WOW, WOW, WOW!!! What a great addition to this series this proved to be,
If you read it for yourself, I hope you'll also agree,
So much more than just a crime thriller, there are so many other genres in too
Looking at life, dilemmas, family, friendships and support all the way through.

Another Detective Amanda Steele riveting crime thriller
As she and her team seek to find a killer
But this one is filled with memories and dilemmas, too,
As it involves someone who she once knew.

Alicia Gordon's body is discovered in a cabin, alone.
She's a successful business entrepreneur, very well known.
She's also a wife and a mother of two
And her husband, Tony, is the one Amanda once knew.

Alicia was juggling her business, family and more
Considering her work/life balance and options to explore.
As Amanda gets used to being a mother again
She knows the dilemmas, she lives them it's plain.

When a suspect dies in front of their eyes
They need to sort out the truth from the lies.
Is it powerful women who're the target this time
Or is there a more sinister reason for this crime?

A total page turner right from the start
This story also contains tales from the heart.
There are twists and turns, worry and stress
These stories are enthralling reads, they're never less.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mysterious crime thriller
The surprise ending, that twist, it is a real chiller.
For my copy of this book, I say a huge thank you
And hope my honest review encourages you to read it, too.

I am definitely in the minority and my guess is that you really need to have read the first 4 books in the series to form a connection with the main characters and get into this book. It's not that I needed any back story to understand what was going on (that was filled in fine) but I just didn't care about the main character or respect her. The story was slow and the writing felt amateurish. The end felt wrapped up in one chapter where it almost felt like Arnold just thought, "Okay, let's pick someone to be the killer, this one will do." Some things were never answered and the epilogue just basically said they never found out why that happened. It just felt meh. Two stars for me -- it was okay. I don't think I'd read another in the series but those who are already committed to the characters through earlier books will probably be happy for another fix of them.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

Another thrilling story in the Detective Amanda Steele series. Her Frozen Cry is an incredible story that mingles present-day problems in Amanda's life, her feelings for her partner Trent, and a difficult case involving long-time but distant friends, and two murders. There are so many leads that get nowhere, so many twists and turns that just do not allow you to put the book down, and a most unexpected ending. As always, Carolyn Arnold has delivered a great book!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my unbiased review.

Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
When the suspect is a former friend can Detective Steele put feelings aside and focus on the case?
In a remote cabin retreat, a woman is found dead. With all doors locked from the inside, the method appears to be a clear suicide, but Detective Amanda Steele isn’t so sure. Alicia Gordon had it all – a successful cosmetics empire, a vast manse in an affluent area of town, and a loving family; so, what would drive her to kill herself. As Amanda and Trent begin to investigate it becomes apparent that there is a personal tie when Amanda comes face to face with an old friend whom she hasn’t spoken to in over 6 years. While she wants to stay objective in her investigation, she finds it difficult to separate her prior feelings for Tony and the current case. Could her old, estranged friend have murdered his wife? As the evidence mounts Amanda and Trent need to stay focused. With the suspect pool increasing, the duo cannot make the wrong conclusion as the resulting backlash could be disastrous.

Carolyn Arnold returns with the fifth installment in the Detective Amanda Steele series of books. Taking place not too long after Black Orchid Girls, Detective Steele is gaining a more stable footing with her recently estranged family. She has settled into a comfortable if not hectic routine with her adopted daughter Zoe and things are starting to feel “right” again. So, when she is confronted with Tony, her past comes flooding back in a way she never expected. Having been friends with him and his wife since high school, the friendship was irretrievably broken after the loss of her husband and daughter. Amanda spends almost as much time warring with her resurfaced hurt as she does attempting to riddle out the mounting evidence. And with each new turn of events pointing more and more in the direction of her former friend it starts to become harder and harder to stay objective.
I have read this entire series so far and with each installment, Arnold reveals a bit more of Amanda Steele’s back story. While the series on the surface is a “police procedural” and a very good one at that, for the astute reader it is so much more. From our first introduction to Detective Steele in The Little Grave, Arnold has introduced a very complex, tortured woman who is trying to find her own way after the worst tragedy of her life. I believe that with this installment we are starting to see Steele’s life finally fall into place. For me, who has followed this series from the very first book, it is nice to see Amanda in if not a place of peace, at least a place where she can be more at ease. Of all the books I have read by Carolyn Arnold to date, I have to say this series is without a doubt my favorite. But even though Her Frozen Cry is a part of a bigger series, Arnold has crafted a series that can be read as easily as they can be read as individual stand-alone offerings. With the next book in the series already in the works, I am eager to see what the next case brings and how it factors in to the life of Detective Amanda Steele. If you like a headstrong female character who is as compassionate as she is tough, I recommend giving this series a read.

As Amanda and Trent start to investigate their latest case, Amanda has to call on all of her training to deal with the fact that a friend of hers could be a potential suspect. And the further along they get in the investigation, there are more potential suspects and several potential reasons for the murder(s). The story shows how Amanda copes with balancing her personal feelings while doing her job, and how she balances her work and personal lives. At the same time, her partner Trent gets to learn from Amanda's keeping an open mind even as she investigates people she has a past history with.

I'm loving this series from Carolyn, This one was particularly good. love that someone from the past is involved. Great book full of twists and turns that kept me guessing til the end. Cant wait for the next one!

Excellent story! It checked all the boxes for me....a really good procedural/suspense story with a touch of romance. Strong, multidimensional characters to get invested in, and intellegent dialog. For me to really enjoy a book I must like the characters and I loved Amanda and Trent. This is the first of this series that I've read....I'm already checking Carolyn Arnold's back list for earlier books.
Thank you to the author and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Her Frozen Cry is the fifth instalment in Carolyn Arnold's Detective Amanda Steele series, set in Virginia.

With its excellent plot and comfortable pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. Her Frozen Cry 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. In Her Frozen Cry Alicia Gordon, a thirty-odd successful entrepreneur and the owner of her cosmetics company, a mother, and wife to Tony, is found dead in a log cabin in Gainesville, Prince William County, Virginia sitting on a couch and partially covered by a wool blanket.

This riveting tale was complex and Carolyn Arnold brilliantly builds the suspense. The intoxicating story also allowed the reader to learn more about protagonist Amanda, especially the dynamics of her home life around her adopted six-year-old daughter, Zoe. Danger, 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 and the ending is surprising. I'm keen to devour book 6, Last Seen Alive.

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

Alcia Gordon, a wealthy cosmetic industry owner, is found dead in a rented cottage. Why would she commit suicide? She had everything she could ask for, a wonderful family, thriving business, ….
Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Trent Stenson are on the scene as it is a sudden death. Amanda gets a shock when she sees the family picture Alica was looking at when she died, Alica husband is a high school friend, and was part of her circle of friends before her husband and daughter got killed. Can Amanda put her old friendship aside as all evidence start pointing to the husband?
Then another similar murder happens, are they looking at the right person for this?
A Steele family friend gets into a accident, friends that are family are important, how can Amanda deal with that.
I am loving this series, I see a change in Amanda from when I was first introduced to her, Zoe is helping her and she is helping Zoe. Looking forward how Trent is going to fit into the whole picture, he is Amanda’s faithful side kick and has her back.
Thank you to Bookouture for an early peek at this great book in exchange for my opinion.

Her Frozen Cry by Carolyn Arnold is the fifth installment in her exciting and thrilling Detective Amanda Steele series. I was excited to return to the Prince William County to follow Amanda and Trent as they embarked on their most recent murder investigation. 

Each time I pick up a Carolyn Arnold book, I expect a story full of twists and turns and a mystery which will keep me guessing to the end. Her Frozen Cry delivered on all counts.

This time around Amanda and Trent caught a case, which at first glance appears to be suicide. However, as the pair dug deeper, they discover there was more to the case than they initially thought. But who would want to kill the beautiful and wealthy owner of New Belle cosmetics? The investigation came with several complexities, the biggest being Amanda’s friendship with the victim’s husband. Now the husband is always the first suspect, a fact which will test Amanda’s ability to remain impartial.

The investigation led to several suspects. I thought I had my finger on the suspect, but Arnold introduced another victim. The introduction of the new victim threw me a curveball. The perpetrator’s identity shocked me, but the biggest shocker was the motive. Definitely never saw it coming.

Not only does the reader get a ring-side seat to the investigation, they also have a bird's-eye view into Amanda’s personal life. She has come a long way from the woman who attempted to drown her grief in one-night stands, pill popping and drinking. The life-changing decision she made two installments back, also helped in her becoming a better version of herself.  The story showcased her attempts to maintain a healthy balance between her professional and personal life.

Overall, Her Frozen Cry delivered an amazing story, which had me hooked from start to finish, Fast-paced, thrilling and worth every minute spent reading. . As always, I look forward to reading more from the author. Book 6 can’t come soon enough. Fans of police procedurals, murder mysteries will enjoy the Detective Amanda Steele series.

This is my first book from this author. I have been meaning to read books from Carolyn Arnold as these books were recommended to me from my reading profile both on Amazon and Goodreads, I am an avid reader, reading on average 2/3 books a week in the crime mystery/police procedurals genre so I simply can't believe why I have not read from this author before. I am very happy I discovered this series and will now start the series from the beginning in order to follow Amanda Steele's character from the beginning as she is truly a fascinating character with many sides to her strong façade. Her partner Trent and other secondary characters are equally enjoyable to follow. The mystery storyline is easy to follow and the Virginia backdrop is enjoyable all the way from London England :).
I look forward to reading this series from the beginning and see how Amanda Steele's relationship with Trent develops.

When beautiful wife and mother Alicia Gordon is found dead in a remote woodland cabin, Detective Amanda Steele is shocked to discover that she knows the husband. Amanda hasn’t spoken to Tony since she lost the love of her own life seven years ago, and seeing tragedy tearing her old friend’s family apart brings back so many painful memories. Alicia was alone when she died, but she was so young, and Amanda can’t help feeling suspicious. Then she discovers that Alicia’s sleep medication had been tampered with, slowly poisoning her over several days. Interviewing one of Alicia’s old colleagues, Amanda is shaken to her core when the woman suddenly collapses in her arms, dying in seconds from a lethal dose of the same poison that killed Alicia. With her partner Trent blaming Amanda for not arresting Tony immediately, she needs to prove that he isn’t the killer, or accept that the second woman’s death could be on her hands.
This is the fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but there are references to earlier books. I’m loving this series & really like Amanda & how we've got to know her throughout the series, now she has her hands full balancing home & work especially as she’s adopted Zoe. Another engrossing read which drew me in from the start, there are plenty of twists, turns & red herrings. I was kept on the edge of my seat & the pages flew by
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Another solid installment in this series. This was well paced and suspenseful and though I guessed who the killer was, I really enjoyed the book. The characters continue to develop through the series and Amanda and Trent make a great team. I just hope they stay as partners and do not become a couple. I am looking forward to book 6.

Another great read in this gripping crime series.
A woman’s body is found in a cabin and whilst it’s not clear straight away if she’s been murdered, her death is definitely suspicious.
Amanda goes to speak to the woman’s husband and realises it’s someone she used to be friends with.
Trent is a bit wary of Amanda’s connection to Tony but she assures him she is not biased towards him.
Another woman soon dies in the same way and Amanda and Trent have their hands full trying to identify the killer.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. I love, love, love the Amanda Steele series, and this one did not disappoint me. This book was the usual police procedural crime thriller that is standard for the Amanda Steele series, but this one had a lot more of the emotional side of Detective Steele, I already liked Detective Steele before I read this book, but after reading this book, I was able to see a more human side of her life. We all know these books are fictional, but when an author can make you "feel" something for the characters in the book, you know they are successful. If you have read any of the previous books, you know that Detective Steele is a "superhero" of sorts in her field as a hotshot detective. In this book you see more of the real struggles of daily living of juggling a career and a child, which make her, as a character, more relatable to the reader. She is a fantastic detective, but she is trying to raise a young daughter, Zoe. Zoe was orphaned when she actually witnessed the murder of her father. Amanda has taken her in and wants to nurture her and help her grow up to be a wonderful young woman. She truly loves this child as if she were her own. Zoe is young and has been severely traumatized, and yet Detective Steele wants to be the best detective AND mother that she can be.

This was a story of a murdered young woman, Alicia Gordon, who has built an empire in the cosmetics industry. The cause of death is not certain at first. Once they determine she has been murdered, Detective Steele is charged with another emotional task when she has to interview the husband, Tony. Tony and his former wife were best friends with Detective Steele and her deceased husband when he was living. Seeing him and having to interview a "friend" brings up all sorts of emotional trauma for her.

During the course of the investigation, she is interviewing another possible suspect, and this young woman literally drops dead at her feet! I do not know if emotional ride is even a good enough adjective for what Amanda Steele goes through in this book. You will go with the characters on an emotional roller coaster ride until the unexpected conclusion, all the while thinking you have it all figured out, only to realize you were wrong! Carolyn Arnold is a brilliant author who knows how to write a solid mystery while making her characters come alive off of the page. Her books are very clean which makes them even more enjoyable to me, as a reader. I am also rooting for Detective Steele and Detective Trent Stenson! I just know in my heart they are going to end up together! Find a seat and escape into Prince William Country, Virginia as you try to solve the mystery as the reader!

Book 5 of the Detective Amanda Steele series certainly kept me gripped from beginning to end! Amanda and her detective partner Trent, investigate the death of multimillionare company owner, Alicia Gordon. Carolyn Arnold really makes Amanda and Trent come to life and I felt as though I was listening in in their conversations. I can't wait for the next one - I'm hoping that Amanda and Trent find each other very soon!!!!

Book 5 in the series.

This time Amanda and Trent have to figure out who would want to kill a successful business woman. And it's complicated when it turns out Amanda knows the Husband. Is he as grief-stricken as he appears or a cold blooded liar?

As the story unfolded I worked out the who and why but I still enjoyed it. Will the usual mix of police business with personal life this book is quite emotional in parts.

I really enjoyed it and already look forward to Book 6.

Amanda is maneuvering being a parent again and a surprising person from her past in a new case. Two women with successful businesses are felled by the same tactic. Amanda and Trent have To flush out the culprit fast before there’s another victim.
I liked the tender moments between Trent and Amanda. I’m rooting for them to get together. The mystery part was good and the villain wasn’t immediately apparent.
Arnold allows a more vulnerable side of Amanda to show, which makes her even more likable.
I can’t wait for the dangling teaser to be addressed in the next book.

Carolyn Arnold brings suspense and intense moments to Her Frozen Cry , a gripping crime thriller and police procedural that is the fifth book in a series. The setting largely takes place in Prince William County in northern Virginia and features Detective Amanda Steele. Amanda, a seasoned detective, is partnered with Detective Trent Stenson. They catch a case at a remote cabin. Alicia Gordon, beautiful and wealthy wife, mother, and the owner of New Belle cosmetics, is dead. Was it suicide, murder, or a health problem? When Amanda learns that Alicia’s husband of six months is an old friend she hasn’t seen in six or seven years, she’s shocked, but certain that she can separate the old friendship from her job and be impartial.

Amanda has to balance work and family. She recently adopted a young girl from a previous case, Zoe Parker. Lining up baby sitters for her work schedule can be challenging. Additionally, she needs to be there for Zoe, who is still seeing a therapist following the death of both of her parents. Amanda’s flaws and struggles made her seem realistic. Amanda shows growth and depth as the story progresses, and readers finally get more insight into Trent in this story. He’s loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back, but his temper can come alive in defense of an underdog. Despite only being partners for a few months, their dynamics enhanced the story line. Will there be a romance?

The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The descriptive writing style draws one in and keeps you turning the pages. The plot is suspenseful, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses in anticipation of identifying and stopping the killer. There are plenty of red herrings.

I enjoyed how the author twisted the plot points and provided unpredictable moments in the story. These twists and surprises keep readers on their toes. I found myself wondering which truths and lies would be uncovered next. Will you see that ending coming? Themes include murder, relationships, families, secrets, jealousy, grief, loneliness, and more.

Overall, this novel was engaging and atmospheric. It’s thought-provoking and engrossing. This is the fifth book that I have read by this author, but the second I’ve read in this series. There are threads that could be plot points in future books. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this to those that like police procedurals with relatable and likeable main characters.

Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be June 9, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

The mystery behind the murders kept me guessing till the end. The suspense factor felt a tad low when compared to the previous books. Nevertheless, Her Frozen Cry was an engrossing and interesting read.

I really love the way this series is proceeding. We have Amanda still coming to terms with losing her husband and daughter. She's also a guardian/foster parent of Zoe - and there are times when Amanda feels she cannot be there for Zoe emotionally. If that isn't enough, Amanda's new case involves someone from her past. Tony and his then-wife Claudia were close friends. When Kevin and Lindsey died, they did not keep in touch. Amanda lost not only her family but her close friends too. It isn't easy for Amanda now to interview them - after all, they are suspects in Alicia's murder.

Amanda believes Tony is innocent but this is questioned not once or twice but many times throughout the story. Trent, Amanda's partner, is patient enough to let Amanda follow her heart - but lets her know when he feels she's crossed a line.

The character development (recurring) and character portrayal is very impressive. The ending was shocking and unexpected, and the same goes for killer's identity.

Highly recommended for police procedural fans!

4.5/5