“…a gripping thriller that held my interest from start to finish.” – Alma Boucher, Readers’ Favorite
Dive into the heart‑pounding world of Detective Amanda Greene, a Marine combat veteran and MMA expert who redefines tough. In Oakville’s gritty streets, Amanda hunts a predator who strikes at dusk, severing women’s ponytails in chilling assaults. Is this a one‑off crime or the work of a serial offender targeting women with long hair?
As the case deepens, the assailant grows bolder—setting their sights on Amanda herself. To stop them, she must unravel a web of clues before she becomes the next victim.
Perfect for fans of Alafair Burke’s Ellie Hatcher, Robert Parker’s Spenser, and Jeffrey Deaver’s Amelia Sachs, Amanda Greene is smart, relentless, and guided by an ironclad moral code. With unmatched combat skills and unwavering resolve, she’s ready to fight for justice—no matter the cost.
⚫️Caitlin K. Murphy makes a striking debut in the crime thriller scene with Ponytail, the first book in the Amanda Greene series and what a way to kick things off! Gritty, gripping, and refreshingly original, Ponytail introduces us to Detective Amanda Greene: a fierce Marine combat veteran armed with a sharp intellect, expert fighting skills, and an unyielding determination to seek justice.
⚫️From the very first scene, Murphy hooks you with a truly bizarre and unsettling case a woman attacked in a park, her long ponytail brutally severed by an unknown assailant. This crime feels deeply personal and chillingly symbolic, and Amanda’s quest for the truth quickly spirals into a high-stakes investigation. As more questions emerge, the suspense thickens with each chapter, pulling readers into a dangerous game of cat and mouse that becomes all too personal.
⚫️What really sets Ponytail apart isn’t just its unique premise, but the rich complexity of its heroine. Amanda Greene isn’t your typical detective she’s a battle-hardened survivor who brings both brains and brawn to the table, along with a no-nonsense attitude and a sharp sense of humor. As the case heats up and the danger looms closer, Amanda’s resilience is put to the test in powerful, relatable ways.
⚫️Murphy’s writing is cinematic, fast-paced, and packed with emotion. She masterfully balances nail-biting action with moments of reflection and vulnerability, making Amanda a character readers can genuinely cheer for. The city setting buzzes with life, and the supporting cast adds depth without ever overshadowing the main plot.
⚫️Ponytail is a thriller that bites original, suspenseful, and utterly unputdownable. Fans of authors like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins will find plenty to love here, but Murphy’s voice is distinct and her storytelling sharp. By the time the final twist hits, you’ll be racing to get your hands on Book 2.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy smart female protagonists, this book is a must-read!
Caitlin K. Murphy kicks off the Amanda Greene series with a bang in Ponytail a smart, high-octane thriller that introduces readers to one of the most compelling heroines in modern crime fiction.
Detective Amanda Greene is someone to be taken seriously. A tough-as-nails ex-Marine and mixed martial arts master, she combines brawn with brains as she tackles the action-packed city she patrols. Don't let that fool you, though although Amanda's physical abilities are more than a match for most, it's her unrelenting drive and razor-sharp instincts that really make her stand out as she solves a chilling and surreal case.
The book opens on a disturbing attack in a city park: a woman's ponytail is brutally hacked off in what appears initially like a bizarre, random act. But the more Amanda investigates, she becomes convinced of a more ominous pattern perhaps the activity of a serial attacker with a sickening obsession. When the attacker's focus shifts to Amanda herself, the game becomes infinitely higher in an edge-of-the-seat race against time to uncover the criminal before it is too late.
Murphy's prose is snappy, active, and well-paced. She maintains a high level of tension throughout, interspersing red herrings and quiet clues to keep readers on their toes without ever making them feel confused. The urban environment is vividly depicted, offering an ideal backdrop for a tale that's as psychological as it is action-oriented.
What truly sets Ponytail apart is Amanda Greene herself. She's tough, competent, and extremely human the type of heroine who doesn't require rescue, but isn't afraid to acknowledge her own weaknesses. Fans of a strong, multidimensional female heroine will be immediately drawn to her.
Fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, and quick procedural thrillers will gobble up Ponytail. It's an addictive first book that promises a great series and by the last page, you'll be grabbing Book 2.
Strongly recommended for fans of suspense, multifaceted characters, and whodunits that have you holding your breath!
Ponytail is more than just a crime thriller—it’s a high-stakes ride that challenges perceptions of strength, vulnerability, and justice. You’ll root for Amanda, fear for her, and cheer her on all the way to the explosive finale.
The striking, minimal cover is what first intrigued me about “Ponytail”, a pair of scissors poised against a sweep of blonde hair. It’s bold, unsettling, and oddly elegant, which turned out to be a perfect reflection of what’s inside.
Every so often you stumble on a book that doesn’t just tell a story but feels like it’s lived one. “Ponytail” is that kind of novel. There’s a rawness to it, the sense that Caitlin K. Murphy has actually stood in the rooms she’s describing and heard the echoes of what came before. Maybe that’s the benefit of twenty-seven years on the job, but it’s more than experience. It’s empathy sharpened into storytelling.
Amanda Greene, the main character, is instantly relatable. She’s flawed but capable, with that quiet resilience you only get from someone who’s seen too much yet still believes in doing what’s right. The book manages to balance grit with compassion, which is rare in the genre. You feel the weight of the cases, but you also feel the human side of every decision she makes.
What stood out most for me was the tone. There’s a steady tension running through the story, but it never feels forced or melodramatic. Instead, it builds naturally, layer by layer, until you realise you’ve been completely drawn in. The pacing is spot on, and by the final chapters I couldn’t put it down.
If you like crime fiction with strong character work, moral complexity, and a writer who understands the real emotional toll of police life, “Ponytail” is well worth your time. I’ll definitely be following the Amanda Greene series to see where Murphy takes her next.
Ponytail is exactly the sort of crime thriller you pick up for “a chapter or two” and suddenly realise you’ve read three or four. Caitlin K. Murphy wastes no time dropping you into the off-kilter tension of women being attacked and having their ponytails hacked off — an odd, unsettling crime that’s far more disturbing than it first appears.
Detective Amanda Greene carries the whole thing beautifully. She’s a brilliant mix of grit, skill, and quiet vulnerability — a former Marine with both muscle and moral backbone. She’s tough, yes, but she’s also human, and that balance gives the story much more emotional weight than your average procedural. When the investigation starts turning personal, the stakes rise sharply and the tension properly kicks in.
Murphy’s writing is crisp and energetic, with action scenes that feel cinematic and dialogue that sounds like real people talking — always a gift in crime fiction. The pacing is tight, occasionally almost too brisk; there are moments where I wouldn’t have minded the story lingering just a fraction longer before sprinting to the next clue. But the momentum makes it compulsively readable, so it’s hard to complain too much.
Ponytail is a gripping introduction to Detective Greene and the start of what looks to be a strong series. If you like fierce, complex heroines and thrillers that keep you guessing, this one is absolutely worth your time.
When Detective Amanda Green is called to take a complaint about a "bad haircut," she thinks it's just the guys giving her bull once again as the only female detective in the department. Soon, though, she discovers that it's all too serious - a woman was attacked in the part, and all the assailant did was drug her and cut off her ponytail. Detective Green suspects a personal vendetta, until another woman is attacked days later, in a different part of time, at a bus stop. Then Detective Green is targeted herself, after coming upon a salon setup that makes it clear that she was the next intended victim. What's going on? What kind of person would attack women to cut their hair?
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up Ponytail, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a different kind of mystery. You wouldn't think that a story without a body count could pack a punch, but this one certainly does. It's a solid police procedural mystery that will keep you gripped until the last page. Better yet, it keeps you hanging. I had no idea "whodunit" and was genuinely surprised by the ending.
Ponytail, the first novel of the Amanda Greene crime-thriller series, offers an eye-opening look into the nitty-gritty of a police detective’s investigation. The author’s background is evident in the detail. This isn’t the Hollywood gloss but the real deal. From the interaction of the detectives to the interviews, intuition and painstaking steps of the investigation, the authenticity sets this novel apart. While the realism is a major part of the appeal, I found the pace a bit slow at times. There is some repetition and redundancy. However, this isn’t a brutal, bloody, rush-through-the-pages kind of story. The plot focuses on a serial offender who cuts off women’s ponytails and the psychological impact of the assaults. Detective Amanda Greene is impressive from start to finish. She draws from her experience as a Marine combat veteran and MMA expert, searching out trails to follow no matter how many dead-ends she faces. As the stakes escalate and Amanda finds herself at risk, she never considers backing off. She simply digs in with renewed determination. I really appreciate a female protagonist who is smart as a whip, tough as nails and still compassionate and likable
I tore through Ponytail in two sittings — it’s that addictive. Caitlin K. Murphy’s debut is everything I want in a crime thriller: dark, fast-paced, and full of heart.
The story kicks off with a bizarre and unsettling crime — women attacked and their ponytails cut off — and Detective Amanda Greene dives right into the chaos. She’s an ex-Marine with brains, brawn, and a no-nonsense attitude, but what really makes her stand out is her quiet resilience and empathy. You can feel her strength on every page, as well as the toll her work takes.
Murphy’s writing is tight, cinematic, and loaded with tension. The action scenes pop, the dialogue feels authentic, and the twists are genuinely effective. But it’s not all grit — there are moments of vulnerability and reflection that give the story real depth.
It’s one of those thrillers that keeps you up too late, muttering, “just one more chapter.” If you love complex female leads, smart plotting, and that heart-racing feeling of not knowing who to trust, Ponytail is a must-read.
I picked Ponytail as my summer holiday read and it kept me entertained from the first until the last page. You will be pulled into a dark and twisted mystery set in the heart of Oakland. What started as a bizarre assault, women being attacked and having their hair violently cut, quickly turned into something far more unsettling, and I was hooked. The story is gritty, original and the dense texture of Caitlin's writing makes this book stand out. At the centre of the story stands Amanda, the kind of heroine I love to root for. She is strong, smart, and unapologetically tough. As the investigation spirals and the threats grow more personal, Amanda’s fight for justice becomes a gripping emotional journey, too. The story is a fierce, female power story about resilience, and refusing to back down.
A sharp, adrenaline-fueled debut that introduces readers to Detective Amanda Greene a Marine veteran turned investigator whose strength, intelligence, and unflinching determination make her instantly unforgettable. When a disturbing assault leaves a victim shorn of her ponytail, Amanda dives into a case that’s as psychological as it is physical, exposing a predator whose fixation on women’s hair spirals into something terrifyingly personal. Murphy masterfully blends procedural detail with emotional depth, crafting a heroine who’s as human as she is formidable. With crisp pacing, cinematic action, and a thread of dark suspense, Ponytail marks the start of a series that crime-thriller fans won’t want to miss.
Caitlin K. Murphy’s Ponytail is the opening novel of the Amanda Greene series in the crime-thriller genre. Drawing on the author’s real-life experience in policing, the narrative centers on Detective Amanda Greene and unfolds around a series of attacks targeting women. I think what distinguishes Ponytail from similar novels is that it does not limit violence to its physical consequences, but considers its psychological impact on both the victims and the detective leading the investigation. At the same time, it offers a strong yet flawed female protagonist whose human qualities make her believable. I believe readers looking for a gripping crime thriller with psychological depth and a strong female-centered narrative will definitely enjoy this book.
The story has a crime and psychological tone with a slow but steady pace, focusing more on character depth than fast-paced action. The protagonist, Amanda Greene, is convincingly portrayed as a professional and experienced female detective who must still face gender bias in a male-dominated workplace. The relationship between Amanda and Elena develops naturally, highlighting empathy, respect, and emotional support for a victim of violence. Rather than relying on shock value, the story emphasizes investigative procedures, victim psychology, and how individuals confront fear. Overall, it is a serious, realistic, and humane work that offers a thoughtful take on both crime investigation and personal resilience.
Ponytail pulled me in fast and didn’t let go. The premise is unsettling, but what really stands out is how real everything feels. The investigation is tense, but never OTT, and the story balances emotional impact with suspense. Detective Amanda Greene is exactly the kind of main character I look for in crime fiction: capable, sharp, and believable. She isn’t portrayed as untouchable, which makes every twist in the case feel more meaningful and real. I also liked how the book shows the effects of these crimes on people, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The writing is clear and confident, with a steady pace that kept me interested. This is a strong start to a series and a great pick for anyone who enjoys darker mysteries with a compelling female lead.
Caitlin Murphy’s Ponytail is a beautifully crafted novel that weaves together vulnerability, identity, and resilience in a way that feels strikingly real. The narrative flows effortlessly, drawing you into the characters’ lives and holding you there with emotional depth and authenticity. I especially loved how the book balances weighty themes with moments of tenderness and hope. It’s a story that made me reflect, but also one that lifted me up with its humanity. The characters linger in your thoughts, and the writing style makes the experience immersive and unforgettable. A stunning debut that deserves every star. Five out of five.
Ponytail by Caitlin K. Murphy is a solid, engaging start to a series that feels confident in its voice and pacing. The story pulls you in quickly, with a tone that’s sharp and accessible, and a main character who feels grounded and believable. It’s an easy book to sink into, with enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.
I appreciated how naturally the plot unfolds without overcomplicating things. The writing feels purposeful and well-paced, making this an enjoyable read that sets a strong foundation for what’s to come in the series. A good pick for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with momentum and clarity.
Caitlin K. Murphy’s Ponytail blazes onto the page like a Slipknot anthem, thrusting Marine-turned-detective Amanda Greene into a neon-lit hunt for a predator who weaponizes beauty itself—women’s long hair—for cruel trophies; every twist slams home with MMA precision, every clue hums with razor-wire tension, and when the hunter zeroes in on Amanda, you’ll feel your pulse pound in sync with hers as she fights tooth and nail to stop a nightmare in motion—this is edge-of-your-seat suspense that refuses to relent.
So a woman gets her hair cut off, what’s all the fuss about? If someone wants to whack off my hair, I say, go a head. I thought this would be a cute little mystery, different from the murder mystery thrillers that I normally read. I was surprised at how quickly I became tangled up in women’s hair. I soon realized that the body count didn’t really improve mystery thrillers. I actually got caught up in the mystery and invested in the investigation. I had some theories of my own, but they were wrong. I suppose I’ll have to match wits with Det. Greene in the next book.
This is an enjoyable and entertaining book, that follows the story of a female Detective, Amanda, who is on the trail of a predator targeting women on the mean streets of Oakville. Amanda has to use all of her nous and experience to track down the criminal, and as a veteran, and a former MMA fighter, she possesses all the skills required in her job. When the predator turns their attention to her, the stakes get even higher. The characters are well written, and the plot line is pacy and kept me turning pages.
The story introduces readers to Amanda Greene, a strong and layered protagonist whose journey is filled with tension, intrigue, and emotional depth. The narrative moves at a steady pace, keeping the suspense alive while gradually revealing the complexities of the characters and their relationships. Amanda stands out as a relatable and resilient lead, making it easy to root for her as she navigates challenges and unexpected twists. An entertaining and promising opener that blends suspense and character-driven storytelling effectively.
I read Ponytail while on holiday and it certainly kept me entertained. The novel is a mystery set Oakland and it takes you on a few dark twists and turns. A woman is assaulted and her attacker cuts off her hair. Following this the story takes a sinister turn. Amanda is a strong sassy woman who is the heroine of the book. The main themes are centred on strong women fighting for justice and never backing down. A great story overall.
I liked the way the narrator, as a careful detective, not only analyzed every possibility, but also told honestly when she was idle, or when her partners weren't as diligent as she was. It slowed the book down a little but was very realistic and included the. bureaucratic details of a detective's life. She also managed to make a good crime novel out of what was, when you think about it, a fairly minor crime. And as a rock star detective she figured out the motive - very clever!
A sharp, fast paced thriller that wastes no time pulling you into Amanda Greene’s dangerous world. The premise is unsettling and original, and the tension builds steadily as the predator grows bolder. Amanda is a standout lead, tough without being invincible, intelligent without being arrogant, and driven by a strong moral core. The action feels grounded, the stakes feel personal, and the suspense never lets up.
I really liked this book. Amanda Greene feels like someone you could actually meet. strong, sharp, but still human. The story pulls you in right away and never slows down. There’s action, heart, and just the right amount of grit. It’s not overdone or flashy, just solid writing and a great main character you want to follow. I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
The stark cover of Ponytail, scissors poised against blonde hair, reflects the novel’s sharp, unsettling edge. Caitlin K. Murphy writes with lived-in authenticity and real empathy. Amanda Greene is a strong, flawed, and quietly resilient lead, and the tension builds naturally without melodrama. Gritty yet compassionate, Ponytail is a compelling start to a series worth following.
A gripping, fast-paced thriller! Detective Amanda Greene is a fierce, unforgettable heroine, and this story hooked me from the first page. The suspense is sharp, the mystery is chilling, and the stakes rise with every chapter. A must-read for fans of tough, smart, relentless detectives.
What a fun book to read! The detailed manner in which the case is investigated was fascinating to read in this easy page turner. It's nice to see the female gender represented in crime scene fiction!