In Her Last Words, book nine in the Detective Amanda Steele series, Amanda finds herself exploring the publishing world while trying to find the person behind the murder of bestselling crime author, Felicity Kelley. Whilst this is the ninth book in the series, it works well as a stand-alone read. Read on and learn the reason Her Last Words would make a great addition to the reading list of mystery fans.
The glow from the fireplace throws an eerie light over the woman’s carefully arranged body, her lifeless eyes reflecting the flames that slowly burn the evidence of who did this to her… I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Her Last Words
Author(s): Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #9
Also in this series: The Little Grave , Stolen Daughters , The Silent Witness , Black Orchid Girls , Her Frozen Cry , Last Seen Alive , Her Final Breath, Taken Girls , Missing Before Daylight
Published by Bookouture on October 17, 2023
Pages: 322
Genre(s): Crime Fiction, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating: 
Series Rating:
When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the brutal murder scene of successful local author Felicity Kelley , her blood runs cold. Because Amanda not only knew the victim, but was the last person Felicity called moments before she was murdered. Plagued with guilt that she never answered, Amanda is left wondering whether she could have prevented the murder, and vows to catch the killer, no matter what.
Desperately searching the crime scene for clues, Amanda is shocked when she discovers a Queen of Hearts playing card, suggesting the murder could be an imitation of a scene from Felicity’s bestselling crime novel. Terrified that she is dealing with a crazed fan who could strike again, Amanda’s worst fears are confirmed when another innocent woman is viciously murdered, with the same chilling calling card left behind.
But when Amanda connects the murders with a cold case from fifteen years ago, a case that Felicity appears to have been researching for her next novel, she is forced to question if the killer’s motive is even more sinister than she first suspected. But the closer Amanda gets to unearthing this motive, the closer she gets to becoming the next victim…
Bestselling mystery author Felicity Kelley is riding the train of success. Her latest book, The Romeo Killer, is being made into a film. She’s working on her next novel, which promises to be explosive. However, as she prepares to put finishing touches on the story for submission, someone chose to end her life. Her last phone call was to Detective Amanda Steele, however, the call went unanswered. Amanda was on her way home from holiday, when she received the message. She returned the call the following day, only to learn of Felicity’s murder. Overwhelmed by guilt for not responding sooner, she requests the case be assigned to her and Trent, despite the fact her leave was far from over.
On the surface, the case appears open and shut. However, when Amanda dug below the surface, she found a possible connection to a fifteen-year-old murder case. Amanda along with Trent finds themselves in a race against time to find the killer before they decide to strike again.
Once again, Arnold delivered a tale designed to keep readers glued to the pages. This is a one sitting due to its engrossing storyline. I enjoyed following the clues along with detectives. I am not sure if it is because I am familiar with the author’s style, but I guessed the identity of the murderer, the moment a particular clue came to light. So the revelation came as no shock to me. Having guessed the identity from early did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. As a matter of fact, it compelled me to keep reading to see if my hunch was correct.
Amanda has proven once again the reason she is such a good detective. Her determination, attention to details and her desire for justice lights up the pages. It’s hard balancing her personal and work life. However, the support of her significant other and her adopted daughter helps to ease some of the pressure.
Overall, Arnold delivered an engaging and solid mystery. I look forward to the next book in the series, which based on the summary promises to be another enthralling tale. ‘Her Last Words’ is perfect for readers looking for a thrilling mystery which features a great cast of characters.
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About Carolyn Arnold
CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international best-selling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt 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 just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
I need to try this series. I am glad to see you enjoy the mysteries.
I really hope to get to this series. I own some of them, some as freebies.
I love these kinds of mysteries!
I like that there is a personal backdrop and story for the detective, Amanda. This is great to see its a longstanding series. I have a few from this series when they were free.
I really enjoy a good police/crime procedural where you get to know the characters along the way as they solve murders. I don’t mind it if I figure out the killer early on. Like you I want to know if my hunch is correct! Wonderful review, Nadene!
Ooh I need a read like this one Nadine Thanks
I am convinced that I would love this series. I just need to find the time to get to it!
That does sound like a really good mystery case.