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Madison Knight #3
Sacrifice
She read him stories and tucked him at night. She’d kiss his forehead and wish him “pleasant dreams.” But all this is in the past and nothing more than a haunting memory as she looks into his unseeing eyes… Her baby is dead.
Martha Cooper has been living with a horrible secret for years, but it all came crashing down when the son she was forced to walk away from turns up dead. Now a grown man of twenty-two, Chris was found washed up on a riverbank during a winter thaw, and it’s Detective Madison Knight who rushes to the crime scene. Martha is quick to point Madison to her ex-husband and the boy’s father, Marcus Randall, for his murder.
But Marcus isn’t about to go down without a fight. As a wealthy and corrupt business tycoon, Marcus pulls on his friendship with the police chief, and the two of them hinder Madison’s investigation. What they fail to see is the resistance only makes Madison more suspicious that Marcus has something to hide. She’s also not about to be bullied into silence—even if it pits her against two of the most powerful men in the city. But Madison will seriously need to consider whether a father betrayed his own son or if it was someone else who killed Chris. If she’s going to find out the truth, she’ll need to follow the evidence and push through all the lies. But Madison quickly discovers that nothing comes without personal cost. Not even justice.
A brilliant, heart-pounding mystery full of twists. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, J.D. Robb, and Lisa Regan.
Martha Cooper has been living with a horrible secret for years, but it all came crashing down when the son she was forced to walk away from turns up dead. Now a grown man of twenty-two, Chris was found washed up on a riverbank during a winter thaw, and it’s Detective Madison Knight who rushes to the crime scene. Martha is quick to point Madison to her ex-husband and the boy’s father, Marcus Randall, for his murder.
But Marcus isn’t about to go down without a fight. As a wealthy and corrupt business tycoon, Marcus pulls on his friendship with the police chief, and the two of them hinder Madison’s investigation. What they fail to see is the resistance only makes Madison more suspicious that Marcus has something to hide. She’s also not about to be bullied into silence—even if it pits her against two of the most powerful men in the city. But Madison will seriously need to consider whether a father betrayed his own son or if it was someone else who killed Chris. If she’s going to find out the truth, she’ll need to follow the evidence and push through all the lies. But Madison quickly discovers that nothing comes without personal cost. Not even justice.
A brilliant, heart-pounding mystery full of twists. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, J.D. Robb, and Lisa Regan.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2012
2923 people are currently reading
1732 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Arnold
78 books1,286 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 174 reviews
August 2, 2012
I hadn’t read a Madison Knight novel, so I wasn’t sure if I would miss anything, but my concerns were unfounded. “Sacrifice” read as a standalone with enough information that I felt as though I knew Madison Knight personally, without all the unnecessary “information dump” that some authors feel they need to share.
The mystery was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought I knew “whodunit”, a new clue would arise which would make me doubt my investigative abilities. Though I love an unpredictable story, I hate when writers resort to trickery to conceal the suspect. Arnold’s style of writing was spot-on, revealing clues as her protagonist discovered them, making me feel as if I were part of the story in search of the murderer.
One of my favorite things about Carolyn’s writing was that she described the details of the homicide and gave me a behind-the-scenes look at a detective’s life without resorting to graphic or vulgar writing. Kudos, Carolyn Arnold, I look forward to reading your next novel.
The mystery was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought I knew “whodunit”, a new clue would arise which would make me doubt my investigative abilities. Though I love an unpredictable story, I hate when writers resort to trickery to conceal the suspect. Arnold’s style of writing was spot-on, revealing clues as her protagonist discovered them, making me feel as if I were part of the story in search of the murderer.
One of my favorite things about Carolyn’s writing was that she described the details of the homicide and gave me a behind-the-scenes look at a detective’s life without resorting to graphic or vulgar writing. Kudos, Carolyn Arnold, I look forward to reading your next novel.
May 2, 2016
Interesting storyline but neither the characters nor the setting came alive for me. I like to get lost in my reads and I couldn't with this one. I found it quite a dry read especially in relation to the political corruption. Nothing at all wrong with the book - simply not one for me.
June 3, 2016
Couldn't be bothered to finish. Stock characters out of a bad 70's tv show.
September 14, 2017
Ridiculous, not great! Skip it, better female lead protagonists out there!
I don't believe for one minute law enforcement professionals loved this book. The lead detective, the 'heroine' has a partner that she refuses to share basic information. They're in the car and she's driving to show him something she thought of that involves their case. She's reckless, emotional, unprofessional and dumb. She moves through this book like she works alone, breaks the rules by operating in her emotions and not speaking with her partner. She skips basic steps, even though her partner constantly reminds her of how to do the job. She never considers him when she's running around like an idiot. The mystery could have been interesting IF it were solved in the text. I guess you have to ride along with her partner -- in the dark! And to ice this crapcake, she's NOT a woman of her word!
I don't believe for one minute law enforcement professionals loved this book. The lead detective, the 'heroine' has a partner that she refuses to share basic information. They're in the car and she's driving to show him something she thought of that involves their case. She's reckless, emotional, unprofessional and dumb. She moves through this book like she works alone, breaks the rules by operating in her emotions and not speaking with her partner. She skips basic steps, even though her partner constantly reminds her of how to do the job. She never considers him when she's running around like an idiot. The mystery could have been interesting IF it were solved in the text. I guess you have to ride along with her partner -- in the dark! And to ice this crapcake, she's NOT a woman of her word!
June 23, 2017
3 stars for a good storyline
Ms. Arnold, do your readers a favor & pay a good editor... The misuse of the English language in this book is inexcusable. Spell Check is not an appropriate editor... Neither are beta readers. The use of wrong words in this book was hilariously comedic. Yes, they were all spelled right... But using the word allusion when you meant illusion? That is only one example. I didn't bother to highlight all the bloopers. If you had paid an editor to do the job you would have received 4 stars. I rather enjoyed the book when I wasn't rolling on the floor laughing.
Ms. Arnold, do your readers a favor & pay a good editor... The misuse of the English language in this book is inexcusable. Spell Check is not an appropriate editor... Neither are beta readers. The use of wrong words in this book was hilariously comedic. Yes, they were all spelled right... But using the word allusion when you meant illusion? That is only one example. I didn't bother to highlight all the bloopers. If you had paid an editor to do the job you would have received 4 stars. I rather enjoyed the book when I wasn't rolling on the floor laughing.
December 20, 2020
I honestly couldn't believe I finished this.....I read in bed before going to sleep at night, and this one easily put me to sleep....I couldn't get through more than a couple of pages at a time. It was not very interesting, though I thought it could be. The characters are flat, unbelievable and nobody a reader can connect with. Sterotypical rich untouchable dude, spoiled son, Russian mafia, political corruption...the author throws it all in, stirs it up and offers a bland dish. I'm quite sure I have enjoyed Carolyn Arnold's books before, but this one was a definite snorer.
April 27, 2024
I like this heroine, excited for the next one
June 16, 2019
If I really like a book I have to like the characters and get to know them a little. I really didn’t find any character that I liked in this book. Even the main character was not one I liked.
October 20, 2016
"Never Give In, Never Give Up - Madison Knight's Philosophy"
In this third book of the series, business tycoon Marcus Randall is on the radar of the Secret Service for fraud and counterfeiting. Suddenly, his son is found dead on the bank of the Bradshaw River. The Secret Service requires the assistance of the Stiles Police Department. Now, Detective Madison Knight will sacrifice a lot to investigate the murder. She may even sacrifice her police career as a whole can of worms hinders her case. Always well written by prolific author Carolyn Arnold. She knows all about police procedures and could become a great detective herself! Highly recommend.
In this third book of the series, business tycoon Marcus Randall is on the radar of the Secret Service for fraud and counterfeiting. Suddenly, his son is found dead on the bank of the Bradshaw River. The Secret Service requires the assistance of the Stiles Police Department. Now, Detective Madison Knight will sacrifice a lot to investigate the murder. She may even sacrifice her police career as a whole can of worms hinders her case. Always well written by prolific author Carolyn Arnold. She knows all about police procedures and could become a great detective herself! Highly recommend.
August 14, 2017
Angry
I got so frustrated and tired of the lead character's self centered "B...iness", that I stopped reading about 1/3 of the way thru and skipped to the end to see who did it.
I got so frustrated and tired of the lead character's self centered "B...iness", that I stopped reading about 1/3 of the way thru and skipped to the end to see who did it.
September 7, 2016
**SPOILER FREE**
Each book has it's own feel.. It's own way to keep you reading. The author will get your attention one way or another with each one and the crimes that fall in place. These are page turners. And if you're like me these will keep you up all day and night just to see what the out come will be. Who did what and why....
A fantastic series!!
*Received for an honest and unbiased review*
Each book has it's own feel.. It's own way to keep you reading. The author will get your attention one way or another with each one and the crimes that fall in place. These are page turners. And if you're like me these will keep you up all day and night just to see what the out come will be. Who did what and why....
A fantastic series!!
*Received for an honest and unbiased review*
October 21, 2016
Sacrifice
Really enjoyed book love stories at detectives and the work they do kept me turning pages it takes lots of dedicated people to do this job
Really enjoyed book love stories at detectives and the work they do kept me turning pages it takes lots of dedicated people to do this job
February 7, 2017
"A class act"
Some might find this a bit heavy going; I certainly wouldn't describe it as a quick read, but the writing is of such a high quality that it balances things out.
Some might find this a bit heavy going; I certainly wouldn't describe it as a quick read, but the writing is of such a high quality that it balances things out.
May 18, 2019
I enjoyed the story, but the editing errors were so numerous it detracted from the enjoyment of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
Starting at a disadvantage since the previous two novels in the series had not been read was a bit of a sacrifice itself. Not only did the main character, Madison Knight, nearly sacrifice her career in proving who killed Chris Randall, but without the background of the previous two stories, some of ancillary characters made no sense to this reader, at least.
Detective MadisoStarting n Knight is a bulldog when trying to get the evidence she (and her partner Terry) need to prove this drowning is really a murder. Even if she is told to back off or report every move to her superior officer, she does what she wants to get answers, sort of.
So, who killed Chris Randall? Was it his father, Marcus? Was it his best friend, or was it his other best friend? More importantly, why was he killed? And why is her chief, McAlexandar, protecting Marcus Randall? Lots of questions (as well as political realities) for Madison and Terry to deal with.
Not a whole lot of WTT trends except for a green-eyed character and a smirk by nearly every character except for Madison.
By the way, did not understand the Russian characters and references...must make sense only to those who have read the other two.
Detective MadisoStarting n Knight is a bulldog when trying to get the evidence she (and her partner Terry) need to prove this drowning is really a murder. Even if she is told to back off or report every move to her superior officer, she does what she wants to get answers, sort of.
So, who killed Chris Randall? Was it his father, Marcus? Was it his best friend, or was it his other best friend? More importantly, why was he killed? And why is her chief, McAlexandar, protecting Marcus Randall? Lots of questions (as well as political realities) for Madison and Terry to deal with.
Not a whole lot of WTT trends except for a green-eyed character and a smirk by nearly every character except for Madison.
By the way, did not understand the Russian characters and references...must make sense only to those who have read the other two.
November 29, 2020
Detective Madison Knight has never been a master of personal relationships. As Sacrifice begins, however she has a successful work partnership with Terry, a new live in relationship with her dog, Hershey, and a growing attachment to her District Attorney boyfriend, Blake Gordon.
When a body washed up on the banks of the Bradshaw River turns out to be the son of local businessman Marcus Randall, Terry and Madison are assigned to find the killer. Randall's connections are worldwide and include quite a few influential people. Not the least if which is Strikes PD Chief Patrick Mc Allister, who seems set on defending his friend. From the outset if the investigation the Chief is determined to undermine and block Madison from discovering anything that might point to the father.
With the arrival of the Secret Service due to a counterfeiting investigation, the involvement of the Russian Mafia, and a locked file relating to the victim, Chris Randall, Madison resorts to her "grey area" style of investigation. This will most likely cost her her live life, but will it also cost her her badge?
When a body washed up on the banks of the Bradshaw River turns out to be the son of local businessman Marcus Randall, Terry and Madison are assigned to find the killer. Randall's connections are worldwide and include quite a few influential people. Not the least if which is Strikes PD Chief Patrick Mc Allister, who seems set on defending his friend. From the outset if the investigation the Chief is determined to undermine and block Madison from discovering anything that might point to the father.
With the arrival of the Secret Service due to a counterfeiting investigation, the involvement of the Russian Mafia, and a locked file relating to the victim, Chris Randall, Madison resorts to her "grey area" style of investigation. This will most likely cost her her live life, but will it also cost her her badge?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2017
Let me begin by saying that I'm not a big fan mysteries or thrillers written by female authors because as a rule those stories turn out to be chic lit but Sacrifice by Carolyn Arnold was an exception to the rule. Madison Knight, the female protagonist is a character that any man can identify with and easily like. She is fearless and not afraid to stand up to her superiors in order to bring the guilty parties to justice even when it means risking her career and the job she loves. True, Arnold spends a great deal of time on Maddy personal life and love affairs but in the end it all ties in with the mystery she is working to solve. this is the second time in less than two weeks that I have been pleasantly surprised by a lady author and Carolyn will be another lady that I will be following and whose books I will be reading knowing that I will enjoy each and everyone of them. If you like fast paced, no holds barred mysteries with a two fist-ted protagonist, you will want to read Sacrifice.
October 7, 2017
Sacrifice - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The latest book, [#3 in the series] starring Detective Madison Knight goes to prove what a strong character she is and what a talented and imaginative writer Carolyn Arnold is too.
It makes a refreshing change to have an exciting fast-moving modern police-procedural thriller with a realistic, feisty female lead in a male-dominated profession. Madison makes no bones about her professional and personal dislike and distrust of her boss, Chief McAlexandar, who seems determined to thwart her at every turn. She's eager to work with her, [about-to-be dad and] partner Terry, to determine who killed spoilt rich-kid Chris Randall and how, but the Chief and other protagonists are not what they seem and Madison has to stick to her guns, even if it means she has to sacrifice her DA lover Blake to keep her integrity intact.
I would recommend this 5 star thriller to all lovers of whodunits, police-procedural murder-mystery dramas and strong female lead characters...
definitely not to be missed!
May 26, 2019
Loved the story line. Neat premise. The ending was a little flat I felt. I'd been merrily bowling along until that point. I didn't feel that justice was done, which is a must for mystery-suspense type novels. Some hideous edits unfortunately. At one point a waiter was called Mario and then when he backed away from the table he was Tony. The formatting is lovely apart from the fact that whoever prepared it didn't create a speech mark able to be used with drop caps, so none of the chapters beginning with speech had a speech mark. That definitely needs revising. There are some words in odd places, which may have entered in the editing phase.
I really liked the story and apart from wanting to shake her, I liked Madison's imperfections. I got her.
I really liked the story and apart from wanting to shake her, I liked Madison's imperfections. I got her.
March 9, 2018
Nice read
Another fine story from Ms Arnold. Still not too keen on the only detective policewoman in the department who is emotionally flawed but Madison knight is growing on me. I enjoyed this story though and felt all the background information really helped. The ending actually surprised me and for that Caroline Arnold got 4 stars. Madison and Terry get their man or woman in recent murder cases but we will have to wait a little longer for the cold case to be solved. The open murder of a lawyer whose client got a long sentence Madison reckon the client ordered the elimination but not who actually pulled the trigger. A lot goes on in these stories.
Another fine story from Ms Arnold. Still not too keen on the only detective policewoman in the department who is emotionally flawed but Madison knight is growing on me. I enjoyed this story though and felt all the background information really helped. The ending actually surprised me and for that Caroline Arnold got 4 stars. Madison and Terry get their man or woman in recent murder cases but we will have to wait a little longer for the cold case to be solved. The open murder of a lawyer whose client got a long sentence Madison reckon the client ordered the elimination but not who actually pulled the trigger. A lot goes on in these stories.
May 7, 2019
This is a continuation of mysteries that fall into Maddie's lap to follow. As in the other stories, there is pressure on her to trod carefully. In this one especially, the police chief has a personal conflict one a prime suspect/character in this murder case. Based on his association with Marcus, he has set up handicaps that stall Maddie from handling he case as any other case would have been handled.
Even with the handicaps and the temporary suspension, she follows her instincts and is able to solve this case in addition to one that the Secret Services is involved in.
Recommend this book highly.
Even with the handicaps and the temporary suspension, she follows her instincts and is able to solve this case in addition to one that the Secret Services is involved in.
Recommend this book highly.
December 20, 2020
So I didn't review the previous book and decided to give it one more go with this character. Madison is an unlikeable character. I get she is a detective but she treats her partner poorly and is constantly smacking him in the arm. If this were a male doing this to a female everyone would be up in arms. He needs to grow some backbone. She is all about finding the killer (good) but abuses friends & colleagues along the way (bad). Nothing and no one will get in her way and she barely recognizes anyone who helps her.
March 25, 2021
A 3.5 stars for me
This is a well written, interestingly plotted book with a number of different suspects and plenty of what may or may not be red herrings. My biggest problem with the book was that I just couldn't warm up to the main character, Madison Knight. While she has a passion for justice for victims, she has little sensitivity or insight into the living. Her arrogance is not the same as self confidence and her stubbornness is not the same as determination. I also found a number of loose ends that were not clearly tied up.
This is a well written, interestingly plotted book with a number of different suspects and plenty of what may or may not be red herrings. My biggest problem with the book was that I just couldn't warm up to the main character, Madison Knight. While she has a passion for justice for victims, she has little sensitivity or insight into the living. Her arrogance is not the same as self confidence and her stubbornness is not the same as determination. I also found a number of loose ends that were not clearly tied up.
November 28, 2024
After reading and enjoying the first book in this series, I had the chance to read book three. I had no problem following along even though I haven't read the second book yet. Detective Madison Knight and her partner are back on a case trying to find a killer. Once again, Madison struggles to do her job while her male dominant bosses get in her way! I like that the author includes both professional and personal sides of the main characters. I will definitely be reading more books in this series.
July 2, 2025
This author seems to take great pains to write main characters that are totally unlikeable. I understand some flaws in a character to make them more interesting but I spend most of the book wanting to punch Madison in the face. She's awful and I just finished the Brandon Fisher series and Madison makes him look like a gem.
I purchased these books without knowing any of this and if I was different type of person I would just delete them but I can't seem to do that so I will suffer through. At least this narrator is better than the Brandon Fisher series.
I purchased these books without knowing any of this and if I was different type of person I would just delete them but I can't seem to do that so I will suffer through. At least this narrator is better than the Brandon Fisher series.
October 11, 2017
Meh.
Total Fiction. The reader quickly realizes that the author does not write accurate, police procedural books. I don’t read super technical books police procedural books but I do can tell when the author is simply storytelling. I personally find that annoying because I quickly pick up inconsistencies. I wouldn’t pay for another book by this author. I would read the next story in the series if it was free.
Total Fiction. The reader quickly realizes that the author does not write accurate, police procedural books. I don’t read super technical books police procedural books but I do can tell when the author is simply storytelling. I personally find that annoying because I quickly pick up inconsistencies. I wouldn’t pay for another book by this author. I would read the next story in the series if it was free.
June 11, 2018
Kobo edition using the kindle/paperback cover
The author prides herself on writing procedural novels that reflect reality and while I can't comment on that other than to say it seems real enough I'm not entirely convinced that the plot is completely watertight. That may be because there are so many elements - in addition to the murder we have drug dealing, counterfeiting, money-laundering, potential police corruption as well links to the Russian mafia (and a link to a previous case... ) - that I missed some things.
I'll probably tackle another in the series at some stage.
The author prides herself on writing procedural novels that reflect reality and while I can't comment on that other than to say it seems real enough I'm not entirely convinced that the plot is completely watertight. That may be because there are so many elements - in addition to the murder we have drug dealing, counterfeiting, money-laundering, potential police corruption as well links to the Russian mafia (and a link to a previous case... ) - that I missed some things.
I'll probably tackle another in the series at some stage.
July 13, 2018
Off Beat and Exciting
This is an unusual police procedural, with many sub plots and conflicts. The character of Madison Knight is almost a stereotype of the strong, independent female investigator. However the interaction with all the other characters is handled quite well as the story grinds to the end. Arnold has a great way of telling a story and it sets this work at a higher level.
This is an unusual police procedural, with many sub plots and conflicts. The character of Madison Knight is almost a stereotype of the strong, independent female investigator. However the interaction with all the other characters is handled quite well as the story grinds to the end. Arnold has a great way of telling a story and it sets this work at a higher level.
May 6, 2019
Police officers sacrifice a great deal to do their jobs correctly.
This book, the third in the series, was very dramatic and a whodunit all the way until the end. It includes many suspects and Detectives Maggie and Terry are kept busy figuring out the murderer. Contained lots of suspense, drama and mystery Any person who enjoys this will love this book. I have 5 stars because I love the characterization was presented.
This book, the third in the series, was very dramatic and a whodunit all the way until the end. It includes many suspects and Detectives Maggie and Terry are kept busy figuring out the murderer. Contained lots of suspense, drama and mystery Any person who enjoys this will love this book. I have 5 stars because I love the characterization was presented.
May 19, 2019
Great Thriller
First off will Knight ever get over Sovereign’s betrayal of her that broke her heart keeping her afraid to get close to people. Can’t wait to see what kind of Father Grant becomes.
As to this story in particular it was a story of haves and have nots wanting what they couldn’t have, a lover scorned and powerful people expecting to be above normal protocol. All things anyone would hate and believe is possible in today’s society.
Good page turner.....
First off will Knight ever get over Sovereign’s betrayal of her that broke her heart keeping her afraid to get close to people. Can’t wait to see what kind of Father Grant becomes.
As to this story in particular it was a story of haves and have nots wanting what they couldn’t have, a lover scorned and powerful people expecting to be above normal protocol. All things anyone would hate and believe is possible in today’s society.
Good page turner.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews