Taken Girls by Carolyn Arnold

*** My Review ***

Taken Girls (Detective Amanda Steele Book 8) by Carolyn Arnold is a gripping crime thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story opens with the chilling discovery of a murdered prom queen, and Detective Amanda Steele’s niece, Ava, pleads with her to find her missing school friend, Reese. As Amanda delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and a ruthless killer determined to silence anyone who might expose the truth. The stakes become even higher when Ava becomes a target, and Amanda must race against time to save her niece.

Arnold skillfully intertwines multiple storylines, keeping readers captivated as they try to unravel the complex web of secrets and lies. The twists and turns in the plot are cleverly executed, with surprises that will leave readers gasping in shock. The author’s ability to keep readers guessing and second-guessing is a testament to her storytelling prowess.

One notable aspect of Taken Girls is the exploration of timely and relevant themes. The book delves into the far-reaching consequences of bullying, shedding light on the long-lasting effects it can have on individuals and emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. Arnold seamlessly incorporates these themes into the narrative, making it both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Another of the strengths of this book is the well-developed characters. Amanda Steele is a compelling protagonist who has endured personal tragedy but remains determined and resilient. The author expertly weaves in elements of Amanda’s personal life, including her relationship with her partner Trent, her struggles with balancing work and family, and her connection with her niece Ava. These elements add depth to the story and make Amanda a relatable and multi-dimensional character.

The supporting characters in the book are also well-developed and play integral roles in the story. Amanda’s niece, Ava, adds a refreshing perspective, showcasing a potential future generation of crime-solving protagonists. The dynamics between Amanda, Trent, and Logan, as well as their personal struggles and relationships, add depth to the overall narrative and further invest readers in the characters’ journeys.

The plot of Taken Girls is intricately crafted, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The author skillfully builds suspense and tension, creating a fast-paced and thrilling reading experience. The investigation into Reese’s disappearance and the subsequent murders is filled with red herrings and misdirection, keeping readers on their toes and engaged in the story.

Morover, Carolyn Arnold’s attention to detail is evident as she takes readers step by step through the methods and techniques employed by Detective Amanda Steele and her partner, Trent, as they unravel the complex case. From the meticulous collection and analysis of evidence to the strategic interviewing of suspects and witnesses, the author’s extensive research shines through, creating an authentic and immersive experience. The crime scenes are vividly depicted, with Arnold providing meticulous descriptions that allow readers to visualize every detail, heightening the sense of realism and immersing them in the investigation. The inclusion of these police procedural elements and detailed descriptions adds depth and credibility to the story, making “Taken Girls” a compelling read for fans of the genre who appreciate a well-executed and authentic portrayal of law enforcement procedures.

Furthermore, the suspense in “Taken Girls” is simply palpable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire book. Carolyn Arnold expertly builds tension, skillfully planting seeds of doubt and suspicion along the way. Every twist and turn in the investigation adds another layer of suspense, leaving readers guessing and eagerly flipping the pages to uncover the truth. The sense of urgency intensifies as Amanda races against the clock to save her niece and unmask the killer, creating a relentless and heart-pounding reading experience. Arnold’s ability to maintain a high level of suspense from start to finish is a testament to her mastery of the genre, ensuring that readers will be captivated and engrossed until the very last page.

The camaraderie between Amanda and Trent is another highlight of the book. Their partnership is well-developed, and their interactions bring a sense of authenticity to the story. Additionally, the inclusion of Ava’s perspective adds a fresh and dynamic voice to the narrative, hinting at a potential new generation of crime solvers.

Taken Girls can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but readers who have followed the series from the beginning will appreciate the deeper understanding they have of the characters and their evolving dynamics. Carolyn Arnold has created a rich and immersive world that fans of crime thrillers will thoroughly enjoy.

Overall, Taken Girls is a riveting and suspenseful crime thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. Carolyn Arnold’s masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes make this book a standout in the Detective Amanda Steele series. Whether readers are new to the series or longtime fans, this installment will leave them eagerly awaiting the next book.