The Little Grave – ARC Book Review

Detective Amanda Steele stops just inside the doorway, recognizing the victim’s face instantly. He seems so vulnerable in death; soft, human, even harmless. But she can never forget the evil he has inflicted. Her heart is hammering as she remembers her precious daughter, with her red curls and infectious laugh, and how she was lowered into that little grave…

It’s been five years since Detective Amanda Steele’s life was derailed in the path of an oncoming drunk driver. The small community of Dumfries, Virginia, may have moved on from the tragic deaths of her husband and daughter, but Amanda cannot. When the driver who killed her family is found murdered in a motel room, she can’t keep away from the case.

Fighting her sergeant to be allowed to work an investigation with such a personal connection to her, Amanda is in a race to prove that she can uncover the truth. But the more she digs into the past of the man who destroyed her future, the more shocking discoveries she makes. And when Amanda finds the link between a silver bracelet in his possession and the brutal unsolved murder of a young exotic dancer, she realizes she’s caught up in something darker than she ever imagined and suspects that more girls could be in danger.

But as Amanda edges toward the truth, she gets closer to a secret as personal as it is deadly. Amanda has stumbled upon a dangerous killer, and she must face some terrible truths in order to catch this killer – and save his next victim as she couldn’t save her own daughter…

A gripping, page-turning thriller full of mystery and suspense. Perfect for fans of Rachel Caine, Lisa Regan and Robert Dugoni.

No. of pages:- 339 pages

Date published :- will be published on 11th January 2021

Genre:- Thriller

Thank You Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC! This review is based on my honest opinion.

This is the new Detective Amanda Steele series and this is the first time I have read from this author. Detective Amanda Steele used to have a happy family until a car accident caused the deaths of her six year old Lindsey and her husband Kevin. The driver who caused the accident was a man named Palmer who was sentenced to some jail time. Now Palmer is released and soon Steele was called to investigate the murder of Palmer, who was found murdered in the motel room he was renting out. With struggles of personal emotions as well as on pursuit of catching the killer, realizing Palmer’s murder has connections with two cold cases, Detective Steele along with her partner has to find the culprit soon before it’s too late.

The story started a little slow to me but soon, it picked up its momentum and became fast paced with some twists and turns. I like how the author portrayed Amanda Steele’s personal struggles as she tried to solve the Palmer murder case even though she thinks he actually deserved it. Some parts of the book were a bit boring but towards the end, when they were close to catching the killer, the story got interesting and intriguing. The ending was a bit emotional but it was good. Overall, it was a good thriller and I am looking forward to read the series.

Worth four stars!

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 nearly thirty published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to 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.