I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Also by this author: The Little Grave, Stolen Daughters, The Silent Witness, Black Orchid Girls
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #13
Also in this series: The Little Grave, Stolen Daughters, The Silent Witness, Black Orchid Girls
Published by Bookouture on 20th February 2025
Genres: Crime, Suspense, Thriller
Pages: 353
Format: eARC
Source: from Netgalley
Goodreads
Amazon Kindle
As the wall is peeled back, everyone falls silent. Then they see her. The near-perfect remains of a young female, two jelly bangles and a neon necklace being the only clues to how long she had been hidden there. But who was she? And who could have possibly wanted to take such an innocent life?
When the body of girl is discovered in the walls of a Woodbridge church, Detective Amanda Steele is immediately called to the scene. On arrival she meets FBI Special Agent Sandra Vos who explains that while negotiating a hostage incident moments before, a gun was fired. The bullet missed its target but exposed human remains.
The victim has been perfectly preserved, her jewellery and summer dress taking Amanda back to her own teenage years. DNA quickly confirms that the victim was taken over thirty years ago. Thinking about her own daughter, Amanda cannot imagine the devastation for the young girl’s family and vows to find the killer.
Amanda and her partner Trent determine the suspect behind the attempted shooting, Cameron Cofell, had a very clear reason for exacting revenge on the church’s priest. As they question the wider community, a neighbour reveals her long-held suspicions too. But when she is found murdered, Amanda knows this killer is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep their dark secret from ever coming to light.
Soon the investigation takes Amanda and Trent to an abandoned farmhouse—a place that haunts Cameron’s nightmares—where they find a faded photograph that holds the mystery of another chilling cold case. But just how far back does this evil go, and how much will Amanda and Trent need to sacrifice to find the killer?
A totally addictive crime thriller that will leave you breathless and have you racing through the pages. Perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.
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This is the thirteenth book in the Detective Amanda Steele series but it could be read as a standalone.
This case was heart-breaking. As a mother of a young child this one really hit me. The thought of my daughter being taken and missing for 30 years is unimaginable. I felt Amanda’s determination to find the killer leaping off the page and into my heart.
This book was fast paced and full of tension. Carolyn had me hooked from the very first page. Her writing is compelling and addictive.
Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Netgalley Challenge
- 2025 Reading Challenge
I really enjoyed this one as well, but yes, the crime itself is heartbreaking. My review goes live tomorrow.