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Detective Amanda Steele #10
Missing Before Daylight
She wakes surrounded by an inky black darkness and can barely breathe. A sack is covering her head, and her hands are tied behind her back. She desperately tries to struggle free as she hears footsteps walking toward her. She silently starts to cry as a chilling voice whispers “It’s time to pay for what you did…”
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal.
Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves . As Amanda breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May , she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.
Desperate for a lead, Amanda and her partner, Trent , search Katherine’s home. Soon, they discover that despite no longer being with the police department, Katherine has a long list of very dangerous enemies. Enemies who have been sending her anonymous letters promising revenge.
The more Amanda digs into Katherine’s past, the longer her list of suspects becomes. But when May is sent a ransom demand and a picture of Katherine close to death, Amanda knows time is running out. With only hours left to find Katherine alive, Amanda is prepared to risk everything to keep her promise to May, even her own life…
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal.
Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves . As Amanda breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May , she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.
Desperate for a lead, Amanda and her partner, Trent , search Katherine’s home. Soon, they discover that despite no longer being with the police department, Katherine has a long list of very dangerous enemies. Enemies who have been sending her anonymous letters promising revenge.
The more Amanda digs into Katherine’s past, the longer her list of suspects becomes. But when May is sent a ransom demand and a picture of Katherine close to death, Amanda knows time is running out. With only hours left to find Katherine alive, Amanda is prepared to risk everything to keep her promise to May, even her own life…
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2024
1347 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Arnold
76 books1,278 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 93 reviews
February 18, 2024
Carolyn Arnold continues to bring suspense, solid investigation, action, and intense moments in her latest book
Missing Before Daylight
. It’s the tenth book in the police procedural and crime thriller featuring Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Detective Trent Stenson. The setting takes place in and around Woodbridge in Prince William County, Virginia.
Amanda and Trent are called to the murder scene of a gas station clerk. While they initially assume it was a robbery gone wrong, they discover nothing was stolen. A review of the security video shows the murder but also the abduction of a customer very familiar to them.
Amanda doesn’t get much down time and has zero hobbies. She hates being idle and feels guilt and regret while trying to balance her family and work lives. She’s resilient and feels she has a duty to find justice for the victims and closure for their loved ones. Amanda’s flaws and struggles make her seem realistic. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back.
A chilling and suspenseful prologue that grabs readers’ attention is followed by arrival at the crime scene by the police. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. While most of the story is from Amanda’s point of view, readers get insight into what is happening to the abducted customer. This adds another layer of drama, urgency, and suspense that will keep readers rapidly turning the pages.
The descriptive narrative transported me into the terrifying world of the victims and the investigators. The story instills in the reader a feeling of deep anxiety for the abductee. Will the police arrive in time? There are several surprises and twists along the way as the novel progresses. Throughout the investigation, Amanda is facing a personal crisis as well, making the story seem even more realistic. The author weaves murder, abduction, relationships, family dynamics, grief, and more into a finely crafted tale.
The book has solid police investigation and good character development. I was transported into the suspenseful situation and wanted to know who was behind the crimes. Themes include grief, family, relationships, empathy, revenge, work-life balance, and much more.
Overall, this novel is engaging, entertaining, and a solid police procedural. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this series to those who like police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable and likeable main characters. This series is best read in order to fully understand the backstories of the main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Amanda and Trent are called to the murder scene of a gas station clerk. While they initially assume it was a robbery gone wrong, they discover nothing was stolen. A review of the security video shows the murder but also the abduction of a customer very familiar to them.
Amanda doesn’t get much down time and has zero hobbies. She hates being idle and feels guilt and regret while trying to balance her family and work lives. She’s resilient and feels she has a duty to find justice for the victims and closure for their loved ones. Amanda’s flaws and struggles make her seem realistic. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back.
A chilling and suspenseful prologue that grabs readers’ attention is followed by arrival at the crime scene by the police. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. While most of the story is from Amanda’s point of view, readers get insight into what is happening to the abducted customer. This adds another layer of drama, urgency, and suspense that will keep readers rapidly turning the pages.
The descriptive narrative transported me into the terrifying world of the victims and the investigators. The story instills in the reader a feeling of deep anxiety for the abductee. Will the police arrive in time? There are several surprises and twists along the way as the novel progresses. Throughout the investigation, Amanda is facing a personal crisis as well, making the story seem even more realistic. The author weaves murder, abduction, relationships, family dynamics, grief, and more into a finely crafted tale.
The book has solid police investigation and good character development. I was transported into the suspenseful situation and wanted to know who was behind the crimes. Themes include grief, family, relationships, empathy, revenge, work-life balance, and much more.
Overall, this novel is engaging, entertaining, and a solid police procedural. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this series to those who like police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable and likeable main characters. This series is best read in order to fully understand the backstories of the main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
January 17, 2024
During the predawn hours, a young clerk in a gas station convenience store is shot dead and a former colleague of Amanda’s, Katherine Graves, is abducted. Katherine has been involved in many high profile cases in her time and there are any number of nefarious characters who could be involved. It seems very personal as the perpetrator tells her “it’s time to pay for what you did.” Amanda and partner Trent work tirelessly to solve the case, but will their feelings for each other impede their progress?
This is the tenth in the Prince William County (VA) Detective Amanda Steele series. Although I have read quite a few of them and have enjoyed seeing the repeating characters and relationships change and grow, I think this would work well as a standalone. The author does a nice job of filling in background information, including Amanda’s past history and references to some other cases she has worked.
Told in two POVs, Amanda’s and Katherine’s in captivity, this is yet another of Arnold’s fast paced, engrossing police procedurals. Arnold knows how to capture and maintain her readers’ interest. I love the repeating characters, especially Amanda who, despite an earlier tragedy in her life, is a strong, capable, independent, empathetic female.
Carolyn Arnold is one of my go to authors. She has written more than thirty books featuring five series and spanning different genre including strong police procedurals, cozy mysteries, and adventure novels. I also really like her Madison Knight series.
Thanks to #netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC.
This is the tenth in the Prince William County (VA) Detective Amanda Steele series. Although I have read quite a few of them and have enjoyed seeing the repeating characters and relationships change and grow, I think this would work well as a standalone. The author does a nice job of filling in background information, including Amanda’s past history and references to some other cases she has worked.
Told in two POVs, Amanda’s and Katherine’s in captivity, this is yet another of Arnold’s fast paced, engrossing police procedurals. Arnold knows how to capture and maintain her readers’ interest. I love the repeating characters, especially Amanda who, despite an earlier tragedy in her life, is a strong, capable, independent, empathetic female.
Carolyn Arnold is one of my go to authors. She has written more than thirty books featuring five series and spanning different genre including strong police procedurals, cozy mysteries, and adventure novels. I also really like her Madison Knight series.
Thanks to #netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC.
May 4, 2024
It started with a smile….
Leah adjusted her reindeer antlers in the domed mirror that was nestled in the far corner of the store.
Her day ended in bloodshed and the race is on to find her killer. It is very sad that she was murdered, and it wiped the smile off my face. It’s one of those things, in the wrong place at the wrong time.
5:15 AM and Amanda is running out the door. Her and her partner, Trent, are on the case.
Amanda has an adopted daughter, Zoe, who is the sweetest thing, older than her years. She has a lover, Logan. Their relationship has advanced to the moving in together phase, but he is not a member of law enforcement and I foresee huge problems on the horizon. After all, it is not a 9 to 5 job. It would make more sense, to me, that her and Trent hook up. I think they are a match made in heaven. Will they? Are you just teasing me, Carolyn?
They discover that Katherine Graves, an ex police officer, was in the store and had been kidnapped. She has many enemies and it will be their job to figure out who has taken her.
Amanda yanked Lowell’s hair back, and pressed the nose of her gun to his skull, “I said, hands up!”
That is why I love Amanda Steele. She is fierce.
As the story unfolds, the past comes back to haunt Katherine, the pace picks up, the danger rises, and I am rapidly flipping pages. Carolyn Arnold does not make it easy to figure things out, leading me here and leading me there, at times fearing for Amanda’s life. Of course, I worry for the other characters, but, you know…she’s my favorite. She does give me a satisfying ending and I always look forward to the next story.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Leah adjusted her reindeer antlers in the domed mirror that was nestled in the far corner of the store.
Her day ended in bloodshed and the race is on to find her killer. It is very sad that she was murdered, and it wiped the smile off my face. It’s one of those things, in the wrong place at the wrong time.
5:15 AM and Amanda is running out the door. Her and her partner, Trent, are on the case.
Amanda has an adopted daughter, Zoe, who is the sweetest thing, older than her years. She has a lover, Logan. Their relationship has advanced to the moving in together phase, but he is not a member of law enforcement and I foresee huge problems on the horizon. After all, it is not a 9 to 5 job. It would make more sense, to me, that her and Trent hook up. I think they are a match made in heaven. Will they? Are you just teasing me, Carolyn?
They discover that Katherine Graves, an ex police officer, was in the store and had been kidnapped. She has many enemies and it will be their job to figure out who has taken her.
Amanda yanked Lowell’s hair back, and pressed the nose of her gun to his skull, “I said, hands up!”
That is why I love Amanda Steele. She is fierce.
As the story unfolds, the past comes back to haunt Katherine, the pace picks up, the danger rises, and I am rapidly flipping pages. Carolyn Arnold does not make it easy to figure things out, leading me here and leading me there, at times fearing for Amanda’s life. Of course, I worry for the other characters, but, you know…she’s my favorite. She does give me a satisfying ending and I always look forward to the next story.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
January 19, 2024
Carolyn Arnold is one of my go to authors, so when I do get a book from her it is an immediate must read and goes up the pile,
I haven't read everything in this series but I have read enough for it to flow. The characters here are very complex and the issues in depth so I would recommend that you read all of them. I am enjoying this series - it is another part of America I know nothing about and I love the way she has described the feelings that characters in New York have to the location, works well.
I dont want to say anything more as there will be spoilers but looking forward to see what happens next.
The crime itself was well thought out and kept me guessing - love that.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I haven't read everything in this series but I have read enough for it to flow. The characters here are very complex and the issues in depth so I would recommend that you read all of them. I am enjoying this series - it is another part of America I know nothing about and I love the way she has described the feelings that characters in New York have to the location, works well.
I dont want to say anything more as there will be spoilers but looking forward to see what happens next.
The crime itself was well thought out and kept me guessing - love that.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
February 27, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Carolyn Arnold delivers another gripping read with Missing Before Daylight, the newest installment in her Detective Amanda Steele series. This book is filled with action, suspense, and intense moments scattered throughout the story.
Missing Before Daylight focuses on the search for Katherine Graves. Katherine filled in as Amanda and Trent's boss, when their sergeant Malone took a leave of absence due to illness. Amanda and her butted heads, but after several cases, their respect for each other grew. After Malone's return, Katherine retired and proceeded to build a relationship with her estranged aunt. In the week before Christmas, while on her way to her aunt's café, someone kidnapped Katherine from a gas station. During the kidnapping exercise, the eighteen-year-old attendant became a casualty.
Trent and Amanda arrived on the scene of what they believed to be a robbery gone wrong, but then they discovered nothing was taken. Examining the security footage reveals not just murder, but also kidnapping. Now, Trent and Amanda find themselves in a race against time to locate their former sergeant before it's too late.
As a former detective in New York City, Katherine had quite a list of people whom she arrested who may have a strong desire for revenge. This revelation made Trent and Amanda's work harder as they attempted to track down the person behind the kidnapping and murder. There was no time for extended breaks, as this case was a matter of life and death.
With each instalment, Arnold gives readers a view into the characters' personal lives. In Missing Before Daylight, she revisits the sexual tension between Amanda and Trent. She also explores the impact an impulsive action on Amanda's part had on her current relationship. Amanda seems content with her current relationship, but her feelings for her partner have the potential to derail everything. Honestly, I am team Trent and I believe they would be good together.
The dynamic between Trent and Amanda also helped to make this a compelling read. Missing Before Daylight is a thrilling and suspenseful tale, with a complex case that will keep readers glued to the pages from start to finish.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Missing Before Daylight focuses on the search for Katherine Graves. Katherine filled in as Amanda and Trent's boss, when their sergeant Malone took a leave of absence due to illness. Amanda and her butted heads, but after several cases, their respect for each other grew. After Malone's return, Katherine retired and proceeded to build a relationship with her estranged aunt. In the week before Christmas, while on her way to her aunt's café, someone kidnapped Katherine from a gas station. During the kidnapping exercise, the eighteen-year-old attendant became a casualty.
Trent and Amanda arrived on the scene of what they believed to be a robbery gone wrong, but then they discovered nothing was taken. Examining the security footage reveals not just murder, but also kidnapping. Now, Trent and Amanda find themselves in a race against time to locate their former sergeant before it's too late.
As a former detective in New York City, Katherine had quite a list of people whom she arrested who may have a strong desire for revenge. This revelation made Trent and Amanda's work harder as they attempted to track down the person behind the kidnapping and murder. There was no time for extended breaks, as this case was a matter of life and death.
With each instalment, Arnold gives readers a view into the characters' personal lives. In Missing Before Daylight, she revisits the sexual tension between Amanda and Trent. She also explores the impact an impulsive action on Amanda's part had on her current relationship. Amanda seems content with her current relationship, but her feelings for her partner have the potential to derail everything. Honestly, I am team Trent and I believe they would be good together.
The dynamic between Trent and Amanda also helped to make this a compelling read. Missing Before Daylight is a thrilling and suspenseful tale, with a complex case that will keep readers glued to the pages from start to finish.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
February 9, 2024
3.5 stars
This is a good crime thriller.
Whilst it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book.
Amanda and Trent are called to a gas station where a teenage girl who works there has been shot dead.
When they review the CCTV they realise another woman was at the gas station and they see her being forced into a van.
On closer inspection, Amanda realises it’s one of her old colleagues who left the Police.
Amanda and Trent pull out all the stops to find her before it’s too late.
A good read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good crime thriller.
Whilst it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book.
Amanda and Trent are called to a gas station where a teenage girl who works there has been shot dead.
When they review the CCTV they realise another woman was at the gas station and they see her being forced into a van.
On closer inspection, Amanda realises it’s one of her old colleagues who left the Police.
Amanda and Trent pull out all the stops to find her before it’s too late.
A good read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 25, 2024
Missing Before Daylight is the newest addition to the Detective Amanda Steele crime thriller/police procedural series. This story is a chase to find Katherine Graves. Katherine was Amanda's and Trent's sargaent when Malone was off due to illness. When he returned, she retired and reconciled with her Aunt May. Early in the morning, on her way to Hannah's, May's café, she is abducted from a gas station and the 18 year old attendant was killed. The whole department is mobilized to find Katherine, as she is still one of their own. Can they find her before she ends up dead?
This was a story that was a race against time. With Katherine having been a Detective in NYC, she had a long list of people who she had put away, that may have wanted to get even with her. Trying to follow them all up would be impossible, but there were a couple living locally, so that is where they started. It was a difficult case and the team was really scrambling. Each book also includes personal stories and this one brings that sexual tension between Amanda and Trent to the surface again. How it affects their lives as well as their loved ones, is another part of this book. One thing I really like is how realistic Carolyn Arnold makes her characters. My heart broke for Amanda and all she was dealing with professionally and personally in this book. There were a lot of road blocks that had me on the edge of my seat wondering if they would find Katherine before it was too late. You will have to read this book to find out. Another wonderful addition to the Detective Amanda Steele series.
This was a story that was a race against time. With Katherine having been a Detective in NYC, she had a long list of people who she had put away, that may have wanted to get even with her. Trying to follow them all up would be impossible, but there were a couple living locally, so that is where they started. It was a difficult case and the team was really scrambling. Each book also includes personal stories and this one brings that sexual tension between Amanda and Trent to the surface again. How it affects their lives as well as their loved ones, is another part of this book. One thing I really like is how realistic Carolyn Arnold makes her characters. My heart broke for Amanda and all she was dealing with professionally and personally in this book. There were a lot of road blocks that had me on the edge of my seat wondering if they would find Katherine before it was too late. You will have to read this book to find out. Another wonderful addition to the Detective Amanda Steele series.
February 22, 2024
While Detective Amanda Steele thinks she is being called into the case of the murder of a young gas station attendant, she finds much more. Devastated to soon discover that her former colleague Katherine Graves was abducted from the gas station during that murder. Amanda worries but also wonders about the motivation behind Katherine's abduction.
Meanwhile. Katherine is looking for any opportunity to escape her abductor and the story switches back and forth from Amanda and her partner Trent's investigation. While all of this is going on, Amanda finds herself torn when it comes to her personal life. Determined not allow conflicting feelings to affect her work, Amanda soldiers on.
The Detective Amanda Steele series is definitely captivating and I have read the series from the beginning. It has been really good to see the struggles that Amanda has experienced and how they have made her stronger over the years. Also, it is interesting to see Amanda navigate her personal and professional relationship with Trent while growing her relationship with her romantic partner Logan and her adopted daughter Zoe. Book 11, please head my way soon.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Meanwhile. Katherine is looking for any opportunity to escape her abductor and the story switches back and forth from Amanda and her partner Trent's investigation. While all of this is going on, Amanda finds herself torn when it comes to her personal life. Determined not allow conflicting feelings to affect her work, Amanda soldiers on.
The Detective Amanda Steele series is definitely captivating and I have read the series from the beginning. It has been really good to see the struggles that Amanda has experienced and how they have made her stronger over the years. Also, it is interesting to see Amanda navigate her personal and professional relationship with Trent while growing her relationship with her romantic partner Logan and her adopted daughter Zoe. Book 11, please head my way soon.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 8, 2024
Missing Before Daylight starts out with a call for Amanda and Trent to go to a gas station where a shooting has occurred. After they get there, they discover that one of their own, Katherine, had been at the gas station and was kidnapped. Neither detectives can figure out why anyone would want to kidnap her.
Can they figure out what is going on before Katherine ends up getting killed?
As always, Carolyn Arnold keeps us guessing up to the end. Her writing is solid, engaging and full of twists you never see coming.
I often wonder where the romance angle is going between Amanda, Trent and Logan. Honestly, I REALLY hope we get some sort of resolution to their relationships!
If you haven’t read the Detective Amanda Steele series, you are missing out! Definitely start with book 1. There is so much back story to the main characters that is important to know.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
Can they figure out what is going on before Katherine ends up getting killed?
As always, Carolyn Arnold keeps us guessing up to the end. Her writing is solid, engaging and full of twists you never see coming.
I often wonder where the romance angle is going between Amanda, Trent and Logan. Honestly, I REALLY hope we get some sort of resolution to their relationships!
If you haven’t read the Detective Amanda Steele series, you are missing out! Definitely start with book 1. There is so much back story to the main characters that is important to know.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
February 25, 2024
Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold is the tenth book in the excellent Detective Amanda Steele series and what a roller coaster ride this was. I was hooked from the very first few pages till the very end! I have read all these books in this Detective Amanda Steele series and they have all been a 5 star read. This book was No different!
Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal, but what?
While watching the security footage, Detective Amanda Steele is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer who was in the gas station. Then, her heart stops.......when she recognises the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. But, as she breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May, she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.
The clock is ticking and Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Trent is desperate for a lead. They soon, they discover that despite no longer being with the police department, Katherine has a long list of very dangerous enemies. Enemies who have been sending her anonymous letters promising revenge.
Amanda digs into Katherine’s past, the longer her list of suspects becomes. But when May is sent a ransom demand and a picture of Katherine close to death, Amanda knows time is running out. With only hours left to find Katherine alive, Amanda is prepared to risk everything to keep her promise to May, even her own life…
This book is So good I could not put it down and I highly recommend this book and series.
Another 5 star book.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my Arc.
Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal, but what?
While watching the security footage, Detective Amanda Steele is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer who was in the gas station. Then, her heart stops.......when she recognises the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. But, as she breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May, she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.
The clock is ticking and Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Trent is desperate for a lead. They soon, they discover that despite no longer being with the police department, Katherine has a long list of very dangerous enemies. Enemies who have been sending her anonymous letters promising revenge.
Amanda digs into Katherine’s past, the longer her list of suspects becomes. But when May is sent a ransom demand and a picture of Katherine close to death, Amanda knows time is running out. With only hours left to find Katherine alive, Amanda is prepared to risk everything to keep her promise to May, even her own life…
This book is So good I could not put it down and I highly recommend this book and series.
Another 5 star book.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my Arc.
February 14, 2024
This is the tenth book in the Detective Amanda Steele series, one I've been reading since book four and I enjoy the procedural thriller series. This book starts with Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Detective Trent Stenson being called to the scene of a tragic death. (Be aware that the beginning is violent and difficult to read because an eighteen-year-old girl is killed.) If the death of a young woman isn't bad enough, they realize the case is even more complicated and personal than they thought, and time is running out on this second part of the investigation.
This is a tense and suspenseful book and I really enjoyed seeing Amanda and Trent investigate this complex case. The resolution to the case is dramatic and gripping. I liked that throughout the book, we also get to know a side character from prior books a little better.
I would have liked the book even more if Amanda was as smart in her personal life as she is on the job. She makes some very poor choices in this book and puts her friendship and partnership with Trent on the line. In the end, she tries to do what's right, but I'm not sure I agree with her decision, but we will see what happens as the series continues. Fans of the series will enjoy the book, but it would also work as a standalone for new readers.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Bookouture. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is a tense and suspenseful book and I really enjoyed seeing Amanda and Trent investigate this complex case. The resolution to the case is dramatic and gripping. I liked that throughout the book, we also get to know a side character from prior books a little better.
I would have liked the book even more if Amanda was as smart in her personal life as she is on the job. She makes some very poor choices in this book and puts her friendship and partnership with Trent on the line. In the end, she tries to do what's right, but I'm not sure I agree with her decision, but we will see what happens as the series continues. Fans of the series will enjoy the book, but it would also work as a standalone for new readers.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Bookouture. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
January 27, 2024
Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold is so good! Carolyn Arnold is one of those writers who can craft an engaging and suspenseful story that flows well and feels effortless when reading.
Missing Before Daylight is a gripping crime thriller and is book 10 in the Detective Amanda Steele series. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I really love these characters. I so want Amanda and Trent to get together. I also would love to see Zoe featured more in future books.
The story opened with a shooting at a gas station, and that was quite sad. When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal.
Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. She is shocked when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. And the story takes off from there and never lets up. So many good twists and apprehensive moments have you turning the pages faster and faster.
This series is so great, and this book is a terrific addition. I would highly recommend this book and this author.
#MissingBeforeDaylight #NetGalley @bookouture
Missing Before Daylight is a gripping crime thriller and is book 10 in the Detective Amanda Steele series. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I really love these characters. I so want Amanda and Trent to get together. I also would love to see Zoe featured more in future books.
The story opened with a shooting at a gas station, and that was quite sad. When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal.
Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. She is shocked when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. And the story takes off from there and never lets up. So many good twists and apprehensive moments have you turning the pages faster and faster.
This series is so great, and this book is a terrific addition. I would highly recommend this book and this author.
#MissingBeforeDaylight #NetGalley @bookouture
February 22, 2024
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen.
Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves.
The tenth outing for Amanda & Trent & another well written intriguing & engrossing thriller. I loved the tension that built as Amanda discovered more & more suspects as she races to find Katherine. I was drawn in from the start & found the book hard to put down. The pace is very good & the characters have depth & are relatable. However it was the suspense that really gripped me as the case unfolded.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves.
The tenth outing for Amanda & Trent & another well written intriguing & engrossing thriller. I loved the tension that built as Amanda discovered more & more suspects as she races to find Katherine. I was drawn in from the start & found the book hard to put down. The pace is very good & the characters have depth & are relatable. However it was the suspense that really gripped me as the case unfolded.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 23, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this tense thriller of a book
oh my word this one is action packed right from the beginning till the very last chapter.... and the hits just keep on coming
when detective amanda steele arrives at the gas station in the earlier hours of the morning its to news of a murder of a 18 year old girl, its a sad situation and though at first everything seems as it should be, its not long once they view the cctv film that this murder is so much more when they discover a kidnapping also occurred and its someone they know....
its a race against time.....
this book will have you on the edge of your seat so many red herrings before the perp is unmasked but will they be in time
cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series
oh my word this one is action packed right from the beginning till the very last chapter.... and the hits just keep on coming
when detective amanda steele arrives at the gas station in the earlier hours of the morning its to news of a murder of a 18 year old girl, its a sad situation and though at first everything seems as it should be, its not long once they view the cctv film that this murder is so much more when they discover a kidnapping also occurred and its someone they know....
its a race against time.....
this book will have you on the edge of your seat so many red herrings before the perp is unmasked but will they be in time
cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series
February 24, 2024
Missing Before Daylight is one of the best books that I've read in this series. It has action and romance, it's fast-paced, and the Police Force is mobilized to find who is responsible for kidnapping Katherine, one of their own, and the killing of a teenager who was working at the place where the kidnapping occurred. Amanda is close to Katherine and to her family and the case therefore demands much more of her than any previous one. She is also deeply divided between her feelings towards Trent and Logan and soon she'll have to make a decision. Great plot, believable characters, and is very entertaining!
I thank Ms. Arnold, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Arnold, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
January 17, 2024
When I read series, something funny happens to me. I don't know whether you feel the same, but I start seeing the recurring characters as real people and maybe even a bit as friends. I laugh and cry with them, want the best for them and want to support them when they feel down.
That's why I always hold my breath when something happens to them even though I know they will come out on top and why I would want to have a conversation with Amanda about matters of the heart. :)
She went through so much heartache already and she deserves all the happiness in the world. Maybe she feels like she has found it, but I don't feel it. I think she settles for second best, because she is afraid to dive into it. I keep hoping she will come to her senses ;) :)
But apart from that there is the case she and Trent have to solve. It's one close to home and that always makes it more emotional.
I love the energy between this duo of marvelous detectives and they complete each other, well completely. :)
Another great addition to this amazing series. Please keep them coming. 5 stars
Thank you
That's why I always hold my breath when something happens to them even though I know they will come out on top and why I would want to have a conversation with Amanda about matters of the heart. :)
She went through so much heartache already and she deserves all the happiness in the world. Maybe she feels like she has found it, but I don't feel it. I think she settles for second best, because she is afraid to dive into it. I keep hoping she will come to her senses ;) :)
But apart from that there is the case she and Trent have to solve. It's one close to home and that always makes it more emotional.
I love the energy between this duo of marvelous detectives and they complete each other, well completely. :)
Another great addition to this amazing series. Please keep them coming. 5 stars
Thank you
January 13, 2024
Another great story. You will not be disappointed in this book.nor wanting to put it down It has a little bit of everything. drama, mystery, intrigue, . Secrets and lies from the past to the present In a good flowing plot.
Haunting mystery story that I definitely recommend.
Given arc by.Net Galley and Bookouture for my voluntary review
Releases 22 February
Haunting mystery story that I definitely recommend.
Given arc by.Net Galley and Bookouture for my voluntary review
Releases 22 February
July 21, 2024
As always, this Carolyn Arnold novel is a full-time job till the last page. Decisive characters, well-plotted mystery, well-defined places, and action galore - what more could you ask for? This police procedural series featuring Amanda Steel and her partner Trent Stenson working for the Prince William County, VA Police Department are always good reading, with personable characters you can enjoy and truly despicable bad guys. Missing Before Daylight is another fine tale I highly recommend to friends and family. You can't go wrong with Carolyn Arnold.
REVIEWED on Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes and Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
REVIEWED on Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes and Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
February 22, 2024
In the early hours of the morning, just days before Christmas, Detectives Amanda Steele & Trent Stenson are called to the scene of a murder at a gas station in Woodbridge. The scene is devestating; the clerk, a very young woman dressed in festive holiday attire, is sprawled out behind the counter dead. When the manager arrives and offers Steele & Stenson view the surveillance video, they realize that the scene isn't just a murder..... a woman has been kidnapped. Already mobilizing their team, the pressure mounts for the Detectives when they see the kidnapped woman is one of their own. The race to find retired detective Katherine Graves requires Steele & Stenson to dive into Katherine's past before she moved to Virigina, but it's a long a complex history and there's no time to waste.
Wow. Ok. All of the books in this series are five stars for, but this one is my absolutely favorite so far. I could not put it down, I had to know what happens with Katherine Graves, as well as what was happening with Amanda's personal life. Following Graves' past cases and potential enemies, the case is well structured, moves quickly, and takes a number of turns. You feel the frustration Steele & Stenson experience when they hit a dead end with their former boss' life on the line.
My favorite thing about these books though is the character growth. When we meet Detective Steele in book one, she's an officer with struggling with some very serious demons as the result of unimaginable personal tragedy. Over the years we see her start to claw back her life, reestablish herself and her career, and begin to move forward. In the last few books, we've seen her life settle in a way that feels normal. Now we get the first real obstacle she's faced personally in a while and I absolutely love the way it played out. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Wow. Ok. All of the books in this series are five stars for, but this one is my absolutely favorite so far. I could not put it down, I had to know what happens with Katherine Graves, as well as what was happening with Amanda's personal life. Following Graves' past cases and potential enemies, the case is well structured, moves quickly, and takes a number of turns. You feel the frustration Steele & Stenson experience when they hit a dead end with their former boss' life on the line.
My favorite thing about these books though is the character growth. When we meet Detective Steele in book one, she's an officer with struggling with some very serious demons as the result of unimaginable personal tragedy. Over the years we see her start to claw back her life, reestablish herself and her career, and begin to move forward. In the last few books, we've seen her life settle in a way that feels normal. Now we get the first real obstacle she's faced personally in a while and I absolutely love the way it played out. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
March 25, 2024
The 10th book of the Detective Amanda Steele series is here and I can't believe I have already read four books in this series. As my regular readers will know, Carolyn Arnold is one of my top favorites and it's a no-brainer if I want to read any book of her's.
Last we had seen Amanda, she had been well on her way to begin to live, feel and love again. She had bonded well with Zoe and with Logan moving in to her house, she had started to think of the possibility of a future for the three of them. However, things were still heated up between her and her partner Trent and in "Missing Before Daylight", things come to a head between them when Amanda acts on the attraction she feels for Trent. This however, happens as a result of a new case that involves the murder of a gas station cashier and the abduction of Steele's former interim Sergeant Katherine Graves.
As Amanda and her team race against time to find Katherine before it gets too late for her, Amanda struggles between her feelings for Logan and Trent. Her one small inappropriate act becomes the source of tension and rift between them and Amanda has to do her best to rectify her mistake, all the while being the source of hope for Katherine's aunt May with whom she shares a close friendship.
Who kidnapped Katherine? What is their actual motive? Who amongst the many enemies, Katherine had garnered over her contentious career, is the one responsible? What is the thing which has had Katherine acting secretive and shady? Read the book to know more.
Carolyn has, as always, created a convoluted web of intrigue and secrets to conjure an interesting tale of unexpected evil. I loved the journey Amanda's character has gone through till now; the message of resilience and hope in the face of grief conveyed through her character touched my heart as always. I also liked the race- against- time aspect of storytelling in this book; it has added an extra element of urgency to the already taut narrative, which in turn enhanced the whole reading experience. The identity of the perpetrator was totally unexpected and that is a great point in the positive column for this book.
The police-procedural aspect of the story telling is on point as always. However, I did feel the way the police went about the Investigation in unnecessary tangents at times and I can't say that I cared for it. But seeing that this is how real-life Investigation works, the writing gets major points for authenticity.
Overall, this is a good book which contains all the positive aspects of Carolyn's previous books along with a few new ones and I can't wait to read the next one.
Last we had seen Amanda, she had been well on her way to begin to live, feel and love again. She had bonded well with Zoe and with Logan moving in to her house, she had started to think of the possibility of a future for the three of them. However, things were still heated up between her and her partner Trent and in "Missing Before Daylight", things come to a head between them when Amanda acts on the attraction she feels for Trent. This however, happens as a result of a new case that involves the murder of a gas station cashier and the abduction of Steele's former interim Sergeant Katherine Graves.
As Amanda and her team race against time to find Katherine before it gets too late for her, Amanda struggles between her feelings for Logan and Trent. Her one small inappropriate act becomes the source of tension and rift between them and Amanda has to do her best to rectify her mistake, all the while being the source of hope for Katherine's aunt May with whom she shares a close friendship.
Who kidnapped Katherine? What is their actual motive? Who amongst the many enemies, Katherine had garnered over her contentious career, is the one responsible? What is the thing which has had Katherine acting secretive and shady? Read the book to know more.
Carolyn has, as always, created a convoluted web of intrigue and secrets to conjure an interesting tale of unexpected evil. I loved the journey Amanda's character has gone through till now; the message of resilience and hope in the face of grief conveyed through her character touched my heart as always. I also liked the race- against- time aspect of storytelling in this book; it has added an extra element of urgency to the already taut narrative, which in turn enhanced the whole reading experience. The identity of the perpetrator was totally unexpected and that is a great point in the positive column for this book.
The police-procedural aspect of the story telling is on point as always. However, I did feel the way the police went about the Investigation in unnecessary tangents at times and I can't say that I cared for it. But seeing that this is how real-life Investigation works, the writing gets major points for authenticity.
Overall, this is a good book which contains all the positive aspects of Carolyn's previous books along with a few new ones and I can't wait to read the next one.
February 26, 2024
Tensions are high in Steele and Stenson’s most personal case to date
Katherine Graves is missing. Abducted from a gas station in the wee hours of a December morning the only leads Detectives Steele and Stenson have are a cigarette butt and some grainy surveillance video. With the only witness to the abduction in the morgue the duo sets out to determine why the previous chief of the PWCPD has been targeted. While no longer in law enforcement, the detectives cannot rule out a vengeful prior arrestee or a case that she was unwilling to let go, especially after searching her home another other areas for possible clues. When a ransom note comes in to her Aunt May a new element presents itself – could this just be an opportunistic event to capitalize on the recent success of Hannah’s diner? Steele and Stenson work tirelessly, racing the clock to locate Katherine before her time runs out. But with tensions increasing both between Amanda and Trent and Amanda and Logan, the personal nature of this case may end up taking more than one collateral victim.
Missing Before Daylight is the tenth in the Detective Amanda Steele series of books by author Carolyn Arnold. While most Detective Steele’s cases have been centered around perpetrators and victims that were relatively unknown, this case hits too close to home for the detectives. With the abducted being the one-time chief of the Prince William County Police Department it feels as if this is personal. Graves’ entrance to the PWCPD was shrouded by an abrupt exodus from a much larger department in New York. Could it be that whatever she appeared to be running from had caught up to her? The pair must exhaust all roads, from interviewing incarcerated gang members, to recently released felons, and even speaking with her closest friend and prior colleagues. The longer they delay locating and rescuing Katherine, the slimmer their chances become of finding her alive.
With Missing Before Daylight, the tensions between Steele and Stenson come to a boiling point when a rash decision threatens to not only jeopardize Amanda’s professional partnership with Trent but also her budding family life with Logan and Zoe. I have been waiting for Arnold to explore this potential angle for a few books now and am curious to see how all parties involved navigate the aftermath and the potential awkward situations that are bound to happen in the future. Also, in choosing a Christmas time setting Arnold takes a series of events that are already tense and ratchets up the urgency. The unspoken notion of many that the bad guys take the holidays off is completely shattered, as the duo must notify a family that their daughter is not coming home. This notification no doubt weighs heavily on Amanda’s mind during her attempts to locate and rescue Katherine as she does not want to deliver a similar message to her longtime friend May.
From the beginning, Missing Before Daylight is a gripping page turner. Having followed this series from its inception I feel this was probably for me the most intense installment in the series yet. Being familiar with all parties involved, I was invested in a way that I have not been in previous books. If this is your first experience with this cast of characters, however, do not be dissuades as Arnold structures many of her series novels so that you can read them in pretty much any order and not feel as if you are missing out on major plot points or backstory elements.
If you are looking for a twisting police procedural with a human element and not just one, but several strong female characters Missing Before Daylight would be a great start.
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.
Katherine Graves is missing. Abducted from a gas station in the wee hours of a December morning the only leads Detectives Steele and Stenson have are a cigarette butt and some grainy surveillance video. With the only witness to the abduction in the morgue the duo sets out to determine why the previous chief of the PWCPD has been targeted. While no longer in law enforcement, the detectives cannot rule out a vengeful prior arrestee or a case that she was unwilling to let go, especially after searching her home another other areas for possible clues. When a ransom note comes in to her Aunt May a new element presents itself – could this just be an opportunistic event to capitalize on the recent success of Hannah’s diner? Steele and Stenson work tirelessly, racing the clock to locate Katherine before her time runs out. But with tensions increasing both between Amanda and Trent and Amanda and Logan, the personal nature of this case may end up taking more than one collateral victim.
Missing Before Daylight is the tenth in the Detective Amanda Steele series of books by author Carolyn Arnold. While most Detective Steele’s cases have been centered around perpetrators and victims that were relatively unknown, this case hits too close to home for the detectives. With the abducted being the one-time chief of the Prince William County Police Department it feels as if this is personal. Graves’ entrance to the PWCPD was shrouded by an abrupt exodus from a much larger department in New York. Could it be that whatever she appeared to be running from had caught up to her? The pair must exhaust all roads, from interviewing incarcerated gang members, to recently released felons, and even speaking with her closest friend and prior colleagues. The longer they delay locating and rescuing Katherine, the slimmer their chances become of finding her alive.
With Missing Before Daylight, the tensions between Steele and Stenson come to a boiling point when a rash decision threatens to not only jeopardize Amanda’s professional partnership with Trent but also her budding family life with Logan and Zoe. I have been waiting for Arnold to explore this potential angle for a few books now and am curious to see how all parties involved navigate the aftermath and the potential awkward situations that are bound to happen in the future. Also, in choosing a Christmas time setting Arnold takes a series of events that are already tense and ratchets up the urgency. The unspoken notion of many that the bad guys take the holidays off is completely shattered, as the duo must notify a family that their daughter is not coming home. This notification no doubt weighs heavily on Amanda’s mind during her attempts to locate and rescue Katherine as she does not want to deliver a similar message to her longtime friend May.
From the beginning, Missing Before Daylight is a gripping page turner. Having followed this series from its inception I feel this was probably for me the most intense installment in the series yet. Being familiar with all parties involved, I was invested in a way that I have not been in previous books. If this is your first experience with this cast of characters, however, do not be dissuades as Arnold structures many of her series novels so that you can read them in pretty much any order and not feel as if you are missing out on major plot points or backstory elements.
If you are looking for a twisting police procedural with a human element and not just one, but several strong female characters Missing Before Daylight would be a great start.
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 19, 2024
As one of my 'go to' authors, the ones you know will never disappoint and will always kick start you out of any reading slump, when a new one lands in my inbox it goes straight to the top of my TBR pile!
This is now book #10 in the AMAZING Detective Amanda Steele Series and with each book it just keeps getting better. The tension is always building and the characters become more and more like friends.
Amanda and Trent recieve a call to attend the scene of a shooting of a young attendant at a gas station (petrol station) in the early hours of the morning. No witnesses were around but the station does have CCTV. When viewed they realise the young girl was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, the true victim was an ex colleague Katherine, who has been abducted.
With time passing quickly, no one can get an understanding on why it's happened. Contacting Katherine's old colleagues from her former New York precinct may give some clues but are they just chasing their tales? Can they find the missing pieces and find Katherine before she becomes another victim?
I have to say the twist right at the end was genius, it tied up all the loose ends but with a thread that can easily be weaved into book #11.
Carolyn's writing style is super solid, it never wavers which just has me constantly wanting more. The build up is always paced brilliantly with this feeling of static fizzling until the pop at the end. She always leaves me guessing! I adore just how effortless it feels reading this series. It makes you feel like your standing in the wings of a theatre watching it all play out in front of you.
I love the complexity of the characters in this series and the whole 'will they, won't they' between Amanda and Trent always brings an extra beat to my heart! They are the perfect duo and maybe one day we'll have some sort of resolution- hopefully the one we're all desperate for 😉
This could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the series right from the beginning- because why wouldn't you??
If you are after suspense, intrigue, drama, mystery and secrets and lies then this is it all tied up with a bow.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
This is now book #10 in the AMAZING Detective Amanda Steele Series and with each book it just keeps getting better. The tension is always building and the characters become more and more like friends.
Amanda and Trent recieve a call to attend the scene of a shooting of a young attendant at a gas station (petrol station) in the early hours of the morning. No witnesses were around but the station does have CCTV. When viewed they realise the young girl was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, the true victim was an ex colleague Katherine, who has been abducted.
With time passing quickly, no one can get an understanding on why it's happened. Contacting Katherine's old colleagues from her former New York precinct may give some clues but are they just chasing their tales? Can they find the missing pieces and find Katherine before she becomes another victim?
I have to say the twist right at the end was genius, it tied up all the loose ends but with a thread that can easily be weaved into book #11.
Carolyn's writing style is super solid, it never wavers which just has me constantly wanting more. The build up is always paced brilliantly with this feeling of static fizzling until the pop at the end. She always leaves me guessing! I adore just how effortless it feels reading this series. It makes you feel like your standing in the wings of a theatre watching it all play out in front of you.
I love the complexity of the characters in this series and the whole 'will they, won't they' between Amanda and Trent always brings an extra beat to my heart! They are the perfect duo and maybe one day we'll have some sort of resolution- hopefully the one we're all desperate for 😉
This could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the series right from the beginning- because why wouldn't you??
If you are after suspense, intrigue, drama, mystery and secrets and lies then this is it all tied up with a bow.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
February 26, 2024
Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold is an extremely emotional book, both for the protagonist and for the reader. Detective Amanda Steele has been on the edge for years, ever since the car accident had taken her husband, her daughter, and her unborn child from her. Lately things have been better, between her adopted daughter, Zoe, and her live-in boyfriend, Logan, whom she loved. Then she got the call: an eighteen year old girl had been shot in a convenience store. As if that wasn’t bad enough, when they looked at the security footage they saw she was collateral damage. The real target was Amanda’s ex-sergeant and friend, Katherine Graves, who had been abducted. They knew they didn’t have much time. Who took her? And why? They went to visit Katherine’s aunt, a woman Amanda had known all of her life. Telling her was difficult. They left an officer in case there was a ransom demand. They scoured the security tapes for clues and followed up on every one they found.
This was a very tense book, in several ways, and Arnold did it well. They scoured all her old cases, both there and in New York. They spoke several times with her best friend in New York, who did her best to help. Things were tense and tension tends to play out in odd ways, as it did in this situation, threatening to blow up not only this case, but Amanda’s life. She is a terrific character who has lived through much and come out the other end. Her relationship with Katherine was fairly new, but with her aunt, lifelong. Balancing all the balls was proving to be challenging. One of the perps looked to be leaving them clues. It might have been a woman. She might have been participating under coercion. Then the found her body and knew for sure. The clock was ticking. The kidnapper was getting restless. Could they find Katherine in time? Could she save her home life? It was all a jumble as they careened toward the conclusion of a finely crafted, police procedural. Thanks, Carolyn Arnold!
I was invited to read Missing before Daylight by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #CarolynArnold #MissingBeforeDaylight
This was a very tense book, in several ways, and Arnold did it well. They scoured all her old cases, both there and in New York. They spoke several times with her best friend in New York, who did her best to help. Things were tense and tension tends to play out in odd ways, as it did in this situation, threatening to blow up not only this case, but Amanda’s life. She is a terrific character who has lived through much and come out the other end. Her relationship with Katherine was fairly new, but with her aunt, lifelong. Balancing all the balls was proving to be challenging. One of the perps looked to be leaving them clues. It might have been a woman. She might have been participating under coercion. Then the found her body and knew for sure. The clock was ticking. The kidnapper was getting restless. Could they find Katherine in time? Could she save her home life? It was all a jumble as they careened toward the conclusion of a finely crafted, police procedural. Thanks, Carolyn Arnold!
I was invited to read Missing before Daylight by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #CarolynArnold #MissingBeforeDaylight
February 20, 2024
This book starts out with a vicious attack at a convenience store. When Amanda and Trent arrive on the scene, an eighteen year old store clerk lies dead behind the counter. Nothing appears to be missing from the store. The question is why? They will soon get their answer when they review the security footage. Not only has a young girl's life been tragically snuffed out, a woman has been kidnapped. Shockingly, they know this woman. Katherine Graves is a former colleague. They are horrified to see the killer taking her out of the store where he throws her into a waiting van.
Steele and team are puzzled as to why someone would kidnap Katherine. She has retired from law enforcement and works for her aunt at her local diner. Once they begin digging into Katherine's life, they are shocked to learn that the suspect pool for who might want to harm Katherine is very large. Katherine has made a lot of enemies over her lifetime in law enforcement. They are not quite sure where they even need to start.
In the style we have all grown to love when we read an Amanda Steele novel, we are taken on a wild ride as the team investigates this crime. I also enjoy that the personal lives of the characters are woven into the story. As I read yet another story in this saga, I feel like I know the characters on a personal level. They are top notch investigators who are justice minded. Amanda is a complex character who has suffered tragic loss in her life. This loss has shaped her personal life and work life, but she has never wandered from the pathway of being a fearless detective. Police procedural novels do not get any better than this series.
I was pulled into this story from the first chapter, and I was not going to be satisfied until I finished reading it. Sleep is not necessary when there is a mystery to be solved. This is another winner in the Amanda Steele series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Steele and team are puzzled as to why someone would kidnap Katherine. She has retired from law enforcement and works for her aunt at her local diner. Once they begin digging into Katherine's life, they are shocked to learn that the suspect pool for who might want to harm Katherine is very large. Katherine has made a lot of enemies over her lifetime in law enforcement. They are not quite sure where they even need to start.
In the style we have all grown to love when we read an Amanda Steele novel, we are taken on a wild ride as the team investigates this crime. I also enjoy that the personal lives of the characters are woven into the story. As I read yet another story in this saga, I feel like I know the characters on a personal level. They are top notch investigators who are justice minded. Amanda is a complex character who has suffered tragic loss in her life. This loss has shaped her personal life and work life, but she has never wandered from the pathway of being a fearless detective. Police procedural novels do not get any better than this series.
I was pulled into this story from the first chapter, and I was not going to be satisfied until I finished reading it. Sleep is not necessary when there is a mystery to be solved. This is another winner in the Amanda Steele series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2024
Missing Before Daylight is the tenth book in the Detective Amanda Steele Series by Carolyn Arnold. I have read every book in this series and hope to read more. I love reading stories written by Carolyn Arnold as they will pull you deep into their world from the first page.
When I start reading a book written by Carolyn the world around me starts to disappear. I know when I start one of her books I had better make plans to be there a while as I don’t know when to lay them day.
When you read a book by Carolyn you feel as if you are a part of that world as if you are a character in the book just standing on the sidelines witnessing it all. The descriptions are well-written and vivid. It is like watching a movie or TV show.
When Missing Before Daylight opens Detective Amanda Steele is called to a crime scene at a gas station where a young woman just starting her life has been shot. After Amanda looks at the video she realizes that this was not a robbery gone bad. Amanda sees on the video that a woman was taken against her will and forced into a car.
Amanda is now on the lookout for not only a murderer but a kidnapper as well. Why did this man take this woman from the store? What does he want with this woman? Why did he kill the gas station attendant? Did he have intentions of shooting this young woman when he entered the store? Or was she just at the wrong place at the wrong time?
Missing Before Daylight kept me guessing and trying to figure out why this lady was taken and what the man wanted with her. Missing Before Daylight has many twists and turns that kept me racing to the end to find out everything.
I recommend Missing Before Daylight to anyone who likes a good detective mystery story! Grab your copy of Missing Before Daylight today!
When I start reading a book written by Carolyn the world around me starts to disappear. I know when I start one of her books I had better make plans to be there a while as I don’t know when to lay them day.
When you read a book by Carolyn you feel as if you are a part of that world as if you are a character in the book just standing on the sidelines witnessing it all. The descriptions are well-written and vivid. It is like watching a movie or TV show.
When Missing Before Daylight opens Detective Amanda Steele is called to a crime scene at a gas station where a young woman just starting her life has been shot. After Amanda looks at the video she realizes that this was not a robbery gone bad. Amanda sees on the video that a woman was taken against her will and forced into a car.
Amanda is now on the lookout for not only a murderer but a kidnapper as well. Why did this man take this woman from the store? What does he want with this woman? Why did he kill the gas station attendant? Did he have intentions of shooting this young woman when he entered the store? Or was she just at the wrong place at the wrong time?
Missing Before Daylight kept me guessing and trying to figure out why this lady was taken and what the man wanted with her. Missing Before Daylight has many twists and turns that kept me racing to the end to find out everything.
I recommend Missing Before Daylight to anyone who likes a good detective mystery story! Grab your copy of Missing Before Daylight today!
February 23, 2024
Deep in my bones, I feel like this is such a pivotal book for Detective Amanda Steele! I have enjoyed seeing Amanda’s transition from when we first met her as a heartbroken, trailing down the wrong path kind of woman. This book really pulls at the heartstrings, too! We get to see classic Amanda, making some poor choices while trying to regain some sense of control of a ‘normal’ life.
The initial scene of the young girl working at the convenience store had me choking up for what she had to endure and then for what her parents would go through. Then learning that Katherine Graves was taken, I was anxious to see what lengths would be taken to bring her back safely. There was a lot from her past that we didn’t get to explore while she was on the force, but this book brings a lot to light and answers so many questions about her!
While Amanda and Trent are on edge looking for Katherine and attempting to uncover why the young girl had to be murdered, we see a shift in their personal relationship. They’ve kissed, but both have been trying to ignore the pull toward each other. It’s understandable with how much time they spend together and although that’s what they try to attribute the feelings to, there is a lot more simmering under the surface. I enjoy the side story of their relationship developments as it adds a lot of emotional involvement to the story at hand.
Reading in the POV of Katherine and the culprit gives you an inside look to the crime and I hope to see even more of it. It adds a unique aspect that pulls you into the disturbed mind of why the person is committing such horrendous crimes. I can’t wait to see where all of the new developments and choices of the characters take us in the next book!
The initial scene of the young girl working at the convenience store had me choking up for what she had to endure and then for what her parents would go through. Then learning that Katherine Graves was taken, I was anxious to see what lengths would be taken to bring her back safely. There was a lot from her past that we didn’t get to explore while she was on the force, but this book brings a lot to light and answers so many questions about her!
While Amanda and Trent are on edge looking for Katherine and attempting to uncover why the young girl had to be murdered, we see a shift in their personal relationship. They’ve kissed, but both have been trying to ignore the pull toward each other. It’s understandable with how much time they spend together and although that’s what they try to attribute the feelings to, there is a lot more simmering under the surface. I enjoy the side story of their relationship developments as it adds a lot of emotional involvement to the story at hand.
Reading in the POV of Katherine and the culprit gives you an inside look to the crime and I hope to see even more of it. It adds a unique aspect that pulls you into the disturbed mind of why the person is committing such horrendous crimes. I can’t wait to see where all of the new developments and choices of the characters take us in the next book!
February 25, 2024
Disclosure. This is a review of an ebook I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
This is the tenth title in the Detective Amanda Steele series.
I was pulled into this story immediately in the prologue, when a young girl, Leah working the night shift at the petrol station is shot dead. But it isn’t until Detective Amanda Steele watches the security video footage, that she realises what else we discovered in the prologue. That there was another customer there at the time, who the killer has abducted. And not just any customer, but Amanda’s former superior officer, Katherine Graves, now retired from the force. This makes it very personal to Amanda. How will she break the news to Katherine’s aunt May, whom she knows well?
Too late for Leah, but can Amanda and partner Trent locate Katherine in time to rescue her before the killer acts again? Where are they both? What motivated the killer’s crimes? How have both the killer’s van and Katherine’s car vanished from the petrol station? Is there an accomplice? Can they track either Katherine’s car or phone?
As they search for clues in her personal and former professional live, it appears Katherine has multiple anonymous dangerous enemies? Why? What is in her past? What are the relevance of the mysterious items they find locked in Katherine’s desk at home?
And then whilst they are interviewing one suspect, May receives a ransom call!
Meanwhile Amanda is juggling her own personal life as the job takes priority right now. But the author cleverly intertwines titbits of that into the tale too.
A thrilling compelling read indeed, with plenty of unanticipated twists and turns.
This is the tenth title in the Detective Amanda Steele series.
I was pulled into this story immediately in the prologue, when a young girl, Leah working the night shift at the petrol station is shot dead. But it isn’t until Detective Amanda Steele watches the security video footage, that she realises what else we discovered in the prologue. That there was another customer there at the time, who the killer has abducted. And not just any customer, but Amanda’s former superior officer, Katherine Graves, now retired from the force. This makes it very personal to Amanda. How will she break the news to Katherine’s aunt May, whom she knows well?
Too late for Leah, but can Amanda and partner Trent locate Katherine in time to rescue her before the killer acts again? Where are they both? What motivated the killer’s crimes? How have both the killer’s van and Katherine’s car vanished from the petrol station? Is there an accomplice? Can they track either Katherine’s car or phone?
As they search for clues in her personal and former professional live, it appears Katherine has multiple anonymous dangerous enemies? Why? What is in her past? What are the relevance of the mysterious items they find locked in Katherine’s desk at home?
And then whilst they are interviewing one suspect, May receives a ransom call!
Meanwhile Amanda is juggling her own personal life as the job takes priority right now. But the author cleverly intertwines titbits of that into the tale too.
A thrilling compelling read indeed, with plenty of unanticipated twists and turns.
February 5, 2024
I am thoroughly enjoying this Missing Before Daylight is a very, very good read.
It hit the ground running with a great start that immediately grabbed my attention and lured me into the story. Here Steele and her partner investigate what they initially believe is a murder and then becomes an abduction where they know the person taken. I've always liked the authors writing style, it is very engaging and holds my interest from beginning to end. When Steele's own actions push her relationship with Trent to the limit can they remain focused on their investigation? The plot line is very good and well drawn out. I could feel Steele's frustration and impatience in wanting to chase all leads knowing they are in a race against time. The pacing of the story is perfect and the last quarter of the story is full of tension, thrills and suspense where all threads begin to come together beautifully. I really enjoyed this book, especially the little snippets about Steele and her history which I think gives her character more depth and I've grown to like another character more who I really struggled to like after finding out more about them!
Very much looking forward to the next book and would recommend this if you're a fan of police procedurals. Maybe read the series in order though so you know the characters from the start, although this can, at a push, be read on its own.
4 stars
It hit the ground running with a great start that immediately grabbed my attention and lured me into the story. Here Steele and her partner investigate what they initially believe is a murder and then becomes an abduction where they know the person taken. I've always liked the authors writing style, it is very engaging and holds my interest from beginning to end. When Steele's own actions push her relationship with Trent to the limit can they remain focused on their investigation? The plot line is very good and well drawn out. I could feel Steele's frustration and impatience in wanting to chase all leads knowing they are in a race against time. The pacing of the story is perfect and the last quarter of the story is full of tension, thrills and suspense where all threads begin to come together beautifully. I really enjoyed this book, especially the little snippets about Steele and her history which I think gives her character more depth and I've grown to like another character more who I really struggled to like after finding out more about them!
Very much looking forward to the next book and would recommend this if you're a fan of police procedurals. Maybe read the series in order though so you know the characters from the start, although this can, at a push, be read on its own.
4 stars
February 26, 2024
Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold.
Detective Amanda Steele book 10.
She wakes surrounded by an inky black darkness and can barely breathe. A sack is covering her head, and her hands are tied behind her back. She desperately tries to struggle free as she hears footsteps walking toward her. She silently starts to cry as a chilling voice whispers “It’s time to pay for what you did…”
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal. Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. As Amanda breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May, she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.
I did enjoy this book. I did like Amanda and Trent. They were a great team. Twisty and gripping. I was sure I knew who it was but I was so wrong. I was gripped from page one and read in 2 sitting. I wasn't sure about Katherine. I was sure she was dodgy. It definitely made me think. A lot of red herrings. I am certainly looking forward to this author next book. 4*.
Detective Amanda Steele book 10.
She wakes surrounded by an inky black darkness and can barely breathe. A sack is covering her head, and her hands are tied behind her back. She desperately tries to struggle free as she hears footsteps walking toward her. She silently starts to cry as a chilling voice whispers “It’s time to pay for what you did…”
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal. Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. As Amanda breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May, she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.
I did enjoy this book. I did like Amanda and Trent. They were a great team. Twisty and gripping. I was sure I knew who it was but I was so wrong. I was gripped from page one and read in 2 sitting. I wasn't sure about Katherine. I was sure she was dodgy. It definitely made me think. A lot of red herrings. I am certainly looking forward to this author next book. 4*.
September 16, 2025
A teenager is shot dead in a gas station and another woman abducted. An investigation reveals that Katherine received anonymous threatening letters but who and why…?
Missing Before Daylight is the 10th book in the Detective Amanda Steele series. There are references to personal plotlines that have evolved over the series, but no spoilers about earlier crimes and culprits.
The book begins with the heartbreaking murder of a young woman. There is no apparent motive but Amanda Steele sees her former colleague Katherine being abducted by the killer when she watches the CCTV. Kat has been involved in solving many crimes and has made a lot of enemies so Amanda needs to discover who wanted revenge.
The book is written in the third person to show us the perspectives of the detectives, the victims and the perpetrators. The chapters are quite short so the pace of the plot rattles along speedily. Both of these features build the tension as we hope for Amanda and her team to find the truth as soon as possible.
The romantic tension between Amanda and Trent continues to shimmer almost uncomfortably. They are both in other relationships but cannot help the way that they feel about each other, even if they cannot fully admit it to themselves.
Missing Before Daylight is an entertaining crime thriller and police procedural.
Missing Before Daylight is the 10th book in the Detective Amanda Steele series. There are references to personal plotlines that have evolved over the series, but no spoilers about earlier crimes and culprits.
The book begins with the heartbreaking murder of a young woman. There is no apparent motive but Amanda Steele sees her former colleague Katherine being abducted by the killer when she watches the CCTV. Kat has been involved in solving many crimes and has made a lot of enemies so Amanda needs to discover who wanted revenge.
The book is written in the third person to show us the perspectives of the detectives, the victims and the perpetrators. The chapters are quite short so the pace of the plot rattles along speedily. Both of these features build the tension as we hope for Amanda and her team to find the truth as soon as possible.
The romantic tension between Amanda and Trent continues to shimmer almost uncomfortably. They are both in other relationships but cannot help the way that they feel about each other, even if they cannot fully admit it to themselves.
Missing Before Daylight is an entertaining crime thriller and police procedural.
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