Justified

Madison Knight #2

by Carolyn Arnold

“Outstanding plot, unique twists and turns, and the writing style is superb…Highly recommend for crime and mystery fans.” —Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

She could feel her life draining from her body, but there was nothing she could do except wait until it was all over…and for the darkness to descend upon her.

The brutal murder of Claire Reeves, a successful entrepreneur, darkens Christmas Eve for Detective Madison Knight, who is assigned the case. Claire was found stabbed in her home, and her intimate attire would suggest her killer was someone close to her, but Madison knows things aren’t always as they appear.

As Madison investigates, the lies and secrets pile up and reveal a long list of people who aren’t shedding any tears that Claire’s dead. Friends, lovers, and former business partners—they’re all suspects. After all, Claire’s love was money, and she thought nothing of betraying even those closest to her. No one can be trusted, but if there’s going to be justice, Madison will need to determine who had the most motive to pull off the crime. But just when Madison thinks she’s getting closer to finding the truth, there’s a deadly twist she never saw coming.

An absolutely gripping mystery thriller. Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine, and Robert Dugoni.

Readers love Justified:

“Awesome book from a fantastic series.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This case was so complicated it kept me reading until the early hours.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Loved the previous one and now I’m officially addicted.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Totally draws you in and captures your attention.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A really good mystery with great characters.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My highest praise, this is some great story telling!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Arnold kept [me] guessing right to the end.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I honestly consider this series like a favorite show…friendly, dependable characters and an intriguing case.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Suspense

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2021

About the author

CAROLYN 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.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arnold’s 2nd offering in her Detective Madison Knight police procedural series has Madison and Terry attempting to solve the brutal murder of a beautiful, successful woman. There are numerous suspects and multiple twists. Arnold did not soften her main character’s abrasive personality from her first book ‘The Ties That Bind’. There is not a lot compassion in her soul—not for her partner, not for the individuals that she interrogates, and not for the adorable Lab puppy named Hershey, given to her by her partner, Terry [Sad!]. I need to explore other authors!

[Mustang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Madison Knight series. I am giving it a 5 for the storyline of the murder, why she was killed, and how Madison, Terry, and Cynthia solved it.

But I do not like Madison, she is a man hater, who is so hateful and surly to everyone around her, that she needs to be reigned in, before she gets killed by someone she knows.

She had a bad relationship, so she whines about men, she treats her friend Cynthia like an imbecile, her male partner Terry, follows her around like a dog. He has no voice or say, she complains if her Sgt. calls and checks on her, well as a Forensic Medical Examiner, my boss calls all the time, and I don’t get upset. Her family hates her, I can see why, she is not likable.

Too bad, because this Woman can write Murder scenes and who done it’s like a pro.

[Bella Crooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am becoming a BIG FAN of this series I love detective Madison Knight and her strong personality I also love how she didn’t give up on Blake🥺🥺🥺 another gripping case that had me on the edge of my seat!😍 so excited to dive into book 3!!!

[Mathew Walls · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's an editor credited in this book, but it's my suspicion that they were really just a proof-reader, or possibly that the author just didn't listen to any of their suggestions. This book is unbelievably bad. I've written a lot more on my blog, but I'll keep it short here:

Madison Knight is a wholly unlikeable protagonist, the story is boring, the writing is terrible, and unless you're looking for a master class on how not to write a novel, there is no reason to read this book. It's bad.

[Rizello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure how I feel about this series. I read book #1 and thought I would give the second one a try.

It is tiresome to always have a female character that is hell bent on feeling defensive, trying to prove herself, etc. She has a male partner at work, but she sure doesn't treat him like one. She is continually mean to him, even though he tries to be nice to her.

She thinks that men are always out to get her (because she had one bad relationship) and so can't have a decent relationship with someone that actually likes her.

The story line was interesting. At the end, it certainly looked like the author didn't even know who her characters were. Calling Terry "the male detective".

[PamG · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author. The main character is not as likeable as some, but her faults make her feel more realistic than the perfect strong female lead. She seems driven to solve crimes at the expense of herself (and her detective partner's) personal lives. She has a dysfunctional relationship with her family and at times with everyone else. There is some romance, but that relationship is strained as well.

The novel was largely well written. However, there were a few grammar and spelling errors in the Kindle version that I read. So.... this book had a strong, surly, tough female lead working to solve a mystery that had a couple of twists and turns to it with a plot line that was well developed.

[Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read with twists and turns. My guess for who did it was totally different than who actually was the murderer. Kept my interest throughout the book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

#2 in series. Madison has so many dilemmas to deal with. The new puppy, Hershey, that her partner Terry and his wife gave her for Christmas. She doesn't know anything about owning a puppy. Her on again, off again boyfriend Lawyer Blake that wants a more permanent relationship. Her parents and sister who want her to settle down and not work so hard. What does she want? Why did she answer her phone on Christmas Eve and make everyone miserable with her because crime knows no holiday? Terry, her partner is going to be a Father, and his wife is not agreeable to his working the long hours on the case. No good clues or witnesses have made hard, and yet Madison has her boss demanding an arrest immediately. I like the Madison Knight stories because they have some very funny parts along with the really bad crime scenes. Carolyn Arnold gives so much insight to what it would look like if you were watching instead of reading.

[Don M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a lot of unnecessary filler material that just seems to get in the way of the story line, which is a bit weak at times.

Small errors such as using "stationary" instead of "stationery" and some minor inconsistencies, etc., are just plain annoying. These should have been caught in the proof-reading process.

The relationship between Knight and her partner is overworked to the point of becoming rather juvenile.

[bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 star

This one didn't work for me in terms of character and voice. I didn't find the character very likeable and the voice was flat. I only finished reading it because I read fast and feel guilty about low reviews without finishing the book just in case. I couldn't really get into the mystery either. I just didn't care about any of them.

[teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guess til the last page

I love the Detective Knight and Grant novels. Maddy Knight struggles to balance a personal life with her excellent detective skills. When solving a murder it's 24/7 so there isn't much time for herself, or manage thinks. Her partner manages to keep her in line and they solve cases!

[Sheila Barbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent mystery

Justified is an engaging read, hard to put down. I really like the strong female characters - even the victim in this one. This thriller is full of twists and turns as the murder investigation evolves. There are so many suspects, it's hard to land on the killer.Madison is a somewhat abrasive cop, but committed to dining the real killer.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One dead and everyone's a suspect

A great page turner the clues are there so many wanted her dead everyone wants revenge but who's did the dirty deed. Mandy and Terry work their butt's off on this one,and then theres Blake, Maddy can't find trust anywhere always suspicious always expecting failure in her love life, but could he be the one. A recommended read

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book, but just barely. I could not at any point make myself like Madison knight. I liked her partner, Terry and her best friend, although she really did not seem to have any type of relationship with either. Probably would not read any more of these books.

[Patricia McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many suspects and a deserving victim

The victim turns out to be a horrible thieving bitch, and there is no shortage of suspects that could want to kill her. Although Madison Knight isn't terribly likeable, she's a good detective and she finds the killer in the end.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy this author's books, but I do not like Madison. Not liking the central character makes reading this series a chore. The writing in that book isn't great either. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series.

[gwen graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

I like Carolyn Arnold’s stories, but like the first one in the series, the main characters argue too much and it is distracting.

[Perry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm surprised that this novel is getting five-star reviews. I've just given up after six chapters. The protagonist is an unpleasant character, the dialog is laboured, the narrative drags...

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 


The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).

Kindle freebie on October 13, 2020  (currently $4.99 at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited as of writing this post)

I did read onward into the Madison Knight series with the second book. The police procedural was interesting but her personal life was annoying.

The case revolved around a murdered business woman who was very wealthy by getting a stake in businesses for her consulting ideas which improved the business. But she tended to force the buyout of her shares before the improvements generated enough cash and thus ruined the businesses.  She also had sex with a lot of the business owners.  There are many, many suspects to research and eliminate.

On the personal side, she has been dating a criminal defense attorney for 4 months. They are happy, comfortable until he wants to be exclusive which is the next level and she freaks out.  But Madison doesn't want him with anyone else.  Also her partner gives her a puppy, a chocolate lab named Hershey for Christmas.  She complains about the puppy's messes.  She also seems to keep the dog in the crate most of the time. She takes him out before she goes to work, then he's in the crate from say 8 am until 10pm.  Then she lets him out again, then back in as she goes to bed.  The poor thing got no attention and seemed to be in the crate 24/7 other than the 2 times a day she let him out!  Ridiculous.

COYER March RAT

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why? Why did I read this? I read #3 and didn't like it. But I do like Carolyn Arnold and some of her other series. I thought maybe #3 was an anomaly, but I was wrong. This story is equally as bad. There is so much wrong with this story. Madison's relationship with Blake is sophomoric...Honestly it was like reading a teenager's diary. Someone who is supposed to be a strong, independent woman acts with teenage angst. If you have something to say, say it! It goes both ways..Blake instead of "we have to talk" just talk! Are they adults? The mystery was okay but given away when the person behind it is first met. Other than that, it was a a circle of unending discussion and guess work with a lot of arguing with her partner for not wanting to work 24/7. What bugged me most is Madison's treatment of her puppy, Hershey. Who would forget to kennel the dog before going out, and then expect to come home to a pristine house? Who leaves a dog for endless hours alone? If she didn't want the dog, she should have either given it away or find a sitter for the poor thing. Carolyn Arnold is a good author but this series isn't working for her.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I debated between 2 and 3 stars on this one but when I compare this to so many other books that are so much better, I really have to convey my dislike. The actual mystery was good, even though I felt like I was watching a Desperate Housewives episode with all the sexual shenanigans going on. But the characters are horrid! Madison is supposed to be so smart but she can’t see anything through anyone else’s perspective. She is abrasive and nasty all the time. She thinks like a 14 year old girl about relationships both romantic and friendly. The way she treats her partner is ridiculous. The character is so shallow I can’t stand it. She just falls flat in so many ways. You have to realize how aggravated this made me when my husband came home to me yelling at the audiobook. He thinks I am crazy now. So anyway….ya, I didn’t really enjoy this. No more of this series for me. I won’t entirely give up on the author until I have tried some of her other series. There are just too many really good books out there to waste time on books I don’t enjoy.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justified - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Detective Madison Knight must battle through many twists and turns to finally solve the convoluted mystery of which actually murdered Claire Reeves - a successful business-woman, variously described as 'a conniving b****, a wonderful entrepreneur, an amazing lover and more - while coping with uncertainties in her work and personal life, including the arrival in it of Hershey, her beagle puppy.

How can Madison and her team discriminate between the reluctant witnesses and the lack of concrete evidence, when the chain of evidence has been compromised and there are so many conflicting accounts of who was where and with whom?

A clever case full of red herrings and cunningly hidden clues make Carolyn Arnold's riveting police murder-mystery investigation, Justified, a whodunnit in the vein of a modern Agatha Christie classic crime-thriller.

Get your copy as soon as you can, to see if you've worked it out correctly!

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Madison murder doesn't take a day off and when she takes a call on Christmas Eve she knows she is going to spending the holidays knee deep in an murder investigation.

Madison discovers that the victim Claire Reeves, had upset quit a lot of people with her business tactics and that just made the suspect pool ten times bigger for her and Terry her partner to narrow down the killer. I enjoyed this book and the plot held my attention, I loved watching the case unfold as Terry and Madison pieced it all together to catch the killer.

I did however take quite a bit of umbridge to how Madison handled her new dog Hersey - a gift from Terry for Christmas. She left it for hours and hour and then complained when she got home to find he had do the toilet in his crate.... not the kind of person I thought Maddy would have been like with a pet... I hope this changes over the next few books. 

[Maureen Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Detective Madison Knight and throughout most of the novel I had a hard time liking her. She is impulsive, quick of tongue, often insulting and quite hard on suspects. Perhaps that is what makes her a good investigator ... I did warm up to her by the end! The novel is fast paced with many twists and turns, revealing an unexpected end!

On Christmas Eve, she is called out to a rather bloody murder of a successful woman entrepreneur, Claire Reeves. Claire had it all, sex appeal, intelligence and money but someone, perhaps one of her former business partners, wants revenge.
Madison and her partner in digging through the victim's personal life, find more people who had motive to kill her. It's certainly a case of too many suspects, too little time, but Madison is determined to find Claire's killer and make sure justice is served.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this gripping tale of who did it! Detective Madison Knight is dedicated to her job to the point that it is a fault as she doesn't allow herself enough down time, but she is a fantastic detective and we get to follow her thought processes throughout this well written, page turning story. You won't want to put this one down until you have finished it as it grabs you from the get go with a brutal murder and you don't a clue to the real killer until the very end of the book! So purchase knowing you are in for a fantastic read, by an author who has a fantastic writing style, who knows how to introduce characters and develop them, has a fantastic storyline with plenty of plot twists and it challenges you to figure out the murderer and you won't get there until the very end of this fantastic story.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

When someone has so many enemies, it's difficult to sift through them all and find a solid suspect or so Maddy Knight discovers as she and her partner attempt to solve the murder of an unscrupulous businesswoman. Maddy's life is further complicated with the trapping of everyday life as she juggles job, pet, friends and family.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this particular Madison Knight as much as the other stories in her series but every character seemed to get just a little on my nerves. A lot was going on in this story and, unfortunately, much of it became noise. I wish Carolyn Arnold had edited this to be a little shorter and perhaps saved some of the unnecessary plot points for another novel.

[Doug Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The murder of Claire Reeves poses a challenging case for detectives Madison Knight and Terry Grant. A long list of people had a motive for the murder, including several of whom she had taken advantage in her business dealings. Inexplicably, a number of these suspects had remained on friendly terms with her. Madison and Terry have their work cut out for them trying to navigate the maze of Claire's relationships.

Meanwhile, Madison has to decide whether to take her relationship with attorney Blake Golden to the next level, and has mixed feelings about the puppy Terry has given her for Christmas.

[Pris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disapointing

It's amazing she could concentrate on being a detective with the time she spent complaining about the many disappointments in her life, how blood bothers her - the trauma of her little sister 's accident that was bloody apparently emotionally disturbs her decades later - failed relationships. And she has a current relationship that will give her something else to complain about. If you like a protagonist with enough problems to take up almost half the story you'll enjoyed this one.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know that I was a thriller

But I did really enjoy it though. Saying it wasn’t a thriller for me, is because it didn’t make my heart pump, didn’t make me need to put it down to take a break from, with anxieties about what was happening In The book.
Yet this book is an excellent read. Often sour, angry and uncommunicative characters, mix with liars, cheats and calculated deceivers and murderers, as the crime is solved. There is also a soft and lighthearted side.
Unfortunate there is some crudeness, coarseness and the rare ‘f’ word. But this is not normal.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me interested

This was a very good book and I enjoyed reading it. The murder of a wealthy woman who made software for businesses then took their money. Many, many characters but all were described well which made it easier for me to keep up as to who's who. A little romance by the main character and her boyfriend was a good touch as they couldn't seem to find common ground...until the end.