This is a gripping and suspenseful police procedural. The main character, detective Amanda Steele, is extremely likeable and easy to root for. She is smart, strong and compassionate. I look forward to reading more of this series.

In one of the more emotional books in the Detective Amanda Steele series, the detective’s most recent victims are a mother and her young daughter. As a mother to a young daughter herself, this case truly breaks Amanda’s heart. One of the first things that that is discovered is that the mother had been a long time victim of abuse. Sadly, the woman’s husband is a police officer of Amanda’s, one of her colleagues.

As Amanda and her team begin the investigation they realize that the woman’s husband Roy is hiding something. More than that, there is a discrepancy from the time the little girl had not shown up at school compared to the time Roy had reported them missing. This truly concerns Amanda, and she is sure that she has found the killer. However, while Roy was in police custody yet another grave is unearthed, and again, the victims are a mother and little girl.

While they may not have their killer, one thing is for certain, the murders are connected, and Amanda is desperate to find that connection. She is looking for any other vulnerable mother/daughter combinations whose lives mirrored those of the victims that have been discovered. Amanda hopes that she can act quickly enough before any other innocent lives are lost.

While this seventh book in the series could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the entire series in order, because there’s a lot about Amanda that goes to show that dedication she has towards the victims that she tries to find justice for. There are also personal details about Amanda’s life that played into what is going on in this case and what will go on in future cases.

As mentioned, this was one of the more emotional, if not more difficult of other books, I have read in this stellar series. Domestic abuse is never easy to read about, nor is it easy to read about the victims of murder being young children. However, our talented author Carolyn Arnold handles this latest book with delicacy and expertise that lends to the compassion that is imperative for victims that suffer such abuse. I am definitely looking forward to book eight in this compelling series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/og8EMV9cZJA

This is the 7th book in the Amanda Steele series and it is amazing how far Amanda has come since the first book. You don’t need to have read all the previous books as this could be read as a standalone.

Amanda and Trent have caught a case of murdered mother and daughter. What at first looks like domestic abuse soon turns into the work of a serial killer. Trent has a personal connection to these cases with his aunt being a victim of domestic abuse. Trent is not his finest self in this edition but I think it shows how some cases can really affect officers and how difficult it is to be objective sometimes. BothAmanda and Trent are easy to identify with and you want them to find the killer before more lives are lost.

Carolyn does an excellent job of building suspense and hooking you into the story. The prologue really grips you and has you racing through page after page. The story is well thought out and has an excellent pace. You feel the urgency to track down the killer coming off the page.

Another excellent addition to this series. I can’t wait for more.

In "Her Final Breath," the seventh book in a series of crime thrillers by Carolyn Arnold, readers are transported to the world of Detective Amanda Steele in Prince William County, Virginia.

Amanda is a seasoned detective who, alongside her partner Detective Trent Stenson, is tasked with investigating the grisly discovery of a mother and daughter's bodies in a local park. The investigation takes a dark turn when the husband is interviewed, leading the detectives to wonder if a domestic dispute was the culprit, or if something more sinister is at play in this tight-knit community.

One of the strengths of this novel is the way it tackles difficult subject matter. The victims in this story are vulnerable young women who have fallen victim to addiction, and Arnold handles the subject matter with sensitivity and compassion. She humanizes the victims, showing the reader that they are more than just their addiction, and that they are deserving of justice and respect.

The characters in the novel are also well-developed and complex. Detective Amanda Steele is a strong and determined investigator who is driven to solve the case and bring the killer to justice. She is a flawed character, however, and she struggles with personal demons that threaten to derail the investigation. Her relationships with her colleagues are also well-drawn, and the interactions between the detectives feel authentic and believable.

The pacing of the novel is expertly done. The story moves along at a brisk pace, with each chapter leaving the reader wanting more. Arnold expertly builds tension and suspense throughout the novel, creating a sense of unease that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot is complex, with many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

One of the themes of the novel is the idea of redemption. Many of the characters in the novel are struggling with their past mistakes and are looking for a way to make amends. The killer himself is a character who is haunted by his past and is looking for a way to make things right. The novel asks the question of whether redemption is possible for someone who has committed such heinous crimes.

Another theme of the novel is the idea of justice. Detective Amanda Steele is a character who is deeply committed to upholding the law and bringing criminals to justice. She believes that everyone is entitled to their day in court, and that justice must be served for the victims and their families.

In conclusion, "Her Final Breath" is a thrilling crime thriller that delivers on all fronts. The story is expertly crafted, with a strong sense of pacing and tension that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the themes of redemption and justice are explored in a thought-provoking way. Carolyn Arnold is a talented writer, and this novel is a testament to her skill and vision. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers or character-driven dramas.

Months after a bit of an awkward personal situation, Detective Amanda Steele & Detective Trent Stinson continue working together, this time on a gruesome case where the bodies of a mother and daughter are found in a shallow grave. When domestic violence seems to be a bet for motive, Trent's personal history protecting a domestic violence victim threatens to impact his investigation. As Amanda tries to keep her partner in check, the case continues to become more gruesome, and the pair must work quickly to sort it out.

As with every other book in this series, I absolutely loved this one! The character development from book one to now is masterful. You will never find a better, more beautifully crafted pair of characters. They have their own independent personal struggles, professional disagreements both with each other and others, and they sort all of that while (mostly) side stepping their developing relationship. I've said it in each book, I'll say it again, the vibe is very Mulder & Scully and I absolutely love it.

I would highly recommend this series to absolutely anyone who likes a good mystery, flawed but generally good characters, or just well written cases that address sick and tragic cases without being graphic or overwhelming. 10/10, must read.

Detective Amanda Steele gets an early morning call about from her half-brother (fireman) when his team finds a body in shallow grave while they were called to a popular park. A mother and child, upon further inspection it looks like the mom has been abused, this sends the team running to always suspect # 1 the husband. But then a 2nd grave is found with similar clues, … can they stop the killer before they kill a 3rd mother and child? Trent, her partner, is really struggling as he sees the same abusive pattern with his aunt and her husband.
Trigger warning for abusive relationships, and PTSD in military personnel. This book is, as always, very well written, tastefully and direct about abusive relationship, help that is available, but also for those who are hurting because they see loved ones in abusive relationships. PTSD is real, and it seems like so often we don’t acknowledge it, it is not visible wound, a mental wound that can open back up with smallest things.

Thrilling. Tense. Wonderful series and this book is just wow! Loved it from start to finish. Do read this series. You will be wowed.

Amanda Steele is another one of my favourite lead detectives. In the past, most of her cases involved a single crime. This is one of her darkest, most complex case yet and it involves a serial killer targeting mothers and daughters. We begin with a mother and daughter in captivity. You can already tell just how terrifying their situation is. The tension further heightens in the first chapter with the discovery of another mother and daughter buried in a shallow grave at a public park. At first, the detectives thought this would be an open and shut case but things didn’t quite work out that way.

This was a difficult case to read about. Although no graphic details are shared, a number of heavy, emotional themes were part of the investigation. Amanda and her partner, Trent, had such a difficult case on their hands. The suspense was high through each chapter and I could feel the pressure that they were under to stop the murders. This added to the urgency in the narrative which had me furiously turning pages in search of answers alongside the detectives.

This is yet another well-written, suspenseful, tightly-plotted installment to the Detective Amanda Steele series. Although this can be read as a standalone, I think you’d enjoy the character development even more if you read the entire series in order.

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

The prologue gives us a brief introduction to Leanne and her young daughter Gracie who have been abducted and held against their will.

Meanwhile the main story begins with the discovery of a grave in the park, revealing a woman, child and stuffed toy elephant. Detective Amanda Steele and partner Trent investigate. The deceased are identified as Jill Archer and daughter Charlotte, immediately leaving the reader to draw your own conclusions between the Archers and Leanne & Gracie.

Amanda and Trent get a bad feeling when they interview Jill’s husband Roy, a fellow police officer. At best he appears guilty of abuse, but did he murder his family?

And why is Sergeant Graves being so much more helpful on this case than usual?

Interviews and warrants abound. And I love how the clues are gradually revealed to us.

As always, we follow a sub-plot of Amanda’s home life with adopted daughter Zoe, who is a similar age to the children in this case. Plus there is a focus on Trent’s reaction to the abuse, in the knowledge that he is unable to help someone close in a similar situation.

Every so often we get another chapter with Leanne and Gracie. And then another grave is discovered in the park, with striking similarities to the Archers. Is there a serial killer?

When I reached the point where Amanda and Trent hear about Leanne and Gracie going missing, I’m devouring the pages. Can they piece everything together and find them in time?

A thrilling page turner indeed.

Includes some continuity references to earlier stories for those who enjoy reading the whole series but works excellently as a stand-alone read too.

Her Final Breath, the seventh book in Carolyn Arnold’s Amanda Steele series, delivered another suspenseful, intense and gripping police procedural. Fans of the genre will want to pick up this installment and follow Amanda and her partner, Trent, on their trail of yet another serial killer.

Her Final Breath began when a dog walker witnessed a fire and called the fire department. While putting out the fire, they discovered a shallow grave which held the bodies of a mother and child. They called Detective Amanda Steele to the scene. Their investigation led them to missing report filed by the victims’ husband/father. In cases like this, the husband is usually considered the prime suspect and in this situation; it seemed likely seeing that the body of the mother showed signs of abuse. But did the husband do it, or was someone else responsible?

The attention grabbing prologue set the tone for the rest of the story. The suspense, intrigue and drama builds as the story progresses, slowly pulling the reader in and holding them captive to the end. This will not be an easy book to put down, as one will want to see how the story unfolds. It will keep you guessing from start to finish. 

Like all their case this one hit close to home, especially for Trent. He had a hard time keeping his personal feelings out of this one. However, Amanda provided the support he needed to remain objective. As with the previous books, Amanda continues to balance work and family. It’s hard being a single mother while juggling the demands of the job, but she makes the best of it. Having a good support system also helps. Amanda has come grown throughout the series and which each installment my respect for her grows. 

I loved how this installment built on Trent’s character. Readers get more details of his life and see the impact this case had on his mental state. Readers also get a glimpse of their new Sergeant’s human side, while learning more about her background. It made me see her in a different light. ,

Once again, Arnold showed her skill at weaving intriguing story lines, which has the effect of making readers feel like they are living the story. I look forward to Amanda and Trent’s next case, which promises to be as intense as their previous cases.

Book 7 in the Detective Amanda Steele series but my first read in the series and it read well as a stand-alone. Part Thriller and part Police Procedural although the two detectives (Steele and Detective Trent Stenson) don’t follow proper procedures too meticulously! I really liked the two main characters. There is a fair amount in the book about their personal lives and that of Sergeant Graves, nicely running alongside the crime.

Briefly, we learn early on that a mother and daughter are being held captive. Then two bodies ( mother and daughter) are found in a park and once identified the husband is suspected of abuse and possibly murder. But before he can be arrested more bodies are found. Then they discover that Leanne Reilly and her daughter, Gracie are missing and time is running out to find them, alive!

Some really good twists and turns made this a real page turner. The book highlights the terrible scandal of how physically and mentally abused women and children are so often left by society without help. This was a dark and at times distressing but completely engrossing police procedural and I’ll be checking the earlier books out.

Leanne and her young daughter Gracie are locked in a room with no way to escape. What is going to happen to them? After some local teens find the body of a young mother and her daughter in a shallow grave, Detective Amanda Steel and her partner Trent Stenson are assigned the case. Clues are scarce, but the amount of abuse the mother suffered leads them to question her husband, an officer with the Dumfries P.D. They are positive he is guilty until another mother and daughter are found buried in the park. In their search for evidence, they are told that a mother and daughter, who were staying at a shelter are now missing. Running out of time, will a grainy security picture of a man who was talking to the missing mother help them locate him? Will they find Leanne and her daughter Gracie before it is too late? A total rush and I love the continued development of the characters! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Amanda amd Trent have yet another case to solve. They need to find out who is taking mother and daughters before something happens. Can they make it in time and save Leanne and Gracie as time is running out.
Yet another great book from this author.

4.5 Stars
When a dog walker in a local Virginia park finds the bodies of a mother and daughter, Detective Amanda Steele is first on the scene. Her own adopted daughter has a toy just like the girl’s elephant and seeing the child like this is her worst nightmare come true. They quickly get an ID—Jill Archer and six-year-old Charlotte were reported missing last week, but interviewing Jill’s husband, Roy, Amanda’s gut tells her he is hiding something. When the autopsy reveals a terrible pattern of bruises, she’s certain that a domestic argument escalated out of control, and tiny Charlotte got caught in the crossfire. But just as Amanda is about to arrest Roy, another grave is found, containing another mother and daughter. Then she learns from a concerned ER nurse about Leanne Reilly and her young daughter, Gracie, who haven’t been heard from in a week.
The seventh outing for Amanda, which can easily be read on its own. Another page turner that had me burning the midnight oil to finish it. Strong characters & a well paced story held me gripped from start to finish. There were twists & surprises and the tension built towards the climax. I love Amanda & Trent & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Trent is almost out of control in Her Final Breath. He Almost loses it several times and Amanda struggles to reel him in. Bodies of mothers and daughters are unearthed in a local park. Amanda and Trent race to figure out the murders. I was clueless until the end.
I was glad to see Sergeant Graves become a bit more personable, a switch from her usual prickly pear demeanor. More of her story is revealed.
Arnold covers several sweeping themes in the plot and connects them very well. I’m ready for the next one!

Her Final Breath is heartbreaking and so unputdownable! I was hooked and read it in two sessions! Amanda is called by her half brother, Spencer, in the early hours to a local park where a body had been found. Amanda calls Trent, her work partner and the team. They have to work hard to find the killer. A all-engulfing, gripping crime story.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Her Final Breath’, book 7 in the Detective Amanda Steele series written by Caroline Arnold, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

It’s early morning when the bodies of a woman and young girl, Jill and Charlotte Archer, are found partially buried in a grave in Prince Park. Detectives Amanda Steele and Trent Stenson are called out to investigate and are just about to charge their suspect when another grave is found with a mother and daughter. The search is on yet again to catch a killer before any more people have to die.

‘Her Final Breath’ is a fast-paced and exciting thriller that’s just as addictive as those previously, and exactly what I’ve come to expect from this very talented author. The plot is well-written with drama and suspense, and the numerous twists and turns cause some confusion and the changing of minds as to the identity of their suspect. We see the human side of Trent and Sergeant Graves who both have experience of abusive relationships, and Amanda is dating Logan again but can’t forget the kisses she and Trent shared as she juggles a demanding job and caring for her daughter Zoe. I hope the series doesn’t end just yet.

A digital copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and Bookouture. The opinions are my own and freely given.

Warning
Subject matter discusses:
spousal abuse;
military PTSD.

Homicide detectives Amanda Steele and Trent Stenson investigate the murders of a woman and her young daughter. Their bodies are found buried in a shallow grave in Prince Park.

I found this book to be a little slow in the beginning, setting up the murders and the investigation, but it does ramp up.

I found there was too much "tension" between Amanda and Trent. I feel like they need to discuss the "event" that happened months ago, clear the air, and get back to their normal selves. There is too much tiptoeing around the subject and not waiting to hurt the others feelings, whether something is said in a personal matter or business related.

With this case, there is a lot of Trent's worry about his aunt and that seems to affect his actions some. There is also a storyline with Sgt Graves that is brought up. It may or may not be continued in the next book or it may just be a continuous theme.

Although this wasn't my favorite Amanda Steele book, I still liked it and would recommend it.

Detective Amanda Steele and her partner, Detective Trent Stenson are called to the gruesome scene of a shallow grave in a park in Prince William County. A young mother and her daughter are wrapped together in a hug along with a small stuffed animal. When they begin the examination of the bodies, they realize these are battered women. To make matters even more dire, the husband is a police officer. Trent is very emotional about spousal abuse cases due to his aunt's current situation with an overbearing husband who will not allow her to see her family. He is certain that Roy Archer has killed his wife and child, and even though some of the evidence lines up to make him look guilty, it soon becomes apparent there is more than one filthy predator on the loose.

This particular story was especially heart wrenching for me because of the spousal abuse and the abuse of the children (mentally and physically). Instilling fear into a child and using intimidating tactics as an adult over a child makes me sick, but unfortunately it happens. Detective Steele is a strong female protagonist with a deep sense of justice and protector of the underdog. I love her character. She will go the extra mile to help others out. I also love the character of Detective Stenson. He is a hero of epic proportions. There is one scene in particular that made me want to applaud. Carolyn Arnold is a master author of police procedurals. She knows how to write a suspense filled mystery with plenty of suspects to choose from as the reader follows the clues along with the detectives. I love solving mysteries with this crew. As always when reading a Carolyn Arnold novel, I was frantically turning the pages to race to the end where Arnold ties everything up with a nice, neat bow.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with the abduction of a mother/daughter. It is then followed by Trent and Amanda being called to a scene in Prince Park where a body was discovered. A new discovery was made when the team from the medical examiner's office discovered a second body. This grave contained another a mother/daughter. Evidence that was discovered at the scene did not have a lot to be found. In addition, there was nothing that around that would provide the identity of the bodies. They lucked out and while doing a search they found aa missing person report which identified a mother and daughter missing.

When the husband identified the bodies as his wife and daughter, the two detectives began with questioning him and were convinced at that time that he was the killer. As time went on, they decided to obtain a search warrant to search his house and car. When they arrived with the warrant, they discovered that he had his lawyer there. After they finished their search, Trent got into it with the suspect and as a result Trent arrested him charging him with assault of an officer. The suspect was then transported to the police department where he was then interviewed once more. A discovery of a grave was discovered and once again the grave contained a mother/daughter. Amanda then knew that they needed to look into finding more suspects.

This time they were lucky with regard to the identities were made because a driver's license was discovered in the mother's sock. Amanda and Trent followed their leads and discovered that there was a similarity between the victims. In this case they got lucky with a discovery of a vehicle that had been impounded. This led them to a shopping mall talked to the person who had the car towed.
Amanda and Trent went to the impound lot where Amanda located a cell phone. Now they had more clues and through great police work finally nailed down a location for the killer. Amanda and Trent went to this individual's home knowing that they had another mother/daughter missing and they wanted to stop him from killing once more.

Read the conclusion to learn what all of the individuals that were taken, who the killer was, what discovery Trent made and why these individuals were being killed.

This is another great story in this series.