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Detective Arla Baker #3
The Forgotten Mother
When a famous film director is brutally killed in his home, Detective Arla Baker is called in to investigate. This killer is sadistic, insanely clever, and somehow able to stay one step ahead of the police. As Arla pulls the clues out, disturbing secrets emerge from the glittering glamour of London's film studios. This director had secrets that an entire industry would kill to keep quiet...
Arla's own love life is heating up. But before she knows it, the man in her life is threatened by this killer, and he will not stop till he meets his goal. For some reason, the killer wants Arla.
He's watching her.
Waiting for her.
He will destroy everyone around her till he has Arla in his grasp...
If you like Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza, Robert Dugoni, Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh, then you will love this spine chilling, suspenseful serial killer series.
Arla's own love life is heating up. But before she knows it, the man in her life is threatened by this killer, and he will not stop till he meets his goal. For some reason, the killer wants Arla.
He's watching her.
Waiting for her.
He will destroy everyone around her till he has Arla in his grasp...
If you like Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza, Robert Dugoni, Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh, then you will love this spine chilling, suspenseful serial killer series.
- GenresFamily DramaMystery
362 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2019
962 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 1, 2019
What an exciting murder case that hits the office of Detective Arla Baker, a tough,smart woman who knows her job and does it extraordinarily well!! The suspect is sadistic and evil, killing well-known people after torturing them and setting up macabre crime scenes!!
The killer likes to torture his victims, enjoying the mutilation and desecration of their bodies and life. Clues emerge that point toward the film industry, and the killer has a new victim in his sights- our Detective Arla herself! And he sets out to ruin her friendships, family and Life until he gets what he so desires..
An intriguing thriller that will keep you on your toes, chasing clues alongside the police force, feeling the complete evil in the horrific crime scenes, unable to breathe as he closes in on his most desired subject...
I received an ARC from author M.L.Rose, who I thank for keeping me up late in the night, checking noises in my kitchen...I give you my thoughts and feelings in this review after getting through this ARC, honest and true, so that you may feel the need to join the investigation to catch this evil person...
The killer likes to torture his victims, enjoying the mutilation and desecration of their bodies and life. Clues emerge that point toward the film industry, and the killer has a new victim in his sights- our Detective Arla herself! And he sets out to ruin her friendships, family and Life until he gets what he so desires..
An intriguing thriller that will keep you on your toes, chasing clues alongside the police force, feeling the complete evil in the horrific crime scenes, unable to breathe as he closes in on his most desired subject...
I received an ARC from author M.L.Rose, who I thank for keeping me up late in the night, checking noises in my kitchen...I give you my thoughts and feelings in this review after getting through this ARC, honest and true, so that you may feel the need to join the investigation to catch this evil person...
June 26, 2020
I enjoyed this book, but it was full of problems! There were typos everywhere, throughout the entire book. There were mistakes with names...wrong names, wrong first/last name combinations, you name it. The relationships between parents/children/stepparents were completely crazy and unclear at times, and the end of the book did nothing but confuse the issue even further. The end felt very rushed. Things were not tied up well at all. Another 5-10 pages would have done wonders in that regard.
All that being said, I like the Arla Baker series, and I did like this story, despite its gaping holes. I’m not sure what happened with this installment, but I’m hoping the next book will be more like the previous books, which had typos and some mistakes, but not on this level.
All that being said, I like the Arla Baker series, and I did like this story, despite its gaping holes. I’m not sure what happened with this installment, but I’m hoping the next book will be more like the previous books, which had typos and some mistakes, but not on this level.
April 2, 2023
Great read
I'm really enjoying this series and I will definitely get next book. Love the chemistry between Arla and Harry. This book got 4 stars as there was some Typo errors but it didn't spoil my reading
I'm really enjoying this series and I will definitely get next book. Love the chemistry between Arla and Harry. This book got 4 stars as there was some Typo errors but it didn't spoil my reading
March 12, 2019
Arla is back to solve another tough case along with Harry and their team.A gruesome murder of a well known man,day one and already their boss wants to see them.Arla wants to get going on this case to find out why and who would do such a thing.But secrets are buried in the past and Arla along with Harry have to get clues and talk to the family.Harry gets pulled into this case and not in a nice way as his sister is abducted.I won't say anymore but i will say read these books they are excellent.5
September 26, 2021
This is the 3rd book I have read by this author, and they keep getting better. Yes there are mistakes in spelling Orville here and there. But let's not judge, and give the author a break. How many books have you written and SELF published? I love the characters, and the teams that has been built. And the pace that gets set mostly at the beginning of the book. The main character is a challenging strong woman, and her superiors just don't know what to do with her. I give this a strong 5 stars, and mostly wrote this because of all of the judging about grammatical errors, and the other errors in the book. If you know what it's supposed to be, overlook it. Or you could always pay $15 for the published works of authors that don't have these problems easy fix!
April 26, 2020
Characters and story captivating
I have read the first, second, and third Arla Baker books. M L Rose has developed complex character that continue to evolve in each book. When I read a story and my heart beats rapidly, I just have to keep reading and all these books had that affect. The plots are as complex as the characters with an ending that surprises. Would recommend these books to others liking suspenseful stories.
I have read the first, second, and third Arla Baker books. M L Rose has developed complex character that continue to evolve in each book. When I read a story and my heart beats rapidly, I just have to keep reading and all these books had that affect. The plots are as complex as the characters with an ending that surprises. Would recommend these books to others liking suspenseful stories.
January 26, 2019
A very realistic police procedural. A headstrong female detective, male detectives with macho ego problems, and a killer who likes to mutilate his victims. The mother that no one remembers is at the heart of the murders, but, who is she? She comes into focus at the end and the journey to find her is a "goodread". I received this ARC from the author.
May 24, 2020
No chill up my spine
I was waiting on this author to throw in some novelty of twist I had not read or I couldn't predict from the very start but sadly I felt like I was reading a wannabe fan of the author Patricia Cornwell. Not only was the style mimicked but she even is strikingly similar down to her main character and several of her traits.
I didn't want to give the book a star rating as those who have not read other similar books may enjoy it whereas I found it incredibly boring. IF I had never read any other novels of this kind it actually would have been good. This makes it very difficult to rate.
Stand alone rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟
With other novels 🌟🌟
Overall average= 🌟🌟🌟
I was waiting on this author to throw in some novelty of twist I had not read or I couldn't predict from the very start but sadly I felt like I was reading a wannabe fan of the author Patricia Cornwell. Not only was the style mimicked but she even is strikingly similar down to her main character and several of her traits.
I didn't want to give the book a star rating as those who have not read other similar books may enjoy it whereas I found it incredibly boring. IF I had never read any other novels of this kind it actually would have been good. This makes it very difficult to rate.
Stand alone rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟
With other novels 🌟🌟
Overall average= 🌟🌟🌟
January 2, 2025
The Forgotten Mother is #3 in the DCI Arla Baker series, written by Mick Bose, writing as M. L. Rose.
This is a British police procedural series not to be missed. The Forgotten Mother, #3 in the DCI Arla Baker series, Books 1-3, is an excellent novel, well-written, with exciting action, well-defined characters, and a mystery to keep you up all night. Arla and Harry are very busy again in this one, and the bad guys just keep on coming. We have closure in this one, but not till the last few pages, with complications I didn't see coming. I am pleased to recommend these mystery novels to friends and family. As a self-published author, Bose isn't available at some retailers, but it is well worth the effort to search his work out. He has several series, under both names, and all of them are worth writing home about.
Reviewed on December 29, 2024, at Goodreads, BookBub, and AmazonSmile. Not available at B&N or Kobo.
The three books also reviewed but not counted as read in this trilogy edition on Goodreads, Amazonsmile, and Barnes&Noble.
This is a British police procedural series not to be missed. The Forgotten Mother, #3 in the DCI Arla Baker series, Books 1-3, is an excellent novel, well-written, with exciting action, well-defined characters, and a mystery to keep you up all night. Arla and Harry are very busy again in this one, and the bad guys just keep on coming. We have closure in this one, but not till the last few pages, with complications I didn't see coming. I am pleased to recommend these mystery novels to friends and family. As a self-published author, Bose isn't available at some retailers, but it is well worth the effort to search his work out. He has several series, under both names, and all of them are worth writing home about.
Reviewed on December 29, 2024, at Goodreads, BookBub, and AmazonSmile. Not available at B&N or Kobo.
The three books also reviewed but not counted as read in this trilogy edition on Goodreads, Amazonsmile, and Barnes&Noble.
October 3, 2025
Really.. this one was better than the previous book in that at least it wasn’t as obvious to me who the bad guy was. But at the same time, it felt like the same book as the other two.
- The main character gets a high profile case
- the main character ruffles feathers
- the main character gets taken off the case
- the main character’s hunch is right and she is vindicated.
Plus I think in theory all three of these books happened in a really short time? How often is a police inspector targeted by a murderer? Pretty sure three times in quick succession is pretty unbelievable.
I finished it because I had the first three in an anthology. I did want to see what happened, I have no desire to continue the series
- The main character gets a high profile case
- the main character ruffles feathers
- the main character gets taken off the case
- the main character’s hunch is right and she is vindicated.
Plus I think in theory all three of these books happened in a really short time? How often is a police inspector targeted by a murderer? Pretty sure three times in quick succession is pretty unbelievable.
I finished it because I had the first three in an anthology. I did want to see what happened, I have no desire to continue the series
August 17, 2021
This is the 3rd one I've read, and this author needs to get an editor.
Originally a detective was called Jason and then later referred to him as Justin,
then the ex-wife was Laura but in the middle, they started calling her Mary - and then later they were back to Laura again.
In the previous book, there was a whole storyline about Gary in the prologue, one of the characters even referred to Gary many times, and then somehow later he was called James. This is so annoying that it's hard to stay in the story. I think I'm giving up on this series. I can't believe no one has caught any of this.
Originally a detective was called Jason and then later referred to him as Justin,
then the ex-wife was Laura but in the middle, they started calling her Mary - and then later they were back to Laura again.
In the previous book, there was a whole storyline about Gary in the prologue, one of the characters even referred to Gary many times, and then somehow later he was called James. This is so annoying that it's hard to stay in the story. I think I'm giving up on this series. I can't believe no one has caught any of this.
November 12, 2025
The Forgotten Mother by M.L. Rose is a gripping and emotionally charged mystery that keeps you hooked from the first page. Detective Arla Baker faces one of her most chilling cases yet the murder of a renowned film director whose glamorous world hides sinister secrets. The tension builds masterfully as Arla races against time, uncovering layers of deceit, jealousy, and revenge within London’s film industry. Her personal life adds depth and vulnerability, making her a compelling and relatable heroine. With sharp twists, fast pacing, and a haunting villain, this third Arla Baker thriller is both suspenseful and heartbreakingly human.
September 21, 2021
Picked up towards the end
But it was a slow and plodding start, with many skipped pages, for what seemed more like a vehicle for a slow and plodding romance, than a thriller. The cliche of the maverick cop, especially a high ranking one, is overrated, abused, and doesn't really work for me. I don't find the character of a senior police person who can't control her rages particularly convincing. The romantic interest was boring, irrelevant, and distracted from the development of the plot.
But it was a slow and plodding start, with many skipped pages, for what seemed more like a vehicle for a slow and plodding romance, than a thriller. The cliche of the maverick cop, especially a high ranking one, is overrated, abused, and doesn't really work for me. I don't find the character of a senior police person who can't control her rages particularly convincing. The romantic interest was boring, irrelevant, and distracted from the development of the plot.
March 6, 2020
A famous film producer is brutally murdered and displayed. Arla Baker is assigned the vase. Unlikable, angry and chronically insubordinate she runs roughshod into the lives of the rich and famous.
The early promise of a readable novel quickly devolves as it becomes more unfocused and ridiculous. Killers' obsession with Arla is bewildering as is her tenure on the police force. Unsatisfying overall.
The early promise of a readable novel quickly devolves as it becomes more unfocused and ridiculous. Killers' obsession with Arla is bewildering as is her tenure on the police force. Unsatisfying overall.
December 11, 2023
Great Story but….
This is the third book in the DCI Arla Baker series that I’ve read. They are great stories but, for me, they have been increasingly spoiled by the extremely poor level of proof reading. The level of inaccuracy and poor continuity, especially in this third book of the series, took away too much from what would otherwise be fabulous reads.
I hope the next book in the series has been properly edited. I would have given 5 stars if not for the above.
This is the third book in the DCI Arla Baker series that I’ve read. They are great stories but, for me, they have been increasingly spoiled by the extremely poor level of proof reading. The level of inaccuracy and poor continuity, especially in this third book of the series, took away too much from what would otherwise be fabulous reads.
I hope the next book in the series has been properly edited. I would have given 5 stars if not for the above.
November 11, 2019
Very predictable
After reading the first two books of the Arla Baker series, most people will find the books very predictable and consequently annoying. The book keeps ones interest if you have nothing else to do, but Johnson’s and Arla’s relationship is a bit much.
At this point in reading this series I would only recommend further readings if one has nothing else to do.
After reading the first two books of the Arla Baker series, most people will find the books very predictable and consequently annoying. The book keeps ones interest if you have nothing else to do, but Johnson’s and Arla’s relationship is a bit much.
At this point in reading this series I would only recommend further readings if one has nothing else to do.
December 21, 2020
Great series
Took me longer to get into this book than the previous two in the series. Must have been because of the intricate plotting that keeps you guessing until the end. Arla and harry are a good partnership but will it all end in tears? Professional relationships and all that
Took me longer to get into this book than the previous two in the series. Must have been because of the intricate plotting that keeps you guessing until the end. Arla and harry are a good partnership but will it all end in tears? Professional relationships and all that
July 6, 2022
I adore these Arla Baker detective stories, such puzzles and twists
ML Rose, has created brilliant characters. They are investigating a series of murders, uncovering surprising secrets, dark secrets. .just when you think it's come to a head, more surprising twists. Recommend a comfortable seat, because you won't put this down
ML Rose, has created brilliant characters. They are investigating a series of murders, uncovering surprising secrets, dark secrets. .just when you think it's come to a head, more surprising twists. Recommend a comfortable seat, because you won't put this down
August 9, 2022
Good read but awful continuity
I enjoyed the plot but was very distracted by characters names being changed - Jason Beauregard became Justin, Jermyn Hardwicke became Jeremy Hardcastle. The main protaganists hair could changed in each of the boks. I would have given more stars but checking if I was reading about the right character detracted from th reading experience..
I enjoyed the plot but was very distracted by characters names being changed - Jason Beauregard became Justin, Jermyn Hardwicke became Jeremy Hardcastle. The main protaganists hair could changed in each of the boks. I would have given more stars but checking if I was reading about the right character detracted from th reading experience..
September 27, 2022
A blockbuster read
One I started this book I could not stop. It was so well written and is one of the best police procedural books I have read. A rollercoaster ride that was full of incidents and the team that addressed them. It surprised and shocked and this continued to the very end. I’m on to the first two now. Brilliant start.
One I started this book I could not stop. It was so well written and is one of the best police procedural books I have read. A rollercoaster ride that was full of incidents and the team that addressed them. It surprised and shocked and this continued to the very end. I’m on to the first two now. Brilliant start.
June 26, 2023
Really enjoying this series now , except for one major issue in this episode , I had to highlight loads of grammar mistakes , bad sentence structure , , other than that great interesting characters , back story is proving intriguing , will be good to see that put to bed and not carried on through all 14books in the series. Will carry on as I really do enjoy getting into a long series .
February 14, 2019
A very good read
While the title confused me a bit it sure had me guessing who was responsible for all the deaths. Arla Baker has the mind of a great detective and I like how she takes action as she fit.
While the title confused me a bit it sure had me guessing who was responsible for all the deaths. Arla Baker has the mind of a great detective and I like how she takes action as she fit.
March 5, 2019
A must read crime thriller.
A five star read that keeps you gripped until the end.
One of the best crime stories I've read. No one could be disappointed with the twists and turns of this book right up until the end.
A five star read that keeps you gripped until the end.
One of the best crime stories I've read. No one could be disappointed with the twists and turns of this book right up until the end.
April 6, 2019
Must read book
Loved this book as l did the previous ones in this series. What a great read characters so real you feel you know them and non stop action. Couldn't put it down once started and can't praise it enough.
Loved this book as l did the previous ones in this series. What a great read characters so real you feel you know them and non stop action. Couldn't put it down once started and can't praise it enough.
January 29, 2020
This was a roller coaster ride
I enjoyed this book immensely. Not going to give too much away.
The characters are well fleshed out, this was my first time reading this author, but won't be my last.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Not going to give too much away.
The characters are well fleshed out, this was my first time reading this author, but won't be my last.
March 8, 2020
Couldn't stop reading!
This was a book to read in one sitting. It held you attention from the beginning and didn't let up. Each character was well developed. It was like trying to put a puzzle together until the end. My first book by M.L. Rose but not my last!
This was a book to read in one sitting. It held you attention from the beginning and didn't let up. Each character was well developed. It was like trying to put a puzzle together until the end. My first book by M.L. Rose but not my last!
April 8, 2020
Scratch the surface and still find more to blow your mind.
Arla Baker excels as Chief.. She finds a lead and unravels till the real prepertrater is found.. Leaving the reader with shocked, mind blown,, good reading..
Arla Baker excels as Chief.. She finds a lead and unravels till the real prepertrater is found.. Leaving the reader with shocked, mind blown,, good reading..
May 9, 2020
Could not put it down!
I am addicted to British crime series and the Arla Baker series is a wonderful addition just when I did not know where to find another. I am going to read all of them and will be miserable when I have finished. Keep writing please!
I am addicted to British crime series and the Arla Baker series is a wonderful addition just when I did not know where to find another. I am going to read all of them and will be miserable when I have finished. Keep writing please!
June 11, 2020
Gripping
A sweet mix of love, friendship spiced with mysterious twists and the unexpected!
I was going to give it a four based on typos and some editing issues......but the story itself is what I was rating. Enjoy, and make sure you can read in one long sit down!!😁
A sweet mix of love, friendship spiced with mysterious twists and the unexpected!
I was going to give it a four based on typos and some editing issues......but the story itself is what I was rating. Enjoy, and make sure you can read in one long sit down!!😁
October 2, 2020
Rmstitanic12
I have now read the first 3 books featuring Arla Baker,read them on about 10days,they are all well written and the plots and story lines great.What else can I say,Bring on book 4 please.
I have now read the first 3 books featuring Arla Baker,read them on about 10days,they are all well written and the plots and story lines great.What else can I say,Bring on book 4 please.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews