Member Reviews
This is book five in the Detective Amanda Steele series. I have read Black Orchid Girls which is the fourth book. I did find Black Orchid Girls so easy to read without the first three so I had no issue with Her Frozen Cry.
I had no doubts this would be a fantastic book, Carolyn Arnold just keeps bringing superb stories with characters that are authentic and make you want to know them. A crime thriller series that just improves the further the series goes. I always think the one I am reading is the best.. until I read the next one.
This instalment sees Amanda and Trent investigating a case that is personal for Amanda. Will she be able to keep her professional boundaries, or will her feelings take over? A case with plenty of leads that are dead ends and their own personal lives are in the middle of it all, how will they cope?
Carolyn Arnold has again written a twisty, suspense filled story. I found I struggled to put the book down it was such an addictive read. The character development is spot on and does make me feel like they could be actual people. This is another instalment that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would come next. A series I do so enjoy!
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy of the book.
OMG !. This is a brilliant story with a shock ending. I was gripped throughout
I am loving this series, it gets getter with every book. Thank you Carolyn.
Her Frozen Cry by Carolyn Arnold is the fifth book the the brilliant Detective Amanda Steele series set in Virginia. I have really enjoyed every book within this series. These books have had me hooked from the very first few pages until the end especially as it has great twists and turns throughout that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. All the characters are great especially Detective Amanda Steele - she is superb and is a great character.
I highly recommend this series and so looking forward for book 6. - No rush Carolyn.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and all these books within this brilliant series. I have loved them..
Pretty forgettable detective story. No suspense, questionable detection strategies, hard going at times and seems to make something out of dubious evidence. Lots going on the life of the main detective ,Amanda. I personally did not enjoy the writing style, Amanda comes across as a control freak and goes around telling possible witnesses and or suspects crucial details about the case.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Her Frozen Cry by Carolyn Arnold is another highly readable Detective Amanda Steele novel with Amanda and Trent investigating the demise, probably poisoning, of Alicia Gordon, owner and founder of the highly successful New Belle cosmetics, at a county rental cottage where the cleaner had found her upon arriving to prepare for the next guest. There were New Belle financials on the couch with her as well aa a family portrait in her hand. Amanda was shocked to see the picture of a former friend, Tony Bishop, included, apparently the deceased's husband. Tony and his wife, Claudia, had been friends of Amanda and her husband, before his death. He had also been her boyfriend, for about 5 minutes, in high school. She was shocked. They were going to go and do the family notification. Then she should return to headquarters and remove herself from the case. She didn't plan to do that, though. This was going to be a difficult case.
Amanda is a multi-layered character who has lived through a lot. The loss of her husband and daughter in a car wreck had just about done her in. The discovery that she had a younger half-brother, a souvenir of an affair that her father had with someone she had to work with daily, had been another blow. Her adopting Zoe, who had been part of a case, one in which Zoe had witnessed the murder of her father and heard her mother's, was bringing her back to life. She has a lot going on. Then, this case. It was a complicated investigation, with all signs pointing to Tony, until they weren't. It was full of twists and turns and pulling on Amanda's heart. What a terrific read.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Her Frozen Cry by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #bookoutre #carolynarnold #herfrozencry
Thank you to #NetGalley for my advance copy of #HerFrozenCry by #CarolynArnold
This is the fifth book in the Detective Amanda Steele series.
I haven’t read any of the previous titles (yet) but the book worked perfectly well as a stand alone.
When Alicia, a beautiful rich woman is found dead in a remote cabin Amanda and her partner Trent are called in.
Things become complicated when Amanda goes to see the relatives and finds that Alicia’s widower is an old friend she hasn’t seen for 7 years.
Can she keep her objectivity or will their previous relationship affect her judgement.
A thoroughly good read that I struggled to put down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amanda Steele has her hands full trying to solve the case of murdered businesswoman, Alicia. Alicia's husband used to be friends with Amanda, but he distanced himself after Amanda's husband and daughter died - something she has trouble forgiving him for. However, Tony Bishop seems to be a big, fat, liar and so being distant is the least of his issues.
Trent is Amanda's partner and he is quite willing to believe that Tony is behind the murder of his wife, as well as a rival of hers. He is a really supportive partner to Amanda when she most needs one, when her father-figure collapses at work and they don't know what is going to happen with him.
I loved that Amanda was being shown as a single, working mother, trying to juggle everything and still being a good mum to Zoe, and a good daughter to her parents, as well as solid police detective.
Good book, really enjoyed it. I did not figure out who the villain was until the author revealed it!
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
The Amanda Steele sage continues with this thrilling installment!
I absolutely love everything about this series. Each one works through a unique case that keeps you interested while simultaneously continuing to develop Amanda Steele (And her partner!) as characters. In the first book Amanda Steele is in such a bad place and her character is so dark and borderline untrustworthy that I was hesitant to read the second book.... but the character development since then is amazing.
I really don't have a single critical thing to say about these books. If you like good case-based stories, detective series, or Mulder/Scully vibes, this one's for you!
I have made no bones about enjoying the Amanda Steele series by Carolyn Arnold, and this 5th book in the series was another great addition. Although the books can be read as a standalone, as each crime is solved in the book, there is character development and situations that occurred in previous books that are referred to. Detective Amanda Steele is a seasoned detective, who is partnered with Detective Trent Stenson. They are assigned a case of the mysterious death of Alicia Gordon, a beautiful and assured married mother, at a remote cabin. Alicia is the owner of New Belle cosmetics, a successful company that could be a motive for her death. Was it suicide, murder, or a natural death? When Amanda learns that Alicia’s husband of six months is an old friend she hasn’t seen in six or seven years, she’s shocked, but certain that she can separate the old friendship from her job and be impartial. When it looks like the culprit is within reach another murder occurs. Can they figure this one out before there are any more victims?
I really like Amanda's character. She is realistic and relatable. She is juggling many things in her life, including family life. She has recently adopted a daughter (situation in a previous book) so has to worry about childcare as her job is not necessarily 9 to 5. She also has to make sure to spend time with Zoe as she is still dealing with the violent loss of her parents. I have enjoyed seeing her growth as the series progresses. We also get to see a bit more about Trent and his personality, he is no always Mr. Easygoing. There is some tension in their relationship as they fight some attraction to one another. This is a well written and plotted story that builds as the story progresses. There were several suspects to be vetted but I thought I knew who the murderer was, I was wrong. There were several red herrings that led me down the wrong pathway. Not only was I surprised to discover who the culprit was, but the motive as well. Overall, this was a fast-paced, thrilling story, that grabbed me from the first page and held on to the end. I read it over a couple of days, only putting it down when I had company. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Amanda and Trent in the next book, "Last Seen Alive" coming later this year. I recommend this one to fans of police procedurals and crime thrillers.
A heart pounding crime thriller series you need to pick up!!!
This series just keeps getting better. With so many twist and turns, you will be on the edge of your seat in suspense.
Her Frozen Cry has Amanda and Trent investigating a case that is very personal to Amanda. Can Amanda keep her feelings under control? With so many leads that just seem to go no where, they certainly have their hands full. Plus, where is their own personal life heading???? Balancing work and family isn’t going to be easy.
Though Her Frozen Cry is part of a series, I feel you can read it as a standalone. But, I highly recommend you read the complete series. The backstory to the characters will give you insight into their life.
Carolyn Arnold continues to give a solid police procedural series that I highly recommend.
I can’t wait to find out what is coming up next for Amanda and Trent!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and author, Carolyn Arnold for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A complex, suspenseful plot with tension so thick that it felt palpable. Wonderful characters with depth and substance. I was immediately drawn in and held captive from beginning to end.
#HerFrozenCry #NetGalley
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Disclosure. This is a review of an ebook I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
This is the fifth title in the Detective Amanda Steele series and I have read and reviewed all the previous titles too.
The prologue features a suspicious death alone in a locked remote cabin, but how did she die? Murder? Suicide? Accident?
Detective Amanda Steele and partner Trent are investigating the death of Alicia Gordon, a successful entrepreneur business woman in her 30’s, who founded New Belle cosmetic company. But Amanda recognises a face in a family photo found under the victim. It is Tony Bishop, an old friend who she hasn’t seen in years. Or even an old flame?
She discovers that Tony recently married Alicia. Can she continue on the case? Is there a conflict of interest? When will she tell Sergeant Malone?
Family, colleagues, competitors, nanny, ex’s all come under suspicion, although Amanda can’t believe Tony could possibly be guilty.
Hate mail, lies, poison? what else will they unearth?
And then there is another death. What is the connection? Could they have prevented this?
An excellent thrilling page turner full of twists and turns. Highly recommended. Some continuity references to earlier stories for those who enjoy reading the whole series but perfect as a stand-alone read too.
While this is the fifth in the Detective Amanda Steel series of crime thrillers, it is also the first book I have read from the author. Being part of a series, I found obvious references to people, places, and occurrences from the previous books, but found that Her Frozen Cry worked perfectly well as a standalone novel, or even as an introduction to the series. I will be going back and starting the series from the beginning soon.
This was an emotional roller-coaster and one that I was fully invested in before I had finished chapter one. The heart rate monitor on my watch alerted me to an unexpected change every now and again, and on one occasion, after reading a particular passage, I even felt a burst of adrenaline coursing through my veins, such was the author’s skill at conveying a whole host of emotions. I remember being scared when watching Jaws as a child. My father told me to keep repeating , “𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚.” It’s just a book. It’s just a book. It’s just…
Written in third person, which I feel let’s the reader see the bigger picture rather than one character’s perspective, the story is centred around protagonist Amanda, but not restricted to her. I like Amanda Steel. She is centred, driven, flawed, and utterly believable. Trent is another likeable charger and compliments Amanda perfectly. There may be something in the world for these two, but I’ll have to read the rest of the books to see the full range of character development. I loved seeing Amanda’s relationship with Zoe as they became a family.
Overall, this was a joy to read, albeit a bit stressful, and I happily recommend it to all readers of crime thrillers, police procedurals, and anyone wanting a great read, with the caveat to read the series to fully appreciate backstory and context. I gave Her Frozen Cry, by Carolyn Arnold, five stars.
I am always excited when I get the email asking if I want to continue the next book in the Detective Amanda Steele series. This is the first full series of Carolyn Arnold’s that I have read and have enjoyed them.
Overall I thought the book was good. I am not sure I got as into it as I did the others in the series though. I think one reason is that I wish the suspect in the case wasn’t someone from Amanda’s past again. It just seems that I wanted it to be different and not have Amanda waging with her loyalty to friends and her job as a detective. She did do what was needed on the case but I felt the story was slightly overtaken by her trying to justify her not doing things the same because of the suspect being a friend. However, I thought the book was still good and a good continuation of the series.
I still like the main characters, Amanda and Trent, and yes I am still rooting for them at some point to become an item, even if Amanda right now is denying it can happen since they are partners. We don’t see a ton of Malone this time, which works for the story, however, I do like him and am glad we still get to see Amanda’s connection to him some in the story. We see a few old friends of Amanda’s that are involved in the case and you get to learn a little more about her life. Overall they were fine characters, but I didn’t become that connected to them.
The plot was good and the story flowed fairly well. You kept guessing who the killer might be and what their motive was. I did start to think I had it figured out as the book got close to the end. It was actually sad to see why the killer did it and you felt some empathy for them, but obviously not enough to justify the murder. I wanted more at the end of the book some, especially since she left Trent behind when she figured it out. Again that could be partially because I want them together so had hoped they would have a moment together, but it seems like I might be in luck in the next book. I also look forward to her take with CSI Blaire and how that pans out!
I think this I a fun series and am looking forward to reading the 6th book when it comes out and seeing what other crazy murder mysteries Amanda has to solve and also the development of her and Zoe’s life.
Her Frozen Cry by Carolyn Arnold is the 5th book in her fantastic Detective Amanda Steele series. I have noted this many times, that I am a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her series, and I love this series, which continues with another great addition. Her Frozen Cry was fantastic, with me unable to put the book down.
Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department. When a woman is found dead in a remote woodland cabin, Amanda and her partner, Trent are called to the scene. Amanda is shocked that the dead women, Alicia Gordon is married to an old friend, whom she hasn’t seen since the tragedy of her husband and child. She is suspicious, if this was murder or possible suicide; but in a short time, they will discover that Alicia was slowly poisoned
Tony Bishop, an old friend of Amanda, is devastated by the news, but both her and Trent suspect that he is hiding something. Can Amanda be able to handle being objective dealing Tony?
Alicia Gordon was the wealthy owner of a successful business, with Amanda and Trent interviewing many of Alicia’s colleagues; which had me constantly guessing who is the killer. Another death escalates the investigation, as this person was also murdered by the same poison, and the suspect list increases.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing, tense mystery that kept me unable to put the book down. There were so many suspects, and even surprises at the end. Amanda and Trent were at odds, when he suspects Tony, and feels she is not looking at the big picture; but with time running out, Amanda looks more carefully at the threatening letters sent to both women. To say too much more would be spoilers, and this was a great good story that needs to be read from start to finish, especially with so much going on that keeps us glued to the book
.
Her Frozen Cry was a very good excellent crime thriller that was suspenseful, intense, and kept us guessing who was the murderer to the end. Amanda is a great heroine, and a fantastic detective. Her Frozen Cry was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this book.
This is Detective Amanda Steele's fifth outing, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Her Frozen Cry is a fast-paced and well-written mystery that I absolutely devoured in two sittings.
If you don't know this series, they're police procedurals set in Prince William county which is a part of Virginia in the US. The main character is Amanda Steele, a no nonsense cop who lost her husband and daughter several years ago.
Amanda and her partner Trent are tasked with the suspicious death of Alicia Gordon, owner of beauty company New Belle. She's found inside a locked cabin, but they can't be sure what happened. Was it a suicide or was it murder?
Amanda is still her likeable, if a bit abrasive, self who I've come to know and love over these past few novels. She really goes through it in her personal life with this novel! Trying to balance being a working mum, alongside caring for her adopted daughter Zoe, but the guilt is getting to her a bit. Not to mention the fact she used to be friends with one of the suspects in Alicia Gordon's murder and dealing with some romantic feelings towards someone she shouldn't. How she copes with it all, I don't know!
I had the murderer in my sights quite early on, but there were plenty of red herrings along the way to distract me.
Yet another brilliant novel from Carolyn Arnold. I'm already looking forward to the next book!
Another great addition to the Amanda Steele series!
Amanda is called to the scene - the wife of an old friend. Alicia died young - and the postmortem reveals a slow poisoning.
Alicia's closest friend drops dead as Amanda questions her.
Could this be the work of her friend, Alicia's husband Tony? Or something more sinister?
I love these characters - their growth and personal life embellished while the suspense builds.
Gainsville. Prince William County. Virginia. A solitary cabin. A woman…dead. Alone…In a locked room. Amanda is on the case and I have every confidence that she will get her man, or woman, whoever it may be.
This murder strikes too close to home. She knows the dead woman’s husband, though it has been many years since she last saw him. They had been friends.
Her partner, Trent, she keeps at a distance. She has no time for romance, if he is even interested. She has her adopted ten year old daughter, Zoe, who has her own story in a previous book, The Silent Witness, and her work.
So many suspects. Though the perpetrator was right in front of me, I didn’t see it. I followed the clues through the pages, going wherever Carolyn Arnold led me. It is never easy to solve one of her mysteries.
I think Amanda Steele is my favorite character of Carolyn Arnold’s. To say she is spread thin is to put it mildly, but she doesn’t neglect anyone, sharing her love with all those close to her. Will she find Mr Right? I don’t want to hurry you along, Carolyn, but she deserves a life partner.
You have a satisfied reader, Carolyn. I can hardly wait to see what you comes next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Her Frozen Cry by Carolyn Arnold.
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I have read all of the books in the Amanda Steele series. If you decide to read this series, don’t judge it on the first book, The Little Grave. After I read it, I wasn’t too sure how I’d like the series because that first book was more about Amanda’s grief than the mystery she was working on. I did try the next book, and she is dealing with her grief and has been able to move on – as much as you can move on from the loss of your family. She has become one of my favorite Carolyn Arnold characters.
Amanda and her partner, Trent, work well together and have gotten to know each other pretty well. Even though Amanda knows the husband of the victim in the current case they’re working on, she believes that she can be objective. Both Trent and their boss, Malone, decide to trust her judgment and although it’s difficult for her, she deals with it well.
I like how among all the drama that Amanda and Trent still follow procedure for the most part. There is a lot of drama, but the murder that they are investigating is still the main plot. It’s just not a good time for Amanda, Malone, Zoe, and especially Amanda’s former friend, Tony.
There are several suspects that Amanda and Trent need to investigate, and they even have two suspects in jail at the same time. Unfortunately, I figured out the killer quickly. I was hoping I was wrong, but I wasn’t
I definitely recommend Her Frozen Cry and although it stands on its own, you’ll get more out of the story if you read the whole series.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Her Frozen Cry' by Carolyn Arnold.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Carolyn Arnold, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 1st June 2022.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It is also the fifth book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'Stolen Daughters' which I also highly recommend and is the second book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series 'The Silent Witness' which is the third book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series and 'Black Orchid Girls' which is the fourth book in the 'Detective Amanda Steele' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching stunning cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A heart-pounding crime thriller perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.' I am a huge fan of Angela Marsons so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Carolyn and if this is half as good as 'Stolen Daughters', 'Black Orchid Girls' and 'The Silent Witness' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 39 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Virginia, USA 🇺🇸
This book is written in third person perspective and the protagonist is Detective Amanda Steele. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an ending and yet another epic read from the very talented Carolyn Arnold!!! Congratulations Carolyn on yet another page turner!!
This is an extremely well written book with vivid descriptions that will suck you straight into the storyline and captivated from beginning to end. The synopsis and cover worked perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline means that there is no problem with this being read as a standalone. I was absolutely hooked throughout, a true page turner from beginning to end. The storyline was in depth and packed with suspense, twists, turns, shocks and was an edge of your seat, nail biting and heart racing psychological thriller. I was absolutely hooked. I read this book in less than 24 hours and I'm looking forward to reading the previous books in this series as well as more to come. This series is extremely addictive and I cannot wait to see what the next "episode" brings!! It is one of the best books I have read this year and I really enjoyed and loved the ending!!! It is filled with suspense, tension, mystery, shocks, love, friendship, sadness, crime and everything you could ever want in a crime novel. I also loved that the killing method was unique, I have certainly never read or seen anything using that method yet!! There were several bombshells that I was not suspecting ♥ I won't say more as not to spoil it for future readers. It is a true page turner that will leave you biting your nails on the edge of your seat with your heart racing. I loved the ending and I cannot wait to see what Amanda is going to do now!!!! Hope your busy typing the next one up Carolyn as I cannot wait!!!
Although this is the fifth book in the series you will have absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I loved meeting all the characters again who were all strong, well defined and unique. I became completely invested in Amanda, Trent and Zoe. Amanda is absolutely whoop a## and I love seeing strong female leads in books. She has a background but will not let it pull her down and she is definitely someone I would love to have on my side. It was so bitter sweet watching her bond with Zoe even more and watching their relationship develop and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. They are fast becoming like family to me along with Trent and Malone. Trent is another fantastic team member and they work perfectly well together. I would love to see more happen between these two amazing characters but only time will tell!! I loved Rideout's (medical examiner) character and personality with his morgue humour and I also like Malone and see him as a sort of fatherly figure to Amanda. I am definitely looking forward to meeting them all again!!!
I could not praise this book enough and highly recommend. Carolyn I cannot wait to read more of your very successful work!!! I would also love to see this book turned into a movie. An absolutely addictive, compelling and gripping true page turner!!! If you have not read any books by this epic authour then you are seriously missing out!!!
Overall an absolutely captivating, engrossing page turner that is compelling and addictive!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Mystery, Police Procedural, Suspense, Hardboiled, Organised Crime, Women's Detective Fiction, Romance Novel, Psychological Thriller, Noir Fiction, Psychological Fiction and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Carol Wyer, Lisa Regan, Robert Dugoni, Rachel Caine, Angela Marsons and ANYONE looking for an epic page turner .
322 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
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