Wow ! A deliciously intense and addictive thriller ! I loved this book ! Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book ! Opinions are solely my own ! #Netgalley #Bookouture #TheSilentWitness

Carolyn Arnold has added another fantastic book to the Detective Amanda Steele series -- I couldn't put this one down until I finished every word. The transition that Amanda has gone through is relatable and heart-wrenching. We met her in the midst of a struggle with losing her husband and daughter while engaging in unscrupulous coping mechanisms. Add in the pending charges for her mother and I'm not sure how she managed to keep it under control. Arnold does a phenomenal job of making this feel realistic and relatable.


When Amanda's hand is forced to protect Zoe, I was anxious that this would be the straw that broke the camel's back. Instead, we get to see the maternal side of Amanda -- and well-worth the wait. It was perfectly executed!


The discovery of secrets unveiled pull the reader in for a deeper reflection into the cast of characters surrounding Amanda. And her relationship with Trent is developing into a strong center. Excited about the next book -- I know it's going to be fantastic!

Thanks to Netgalley/Bookouture for a complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own!

The Silent Witness is the third Amanda Steele procedural thriller by Carolyn Arnold. Released 24th Sept 2021, it's 294 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a tensely written, action driven procedural with loads of atmosphere and a feeling of real threat. The opening scene, almost a prologue, which sets up the entire plot arc was difficult to read with its brutality. The author has very good technical expertise with descriptive prose, and although the dialogue is a bit rough in places, it's never clunky and I never found myself yanked out of the story by overwrought descriptions or action.

This is definitely not a cozy mystery and much of the action, which includes home invasion, violent murder, and a traumatized child, may be potentially triggering to some readers. There are now 5 extant books in the series, with a 6th due out in late 2022, so for fans of procedural thrillers, this is a solid contender for binge reading. Despite being the third book in the series, all necessary back-story is provided in context, and the mystery is self contained in this volume, so it could be read as a standalone.

The author is adept and competent. Although it's not at all derivative, the vibe here felt a lot like Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme books, and fans of that series will likely enjoy this one as well.

Four and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Carolyn Arnold’s Book 3 in the Amanda Steele series, The Silent Witness is fascinating and will draw readers in from the very beginning, and keep their interest throughout. When Brett and Angela Parker are found dead – each shot 3 times – in their home, the police can find no trace of their 6-year old daughter, Zoe. Because the house has been ransacked, they assume she has been kidnapped, but they aren’t sure. Amanda Steele is called in to investigate, and although she does find Zoe in the hiding place her mother had put her in before being murdered, Zoe stays silent and will talk to no one. They aren’t even sure if Zoe witnessed the event. During the investigation suspense builds, and will keep readers on the edges of their seats.

Carolyn Arnold is the author of several bestselling novels and is an excellent storyteller. This story, in fact is one of her best in the series, and it is spellbinding. The characters are well-developed and Amanda is a likeable protagonist. The supporting characters seem very real and are believable. It seems that when a child’s life is at stake, it makes the story even more powerful, and Zoe is the same age as Amanda’s daughter who previously died; Amanda doesn’t want to see another child in danger.

This excellent thriller is definitely worth reading; The story is not same-old same old, and the plot is unexpected and will keep everyone’s interest.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

The Silent Witness by Carolyn Arnold is the third book in the superb Detective Amanda Steele series and this is one of my favourite series I have read. It is very fast pace with lots of twists and turns throughout that will just have you hooked. When the bodies of a local family are discovered on a quiet street in the small town of Dumfries, Virginia, When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the scene. Brett and Angela Parker were shot three times each, leaving no hope of survival, and their tidy suburban home has been ransacked. But there is no sign of their beloved six-year-old, Zoe.

Zoe is the same age as Amanda’s daughter was when she died, Amanda can’t bear the thought of another little girl in danger. She’s organising a search for the child, when she notices something strange about the ottoman at the foot of the Parkers’ bed. She opens it to find Zoe, mute and traumatised, but alive. Zoe is scared to tell her story and Detective Amanda Steele and her team has to work out what happened to Zoe's family that are all dead. Wow!!!!!

This book was superb and I highly recommend this book and all Carolyn's books. They have been brilliant. However, the only downside to all her books is Don't start to read them when you are about to go to bed or start you house work!!! You will not sleep or finish your housework etc. These books are so addictive!

Big Thank You to NetGalley, Bookouture and author, Carolyn Arnold, for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own

I've only just got to read The Silent Witness so I can get into the next book in the series. What a book. Brilliant storyline, Amanda Steel is an awesome detective, Carolyn Arnold had written get so well, she is so believable. We watch Amanda's maternal heart come back after her grief for her daughter a while ago, with the youngster who needs protective care following the murder of her parents. Loved it.

Reading Between the Wines book review #8/135 for 2022:
Rating: 3 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book 🎧: The Silent Witness
Author: Carolyn Arnold
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Available now!

Sipping thoughts: Detective Amanda Steele is back in book 3. As always, she is determined to solve a murder case any means necessary. This time it is the murder of a mom and dad. Luckily, 6 year old Zoe made it out alive but did she witness the murders and is she safe? I love that this book follows Amanda’s story of grieving her husband and daughter. We see Amanda begin to take steps to move on in the grieving process and I am so excited to see what the next book has in store.

Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @TheSilentWitness.

#TheSilentWitness #CarolynArnold #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers

The Silent Witness is the third book in the Detective Amanda Steele series. Amanda’s latest case involves a home invasion that ended in a double homicide and left behind a scared, little girl. Amanda and her team have to solve the case fast as they fear that the killers might come back if they find out that the little girl survived and had likely witnessed the murder.

This is one of those cases that will have you scratching your head. The murders were committed by a professional who left little evidence behind. Although Zoe might have witnessed the crimes, she is traumatized and silent. The detectives cannot rush her and have to be careful not to cause her more pain that she already experienced.

Amanda continues to grow on me. I wasn’t too sure about her in the first book but now she is definitely a favourite. I like how she is invested in her cases and how well she works with her team and especially Trent.
This was an emotional case and my heart went out to Zoe and Amanda too who was facing her personal issues and trauma. Nonetheless, I was captivated by this read and it kept me guessing up to the last page. I am glad that we now have closure on some of the issues in Amanda’s personal life. I can’t wait to reconnect with her in the next book.

I have loved the previous two in the series and I loved this just as much. Just great storytelling and characters. Can't wait to read more.

A great read once again from this lady
Definitely will have you hooked
You won’t want to put it down
Can’t wait for the next in the series
Thanks NetGalley

Amanda Steele is called away from an important trial to investigate the double homicide of a couple and the disappearance of their daughter, Zoe. The young girl is quickly found but unable to tell the police about what she saw. But the killer doesn't know that and Zoe becomes a target...
The Silent Witness is the third book by Carolyn Arnold to feature Detective Amanda Steele. There are significant spoilers about events in the first two books (The Little Grave and Stolen Daughters) so I would advise reading the series in order.
The threat involving a young girl instantly affects Amanda emotionally due to her own past. She sees the parents' murder as almost execution like and is concerned that national security may be involved due to the husband's work. The other mystery is that the family had abruptly and unexpectedly returned from a holiday. The police team need to sift through the clues to protect young Zoe.
Amanda's character continues to lead the series. There is a vulnerability to her despite the backbone of steel she attempts to display. Her emotional backstory and the events of the preceding books do not detract her attention from the case. I enjoyed the relationships and dialogue she shares with others in the book as they serve to make her more human and realistic.
The Silent Witness is a gripping police thriller with a very strong lead character. The book is fast paced and thoroughly engaging.

I love this series, this book is a wonderful addition to it. It grabbed me right from the start and I got lost in the pages.

This series is amazing. Right there among my absolute favourites. And This book- Wow! Just brilliant. Gripping from the word go. I was lost while reading this book. Couldng do anything else until I'd finished and after I wanted more! Just Wow!

The Silent Witness (Detective Amanda Steele #3) by Carolyn Arnold is another wonderful mystery. It would be scary to be awakened in the night by an intruder. Brett and Angela Parker wake to feel the fear of knowing someone is coming up the stairs. Angela has just enough time to hide their little girl and settle herself into the closet before she hears the three shots that kill her husband. Soon the closet door is opened and she is also shot three times.
I was shocked as the room was searched, then later searched again...and little Zoe is found hiding! Who would want to kill this quiet family and is Zoe in danger?
All fans of Carolyn Arnold will not want to miss this new case of Detective Amanda Steele.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This book starts with a bang… quite literally. It’s a fast ramp up into action and it doesn’t slow down a bit. Wonderful characters that I adored and a fantastic story line. Full of twists and turns it keeps you turning over after page. It oozes suspense throughout. This book is exceptionally well written. 5 enthusiastic stars. I look forward to the next book!

The Silent Witness is the third book in the Detective Amanda Steele series. It pulls you in right away and has you having to turn the pages until you find out what happens next. Ms. Arnold has a gift for writing taut, suspenseful police procedurals that keep you guessing. This series is a must-read if you like shows like CSI or Criminal Minds.

I love how Amanda tries to stay emotionally detached from her cases but because of her personality and what she’s been through, she can’t help but feel a connection. That raw emotion often helps her find just what she is looking for. The drama and the mystery had my adrenaline pumping. As much as I wanted to stay in the story, I couldn’t wait to finish and find out how the case was solved.

One of my favorite things about this series is how real it feels. It is believable every step of the way. Solid writing + a fabulous mystery make this another wonderful story in this series and I can’t wait for more!

Silent Witness was such a good read! It was a fresh new case that tied in previous books in various ways. The case was also much bigger than anyone could have originally imagined.

Zoe made the book have an emotional touch as a lot of the case was surrounding Zoe, finding out who killed her parents, why they were killed, and keeping Zoe safe (along with the consequences of the trauma the little girl was going through). Just this one character added so much to the storyline and really put a whole new spin on the book.

I felt the “action” per se, was a little slower than past books, but that did not make me enjoy it any less. In fact, I am looking forward to another book in the series to see how the end of Silent Witness plays out.

I loved chasing this case with Amanda and Trent. There were other parts of the book that I loved as well, but I can’t share (you know, spoiler alert!) If you haven’t read any of the Detective Amanda Steele books, you could pick this one up and not be lost, but I highly recommend grabbing all of them and reading them in order. I think you will find it even more enjoyable, but this one just might be my favorite!

Silent Witness will definitely provide you breath holding, heart pounding mystery with just a touch of heart and humor to make it an incredible read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.

I like this book but it didn't blow me away 3.5 stars. The Silent Witness follows Detective Amanda Steele as she learns to uncover the truth as to the murder of Zoe's parents, Zoe is the only witness. I haven't read the other books so the references to her mother's trial did confuse me a little, I am not 100% sure what that was all about. However, I was able to follow the main plot well enough. The pacing was quite fast and kept me engaged so worth a read. I think it might have been better if I had read the previous 2 books.

The Silent Witness by Carolyn Arnold is the third in this series featuring Detective Amanda Steele. This can be read as a stand-alone but will be so much better if you've read the previous books. Amanda and her partner, Trent have been called to a murder, well, two, really. And it is more than murder. They were executed. The thing is, their daughter, six, is missing. Was she taken? It doesn't take too long for Amanda to discover her mother's clever hiding place, but the child is silent, traumatized. She is breaking Amanda's heart. Chief Hill, who had no real business being involved anyway, decided the best thing for Zoe, the little girl should go home with Amanda. Amanda didn't know if she could do it, still reeling from the death of her own little girl, but did it she did as they continued investigating. There were all kinds of things that made no sense, but finally they found something that did. They had a direction.

Amanda Steele is a strong woman. She lost her husband, daughter, and unborn child over five years ago and is still up and working. She had hidden herself away for a while, abandoning her family but things were better now. Her mother's trial was finally happening and she was too busy with this case to even attend. That didn't make anyone in her family very happy. She had adjusted to having Trent as her partner, more than adjusted, she liked it. This was a standalone murder investigation but it has ties to the earlier two books. It is a clever mystery, one that Amanda and Trent solved by knowing the right expert to call for help. The pacing was good, sometimes almost too fast. A lot happened in a very short period of time. It is well worth your time.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Silent Witness by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #bookoutre #thesilentwitness #carolynarnold

Carolyn Arnold writes some fantastic stories and the tagline for The Silent Witness is an appropriate description of what’s inside, an absolutely unpudownable crime thriller. The first chapter set the hook and I was along for the ride.

It’s 4:03 am and everyone is asleep…until…

Zoe is only six years old when her parents are murdered. Amanda Steele is called on to handle the case, and she thinks of her daughter, who was Zoe’s age when she died in a car accident, along with her father, Amanda’s husband. She is more determined than ever to keep her safe, she just didn’t picture it happening quite the way it did. It makes things complicated for her, but once she settles into the decision, she never looks back.

Amanda spends more time with her work partner,Trent Stenson, than anyone, though she does have a boyfriend, Logan Hunter. She finds it hard to find a lot of time to spend with him. Isn’t that any cop’s story? Logan is a construction worker and has been through some perilous times with Amanda, but that is another story.

Sherry Hill is the police chief, Amanda’s boss. I love when I find a character with my name. That doesn’t happen very often. I do love that she’s a…not very nice person. Gives her more depth and makes for an interesting character. Why is she like that? And why in the world would she tell the media about…everything?

The clues are slow in coming, but Amanda is determined, diligent, and so am I. The case gets more complicated and more dangerous the deeper we dig.

At the end, Carolyn Arnold asks if the twists and turns glued me to the pages. My answer is an emphatic YES! I expect nothing less from her work and I have read a lot of it. The Silent Witness is a tale that keeps on giving suspense, thrills and chills, with characters that I love and love to hate, and what else could I want, except MORE.

“We just follow the evidence to wherever it leads without being swayed or bullied.”

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of The Silent Witness by Carolyn Arnold.

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