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Detective Arla Baker #8
The Forsaken Son
A deliciously dark, devilishly twisted crime thriller.
The body of a woman floats on Clapham Common Pond. Her hair spreads like a halo, her eyes stare like she’s in a daydream…
Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker is called to investigate. The woman is Susan Remington, the daughter of an eminent politician. Her family are wealthy and powerful, and they want answers. Susan was beautiful, intelligent and successful, and there was no apparent reason why she would commit suicide. Arla discovers finger marks on Susan's neck. She also has scrapes on her knuckles as she fought off her attacker.
On the back of her left hand a dollar sign is carved out. Why?
Susan didn’t kill herself…she was killed.
Two days later, Susan’s best friend Madelyn’s body is found floating in the same pond. The same strange dollar sign is carved on her left hand.
Arla is distraught, because she met Madelyn the day before. She knew things about Susan that no one else did. Why was Madelyn silenced? By whom?
As Arla delves into the Remington family, she discovers shocking secrets that will rock not just the family, but a scandal that can engulf whole political establishment.
Soon, Arla knows this vicious killer is just getting started. Arla and her team are now in his cross hairs, and he will stop at nothing to reach his target…
The body of a woman floats on Clapham Common Pond. Her hair spreads like a halo, her eyes stare like she’s in a daydream…
Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker is called to investigate. The woman is Susan Remington, the daughter of an eminent politician. Her family are wealthy and powerful, and they want answers. Susan was beautiful, intelligent and successful, and there was no apparent reason why she would commit suicide. Arla discovers finger marks on Susan's neck. She also has scrapes on her knuckles as she fought off her attacker.
On the back of her left hand a dollar sign is carved out. Why?
Susan didn’t kill herself…she was killed.
Two days later, Susan’s best friend Madelyn’s body is found floating in the same pond. The same strange dollar sign is carved on her left hand.
Arla is distraught, because she met Madelyn the day before. She knew things about Susan that no one else did. Why was Madelyn silenced? By whom?
As Arla delves into the Remington family, she discovers shocking secrets that will rock not just the family, but a scandal that can engulf whole political establishment.
Soon, Arla knows this vicious killer is just getting started. Arla and her team are now in his cross hairs, and he will stop at nothing to reach his target…
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2021
357 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 4, 2021
A simply fabulous story...A crime thriller But so much More...A body found in a pond, bloated, skin sloughing...Tough start to a murder investigation, but Detective Arla Baker has seen it all...And when the identity of this woman is noted, she knows all heck is about to break loose, as well-known families with money and prestige are showing up in her investigation...Giving her bosses the need to try to keep these families happy...And Arla Away from Them!!
Susan Remington is the victim, daughter of a politician...Soon family secrets need to be revealed, if anyone is going to get to the murderer...Arla speaks with the best friend of the victim, leaving feeling that she is hiding things...The next day She is dead...In the pond just like her friend...
Beneath all pretenses and secrets, we are all human...Big mistakes made early in life for one reason may become a chance to turn about differently when life deals you with tragedy that shows you exactly What you have done...Detective Arla is a much more sensitive person since becoming a Mom, can she find the killer, keep her staff safe, and actually make a difference in some lives??
I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
Susan Remington is the victim, daughter of a politician...Soon family secrets need to be revealed, if anyone is going to get to the murderer...Arla speaks with the best friend of the victim, leaving feeling that she is hiding things...The next day She is dead...In the pond just like her friend...
Beneath all pretenses and secrets, we are all human...Big mistakes made early in life for one reason may become a chance to turn about differently when life deals you with tragedy that shows you exactly What you have done...Detective Arla is a much more sensitive person since becoming a Mom, can she find the killer, keep her staff safe, and actually make a difference in some lives??
I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
May 7, 2021
Take on the investigation and see if you can figure out who murdered Susan Remington and why. Thwarted cat every turn by powerful, wealthy figures with secrets to hide, and drug dealers, DCI Baker and her husband must follow every lead no matter how small.
May 5, 2021
The Forsaken Son is the eight book in the Detective Arla Baker series, and this is another twisted book to say the least. This book grabbed me from the first page, until the very end. I have really enjoyed the books of this series, that I have read. I would certainly recommend them to others. Thanks to the author for a ARC, I am under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
June 3, 2021
Susan Remington was yanked out of the car. She had no Idea where she was at or why this was happening to her.
The water was very cold.
Douglas “Dougie” Rand (electrical business) rolled/licked/lit & took a hit off the joint.
3/25, Sham (mate, carpenter) asked him to go fishing.
Clapham Common Pond. It wasn’t long & Dougie started reeling something big in.
The seaweed on top of the water came into view.
It was hair & a bloated body.
DCI Arla Baker (wife/mother) & DI Harry Mehta (Arla’s lover) were discussing the new murder case.
Dr. Banerjee (Metropolitan PD pathologist) had arrived at the crime scene.
DI Andy Jackson greeted DCI Baker & DI Mehta.
The corpse had been ID as a Caucasian female, 20+, 5+ days in the water.
Major-incident room # 1. DS Robert Pickering, DS Rosslyn May, DS Gita, Sr. DS Lisa Moran (30+, lesbian mother), Geeta, Sr. DS Rob Pickering, Hank Parmentier (40+, forensics), DI Andy Jackson (Afro-Caribbean), & Mary Atkins (forensic boot print analyzer) we’re piecing the crime puzzle together.
The 2 missing young women are Susan Remington (25, Bulimia, anxiety, Clifford & Sons accounting firm accountant) & Emily Wright.
The victim had been ID as Susan Remington.
# 406. Avalowski (Eastern European, caretaker let DCI Baker & DI Mehta in Susan’s flat.
Next stop to interview Sheila Remington (60+, mother, Conservative party chair, Remington Foundation) & Rupert Remington (son/brother).
Knightsbridge (residential/retail), C. London, England. DCI Baker & DI Mehta went to interview Lord David Braithwaite (Susan’s ex-husband, Eton College).
Next stop to interview Dr. Donald Worthington (MD, psychiatrist). Minimal input & Doctor-patient confidentiality.
Madelyn West’s (Susan’s BFF, work colleague) body is found floating in the same Clapham Common Pond.
She & David Braithwaite were lovers.
John Remington (husband/father, wealthy) was interviewed.
Will Susan’s murder get solved & someone brought to justice?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written crime thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The water was very cold.
Douglas “Dougie” Rand (electrical business) rolled/licked/lit & took a hit off the joint.
3/25, Sham (mate, carpenter) asked him to go fishing.
Clapham Common Pond. It wasn’t long & Dougie started reeling something big in.
The seaweed on top of the water came into view.
It was hair & a bloated body.
DCI Arla Baker (wife/mother) & DI Harry Mehta (Arla’s lover) were discussing the new murder case.
Dr. Banerjee (Metropolitan PD pathologist) had arrived at the crime scene.
DI Andy Jackson greeted DCI Baker & DI Mehta.
The corpse had been ID as a Caucasian female, 20+, 5+ days in the water.
Major-incident room # 1. DS Robert Pickering, DS Rosslyn May, DS Gita, Sr. DS Lisa Moran (30+, lesbian mother), Geeta, Sr. DS Rob Pickering, Hank Parmentier (40+, forensics), DI Andy Jackson (Afro-Caribbean), & Mary Atkins (forensic boot print analyzer) we’re piecing the crime puzzle together.
The 2 missing young women are Susan Remington (25, Bulimia, anxiety, Clifford & Sons accounting firm accountant) & Emily Wright.
The victim had been ID as Susan Remington.
# 406. Avalowski (Eastern European, caretaker let DCI Baker & DI Mehta in Susan’s flat.
Next stop to interview Sheila Remington (60+, mother, Conservative party chair, Remington Foundation) & Rupert Remington (son/brother).
Knightsbridge (residential/retail), C. London, England. DCI Baker & DI Mehta went to interview Lord David Braithwaite (Susan’s ex-husband, Eton College).
Next stop to interview Dr. Donald Worthington (MD, psychiatrist). Minimal input & Doctor-patient confidentiality.
Madelyn West’s (Susan’s BFF, work colleague) body is found floating in the same Clapham Common Pond.
She & David Braithwaite were lovers.
John Remington (husband/father, wealthy) was interviewed.
Will Susan’s murder get solved & someone brought to justice?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written crime thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 4, 2021
Two friends go out on Clapham Common to do a bit of fishing early one morning in the large pond when one of the lads thinks he's caught a large fish got to be a first in Clapham pond so takes great care reeling it in, to find a bloated corpse at the end of his fishing line. such a shock for him first thing in the morning, Arla Baker catches this early case and she slips out to take a look at the case while her partner Harry Mehta also her lover, father of her child takes on the role of mothering care duties and then meets up with her. Who is this woman? the team start with missing persons and soon find a match but is it correct? The missing person they think is Susan, comes from a well to do family mother high up with the Conservatives, also the ex-boyfriend a lord, Arla has had her fair share of these type of people and the strange thing is Susan's best friend reported her missing that's strange not the family!! On the body is a crudely done dollar sign is it a clue or is it meant just to distract the police? A couple of days later another body this one has not been long in the water on the edge so what is going on? and Arla has been told to tread lightly and not involve people higher up, Arla is not good at being told how to do her job.
Alongside this story is another story and the author M L Rose has intricately weaved the pieces together very nicely. A good read sad in places but it's but it shows how life goes on.
Alongside this story is another story and the author M L Rose has intricately weaved the pieces together very nicely. A good read sad in places but it's but it shows how life goes on.
May 4, 2021
WOW! You are grabbed by the first pages of this Detective Arla Baker mystery and you just can't put it down until the end! When a pretty, successful wealthy daughter of a renowned and well connected politician is found floating in the Clapham Common Pond her family is sure it is not suicide and want Arla to investigate and come up with answers. But they are definitely not happy when Arla does a deep dive into the Remington family and comes up with some information they do not want revealed. We are taken through secrets, scandals and a murderer who is not finished with just one murder apparently. What is going on and will Arla and her crew be able to solve this one or will she be the killers next target. What secrets could be driving this case? I love this series! The author writes with incredible descriptions and flow that takes you page to page without wanting to put the book down! This entire series is great and I wholeheartedly recommend it. This book can be read as a standalone. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 29, 2021
The 8th in the Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker series which could be read as a stand-alone as there's just the right amount of background information. Two fishermen get more than they bargained for when they hook the gruesome remains of a woman floating in the pond where they are fishing. Arla is called out to the scene but has no idea how difficult the inquiry is going to be, the woman has friends and family in high places and the case must be handled with sensitivity. There is also a secondary plot going back 20 years where a young black boy is living with his mother in an apartment block on a run-down London council estate. He is basically a good kid, he wants to try and help his mother in any way he can but events soon get complicated and dangerous. The storyline is complexed, filled with tension and hold your breath moments. It was just my type of book and iI thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 27, 2022
Predictable
As with all previous books in this series this one follows the same pattern. Woman is murdered who turns out to have family or friends that are high ranking politically or professionally. DCI Arla is ordered by boss to keep away from them and not interview them. This hinders her investigation and really winds her up, so she interviews them anyway. This lands her in hot water with her boss, and in some of the books gets taken off case or suspended.
The books finish with her interviews of the
"Untouchable" people are the ones that lead to solving the case.
This is pattern of all the books, but there must be something else to them because I'm still reading them and about to start book 9.
I do the like the characters, Arla and Harry.
One very annoying thing the the number of spelling mistakes and typing errors in these books, someone didn't do their job very well.
As with all previous books in this series this one follows the same pattern. Woman is murdered who turns out to have family or friends that are high ranking politically or professionally. DCI Arla is ordered by boss to keep away from them and not interview them. This hinders her investigation and really winds her up, so she interviews them anyway. This lands her in hot water with her boss, and in some of the books gets taken off case or suspended.
The books finish with her interviews of the
"Untouchable" people are the ones that lead to solving the case.
This is pattern of all the books, but there must be something else to them because I'm still reading them and about to start book 9.
I do the like the characters, Arla and Harry.
One very annoying thing the the number of spelling mistakes and typing errors in these books, someone didn't do their job very well.
April 22, 2024
great story
As always, the Arla Baker series kept me turning page after page. Would’ve been 5 stars only there was a considerable amount of typos, past and present tense mixups and missing words or incorrectly phrased sentences! I’ve not noticed as many errors in previous books.
I was looking and looking for this book in the series and kept getting an error message which stated the books had been removed because of reports of multiple errors. I was really hoping there wouldn’t be any when it became available again.
They’re not huge mistakes and you can usually infer from context, but it does stop you for a second and slow your flow through the book! Still an enjoyable story that really kept me engrossed, the errors didn’t stop me from finishing it ! I always look forward to what Arla and her team will get up to next.
As always, the Arla Baker series kept me turning page after page. Would’ve been 5 stars only there was a considerable amount of typos, past and present tense mixups and missing words or incorrectly phrased sentences! I’ve not noticed as many errors in previous books.
I was looking and looking for this book in the series and kept getting an error message which stated the books had been removed because of reports of multiple errors. I was really hoping there wouldn’t be any when it became available again.
They’re not huge mistakes and you can usually infer from context, but it does stop you for a second and slow your flow through the book! Still an enjoyable story that really kept me engrossed, the errors didn’t stop me from finishing it ! I always look forward to what Arla and her team will get up to next.
April 24, 2021
Boy, oh Boy! What a gripping book! This storyline grabs you hook, line, and sinker and doesn't let go until the final pages. I was totally amazed at the ending of this story and don't want to give any "teasers" that might give it away. The characters were dynamic and well written and I had little trouble imaging what was happening. I never felt that the book dragged at any point. I think the author portrayed each character and circumstance just enough for you to draw your own conclusions, but then another player or incident arises!
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
April 27, 2021
What a great book.
The body of a woman is found in Clapham Common Pond.
Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker is assigned the case.
The woman is Susan Remington the daughter of a politician.
Finger marks are discovered on her neck and scrapped knuckles and also a dollar sign carved into her left hand.
The investigation into the family find secrets that the family have been hiding for years.
Two days later another body is found in the pond with exactly the same marking and it turns out she was a friend of Susan.
The investigation leads the detective in many different directions to try to find the killer if these woman.
Denise
The body of a woman is found in Clapham Common Pond.
Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker is assigned the case.
The woman is Susan Remington the daughter of a politician.
Finger marks are discovered on her neck and scrapped knuckles and also a dollar sign carved into her left hand.
The investigation into the family find secrets that the family have been hiding for years.
Two days later another body is found in the pond with exactly the same marking and it turns out she was a friend of Susan.
The investigation leads the detective in many different directions to try to find the killer if these woman.
Denise
May 4, 2021
The fall-out from this case would be far-reaching. This 8th book in the series about Inspector, Arla Baker, starts dramatically, and callously, revealing a possible ominous link to the past. The many twists and turns kept me guessing and I also enjoyed the parallel story from 20 years earlier. I certainly didn’t guess the sting in the tail, but appreciated all the details, including a description of the current situation as ‘political hot soup’. Clapham Common ponds will never look the same to me.
May 5, 2021
Another Arla Baker mystery. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. I enjoyed Arla's dedication to her job as well as her family. The interspersing of the childhood of the suspect almost made me feel sorry for him. As things escalated, I wanted to read more. I do recommend this series and this book, and look forward to more.
I received an ARC for the story, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC for the story, and this is my unsolicited review.
May 6, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 7, 2021
A well described plot, a great chilling mystery with well developed characters. You have so many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You have Detective Arla Baker who is trying to solve a double homicide. You have upper political characters to add to this intense storyline. Arla has so many suspects to work through while investigating these murders. In the end you will be surprised on who did it. The book keeps you guessing throughout. I recommend this book.
May 4, 2021
I loved it. This story captivated me from the first page. I only put it down to sleep. Arla Baker is amazing and she has her hands full with these murders. The story is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the explosive ending. I would highly recommend it. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 6, 2021
A body is found in a pond with a dollar sign cut into the skin. It is a daughter of a well known politician. Arla Baker and Harry are called to investigate. Another body is found, the friend of the first body found. The investigation leads them in a number of directions. A page turning thriller that grabs you in from the beginning.
May 10, 2021
I love the Arla Baker series and this book continues the Arla,Harry and their teams progress.When a body is found in a pond on the common Arla knows they have work to do to get justice for the victim.I don't want to say too much as i hate spoilers but i have loved reading this book and look forward to the next book from M.L.Rose.5*
June 5, 2021
This is a well written book. The first one I have read in this series and I wasn't disappointed. There are plenty of twists and turns as DCI Arla's case develops. There are plenty of suspects but one in particular who is connected to a famous politician. This doesn't hamper her investigations to solving the case. All is not what it seems. A definite read for any crime reader.
May 19, 2021
Love love love this series! Characters you feel like you have known forever. Just when you think you have it figured out pow...nope. Great mystery that will have you turning the pages. Can't wait for the next!
June 30, 2021
A little slow, but worth the wait.
This author was not familiar to me and I wanted to sample her work. I was unaware the story took place in the UK but I did enjoy the read. It took a while to u fetch and the title but, all in all, I would probably read more of this series.
This author was not familiar to me and I wanted to sample her work. I was unaware the story took place in the UK but I did enjoy the read. It took a while to u fetch and the title but, all in all, I would probably read more of this series.
September 13, 2021
Rmstitanic12
What a brilliant story I read it in 2 days,it was well thought out and like DCI Bakers earlier exploits keep be guessing till nearly the last page. Looking forward to the next story.
What a brilliant story I read it in 2 days,it was well thought out and like DCI Bakers earlier exploits keep be guessing till nearly the last page. Looking forward to the next story.
November 24, 2021
Good stories, laziness in editing
I've enjoyed this series but am annoyed by the author's lack of consistency. There are characters that have changed first names two or three times throughout. If I can remember their names as a reader, why can't the author or editor?
I've enjoyed this series but am annoyed by the author's lack of consistency. There are characters that have changed first names two or three times throughout. If I can remember their names as a reader, why can't the author or editor?
January 2, 2022
Didn't see the ending coming
Binged on the series this holiday - interrupt and characters just wished this one has been proof read more effective🤔. Hey it's not stopped me downloading episode 9 though
Binged on the series this holiday - interrupt and characters just wished this one has been proof read more effective🤔. Hey it's not stopped me downloading episode 9 though
February 13, 2022
That's it. I'm out from this series. I can't take any more of the spelling mistakes, continuity errors, changing names and quite frankly names that belong back in the seventies.. (coloured men, coffee coloured skin)
June 11, 2022
Brilliant tale, drugs, murder, even a bit of politics, and some amazing twists
M.L Rose, has done it again. Another gripping story with detective Arla Baker at the helm. Drawn in from the beginning and gripped right to the end. Great series, looking forward to the next.
M.L Rose, has done it again. Another gripping story with detective Arla Baker at the helm. Drawn in from the beginning and gripped right to the end. Great series, looking forward to the next.
October 17, 2022
Interesting
This is my 9th book by M.L.Rose . I enjoy being taken to England, to the same geographical area. A strong female lead is always a good thing and the unanticipated finishes are interesting. I think I will start #10 now.
This is my 9th book by M.L.Rose . I enjoy being taken to England, to the same geographical area. A strong female lead is always a good thing and the unanticipated finishes are interesting. I think I will start #10 now.
October 21, 2023
Always a pleasure never a chore
Always a pleasure never a chore the stories and the characters develop book on Book Harry an Action Hero and Arla continues to fight the establishment in her pursuit of justice. Keep up the good work.
Always a pleasure never a chore the stories and the characters develop book on Book Harry an Action Hero and Arla continues to fight the establishment in her pursuit of justice. Keep up the good work.
April 26, 2021
Thank you for the free Arc
I'm totally into the Arla series
A thriller of a ride
I'm totally into the Arla series
A thriller of a ride
April 29, 2021
Wow. When Arla is part of an investigation, she gets the mystery solved. A woman is found floating in the river, she definitely gets called in to help. Intriguing all the way. Ready for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews