Member Reviews
This was yet another addictive book in the series, both from the crime perspective and the relationships between the detectives. It worked very well for me and this was a definite one session read.
It could be read as a standalone but it more works as part of the series and I am interested to see where it goes.
ps glad I am a dog lover not a cat lover.
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the scene of a murder, it's concerning enough that the body has been set on fire and left behind a dumpster.... but things go from bad to worse when her partner, Trent Stenson, recognizes the wedding ring the victim is wearing. Things continue to go downhill when Trent's aunt, the victim's wife, becomes the primary suspect. Struggling to keep the case on track while also managing Trent's involvement and her own feelings.
As per usual, this installment of the Amanda Steele series doesn't disappoint! The personal involvement with Trent was a little much but this author has done that kind of thing before and she always writes in supervisors setting guardrails so it doesn't get crazy or unbelievable. I also love the way she manages the personal situation between Amanda and Trent. I say this every time, I'm sure, but as a rabid X-Files fan, this series always makes me think of Mulder & Scully's seasons-long arc and it's so real and believable. I absolutely love it. These books are always fast-moving cases paired with slow-burn personal relationships and it's just masterful.
#NetGalley #Carolyn Arnold
Amanda and Trent are called to a murder that threatens their professional relationship as well as his personal life. As they race to find the culprit, another body pops up and leaves them even more perplexed. The tension between the two is still palpable and Amanda needs to make a decision before it’s too late and loses both men she cares about. Really enjoyed this book, but would love to see a resolution in the Amanda/Trent/Logan love triangle. Can’t wait for the next
one.
The Wildfire Girl (Detective Amanda Steele Book 11) by Carolyn Arnold is an addictive and unputdownable crime thriller.
When human remains are discovered behind a dumpster in Woodbridge, Virginia, Detective Amanda Steele rushes to the scene. Her heart drops when she arrives and is hit by the unmistakable stench of gasoline. Soon, her worst fear is confirmed: the victim was burned alive.
With only an engraved gold wedding band surviving the blaze, Amanda knows it could be days before they have a confirmed ID. But when her partner, Detective Trent Stenson, arrives, he pales at the sight of the ring, recognizing it as belonging to his Aunt Gertrude’s husband, Don.
The relationship between Amanda and Trent starts out rough in this book, but eventually, it finds its rhythm. They have a history, and it is shown in this book. I’m so looking forward to the next book to find out what happens between Amanda, Logan, and Trent. I have my preferences, so finding out what the author decides to do will be fun.
The Wildfire Girl has an interesting storyline, and at times, it was hard to read about the abuse and Trent’s aunt and her trying to protect him but also being under suspicion of killing her husband. No one is exempt from falling victim to abuse, but the story was done well and portrayed the isolation that occurs within families.
I would highly recommend this book, this series, and this author. These are some of my favorite characters, and I love getting a chance to be a part of their lives and stories for the time it takes me to read these engaging books.
Start with book 1 so you get to know the characters. You will not be disappointed.
#TheWildfireGirl #NetGalley @Bookouture
When human remains are discovered behind a dumpster in Woodbridge, Virginia, Detective Amanda Steele rushes to the scene. Her heart drops when she arrives and is hit by the unmistakable stench of gasoline. Soon, her worst fear is confirmed: the victim was burned alive. The characters were well developed and I was completely at a loss as to who to believe. Every character had their own set of secrets which made the lies and the truth become very blurred at times. This made it every bit the twisted mystery/thriller which I adored. I had no idea where the plot was going, who the reliable characters were or how it was going to end but oh my just like this authors previous books what an ending!
Have read the entire series and Carolyn Arnold has another winner! Amanda and Trent are terrific characters and the chemistry between them is another layer to the stories. Definitely recommend
I love this series.
You will get a different plot with each book in this series.
The two detectives are likable and will have you wanting to read more.
A good series that compares to Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Megan Miranda.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the invite to read this eARC.
I am a fan of this author and her Amanda Steele series. The Wildfire Girl is another very good read from Carolyn Arnold. The start really piqued my interest and I was drawn quickly into the story and its characters. The authors writing is very good and engaging and the story flows well. Steele and Stenson investigate a murder that has a personal connection to Stenson. Can he remain objective? I've always liked the pairing of Steele and Stenson, I like their working rapport and friendship and the glimpses into Steeles home and personal lives round her character out nicely. I think the plot line is very intricate and cleverly thought out with layers upon layers of subterfuge, lies and deceit that make this such a good read full of suspense. The author certainly knows how to connect with her readers and keep them entertained. My only gripe, if I can call it that is that I wish the possible romance with Steele and Stenson be decided one way or the other. It's been in the background for a while now and in my opinion needs resolving. Other than that, this is a very good read which I'd recommend if you're a fan of police procedurals. I think this can be read on its own although if you're new to this author read the series in order to get to know the characters from the beginning.
4 stars
Human remains, burnt beyond recognition are found in an alley, and Detective Amanda Steele and her partner, Trent Stenson are called to the gory scene.
Trent recognizes the wedding ring on the corpse and realises this has to be his Aunt's husband who abuses his aunt.
He is afraid that his aunt may be responsible.
What can I say. This is another well plotted Police Procedural that pulled me in from the first page.
The relationship between Amanda and Trent is really hot to say the least, and I can't help thinking that they would make a good couple, but do not want Logan to be hurt.
I like the inclusion of family into the story, it makes the book very believable, and the focus is not just on the excellent police investigation, but has a little extra to add to the story.
I highly recommend. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
Another great book in the Detective Amanda Steel series. This is book 11 and I have enjoyed them all. This time Trent’s Aunt is suspected of murder and Trent will stop at nothing to prove her innocence. I keep hoping Amanda will make a change in her personal life. There’s always the next book.
Amanda and Trent, they make a great police team, always diving into every case with the same amount of energy and determination. They are like two dogs with a bone, never letting go.
They try to keep their emotions at bay, as they should of course, but it's not always easy especially when the case hits close to home. They have to remain the professionals they are even though that is sometimes easier said than done.They have each other's back and when one is on the verge, the other will step in to save the day.
This is a complex story and my mind did not get any moment of respite.
I could not point my finger in any direction, hitting a wall each time.
I learned a rather shocking thing and I am glad I am a dog lover. :)
Amanda and Trent did it again, of course. I would not have expected anything less from them. :)
I hope Amanda has a long and hard think and I hope she will make the decision I have been hopeing for for quite a while now. :)
Another wonderful book to add to my 5 stars list.
Thank you
Amanda Steele is back...this talented and popular author has written a cannot put down mystery...intrigue...family...friends, along with secrets and red herrings...even the title is intriguing...don't miss this one..Thanks Netgalley.
In this, the eleventh of the Detective Amanda Steele series set in Prince William County (VA), Amanda and long time partner Trent are called to the scene of a grisly murder….a man has been burned to death. Trent recognizes the victim’s wedding ring as belonging to his estranged aunt’s abusive husband. As more and more clues point to his aunt as the possible perpetrator, can Trent separate love for her from his duty as a police officer? And will the spark between Amanda and Trent put further strain on her relationship with her domestic partner, Logan?
This book is advertised as “addictive” and it truly is. Well plotted and fast paced, it kept me guessing throughout. I really like the character of Amanda, who, despite an earlier tragedy in her life, is a strong, capable, independent female and I enjoy the camaraderie between her and Trent.
Although part of a series, this does work as a standalone. Arnold does a good job of filling in background information on the main characters and their histories. Fans of solid police procedurals and mysteries will enjoy this addition to the series, one of my favorites.
Just a personal note as an aside…the book is dedicated to Max the Beagle, “a sweet fur baby who will always be loved and remembered.” As someone who had Samantha the Beagle, I can really appreciate those sentiments.