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Sandra Vos #2
Every Last One
Tucking her daughter into her hospital bed, Gail sent up a silent prayer. Her daughter’s heart is failing and without this life-saving operation she will die. But soon her peace is shattered when a nurse races into the "Lock the doors, close the blinds. The hospital’s in lockdown. We have a shooter."
When four attackers storm Founders Hospital, plunging it into an immediate lockdown, countless lives are at stake. As one of the FBI’s top negotiators, Special Agent Sandra Vos, is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful surrender.
Soon she discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned. But why target a hospital?
Sandra’s strongest lead comes when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. But with the attackers refusing to make contact and a little girl’s life hanging in the balance, Sandra needs to find the motive, fast.
When a shot rings out, it’s clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.
Sandra will need to use everything in her power to convince the hostage takers that this can end safely for everyone. But can she really meet their demands? And if not, how many lives will be lost?
A totally gripping mystery thriller perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot’s Mercy Kilpatrick series, Mary Stone and Elle Gray.
What readers are saying about the Sandra Vos
“OH MY GOSH!… Had me reading late into the night… I was caught up in the story from the first page to the last… So addictive!” Shortbookthyme, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was not going to sleep until I finished this book. Wow!… The hits just kept coming, and I never saw most of them until they hit… You will not be able to put it down because you will have to know what happened… Keep[s] you glued to the pages as you race to the end.” Escapetobooks1503, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wonderful… I love this series… Fantastic… Kept me unable to put the book down… Fantastic… Gripping… Wonderful… Edge-of-your-seat thriller.” The Reading Café, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was absolutely obsessed with this book… Loved… Amazing.” Read_and_rescue, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It kept me rapidly turning the pages… Gripping… It’s a must-read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Had me totally hooked. I love this series.” Karen4013, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Gripping… Page-turning… Nail-biting… This book is
When four attackers storm Founders Hospital, plunging it into an immediate lockdown, countless lives are at stake. As one of the FBI’s top negotiators, Special Agent Sandra Vos, is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful surrender.
Soon she discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned. But why target a hospital?
Sandra’s strongest lead comes when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. But with the attackers refusing to make contact and a little girl’s life hanging in the balance, Sandra needs to find the motive, fast.
When a shot rings out, it’s clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.
Sandra will need to use everything in her power to convince the hostage takers that this can end safely for everyone. But can she really meet their demands? And if not, how many lives will be lost?
A totally gripping mystery thriller perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot’s Mercy Kilpatrick series, Mary Stone and Elle Gray.
What readers are saying about the Sandra Vos
“OH MY GOSH!… Had me reading late into the night… I was caught up in the story from the first page to the last… So addictive!” Shortbookthyme, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was not going to sleep until I finished this book. Wow!… The hits just kept coming, and I never saw most of them until they hit… You will not be able to put it down because you will have to know what happened… Keep[s] you glued to the pages as you race to the end.” Escapetobooks1503, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wonderful… I love this series… Fantastic… Kept me unable to put the book down… Fantastic… Gripping… Wonderful… Edge-of-your-seat thriller.” The Reading Café, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was absolutely obsessed with this book… Loved… Amazing.” Read_and_rescue, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It kept me rapidly turning the pages… Gripping… It’s a must-read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Had me totally hooked. I love this series.” Karen4013, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Gripping… Page-turning… Nail-biting… This book is
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
206 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Arnold
76 books1,285 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 61 reviews
October 30, 2025
A tense hostage situation at a Washington D.C. area hospital is the scene of the second book in the Sandra Vos series by Carolyn Arnold.
Every Last One
She soon learns that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and the internet and hospital phones are down as well. It appears the attack was meticulously planned. But why is the hospital a target? A lead comes when they discover one of the assailants has forced themselves into a board meeting. When they learn a shot has been fired, they realize the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. Can Sandra and the team find a way to communicate and convince the assailants to end this situation without more shots being fired?
Sandra is capable and strong, remains calm in stressful situations, is empathetic, sets a high standard for herself, and has an infallible memory. She also likes to keep her private life private. She’s dating a Washington D. C. metro police department detective, Eric Birch. Eric is extremely supportive and understanding of Sandra and they both have high profile and stressful jobs. The other characters are well-developed, especially the antagonists, who are angry, hostile, and emotional.
As always, Arnold’s writing style immediately pulled me into the story. The plot is well-written and the character development was excellent. Readers also get chapters from other points of view which add to the unsettling and disquieting feeling that something could go wrong at any time. The atmosphere and tension in this novel were fantastic. While the hostage situation takes place over several hours, it is a powerful, emotional, and dramatic event and the pacing is just right. The author balances the upsetting aspects of the novel against the intrigue and investigation into the hostage-takers to give readers a thrilling story. The author keeps readers guessing as the scenes unfold and the twists come. Themes include anger, frustration, desperation, family, hostage situations, critical patients, relationships, and much more.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, tense-filled, gripping, and thought-provoking novel with compelling characters that kept me engaged throughout. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. While this can be read as a standalone novel, readers will understand Sandra better if they start with book one.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 18, 2025.
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My 4.39 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
She soon learns that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and the internet and hospital phones are down as well. It appears the attack was meticulously planned. But why is the hospital a target? A lead comes when they discover one of the assailants has forced themselves into a board meeting. When they learn a shot has been fired, they realize the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. Can Sandra and the team find a way to communicate and convince the assailants to end this situation without more shots being fired?
Sandra is capable and strong, remains calm in stressful situations, is empathetic, sets a high standard for herself, and has an infallible memory. She also likes to keep her private life private. She’s dating a Washington D. C. metro police department detective, Eric Birch. Eric is extremely supportive and understanding of Sandra and they both have high profile and stressful jobs. The other characters are well-developed, especially the antagonists, who are angry, hostile, and emotional.
As always, Arnold’s writing style immediately pulled me into the story. The plot is well-written and the character development was excellent. Readers also get chapters from other points of view which add to the unsettling and disquieting feeling that something could go wrong at any time. The atmosphere and tension in this novel were fantastic. While the hostage situation takes place over several hours, it is a powerful, emotional, and dramatic event and the pacing is just right. The author balances the upsetting aspects of the novel against the intrigue and investigation into the hostage-takers to give readers a thrilling story. The author keeps readers guessing as the scenes unfold and the twists come. Themes include anger, frustration, desperation, family, hostage situations, critical patients, relationships, and much more.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, tense-filled, gripping, and thought-provoking novel with compelling characters that kept me engaged throughout. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. While this can be read as a standalone novel, readers will understand Sandra better if they start with book one.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 18, 2025.
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My 4.39 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 14, 2025
Special Agent Sandra Vos is back in another gripping, suspenseful, twist-filled thriller! This one takes place in Founders Hospital, where the stakes are high and Vos must work against the clock to not only stop the four attackers who have taken over the hospital, but also deal with a personal matter as well. Whew! This was a tense one and I enjoyed every page of it!
The stakes are high as the hospital goes into lockdown, and those four individuals who took over have blocked the cell network. It is a high stakes, high anxiety, high stress situation. Sandra Vos must use all her skills to get a handle on the situation and engage in hostage negations. Carolyn Arnold also throws in a mother whose young daughter needs a lifesaving operation into the mix. This works to pull at readers' hearts, ramp up the tension, and put stress on Agent Vos and her team.
If you have read the first book in the series, Save Her Life, you know that Agent Sandra Voss is a tough, intelligent, and hard-working hostage negotiator. She is also human, and I enjoyed seeing her vulnerability, her sympathy, her empathy, and ability to relate to others. She keeps her cool in high stress/high stakes situations and has great compartmentalization skills. You must be one tough cookie to do what she does for a living.
Every Last One was wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced, thrilling, shocking, and hard to put down. Once again, Carolyn Arnold put readers and Vos through the ringer. I enjoyed the tension, the suspense, the twists, the mystery, and the mounting danger in this book. I rooted for Vos, felt for many of the characters, and kept my fingers crossed hoping for a resolution before it was too late. I also thought that Carolyn Arnold did a great job showing the desperation of the four attackers. I thought this was very well done.
This is the second book in the Sandra Vos series and would work very well as a stand-alone novel. But as it is only book two, do yourself a favor and go back and read Save Her Life as it is exceptional as well.
Addictive, tense, suspenseful, and wonderfully written! I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
The stakes are high as the hospital goes into lockdown, and those four individuals who took over have blocked the cell network. It is a high stakes, high anxiety, high stress situation. Sandra Vos must use all her skills to get a handle on the situation and engage in hostage negations. Carolyn Arnold also throws in a mother whose young daughter needs a lifesaving operation into the mix. This works to pull at readers' hearts, ramp up the tension, and put stress on Agent Vos and her team.
If you have read the first book in the series, Save Her Life, you know that Agent Sandra Voss is a tough, intelligent, and hard-working hostage negotiator. She is also human, and I enjoyed seeing her vulnerability, her sympathy, her empathy, and ability to relate to others. She keeps her cool in high stress/high stakes situations and has great compartmentalization skills. You must be one tough cookie to do what she does for a living.
Every Last One was wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced, thrilling, shocking, and hard to put down. Once again, Carolyn Arnold put readers and Vos through the ringer. I enjoyed the tension, the suspense, the twists, the mystery, and the mounting danger in this book. I rooted for Vos, felt for many of the characters, and kept my fingers crossed hoping for a resolution before it was too late. I also thought that Carolyn Arnold did a great job showing the desperation of the four attackers. I thought this was very well done.
This is the second book in the Sandra Vos series and would work very well as a stand-alone novel. But as it is only book two, do yourself a favor and go back and read Save Her Life as it is exceptional as well.
Addictive, tense, suspenseful, and wonderfully written! I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
November 24, 2025
Every Last One is the second book in the Sandra Vos series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Sandra is an FBI negotiator and is called in when there is a situation at the local hospital. It has gone into lockdown with an unknown number of armed hostage takers. Inside the hospital is a 4 YO girl, Phoebe and her mother waiting for her heart transplant that is scheduled for that night. There is also a board meeting with a lot of the hospital bigwigs, and a man who is the CEO of a drug company that makes cancer drugs. Who are these people after and why?
This is one of those books that once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know who the hostage takers were, and why they were there. There were 4 of them and they were all in different parts of the hospital, so it was difficult to figure out who they were after and why. I really liked how Sandra worked with others, and eventually even with the local police to figure out who they were. The final puzzle was to determine who the leader was. The plot was interesting, especially how they met one another and kept in contact. Of course, technology is involved as they locked down the hospital and jammed the system so no calls could go in or out. Was it an inside job. Lots of questions, and eventually the team finds all the answers, but is it in time for Phoebe. This is a great police procedural, that kept me guessing and had me devouring the story in one day. I could not stop reading, until the end. I did a read/listen, but more listen as I was able to do some chores around the house at the same time. The narrator Kathryn Akin did a wonderful job with the story. She gave voice to the various characters and added suspense to the story with her tone and expression. She is a new narrator to me, but I hope she narrates any other books in this series.
This is one of those books that once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know who the hostage takers were, and why they were there. There were 4 of them and they were all in different parts of the hospital, so it was difficult to figure out who they were after and why. I really liked how Sandra worked with others, and eventually even with the local police to figure out who they were. The final puzzle was to determine who the leader was. The plot was interesting, especially how they met one another and kept in contact. Of course, technology is involved as they locked down the hospital and jammed the system so no calls could go in or out. Was it an inside job. Lots of questions, and eventually the team finds all the answers, but is it in time for Phoebe. This is a great police procedural, that kept me guessing and had me devouring the story in one day. I could not stop reading, until the end. I did a read/listen, but more listen as I was able to do some chores around the house at the same time. The narrator Kathryn Akin did a wonderful job with the story. She gave voice to the various characters and added suspense to the story with her tone and expression. She is a new narrator to me, but I hope she narrates any other books in this series.
November 21, 2025
Every Last One had me locked in from page one. A hospital in full lockdown, a mother desperate to save her daughter, and four armed attackers who clearly did not wake up that morning planning a regular Tuesday. The premise alone had my nerves tap dancing.
The story follows Special Agent Sandra Vos who gets pulled into negotiating with hostage takers who have taken over Founders Hospital. They have cut cell towers, jammed communication, and planned every detail like they were preparing for a mission instead of a meltdown. Sandra quickly realizes this is not random chaos, there is a very personal reason behind what is happening, and every minute counts because a little girl is waiting on a life saving operation that cannot happen until the standoff ends.
I loved how tense and emotional this one was. The stakes are sky high, the pacing never slows down, and Sandra is the kind of character who stays calm while the rest of us would be in a corner rethinking all our decisions. Seeing the layers behind the attackers gave the story that extra sting because it is not about simple villains, it is about broken people who made dangerous choices.
Once I realized how everything linked together I just sat there like, wow. Carolyn Arnold knows how to set a scene and keep your heart rate uncomfortably elevated. This was gripping, intense, and surprisingly emotional. A perfect blend of action, character depth, and moral messiness. Definitely a 5 star read. I absolutely love this series and can't wait to see what's next.
The story follows Special Agent Sandra Vos who gets pulled into negotiating with hostage takers who have taken over Founders Hospital. They have cut cell towers, jammed communication, and planned every detail like they were preparing for a mission instead of a meltdown. Sandra quickly realizes this is not random chaos, there is a very personal reason behind what is happening, and every minute counts because a little girl is waiting on a life saving operation that cannot happen until the standoff ends.
I loved how tense and emotional this one was. The stakes are sky high, the pacing never slows down, and Sandra is the kind of character who stays calm while the rest of us would be in a corner rethinking all our decisions. Seeing the layers behind the attackers gave the story that extra sting because it is not about simple villains, it is about broken people who made dangerous choices.
Once I realized how everything linked together I just sat there like, wow. Carolyn Arnold knows how to set a scene and keep your heart rate uncomfortably elevated. This was gripping, intense, and surprisingly emotional. A perfect blend of action, character depth, and moral messiness. Definitely a 5 star read. I absolutely love this series and can't wait to see what's next.
December 2, 2025
Every Last One is book 2 in the Sandra Vos series by Carolyn Arnold. Once you start this book you'll be unable to stop. To say it is gripping and life around you stops is an understatement! Sandra is an FBI negotiator and is called to Founders Hospital to help remedy the situation.
The hospital has gone into lockdown, has no phone or cellphone service, and a gunman has forced their way into the board meeting with all of the higher ups. Sandra has to try to find a way to communicate with the people inside so that she can work the problem. What do the people want that have invaded the hospital? How will the sick people get the medicine and treatment they need?
One critical four year old is scheduled to have heart transplant surgery later today. If she misses her timeline it could be deadly. Sandra knows all of this and feels the pressure and stress of the situation. Things are tough for Sandra when she is dealing with her own family health emergency in addition to this.
Will Sandra be able to find out who these people are and what they want? Will she be able to help the patients get what they need to survive? Will any staff members be injured or killed? This book had me up until 3:30 a.m. to see how it ended. I rate Every Last One 4 stars with a high recommendation. Is like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Every Last One in exchange for a fair review. #EveryLastOne
The hospital has gone into lockdown, has no phone or cellphone service, and a gunman has forced their way into the board meeting with all of the higher ups. Sandra has to try to find a way to communicate with the people inside so that she can work the problem. What do the people want that have invaded the hospital? How will the sick people get the medicine and treatment they need?
One critical four year old is scheduled to have heart transplant surgery later today. If she misses her timeline it could be deadly. Sandra knows all of this and feels the pressure and stress of the situation. Things are tough for Sandra when she is dealing with her own family health emergency in addition to this.
Will Sandra be able to find out who these people are and what they want? Will she be able to help the patients get what they need to survive? Will any staff members be injured or killed? This book had me up until 3:30 a.m. to see how it ended. I rate Every Last One 4 stars with a high recommendation. Is like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Every Last One in exchange for a fair review. #EveryLastOne
November 8, 2025
What an absolutely gripping read! Every Last One is the 2nd installment in the Sandra Vos series, and it works perfectly well as a standalone.
Carolyn Arnold wastes no time pulling readers straight into the chaos: a hospital under lockdown, terrified patients and families, and a team of FBI agents racing against the clock. It’s fast paced, high stakes, and packed with emotions.
I love how the author blends nail biting suspense with heartfelt moments. Amid the gunfire and tense negotiations, the story is layered with powerful emotional undercurrents: from the mother watching her daughter’s life hang in the balance to the pregnant nurse and her doctor fiancé navigating their own fears. And the proposal in the middle of all that chaos? Absolutely Brillant! It’s rare to find a thriller that can be both pulse pounding and heartbreakingly tender, but Carolyn Arnold pulls it off flawlessly.
And Sandra Vos? I loved how the author portrayed her character, giving her both strength and vulnerability. She’s sharp, determined, and deeply human. You can feel the weight of every decision she makes as she tries to save lives while staying composed under unimaginable pressure. I also really appreciated how Arnold explored the motive behind the attack; it wasn’t just evil for evil’s sake. There’s depth, pain, and a raw emotional truth to it that makes the story hit even harder.
If you want a thriller that keeps your heart racing while tugging at your emotions, then you’d probably enjoy this one.
Many Thanks to @bookoture for access to the digital arc via galley in exchange for honest feedback.
October 16, 2025
What I love about this series is that the author chose to highlight a different key role in the police force. Often, it’s detectives or officers who take center stage in crime stories, but for, the focus is on a negotiator in hostage situations. It’s fascinating to see how these situations unfold, and how every sentence—or even every word—must be weighed carefully. It’s crucial, because the smallest mistake can turn a situation into a tragedy—or lead to a successful resolution.
In this book, we also see how the approaches of the ERT (Emergency Response Team) and the negotiators are completely opposite: actions versus words. The ERT leader wants nothing more than to neutralize the hostage-takers as quickly as possible, while the negotiator aims to persuade them to surrender. Which approach is best?
Sometimes direct action is necessary, as a hostage-taker might lose control with catastrophic consequences—but other times, talking things through can lead to a peaceful resolution without bloodshed. Sometimes cooperation is the key.
While Sandra tries to focus fully on her delicate task, thoughts from her personal life creep into her mind. Fortunately, there is someone who helps take some of the burden off her shoulders so she can focus on her job—but of course, it’s impossible to completely push personal worries aside.
I found this book fascinating—not only to see how the case was handled, but also to understand what drove the hostage-takers to act as they did. I had real empathy for their motives and can easily understand how feeling unheard can drive people to desperate actions, where they stop thinking about the consequences. They become tunnel-visioned, focused only on their own situation.
Sometimes people need help—and that help can either lift them up or push them further into the abyss.
A heartbreaking story, but desperate actions are rarely the right way to solve your problems. Quite the opposite, in fact. 5 stars.
Thank you.
In this book, we also see how the approaches of the ERT (Emergency Response Team) and the negotiators are completely opposite: actions versus words. The ERT leader wants nothing more than to neutralize the hostage-takers as quickly as possible, while the negotiator aims to persuade them to surrender. Which approach is best?
Sometimes direct action is necessary, as a hostage-taker might lose control with catastrophic consequences—but other times, talking things through can lead to a peaceful resolution without bloodshed. Sometimes cooperation is the key.
While Sandra tries to focus fully on her delicate task, thoughts from her personal life creep into her mind. Fortunately, there is someone who helps take some of the burden off her shoulders so she can focus on her job—but of course, it’s impossible to completely push personal worries aside.
I found this book fascinating—not only to see how the case was handled, but also to understand what drove the hostage-takers to act as they did. I had real empathy for their motives and can easily understand how feeling unheard can drive people to desperate actions, where they stop thinking about the consequences. They become tunnel-visioned, focused only on their own situation.
Sometimes people need help—and that help can either lift them up or push them further into the abyss.
A heartbreaking story, but desperate actions are rarely the right way to solve your problems. Quite the opposite, in fact. 5 stars.
Thank you.
November 18, 2025
Desperate people often resort to desperate measures, regardless of the consequences. That rings so true for four people who have taken over Founders Hospital. They have cutoff all contact with the outside world by blocking cell phone signals and controlling the internet and phone systems of the hospital. Four people who have common miserable stories and who have never hurt anyone before are suddenly desperate. On the outside, law enforcement received 911 calls before everything was shut down, but they have no idea who is in charge and what they want.
I had a feeling I knew what was going to be driving these four individuals to act so out of character, but I did not realize just how deep it would go.
FBI Special Agent Sandra Vos is a top notch negotiator. She believes in justice, but she also believes in peaceful resolutions to problems rather than charging into a situation. She is smart, observant and truly cares about everyone involved, including the hostage takers.
This story takes place over a few hours, but reading it felt like it took place over days. I was completely held hostage by this book and lived there with the characters. It was tense and, at times, scary. A young girl in need a heart transplant, which must be done today or she will die, added even more tension to the story. A mother, who would do anything to save her daughter, pulled on my heart strings. This added another layer of horror into what is happening and the deadly consequences which are on the line.
Once again I was completely blown away by Sandra Vos. I enjoy the fact that the author has given her many layers. There is more to her than just what you see. This makes her character more realistic to me. She has suffered a tragic loss in her early life and has been tested by fire as well. This makes her an even better hostage negotiator. She is definitely one of my new favorite characters.
You do not have to read book 1 in order to read this book. However, I would recommend that you start with book 1, so you can more fully appreciate the woman named Sandra Vos. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had a feeling I knew what was going to be driving these four individuals to act so out of character, but I did not realize just how deep it would go.
FBI Special Agent Sandra Vos is a top notch negotiator. She believes in justice, but she also believes in peaceful resolutions to problems rather than charging into a situation. She is smart, observant and truly cares about everyone involved, including the hostage takers.
This story takes place over a few hours, but reading it felt like it took place over days. I was completely held hostage by this book and lived there with the characters. It was tense and, at times, scary. A young girl in need a heart transplant, which must be done today or she will die, added even more tension to the story. A mother, who would do anything to save her daughter, pulled on my heart strings. This added another layer of horror into what is happening and the deadly consequences which are on the line.
Once again I was completely blown away by Sandra Vos. I enjoy the fact that the author has given her many layers. There is more to her than just what you see. This makes her character more realistic to me. She has suffered a tragic loss in her early life and has been tested by fire as well. This makes her an even better hostage negotiator. She is definitely one of my new favorite characters.
You do not have to read book 1 in order to read this book. However, I would recommend that you start with book 1, so you can more fully appreciate the woman named Sandra Vos. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2025
Every Last One by Carolyn Arnold is the 2nd book in the Sandra Vos series and Loved ❤️ it especially as it was a gripping read with lots of twists and turns throughout, i could not turn the pages over on my kindle quick enough to find out what happens next. I love the main character Sandra Vos who is a is an FBI negotiator. . . . . .
Gail's daughter’s heart is failing and without this life-saving operation she will die. Now, sitting there tucking in her daughter in her hospital bed, she says a silent prayer.
Sadly, their peace was shattered when a nurse races into the room and tells Gail to "Lock the doors, close the blinds. The hospital’s in lockdown. We have a shooter." 😫
Now, Four attackers are inside Founder's Hospital, and everything is plunged into an immediate lockdown, countless lives are at stake. Now, Sandra Vos is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful hostage surrender.
She soon discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are all down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned. But why target a hospital and this hospital?
Sandra’s strongest lead comes, when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. Now, the attackers are refusing to make contact with her and a little girl’s life hanging in the balance, Sandra needs to find the motive, fast.
All quiet and a shot rings out, it’s Now clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.
With every minute that goes by Sandra has to find a way and in her power to convince the hostage takers that this can end safely for everyone.
But can she really meet their demands? And if not, how many lives will be lost
With every minute that goes by Sandra has to find a way of
Last One could be read as a standalone, which is great but I do recommend you go back and read the first book within this series as you get to know more about Sandra Vos the main character.
Superb book 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Gail's daughter’s heart is failing and without this life-saving operation she will die. Now, sitting there tucking in her daughter in her hospital bed, she says a silent prayer.
Sadly, their peace was shattered when a nurse races into the room and tells Gail to "Lock the doors, close the blinds. The hospital’s in lockdown. We have a shooter." 😫
Now, Four attackers are inside Founder's Hospital, and everything is plunged into an immediate lockdown, countless lives are at stake. Now, Sandra Vos is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful hostage surrender.
She soon discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are all down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned. But why target a hospital and this hospital?
Sandra’s strongest lead comes, when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. Now, the attackers are refusing to make contact with her and a little girl’s life hanging in the balance, Sandra needs to find the motive, fast.
All quiet and a shot rings out, it’s Now clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.
With every minute that goes by Sandra has to find a way and in her power to convince the hostage takers that this can end safely for everyone.
But can she really meet their demands? And if not, how many lives will be lost
With every minute that goes by Sandra has to find a way of
Last One could be read as a standalone, which is great but I do recommend you go back and read the first book within this series as you get to know more about Sandra Vos the main character.
Superb book 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
November 8, 2025
Oh! My! Word! What a truly high-octane read! From the very first page, Every Last One grips you and doesn’t let go. A terrifying hostage situation unfolds in a busy hospital, instantly plunging readers into a world of chaos, courage, and impossible decisions. The hospital goes into lockdown, but even with strict security measures, the danger only intensifies. Lives hang in the balance—including that of a tiny, four-year-old girl named Phoebe, who is scheduled to receive a life-saving heart transplant later that night.
Enter Special Agent Sandra Vos, one of the FBI’s top negotiators. She’s earned her stellar reputation through skill, empathy, and sheer determination—qualities that are put to the test in this tense, high-stakes standoff. The hostage takers have thought of everything, even blocking cell signals to prevent outside communication. Sandra must find a way to reach them, defuse the escalating tension, and save every possible life before time runs out.
As the hours tick by, the pressure mounts. Sandra’s calm professionalism and human compassion make her a compelling and admirable lead. Carolyn Arnold keeps the pacing razor-sharp, weaving in emotional depth alongside the suspense. Each twist reveals another layer of motive and mystery, and as Sandra uncovers the truth, the danger only grows more personal.
Arnold masterfully balances heart-pounding action with moments of vulnerability and hope. The hospital setting adds a unique urgency—especially with little Phoebe’s fate tied to the outcome of the standoff. Readers can’t help but hold their breath as Sandra races against both the clock and the darkness of human desperation.
Every Last One is a pulse-pounding thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat and emotionally invested until the very last page. Carolyn Arnold definitely delivers suspense with heart in this story.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Enter Special Agent Sandra Vos, one of the FBI’s top negotiators. She’s earned her stellar reputation through skill, empathy, and sheer determination—qualities that are put to the test in this tense, high-stakes standoff. The hostage takers have thought of everything, even blocking cell signals to prevent outside communication. Sandra must find a way to reach them, defuse the escalating tension, and save every possible life before time runs out.
As the hours tick by, the pressure mounts. Sandra’s calm professionalism and human compassion make her a compelling and admirable lead. Carolyn Arnold keeps the pacing razor-sharp, weaving in emotional depth alongside the suspense. Each twist reveals another layer of motive and mystery, and as Sandra uncovers the truth, the danger only grows more personal.
Arnold masterfully balances heart-pounding action with moments of vulnerability and hope. The hospital setting adds a unique urgency—especially with little Phoebe’s fate tied to the outcome of the standoff. Readers can’t help but hold their breath as Sandra races against both the clock and the darkness of human desperation.
Every Last One is a pulse-pounding thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat and emotionally invested until the very last page. Carolyn Arnold definitely delivers suspense with heart in this story.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 23, 2025
Every Last One is the second instalment of Carolyn Arnolds Detective Sandra Vos series, she currently has a few that are not finished series which I patiently wait for the next one in each of them to be released, or if I am lucky and can get them through NetGalley then I am even more excited. You'll recognise her series Detective Amanda Steele, Detective Brandon Fisher and Detective Madison Knight. Which I am currently up to date in all of these, and fell in love with her books just last year!
I was hooked from page one, and finished this book within 24 hours without a doubt! This isn't the first time that Carolyn has done this to me with her books, and it sure will not be the last time either I can promise you that!
A hospital in full lockdown, a mother who is desperate to save her daughter, and armed attackers (four of them) who didn't wake up and plan a normal day. My nerves were on full edge, reading and waiting to see how this would turn out!
This story was emotional and tense, I was on the edge of my seat and all emotions that were in this story I really did feel myself, what I love the most was once I started reading this book it was as if I was inside the story itself.
Special Agent Sandra Vos is called in to help with the negotiations with the armed attackers who have held people hostage in the hospital, while cell towers have been cut the communication has been jammed. Every planned detail was done to perfection. Why hostages were taken is later learnt that it wasn't actually random, there is a personal reason behind the attack. Every moment counts to the dot as there is a little girl who is laying on a hospital bead who needs a life saving operation that has been put on hold due to the attack.
This book was amazing, it has been well thought out, while being well written. The story line was perfect with every inch being thought about 100% before being put into place.
Thank you so much for another gripping book!
I was hooked from page one, and finished this book within 24 hours without a doubt! This isn't the first time that Carolyn has done this to me with her books, and it sure will not be the last time either I can promise you that!
A hospital in full lockdown, a mother who is desperate to save her daughter, and armed attackers (four of them) who didn't wake up and plan a normal day. My nerves were on full edge, reading and waiting to see how this would turn out!
This story was emotional and tense, I was on the edge of my seat and all emotions that were in this story I really did feel myself, what I love the most was once I started reading this book it was as if I was inside the story itself.
Special Agent Sandra Vos is called in to help with the negotiations with the armed attackers who have held people hostage in the hospital, while cell towers have been cut the communication has been jammed. Every planned detail was done to perfection. Why hostages were taken is later learnt that it wasn't actually random, there is a personal reason behind the attack. Every moment counts to the dot as there is a little girl who is laying on a hospital bead who needs a life saving operation that has been put on hold due to the attack.
This book was amazing, it has been well thought out, while being well written. The story line was perfect with every inch being thought about 100% before being put into place.
Thank you so much for another gripping book!
November 18, 2025
Every Last One by Carolyn Arnold is the second of her new series featuring Sandra Vos, an FBI agent with her speciality: hostage negotiator. Which is exactly where we find Sandra. An unknown number of people have taken over a hospital. One, at least, is in the board room with members of the Board and the CEO. As the day unfolds they discover four members of the staff were in a break room on the fourth floor, and on that same floor is a woman with her four-year-old daughter, who was awaiting a heart transplant; and a nurse. Eventually the team discovered how many were involved and why this had happened. It was always Sandra’s goal to end the situation with no casualties. In this case she was working with the local police and the leader of that team, whose goal didn’t align with hers, so she was balancing the negotiation between the leader of the hostage takers and the leaders of a team of police who wanted to breach and kill.
Sandra Vos is a multi-dimensional characters, much like most in real life. She and her twin were adopted as children and her brother died because they couldn’t get him help quickly enough. It is a burden she carries always, and one that led her to what she does. Her adopted mother is currently in the throes of dementia and has a full-time caregiver. That caregiver had called to let Sandra know they were at the hospital as her mother had fainted and broken her wrist. There was no immediate danger, but it pulled at her attention. She was also a mother, with a grown daughter. All of it fueled her vocation but also drew her attention away. She is a terrific character who will develop even more with time. It was a tense day, which did finally come to a close. The very definition of a thriller. Good read.
I was invited to read Every Last One by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #CarolynArnold #EveryLastOne
Sandra Vos is a multi-dimensional characters, much like most in real life. She and her twin were adopted as children and her brother died because they couldn’t get him help quickly enough. It is a burden she carries always, and one that led her to what she does. Her adopted mother is currently in the throes of dementia and has a full-time caregiver. That caregiver had called to let Sandra know they were at the hospital as her mother had fainted and broken her wrist. There was no immediate danger, but it pulled at her attention. She was also a mother, with a grown daughter. All of it fueled her vocation but also drew her attention away. She is a terrific character who will develop even more with time. It was a tense day, which did finally come to a close. The very definition of a thriller. Good read.
I was invited to read Every Last One by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #CarolynArnold #EveryLastOne
October 16, 2025
Thanks to Carolyn and NetGalley for allowing me to read Every Last One before the publication date.
This is the second book in the series and makes for interesting reading, as it weaves several strands around the main storyline. They give pause for thought about the topical subjects of “Big Pharma” and Social Media.
Vos is what could be described as a “sandwich” parent, responsible for her 16 year old daughter, Olivia whilst ensuring that her 71 year old adoptive mother, Margo, who is living with Alzheimers, receives the level of care which she needs.
When a man is reported to have a gun in the corridors of Founders Hospital, the emergency protocol is activated to lock down the building, with more than a thousand staff and patients inside.
Founders falls within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police, but someone with a lot of influence and power has contacted the FBI.
Special Agents Sandra Vos and Brice Sutton are deployed. This creates tension with the Met team.
With the phone and internet connections to the hospital blocked, the team have no insight into the situation. Every minute seems like an hour as they wait for the emergency director to re-instate the cameras.
Meanwhile, ERT want to enter the building.
When Sandra receives a call to tell her that Margo had fainted and was now in hospital, she feels guilty that she is not there with her, although her presence might actually upset Margo.
It is a well crafted story which give the reader lots to consider.
This is the second book in the series and makes for interesting reading, as it weaves several strands around the main storyline. They give pause for thought about the topical subjects of “Big Pharma” and Social Media.
Vos is what could be described as a “sandwich” parent, responsible for her 16 year old daughter, Olivia whilst ensuring that her 71 year old adoptive mother, Margo, who is living with Alzheimers, receives the level of care which she needs.
When a man is reported to have a gun in the corridors of Founders Hospital, the emergency protocol is activated to lock down the building, with more than a thousand staff and patients inside.
Founders falls within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police, but someone with a lot of influence and power has contacted the FBI.
Special Agents Sandra Vos and Brice Sutton are deployed. This creates tension with the Met team.
With the phone and internet connections to the hospital blocked, the team have no insight into the situation. Every minute seems like an hour as they wait for the emergency director to re-instate the cameras.
Meanwhile, ERT want to enter the building.
When Sandra receives a call to tell her that Margo had fainted and was now in hospital, she feels guilty that she is not there with her, although her presence might actually upset Margo.
It is a well crafted story which give the reader lots to consider.
November 18, 2025
Disclosure. This is a review of an ebook I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
This is the second title in the Sandra Vos series, but works fine as a stand-alone read.
This story is set in a hospital in Washington DC and it has a tense start as the hospital goes into complete lockdown due to the presence of gunmen in the building. Nobody can access other floors and the building is lit by emergency lighting only. Even their mobile phones don’t work, as the gunmen have jammed them.
The lockdown starts at 09:50 in the morning and the first person we are introduced to is Gail, mother of 4 year old Phoebe who is due to have a heart replacement operation that evening. They are hiding in Phoebe’s room along with Nurse Torres. A very tense opening, as Phoebe will die without that donor heart. We get two more chapters both set at 09:50 each featuring an armed assailant threatening other hospital staff. All of this really hooks the reader into the storyline, before we even meet FBI Agent Sandra Vos, who has been drafted in to assist with negotiations with the gunmen.
So why have gunmen targeted the hospital? What do they want? How many gunmen are there and who is in charge? Has anyone been shot? How did they manage to access so many key areas of the hospital simultaneously? How are Sandra and the team going to defuse the situation?
Sandra’s personal life is also woven into the story-line giving another strand to the tale.
This is a gripping page turner which I couldn’t put down. So many facets to this story.
A very thrilling read.
This is the second title in the Sandra Vos series, but works fine as a stand-alone read.
This story is set in a hospital in Washington DC and it has a tense start as the hospital goes into complete lockdown due to the presence of gunmen in the building. Nobody can access other floors and the building is lit by emergency lighting only. Even their mobile phones don’t work, as the gunmen have jammed them.
The lockdown starts at 09:50 in the morning and the first person we are introduced to is Gail, mother of 4 year old Phoebe who is due to have a heart replacement operation that evening. They are hiding in Phoebe’s room along with Nurse Torres. A very tense opening, as Phoebe will die without that donor heart. We get two more chapters both set at 09:50 each featuring an armed assailant threatening other hospital staff. All of this really hooks the reader into the storyline, before we even meet FBI Agent Sandra Vos, who has been drafted in to assist with negotiations with the gunmen.
So why have gunmen targeted the hospital? What do they want? How many gunmen are there and who is in charge? Has anyone been shot? How did they manage to access so many key areas of the hospital simultaneously? How are Sandra and the team going to defuse the situation?
Sandra’s personal life is also woven into the story-line giving another strand to the tale.
This is a gripping page turner which I couldn’t put down. So many facets to this story.
A very thrilling read.
October 26, 2025
Read my full reviewed on Rosepoint Publishing.
Not a detective or investigator, Sandra Vos is a negotiator with the FBI. The hospital goes into lockdown and they realize there is no communication in or out of the facility. She must determine, somehow, a way to get communications back up, who to speak to, and if possible determine the number and location of the hostage takers.
So what is the motivation of the hostage takers? A wrongful death? Crushing medical debt without recourse? The team must first identify who is holding the power and if more than one perp, what is their common ground?
While I wasn’t overly engaged with the protagonist, I enjoyed the contributions made by the team, each supplying valuable intel. The patients as well as staff made for interesting characters.
It’s a well-plotted and paced narrative with a few surprises, although somewhat predictable. The tension ramps up as the hours tick by without resolution and in this case, there is also emotional engagement with the antagonist(s).
If you’re a fan, you’ll no doubt enjoy this one as well, and although the second in the series, could be read as a standalone. The novel releases next month!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Not a detective or investigator, Sandra Vos is a negotiator with the FBI. The hospital goes into lockdown and they realize there is no communication in or out of the facility. She must determine, somehow, a way to get communications back up, who to speak to, and if possible determine the number and location of the hostage takers.
So what is the motivation of the hostage takers? A wrongful death? Crushing medical debt without recourse? The team must first identify who is holding the power and if more than one perp, what is their common ground?
While I wasn’t overly engaged with the protagonist, I enjoyed the contributions made by the team, each supplying valuable intel. The patients as well as staff made for interesting characters.
It’s a well-plotted and paced narrative with a few surprises, although somewhat predictable. The tension ramps up as the hours tick by without resolution and in this case, there is also emotional engagement with the antagonist(s).
If you’re a fan, you’ll no doubt enjoy this one as well, and although the second in the series, could be read as a standalone. The novel releases next month!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
November 20, 2025
Every Last One by Carolyn Arnold is the 2nd book in her Sandra Vos series. Special agent Sandra Vos is a negotiator with the FBI, and she is sent with her partner, Brice Sutton to a hospital that has gone into a lockdown. A tense hostage situation at a Washington D.C. area hospital, and they realize there is no communication in or out of the hospital. The hostage takers have blocked the network, and the internet and hospital phones are down as well. The tension ramps up as the hours tick by without resolution, the danger involving some of the antagonists.
Sandra is capable and strong, always calm in stressful situations, and has a fantastic memory. With four gunmen have the building in lockdown, Sandra faces her most harrowing challenge. She must determine to find a way to get communications back and try to talk to the main leader as the antagonists are hostile and angry. Sandra also is concerned with a young child that will need a heart transplant in the later part of the day, and she fears the child will not be able to get help.
Every Last One was a suspenseful, tense, emotional, gripping, compelling thriller. The story points out so many situations, including anger, frustration, desperation, family, hostages, and danger. I love Sandra Vos, as she was a fantastic FBI agent. Every Last One was very well written by Carolyn Arnold. Great story, which I suggest you read this series.
Barb
Sandra is capable and strong, always calm in stressful situations, and has a fantastic memory. With four gunmen have the building in lockdown, Sandra faces her most harrowing challenge. She must determine to find a way to get communications back and try to talk to the main leader as the antagonists are hostile and angry. Sandra also is concerned with a young child that will need a heart transplant in the later part of the day, and she fears the child will not be able to get help.
Every Last One was a suspenseful, tense, emotional, gripping, compelling thriller. The story points out so many situations, including anger, frustration, desperation, family, hostages, and danger. I love Sandra Vos, as she was a fantastic FBI agent. Every Last One was very well written by Carolyn Arnold. Great story, which I suggest you read this series.
Barb
January 8, 2026
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn’t realised this book was the second in a series when I selected it but to be honest with you that didn’t matter and it was easy to read as a standalone. I couldn’t put the book down and found it so intense, thrilling and really liked the characters especially Special Agent Sandra Vos. Her determination, grit, tenacity and empathy definitely makes her a very likeable and readable character.
The premise of the book is a hostage situation in a DC hospital which causes the hospital to go into lockdown, so no one can go in or out, including emergency services or anyone hurt. There are plenty of tense and thrilling moments but it’s also interesting when we learn more of why the four hostage takers have done what they have (including taking hostage a boardroom full of the hospital’s CEO and board members) making it a moral dilemma too, particularly given how inaccessible and expensive healthcare is for many people in America.
I loved this book and can’t wait for future books in the series starring Sandra Vos, and this made me want to read the book before this too. My only reason for not giving five stars was I felt it could’ve been a little shorter and it felt like the ending/last few chapters were a bit rushed. I highly recommend though and thank NetGalley and the publisher again for this copy.
I hadn’t realised this book was the second in a series when I selected it but to be honest with you that didn’t matter and it was easy to read as a standalone. I couldn’t put the book down and found it so intense, thrilling and really liked the characters especially Special Agent Sandra Vos. Her determination, grit, tenacity and empathy definitely makes her a very likeable and readable character.
The premise of the book is a hostage situation in a DC hospital which causes the hospital to go into lockdown, so no one can go in or out, including emergency services or anyone hurt. There are plenty of tense and thrilling moments but it’s also interesting when we learn more of why the four hostage takers have done what they have (including taking hostage a boardroom full of the hospital’s CEO and board members) making it a moral dilemma too, particularly given how inaccessible and expensive healthcare is for many people in America.
I loved this book and can’t wait for future books in the series starring Sandra Vos, and this made me want to read the book before this too. My only reason for not giving five stars was I felt it could’ve been a little shorter and it felt like the ending/last few chapters were a bit rushed. I highly recommend though and thank NetGalley and the publisher again for this copy.
November 13, 2025
When four attackers storm Founders Hospital, plunging it into an immediate lockdown, countless lives are at stake. As one of the FBI’s top negotiators, Special Agent Sandra Vos, is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful surrender. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned. But why target a hospital?
Sandra’s strongest lead comes when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. When a shot rings out, it’s clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.
The second outing for Sandra & another well written edge of the seat book. I was drawn in from the start & found the book hard to put down, different points of view added to the tension. I really like Sandra & I’m enjoying getting to know her, she is strong, great in stressful situations. I also like that she draws the line between professional & personal life, the latter being private. I do like how supportive Eric is & look forward to their relationship developing more. An engrossing, suspenseful thriller
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Sandra’s strongest lead comes when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. When a shot rings out, it’s clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.
The second outing for Sandra & another well written edge of the seat book. I was drawn in from the start & found the book hard to put down, different points of view added to the tension. I really like Sandra & I’m enjoying getting to know her, she is strong, great in stressful situations. I also like that she draws the line between professional & personal life, the latter being private. I do like how supportive Eric is & look forward to their relationship developing more. An engrossing, suspenseful thriller
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 30, 2025
A second thrilling adventure for FBI Special Agent Sandra Vos. She is a hostage negotiator tasked with ending critical situations with, hopefully, no lives lost. She is called to Founders Hospital where unknown armed assailants have taken over several floors. Also, a group of hospital board members have been taken hostage by a lone gunman. In addition, a young doctor, from a wealthy and prominent family, has been taken hostage along with two nurses. A young girl is waiting for a scheduled heart transplant which without it, she will die. All communications have been jammed with no access to cell phones or video coverage. Sandra is finally able to contact one of the intruders and is met with hostility and no explanation as to what the group wants. As the standoff continues, Sandra has been notified that her mother, who has dementia, has fallen and been taken to the hospital. While trying to hold off an attempt to send in the Emergency Response Team, Detective Eric Birch follows one lead after another to gather more information on the four people who have taken over the hospital. Will Sandra be able to end the stand-off before others are injured or killed? What information will she finally learn about her mother’s condition? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
October 15, 2025
A fast paced follow up to Sandra vos book 1 which I read and enjoyed previously. Sandra is a hostage negotiator for the FBI , trained to talk people down from dangerous situations. In this book she has her work cut out as several people take a whole hospital hostage and communication with them proves extremely difficult.
As Sandra works on a peaceful outcome and her colleagues try to work out motive and identity of the armed gunmen and women, patients’ lives are put at risk, particularly a young child awaiting life saving surgery.
I enjoyed the way that the author described the characters caught up in the siege and laid out their lives to really bring them to life.
Sandra used her skills to great effect even though she had her own personal worries to contend with. Each case seems to bring back memories of her brother whom she lost in similar circumstances which is why she is so committed to a swift and peaceful outcome where no one is hurt.
I liked the strong female characters in this book and will definitely be looking to read further additions to the series
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
As Sandra works on a peaceful outcome and her colleagues try to work out motive and identity of the armed gunmen and women, patients’ lives are put at risk, particularly a young child awaiting life saving surgery.
I enjoyed the way that the author described the characters caught up in the siege and laid out their lives to really bring them to life.
Sandra used her skills to great effect even though she had her own personal worries to contend with. Each case seems to bring back memories of her brother whom she lost in similar circumstances which is why she is so committed to a swift and peaceful outcome where no one is hurt.
I liked the strong female characters in this book and will definitely be looking to read further additions to the series
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
October 21, 2025
Every Last One plunges readers into a heart-pounding hostage crisis that’s as emotionally gripping as it is action-packed. Carolyn Arnold delivers a tightly woven FBI thriller where time is running out and lives hang in the balance.
Special Agent Sandra Vos is a seasoned negotiator, but when four gunmen storm Founders Hospital—locking down the building and cutting off all communication—she faces her most harrowing challenge yet. With a young girl’s life-saving surgery on the line and gunfire echoing through the halls, Sandra must navigate a maze of motives, secrets, and impossible demands.
Arnold’s writing is crisp and immersive, with tension that builds relentlessly. The emotional stakes are high, especially as Sandra uncovers a deeply personal motive behind the attack. It’s a story that blends procedural precision with raw human vulnerability.
Perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot and Mary Stone, Every Last One is a gripping read that keeps you turning pages late into the night. It’s not just about solving a crisis—it’s about saving every last life.
With thanks to Carolyn Arnold, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Special Agent Sandra Vos is a seasoned negotiator, but when four gunmen storm Founders Hospital—locking down the building and cutting off all communication—she faces her most harrowing challenge yet. With a young girl’s life-saving surgery on the line and gunfire echoing through the halls, Sandra must navigate a maze of motives, secrets, and impossible demands.
Arnold’s writing is crisp and immersive, with tension that builds relentlessly. The emotional stakes are high, especially as Sandra uncovers a deeply personal motive behind the attack. It’s a story that blends procedural precision with raw human vulnerability.
Perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot and Mary Stone, Every Last One is a gripping read that keeps you turning pages late into the night. It’s not just about solving a crisis—it’s about saving every last life.
With thanks to Carolyn Arnold, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
November 16, 2025
Sandra has to deal with what must be one of a negotiators worst nightmares - a hostage situation with no way to contact the hostage takers. The hospital is in lockdown, there are an unknown number of hostage takers, and the interest/phones are down. As if that isn't enough to deal with, Sandra's mother has been hospitalized at a different hospital and the doctors don't know what is wrong with her.
It's all hands on deck as detectives are sent to follow up on clues are they are discovered. The negotiation team tries contacting the hostage takes once the phones are restored and they try to determine how many hostage takers there are once the security cameras are working. But then there is extra pressure when it is discovered that one of the doctors is the son of a rich family.
There's also a delicate balance between carrying on negotiations and ERT deciding it is time to move. Everyone wants the situation to be resolved peacefully but they differ as to the means. It's hard to imagine the stress that hostage negotiators deal with and for Sandra, this case has a definite impact on her personal life.
It's all hands on deck as detectives are sent to follow up on clues are they are discovered. The negotiation team tries contacting the hostage takes once the phones are restored and they try to determine how many hostage takers there are once the security cameras are working. But then there is extra pressure when it is discovered that one of the doctors is the son of a rich family.
There's also a delicate balance between carrying on negotiations and ERT deciding it is time to move. Everyone wants the situation to be resolved peacefully but they differ as to the means. It's hard to imagine the stress that hostage negotiators deal with and for Sandra, this case has a definite impact on her personal life.
November 21, 2025
This book hooked me from the first chapter and did not let up. The setup is tense right out the gate. A hospital goes into lockdown, communications are cut, and four armed attackers take control in a way that feels way too realistic. The whole situation plays out in almost real time and the pacing makes it impossible to stop reading.
Special Agent Sandra Vos is brought in to negotiate, and she is sharp, steady, and easy to root for. Watching her work through the chaos while the clock is ticking on a young girl who needs a heart transplant adds a level of urgency that hits hard. Every move matters and one wrong call could get people killed.
What surprised me most was the depth behind the attackers. Their motives were not what I expected, and once the truth came out it gave the whole situation a different weight. The story manages to balance action, emotion, and big moral questions without slowing down the momentum.
Overall, this was a fast, intense, and well written thriller that kept me invested the whole way. Strong characters, high stakes, and a plot that stays tight from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Special Agent Sandra Vos is brought in to negotiate, and she is sharp, steady, and easy to root for. Watching her work through the chaos while the clock is ticking on a young girl who needs a heart transplant adds a level of urgency that hits hard. Every move matters and one wrong call could get people killed.
What surprised me most was the depth behind the attackers. Their motives were not what I expected, and once the truth came out it gave the whole situation a different weight. The story manages to balance action, emotion, and big moral questions without slowing down the momentum.
Overall, this was a fast, intense, and well written thriller that kept me invested the whole way. Strong characters, high stakes, and a plot that stays tight from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2025
Hostage negotiator Sandra Vos is back in this fast-paced installment with crazy high stakes. When a group of unknown assailants gain access to a major hospital's systems, they hold not just board members and staff hostage, but the thousands of patients being treated in the hospital, some of whom need lifesaving surgeries. Sandra Vos and her team must work the very complicated situation quickly to avoid a massive death toll.
I absolutely could not put this down. I love Sandra Vos as a protagonist. A hostage negotiator is constantly in high pressure situations so there's probably endless stories to be told here and the fact that she's a single mom to a teenager gives her so much dimension. I also love all of the secondary characters, especially Eric and Olivia as well as Sandra's mom. Just a really well-rounded character with a good balance of work and family pressures. This particular case set in a hospital allows for many potential suspects and seemingly endless leads to track down. It was all just really well done. I cannot wait for the next one!
I absolutely could not put this down. I love Sandra Vos as a protagonist. A hostage negotiator is constantly in high pressure situations so there's probably endless stories to be told here and the fact that she's a single mom to a teenager gives her so much dimension. I also love all of the secondary characters, especially Eric and Olivia as well as Sandra's mom. Just a really well-rounded character with a good balance of work and family pressures. This particular case set in a hospital allows for many potential suspects and seemingly endless leads to track down. It was all just really well done. I cannot wait for the next one!
November 14, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
book 2 in the series and it starts off with a bang
a hospital under siege.....
the call went out about the hospital being under siege... sandra vos of the fbi was called in to help .... its not a scenario that vos likes but she has a job to do and thats to get everyone out as safe as they can be.... but everything is unknown... how many people have the hospital under lock down and what are their demands...
plus the patients are in danger some are critical and need attention from the staff.... its all pressure pressure pressure
the clock is ticking.....
and if thats not added pressure.... vos takes a call about her mom and an accident ... what else could be happening on this day... but she needs all her attention on the lock down at the hospital...
time isnt on vos side...
high tense drama and vos at her best.... love this new series and i cant wait to read the next book in this fabulous series
book 2 in the series and it starts off with a bang
a hospital under siege.....
the call went out about the hospital being under siege... sandra vos of the fbi was called in to help .... its not a scenario that vos likes but she has a job to do and thats to get everyone out as safe as they can be.... but everything is unknown... how many people have the hospital under lock down and what are their demands...
plus the patients are in danger some are critical and need attention from the staff.... its all pressure pressure pressure
the clock is ticking.....
and if thats not added pressure.... vos takes a call about her mom and an accident ... what else could be happening on this day... but she needs all her attention on the lock down at the hospital...
time isnt on vos side...
high tense drama and vos at her best.... love this new series and i cant wait to read the next book in this fabulous series
December 6, 2025
Special Agent Sandra Vos is one of the FBI's best negotiators. Her job is to be a calming presence amid the panic of hostage situations and to successfully negotiate the release of the hostages without harm. When she is called to a new scene, she faces perhaps her most difficult case yet. Several people have taken over a hospital, threatening the patients and staff, including a child who needs a transplant right away and a pregnant nurse engaged to a doctor who happens to be the son of a wealthy and powerful local woman. As the scene unfolds, it is evident that the hostage takers have varied complaints with the hospital and/or have lost loved ones who died there. While juggling the scene and trying to hold back those who want to storm the building, Sandra learns that her mother has fallen and is in the ER of another hospital. She has to make a choice between being with her mother and fulfilling her job responsibilities. It is an interesting story with changing points of view (i.e., Sandra, a nurse, etc.). The ending will surprise you.
November 17, 2025
4 1/2 STARS!
High octane suspense at it's best! The second book in Carolyn Arnold's Sandra Vos series did NOT disappoint! The danger rears it's ugly head from the very first chapter and the reader is taken on an emotional and tumultuous journey through several character's lives as a catastrophic situation unfolds during a hostage situation at a hospital. The heart of the story is well laid out, developed throughout and easy to follow. There is tension, fear and desperation surrounding the scene throughout most of the book. I was hooked until the very end and really enjoyed the suspense. I wanted a little more downtime with Sandra to reconnect with her and her family again after the first book in the series shared her background with us, but overall the book was top notch with not much lacking. I highly recommend it as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced FBI procedural with lots of heart and dedication. I'm looking forward to seeing Sandra again soon!
High octane suspense at it's best! The second book in Carolyn Arnold's Sandra Vos series did NOT disappoint! The danger rears it's ugly head from the very first chapter and the reader is taken on an emotional and tumultuous journey through several character's lives as a catastrophic situation unfolds during a hostage situation at a hospital. The heart of the story is well laid out, developed throughout and easy to follow. There is tension, fear and desperation surrounding the scene throughout most of the book. I was hooked until the very end and really enjoyed the suspense. I wanted a little more downtime with Sandra to reconnect with her and her family again after the first book in the series shared her background with us, but overall the book was top notch with not much lacking. I highly recommend it as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced FBI procedural with lots of heart and dedication. I'm looking forward to seeing Sandra again soon!
November 22, 2025
Sandra's mother is in a hospital after fainting and breaking her pulse and at the same time she's asked to be the negotiator with the people who attacked another hospital which is now in lockdown. There will be a detailed and time consuming investigation into the people who are around and in the hospital and what could be the possible motives they had to invade it. She'll have to weigh her decisions against those of the team leader who wants t have a faster and rougher deal with the culprits without jeopardizing the lives of patients and other people within the building. Sandra will put her own life in the line of fire to bring the case to a solution. Every Last One is a story about how medical bills may affect people and make them take extreme actions as well as it's a story about compassion, humanity, and the certainty of death. It's a great addition to the series and highly recommended!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
December 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
“Please, for your safety, and that of your daughter, do as I say”.
The FBI's top negotiators have their work cut out for them when four attackers lockdown Founders Hospital with 1100 hostages inside — one is a 4 year-old girl scheduled for a life-saving heart transplant that evening. With all communication access cut off, how will the FBI be able to talk the attackers down? What are they after? Revenge? Money? Will everyone make it out alive?
The second book in a series, however a satisfying standalone story as well. A good quick read. A storyline with law enforcement that kept me interested, which doesn't always happen. Good characters that kept me engaged and intrigued. I wanted to know what would happen next, who were the attackers, how were they connected, why the attack — lots of questions and by the end all were answered. I'll keep my eye out for the next book in the series!
Thank you @NetGalley and @bookouture for this ARC opportunity.
“Please, for your safety, and that of your daughter, do as I say”.
The FBI's top negotiators have their work cut out for them when four attackers lockdown Founders Hospital with 1100 hostages inside — one is a 4 year-old girl scheduled for a life-saving heart transplant that evening. With all communication access cut off, how will the FBI be able to talk the attackers down? What are they after? Revenge? Money? Will everyone make it out alive?
The second book in a series, however a satisfying standalone story as well. A good quick read. A storyline with law enforcement that kept me interested, which doesn't always happen. Good characters that kept me engaged and intrigued. I wanted to know what would happen next, who were the attackers, how were they connected, why the attack — lots of questions and by the end all were answered. I'll keep my eye out for the next book in the series!
Thank you @NetGalley and @bookouture for this ARC opportunity.
December 19, 2025
Every Last One is the second book in the Sandra Vos series. This is a stand-alone read.
Gail tucks her daughter in her hospital bed while watching the heart monitor showing its erratic beat. the Dr. is supposed to be coming for a visit this morning before the lifesaving transplant later this evening. operation she will die. But the tensions she feels as a single parent rachets up when a nurse says "Lock the doors, close the blinds. The hospital’s in lockdown. We have a shooter."
Founders Hospital is plunged into an immediate lockdown; countless lives are at stake. As one of the FBI’s top negotiators, Special Agent Sandra Vos, is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.
Sandra will have her hands tied when the people inside are at the hands of the discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned.
Certain floors are targeted, with the board members of particular interest.
This book begins with ramped up tension and holds the reader until the exciting conclusion.
Gail tucks her daughter in her hospital bed while watching the heart monitor showing its erratic beat. the Dr. is supposed to be coming for a visit this morning before the lifesaving transplant later this evening. operation she will die. But the tensions she feels as a single parent rachets up when a nurse says "Lock the doors, close the blinds. The hospital’s in lockdown. We have a shooter."
Founders Hospital is plunged into an immediate lockdown; countless lives are at stake. As one of the FBI’s top negotiators, Special Agent Sandra Vos, is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.
Sandra will have her hands tied when the people inside are at the hands of the discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned.
Certain floors are targeted, with the board members of particular interest.
This book begins with ramped up tension and holds the reader until the exciting conclusion.
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