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Savannah, Georgia used to be a tranquil tourist destination—until human body parts started floating down the river.

FBI Agent Brandon Fisher trusts his team with his life—or at least he did.

It’s only been six months since Brandon’s boss almost died at the hands of a serial killer when the team is called to Savannah, Georgia. Human limbs have been pulled from the Little Ogeechee River—not from one, but from three separate male victims. As more remains surface and the victim count rises, the hunt for an active serial killer begins.

Establishing a profile on the killer isn’t proving easy, though, and it’s not until a peculiar discovery that the FBI gets a break in the case. If they’re right about their theory, they’ll need to convince the Deep South to give up her secrets to catch a killer. Only thing is, will the process stir up vivid memories for the agent in charge and compromise the team’s safety?

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2017

1515 people are currently reading
890 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Arnold

76 books1,285 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,311 reviews162 followers
March 29, 2017
I love thrillers, suspense, murder and serial killers, not necessarily in that order. LOL

Remnants by Carolyn Arnold has them all.

It is amazing how quickly someone can just vanish. There one minute, gone the next.

Body parts are being found in a Georgia river. A leg here, an arm there, here a skull, there a torso, but no hands or feet. Why?

The parts don’t match. How many bodies are there?

A serial killer is on the loose.

Step by step, clue by clue, law enforcement follows the path to the Unsub in a Criminal Minds fashion.

You may not want to eat before you read this. The killings are brutal, gruesome, savage.

The case became more involved than I thought it would when I first started reading. I didn’t put all the pieces together until the last part of the book and it was Carolyn Arnold that took me there. I love that I can’t figure it out early. Keeps the mystery alive. Though, if the book is well written it doesn’t matter…either way is fine with me.

There are some seriously messed up characters that deserve worse than they got.

The FBI team had issues of their own. Makes them come across as realistic people.

I love these kind of stories and would highly recommend following the stand alone series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Remnants of Carolyn Arnold.

To see more visit fundinmental
3,117 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2017
The FBI, including Special Agent Brandon Fisher, have been called to attend a crime scene, which the local authorities think is the work of a serial killer. A skinless arm with no hand was found a few days ago on the bank of a river. Now another arm, plus a skinless leg missing it’s foot, has been found. All from different victims. All from males aged in their twenties, but there have been no missing persons reports locally.

Whilst trying to establish who the victims are, more body parts turn up, all with the same distinguishing features. That is until a torso washes up. This time the skin is intact, but has been painted blue. This leads the detectives to the conclusion that the murderer is performing some kind of Mayan ritual.

When a phone washes up belonging to a local man, the agents believe they may have their suspect, especially when they visit his property and discover that he went missing a few days ago.

Can the case really be this simple?

Remnants, is a thrilling book, full of twists and turns. You may think that you know the killer, but could you be being led down the wrong path? With every piece of the puzzle that is revealed, you will start doubting yourself, but was your first instinct right all along?

The plot has that gripping intensity to it, and is most certainly a page-turner. I needed to find out who the culprit was, and what made him/her tick.

Special Agent Brandon Fisher is quite a complex, but very likeable character, with his own personal problems. But his isn’t the only voice you get to hear throughout the story. The killer is present too. There are clues to the identity throughout, subtly hidden. It’s only once you discover who the murderer is, that these clues become apparent.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book from the first word to the last. It is the sixth book in the Brandon Fisher series, but I presume that they can all be read as stand-alone books, as I had no problem understanding the story, nor Brandon.

With such in-depth character developments, a flawless, well-researched plot, and a storyline that holds you to its pages, you can tell that this has been written by an accomplished crime writer.

Now all that’s left to do, is to read the other five. Here’s hoping that they are as superb as this one.

Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,709 followers
April 12, 2017
Brandon Fisher is now a full-fledged FBI Agent, finally finished with his probationary period. Jack is the leader of this team, which also includes Paige and Zach. I mention these because this is book 6 of a series. I was afraid jumping in at this late date might lead to a lot of frustration and confusion as I haven't read any others of this particular series. No fear .. this is perfectly done as a stand alone. But as always, I recommend starting from the beginning to pick up all those back stories that make the storytelling credible.

The local police in Savannah, Georgia call in the FBI after multiple body parts are discovered along a river. The body parts are remnants of several different victims. A foot here, a hand there. How on earth is anyone going to be able to identify them without the rest of their remains?

And the more they discover, the sicker they become. Tongues have also been removed. Hearts have been cut out of the victims while still alive. And why are they painted blue? And why are the body parts of 20-something men? Building a profile is almost impossible. And more and more body parts are surfacing.

They just need to find one thread to pull .... and when they do, a house of cards falls. Full of twists and turns and surprises, this is a well-written police procedural. There is a nice blend of the professional, while learning more of the personal of the characters.

I'm eager to go back to the beginning to read of Brandon Fisher and how he got to where he is now.

Many thanks to the author for the advanced digital copy of REMNANTS. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
February 4, 2017
Ever been told that even though a book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, only to be completely frustrated when you discover “they” lied? No worries, “they” told the truth, REMNANTS really CAN be read as a standalone! Carolyn Arnold has created a gritty nightmare of a tale that will churn the stomachs of even the most hard-boiled of FBI agents.
The Little Ogeechee River is awash in floating body parts and FBI profiler Brandon Fisher and his team are called in to investigate. These “parts” belong to three victims and as they say, the plot thickens. Brandon will have his hands full profiling the killer. They bodies are unnamed, the clues are non-existent and the questions are growing by the hour as the body count continues to rise and the gruesome mutilation becomes even more twisted.

How long has this monster been killing? Does he work alone? When a clue comes to light, the road to the end of this spree becomes darker and more treacherous and Brandon is under pressure to find the killer and stop him. What he discovers is as life-altering as it is sickening as time runs out and death may hit too close to home.

Full of grit, gore and enough twists to make even the most diligent of readers hard-pressed to discover the villain, even the ending will keep you on pins and needles. Carolyn Arnold builds a world of darkness, the unknown and the unstable as the race against a monster nears the finish line. The prize? Human lives saved.

I received an ARC edition from Hilbert & Stiles Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Brandon Fisher FBI Series - Book 6
Publisher: Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. (April 11, 2017)
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 260 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews107 followers
April 12, 2017
Body parts are turning up in a river. Arms, legs, torsos. The odd thing? The parts are from multiple victims and no hands or feet are found. Georgia has a serial killer and the FBI is called in to investigate.

I’m a fan of murder mysteries. Give me a twisted serial killer and a case not easily solved, along with many suspects, and I’m lost in the story until the end.

This case reminded me of episodes from the TV show Criminal Minds. The killings are gruesome. The FBI team works as a well oiled machine. And who the victims are and why the killer is murdering them is so out there. Carolyn Arnold leads you into a very dark place, teasing you with lots of clues and false trails, until the final reveal. What a finish!

While this is the 6th book in the series, each one stands on it’s own so you won’t have a problem jumping in anywhere. Always a bonus for me. And the author doesn’t leave you hanging, filling in past events where needed without slowing down the story.

Remnants will have you flipping the pages to find the identity of the killer, keeping you engaged and wanting right up to the end.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,604 reviews240 followers
April 1, 2017
This is my first time reading anything by this author. This book started out strong and ended just as strong. There is nothing worse than reading a book only to get a weak ending. Although, I must say that Brandon did not have as much of a huge presence with me as his team did. Together they all worked well together. It was a nice balance of men and women.

I want to stop and take a moment to talk about the killer. The author made sure that the killer's time in the spotlight was not lessened by the storyline. I have read many books where sometimes the killer is overshadowed by the storyline or the killer comes off as weaker so that it appears that the people brought to stop the killer seem smart. No, this was not the case in this book. Every character had a purpose. Although, the killings were horrific with limbs severed, the details were not graphic in nature. Therefore, those readers who like murder mystery or police procedural books, you will be happy with this factor. One more aspect that I wanted to point out about this book is that the flow was steady with no down time. If you are looking for a new author to try than you should check out this book. Coming from a fan of murder mystery or police procedural books; Remnants is a worthy read with sharp, skilled characters and a strong storyline.
Profile Image for Angie Pfeiffer-Senft.
106 reviews11 followers
February 19, 2017
I was graciously contacted via my blog, to receive a copy of “Remnants” in exchange for an honest review. That being said, it has not altered my opinion of the book whatsoever. “Remnants” will be published on April 11th 2017 and available for purchase here.

Carolyn Arnold is a new author for me, however the genre is not. I've always been a fan of CSI (although it HAS to be Las Vegas) and Bones, however for some reason or another, these genres do not grace my shelves too often.

Upon doing my normal new author research, it appears that Arnold has written many books, that spans many series, as well as a few standalone titles.

Brandon Fisher FBI series (Remnants will be book 6 of this series)
Detective Madison Knight Series (A total of 7 books at the moment)
McKinley Mysteries (A total of 10 books with number 11 due out in October 2017)
Matthew Connor Adventure Series (1 book with book 2 due out in January 2018)
And 3 standalone titles


When I received this particular request, and reading over the specifics, it said that "Remnants" was a part of a series. . .well crap. I never pick up a book (unknowingly) that isn't the first book of the series. Does anyone else feel me on this? Usually it just does not make sense. Had I continued reading the e-mail in it's entirety, I would have learned that EACH book in this particular series can be read as a standalone. Makes complete sense. HOWEVER! (One) of my favorite authors [James Rollins] has his Sigma series that states the same. Personally, I wouldn't read the Sigma series out of order. I enjoy knowing what came before and building that relationship with the characters while reading each book. Reading the synopsis provided in the e-mail made me jump at the opportunity to read "Remnants", and I'm so glad I jumped.

"Remnants" opens in the south, Georgia to be exact, in the perspective of the killer. At the moment he is enjoying the hunt for his victim, savoring in the time it's taking to pick the perfect specimen, and return home unnoticed.

Switching perspectives, the reader's are introduced to Brandon Fisher; an agent in the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, along with his team. It's Valentines Day, and what better way to spend it than to answer a call that two arms and a leg were found in a river in Georgia. Upon arriving at the crime scene the team realizes they are looking at three separate victims- the arms are missing the hands, and the leg is missing the foot.

As any good investigative book/movie goes, the list of suspects starts wide and narrows as you go. The team starts with those closest to the site and expand their list- which includes the local Georgian banker. Interviews lead to a myriad of missing person cases with one key component- all of them are missing men in their 20's.

With a fresh missing person's case on the table, and more body parts being washed up by the river, the suspect list narrows, and the killer decides to change his MO.

Does the team catch the killer? What role does the banker play in all of this? How many victims were at the killer's mercy? Please do yourself a favor, and put "Remnants" on your TBR list for April 11th. In the meantime, check out the rest of the books that I mentioned above.

As any good thriller should be, Caryolyn Arnold is able to make you fear the mundane of everyday life. She takes something as simple as running an errand and has you looking over your shoulder.

As I mentioned earlier, "Remnants" is a part of a series. While I have never read any book written by Arnold, I do believe "Remnants" can be read as a standalone. While it may be easier to know the backstories of the main characters, I do not find it integral to the storytelling.

And let's talk about that storytelling. I found Arnold's writing to be not only engaging, but painting a picture for the reader. There was never I time I felt as though she were talking over my head. All of the detail was well researched. For me, I do believe that Carolyn Arnold is an up and coming author for the thriller genre.

While this is my FIRST Arnold novel, I certainly hope it will not be the last. Ms. Arnold, I honestly hope to work with you again, and I absolutely will be adding some of your works to my TBR list. PS: Have you checked out the Matthew Connor Adventures?! That book ALONE moves it up in my TBR list!



Profile Image for catherine ♡.
1,744 reviews170 followers
April 10, 2017
*I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a book review. This review is my full and honest opinion.*

Actual Rating: 3.75

Remnants begins with several body parts, discovered floating in the Little Ogeechee River in Savannah, Georgia. Brandon Fisher, FBI agent, is called in to investigate, but he finds it difficult to identify the victims. When body after body turns up, it becomes clear that a serial killer is who the FBI is after. The question is why - why are they doing this? Why are they targeting these people? And above all, why are they murdering in such an oddly specific way?

When the murders start to resemble some cultural, sacrificial ritual, even more unanswerable questions arise. The mind of the murderer is much darker than they expected, and they're running out of time.

The story is written from two different points of view: Brandon's and the murderer's. Carolyn Arnold's literary versatility was extremely clear, and I loved the sense of dramatic irony that got me anxiously flipping pages, wanting to know more. In a sense, we read the same story from different perspectives - we followed our hero through his investigative journey, but we also lived through the eyes of someone who had created his own reality, who had such a distorted - but hypnotizing - view of the truth.

For Brandon's perspective, I do feel like I enjoyed the first half better just because there was more anticipation, more mystery, and less chasing. However, I loved reading all the parts from the point of view of the perpetrator and seeing their psychological development. I'm a little iffy about the end - there was a bit that I thought felt a little like an awkward add-on; it was a scene that I felt was a little unnecessary, though it did provide a chance for character development to shine through.

Another very unique thing about this book is that it's not just a crime mystery; between serious tidbits, the characters talk about relationships and...you know, "feelings". These little moments gave me more insight into the characters and made the book seem much more realistic.

The characters were extremely complex, and I was able to see how the story extended far beyond the crime they were trying to solve. Each character had a personality, a history, and a unique voice. Even the antagonists were multifaceted, and the author's ability to delve into each character's psychology allowed the story to feel that much more immersive.

This was definitely enthralling from beginning to end. The plot continued to get thicker and thicker, and I couldn't put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes reading crime stories. Carolyn Arnold has written a thrilling mystery that will keep readers on their toes as they delve into the center of a captivating psychological nightmare.

Remnants comes out on April 11th! You can pre-order it now from Amazon by clicking here.



Or, if you want, check out the other books in the Brandon Fisher FBI Series: there are currently 5 books out now: Eleven,Silent Graves, The Defenseless, Blue Baby, and Violated. Read them before Remnants comes out!
Profile Image for Rosie Amber.
Author 1 book83 followers
July 26, 2017
Three Point Five Stars.

Remnants is book #6 of the Brandon Fisher FBI crime series and can also be read as a stand-alone novel.

The story is set in the state of Georgia. The prologue opens with a man in search of his next victim at a shopping mall in Atlanta, where we read about his quick ruthless snatch-and-grab of a young man.

Chapter one introduces us to FBI agent Brandon Fisher, his boss Jack and his co-workers Zack and Paige. They’ve been called to Savannah by Lieutenant Pike after human remains were found in a river. Evidence suggests the limbs are from three different victims; the feet, hands and skin have been removed.

Recent rainfall may have disturbed the place where these bones had been buried. Further disturbing evidence suggests the perpetrator is copying ancient Mayan sacrificial techniques. A local man is reported missing; investigations highlight questions about his work and social routine. The team believe they have a link to several cold cases of other missing men. Just what has missing banker Stanley Gilbert been doing on Friday afternoons?

I’ve not read any of the other books in this series, so the writer’s style was new to me. The main action is interspersed with chatter between the FBI team about their various relationships. This was a weaker part of the book for me with rather clichéd storylines. The call of the job puts paid to Valentine’s plans for both Brandon and Paige, whilst Jack has his own demons from a past case.

Much of the investigative work relied on Nadia, a data analyst from Quantico, who is super-efficient. This left the team in Savannah running between leads, interviewing suspects and working with the local police force. The Mayan sacrifice angle was interesting, I would have liked this to have a larger part to the storyline; I felt it could have added some more plot twists and tension to lift this to a real edge of your seat thriller.
Profile Image for Cary Morton.
989 reviews41 followers
May 20, 2017
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Remnants by Carolyn Arnold is not the type of book I would normally pick up. Although I love murder mysteries and suspense stories, I’ll admit that character-driven fiction is the main basis for my love of most books—and this book wasn’t character driven. We’ll get to that in a minute, though.

Technically speaking, Remnants was well written. It was easy to follow along, there weren’t a lot of grammatical or punctuation mistakes, and the pace of the book was steady throughout. It was effortless to sink into the story and follow along with the story—I have nothing to complain about.

The crime was interesting and thrilling, and like the characters, I had a hard time puzzling out who the perpetrator was until near the very end. My only true nitpick is that I didn’t feel like I really connected with any of the characters. I didn’t relate to them, I didn’t particularly like them, and aside from the murderer, I didn’t find them all that interesting. Maybe it’s my penchant for character-driven fiction—I don’t know—but It did drop this book down a star for me.

That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the book though. Overall, I enjoyed the book for what it was, and if you love crime fiction, this is a solid choice. I only wish I’d been a little more drawn to the characters than I was. It would have been nice to get sucked into the personalities of the FBI agents a little more.
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,521 reviews218 followers
April 25, 2017
Carolyn Arnold has proven once again that she is good at what she does. That is writing riveting, entertaining and suspenseful police procedurals. ‘Remnants’ is the 6th book in the Brandon Fisher series. There is no need to read the series in order as each story can stand on its own.The beginning of the story is intense, as the killer is hunting for his next victim. From that moment, the story pulled me in and it proved a difficult book to put down. Has is typical of all serial murders, the FBI is called up on to assist in the investigations. Brandon Fisher and his team flew to Savannah to investigate when multiple body parts were discovered and investigations indicate that they were from different bodies. The hunt is on to capture the killer. Will Brandon and his team be able to figure out his end game before he strikes again?Before, I proceed to tell you what I enjoyed about this story; I want to warn you that it was not unique. It bears a strong resemblance to a favourite television series of mine, but it in no way diminished the shock factor of the story. Having read the previous book, Violated, I am familiar with the dynamics of Brandon’s team. They worked well together and had each other’s backs. They were a focused team when it came to the investigation in spite of the personal issues they faced. Brandon is a good agent, but there were moments when he displayed a measure of insecurity when it came to his boss. He would deliberately do or say things that he thinks would impress his boss.The story gave us the killer’s perspective, which for me is a plus for stories like these. Here we have a killer who feels he has to kill. I found this fascinating along with the way his mind worked and his motives for carrying out his gruesome acts. He had issues, but what these did not come to light until after his identity was revealed. One thing was certain he had a superiority complex. He was looking for infamy and praise. There were moments in the story when I felt empathy for the killer, but I had no sympathy for those who aided and abetted him. They knew of his issues, but instead of getting him the help he needed they enabled him. In my eyes that made them crazier than the villain.Figuring out the killer’s identity was a difficult task. The suspect pool was large, making it difficult to pinpoint the actual villain. At one point, I thought I had it figured out, but then the author twists things up and once again I was back to figuring out his identity. During this time, my excitement levels increased and my curiosity peaked, as I was eager to discover how it would all unfold. Then there was the jaw-dropping twist near the end when all the clues came together to reveal identity and motive.As usual, the writing style was impeccable. The manner, in which the story was written, made it easy for me to visualise every event that took place. The scenes were chilling, gruesome and not for the faint of heart. The switch between POVs was flawless making it easy to follow. Brandon's was in first person, while that of his coworkers and the killer were in third. I find that at times when stories are written this way, they tend to be confusing, however, this was not the case here.Verdict‘Remnants’ is a well-written and engaging police procedural I recommend to fans of the genre. If you have read nothing written by this author I encourage you to do so, as I am sure you will have no regrets. View all my reviews
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,521 reviews218 followers
April 25, 2017
Carolyn Arnold has proven once again that she is good at what she does. That is writing riveting, entertaining and suspenseful police procedurals. ‘Remnants’ is the 6th book in the Brandon Fisher series. There is no need to read the series in order as each story can stand on its own.

The beginning of the story is intense, as the killer is hunting for his next victim. From that moment, the story pulled me in and it proved a difficult book to put down. Has is typical of all serial murders, the FBI is called up on to assist in the investigations. Brandon Fisher and his team flew to Savannah to investigate when multiple body parts were discovered and investigations indicate that they were from different bodies. The hunt is on to capture the killer. Will Brandon and his team be able to figure out his end game before he strikes again?

Before, I proceed to tell you what I enjoyed about this story; I want to warn you that it was not unique. It bears a strong resemblance to a favourite television series of mine, but it in no way diminished the shock factor of the story.

Having read the previous book, Violated, I am familiar with the dynamics of Brandon’s team. They worked well together and had each other’s backs. They were a focused team when it came to the investigation in spite of the personal issues they faced. Brandon is a good agent, but there were moments when he displayed a measure of insecurity when it came to his boss. He would deliberately do or say things that he thinks would impress his boss.

The story gave us the killer’s perspective, which for me is a plus for stories like these. Here we have a killer who feels he has to kill. I found this fascinating along with the way his mind worked and his motives for carrying out his gruesome acts. He had issues, but what these did not come to light until after his identity was revealed. One thing was certain he had a superiority complex. He was looking for infamy and praise. There were moments in the story when I felt empathy for the killer, but I had no sympathy for those who aided and abetted him. They knew of his issues, but instead of getting him the help he needed they enabled him. In my eyes that made them crazier than the villain.

Figuring out the killer’s identity was a difficult task. The suspect pool was large, making it difficult to pinpoint the actual villain. At one point, I thought I had it figured out, but then the author twists things up and once again I was back to figuring out his identity. During this time, my excitement levels increased and my curiosity peaked, as I was eager to discover how it would all unfold. Then there was the jaw-dropping twist near the end when all the clues came together to reveal identity and motive.

As usual, the writing style was impeccable. The manner, in which the story was written, made it easy for me to visualise every event that took place. The scenes were chilling, gruesome and not for the faint of heart.

The switch between POVs was flawless making it easy to follow. Brandon's was in first person, while that of his coworkers and the killer were in third. I find that at times when stories are written this way, they tend to be confusing, however, this was not the case here.

Verdict
‘Remnants’ is a well-written and engaging police procedural I recommend to fans of the genre. If you have read nothing written by this author I encourage you to do so, as I am sure you will have no regrets.
Profile Image for Hobart.
2,739 reviews90 followers
April 12, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
After some strong storms go through the area, some dismembered body parts are discovered in and near the Little Ogeechee River in Savannah, Georgia. While the local law enforcement is unable to quickly identify who the parts belonged to, it was clear that multiple victims were involved, and a FBI team is called in to investigate. The limbs don't come with any identifying marks outside of DNA, making it incredibly difficult to identify the victims -- which increases the difficulty in determining why they were chosen, and therefore who might be doing the dismembering.

It's going to take some out-of-the-box thinking, and no little bit of luck, for profiler Brandon Fisher and the rest of his team to come up with suspects before the killer strikes again.

Once a theory of the crime is starting to develop, one team member displays a fairly detailed and technical understanding of a fairly esoteric subject. Which was convenient in that it helped flush out the theory, but was a little hard to swallow. Something we learn later about that character (long-time readers probably know it already) makes it a little easier to accept, but not totally (at least for me). It's a minor thing, and it didn't detract from anything -- just made me roll my eyes.

The one complaint I have with the writing is the voice -- it doesn't change whether the chapter is in the first person (as Brandon) or third person (focusing on other agents or the killer). Other than that, the pacing is good, the twists come at the right moments and the plotting is strong, Arnold's a good storyteller.

I'm not sure if it's typical for Agent Paige Dawson, but she really connected with the victim's families. It's not often -- or at least not often enough -- that this kind of attention is given to those characters. That was a nice touch. I'd like to spend more time with all these characters, Paige probably most of all.

There are a few nuances I missed since I haven't read the previous 7 books in the series, but only nuances. There's nothing keeping someone new to the series -- or someone looking for a standalone -- from getting everything you need to from this book. Arnold's kept this very newbie-friendly, which is nice.

This isn't the most exciting or revolutionary - or, thankfully, most disturbing -- serial killer novel you'll find. It is a solid procedural with believable characters (on either side of the law), an interesting solution, and some credible emotional beats. This is an entertaining read and if the rest of this series is of similar quality, it's worth your time to check out the others, too.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Hibbert & Stiles Publishing in exchange for this post. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Nicki Conroy.
631 reviews11 followers
April 19, 2017
I used to be enthralled with the television series Criminal Minds which is all about FBI behavioral analysts. My mother got me hooked on it one summer/fall I was in California. I do not watch much television anymore, other than currently NHL playoffs, but I do find these books by Carolyn Arnold fantastic.

First of all, the book is part of a series of books with FBI agent Brandon Fisher as the lead character. I have read others but this book will stand alone as a great read.

Second, think of a book set in Savannah, Georgia. I have always wanted to visit Savannah. I love the thought of the deep south and antebellum mansions. I will get there now that I am much closer. It is still not a day trip but it is a trip that would only require one overnight for two great days in Savannah. It's just under a five hour drive for me and is calling my name.

Third, imagine the mystery of trying to figure out a killer. This particular mystery has many twists and turns. I truly did not see the person who was doing it as the predator. I had not gone anywhere near that idea and was nearly to the ending. The book kept me guessing as to who the serial killer was.

I strongly suggest you pick up Remnants and see if you can figure out the correct killer before the end of the book.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for VernonandMissy Tanner.
39 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2017
Remnants is the sixth book in the Brandon Fisher FBI Series from Carolyn Arnold. The story starts out with an FBI team landing in Savanna, Georgia on Valentine’s Day to investigate a potential serial murderer.

When multiple pieces of multiple 20 something males are pulled from Little Ogeechee River in Savanna, the FBI is called in to figure out who the killer is. Through many twists and turns, a serial killer profile emerges.

The agents investigating the case all have their own personal issues that come to light during this investigation. One is dealing with a previous brush with death, another is fighting with her long-distance boyfriend, and one is trying to figure out why he can’t make relationships work.

Because they all work great together, standing firm with local police, they figure out the who, what, when, and where. They find out that this killer goes back more than 10 years and has multiple “helpers” to carry out his demonic, heart cutting out, Mayan rituals.

All the details in this story are amazingly accurate. I love how Arnold described the mosquitos and the humidity in the south. This is the first book I’ve read from Carolyn Arnold and even though it’s not my usual genre of story, it was pretty amazing. I really enjoyed all the details, the suspense written in to throw you off the killer and the look into the FBI agent’s lives.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
April 18, 2017
Mysteries have always been a favorite read and are the first section of the bookstore that I gravitate toward. However, when I get the mystery embedded with a psychological twist, oh how it makes my day! I highly recommend reading the previous books in the Brandon Fisher FBI Series but if you like to walk on the wild side, jump right into this one. Trust me, you will be thinking, "Whoa!! This is amazing!" It's twisted, mind-reeling, and captivating with each word that you read! Arnold's background information and research is first-rate, accurate, and entertaining.

I am the type of reader who loves to sit down with a book and read it, first page to last, in one setting; however, I have been on a crazy schedule and had to keep hitting pause on this one. The psychological torment had left its "remnants" (see what I did there?) so I broke down and put everything else aside until I finished. If you love a book that makes you believe the evidence right in front of you, this is not the book for you. You will question and re-question everything that passes your eyes. Fantastic read!

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Tracy Helps You.
48 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2017
If you love crime shows like Criminal Minds and identify as a crime show junkie like me, you will love this Brandon Fisher FBI series. Remnants is the 6th book in the series, but really is a standalone story (I haven’t read the first 5 … yet).

Brandon and his team from the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit are called to Savannah, GA to help the local PD solve their latest case involving severed human body parts from multiple victims. The hands and feet have been removed from the legs and arms that have been found so far (is the killer keeping them as trophies? ~or~ simply removing them so they can’t be identified via fingerprints?). Then they find a torso painted blue, with the heart missing. Could this serial killer be following an ancient sacrificial ritual with roots based in the ancient cultures of Mexico?

Carolyn Arnold makes the reader feel like part of the team as they track down every lead to solve this horrifying case. You feel like you know each of her characters.

If you love psychological mysteries / who done-its … this is the book for you. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to jump into the other books in this series (and her other series). 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars 😊
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2017
A suspenseful story that will keep you second guessing yourself!

I found myself sucked into the story from the very beginning. It is a face paced thriller with many unpredictable and entertaining twists and turns. The farther you read the more twists and turns show up. It leaves you thinking that anyone can be the suspect. Fantastic writing that keeps you guessing throughout while pulling you to the end where you will then wonder how you didn’t figure it out sooner. It takes a good writer to not have me figuring everything out before the final page and this one definitely kept me guessing. The plot is original and leads to an exhilarating ending that I was not expecting.

Overall this book was a fantastic suspenseful action packed thriller. This was the first book by Carolyn Arnold that I have had the pleasure to read and definitely won’t be the last. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thrilling suspenseful read.
Profile Image for Laura Frost.
172 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2017
This is book 6 in a series, but I didn't realize that as I was reading it. Most series make you feel like you are missing something if you start in the middle. I have read some of the other books in the series, but not all of them, and I did not feel lost at all. The back story does indeed come into play-but honestly does not impact the main story line in a detrimental sort of way. I say KUDOS to you Carolyn Arnold for artfully writing a series that feels 100% complete when you read the novels on their own.

Let's talk plot - I love when I can not figure out the mystery on my own. There were just enough clues that I thought I had nailed it...but alas, I was so far off! I really like watching crime scene dramas-and this novel fits that bill like a glove. You've got your handsome profiler, a gruesome murder scene, and a love triangle in the works. What else could you want on a Sunday evening?
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews62 followers
April 12, 2017
If you like police/FBI investigative books, this is the one for you!! A psychological thriller that will have you shivering at the graphic images of the victims of one of the most horrendous and mentally ill persons I hope to never meet!

Brandon of the FBI and his team of investigators are called in to try and find the perpetrator of these crimes. It is extremely difficult and the evidence seems to point in one direction after a series of educated guesses. Top all this with the love lives of a couple of the agents in trouble and one of them is not exactly at the top of his game due to the fact that he had almost been killed prior---but just when you think you (and they) know who did it---------------
Remnants
Profile Image for Julie Baswell.
724 reviews29 followers
April 13, 2017
It’s a Valentine’s Day to remember when FBI profiler Brandon Fisher and his team get called to Savannah after body parts start washing ashore from the Ogeechee River. Apparently the killer keeps the hands and feet since they are missing from each appendage found. It is determined that each find is from a different victim. And to make matters even more difficult, this serial killer doesn’t follow any set profile.

This story surely makes you appreciate what the law enforcement community goes through, the things they see and live with every day. It’s scary to think of the evil that touches lives every day. As always, Carolyn Arnold takes me to the seedy side of life with her detective knowledge and skills, and again leaves me wanting more.
216 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2017
Wow! This book hooked me from the very beginning and didn't let go. With body parts washing ashore the FBI team need to find a killer in a hurry. Due to the sudden trip out of town several Valentine's Day plans are ruined, and the profilers have to try to solve a case while dealing with their own personal issues.

This book is gritty, sometimes almost gross, with plot twists that will keep you guessing for hours. Every new body part that shows up gives them another glimpse into the killer's mind, but it also uncovers a new victim. Will they ever find the killer?

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,076 reviews128 followers
March 24, 2017
When body parts turn up in Savannah, Georgia, FBI Agent Brandon Fisher and his team is called in to investigate. They have no clues to tell them who the body parts belong to and so therefor leaves them with nowhere to turn for answers and who killed these people in such a brutal way or why? But when they decide to look into missing people in the area they start to build a profile for the body parts and hopefully the killer.

Who is killing people in such a brutal and violent way? What kind of mind does this person have? Is this the work of one person? Is the killer working alone or does he or she have help? Can this be done by one person? Can Brandon and his team find who is committing all these murders before it is too late?

When I read the summary and saw that Remnants took place not far from where I live I knew I had to read it. Besides I have wanted to read one of Carolyn Arnold’s novels for a while now. I love a good thriller book once in a while especially when it is filled with lots of body parts and gore like Remnants. One that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out either the killers next move or in this case the FBI agents or you know what is going to happen next. The author gives you just enough info to keep you hanging on trying to figure out whodunnit and then when you least expect it she slams you in the face with it and your like oh I didn’t see that one.

She also makes the characters seem like real people someone you would like to be friends with and get to know. She knows how to make the story seem so real and believable and hoping that the killer doesn’t decide to end up in your neighborhood.

This is the first book by author Carolyn Arnold that I have read and I hope it won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read more about Brandon’s cases and to see more of Brandon and his team. If you love a good thriller then you are going to love Remnants and Brandon Fisher of course.
Profile Image for Leila.
581 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2017
Carolyn Arnold’s books have never disappointed and Remnants is no different. I love a good mystery full of realistic procedurals that allow us to jump right in with the investigators to figure out the crime.

Remnants pulled me right from the beginning with my favorite FBI agents from the previous books and a handful of suspects in a murder case.

You don’t have to have read the previous books in the Brandon Fisher series, but it is a lot more fun when you do!

I love working along side the BAU (my favorite FBI branch) profiling the suspects and hunting down the murderer.

Carolyn Arnold is my top go-to for a good ‘who done it’ mystery read and you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Jodi Pomerleau.
633 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2020
I've read several in the series, and they don't disappoint...but of course it has all the trappings of what I like...serial murder, suspense and strong characters with a story running through their lives which continues along in each book. There is not too much mystery here...we learn almost immediately who is responsible, but there are little surprises along the way. The story builds to a thrilling climax, but then the last few chapters clean up any leftover questions and despite a stand off in a subway station, were not very interesting. I felt that the last few chapters were unnecessary and I kind of just wanted to get to the end. All in all, a good story though.
Profile Image for Jessica.
346 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2017
You guys... This book left me guessing the entire time! I enjoy a mystery that is stock full of realistic scenerios that lets us just step right into the investigation and help the investigators out with solving the crime. I really enjoyed this book. I believe this is the 2nd Carolyn Arnold book I've read, and though I haven't read any of the previous books in THIS series, I didn't feel as though I was lost. So I would consider that being able to be read as a stand alone, and that's pretty awesome! I don't think anyone could be disappointed when reading this book! I sure wasn't!
Profile Image for Lily.
3,386 reviews118 followers
April 19, 2017
If you're a fan of the Criminal Minds TV show, you are going to LOVE this book from the start! A psychological thriller that dives right into the heart of an FBI investigation into an active serial killer, You'll find yourself cheering for the FBI team and trying to figure out who the gruesome killer is. Fast paced and tantalizing, a perfect read for a stormy night.

Received for review
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,469 reviews52 followers
April 13, 2017
If there was a way to give more than 5 stars, I would! This book is amazing! If you love thrillers, mysteries, who done it's and so much more then you want to read this book! It's fast paced and will have you turning pages ever faster! Never a dull moment! Extremely well written as well as thought out! No one to take letting pass you by!
Profile Image for Stacey Schneller.
242 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2017
I love a good murder mystery and this one hit the spot. It kept me guessing and trying to figure out who the murderer is. .It had me glued from the beginning to the end and I really enjoyed reading this book. 


Remnants is the 6th book in this series and can be read as a standalone. I had no problem with getting lost and not understanding. The details were so vivid, characters were very well done and the storyline was very thought out to make a great read. 

A few twists and turns I didn't expect to see but it turned out to be an exciting read. 

If you want a good mystery book to read pick this up and the others in the series. I plan on going back to read the others one of these days. A job well done and you won't be dissaponted.  

I volntarly received a ARC of this book from BeckVelly Book Tours to give a honest review. All reviews are 100% my own
Profile Image for Olga Miret.
Author 44 books250 followers
March 14, 2017
High-octane Police Procedural Thanks to Rosie Amber, to the author and her husband for offering me an ARC copy of this novel that I voluntarily choose to review (before its official launch).
I read thrillers often and although until recently I’d been reluctant to read books belonging to series that I had not followed before, I’ve found myself reading a few books in this category and enjoying them. Sometimes we might feel particularly attracted to a story line but wonder if we’ll enjoy a book where we’re missing much of the background. Rest assured; although your experience might be different to that of somebody who’s followed the characters from the very beginning, that shouldn’t put you off.
In this novel, the sixth in the Brandon Fisher FBI series, the story is complex and intriguing. The setting, Savannah, Georgia, where some body parts are found in the river crossing through an old plantation. New remains keep appearing and the details of the cases point at ritual killings. Things get more and more bizarre and the plot twists and turns like the river itself.
Most of the book is narrated in the first person by Brandon Fisher. As mentioned, I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, but there are quite a few clues as to past events in his life (he was married, lost a child, was in a relationship with a member of the team, Paige, that ended…) and in that of other team members (his boss almost died in a recent case, Paige is now in a new relationship…) and we get a good sense of the dynamics within the team. There are some chapters written in the third person but narrated by Paige, and also by other unnamed characters (that we soon realise are involved in the crime). The author spins the story with these different threads, managing to maintain the intrigue and mystery despite the alternating viewpoints and complexities. She is also very adept at making the characters sound genuine, using professional terminology and achieving a high degree of accuracy on the procedural side of things, ensuring that the authentic details serve the story rather than slowing it down with endless descriptions that distract the reader from the plot.
There is plenty of action, clues to follow, puzzles to be solved, and an interesting explanation behind the crimes. (As I want to avoid spoilers at all cost, I won’t talk in detail about it, although as a psychiatrist, and one who has worked in forensic psychiatry for a number of years, I must say one of the aspects of the explanation is controversial within the profession [the diagnosis is included in several classifications of mental disorders although disputed by clinicians] but very popular in books and movies.)
The book is easy to read, a page-turner and difficult to put down. Brandon Fisher is not the typical hero: he doubts himself, wonders often about his personal life and questions his decisions, worries about his partners and his boss, has a weak stomach and gets queasy in the scene of violent crimes. He can be reckless at times, has a sense of humour, and is good at convincing people and reading them, gaining their trust. I wasn’t totally convinced that what he does at the end fits in with his behaviour and comments throughout the story, but it is understandable that being exposed to extreme risks and dangers would make anybody reconsider his or her life. The book can be enjoyed in its own right, but I’m always curious about the background of the characters, and I’m sure I would have enjoyed coming to the book armed with the knowledge of the previous novels in the series.
The local characters vary between the local police, who do not play an important part, the relatives of the victims, that are depicted sympathetically and given their own touching stories, and the characters linked to the current case.  Some of those make brief appearances, whilst we know how the minds of others work and we see events from their points of view although we only find out their circumstances later. This works well for lovers of mysteries as we suspect and rule out many of the characters and keep wondering until the end.
In sum, a solid police procedural novel, well researched and constructed, for those who love complex stories and who don’t mind gore details.
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