Stolen daughters is the second book in the Amanda Steele series. I really enjoyed the first in the series The Little Grave so recommend starting with book 1.

This case starts with a fire and the discovery of a dead girl. When Amanda is called to the case she has a feeling there is more to the story. Then the killer reaches out to her by letter letting her know they are the same ridding the world of evil. But Amanda knows something rhe killer doesn't these girls aren't quite what he thinks they are.

I found this case to be really interesting. As we heard from the killer throughout the book and his rationale for his actions it was interesting to see how it all fit together. In all honesty I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed and I quite like that with a crime book. .

Amanda seemed less emotional in this book than the last one. She clearly is still grieving but she is more focused on her work than breaking down. It was nice to read the subtle changes in her character. She still isn't the strongest of lead protagonist but she's growing on me..

I really enjoyed how they managed to link this case to issues in the previous book. It made it feel like a series rather than stand alone and that is why I recommend you read the first book as it will make more sense. The writing skills as great as expected very well detailed but not over the top with description.
Plus I found yne nature of the investigation was actually more focused on the investigation this time instead of Amanda's personal life.

I must say even though the crimes are quite heinous there is still some lightness in the story. There were a few moments I had to stop reading because I was laughing so much.


All in all this is a good book. It's worth a read and if youve read the first you will know the writing style is good. Also note that the author doesn't drop huge hints of who the killer is so er go through exactly the same process as the detectives.
Would I recommend this book?
Yes it's an easy read and quite an interesting case it can feel a bit emotive at times eo have the tissues at the ready. But it's a great crime book looking forward to book 3. Rating stolen daughters 4 stars


Thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for the digital advanced copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley/The Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited that I was able to read the next book in the Detective Amanda Steele series. I enjoyed the first one and wanted to see what case would be up next for Amanda and just see more of how her life, in general, was progressing since we learn a lot about how she is dealing with the grief of her husband and daughter being killed. It was good to keep seeing how she is opening up more and slowly getting her life back.

The book takes off not too long after the first book. Amanda is still dealing with what is going to happen with her mom’s murder trial. We don’t see much of that because right away Amanda is put onto a case of another serial killer. I am glad that Trent is still her partner because I like them working together. They have good chemistry. I am still slightly wanting to see if they get together. I know right now she is dating Logan…but not sure what will happen with that in the next book (not going to give too much away). I liked that this case is still entwined with the one from the first book because they are both connected to the “DC sex trafficking” ring. I have a theory that Hill is involved in it somehow and that is why she hates Amanda so much and wants to get her out.

I like that you are still seeing Amanda grow in this book. She is still obviously really upset about her husband and daughter’s death, but she is letting herself be happy again and doing more things to get her life somewhat back to normal. We learn a little bit more about Trent, but I want to know more about him. This case obviously resonated with him and I want to know why.

The plot of the book was good and it moved along nicely. It didn’t have giant twists but it had some good ones. The biggest was at the end, which is always fun to have in a mystery book. You will have to read it to find out! The writing was well done and I liked trying to guess who I thought the serial killer was. It was interesting to have one where they thought they were like Amanda and were doing good work by their killings. One part of it totally reminded me of Psycho and then I later find out that indeed there is a little bit of what I thought in there!

Overall I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to continuing the series and see what happens to Amanda in the next book. I know she will put up a fight!

What an incredible faced paced thriller. I couldn’t put it down!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

What a fantastic finish. This book starts rather slow and builds up to the explosive ending. I do wish it had picked up a little sooner, but I like these characters and they were well developed. I enjoy the underlying story line that is continuing through this series that addresses human trafficking as well. This book kept me guessing and had some good plot twists. It was a good read overall

This was better than the first one. I like how each book is a new case, but have the unsolved sex trafficking ring part of each. This book’s case was interesting and surprising. I was a little disappointed that the killer died and that he didn’t get to tell the truth about his sister. I like the drama between Amanda and the lieutenant. Amanda and Trent are both enjoyable main characters. I also like the slow unravelling of the sex trafficking ring. I am excited to read the next book in the series. I would give it 4.25 stars

This was probably one of the best books I’ve read this year! Could not put it down. This genre is one of my favorites and Detective Steele is my favorite character “detective” to date.

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

This is the second title in the Detective Amanda Steele series. The story starts with a murder and arson in a vacant property. Who is the dead teenage girl? Detective Amanda Steele and partner Trent are assigned to the case. Meanwhile Sergeant Malone warns Amanda to tread carefully as Lieutenant Hill hates her and is trying to get her demoted.

A tattoo on the girl’s body reveals she was a victim of sex trafficking before she was a murder victim, linking this to Amanda’s earlier case. Then Amanda finds a note from the killer on her daughter’s grave. This is getting too close for comfort. More deaths follow and a false identification.

How can Amanda solve this case? What clues are there? How can she stop the reporters interfering?

A gripping page turner which I couldn’t put down. Highly recommended.

Wow! What a mind-numbing thriller! A serial killer on the loose and Amanda Steele has to catch him before bodies start piling up. What's sinister about the killer is, he visits the crime scenes and sends messages to Amanda, trying to convince he's doing the right thing.
The chase kept me on the edge of my seat. Excellent character portrayal and suspense is well-maintained throughout the story. I am looking forward to knowing what's next for Amanda Steele. Highly recommended!

I enjoy mytery/thriller books. Some will pull you in from the first page and some will take a few chapters to get the dominoes in line. THIS is one of the domino books....getting them all in line and with one flick of a finger, they all come tumbling down.
Amanda Steele is a detective. She has lost her husband and daughter and is still going through a grieving process. She visits their graves and finds a message written to her. Written by a killer she must decide if she should hide this message or make it known.
Amanda's partner is Trent Stenson. He and Amanda form an alliance that gets them through this mess of a serial killer. Bodies, burning buildings, death among the witnesses, and an uneasy feeling that the killer is close by.
If thrillers are your book of choice, you will enjoy how this novel keeps your interest. Sit back and enjoy the different twists and turns of the mind of a serial killer.

The body of a teenage girl was found in an abandoned house after the fire was put out. The fire did not kill the girl as the fire was put out before it reached her. A woman on her way to work saw the fire and called 911.

Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Trent Stenson are called to the scene. Amanda is still grieving the loss of her daughter and husband who were killed in an accident a few years back. Later the woman who called 911 is found murdered. The bodies keep ramping up as more bodies of teenage girls are found.

Amanda and her partner Trent believe they have a serial killer on their hands. Amanda visits the grave of her little girl and finds a note that could only be from the killer. The murders all seem to tie in with a case Amanda worked on a few years back that almost cost Amanda her life.

Can Amanda and Trent find the killer before more bodies turn up? What is the killer’s motive behind the killings?

Stolen Daughters is what is known as a slow burn. It starts off slow giving you the details letting you get to know the characters before releasing the action but once it does you can’t turn the pages fast enough to find out all the answers. Stolen Daughters releases its secrets slowly pulling you in until you are totally consumed but by then there is no way you can put it down until the last page is read.

If you are into murder mystery stories with lots of suspense then I would highly suggest that you one-click your copy of Stolen Daughters to step into the world of a serial killer. But watch as Amanda and Trent works a crime scene.

A teenager's body is discovered in a burning building but she was killed before the fire broke out. Detective Amanda Steele finds herself leading a murder case whilst also dealing with professional conflict and personal upheaval. Can she stop the killer before he strikes again?
Stolen Daughters is the second book by Carolyn Arnold to feature Detective Amanda Steele. There are spoilers about events and outcomes from the previous book The Little Grave so I would advise reading the series in order.
Amanda has faced a great deal of tragedy in her life and feels like she has nothing else to lose. She takes risks which drives her superiors and her partner crazy with worry. Her lieutenant wants to remove her from the team but Amanda clings on thanks to her impressive crime solving skills.
I said in my review of the first book that Amanda isn't particularly likeable and I have changed my opinion! She has a better rapport with her partner Trent Stenson, has greater contact with her family, and her previous alibi is now heading towards boyfriend status. I think her personal side has softened which endears her more to the reader than the rigid contained persona of the previous book (even though it was completely understandable!)
Some chapters are seen from the perspective of the killer so we can see his twisted logic and justification. This also increases the tension as he plans his next attack. The pace of the book is quite fast as Steele and her team seek to discover the identity of the dead woman, find her killer and prevent further deaths although they fear a serial killer may be in town.
Stolen Daughters is an engaging police thriller with a great lead detective.

I had high expectations for Stolen Daughter, and it did not disappoint. The story began on a chilling note, and so with a start like that I needed more.


While attending to a personal mission, Detective Amanda Steele received a call from her sergeant about a crime scene. On arriving at the scene, she learnt of the discovery of an unidentified teenage girl in a burnt out abandoned building. In the course of  investigating the murder, Amanda and her partner Trent uncovered a link between the murdered teen and a sex trafficking ring.  Amanda sets out to put an end to the trafficking ring and apprehend the person responsible for the murder. However, the discovery of  more bodies and the evidence pointing to the same perpetrator, placed Amanda in a race against time to stop the killer from striking again.


What a ride. Excitement, danger, suspense and intrigue permeated the pages of the story, making it difficult to put down. Amanda’s penchant for taking risks along with the POV of the killer added to the danger, suspense and intrigue. Being in the killer's head proved a terrifying experience. Because he feels justified by his actions he dubbed himself The Merciful. The revelation of his past provided insight into the reasoning behind his actions, not that one could agree with them.


Amanda seems to have detoured from the path of destruction highlighted in the previous book, The Little Grave. The events from book one provided the catalyst for the change. It made me happy to see she how much she had grown. Not everyone she works with is in her corner. I curious to know the reasons for the animosity, which has yet to be revealed.


Although the plotline relating to the murder mystery was resolved, the story ended on a note which had me eager for the next book. Once again Arnold has created a story that fans of police procedurals would not want to miss.

Stolen Daughters by Carolyn Arnold is a police thriller featuring Amanda Steele. A body is found in an abandoned house. Someone had tried to start a fire but it didn't take so it was easy to tell she'd been strangled. She was so young and she had the tattoo of a child trafficking gang on her shoulder. Amanda knew she hadn't stopped it, but this was too much to see. Why? Surely it was not the traffickers-too much money to lose. But, who? The nest day the person who had called in the alert about the fire was dead, too. Was it the same guy? Most of police work is done on the computer or in the files, so they got started: similar MOs, people who had just been release from prison, missing girls. They found a possible missing girl so they went to see her parents. Talk about dysfunctional. It was not their daughter, but they talked about a girl that had maybe run away with their daughter. It was a good lead. They kept digging. Then, two more. This time the fire took and there was not enough left to identify.

Amanda is like a dog with a bone. She can't let loose. She breaks rules to hunt criminals. Not everyone likes that. Her job is once more at risk. The rest of her life had been taken years ago when her husband and her daughter died. She had a boyfriend but she didn't know if it was serious. This was an interesting investigation to follow. It was a "good" series of crimes. The clues were there to be followed. She and her partner did it. What they forgot to do was call for backup. Another mistake for Amanda. Would this be the one that does her in? Good plot ... scary... a nightmare really. Excellent characters, not only Amanda, but her friends, both in the force and out. Good pacing. Kept me interested the entire time. Really, an amazing thriller. If you like this stuff, you'll like this. Kind of a continuation from the last book, but a stand alone if you haven't read that one.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Stolen Daughters by Netgalley All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley
#stolendaughters

A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. This is the second book in the Amanda Steele series. I did book one in the series and thought it was just okay as well. There is something about the main character that I just don’t like. I am just not connecting to her or the stories.

Others might really enjoy this series; it’s not for me. There are so many other series in this genre that are so much better. I gave it two chances but can say that this is a series I will not be continuing.

Thank you #netgalley and #bookouture for the eARC.

Carolyn Arnold continues her new series with Stolen Daughters featuring Detective Amanda Steele.

Amanda, a homicide detective with the Prince William County Police Department, is living in the small community of Dumfries, Virginia, struggling to move on from the deaths of her husband, Kevin and daughter, Lindsey five years ago. Amanda is in Washington DC visiting her mum when she receives a call from Sergeant Malone informing her to get to 532 Bill Drive, an abandoned property, as soon as she can. The building had been ablaze and firefighters had put out the flames but discovered the body of a teenage girl. The victim appears to be untouched by the inferno, but Fire Marshal Craig Sullivan believes it was arson. The victim was strangled to death before the fire was started but nobody can supply any information regarding her identity until Amanda spots a gold, purple and teal, iridescent dragonfly pin on her jacket with the name "Crystal" inscribed on it. The pretty brooch is traced to Crystal Foster, a 13-year-old who vanished from the home of her affluent parents, however, when Amanda visits the Fosters they recognise the brooch but not the girl. It isn't their daughter. Before long, another house in a higher-end neighbourhood is set on fire and the bodies of two other young girls are discovered in the wreckage. Now Amanda believes they are looking for a serial killer, especially when she receives a personal taunting note.

With its excellent plot and comfortable pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. Stolen Daughters was such a compelling read, and I relished every moment. Detective Amanda Steele is really well-drawn - a determined, passionate though sometimes a reckless woman who had an inclination to be acerbic with her colleagues.

This riveting, dark tale was very weighty and Carolyn Arnold brilliantly builds the suspense, putting me right on the edge of my seat. I really liked the periodic change in viewpoint as it brought with it an edgier story and allowed the reader to learn more about the killer, their motives, and feelings. Heavy on intense drama, along with several twists and enough mystery and intrigue to compel me to read late into the night, this was an absolutely cracking piece of crime fiction, superbly delivered. I'm keen to devour book 3, The Silent Witness.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Thank you to bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. This is the second book in this series but it could be read as a standalone.

Amanda Steele is an excellent detective. She is determined and thinks about others before herself. She is always trying to do the right thing. In this story, she puts herself in danger to protect innocents. Amanda is passionate, she loves her job but she will do anything to get the results. Amanda has a hell of a past and quite frankly a hell of a present but she doesn't let that hold her back. I really like Amanda. I like that she is spunky and not afraid of getting in trouble, which she does, a lot!

I really like Amanda's partner Trent. He knows when to push her and when not to. given the short time, they have worked together they know each other pretty well and make a good team.

Carolyn does an excellent job of building suspense, putting you right on the edge of your seat. I really liked the change in POV for some chapters. It really brings a more rounded view to the story. It really allowed us as the audience to learn more about the killer, his motives, his feelings.

I'm intrigued as to where the story is going to go next. I really can't wait to see more of Amanda

Reading Between the Wines book review #41/115 for 2021:
Rating: 3.5 🍷 🍷 🍷1/2
Book 📱: Stolen Daughters (Detective Amanda Steele Book 2)
Author: Carolyn Arnold
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
RELEASED on April 6, 2021!!!
Recommended to readers who like a series with a tough woman as the lead and mysteries and suspense to boot.

Sipping thoughts: Detective Amanda Steele is back at it-bad, relentless, and unwavering as ever. She is still reeling from losing her daughter and husband from a drunk driver years earlier as well as her mom’s impending legal problems. That is all I will say about her mom just in case you haven’t read the first book. Amanda has to catch yet another serial killer who may be harming young teens kidnapped into sex trafficking. The second book in this series shows Detective Steele still as the no holds barred detective who stops at nothing to solve her case. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.

Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @StolenDaughters

#StolenDaughters #CarolynArnold #DetectiveAmandaSteele #AmandaSteele #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThriller

This is the second in the series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one.

This author knows how to write Police Thrillers to keep the reader interested.

I was on the edge of my seat all the way through and will gladly read anymore books that come out in this series.

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I like Carolyn Arnold and had read The Little Grave, the first book in this series, so I was happy to read the second one.

The Little Grave was more about Amanda’s grief after the loss of her husband and child, and I was hoping Stolen Daughters would have more about the case. I was not disappointed!

Of course, Amanda still mourns the loss of her family, but she’s starting to move on. She and her partner, Trent, dive head on into a murder case that looks like it’s the work of a serial killer. They work almost nonstop to find the killer before there are more murders.

Amanda is a strong woman who has dealt and is dealing with a lot in her personal life, but she’s not letting that get in the way of her work. She cares a lot about the victims and their families, and she tends to go rogue often, which does not go over well with her superiors. Her partner, Trent, seems like a good guy, and he’s a good detective but I’m hoping there will be more about him in the future.

Brandon Fisher, a character from on of Carolyn Arnold’s other series, makes a brief appearance. I always like crossovers!

Stolen Daughters was a little slow to start, but it quickly enthralled me. It is full of drama, mystery, police procedures, and interesting characters from the detectives to the killer. If you like crime dramas, I definitely recommend this book!

WOW! I was expecting a great read when I opened Stolen Daughters by Carolyn Arnold, but I got more than I expected. I find that amazing, because I have been reading her work for some time now and loving it, so for her to write a novel that has me saying to myself (and you), “WOW, this is the perfect story for me.”, it hits all the spots.

Amanda Steele reminds me of Clarisse on the new TV show. I guess that shows how I feel about Carolyn Arnold’s work. It is suitable for the visual media, whether on TV or the movies. Who knows?

The romance is there, but not, and that is fine with me, because I was so involved with the characters I was reading about, I never really missed Logan. He did drop in for a minute or two here and there, just enough to let us know he is waiting….

I love that Amanda doesn’t jump into a relationship with Logan too quickly. I kinda like the one they have right now, taking their time to let it develop naturally, if that is possible in the world they live in. Danger is all around, and they never know when it will find them.

Carolyn Arnold does police procedurals proud. She gives the investigative details in a clear, concise manner, not slowing down the story in any way.

We have a lot of things going on in Stolen Daughters. Logan is trying to hook up with Amanda, but she is too busy trying to help her mother, find out who killed the girl in the fire and deal with her own personal issues.

I love when I can have empathy for the villain, but that does not excuse his actions. He knows right from wrong, he just loves doing wrong. The past is the past and I feel no one can use that for an excuse for their behavior, and when I remember his victims, well…you’ll have to read the book and then I think you may know what I feel.

I love when a fictional novel can draw me so far into it that I, at times, forget I am reading fiction. I had a bunch of notes, but after rereading the blurb, I had to wing it. I didn’t want to give anything away. I want you to experience it for yourself. It is well worth it.

I ignored everything going on around me and stayed up late to finish Stolen Daughters, so to say it was unputdownable is not doing it justice. When IT hits the road, Amanda Steele puts the pedal to the metal, no looking back and no second guessing.

I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of Stolen Daughters by Carolyn Arnold.
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