Review - Her Deadly Rose by Carolyn Arnold @Carolyn_Arnold #NetGalley #HerDeadlyRose

MY REVIEW

It’s good to be back with some familiar characters in Prince William County, solving another mystery in Her Deadly Rose (Detective Amanda Steele) by Carolyn Arnold.

I feel for Amanda and her lack of a personal life. She has been torn between Logan, her live in boyfriend, and Trent, her partner. I wonder how strong her relationship is with Logan. Can it withstand the trials and tribulations he is put through. He spends more time with Zoe, her adopted daughter, than she does.

Amanda has come to the arena to watch Michaela Glover perform. Michaela Glover is an Olympic hopeful figure skater and she has come home to put on a performance. Instead of watching her skate, Amanda finds her lifeless body amongst rose petals on the floor of her dressing room.

Carolyn Arnold takes us on a step by step mystery tour. Who wanted Michaela dead? Before they can solve the first murder, another body drops. We have a multitude of suspects, but none seem to be the villain.

Her Deadly Rose doesn’t have the thrills and chills that ignite my imagination, but her mysteries do keep my mind churning, gathering clues, trying to put them together to solve the crime. There isn’t a lot of romance and family life takes a backseat to Amanda’s work. That’s what happens when you are a police officer. It’s not a nine to five, five days a week job. Family events are missed, which can cause a lot of conflict. Her novels are easy to relate to, because the realism makes the characters come to life.

We end with : “You and Trent are needed right away.”

“Just tell me where.”

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

The girl’s lifeless body lies next to a scattered bouquet of crimson roses, the petals around her head like tiny pools of blood. Gripped in her hand is the note that came with the flowers, sent by someone who wanted her dead.

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.

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 people jealous of her success.

When someone close to Michaela is discovered brutally murdered, Amanda is terrified there could be yet more innocent victims to follow. Can she uncover the twisted killer’s identity before they strike again?

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Police Procedural
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 18, 2024 by Bookouture
Series: Detective Amanda Steele, #12

ABOUT CAROLYN ARNOLD

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.