Book 3 in the brilliant Amanda Steele series. I would highly recommend reading the series in order. As well as being great books the story follows on in each book.

This one opens in the middle of the night with a couple waking to find intruders in their home. Their first thought is to protect their young daughter.

When Amanda and Trent are called to the scene there is a frantic search for the young girl.

You can really feel Amanda's conflicting emotions coming through the plot.

I'm intrigued as to why Hill is such a nightmare and why Emma Blair is so hostile.

I was totally hooked beginning to end and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

The Silent Witness - a review by Rosemary Kenny

The home invasion and homicide of her parents, is witnessed by their traumatized young daughter Zoe Parker. Soon afterwards, she witnesses a third attack, on their neighbor and family friend, who was caring for her, leading to her being put back under Detective Amanda Steele's care and protection. Why is this emotional for Amanda?
What do Zoe's pictures reveal to Amanda?
What's the link between this homicide investigation and Amanda and partner Trent's previous case?

A scintillating and riveting psychological-thriller by Queen of Mystery and Suspense, Carolyn Arnold, The Silent Witness is #3 in her Detective Amanda Steele Series. It's an absolutely unputdownable, crime-thriller must-have, for fans of murder-mysteries such as the novels of Sally Rigby and Ruth Rendell, or John Grisham's The Pelican Brief.

Get your copy today - but don't forget to lock your doors and set your alarm, before you caffeinate and settle down to begin - you'll read all night!

Another fantastic book in the series, it is the best book so far. It had me gripped from the start and the ending Jeff me wanting more

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author through NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the third book in the Amanda Steele series and my favorite so far. When I read the first book, I wondered if I was going to like this series, but Amanda has become the strong woman I thought she could be. The deaths of her husband and daughter were a huge blow to her (of course) and the first book was mostly about her grief. She continues to mourn them, but she is learning to deal with the loss and starting to move on with her life.

When Amanda and her partner, Trent, are assigned to a double murder, they not only have a complicated case to solve, but Amanda ends up caring for the daughter of the couple murdered. The poor little girl, Zoe, witnessed the murder of her father, and she’s in danger. Since she quickly attached herself to Amanda and she needs to be safe, Amanda is ordered to care for her temporarily. Although Amanda wants to protect Zoe, she doesn’t know if she can handle it emotionally.

Silent Witness is my favorite Amanda Steele book so far. A lot of the story is about Zoe and Amanda but there is just as much story about the case which gets more and more complicated with several twists. I loved it! It is a book that is difficult to put down once you get into it. I can’t wait for the next Amanda Steele novel.

A complex and interesting plot that was intense and well executed this book held me throughout a gripping, emotive and suspenseful read.

Another fantastic edition to series that's getting a well deserved reputation.

A well thought out and complex mystery for Detective Amanda Steele as she investigates a double homicide and a missing six-year-old, Zoe. A six-year-old who may be in danger and is the same age Amanda’s daughter was when she died. When Amanda locates Zoe, she is assigned to protect her. There are several possible motives for the murders. The man who was killed worked on a secret defense system, there may have been issues between the parents and the abrupt return from their vacation. Amanda knows that the killer was a pro as the phones and security systems were disabled. When Zoe provides a clue, it is that her father was a photographer and the men wanted “the pictures”. Since all photographic equipment was stolen, they are able to access the “cloud” to find out what was on the pictures. The pictures enable them to connect this case to a previous one that involved child trafficking. The case had been closed, but powerful people may have decided that the money was too lucrative to quit. And yes Ms. Arnold, I was glued to the pages! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Silent Witness’, the third in the Detective Amanda Steele series written by Carolyn Arnold, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Trent Stensen are called to Triangle in Prince William County where the bodies of Angela and Brett Parker are found but there’s no sign of their six-year-old daughter Zoe. As Amanda’s searches the bedroom she discovers Zoe hiding in the ottoman and although the little girl is the only witness to what happened she’s not saying anything. Amanda rightly believes that Zoe is in danger and must keep her safe until they can catch the person responsible.

I’ve read the Detective Amanda Steele series from the start and ‘The Silent Witness’ has to be the most exciting yet. It’s a gripping and powerful thriller that’s had me in its thrall from page one with an action-packed plot, drama, suspense, double-crossing and twists and turns. I like how Amanda’s character is developing, her relationship with her partner Trent and her family life, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this amazing thriller. The book ends with a nail-biting cliffhanger of an ending and I can’t wait for the arrival of book four.

Detective Amanda Steele is leading the investigating when a man and his wife were shot and killed in their home. Their 6-year-old daughter Zoe seems to be missing, the house has been ransacked.

Zoe is the same age as Amanda’s daughter was when she died, and Amanda can’t bear the thought of another little girl in danger. She’s organizing 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 traumatized, but alive.

There is no evident motivation, but as the house was searched, it seems as though someone was looking for something ... but what? Zoe is traumatized and not speaking, so did she the murders .. can the identify the shooter?

Amanda and her team start at the beginning, questioning family, friends, co-workers, neighbors. One thing stands out as 'not normal' for the family. But why would that particular fact warrant such a killing? Is Zoe in danger ... is someone looking to be rid of any witnesses?

Well-written with a complex plot and intriguing story line, the mystery/crime is wrapped around Amanda's past .. when her husband and young daughter died. The relationship between Amanda and Zoe leads to a healing of circumstances for both. There are twists and turns that point the way to an unexpected conclusion. Although second in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend reading in order as there are bits and pieces of Amanda's background that should be read going forward.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

When the bodies of a local family are discovered on a quiet street in the small town of Dumfries, Virginia, Detective Amanda Steele takes charge of the case. 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. Amanda’s daughter Lindsey was six when she died, and Amanda can’t bear the thought of another little girl in danger. Whilst searching she notices something strange about the ottoman at the foot of the Parkers’ bed. She opens it to find Zoe, mute and traumatized, but alive. The Parker family had been on holiday at Lake Chesdin but cut the holiday short so she heads out to the lake. Then Zoe is taken from her school playground.
This is Amanda’s third outing & is another well written page turner. I really like Amanda & loved how more of her backstory is gradually revealed. Another multi-layered read, which once I'd started I found very hard to put down, the pace is good & it really pulled at my heart strings. There were twists & turns plus surprises. I look forward to more books in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Disclosure. This post is a review of an ebook I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.

This is the third title in the Detective Amanda Steele series. The story starts with married couple Brett and Angela being murdered in their own home by a night-time intruder. They had just seconds to hide their 6
year old daughter Zoe in the ottoman. Their house has been ransacked. Why have they been targetted?

Their bodies are dicovered the next afternoon by Angela’s friend (and Zoe’s godmother) Libby. But Zoe is missing. Has she been taken?

Detective Amanda Steele and partner Trent are assigned to the case. Amanda discovers Zoe traumatised hiding in the ottoman whilst the crime scene invesigators are busy around. She doesn’t utter a word. Has she witnessed the murders? A child psychologist will be needed. Can they get any answers from Zoe? Who will look after her?

As Amanda and Trent piece together their investigation, one angle is why did the family cut short their vacation last week?

Other strands get woven into the story. And then even with police protection in place, Zoe disappears. Can they find her in time?

A compelling read which had me hooked. Highly recommended. This book works well as a stand-alone read but I’m particularly enjoying the continuity thread that runs through this series. I certainly hope there will be more titles to come.

This is a gripping crime thriller that also pulls at your heart strings.
Six year old Zoe witnesses the murder of her Mum and Dad and is found by Detective Amanda Steele in a chest at the bottom of the bed.
Zoe is in a state of shock and says very little when she’s taken away from the murder scene.
Amanda had a daughter the same age as Zoe and feels very protective of her. However, when she’s told that Zoe needs to stay with her, she’s worried if she’ll be able to cope having a little girl in Lindsey’s room.
Zoe opens up to Amanda and is able to provide some information about the killer and they form a connection.
Amanda and Trent follow several leads and can’t quite believe it when they discover links to the sex trafficking ring and a prominent politician.
Amanda suspects there’s corruption in the levels above her but is shocked at how far this person will go to protect those involved.
This is a great read that definitely had me racing through the pages.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

The Silent Witness is the third instalment in the Detective Amanda Steele series, set in Dumfries, Virginia. Detective Steele and partner Trent are called to the scene of a double homicide in which married couple Brett and Angela Parker have both been brutally shot thrice. When gathering information the team head to speak to the neighbours, and it is only then that they are informed that the family have a 6-year-old daughter named Zoe, so Amanda proceeds to search the house for her believing her to be missing. It doesn't take long before an out of place piece of furniture guides them to a large storage ottoman at the foot of the bed in the parents’ master bedroom. There they find Zoe clearly in a shell shocked and traumatised state after witnessing her entire family be gunned down in a hail of bullets.

The intruder had then left and because Zoe had been unable to move she had remained hidden inside the box until this very moment. Due to not knowing the circumstances of the crime, who the perpetrator is or why they killed the Parkers, the police deem it best to take Zoe to the station just in case she still has a bounty on her head even though they don't believe the home invader knew she was hiding or that she saw him commit the slayings. The investigators who have assessed the scene have also concluded that the killings were most likely carried out by a professional hitman due to their rapidness and efficiency, so Amanda decides to take Zoe home with her as she feels it may be the best place for her right now, but when Zoe visits a friend’s house, the killer returns for her and ends up shooting her friend dead, too.

After some tense investigating the police find that just a few days before the shootings, the Parker family had been on holiday in Lake Chesdin but had returned home earlier than originally planned. However, on the trip, evidence suggests that Brett had witnessed a crime being committed and had seemingly caught the act and/or culprits on camera. It appears that the Parker clan had been targeted to stop said photographs ever seeing the light of day. With Zoe clearly in immense danger, can Amanda keep her safe until the ruthless would-be serial killer is identified and behind bars? This is a compelling, enthralling and fast-paced procedural with twists, turns and misdirection aplenty. It throws you in at the deep end from the very beginning and the action, tension and nail-bitingly close calls just keep coming.

There is never a dull moment in this well written and adeptly woven thriller and Arnold, as always, is superb at creating memorable and engaging characters. I enjoyed the fact that it was multilayered, so not only is there the mystery as to who is carrying out these heinous killings or who has arranged for them to happen there is also a deeper mystery to unravel as to what exactly the photographs depict that has driven the perpetrator to attempt to slaughter an entire innocent family for accidentally seeing something they shouldn't. An exciting high stakes game of cat and mouse in which we learn more about protagonist Amanda's backstory especially the dynamics within her family and more about her young daughter who tragically passed away. Highly recommended.

This book was just not a standout plot for me. I enjoyed the characters - very likeable, but the plot was predictable, slow and did not hold my interest.
Zoe hides in a wicker basket, watching the brutal death of her parents.
Amanda finds her hours later after examining the scene. Forced to take her home, Amanda must cope with the lingering trauma from the deaths of her husband and daughter.
Along with her partner - Trent, Amanda delves into the history of this couple along with their jobs. What did they know?
Again this book was just slow moving, not enough to hold my attention.

I’ve read the first book in this series so was delighted to get reacquainted with the characters again. This series is a little more slow paced compared to others but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. I still flew through this one quickly. I love Detective Amanda Steel and her partner Trent as characters but also there relationship as partners. You really get to know Amanda Steel from her personal life to her professional life. I could really feel Amanda’s turmoil when it came to looking out for a little girl the same age as her own was and all that entails along with trying to do her job as well. Really good storyline thats full of mystery and suspense and really keeps you guessing. This one has a bit of everything going on. I’m really looking forward to the next instalment.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC that was published on the 24th of Sept.

This was a heartbreaking, on the edge of my seat police procedural. I loved the characters and the plot moves along at a nice clip. I had a few problems with the dialogue but overall, a fabulous mystery that kept me engaged! I look forward to reading more from the author.

Detective Amanda Steele gets called to murder scene in Dumfries, husband and wife are found murdered, and their house is ransacked, but nothing valuable seems to have been taken, except their 6-year-old daughter Zoe is missing. Would she be kidnapped? While still at the scene Amanda finds Zoe hidden in her parents’ bedroom, she saw it all, and is not speaking.
Zoe’s life is in danger, she saw the killer. Zoe is the same age as her daughter was when she and Amanda’s husband were killed by a drunk driver. Zoe opens up only to Amanda, and through a series of events Amanda becomes more attached to the little girl then she was ready for.
Great mystery, some items from the previous books come into play, but you can read this book on its own as things are very clearly explained. I also like that this case is helping Amanda to move on, not to forget.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy

Amanda is hit by waves of maternal feelings when she discovers Zoe hidden away after the murder of her parents. As she and Trent race to find out who committed the crime, a little girl becomes more embedded in the detective life. Amanda’s family reels from some shocking revelations during her mother’s trial. I read through this one very quickly since I, addicted to this series. I was very pleased with the outcome for one thorn in Amanda’s side. She is ready to take a big step at the end of the book so I’m impatient for the next book.

Amanda Steele is a first-rate detective who loves her job. One of the down sides of the job is investigating horrific crimes.

Brett, Angela and their daughter were in the wrong place at a bad time. Frantically he had the women in his life hide in their master bedroom.

Investigating the murder scene Amanda notes they are a young couple with a child nearly the age of her own. The couple is killed by apparent professionals and the little girl is nowhere to be found. The child named Zoe is found in a storage ottoman in the dead couples’ bedroom.

The killings had occurred quickly and efficiently, but why? Terrified she did not make a sound and stayed totally still. The killers had overlooked her. Can Amanda keep the child safe while investigating the crime?

Ms. Arnold builds a strong case for methodical investigative tactics. She is aggravated by the fact that the papers in their zeal to report sensational crimes mentioned that the child was the only one to escape the massacre.

This tale develops at a fast clip and I found it hard to put the book down.

Amanda had lost her own daughter in a tragic accident in which she also lost her husband! She is torn between placing the child in Child Protective Service and possibly adopting her. Her daughter would now be Zoe’s age
The book is compelling and I applaud the author for her skill in story telling. 5 stars - CE Williams

This is the third book in the series to feature Detective Amanda Steele and it keeps improving. Amanda is investigating a double murder which leaves a six year old girl as the only witness to her parents murders. I was kept intrigued from the very first page, it's an easy and satisfying read. There is plenty of suspense in this well plotted book and I read it in one sitting. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

🙈🙉🙊Tragic, exciting stuff!😧

Excellent and fast-paced crime thriller set in suburban Northern Virginia with a scared little girl at the center of a deadly case involving cold-blooded murder and indications of criminal connections in high places. I really got caught up in poor young Zoe's nightmare of a loss and her quick connection with Detective Amanda Steele (who's had her own share of personal tragedy). I meant to read it in stages but once started I just had to read through to the end.

A definite recommend from me.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.