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Brandon Fisher FBI #8
Past Deeds
The sun was just coming up, and the sniper’s hands were sweaty as she looked through the rifle’s scope to the streets eight stories below and point eight miles away. In mere minutes, the target would be dead.
A prosecuting attorney is murdered in a sniping that takes place in Arlington, Virginia, less than fifteen minutes from Washington. FBI Agent Brandon Fisher and his team with the Behavioral Analysis Unit are called in to investigate the threat level and to determine if the lawyer was targeted. The FBI hadn’t anticipated previous victims stretching from coast to coast.
The team splits up across the country, but more than jet lag is getting to Brandon. As their profile on the shooter takes shape, their one theory on motive strikes too close to home and has him battling with regret over a past decision. He comes to discover some choices not only haunt us but can have long- and far-reaching repercussions we couldn’t even begin to imagine. Will Brandon be able to set aside his personal issues for long enough to stop a serial killing spree before there’s another victim?
Past Deeds is a gripping psychological crime thriller that will have you flipping the pages as you try to put the clues together faster than the FBI. To stand a chance, you’ll need to unravel the psyche of a killer. This mystery will also make you think and reflect—and you just might wonder if any past decisions you’ve made are stalking you, ready to strike.
Become addicted to an international bestselling series that will take you into the minds of the most heinous and disturbing serial killers the world could ever imagine.
A prosecuting attorney is murdered in a sniping that takes place in Arlington, Virginia, less than fifteen minutes from Washington. FBI Agent Brandon Fisher and his team with the Behavioral Analysis Unit are called in to investigate the threat level and to determine if the lawyer was targeted. The FBI hadn’t anticipated previous victims stretching from coast to coast.
The team splits up across the country, but more than jet lag is getting to Brandon. As their profile on the shooter takes shape, their one theory on motive strikes too close to home and has him battling with regret over a past decision. He comes to discover some choices not only haunt us but can have long- and far-reaching repercussions we couldn’t even begin to imagine. Will Brandon be able to set aside his personal issues for long enough to stop a serial killing spree before there’s another victim?
Past Deeds is a gripping psychological crime thriller that will have you flipping the pages as you try to put the clues together faster than the FBI. To stand a chance, you’ll need to unravel the psyche of a killer. This mystery will also make you think and reflect—and you just might wonder if any past decisions you’ve made are stalking you, ready to strike.
Become addicted to an international bestselling series that will take you into the minds of the most heinous and disturbing serial killers the world could ever imagine.
378 pages, ebook
First published February 18, 2020
489 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Arnold
77 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 60 reviews
February 18, 2020
FBI Agent Brandon Fisher, along with his team is called in to investigate the sniper shooting of a prominent lawyer. They are to determine if the lawyer was targeted. They talk to family, friends, co-workers, supervisors, hotel employees .. no one is talking. No one wants to say anything bad or embarrassing about the lawyer.
The FBI hadn’t anticipated previous victims stretching from coast to coast. Brandon and his team are suffering jet lag as they fly to various parts of the country looking for something that ties all the victims together. All are married men, in their 50s, all killed by one shot directly to the heart, all done by the same killer.
They have a theory on motive, one that hits pretty close to home for Brandon. He needs to set aside his personal thoughts and regrets in order to catch the sniper before the killer takes another victim.
The story is told from different points of view ... those of the investigators and then one of the sniper. There's no chapter indication of who is speaking, so I had to piece it together as I went along. That was a little distracting, but not enough to make me want to discontinue reading. There's lots of action from the get-go, a lot of investigative procedures, and several possible suspects. The ending was a surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Hibbert & Stiles Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The FBI hadn’t anticipated previous victims stretching from coast to coast. Brandon and his team are suffering jet lag as they fly to various parts of the country looking for something that ties all the victims together. All are married men, in their 50s, all killed by one shot directly to the heart, all done by the same killer.
They have a theory on motive, one that hits pretty close to home for Brandon. He needs to set aside his personal thoughts and regrets in order to catch the sniper before the killer takes another victim.
The story is told from different points of view ... those of the investigators and then one of the sniper. There's no chapter indication of who is speaking, so I had to piece it together as I went along. That was a little distracting, but not enough to make me want to discontinue reading. There's lots of action from the get-go, a lot of investigative procedures, and several possible suspects. The ending was a surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Hibbert & Stiles Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 19, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Past Deeds is book Eight in the Brandon Fisher FBI Series by Carolyn Arnold. I first came across the series back in 2017 with book six, Remnants, and subsequently read book seven, On the Count of Three, in 2018. Both of these books feature gruesome serial killers and they perked my interest. Book eight has the detectives working a different kind of case, a sniper.
The team is first called to Arlington, Virginia to the scene of a sniper attack on prosecuting attorney, Darrell Reid. He was shot dead outside of an apartment block at 6 am, but no-one knows why he was there, especially as he arrived at 11 pm the night before. All those that knew Darrell, including his wife, are staying tight-lipped or hiding behind confidentiality clauses.
Over time it becomes apparent that there have been other sniper targeted shootings in other parts of the country. It is up to the agents including Brandon Fisher, Kelly Marsh, Jack Harper, and Paige Dawson to put the pieces together and work out who and why is someone targeting people and to stop them before more are gunned down.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoy reading about Brandon and his team and how they work. I think Brandon is a great character, sometimes a little hot-headed but he comes across as a capable and realistic FBI agent. However, what I also like about the series is normally how we get to get in the mind of the serial killer and why they do their gruesome acts. This book didn’t have much in the way of interaction with the sniper and nothing was revealed until right at the end.
I also missed the gruesomeness of the killings that have been in the other books, I’m talking people being skinned or decapitated, this one, although, people were still being murdered didn’t have the blood and guts to go with it that I have come accustomed to with this series.
Whilst all the above were a little bit of a let down for me, the writing was once again superb and the accuracy of the handling of the case and FBI procedures was spot on. It was fascinating to see that Ms. Arnold had written the sniper as a female (not a spoiler as it is obvious from the synopsis), I just wish we got to hear more from her.
I do hope that the next in the series goes back to tracking the worst kind of serial killers, Past Deeds was a good read but I like the shocking storylines that normally come with the Brandon Fisher Series.
Past Deeds is book Eight in the Brandon Fisher FBI Series by Carolyn Arnold. I first came across the series back in 2017 with book six, Remnants, and subsequently read book seven, On the Count of Three, in 2018. Both of these books feature gruesome serial killers and they perked my interest. Book eight has the detectives working a different kind of case, a sniper.
The team is first called to Arlington, Virginia to the scene of a sniper attack on prosecuting attorney, Darrell Reid. He was shot dead outside of an apartment block at 6 am, but no-one knows why he was there, especially as he arrived at 11 pm the night before. All those that knew Darrell, including his wife, are staying tight-lipped or hiding behind confidentiality clauses.
Over time it becomes apparent that there have been other sniper targeted shootings in other parts of the country. It is up to the agents including Brandon Fisher, Kelly Marsh, Jack Harper, and Paige Dawson to put the pieces together and work out who and why is someone targeting people and to stop them before more are gunned down.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoy reading about Brandon and his team and how they work. I think Brandon is a great character, sometimes a little hot-headed but he comes across as a capable and realistic FBI agent. However, what I also like about the series is normally how we get to get in the mind of the serial killer and why they do their gruesome acts. This book didn’t have much in the way of interaction with the sniper and nothing was revealed until right at the end.
I also missed the gruesomeness of the killings that have been in the other books, I’m talking people being skinned or decapitated, this one, although, people were still being murdered didn’t have the blood and guts to go with it that I have come accustomed to with this series.
Whilst all the above were a little bit of a let down for me, the writing was once again superb and the accuracy of the handling of the case and FBI procedures was spot on. It was fascinating to see that Ms. Arnold had written the sniper as a female (not a spoiler as it is obvious from the synopsis), I just wish we got to hear more from her.
I do hope that the next in the series goes back to tracking the worst kind of serial killers, Past Deeds was a good read but I like the shocking storylines that normally come with the Brandon Fisher Series.
February 18, 2020
Whenever I am in the mood for a fast-paced plot, an edge of your seat read, Carolyn Arnold is one of the many authors I can rely on to meet this need. Therefore, when the opportunity came for me to read and review her latest novel, I could not resist.
The story began with a federal prosecutor being gunned down in front of a high priced condo by a sniper. Although this is not typical of the cases Brandon’s team would investigate, the fact it occurred close to their headquarters, a special request was made for them to take over the investigation. The question on everyone’s mind was why was the victim targeted? As the team dug deeper, they would discover there was more to the murder than they had originally thought, and they may be dealing with a serial killer.
The plot may not have been as fast-paced as the previous books, but it was engaging. I found I could not put the book down, as I had to know how the events would unfold. This is one of those mysteries where figuring out the identity of the villain and the motive for their actions proved difficult. I got my answers at the same time the team did. However, there was one incident the team never saw coming, but I expected that outcome.
It was great re-connecting with the characters. Kelly, a former police officer and a new member of the team, attempted to her worth to her boss throughout the investigation. Meanwhile, Brandon and Paige are struggling with their feelings for each other and guilt over a mistake from their past. The current case did not help the situation as it aided in opening old wounds.
From my experience with the author’s work, I expected to get an insight into the mind of the antagonist throughout the story. However, this was not the case with this installment.
I got a small glimpse into the sniper’s mental state. However, it was not until events were tied up that I got the full details on the sniper’s state of mind. I would have preferred if the author had provided this information throughout the story, as I believe it would have helped me to establish a connection to this character.
As usual, I enjoyed the author’s writing style. Intense, riveting, bold and true to life.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Although, this was not my favourite of the series, I still found Past Deeds to be an engaging read and one I would recommend to fans of mysteries, psychological suspense and police procedurals.
The story began with a federal prosecutor being gunned down in front of a high priced condo by a sniper. Although this is not typical of the cases Brandon’s team would investigate, the fact it occurred close to their headquarters, a special request was made for them to take over the investigation. The question on everyone’s mind was why was the victim targeted? As the team dug deeper, they would discover there was more to the murder than they had originally thought, and they may be dealing with a serial killer.
The plot may not have been as fast-paced as the previous books, but it was engaging. I found I could not put the book down, as I had to know how the events would unfold. This is one of those mysteries where figuring out the identity of the villain and the motive for their actions proved difficult. I got my answers at the same time the team did. However, there was one incident the team never saw coming, but I expected that outcome.
It was great re-connecting with the characters. Kelly, a former police officer and a new member of the team, attempted to her worth to her boss throughout the investigation. Meanwhile, Brandon and Paige are struggling with their feelings for each other and guilt over a mistake from their past. The current case did not help the situation as it aided in opening old wounds.
From my experience with the author’s work, I expected to get an insight into the mind of the antagonist throughout the story. However, this was not the case with this installment.
I got a small glimpse into the sniper’s mental state. However, it was not until events were tied up that I got the full details on the sniper’s state of mind. I would have preferred if the author had provided this information throughout the story, as I believe it would have helped me to establish a connection to this character.
As usual, I enjoyed the author’s writing style. Intense, riveting, bold and true to life.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Although, this was not my favourite of the series, I still found Past Deeds to be an engaging read and one I would recommend to fans of mysteries, psychological suspense and police procedurals.
February 17, 2020
Carolyn Arnold writes in multiple genres and her police procedurals are my favorites. She puts her characters in impossible situations and I always look forward to following the process to capture. Her stories remind me of Criminal Minds, and that is a very good thing. It makes it easy for me, along with Carolyn’s writing, to follow the process they go through to catch the criminal.
A sniper. A death. Is the sniper a hired gun? A vigilante? I am very curious. I love when I can relate to the villain, finding out their motivations for their actions, what drives them to do the evil that they do. It’s always the why for me.
Jack Harper and the rest of the BAU team are on the case. Each character has a unique personality and a history that drives them.
Brandon and Paige have a tenuous working relationship and Jack throws them together, time and time again. Brandon has problems with looking past the personal and dealing with the case. It strikes a little too close to home and the guilt that he carries. It’s his own fault. I want to slap him upside the heads. Can’t undo your Past Deeds, and they play a part in who you are now. May have you asking some questions of yourself. I love a thought provoking novel.
Kelly is new to the team, but not to Jack. Jack keeps the newbies close to him, working side by side. She questions herself and every word that comes out of her mouth, second guessing herself. I loved watching her grow confidence and learn what it means to be a member of the team. Her past gives her the ability to empathize with the unknown subject, which is a valuable tool.
I agree with Kelly’s thoughts about men in service. They deserve more than they get, once they come home. They are the forgotten heroes and the government doesn’t do enough for them when they are in need.
I love how Carolyn Arnold weaves reality with fiction, her ability to make me want to know the characters, want to watch them grow and struggle with their personal issues, along with the cases they work on.
As the search for the unknown subject continues, Carolyn Arnold creates a twist I didn’t see coming, a sickening twist, as the suspense builds and I read quicker. It saddens me. It can’t end good, but….the desire for the lost to be saved is still there for me.
The unknown subject is a soldier, on a mission. What happens when the mission is complete?
Past Deeds is a thought provoking story and my mind feeds on it. All our past experiences create the person we are today, but what if….
I voluntarily read an ARC of Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold.
See more at fundinmental
A sniper. A death. Is the sniper a hired gun? A vigilante? I am very curious. I love when I can relate to the villain, finding out their motivations for their actions, what drives them to do the evil that they do. It’s always the why for me.
Jack Harper and the rest of the BAU team are on the case. Each character has a unique personality and a history that drives them.
Brandon and Paige have a tenuous working relationship and Jack throws them together, time and time again. Brandon has problems with looking past the personal and dealing with the case. It strikes a little too close to home and the guilt that he carries. It’s his own fault. I want to slap him upside the heads. Can’t undo your Past Deeds, and they play a part in who you are now. May have you asking some questions of yourself. I love a thought provoking novel.
Kelly is new to the team, but not to Jack. Jack keeps the newbies close to him, working side by side. She questions herself and every word that comes out of her mouth, second guessing herself. I loved watching her grow confidence and learn what it means to be a member of the team. Her past gives her the ability to empathize with the unknown subject, which is a valuable tool.
I agree with Kelly’s thoughts about men in service. They deserve more than they get, once they come home. They are the forgotten heroes and the government doesn’t do enough for them when they are in need.
I love how Carolyn Arnold weaves reality with fiction, her ability to make me want to know the characters, want to watch them grow and struggle with their personal issues, along with the cases they work on.
As the search for the unknown subject continues, Carolyn Arnold creates a twist I didn’t see coming, a sickening twist, as the suspense builds and I read quicker. It saddens me. It can’t end good, but….the desire for the lost to be saved is still there for me.
The unknown subject is a soldier, on a mission. What happens when the mission is complete?
Past Deeds is a thought provoking story and my mind feeds on it. All our past experiences create the person we are today, but what if….
I voluntarily read an ARC of Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold.
See more at fundinmental
February 17, 2020
Special Agent Brandon Fisher of the FBI's BAU team investigates the sniper death of a prosecuting attorney in Arlington, VA.
That's a bit misleading, as Fisher is not the AIC (Agent in Charge), but rather a member of the team under Jack Harper, who is the AIC and who I found to be both unlikable and annoying. This book is labeled a Brandon Fisher book, though, and we spend a lot of time in his head as we do in the head of Kelly Marsh, formerly Miami-Dade PD and who is (based on us getting hit over the head with it multiple times) new to the team.
Darrell Reid is killed by a sniper as he's leaving a residential building. For some reason that isn't made entirely clear, the BAU is called. But out they roll, to the scene. It's pretty difficult to me that they would be, since at this point, there's a single victim. It's a real "it's in the script moment", to be honest.
In any case, back at the BAU, there's the requisite computer geek who can pry records out of any system, anywhere, and soon it becomes clear there are three other killings, in other states, that match this particular one. The team splits up, with Jack and Kelly staying in Virginia, and Brandon and Paige (with whom he apparently slept with in a previous book) sent out west to revisit the previous killings to see what links they can find.
From there, it's a standard procedural whodunit, with the agents going around to scenes, interviewing people, checking for video, and so on, until they make the connection and close in for the arrest.
I can say it's reasonably well written, although there is more than one character who says "In the least" instead of "At the least" - a quirk of the writer, perhaps. I'm afraid I didn't really care for any of the BAU agents. Jack's an asshole (in my opinion), and maybe I just think that because I've not read the seven books in the series before this. Kelly does way too much second guessing of herself instead of just realizing Jack is an asshole, making her feel small. Brandon is wishy-washy and annoying, constantly going back to the time he and Paige slept together while he was still married, as if one, he's still married to his wife and two, he doesn't have a new girlfriend. Paige was just eh, she's there and throws in her two cents now and again, although she nearly gets herself and Brandon killed by an oncoming vehicle because she's zoned out, thinking about her and Brandon. The characters were cookie cutter and could be swapped out in any other book of this type without a beat being missed by anyone.
That said, the whydunnit was okay, and the sniper clearly nuts but doing the killing from what in her mind is a rock solid foundation. The fact that not one agent guessed at what the killer was going to do at the end of the book was disappointing, considering that they had all the information on the killer and certainly could have done a profile on that. That they didn't says to me they may not be very good at their jobs.
There are some gratuitous "thank you for your service"s and a short commentary by Kelly on providing for veterans after they've exited the services. Neither did anything for the book or the characters.
Will I pick up earlier books in this series? Unlikely. But if you like Criminal Minds the show, you'll probably enjoy this much more than I did.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hibbert & Stiles for the advance copy.
That's a bit misleading, as Fisher is not the AIC (Agent in Charge), but rather a member of the team under Jack Harper, who is the AIC and who I found to be both unlikable and annoying. This book is labeled a Brandon Fisher book, though, and we spend a lot of time in his head as we do in the head of Kelly Marsh, formerly Miami-Dade PD and who is (based on us getting hit over the head with it multiple times) new to the team.
Darrell Reid is killed by a sniper as he's leaving a residential building. For some reason that isn't made entirely clear, the BAU is called. But out they roll, to the scene. It's pretty difficult to me that they would be, since at this point, there's a single victim. It's a real "it's in the script moment", to be honest.
In any case, back at the BAU, there's the requisite computer geek who can pry records out of any system, anywhere, and soon it becomes clear there are three other killings, in other states, that match this particular one. The team splits up, with Jack and Kelly staying in Virginia, and Brandon and Paige (with whom he apparently slept with in a previous book) sent out west to revisit the previous killings to see what links they can find.
From there, it's a standard procedural whodunit, with the agents going around to scenes, interviewing people, checking for video, and so on, until they make the connection and close in for the arrest.
I can say it's reasonably well written, although there is more than one character who says "In the least" instead of "At the least" - a quirk of the writer, perhaps. I'm afraid I didn't really care for any of the BAU agents. Jack's an asshole (in my opinion), and maybe I just think that because I've not read the seven books in the series before this. Kelly does way too much second guessing of herself instead of just realizing Jack is an asshole, making her feel small. Brandon is wishy-washy and annoying, constantly going back to the time he and Paige slept together while he was still married, as if one, he's still married to his wife and two, he doesn't have a new girlfriend. Paige was just eh, she's there and throws in her two cents now and again, although she nearly gets herself and Brandon killed by an oncoming vehicle because she's zoned out, thinking about her and Brandon. The characters were cookie cutter and could be swapped out in any other book of this type without a beat being missed by anyone.
That said, the whydunnit was okay, and the sniper clearly nuts but doing the killing from what in her mind is a rock solid foundation. The fact that not one agent guessed at what the killer was going to do at the end of the book was disappointing, considering that they had all the information on the killer and certainly could have done a profile on that. That they didn't says to me they may not be very good at their jobs.
There are some gratuitous "thank you for your service"s and a short commentary by Kelly on providing for veterans after they've exited the services. Neither did anything for the book or the characters.
Will I pick up earlier books in this series? Unlikely. But if you like Criminal Minds the show, you'll probably enjoy this much more than I did.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hibbert & Stiles for the advance copy.
January 18, 2020
3 stars
A prosecuting attorney named Darrell Reid was shot when leaving an upscale condo building. The sniper shot only him. The FBI team led by SAC Jack Harper is investigating the crime along with Detective Herrera of the Arlington (Virginia), police.
Following the clues, the team learns that Darrell wasn't the only man who was killed by a sniper attack. They are happening all over the country. Darrell makes number four. The team splits up to go to the sites of the earlier killings to interview witnesses and the local police.
As they gather more clues to follow, a picture of the sniper comes into view. The case becomes convoluted and twisty as time passes.
This book was average. I didn't care for the FBI team. The female FBI agents are a mess. They are competitive, constantly snarking at one another. In addition, it seemed like every witness they came across were stupid, a doofis or rude to the point of instant anger on the agents' part. Do FBI agents all think so little of the public? Not very professional or competent in my view. The don't share information with the cops. This just reinforces the belief that the FBI doesn't play well with others and makes them look bad. I felt like I was watching an episode of “Criminal Minds,” but not nearly as well written or acted. This is my first Carolyn Arnold novel that features Brandon Fisher. Based on it, I don't believe I'll be reading any more of her work. There are just too many really fine authors out there waiting for me to read their books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Herbert & Stiles Publishing, Inc/IBPA for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and review.
A prosecuting attorney named Darrell Reid was shot when leaving an upscale condo building. The sniper shot only him. The FBI team led by SAC Jack Harper is investigating the crime along with Detective Herrera of the Arlington (Virginia), police.
Following the clues, the team learns that Darrell wasn't the only man who was killed by a sniper attack. They are happening all over the country. Darrell makes number four. The team splits up to go to the sites of the earlier killings to interview witnesses and the local police.
As they gather more clues to follow, a picture of the sniper comes into view. The case becomes convoluted and twisty as time passes.
This book was average. I didn't care for the FBI team. The female FBI agents are a mess. They are competitive, constantly snarking at one another. In addition, it seemed like every witness they came across were stupid, a doofis or rude to the point of instant anger on the agents' part. Do FBI agents all think so little of the public? Not very professional or competent in my view. The don't share information with the cops. This just reinforces the belief that the FBI doesn't play well with others and makes them look bad. I felt like I was watching an episode of “Criminal Minds,” but not nearly as well written or acted. This is my first Carolyn Arnold novel that features Brandon Fisher. Based on it, I don't believe I'll be reading any more of her work. There are just too many really fine authors out there waiting for me to read their books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Herbert & Stiles Publishing, Inc/IBPA for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and review.
February 18, 2020
‘Past Deeds’ by Carolyn Arnold is the eighth book in the Brandon Fisher FBI series, and I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a reader who does not often dabble in the thriller/crime genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I love how Arnold can mix genres and write incredibly detailed and relatable books.
The book begins when a man is shot upon exiting a building. He is an attorney, and the murder appears calculated and well-executed, leaving Brandon Fishers team of FBI agents wondering whether it was a terrorist attack, a paid killer, or the start of a serial killing streak. But with the victim being an attorney, and in a job which accrues many enemies, the team need to knuckle down and collaborate all evidence in order to solve the mystery.
The plot builds suspense not only on how snippets of details are dished out, but due to it being told from different perspectives, even that of the killer! It was highly entertaining following the plot from murder, motive to solution, and it was full of lots of drama and twists and turns.
I enjoyed how relatable the characters were, and the plot age off a very 24 vibe (as in the tv show!), which I found absolutely thrilling.
I really enjoy reading Arnold’s books due to the level of detail, the complex plots and the ability to completely immerse myself in the characters and their personal and work lives.
A thoroughly entertaining read that I would recommend to all thriller and crime lovers, or anyone wanting to try something new. You do not need to have read previous books to become invested in these characters, but anyone who has read previous books will agree that this is a fabulous addition to a very addictive series.
Would thoroughly recommend!
As a reader who does not often dabble in the thriller/crime genre, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I love how Arnold can mix genres and write incredibly detailed and relatable books.
The book begins when a man is shot upon exiting a building. He is an attorney, and the murder appears calculated and well-executed, leaving Brandon Fishers team of FBI agents wondering whether it was a terrorist attack, a paid killer, or the start of a serial killing streak. But with the victim being an attorney, and in a job which accrues many enemies, the team need to knuckle down and collaborate all evidence in order to solve the mystery.
The plot builds suspense not only on how snippets of details are dished out, but due to it being told from different perspectives, even that of the killer! It was highly entertaining following the plot from murder, motive to solution, and it was full of lots of drama and twists and turns.
I enjoyed how relatable the characters were, and the plot age off a very 24 vibe (as in the tv show!), which I found absolutely thrilling.
I really enjoy reading Arnold’s books due to the level of detail, the complex plots and the ability to completely immerse myself in the characters and their personal and work lives.
A thoroughly entertaining read that I would recommend to all thriller and crime lovers, or anyone wanting to try something new. You do not need to have read previous books to become invested in these characters, but anyone who has read previous books will agree that this is a fabulous addition to a very addictive series.
Would thoroughly recommend!
January 22, 2020
I was hoping there would be more logistical and psychological insight throughout the storyline about the sniper. We really only got to see the aftermath of their kills with small gazes into their mental state up until about halfway through the book.
I love these type of novels (snipers, cops and robbers, etc.) so my disappointment is based really on the planning by the killer that we don't see until the end, mainly to wrap up the loose ends. I mean, only every four or five chapters were from the sniper's perspective. Most of the book centers around the FBI agents' personal lives and hangups (redundancy overload) and how the team hunted the target, procedurally. The best parts for me were reveals and the pacing in the last third of the book.
I will definitely read earlier books in the series because I liked many of the characters. Also, it appears this book is the lowest rated in the series. It can only get better, right? Also, I don't need constant reminders about events from previous books in the series. Maybe some people do. Just give me a paragraph or two to preserve the continuity of the world building and character ters' personalities.
This was my first time reading this author and the 8th book in the Brandon Fisher series. I already have previous books from the series in my TBR pile.
*** for this ARC #Netgalley
I love these type of novels (snipers, cops and robbers, etc.) so my disappointment is based really on the planning by the killer that we don't see until the end, mainly to wrap up the loose ends. I mean, only every four or five chapters were from the sniper's perspective. Most of the book centers around the FBI agents' personal lives and hangups (redundancy overload) and how the team hunted the target, procedurally. The best parts for me were reveals and the pacing in the last third of the book.
I will definitely read earlier books in the series because I liked many of the characters. Also, it appears this book is the lowest rated in the series. It can only get better, right? Also, I don't need constant reminders about events from previous books in the series. Maybe some people do. Just give me a paragraph or two to preserve the continuity of the world building and character ters' personalities.
This was my first time reading this author and the 8th book in the Brandon Fisher series. I already have previous books from the series in my TBR pile.
*** for this ARC #Netgalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2020
A sniper has taken out a persecuting attorney just as he is leaving an apartment building early in the morning. He does not live there. The FBI is called in to help. They find there are three other men killed the same way in different states. Is there a link to this murder? They are the same age but in different professions. Can the FBI pull all of the threads together to solve the case? Interesting story of how they go about it.
February 22, 2020
Mission Accomplished
The Brandon Fisher FBI series focuses on the Behavioral Analysis Unit which mainly tracks serial killers. This book focuses on a sniper with plenty of psychological twists as the BAU team races to find the sniper before anyone else is killed. Best one yet.
The Brandon Fisher FBI series focuses on the Behavioral Analysis Unit which mainly tracks serial killers. This book focuses on a sniper with plenty of psychological twists as the BAU team races to find the sniper before anyone else is killed. Best one yet.
January 15, 2020
This book was ok. The story line was great. I didn’t like how it skipped between so many people’s point of views.. I found it to be confusing as to who was talking. #PastDeeds #NetGalley.
March 20, 2020
Special Agent Brandon Fisher and new member Kelly Marsh up from the Miami PD, and Paige Dawson, join Special Agent in Charge Jack Harper of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) to investigate the sniper shooting of a prominent prosecutor. There are several POVs; Fisher is first person. Brandon is paired with Paige, which brings back painful memories of their short-lived liaison while Brandon was still married. Jack pairs with Kelly and makes sure he's constantly on her for speaking up or volunteering any opinions.
The case proceeds with new crumbs leading to a possible lead after they bring in Nadia, the technie, who discovers there were three other identical deaths spread over the US. What follows is SOP for police procedural, interviews, and making connections.
Brandon Fisher and Paige are still smarting over their unresolved affair. Jack is just nasty. Kelly fills the insecure newbie role, second-guessing each of her actions and eventually being reticent to promote any new scenario.
My problem was the shifting of POVs, at times leaving me wondering who was speaking. They didn't feel like a "unit," more a disjointed group muddling through personal dilemmas. The antagonist is ex-military, obviously suffering PTSD, but loaded with an additional "trigger" mechanism forcing the mission. The conclusion was contrived and a grievous error given the information they had on the unsub. (In the military, they would call it a "CF.")
I did enjoy a couple quotables, "Not his monkeys, not his circus..." and "'Fortuna favet fortibus!' Fortune favors the strong."
My second experience with this author, the first with this series. While there was an interesting storyline, I couldn't get into the characters and perhaps I'm just not the right person for this author. There are, however, many others who enjoy the writing style--you might be one. 3.5 rounded down
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
The case proceeds with new crumbs leading to a possible lead after they bring in Nadia, the technie, who discovers there were three other identical deaths spread over the US. What follows is SOP for police procedural, interviews, and making connections.
Brandon Fisher and Paige are still smarting over their unresolved affair. Jack is just nasty. Kelly fills the insecure newbie role, second-guessing each of her actions and eventually being reticent to promote any new scenario.
My problem was the shifting of POVs, at times leaving me wondering who was speaking. They didn't feel like a "unit," more a disjointed group muddling through personal dilemmas. The antagonist is ex-military, obviously suffering PTSD, but loaded with an additional "trigger" mechanism forcing the mission. The conclusion was contrived and a grievous error given the information they had on the unsub. (In the military, they would call it a "CF.")
I did enjoy a couple quotables, "Not his monkeys, not his circus..." and "'Fortuna favet fortibus!' Fortune favors the strong."
My second experience with this author, the first with this series. While there was an interesting storyline, I couldn't get into the characters and perhaps I'm just not the right person for this author. There are, however, many others who enjoy the writing style--you might be one. 3.5 rounded down
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
June 8, 2025
I've read the other books in the series. I had borrowed both the audio book and Kindle book this time. It is definitely easier to read this book because there are quite a few victims along with witnesses, family members, police officers and other people in different parts of the country
This was not a favorite book in the series. Neither of the agents were likable in this book!
I don't like when writers get medical facts wrong! If you don't know about a disease etc, just leave it out!
A woman who had got early onset Alzheimer's was able to remember the specific details about something that had happened years earlier, just before she died!
I've worked for years with patients who had dementia including Alzheimer's disease, my mom also had the disease.
In the end stage of the disease the patients usually need help with everything. They forget how to say and do things and don't recognize who their family
members are long before the end stage! They don't know their own name. Many don't remember words for simple things. It's not just a disease where people forget memories but also how to use a fork, how to get dressed, what different things are called and what you do with them.. etc.
It's very unbelievable to have someone who is able to remember something that happened many years ago. And be able to describe it!
My mom remembered one friend who she had known for almost 80 years. She knew Ingrid's name and Ingrid's siblings names! She didn't remembered me, my daughter, my dad and her own parents years before she died! Memories from the childhood are the ones that usually remain the longest.
A DNA test is also done in the book using hair samples.. The book was published in 2020 and that is definitely not the normal way to do it!
This was not a favorite book in the series. Neither of the agents were likable in this book!
I don't like when writers get medical facts wrong! If you don't know about a disease etc, just leave it out!
A woman who had got early onset Alzheimer's was able to remember the specific details about something that had happened years earlier, just before she died!
I've worked for years with patients who had dementia including Alzheimer's disease, my mom also had the disease.
In the end stage of the disease the patients usually need help with everything. They forget how to say and do things and don't recognize who their family
members are long before the end stage! They don't know their own name. Many don't remember words for simple things. It's not just a disease where people forget memories but also how to use a fork, how to get dressed, what different things are called and what you do with them.. etc.
It's very unbelievable to have someone who is able to remember something that happened many years ago. And be able to describe it!
My mom remembered one friend who she had known for almost 80 years. She knew Ingrid's name and Ingrid's siblings names! She didn't remembered me, my daughter, my dad and her own parents years before she died! Memories from the childhood are the ones that usually remain the longest.
A DNA test is also done in the book using hair samples.. The book was published in 2020 and that is definitely not the normal way to do it!
April 10, 2020
A story that opens with a sniper taking out a lawyer and a team of FBI agents are sent to the scene to get to bottom of it. Led by Brandon Fisher he needs to split the team up and you end up going from D.C. to California. Brandon and Paige are dealing with the issue from the past and a deed that they did. While you have that going on you also having the other team also working while you follow them around as well. Then you get a break to the snipper and that point of view. Each one is different and though it jumps around it is done in a way that does not cause problems with the story.
I will say at times I felt the story was a little slow and it did take me a little bit to get into the story but overall it was a good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
I will say at times I felt the story was a little slow and it did take me a little bit to get into the story but overall it was a good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 24, 2020
Revenge is best served cold.
Thirty years after the catalyst event, Michelle finds her self about to both bury her mother and unearth a horrible truth from her own past. Only six when her father abandoned the family, Michelle went in to become one of few excellent female snipers in the service.
But the truths of an event preceding her birth are about to turn her life upside down. Reuniting with her long lost father, Frank Evans, at the funeral brings neither closure nor peace for Michelle. Instead she is thrust headlong into an FBI investigation of serial killings that will unmask the past and possibly destroy her future.
Thirty years after the catalyst event, Michelle finds her self about to both bury her mother and unearth a horrible truth from her own past. Only six when her father abandoned the family, Michelle went in to become one of few excellent female snipers in the service.
But the truths of an event preceding her birth are about to turn her life upside down. Reuniting with her long lost father, Frank Evans, at the funeral brings neither closure nor peace for Michelle. Instead she is thrust headlong into an FBI investigation of serial killings that will unmask the past and possibly destroy her future.
August 9, 2023
Past Deeds
Past Deeds was ok but I did not finish it. I do not like it when the writers mix politics with entertainment . The opinions on politics need not be mentioned.
I really tried to get into this book and I really think that it would be a good read minus some of their own opinions on politics.
I had intended to read all of this authors book but could not get past some of their remarks to bad because I mentioned this to a book club and they also felt that some remarks were uncalled for.
Past Deeds was ok but I did not finish it. I do not like it when the writers mix politics with entertainment . The opinions on politics need not be mentioned.
I really tried to get into this book and I really think that it would be a good read minus some of their own opinions on politics.
I had intended to read all of this authors book but could not get past some of their remarks to bad because I mentioned this to a book club and they also felt that some remarks were uncalled for.
December 17, 2023
4 characters not likable
Note: Ancestry does not test hair samples only saliva.
Jack the inconsiderate smoker who teaches with intimidation.
Paige whose affair with a younger student is constantly concerned with men hitting on her. Could be her imagination.
Kelly the know it all insecure newbie who always has to be right.
Branden always angry and judgmental who needs to grow up
Sadly not one of them lets the reader route for them as FBI agents.
Note: Ancestry does not test hair samples only saliva.
Jack the inconsiderate smoker who teaches with intimidation.
Paige whose affair with a younger student is constantly concerned with men hitting on her. Could be her imagination.
Kelly the know it all insecure newbie who always has to be right.
Branden always angry and judgmental who needs to grow up
Sadly not one of them lets the reader route for them as FBI agents.
March 9, 2024
A Page Turner
This book will have you up past your bedtime. It's got a great, twisty plot, and well written characters. The only thing that bothered me is it's written from different character points of view, and it was hard for me to distinguish which character was starting the chapter, especially in the beginning. I would like to suggest to the author that the narrating character has their name at the beginning of a chapter.
This book will have you up past your bedtime. It's got a great, twisty plot, and well written characters. The only thing that bothered me is it's written from different character points of view, and it was hard for me to distinguish which character was starting the chapter, especially in the beginning. I would like to suggest to the author that the narrating character has their name at the beginning of a chapter.
March 3, 2025
This was a great thriller. It took me about four pages to actually get into the book. I was ready to call it quits and decided to give it a little bit more time. I'm very glad that I did because it ended up being a really thrilling book with an interesting twist at the end. Throughout the book you had an idea of what was going on until that twist. I didn't like the ending of the book though. I think that could have been written better But it was a good thriller
February 25, 2020
Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold is the eighth installment in the Brandon Fisher FBI series. A sniper is taking out men who have been unfaithful to their wives, but is that the only motive at play?
"Humans were much like wild animals, feeding of the carcass of misfortune, sucking it bone dry for their own advantages, whatever those may be."
There is lots to tackle when it comes to this newest installment in the Brandon Fisher FBI series. Lots of perspectives, lots of ideas bouncing around, lots of problems in the past. This was one juicy read!
Past Deeds is the eighth book in the series but my second read, and it can easily be read as a standalone. Arnold weaves in each character's past into this one that you can't help but want to read previous installments.
I liked how Arnold brought on a new character from a previous novel, Kelly Marsh, who first appeared in On the Count of Three. And for those who have read the previous book, you can compare Kelly's character, which was a little stronger in On the Count of Three, but now she's a new member of the FBI and is sort of being schooled by Jack Harper, the senior special agent in charge. So there's lots of conflict and bits of humor, especially as Brandon Fisher isn't a big fan of Kelly.
"Sometimes clinging to the normal and familiar was how people coped with tragedy."
One of the things I liked about Past Deeds was the various viewpoints, including the sniper's. I liked getting into her head – and yes the sniper is a woman, which is a five-star move on Arnold's part – and seeing how she's reacting to her surroundings, expressing her emotions and distress. It's actually interesting how for this particular sniper, one can feel much pain and sympathize with her.
"[The sniper] needed to avoid arrest for at least two more days to see her entire operation all the way through and reap the full reward… Even if a cage was where she belonged."
The title Past Deeds doesn't just speak for the sniper, it speaks of all the characters in the book. Each character, whether FBI or culprit or victim had a 'past deed' that either got to them or had them thinking about. The pun and the flow for that theme were simply brilliant!
One of the – MANY – reasons I like reading Arnold's books, whether police procedural cozy mysteries or thrillers like Past Deeds, is the bits of insight Arnold seeps in her book. Like here:
"Keep in mind that the first rule of profiling is never jump to a motive. We do that, and we might as well hand in our badges."
Overall, I loved every bit of this quick-paced thriller; I couldn't put it down!
"She wasn't a killer by nature, but she was good at it –maybe that meant she was supposed to do it."
Note: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold in exchange for an honest review. This did not, in any way, affect my review. The book is really good! (I finished the book a few days ago but have been able to sit down and write it for personal reasons)
"Humans were much like wild animals, feeding of the carcass of misfortune, sucking it bone dry for their own advantages, whatever those may be."
There is lots to tackle when it comes to this newest installment in the Brandon Fisher FBI series. Lots of perspectives, lots of ideas bouncing around, lots of problems in the past. This was one juicy read!
Past Deeds is the eighth book in the series but my second read, and it can easily be read as a standalone. Arnold weaves in each character's past into this one that you can't help but want to read previous installments.
I liked how Arnold brought on a new character from a previous novel, Kelly Marsh, who first appeared in On the Count of Three. And for those who have read the previous book, you can compare Kelly's character, which was a little stronger in On the Count of Three, but now she's a new member of the FBI and is sort of being schooled by Jack Harper, the senior special agent in charge. So there's lots of conflict and bits of humor, especially as Brandon Fisher isn't a big fan of Kelly.
"Sometimes clinging to the normal and familiar was how people coped with tragedy."
One of the things I liked about Past Deeds was the various viewpoints, including the sniper's. I liked getting into her head – and yes the sniper is a woman, which is a five-star move on Arnold's part – and seeing how she's reacting to her surroundings, expressing her emotions and distress. It's actually interesting how for this particular sniper, one can feel much pain and sympathize with her.
"[The sniper] needed to avoid arrest for at least two more days to see her entire operation all the way through and reap the full reward… Even if a cage was where she belonged."
The title Past Deeds doesn't just speak for the sniper, it speaks of all the characters in the book. Each character, whether FBI or culprit or victim had a 'past deed' that either got to them or had them thinking about. The pun and the flow for that theme were simply brilliant!
One of the – MANY – reasons I like reading Arnold's books, whether police procedural cozy mysteries or thrillers like Past Deeds, is the bits of insight Arnold seeps in her book. Like here:
"Keep in mind that the first rule of profiling is never jump to a motive. We do that, and we might as well hand in our badges."
Overall, I loved every bit of this quick-paced thriller; I couldn't put it down!
"She wasn't a killer by nature, but she was good at it –maybe that meant she was supposed to do it."
Note: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of Past Deeds by Carolyn Arnold in exchange for an honest review. This did not, in any way, affect my review. The book is really good! (I finished the book a few days ago but have been able to sit down and write it for personal reasons)
February 3, 2021
The crime, the criminals fantastic, but this absurd emo dialogues coming out of adults is horrendous. It is like who vomited twilight into an extremely good police procedural. It is so bad all I hear is a teen girls voice coming out of Brandon's mouth every time he goes on about his feelings. It is absurd. These are adults not lame teens.
January 30, 2024
Every action has its consequences
A great thriller showing the inner workings of the FBI’s BAU team. I’ve always been interested in profiling and what being a profiler was like. These books give me a look into what the job is like and what these individuals go through. I love slowly uncovering who’s behind the murders and the motive for them.
A great thriller showing the inner workings of the FBI’s BAU team. I’ve always been interested in profiling and what being a profiler was like. These books give me a look into what the job is like and what these individuals go through. I love slowly uncovering who’s behind the murders and the motive for them.
February 27, 2020
Full disclosure, I was provided a copy of this book by the author, however, I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Long Tail revenge
In a wealthy area of Arlington, Virginia a prominent prosecuting attorney is gunned down coming out of a high-end condo building. With no apparent suspects, Brandon Fisher and his team from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit are called in to work the case, but the clues are scarce. Why would a sniper target this one person? Was this a hired hit from a past defendant, the revenge act of a cheated-on wife, or just a random event? As they begin their investigation it is clear that Brandon and the team need to find a linking factor, but it’s not until their analyst back at base begins to put together a series of breadcrumbs that the picture slowly begins to form. A race against time begins as Brandon and his team is split up to chase down leads from California back to Maryland in an attempt to find and apprehend their sniper before she can kill again.
Past Deeds is the eighth and newest installment in the Brandon Fisher FBI series by author Carolyn Arnold and the first one that I have had the opportunity to read. Even coming into an obviously established series with fully fleshed-out characters, and a few with sordid pasts, I still did not feel as if I was missing any of the backstories. Arnold does a great job of quickly catching up the new reader with just enough character history along without the narrative becoming bogged down in the details.
In this installment, Brandon Fisher is reunited with a face from his past in the form of Paige Dawson while Jack takes on the mentoring of the new addition to the team. As I read through the book it seemed to me that Arnold was telling two separate, but still related stories as the team struggle with their own personal problems and issues all while working the case. For some, it seems that the case may also hit a little too close to home and watching Arnold weave these elements in, mostly through the use of first-person narratives, really sucked me in and made it very easy to visualize all of the action.
If you are a fan of police procedurals of any kind, Past Deeds will not disappoint, and I would definitely recommend giving it a read. With this being my initial introduction to Brandon Fisher and his team, I am hoping to circle back and read some of the prior cases in this series.
Long Tail revenge
In a wealthy area of Arlington, Virginia a prominent prosecuting attorney is gunned down coming out of a high-end condo building. With no apparent suspects, Brandon Fisher and his team from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit are called in to work the case, but the clues are scarce. Why would a sniper target this one person? Was this a hired hit from a past defendant, the revenge act of a cheated-on wife, or just a random event? As they begin their investigation it is clear that Brandon and the team need to find a linking factor, but it’s not until their analyst back at base begins to put together a series of breadcrumbs that the picture slowly begins to form. A race against time begins as Brandon and his team is split up to chase down leads from California back to Maryland in an attempt to find and apprehend their sniper before she can kill again.
Past Deeds is the eighth and newest installment in the Brandon Fisher FBI series by author Carolyn Arnold and the first one that I have had the opportunity to read. Even coming into an obviously established series with fully fleshed-out characters, and a few with sordid pasts, I still did not feel as if I was missing any of the backstories. Arnold does a great job of quickly catching up the new reader with just enough character history along without the narrative becoming bogged down in the details.
In this installment, Brandon Fisher is reunited with a face from his past in the form of Paige Dawson while Jack takes on the mentoring of the new addition to the team. As I read through the book it seemed to me that Arnold was telling two separate, but still related stories as the team struggle with their own personal problems and issues all while working the case. For some, it seems that the case may also hit a little too close to home and watching Arnold weave these elements in, mostly through the use of first-person narratives, really sucked me in and made it very easy to visualize all of the action.
If you are a fan of police procedurals of any kind, Past Deeds will not disappoint, and I would definitely recommend giving it a read. With this being my initial introduction to Brandon Fisher and his team, I am hoping to circle back and read some of the prior cases in this series.
April 11, 2020
I didn't care for this book at all. It felt like a bad episode of Criminal Minds and I would have turned it off. The characters were not well developed and felt so childish. The story was very weak and I could barely get through it mostly because I just didn't care about any of the characters.
December 13, 2021
Past Deeds
The characters are good. BRANDON and PAIGE still have this attraction between them.
They need to get those feelings our of their system.
Another good crime thriller.
The characters are good. BRANDON and PAIGE still have this attraction between them.
They need to get those feelings our of their system.
Another good crime thriller.
January 2, 2022
Another excellent Brandon Fisher FBI novel. It was truly a sad story, but very well written. It definitely kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I truly enjoyed how well put together the plot was. I'm hooked on Brandon Fisher and look forward to reading more of this series!!
December 15, 2023
Totally Awesome Book
The BAU is fascinating in itself, but when you read such an incredible story such as this one, it boggles the mind. Really had a hard time putting the book down to do my daily duties. Definitely did slipshod work so I could go back to reading.
The BAU is fascinating in itself, but when you read such an incredible story such as this one, it boggles the mind. Really had a hard time putting the book down to do my daily duties. Definitely did slipshod work so I could go back to reading.
October 27, 2021
A good book
This was a a good and interesting book, but to me it wasn't as good as the other books she writes but you may like it if you like cops and robbery s which I don't!
This was a a good and interesting book, but to me it wasn't as good as the other books she writes but you may like it if you like cops and robbery s which I don't!
November 11, 2022
Love every one of Carolyn Arnold's books!
November 22, 2023
This was a very intense book. The storyline was clear but had a few twists. I will admit that I like Brandon as an agent, not sure if I care for him as a person.
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