procedurals out there, Arnold pulled it together and had me gasping at what I’d overlooked. Excited to see where this series goes next!
Even though the Braybury Police Department is the one officially handling the investigation, Madison can’t help but feel the urgency to help be the one to save Troy. I was impressed with her growth in how she did manage to *mostly* stick inside the guidelines that Troy’s sister, Andrea, set with her. Troy managed to make his situation worse a few times, proving that he’s human and makes mistakes.
I’m excited to see more of Cameron Snow and his involvement with Madison on a professional level going forward — I think it’s going to be quite an interesting dynamic to add to the series! His own hesitancy, along with the Braybury PD’s Chief enforcing his own requirements for how the case was handled were not taken well by Madison. I loved how she took her own initiative to ensure that things were checked and re-checked.
Arnold really threw me for a loop with this book because I was questioning myself on what I had missed that could have shown Troy as guilty. I was pulling out old enemies and wondering how it was all going to fit. And in her true fashion to giving us the best crime procedurals out there, Arnold pulled it together and had me gasping at what I’d overlooked. Excited to see where this series goes next!
May 13, 2024
Disclosure. This is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
This is book 13 in the Detective Madison Knight series but works fine as a stand-alone read. I haven’t got round to catching up with the earlier titles yet, but I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed books 8-12.
The prologue sets the scene with a flashback to a rape and murder of Emily Kane 24 years ago.
The story then fast forwards to the present with Braybury Police Department investigating the death of Dylan Graham. Is this a suicide or murder? They discover Graham has a file of news articles reporting on the Kane case, including that her attacker Ritchie Klein was released from prison yesterday. They also find Dylan’s journal, which implies that Klein was innocent and that Troy Matthews raped and killed Emily Kane.
Troy Matthews is a name that I immediately recognised from earlier titles, as being the fiancé of Detective Madison Knight. So when the next chapter sets the scene for Madison and Troy’s wedding, from the blurb, I knew that the ceremony would be interrupted with an arrest.
Evidence is stacking up. Has Troy been framed? What can Madison do to prove his innocence? Her avenues of investigation are limited with the case being in the neighbouring Braybury jurisdiction.
More twists follow in this page turner including another death. And who is the mysterious stalker?
An excellent captivating thrilling read from best-selling author Carolyn Arnold.
This is book 13 in the Detective Madison Knight series but works fine as a stand-alone read. I haven’t got round to catching up with the earlier titles yet, but I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed books 8-12.
The prologue sets the scene with a flashback to a rape and murder of Emily Kane 24 years ago.
The story then fast forwards to the present with Braybury Police Department investigating the death of Dylan Graham. Is this a suicide or murder? They discover Graham has a file of news articles reporting on the Kane case, including that her attacker Ritchie Klein was released from prison yesterday. They also find Dylan’s journal, which implies that Klein was innocent and that Troy Matthews raped and killed Emily Kane.
Troy Matthews is a name that I immediately recognised from earlier titles, as being the fiancé of Detective Madison Knight. So when the next chapter sets the scene for Madison and Troy’s wedding, from the blurb, I knew that the ceremony would be interrupted with an arrest.
Evidence is stacking up. Has Troy been framed? What can Madison do to prove his innocence? Her avenues of investigation are limited with the case being in the neighbouring Braybury jurisdiction.
More twists follow in this page turner including another death. And who is the mysterious stalker?
An excellent captivating thrilling read from best-selling author Carolyn Arnold.
July 17, 2024
Murder at the Lake is the thirteenth book in the Detective Madison Knight Series. This book can be a stand-alone read, but the series in fantastic and worth starting at the beginning.
When the man accused of rape and murder of a young girl is released from prison, a chain of events changes the plans of Madison and Troy on their wedding day when he is arrested as Madison begins to walk towards him in her gown.
One of the men that stood up for the accused is found dead of a suicide, but the evidence is sloppy and looks like a frame up of Troy. The neighboring police do not investigate and take it all at face value to wrap it up quickly. While Troy is out on bail another murder places Troy back in jail with Madison in the crosshairs of a killer.
This book takes place over a very short time as Madison and Terry work off the books to find the true killer in order to save Troy who does not think it will ever get to trial. Madison is a strong character that digs to discover the truth. Her partner Terry goes along with her reluctantly by her side. The characters are wonderfully written and are worth rooting for as they face opposition around every move they make.
This is a roller-coaster of a ride as we follow Madison from one clue to the next. The story draws the reader in the first few pages and holds them tight until the very end.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
When the man accused of rape and murder of a young girl is released from prison, a chain of events changes the plans of Madison and Troy on their wedding day when he is arrested as Madison begins to walk towards him in her gown.
One of the men that stood up for the accused is found dead of a suicide, but the evidence is sloppy and looks like a frame up of Troy. The neighboring police do not investigate and take it all at face value to wrap it up quickly. While Troy is out on bail another murder places Troy back in jail with Madison in the crosshairs of a killer.
This book takes place over a very short time as Madison and Terry work off the books to find the true killer in order to save Troy who does not think it will ever get to trial. Madison is a strong character that digs to discover the truth. Her partner Terry goes along with her reluctantly by her side. The characters are wonderfully written and are worth rooting for as they face opposition around every move they make.
This is a roller-coaster of a ride as we follow Madison from one clue to the next. The story draws the reader in the first few pages and holds them tight until the very end.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
May 8, 2024
What does the rape and murder of a girl 24 years ago have to do with the current day murders of two victims? After all, a man was prosecuted and sent to jail back then. It is even more disturbing in that SWAT leader Troy Matthews is arrested in the current murders.
While it is disturbing to think that there are cops who "phone it in" when there seems to be a clear suspect, it would be unrealistic to think that never happens. Detective Carson Snow has been given orders by his superior and at first, even though there are items about the first murder that don't seem to add up, he does as he's told.
Detective Madison Knight, Troy's fiancé, knows she can't investigate the current murders but there's nothing stopping her from looking into the murder from 24 years ago. Through her doggedness, her and her partner Terry come up with some pertinent clues.
It may have been obvious from early on that Troy was innocent, it was a winding road to finding out who was behind the current murders, and why. This was a fast-paced story that had me turning the pages not only to see who the murderer was but also what may have happened to Troy while locked up.
While it is disturbing to think that there are cops who "phone it in" when there seems to be a clear suspect, it would be unrealistic to think that never happens. Detective Carson Snow has been given orders by his superior and at first, even though there are items about the first murder that don't seem to add up, he does as he's told.
Detective Madison Knight, Troy's fiancé, knows she can't investigate the current murders but there's nothing stopping her from looking into the murder from 24 years ago. Through her doggedness, her and her partner Terry come up with some pertinent clues.
It may have been obvious from early on that Troy was innocent, it was a winding road to finding out who was behind the current murders, and why. This was a fast-paced story that had me turning the pages not only to see who the murderer was but also what may have happened to Troy while locked up.
May 9, 2024
She just wanted to enjoy the evening, with friends, but now Emily Kane is dead. A young man is found guilty of her murder and will spend twenty-four years in prison, but what will happen when he is released? Years later, our favorite detective Madison Knight is finally getting married to the love of her life, Troy Matthews, an officer with the Stiles P.D. Special Weapons and Tactical Division. How did a case from over twenty years ago come back to call a halt to Troy and Madison’s wedding when he is arrested for murder? Troy and his friends, not believing their friend could have killed Emily, had given testimonials on his behalf in court. Now one of the friends is dead and Troy has been arrested for his murder. The murder occurred in another jurisdiction, so Madison can only quietly investigate on her own. A twisted story of revenge, but the murderer didn’t count on Madison, who is determined to find the killer and exonerate the man she loves. An amazing police procedural, written by one of the best, that will keep you turning the pages until the thrilling end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
May 20, 2024
Murder At The Lake, a Detective Madison Knight Mystery, by Carolyn Arnold is a very satisfying mystery. Detective Madison Knight's wedding to fellow police officer Troy Matthews is rudely interrupted by police from a neighboring community. Troy is arrested for the murder of a former classmate, Dylan Graham. Normal police courtesy would be advance notice of such an event involving a fellow officer, especially considering that the Police Chief Andrea Fletcher is Troy's sister. The novel focuses on Madison's efforts to clear Troy and discover the actual killer/s; the murder and rape of Emily Kane, also a former classmate of Troy's, 24 years earlier, is at the heart of the case. Murder At The Lake is a fast-paced and an easy read novel.
I didn't like all of the characters much, especially Troy Matthews. From the onset of his arrest he was arrogant and disrespectful; I found it annoying. On the positive side it's an engaging and intriguing book. Thanks to NetGalley, Hibbert and Stiles Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book; my review reflects my honest assessment. 3.5 stars.
I didn't like all of the characters much, especially Troy Matthews. From the onset of his arrest he was arrogant and disrespectful; I found it annoying. On the positive side it's an engaging and intriguing book. Thanks to NetGalley, Hibbert and Stiles Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book; my review reflects my honest assessment. 3.5 stars.
February 16, 2024
Thanks to Carolyn and NetGalley for allowing me to read Murder at the Lake before the publication date.
In the series, Det Madison Knight has experienced heartbreak and trauma.
Now her life is on track again. She recently bought the house which had belonged to her grandmother and holds good memories for Madison.
Today, she will be marrying her fiancé, Troy Matthews, in that house in front of friends and family.
Even Hershey, Madison’s labrador, has a part to play in the ceremony.
But there are two uninvited attendees when Braybury P.D. Detectives Snow and Friedman gate crash the event and arrest Troy on a charge of murder.
Excluded from the official investigation, Madison has to walk a tight rope as she works to unravel a story that started 25 years earlier, when a teenage girl was raped and murdered at an end of term beach party.
Unfortunately Troy is not helping himself when he refuses to talk about what happened.
Lots of secrets will be revealed and there are plenty of red herrings along the way to keep the reader engaged.
In the series, Det Madison Knight has experienced heartbreak and trauma.
Now her life is on track again. She recently bought the house which had belonged to her grandmother and holds good memories for Madison.
Today, she will be marrying her fiancé, Troy Matthews, in that house in front of friends and family.
Even Hershey, Madison’s labrador, has a part to play in the ceremony.
But there are two uninvited attendees when Braybury P.D. Detectives Snow and Friedman gate crash the event and arrest Troy on a charge of murder.
Excluded from the official investigation, Madison has to walk a tight rope as she works to unravel a story that started 25 years earlier, when a teenage girl was raped and murdered at an end of term beach party.
Unfortunately Troy is not helping himself when he refuses to talk about what happened.
Lots of secrets will be revealed and there are plenty of red herrings along the way to keep the reader engaged.
March 21, 2024
Thank you Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. for the arc of Murder at the Lake. This is my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Murder at the Lake has us wondering what is going on with Madison and Troy as their wedding gets interrupted by the police arresting Troy.
Can Madison stand back and let the police handle things? It is not in her nature to just stand back especially when this concerns Troy.
Lots of suspense and intrigue!
Will Madison find the truth before Troy is convicted and sent to prison?
You need to read Murder at the Lake to find out!
Carolyn Arnold is a favorite author. I always get excited when I see a new book is coming out that she has written.
Murder at the Lake is the 13th book in the Madison Knight series. I highly encourage you to read the previous books in the series. There is just so much back story you need to know about the main characters.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Murder at the Lake has us wondering what is going on with Madison and Troy as their wedding gets interrupted by the police arresting Troy.
Can Madison stand back and let the police handle things? It is not in her nature to just stand back especially when this concerns Troy.
Lots of suspense and intrigue!
Will Madison find the truth before Troy is convicted and sent to prison?
You need to read Murder at the Lake to find out!
Carolyn Arnold is a favorite author. I always get excited when I see a new book is coming out that she has written.
Murder at the Lake is the 13th book in the Madison Knight series. I highly encourage you to read the previous books in the series. There is just so much back story you need to know about the main characters.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 10, 2024
Murder at the Lake (A Detective Madison Knight Mystery)
by Carolyn Arnold
Detective Madison Knight is back!
This time, the story started with a girl called Emily Kane who was raped and killed in college, while one of their friends got arrested for the crime. 24 years later in Detective Madison Knight's wedding, the police interrupted their wedding and arrested her fiance Troy. Trpy was arrested for the murder of one of their college friends...
The author Carolyn Arnold is always my favourite crime fiction writer. The characters she created are unique and with distinct personalities. Basically you can picture all the characters when reading her books. The police investigation in the book is always an enjoyment to read. The dark secrets and the relationship between the characters are fascinating. Especially I love how Detective Madison Knight work with her team. I cannot wait for the next crime fiction by Carolyn Arnold.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.
Pub date: May 9, 2024
by Carolyn Arnold
Detective Madison Knight is back!
This time, the story started with a girl called Emily Kane who was raped and killed in college, while one of their friends got arrested for the crime. 24 years later in Detective Madison Knight's wedding, the police interrupted their wedding and arrested her fiance Troy. Trpy was arrested for the murder of one of their college friends...
The author Carolyn Arnold is always my favourite crime fiction writer. The characters she created are unique and with distinct personalities. Basically you can picture all the characters when reading her books. The police investigation in the book is always an enjoyment to read. The dark secrets and the relationship between the characters are fascinating. Especially I love how Detective Madison Knight work with her team. I cannot wait for the next crime fiction by Carolyn Arnold.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.
Pub date: May 9, 2024
May 28, 2024
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I’ve read several of Carolyn Arnold’s books, and I enjoy them especially for the police procedurals. I haven’t read all of the books in the Madison Knight series, but they each stand alone.
Just as Madison and Troy are about to be married, he’s arrested for murder! Although Madison is warned to stay away from this case, she feels she has no choice but to investigate since they’re not going to investigate more. They actually think Troy is guilty.
I’ve always liked Terry and Troy, and now a new detective has been introduced: Detective Snow. He was the detective who was on Troy’s case and, if not for him, Troy would probably have been found guilty.
Madison is always stubborn and focused, but this time, she’s even more so. Her partner, Terry, is right there with her, even when it may cost him his job. There are several twists and heartache, but the ending is very good.
I’ve read several of Carolyn Arnold’s books, and I enjoy them especially for the police procedurals. I haven’t read all of the books in the Madison Knight series, but they each stand alone.
Just as Madison and Troy are about to be married, he’s arrested for murder! Although Madison is warned to stay away from this case, she feels she has no choice but to investigate since they’re not going to investigate more. They actually think Troy is guilty.
I’ve always liked Terry and Troy, and now a new detective has been introduced: Detective Snow. He was the detective who was on Troy’s case and, if not for him, Troy would probably have been found guilty.
Madison is always stubborn and focused, but this time, she’s even more so. Her partner, Terry, is right there with her, even when it may cost him his job. There are several twists and heartache, but the ending is very good.
March 1, 2024
Murder By The Lake, the thirteenth book in the Detective Madison Knight series, starts off with a bang and sucks you in right away. Madison and Troy may be minutes away from exchanging their vows, but, when police officers arrest the groom for murder, well, that will definitely ruin the moment. Unfortunately for Troy, some of his past will come to light, and Madison will do all she can to find out why someone from his past is targeting him, and even worse, doing a great job of framing him. A mystery killer, innocent victims, a strong female detective…what’s not to love. The book is filled with thrills, action, deception, and emotion. The story will have you enthralled as Madison works to uncover the tangled web. Another fast paced and thrilling novel from Carolyn Arnold. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 13, 2024
Police procedural with strong female Detective who still has compassion. When Troy is arrested in the middle of their wedding and walked out in handcuffs Det Madison knows he is innocent. Sigh, what does that say to you when all this evidence is thrown in your face but you still believe. Det Madison cannot work the case, but that doesn't mean she will stand by. Fast paced page turner, twists, turns surprises. My one holdout that I just can't wrap my head around is Troy not saying anything after he's arrested. Maybe I misconstrued or missed something. Grab the book and put on your detective hat, prepare to be led down a winding road. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review before release date. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #MurderattheLake #DetectiveMadisonKnight #CarolynArnold #Hibbert&Stiles Publishing Inc. #NetGalley
May 7, 2024
This is the thirteenth book in the series. I had a tough time becoming invested in this revenge book.
I couldn’t wait for the story to end. The characters seemed one dimensional to me.
I didn’t like the interruption of the wedding in progress, the total lack of solid evidence against Troy, and the disregard for human decency. The arrest of Troy could have occurred before or after the wedding. There was a total disregard for common courtesy for two dedicated and unblemished police officers. There was no need to publicly humiliate them and disrupt the wedding. Investigate, yes; humiliate – if needed, wait until you have a solid case. It was a 24-year old case.
I was given an advanced e-copy via Netgalley. These are my opinions and may not match your opinion of the story.
I will give this author another try.
I couldn’t wait for the story to end. The characters seemed one dimensional to me.
I didn’t like the interruption of the wedding in progress, the total lack of solid evidence against Troy, and the disregard for human decency. The arrest of Troy could have occurred before or after the wedding. There was a total disregard for common courtesy for two dedicated and unblemished police officers. There was no need to publicly humiliate them and disrupt the wedding. Investigate, yes; humiliate – if needed, wait until you have a solid case. It was a 24-year old case.
I was given an advanced e-copy via Netgalley. These are my opinions and may not match your opinion of the story.
I will give this author another try.
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