Member Reviews

Another great addition to the Detective Amanda Steele series! Love these characters, love the stories, love Arnold's writing.
Amanda and Trent are tasked with finding the killer of an olympic bound figure skater. Lots of suspects with plenty motives, and I didn't see the ending coming! I highly recommend this series!

Was this review helpful?

Attention grabbing from start to finish! Carolyn Arnold's Detective Amanda Steele series is always spot on with murder, mystery and angst. In the latest installment, a hometown figure skater is found dead and the race is on to see what happened to her and why. The suspense is spot on and the fact that it hits a little close to home makes for a closer knit factor to the case than usual as well. I always enjoy Amanda's spin on things and having that side of her personal life playing out behind the scenes too.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a thriller with a key detective who always gets to the bottom of the mystery and solves case after case while having a life outside of work once in awhile too.

Was this review helpful?

an enjoyable novel. Amanda is in the audience of an ice skating competition with her daughter and her friend Patty. Patty's niece is the star of the show but when they go "backstage" to meet up with her it is to discover she is dead. Amanda and her police partner are the ones to investigate. Full of twists and turns.

Was this review helpful?

Her Deadly Rose is the 12th book in the Detective Amanda Steele series, Amanda is enjoying a day off with a couple friends and her adopted daughter, when the star of the show is murdered. What follows is a suspense thriller, heavy on police procedures. The story line has several twists and turns before the actual murderer is revealed. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Michaela’s dash for the gold are choked out, literally.
Amanda has to skate in thin ice to quickly flush out who would want the skater dead? Her agent? Her coach?
Arnold takes readers through every painstaking part of Amanda and Trent’s routine as they go over replay after replay.
Amanda also has to judge her own freestyle at home. Logan asks her a limited question and she stumbles in answering. I couldn’t understand why Logan wouldn’t have noticed after being with her all this time that what he asked of her wasnt possible.
Just as my secret hope for Amanda seems possible, Arnold leaves me hanging…….
As always, it’s a fast skate to the podium!

Was this review helpful?

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

This is the twelfth title in the Detective Amanda Steele series.

From the prologue, you know there will be a murder, but the author has carefully worded this opening, so that you have no idea even of the sex of the villain.

Chapter 1 drew me in more than the prologue. It begins with Detective Amanda Steele off-duty with her 9 year old adopted daughter Zoe and two of Amanda’s friends, Patty Glover and Katherine Graves. They are mesmerised watching a skating show, where the lead is Michaela Glover, niece of Patty. But Michaela does not come on to the ice for her final bow. Why not?

Backstage, Patty discovers Michaela dead in her dressing room in suspicious circumstances. With Amanda already on the scene, she takes on the investigation along with partner Trent Stenson. The team soon discover a card saying “You’ll be sorry you turned your back on me after all I did for you”. Strong evidence that it was murder, but who wrote that card?

They start interviewing those known to be in the vicinity and other potential suspects. Halfway through the book, they revisit one of these people, only to discover she has now been killed too. What did she know?

Plenty of twists and turns with a very dramatic conclusion.

And I enjoy how Amanda’s personal life is entwined into the storyline too.

A gripping page turner, that I didn’t want to put down.

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

Was this review helpful?

I didn’t enjoy this installment in the series and enjoyable as past books. To me there seemed to be quite a large amount of repetition in dialogue and Amanda’s internal thoughts. I feel like the Trent/Logan saga has run its course and it feels a bit dragged out at this point maybe. The detective case had an interesting backstory but didn’t carry a lot of tension or anticipation throughout. I’m invested now and will wait patiently for the next book! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

It's her day off and Amanda is attending a figure skating performance with her daughter when Amanda gets drawn into a new case. This one is personal in that the murdered girl is the niece of a colleague. As Amanda and Detective Stenson follow the clues, there are some surprising revelations, especially the closer they get to solving the case. There are also developments in both Amanda and Trent's personal relationships that should lead to some interesting situations in the future.

Was this review helpful?

I love Amanda and Trent! Their partnership makes the case they are working even more gripping. This one kept me guessing. I couldn't guess the killer before the reveal. I was glad for some resolution to Amanda's relationship with Logan. I am really torn about Trent though. This far into the series I'm really hoping for a final resolution to this plot in the next book. Lucky thirteen I hope.

Was this review helpful?

A gritty, intense, fast-paced, riveting, artful melding of stunning psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense. An edgy mystery full of dark secrets, shocking plot twists and pulse-pounding, palpable tension. Great addition to the series! A MUST for fans who thrive on superbly-written, unputdownable thrillers!

*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.

Was this review helpful?

This is another enjoyable read from Carolyn Arnold and a great addition to her Amanda Steele series. I was drawn into the story and plot immediately and having read most of the previous books feel like I know the main characters well. The story is well written and full of tension and suspense, and I found myself constantly trying to guess who the murderer was. The plot is fast paced and I really liked the ending which sets the next book up perfectly, and I look forward to reading it.

4 stars

Was this review helpful?

Wow, book 12 and still pulling you in from page one and takes you on a ride along with Detective Amanda and her partner Trent. There are red herrings, suspense, more so as the main victim, the skater is the niece of one of their own. Fast pace with twists. I highly suggest you read in order so you see and understand all Amanda has lost, the growth she has achieved along with her constant struggle. The author shows us the flaws of this kick b*tt detective. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #HerDeadlyRose #DetectiveAmandaSteele #CarolynArnold #Bookouture #NetGalley

Also Facebook, X, Pinterest

Was this review helpful?

This was a highly engaging police procedural/crime thriller starring one of my favorites, Detective Amanda Steele. This was a literal whodunit. In the prologue you get a glimpse into the killer's psyche and intentions, and it is chilling and a more than a little creepy.

Figure skater and Olympic hopeful Michaela Glover is back in her hometown to perform. The stands are packed and everyone is excited. When the encore performance begins, Michaela is not on the ice. Her excited evening has ended with her body lying on the floor of her dressing room surrounded by roses. The cause of death is a little questionable at first, but it does not take long to figure it out.

This one sucked me into its vortex and did not let to until I read the final page. This tantalizing mystery with some of my favorite fictional detectives did not disappoint me. If you enjoy a solid mystery with a terrific cast of characters, you will enjoy this book and this series.

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

Was this review helpful?

Her Deadly Rose by Carolyn Arnold is an Amanda Steele police procedural. Mandy is a complicated character. Her husband, daughter, and unborn child had been killed in a car wreck years ago and it had taken her a while to claw herself back to normalcy, or close. She had adopted a daughter, Zoe, whom she had recovered from a crime scene after the child had been present when her parents were murdered. Bonding had been a challenge but successful. She was now living with Logan, a man who had started off as a one-night-stand but had grown to be more. That was complicated by her desire for her partner, Trent, and his for her, which they both ignored. Together, they were a powerful investigative team and neither wanted to disrupt that. This newest case was the murder of a talented figure skater; one who was on her way to the Olympics according to those who knew. She was also the niece of her friend, Patty, who worked as a detective with the Sex Crimes division. They had been at the ice show, Zoe, Katherine, Patty, and her, and had discovered the body.

It was a clever crime. Someone had used her peanut allergy against her: laced her smoothie with peanut oil, taken her epi-pen and phone, and blocked the doorway. They had leads, but no suspects. It meant working all day and all night. It meant missing dinner at her mother’s. No. That was not good. So she took Trent to save time. That was the beginning of the end. It was a complicated investigation: too many leads, not any suspects. Until things started unraveling. Poor girl had made a lot of money with endorsements and such and she had a mother, father, and brother who all needed money. It was a start. This was an exciting investigation which Mandy and Trent brought to a close. But, then, the phone rang again. They were needed. Did it ever stop?

I was invited to read Her Deadly Rose by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #CarolynArnold #HerDeadlyRose

Was this review helpful?

Her Deadly Rose is book 12 in the Detective Amanda Steele series by Carolyn Arnold.
Arnold has done it again - weaving a thrilling and engaging story.
I was completely engrossed in the story, hanging on to every word.
The twists kept rolling out one after the other keeping me in suspense and heading in all different directions. I was very surprised by all the clues as each one turned up another leading Amanda in a different direction. I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough wanting to know who the real culprit was.


Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Was this review helpful?

Her Deadly Rose by Carolyn Arnold is the 12th book in the excellent Detective Amanda Steele series. This series has been an excellent from the very first book. All these books have been written well, especially as they always draw you in with all the twists and turns throughout. I love Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Detective Trent Stenson they work well together.

When champion figure skater Michaela Glover returns to her hometown of Woodbridge for a special performance, Detective Amanda Steele finally has a day off and is part of the cheering crowds. But when Michaela is discovered dead in her dressing room after the show, Amanda is the first to investigate the shocking scene.

There is no sign of foul play, and the room is overflowing with flowers from Michaela’s adoring fans. But Amanda’s heart stops at the sight of a few roses tied with black ribbon and there is a note that reads “You’ll be sorry”.
Then forensic tests reveal the ribbon was laced in something Michaela was deathly allergic to,

Amanda is certain this is cold-blooded murder and someone wanted her Dead!.

But, Why?

Now, desperate for a lead, Amanda dives into Michaela’s life to find out who could possibly want this sweet girl dead. She soon discovers that despite having a glittering future ahead of her, Michaela had a troubled past, and was surrounded by so many people who were jealous of her success.

WoW this book is so good I found it hard to do my housecleaning etc. I do love Carolyn's books and the way she writes.....She always draws me in........

I highly recommend this series and another 5 star read.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and especially Bookouture for my arc.

Was this review helpful?

When champion figure skater Michaela Glover returns to her hometown of Woodbridge for a special performance, Detective Amanda Steele is part of the cheering crowds. But when Michaela is discovered dead in her dressing room after the show, Amanda is the first to investigate the shocking scene. There is no sign of foul play, and the room is overflowing with flowers from Michaela’s adoring fans. But Amanda’s heart stops at the sight of a few roses tied with black ribbon and a note that reads “You’ll be sorry”. And when forensic tests reveal the ribbon was laced in something Michaela was deathly allergic to, Amanda is certain this is cold-blooded murder.
The twelfth outing for Amanda & Trent & another very well written page turner. The story flows effortlessly & the characters are well portrayed. I found myself drawn in from the prologue & was engrossed until the end. There were twists & turns which all kept me guessing. It could easily be read on its own but I’ve loved how the characters have developed throughout the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?

For those that have not read the Detective Amanda Steele series…..I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series. There is so much back story you need to know about the characters.

Detective Amanda Steele and her partner, Trent, begin to investigate a very intriguing case about the murder of a well known ice skater. As they dig deeper into the life of the skater, they discover secrets about her personal life.
With so many suspects, Amanda and Trent are working overtime trying to figure out truths from lies.
Amanda also has her own personal issues to cope with. We are left wondering??????
Another thrilling and suspenseful read from author Carolyn Arnold.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Her Deadly Rose’, book 12 in the Detective Amanda Steele series written by Carolyn Arnold, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Detective Amanda Steele is with her friend Patty and nine-year-old adopted daughter Zoe as they watch champion figure skater Michaela Glover’s performance. When Patty takes them backstage to meet her niece, Michaela is lying dead on the floor after ingesting a substance she has a deadly allergy to, and she’s surrounded by roses tied with black ribbon. Amanda and Trent are instructed to bring someone in and charge them, but although there’s no shortage of clues there’s nothing to tie them together and they want to make sure they have the right person.

‘Her Deadly Rose’ is an exciting action-packed thriller with two of my favourite characters Detectives Amanda Steele and Trent Stensen of the Prince William County Police Department. I’ve been totally involved in the story from page one and with the suspense, drama and surprising twists and turns I’ve been unable to stop reading as I’ve tried to decide who the killer could be. I’ve enjoyed reading more of Amanda and Trent’s private lives although Amanda’s relationship appears to be deteriorating just as Trent’s is improving. I keep hoping they’ll eventually get together romantically but that’s for another book. Thank you, Carolyn, for letting me read this wonderfully addictive thriller that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and gets a huge five stars from me.

Was this review helpful?

Her Deadly Rose by Carolyn Arnold is the 12th book in her Detective Amanda Steele series. As I have noted previously, I am a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her books, and I love this series, which continues with another great addition. Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Prince William County, Virginia. Amanda is enjoying an ice-skating show with her daughter, Zoey, and her friend Patty; who is the aunt of local ice-skating celebrity Michaela Glover. After the show, they head to visit Michaela, and when no on opens the door, Amanda steps in to discover that she has been murdered.

There is no sign of foul play, but Amanda notices a bunch of roses, tied with a black ribbon and a note saying “You’ll Be Sorry”. Amanda calls her partner, Trent to come to the rink, and together they begin to dig into Michaela’s life, and who would murder her. Forensics discovers that Michaela was allergic to peanuts, which caused her death; someone added the nuts into her drink, and watched her die.
Amanda and Trent become buried in a complicated case with multiple suspects; as they learn more about Michaela’s trouble past. The further they investigate, there are themes of jealousy, manipulations, anger, grief, money and death. A short time after, Michaela’s agent was also found murdered. Amanda and Trent find information on the agent’s phone about being blackmailed. The deeper they follow the suspects and clues; it becomes apparent that Michaela was not close to her family, other than her aunt Patty. Amanda begins to put pressure on members of Michaela’s family to find the truths.

Amanda and Trent are a great team, and I like them together. Amanda is a great detective, very strong, independent, and always able to solve any case. Amanda worries about her daughter, Zoey, because she always busy on a case. Her relationship with Logan, begins to cause problems, especially with her always busy solving crimes. I also enjoy the various police team that we get to see in coming up with important clues.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing, tense mystery, that kept me unable to put the book down, as this was a fantastic thriller. To say too much more would be spoilers. Her Deadly Rose was a fantastic crime thriller, that was another gripping addition to the Detective Amanda Steele series. It was a compelling, engrossing, intricate suspenseful plot. Another wonderful police procedural, with great characters, edge of your seat thriller, with some twists and surprises at the end. Her Deadly Rose was once again so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, which is the norm for this author; as I am loving this series. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this series.

Was this review helpful?