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Detective Amy Sadler #3
With Child
Homicide Detective Amy Sadler is overjoyed: her wife, forensic pathologist Lira Ward, is pregnant with their first child. Life couldn't be better, although Amy soon finds that impending motherhood has made her a little more sensitive to cases involving children, such as the small girl found at the bottom of a pool.
An investigation into the child's family and possibly not-so-accidental death leads Amy into the twisted world of an isolated country church with extreme ideas, a world of child abuse and subjugated women. Amy's gut tells her there are sinister things happening beneath the church's picture-perfect public image, but proving it is another matter.
Then a man shows up claiming to be Lira's father, and everything Lira thought she knew about herself is turned on its head. Now as Amy struggles to prove her suspicions about the cult-like church before more children are hurt, she must also find a way to protect Lira from her own past.
An investigation into the child's family and possibly not-so-accidental death leads Amy into the twisted world of an isolated country church with extreme ideas, a world of child abuse and subjugated women. Amy's gut tells her there are sinister things happening beneath the church's picture-perfect public image, but proving it is another matter.
Then a man shows up claiming to be Lira's father, and everything Lira thought she knew about herself is turned on its head. Now as Amy struggles to prove her suspicions about the cult-like church before more children are hurt, she must also find a way to protect Lira from her own past.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2018
24 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Arnold
14 books58 followersI grew up in Illinois, two blocks from my local library. I read pretty much whatever I could get my hands on, and when the story I wanted wasn't there, I made it up. I don't remember a time when I wasn't making up stories, but I believe I was 6 when I began writing them down. I still have the unicorn notebook that I wrote my first stories in! By the time I was 8, the stories became a regular escape. When school was boring or unpleasant, I retreated into my head and dealt with the situation by either narrating it or inventing a better one. Each doll I owned had an elaborate backstory in my mind.
In seventh grade, I won first place in a school contest for the best scary story, the prize being a gift certificate for the fall book fair. I was pretty thrilled about that, but I didn't really become disciplined about writing my stories down until towards the end of high school. In my first year of college, I began writing my first novel, though I never quite finished it. That didn't matter though; I was finally in the habit of writing on a daily basis, and this habit enabled me to start and finish multiple novels in the following years.
In 2004, I graduated from the University of Illinois with an education degree. I have spent the years since working in a day care, being a substitute teacher, and working as a special education TA. I never stopped finding the time to write though, and eventually I decided it was time to share those stories with the public!
Currently I am focused on writing, but may teach again in the future. I have an old house with lots of books, a spoiled cat named Lily Belle, and an obsessive interest in Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Visit me here: facebook.com.MichelleArnoldbooks
https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Arnol...
In seventh grade, I won first place in a school contest for the best scary story, the prize being a gift certificate for the fall book fair. I was pretty thrilled about that, but I didn't really become disciplined about writing my stories down until towards the end of high school. In my first year of college, I began writing my first novel, though I never quite finished it. That didn't matter though; I was finally in the habit of writing on a daily basis, and this habit enabled me to start and finish multiple novels in the following years.
In 2004, I graduated from the University of Illinois with an education degree. I have spent the years since working in a day care, being a substitute teacher, and working as a special education TA. I never stopped finding the time to write though, and eventually I decided it was time to share those stories with the public!
Currently I am focused on writing, but may teach again in the future. I have an old house with lots of books, a spoiled cat named Lily Belle, and an obsessive interest in Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Visit me here: facebook.com.MichelleArnoldbooks
https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Arnol...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 5, 2020
The third in the series available on Kindle Unlimited.
Life keeps moving forward for the desperately in love married couple Amy and Lira. Detective and Pathologist respectively. But crime doesn't stop, and they find themselves pregnant with their first baby - in the midst of an investigation detailing child abuse and child marriage, including sexual assault, tied to a cultish Religious organization. Which may relate to Lira's own origin.
There was a lot of deep feelings in this one, those sicko religious cults that promote utter obedience in wives and children, and then go further in promoting child brides (while ironically saying gays are deviants) absolutely disgust me. I can only imagine how confronting that must be for personnel who work these types of cases where it's very hard to even get inside those types of closed off cults to gather evidence of crime, let alone find people willing to talk to outsiders when they are so very brainwashed.
But thankfully despite some truly awful things happening, they always get their justice. Which I understand is sadly uncommon in the real world with these cases. Which is why we like fiction. We like that the good guys will always overthrow the bad, and rescue the innocent and that evil vile perpetrators will get the comeuppance.
It's awesome seeing Amy and Lira reactions to Lira's pregnancy, and preparation for the birth etc. While also coming to terms with Lira's own genesis. There's love at it's core always between the two and I can't help but swoon for it.
Life keeps moving forward for the desperately in love married couple Amy and Lira. Detective and Pathologist respectively. But crime doesn't stop, and they find themselves pregnant with their first baby - in the midst of an investigation detailing child abuse and child marriage, including sexual assault, tied to a cultish Religious organization. Which may relate to Lira's own origin.
There was a lot of deep feelings in this one, those sicko religious cults that promote utter obedience in wives and children, and then go further in promoting child brides (while ironically saying gays are deviants) absolutely disgust me. I can only imagine how confronting that must be for personnel who work these types of cases where it's very hard to even get inside those types of closed off cults to gather evidence of crime, let alone find people willing to talk to outsiders when they are so very brainwashed.
But thankfully despite some truly awful things happening, they always get their justice. Which I understand is sadly uncommon in the real world with these cases. Which is why we like fiction. We like that the good guys will always overthrow the bad, and rescue the innocent and that evil vile perpetrators will get the comeuppance.
It's awesome seeing Amy and Lira reactions to Lira's pregnancy, and preparation for the birth etc. While also coming to terms with Lira's own genesis. There's love at it's core always between the two and I can't help but swoon for it.
May 22, 2018
Number three in the Amy Sadler story and it only gets better. Life is moving on for Amy and Lira, a baby on the way, but nothing ever goes to plan in their life!
As usual, Arnold doesn't hold back when telling the story of a sinister cult-like church. Amy struggles to deal with the extreme ideas and clear links to child abuse she uncovers while investigating the death of a child. Yes, its uncomfortable at times, it's shocking and believable.
Lira has her own issues with news about her own birth and heritage!
There are plenty of twists and turns in With Child to keep you entertained!
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC.
As usual, Arnold doesn't hold back when telling the story of a sinister cult-like church. Amy struggles to deal with the extreme ideas and clear links to child abuse she uncovers while investigating the death of a child. Yes, its uncomfortable at times, it's shocking and believable.
Lira has her own issues with news about her own birth and heritage!
There are plenty of twists and turns in With Child to keep you entertained!
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC.
December 21, 2018
More evil to fight!
Amy & Lira will fight unimaginable evil in this third installment of the Sadler series. A secret will come to light & Lira will have to fight an emotional battle, while carrying their baby! Michelle has written another amazing story & now I can't wait to read book 4 of this awesome series!
Amy & Lira will fight unimaginable evil in this third installment of the Sadler series. A secret will come to light & Lira will have to fight an emotional battle, while carrying their baby! Michelle has written another amazing story & now I can't wait to read book 4 of this awesome series!
August 7, 2018
I want more!
This third installment was really gripping. The evil manipulations, the terrible secrets, the shocking string of events but also the victories, the strong bond of love and a new beginning keeps me turning the pages. It was full of tension, a roller coaster of emotions right up until the very end. I loved both the main characters. They were smart and appealing. Yes, this was another fantastic book in the Amy Sadler series and highly recommended.
I really hope that this was not the end of the series. I want more.
This third installment was really gripping. The evil manipulations, the terrible secrets, the shocking string of events but also the victories, the strong bond of love and a new beginning keeps me turning the pages. It was full of tension, a roller coaster of emotions right up until the very end. I loved both the main characters. They were smart and appealing. Yes, this was another fantastic book in the Amy Sadler series and highly recommended.
I really hope that this was not the end of the series. I want more.
May 29, 2018
Awesome book
Wow, just wow. I always wondered why Lira moved so often as a child and it makes sense. I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out more about her history.
Wow, just wow. I always wondered why Lira moved so often as a child and it makes sense. I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out more about her history.
August 25, 2018
I already adore the Detective Amy Sadler Mystery series and book three did not disappoint. With a thrilling plotline, and lots of suspense, I struggled to put the book down and just couldn’t stop weaving.
In a style Michelle has, which I love, she has again contained this book as if it were a single episode of a show with a theme that is also cleverly connected in personal ways to both Amy and Lira. It was also nice to find out more about Lira’s background and how it was affecting decisions she and Amy were making in progressing their relationship and building a family.
The book was balanced well with joyous moments, and more sinister ones linked to the case they are both working on and all events were handled well given their sensitive, and quite uncomfortable nature but unfortunately are just realities of a world we all live in. I personally feel Michelle has been very brave to tackle such a subject and she has done so very well, making it realistic but bearable to read even though thinking about the reality and the sad fact this does happen in the world is less so.
However, this is my favourite book in this series and I cannot recommend it enough. It does focus on a taboo subject but not in such depth to be graphic or put any reader off from enjoying what is a brilliant story!!! Highly recommend and urge people really to give this book a go because the emotions and connections you will feel towards the characters and with some of them are immense!
Amazing read, amazing story, and just an amazing book! Looking forward to more mysteries in this series!
In a style Michelle has, which I love, she has again contained this book as if it were a single episode of a show with a theme that is also cleverly connected in personal ways to both Amy and Lira. It was also nice to find out more about Lira’s background and how it was affecting decisions she and Amy were making in progressing their relationship and building a family.
The book was balanced well with joyous moments, and more sinister ones linked to the case they are both working on and all events were handled well given their sensitive, and quite uncomfortable nature but unfortunately are just realities of a world we all live in. I personally feel Michelle has been very brave to tackle such a subject and she has done so very well, making it realistic but bearable to read even though thinking about the reality and the sad fact this does happen in the world is less so.
However, this is my favourite book in this series and I cannot recommend it enough. It does focus on a taboo subject but not in such depth to be graphic or put any reader off from enjoying what is a brilliant story!!! Highly recommend and urge people really to give this book a go because the emotions and connections you will feel towards the characters and with some of them are immense!
Amazing read, amazing story, and just an amazing book! Looking forward to more mysteries in this series!
August 28, 2018
As good as #1 or #2!
Lovely story with happy ending :-)
Lovely story with happy ending :-)
August 21, 2018
This in my opinion is the best of the series. Totally loved this book. At times it was hard to read it at certain points throughout the book.
Also I would have liked Amy to do what she done to the serial rapist/murderer ( in book 1) to the guy who turned out to be Lira's father.
Overall great series and looking forward to reading more from this author.
Also I would have liked Amy to do what she done to the serial rapist/murderer ( in book 1) to the guy who turned out to be Lira's father.
Overall great series and looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 2, 2018
Once again.
I can't explain why I like this series so much. I think it's the true human emotion that comes out on every page. These characters seem so real. Almost as if they could be your neighbors.The main characters love one another and protect one another.This book and those that came before it have substance and that cannot be said for so many copycat books that litter this genre. Every book is the same and so is this series but in a positive, real life way. Highly recommend the entire series and look forward to the next one.
I can't explain why I like this series so much. I think it's the true human emotion that comes out on every page. These characters seem so real. Almost as if they could be your neighbors.The main characters love one another and protect one another.This book and those that came before it have substance and that cannot be said for so many copycat books that litter this genre. Every book is the same and so is this series but in a positive, real life way. Highly recommend the entire series and look forward to the next one.
May 22, 2018
With Child
What a roller coaster of a story! I’ve loved and enjoyed all the books in this series, especially this one! I love seeing Amy and Lira together. And all the mysteries were fantastically done! If you haven’t read this series, do so now!
What a roller coaster of a story! I’ve loved and enjoyed all the books in this series, especially this one! I love seeing Amy and Lira together. And all the mysteries were fantastically done! If you haven’t read this series, do so now!
July 5, 2018
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I'd gladly ride again. So many questions from the first 2 books were answered. With each novel my love for these characters (and their relationships) grows. I can't wait to read more from this author!
June 21, 2018
Very well written.
I loved it. It is very well written. I had a hard time putting it down until I had finished it.
I loved it. It is very well written. I had a hard time putting it down until I had finished it.
January 22, 2019
Amy & Lira were put their paces in this installment of the series. The beginning grabs the you, reader (it did me), and propels you into a story about Amy & Lira's life experience during pregnancy. Miss Arnold's word smithing is effective; not drawing out the experience too much and effectively reminding readers that these women are sexual/physical assault survivors and those scars don't go away no matter how much love is in a life. The religious cult depiction was true to life and core disturbing.
Read the book!
Detective Amy Sadler & Lira, her wife & daughter Ruby are keepers in a series with an untold amount of stories to tell.
Read the book!
Detective Amy Sadler & Lira, her wife & daughter Ruby are keepers in a series with an untold amount of stories to tell.
March 7, 2020
Detective Sadler and her wife, Dr. Sadler, are pregnant with their first child. Dr. Sadler (carrying the baby from the Detective’s egg and a donor sperm) is forced to face the reality of her own biological parents and the women who raised her. Detective Sadler is knee deep in an investigation of sexual assault of under age girls by their fathers belonging to an off brand Christian church. The story is a little hard to read because of the abuse but has a HEA. This author doesn’t soft peddle anything.
July 15, 2018
For every lesbian who's ever wanted to rewrite Rizzoli and Isles...
This one finally hit the mark, and I'm glad I stayed with the series. Still formulaic, but better than the previous one, which itself was a lot better than the first. I enjoyed the story. Thank you for the summer vacation entertainment!
This one finally hit the mark, and I'm glad I stayed with the series. Still formulaic, but better than the previous one, which itself was a lot better than the first. I enjoyed the story. Thank you for the summer vacation entertainment!
August 6, 2019
Socially relevant and a great story!
The Amy Sadler books are great. I really enjoyed this one immensely because the plot is timely and relevant in today’s society.
The Amy Sadler books are great. I really enjoyed this one immensely because the plot is timely and relevant in today’s society.
December 13, 2025
Another good one in the series, even though there were some disturbing elements in the book. The emotional, physical and sexual abuse visited upon the young victims was appalling. I realize it’s a fictional story, but we all know such things really happen, unfortunately.
The investigation into the crimes was interesting and well written. Justice was eventually served, thank goodness.
I hope the author has updates for Abigail and the children in the next book, which I look forward to reading next.
The investigation into the crimes was interesting and well written. Justice was eventually served, thank goodness.
I hope the author has updates for Abigail and the children in the next book, which I look forward to reading next.
November 16, 2020
This one was quite hit and miss for me, book two is still my favourite. I’m a lover of crime writing, whether it be true crime, or fiction. I’d much prefer more investigative writing, but I understand it’s a love story.
Who doesn’t love a pregnancy though? It’s cute in places, cringing in others. I’m not sure how I feel about Amy’s character anymore, she’s quite the martyr.
All in all, average read 👍🏻
Who doesn’t love a pregnancy though? It’s cute in places, cringing in others. I’m not sure how I feel about Amy’s character anymore, she’s quite the martyr.
All in all, average read 👍🏻
February 8, 2021
So Good!
"With Child" was so good, I loved it. The 1st two of the "A Detective Amy Sadler Mystery " were awesome also, but way more intense. Book 3 dealt with the serious subject of child abuse and incest, but it was merged nicely with Amy and Lira's love for each other and the baby they were expecting. Looking forward to #4.
"With Child" was so good, I loved it. The 1st two of the "A Detective Amy Sadler Mystery " were awesome also, but way more intense. Book 3 dealt with the serious subject of child abuse and incest, but it was merged nicely with Amy and Lira's love for each other and the baby they were expecting. Looking forward to #4.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews